Assassin’s Revenge–A David Slaton Novel
Chapter 23: Twenty-Three
by Larsen, WardThe chapter opens with David Slaton confronting a man tied to a tree, Paul Mordechai, who claims to have sent Slaton a message. Mordechai reveals his background as a former Mossad technician and head of the Technology Department, explaining how he was forced out after hacking into high-level emails to expose cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Slaton recognizes Mordechai from a past mission and listens as Mordechai recounts his subsequent transfer to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, where he now works in nuclear safeguards.
Mordechai insists his move to the IAEA was legitimate, though he admits Mossad’s director, Raymond Nurin, hoped to leverage his position for intelligence. Despite his idealism about the IAEA’s mission, Mordechai confesses he reached out to Slaton for help, having no one else to trust. Slaton remains skeptical, probing how Mordechai obtained his phone number, which Mordechai claims to have found in a hacked Mossad email. The revelation that Mossad had been tracking Slaton adds tension to their exchange.
The conversation shifts to Mordechai’s motives. He reveals he’s in a precarious situation and needs Slaton’s assistance, though he hesitates to elaborate while tied up. Slaton observes Mordechai’s demeanor, noting his apparent honesty but also his evasiveness on certain details. The dynamic between the two is fraught with mistrust, yet Slaton finds Mordechai’s story plausible, especially given his fallout with Mossad, which Slaton views as a point in his favor.
As the chapter concludes, Slaton weighs his options, considering the risks of trusting Mordechai. The encounter is interrupted by an owl’s flight, symbolizing the lurking uncertainties. Slaton’s internal deliberation hints at an impending decision, leaving the reader to wonder whether he will ally with Mordechai or dismiss his plea. The chapter masterfully blends tension, backstory, and moral ambiguity, setting the stage for a critical turning point in the narrative.
FAQs
1. What was Paul Mordechai’s role in Mossad, and why was he forced to leave the organization?
Answer:
Paul Mordechai initially served as a special assistant to Israel’s minister of energy before joining Mossad, where he headed the Technology Department. He was known for his ability to convert promising technologies into operational tools. However, he was forced out after orchestrating a hack into the email accounts of Mossad’s director and the Israeli prime minister to expose cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Although his intention was to highlight security flaws, the act angered Director Nurin, who reassigned him to a diplomatic position at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna.2. How does Mordechai justify his idealism about working for the IAEA, and why does Slaton find this noteworthy?
Answer:
Mordechai defends his idealism by emphasizing the IAEA’s mission to prevent nuclear annihilation through rigorous safeguards on nuclear material. He argues that in a world where bomb designs are accessible online, controlling nuclear materials is the last line of defense. Slaton notes Mordechai’s conviction and the vanity of a brilliant mind convinced of its own correctness. This exchange reveals Mordechai’s genuine belief in the IAEA’s purpose, which Slaton finds both idealistic and telling about his character.3. Why does Mordechai contact Slaton, and what reservations does Slaton have about his story?
Answer:
Mordechai contacts Slaton because he needs help and doesn’t trust anyone else, given his strained relationship with Mossad and uncertainty about allies in Vienna. Slaton, however, remains cautious. While he finds Mordechai’s story plausible—especially given his fallout with Mossad—he detects hesitation when Mordechai explains how he obtained Slaton’s phone number (from a hacked Mossad email). Slaton weighs the credibility of Mordechai’s desperation against potential deception, noting that the story aligns with Mossad’s tendencies but remains wary of hidden motives.4. What ethical dilemma does Slaton face in this chapter, and how does he approach it?
Answer:
Slaton faces the dilemma of whether to trust and assist Mordechai, who claims to be a victim of blackmail, or to remain skeptical given his ties to Mossad and the suspicious circumstances. Slaton methodically assesses Mordechai’s story, looking for inconsistencies while acknowledging its plausibility. His decision hinges on evaluating Mordechai’s honesty and the risks of involvement. This reflects Slaton’s cautious, analytical nature—balancing empathy for a fellow outcast against the operational prudence of a seasoned intelligence operative.5. How does the chapter explore themes of trust and betrayal in intelligence work?
Answer:
The chapter delves into trust and betrayal through Mordechai’s expulsion from Mossad, his uneasy relationship with Director Nurin, and his plea for Slaton’s help. Mordechai’s hacking stunt, intended to prove a point, backfired, illustrating how loyalty in intelligence work is fragile. Slaton’s wariness underscores the pervasive mistrust in their world—even when someone appears genuine, past betrayals and institutional deceit cast doubt. The dynamic between the two characters highlights the isolating nature of intelligence work, where alliances are precarious and motives are perpetually scrutinized.
Quotes
1. “I sent you that message… I mean … yes, I sent you a text. But not what you’re saying! Look … I know we’ve never actually met, but you must be him. You’re David Slaton … the kidon.”
This opening exchange sets up the central mystery of the chapter—why Mordechai contacted Slaton and how their fates became entangled. The tension between truth and deception frames their entire conversation.
2. “In a world where the design of bombs is available to anyone with an internet connection, the last line of defense is keeping rigorous safeguards on nuclear material.”
Mordechai’s passionate defense of his work at the IAEA reveals both his idealism and the high-stakes global security context. This quote encapsulates the chapter’s thematic tension between technological vulnerability and human responsibility.
3. “I was forced out… I had been pushing hard for better funding on cyber initiatives. We were woefully lacking in defensive capability.”
This admission explains Mordechai’s fractured relationship with Mossad and establishes his character as a principled but reckless technocrat. The quote highlights the institutional conflicts that drive the plot.
4. “I need help, and I don’t know where else to turn. I’m persona non grata at Mossad, and I’m not sure who I can trust here in Vienna.”
The emotional core of the chapter, showing Mordechai’s desperation and isolation. This plea forces Slaton (and readers) to weigh whether to trust him, while hinting at larger conspiracies at play.