Assassin’s Revenge–A David Slaton Novel
Chapter 36: Thirty-Six
by Larsen, WardThe chapter begins with Boutros and his crew successfully navigating the Tsugaru Straits under the cover of darkness, avoiding detection by patrol boats or radio calls. As they emerge into the Pacific, Boutros disables unnecessary electronics to maintain security, aware that certain devices could reveal their position. The desolate northern sea feels unfamiliar, but the crew remains focused on their mission. Rafiq joins Boutros on deck, discussing their next steps, including a four-day period of preparation before their plans accelerate. The exchange hints at the crew’s camaraderie and the looming urgency of their task.
Meanwhile, the narrative shifts to Slaton, who is conducting a solitary surveillance operation outside Tarek El-Masri’s home. Unlike traditional intelligence operations with extensive resources, Slaton relies on minimal equipment—just a stolen Glock and his own instincts. He positions himself in a cramped, muddy space near the garage, balancing proximity to the house with the risk of detection. His objective is to extract information from El-Masri about his missing family, but he is determined to avoid involving El-Masri’s own family in the confrontation.
Slaton’s surveillance reveals the challenges of his improvised operation. He notes the absence of a dog, a small advantage, but remains wary of unforeseen complications. His hideout limits his view of the property, forcing him to weigh visibility against cover. Inside the house, he overhears muffled conversations in Arabic, recognizing the universal tones of familial interactions. This reinforces his resolve to confront El-Masri discreetly, ideally on the driveway, to minimize collateral damage.
The chapter juxtaposes Boutros’s methodical maritime journey with Slaton’s high-stakes, lone-wolf surveillance. Both narratives underscore themes of preparation, risk, and the moral boundaries each character navigates. Boutros prioritizes operational security, while Slaton grapples with the ethical implications of his actions. The tension builds as both men approach critical junctures in their respective missions, setting the stage for impending confrontations.
FAQs
1. What precautions did Boutros take to ensure their passage through the Tsugaru Straits went unnoticed, and why were these measures important?
Answer:
Boutros carefully planned their passage through the Tsugaru Straits during the early morning hours to minimize visibility and activity. He conducted a nighttime survey of the islands to confirm they were quiet, monitored radio traffic to avoid detection, and disabled the VMS tracker to prevent electronic handshakes that could reveal their position. These precautions were critical because the straits are a busy shipping corridor, and any unusual activity could attract attention from patrol boats or authorities. By maintaining operational secrecy, Boutros ensured their safe transition into the open Pacific, where security became the priority.2. How does the author contrast Boutros’s maritime journey with Slaton’s surveillance operation, and what does this reveal about their respective challenges?
Answer:
The author contrasts Boutros’s methodical, technology-aided maritime journey with Slaton’s improvised, low-tech surveillance operation. Boutros relies on navigational planning and electronic precautions, whereas Slaton operates alone with minimal resources—just a stolen gun and his own observational skills. This juxtaposition highlights their differing environments and challenges: Boutros faces the vast, predictable dangers of the sea, while Slaton navigates the unpredictable, close-quarters risks of urban surveillance. Both men prioritize stealth, but Slaton’s mission is riskier due to the immediate threat of exposure and the moral complexity of involving innocent family members.3. What ethical dilemma does Slaton face during his surveillance of Tarek El-Masri, and how does he plan to address it?
Answer:
Slaton grapples with the ethical dilemma of potentially harming El-Masri’s family while pursuing information about his own missing wife and son. He is determined to avoid involving El-Masri’s family, reflecting his commitment to moral boundaries even in desperate circumstances. To mitigate this, Slaton arrives early to scout the driveway, planning to intercept El-Masri when he parks his car, away from his family. This approach underscores Slaton’s internal conflict: balancing his ruthless efficiency as an operative with his desire not to become like the enemies he seeks.4. Analyze the significance of Boutros’s decision to disable electronic equipment after passing through the Tsugaru Straits. What strategic advantage does this provide?
Answer:
Boutros’s decision to power down most electronics after clearing the straits eliminates unnecessary risks of detection. By disabling devices like the VHF radio and nav units, he prevents electronic “handshakes” that could betray their location to satellites or patrols. This aligns with their need for operational secrecy in the open Pacific, where they can no longer blend into heavy ship traffic. The move reflects Boutros’s experience in counter-surveillance—he knows that even passive signals can compromise missions. This strategic silence buys them time to prepare for their next steps without alerting potential pursuers.5. How does the author use environmental descriptions to underscore the tension in both storylines? Provide examples.
Answer:
The author uses stark environmental imagery to heighten tension. For Boutros, the “bleak and endless” northern sea with waves that “lift and break in a different manner” mirrors the isolation and menace of their journey. The “season of ice and darkness” foreshadows impending danger. In Slaton’s storyline, the “mud” and “spiderwebs” of his hiding spot emphasize discomfort and vulnerability, while the neighbor’s floodlight creates a literal and metaphorical spotlight on his precarious position. These details immerse the reader in the characters’ physical and psychological stakes, reinforcing the high-risk nature of their missions.
Quotes
1. “Now, with sunrise imminent, Honshu had disappeared, and Hokkaido was but a jeweled string of topaz on the aft quarterdeck. Ahead lay the Pacific, calm for the moment but thick with menace in the season of ice and darkness.”
This quote captures the atmospheric tension and isolation of Boutros’ journey, juxtaposing beauty with impending danger. It sets the tone for the clandestine maritime operation and foreshadows the challenges ahead.
2. “For all Slaton’s advanced training in special tactics, he knew what any experienced operator knew: that in the real world, plans often digressed into something little removed from a common house burglary.”
This insight reveals the gritty reality of surveillance operations, contrasting professional training with the messy improvisation required in actual fieldwork. It underscores the chapter’s theme of operational pragmatism.
3. “The problem: El-Masri had a family of his own. Slaton was determined not to involve them. Determined to defeat his enemies without becoming like them.”
This moral dilemma highlights Slaton’s internal conflict between his mission and his principles. It represents a key character-defining moment that elevates the narrative beyond simple revenge tropes.
4. “He was operating on the assumption that the El-Masris didn’t have a dog. He’d seen no evidence of it in the backyard—no chew toys strewn about, no freshly dug holes, no telltale brown piles. That put the odds in his favor, but Slaton never took it as a sure thing—not since he’d seen a deftly planned Mossad mission ruined by one thoroughly unnerved Pomeranian.”
This humorous yet insightful anecdote reveals Slaton’s professional experience while demonstrating how even meticulous planning can be undone by unpredictable variables. It adds depth to the surveillance operation’s tension.