Assassin’s Revenge–A David Slaton Novel
Chapter 59: Fifty-Nine
by Larsen, WardThe crew gathers in the wheelhouse, hopeful after receiving their first encrypted message, only to be disappointed by the news. The instructions demand a shift to their secondary target, with no explanation provided. Boutros, the commander, speculates that their original plan may have been compromised or that naval exercises could interfere. The primary target, Pearl Harbor, held symbolic significance as a reenactment of a historic attack, but the crew must now reconsider their mission. The abrupt change leaves them frustrated and questioning the rationale behind the orders.
Tensions rise as Saleem and Rafiq debate the North Koreans’ trustworthiness and motives. Saleem argues for sticking to the original plan, while Rafiq warns of potential risks. The crew grapples with the unanswered question of why the North Koreans need them to carry out the attack. Rafiq suggests that the uranium’s mixed origins—sourced from multiple countries—could obscure attribution, making it harder for the U.S. to pinpoint responsibility. This revelation adds a layer of complexity, as the crew realizes they may be pawns in a larger geopolitical strategy.
Boutros weighs the arguments and decides to proceed with the secondary target, emphasizing the need for pragmatism. He asserts that the North Koreans would not divert them without cause and that the secondary target still holds symbolic value. Saleem reluctantly agrees, though he views the change as a compromise. Boutros takes the helm, aiming to accelerate their journey to the rendezvous point for the final uranium delivery. The crew’s unity is tested, but Boutros’s authority prevails, ensuring their focus remains on the mission.
The chapter concludes with Boutros calculating their revised timeline, estimating they will receive the uranium within a day. Despite the unresolved questions and internal dissent, the crew prepares to push forward. The uncertainty surrounding the North Koreans’ true intentions lingers, but the urgency of their mission leaves no room for hesitation. The stage is set for the final phase of their plan, with the crew balancing faith, suspicion, and determination as they approach their target.
FAQs
1. What was the crew’s primary target, and why was it symbolically significant?
Answer:
The crew’s primary target was Pearl Harbor, chosen for its deep historical significance as the site that marked America’s entry into World War II. The plan was to detonate a nuclear weapon at the harbor entrance at dawn, mirroring the surprise attack of 1941. This would demonstrate that even the world’s greatest military power was vulnerable and serve as an act of divine vengeance (“Allah’s vengeance”). The symbolism lay in repeating history with a modern, devastating twist, showcasing the attackers’ ability to strike at the heart of American military pride.2. Why does Rafiq speculate that the North Koreans provided uranium from multiple countries for the weapon?
Answer:
Rafiq suggests the North Koreans sourced uranium from multiple countries (e.g., Pakistan, Ghana, Belgium) to complicate attribution after the detonation. Nuclear materials carry unique signatures traceable to their origins, and by blending uranium from diverse sources, the weapon’s fallout would lack a clear fingerprint. This creates plausible deniability for North Korea, as the blame could also fall on other nations. Additionally, by using the caliphate as proxies, the Koreans distance themselves further, ensuring they can exploit the attack’s impact without direct retaliation.3. How does Boutros justify the decision to switch to the secondary target despite the crew’s objections?
Answer:
Boutros argues that the North Koreans—their suppliers—would not change the plan without a compelling reason, such as the primary target being compromised or imminent U.S. naval exercises blocking their path. He emphasizes practicality: reaching Hawaii would take three more days, and the message implies time is short. While the secondary target lacks Pearl Harbor’s symbolism, Boutros asserts it is still strategically valuable and “virtually undefended.” His authority as commander ultimately overrides dissent, prioritizing mission success over individual preferences.4. What underlying tension exists between the crew and their North Korean allies, and why is it significant?
Answer:
The crew distrusts the North Koreans’ motives, questioning why a nuclear-capable state would rely on outsiders to execute the attack. Saleem openly doubts their trustworthiness, while Rafiq’s revelation about multi-sourced uranium hints at manipulation. This tension underscores the asymmetry of the partnership: the caliphate seeks glory and religious vindication, whereas the Koreans may view them as expendable proxies to obscure responsibility. The conflict raises stakes, as the crew’s autonomy and the mission’s integrity hinge on uncertain alliances.5. Analyze how the chapter portrays the psychological impact of the mission on the crew.
Answer:
The crew exhibits a mix of determination, frustration, and existential doubt. The abrupt target change demoralizes them, particularly Saleem, who views the secondary target as “half a victory.” Rafiq’s analytical approach contrasts with Saleem’s emotional insistence on symbolism, revealing divergent coping mechanisms. Boutros’s leadership is tested as he balances morale with pragmatism. The silence and autopilot’s “tireless obedience” metaphorically reflect their mechanical adherence to the mission amid inner turmoil. The unresolved “Why?” question lingers, highlighting their vulnerability to manipulation and the weight of their irreversible path.
Quotes
1. “Allah’s vengeance could be imparted anywhere on earth.”
This quote captures the ideological motivation behind the crew’s mission, emphasizing their belief in divine retribution against America. It comes during Boutros’ explanation of why Pearl Harbor was their primary target, highlighting the symbolic nature of their planned attack.
2. “If the North Koreans want so badly to attack America with a nuclear weapon… why do they need us?”
This pivotal question from Boutros reveals the central mystery of the chapter and the crew’s growing doubts about their mission. It marks a turning point where the characters begin questioning their North Korean allies’ true motives.
3. “When a nuclear device detonates, identifiable traces are left behind… There can be no answer.”
Rafiq’s explanation of nuclear attribution provides crucial insight into why the North Koreans are using intermediaries. This passage reveals the sophisticated geopolitical strategy behind what initially seemed like a straightforward terrorist plot.
4. “The Koreans get to use their weapon with impunity, exposing America’s weakness.”
This concise summary from Rafiq captures the mutual exploitation at play - while the terrorists seek glory, the North Koreans are using them as deniable assets. It represents the chapter’s key revelation about the operation’s true nature.
5. “The symbolism of the secondary target is nearly as great as Pearl Harbor. It will also be virtually undefended.”
Boutros’ final decision highlights the practical compromises of terrorism, balancing symbolic impact with operational security. This closing argument shows his leadership in redirecting the mission while maintaining crew morale.