Assassin’s Revenge–A David Slaton Novel
Chapter 69: Sixty-Nine
by Larsen, WardThe chapter “Sixty-Nine” opens with the arrival of an airplane on Green Island, first spotted by Sami, the sharp-eyed observer among the group. Boutros and his team rush to the landing site, leaving Saleem to guard the boat. The aircraft, a sturdy biplane possibly of Russian origin, approaches cautiously, its pilot assessing the rough runway before making a precarious landing. The tension is palpable as the plane barely maintains altitude, but it eventually touches down safely, its engine cutting out to leave the island in silence once more. The scene highlights the isolation and resourcefulness of the characters in this remote setting.
Meanwhile, on Midway Atoll, Slaton and Sorensen arrive in a sleek Citation X jet, landing at Henderson Field, a historic World War II airfield. Slaton reflects on the island’s past significance, though its present appearance is unremarkable—lush with coconut trees and coral sand. The heat is intense as they disembark, and Slaton notes the absence of his sunglasses, a small but telling detail underscoring the unpredictability of his mission. The pair head to a modest operations building, where Sorensen secures access to communication equipment, emphasizing the island’s role as a diversion point for trans-Pacific flights.
Inside the operations building, Slaton interacts with a local woman whose cheerful demeanor contrasts with the gravity of his thoughts. He inquires about communication options, only to learn that conventional cell service is nonexistent, relying instead on satellite links and ham radio. His mind drifts to his family, but he quickly dismisses the impractical idea of contacting them, focusing instead on the task at hand. A large world map on the wall catches his attention, and he measures the distance to North Korea, a subtle hint at the broader geopolitical stakes of his mission.
The chapter closes with Slaton’s brief exchange with the local woman, who offers suggestions for island activities, including fishing and diving. Her hospitality stands in stark contrast to Slaton’s preoccupied state, as he remains detached and noncommittal. The interaction underscores his isolation and the weight of his responsibilities, even in this tranquil setting. The chapter masterfully balances tension and mundanity, weaving together the parallel narratives of Boutros’s group and Slaton’s journey while maintaining a sense of impending urgency.
FAQs
1. What challenges did the pilots face when landing the biplane on Green Island, and how did they address them?
Answer:
The pilots faced significant challenges due to the rough condition of the runway on Green Island, which had not been addressed despite Boutros’ earlier warning. The biplane, possibly of Russian design, had to navigate a potentially hazardous landing. The pilot first buzzed the length of the strip to inspect the surface, then executed a slow, cautious approach aided by a strong headwind. The touchdown was precarious, with the wings bobbing and the pilot visibly struggling with the controls. The aircraft ultimately landed safely, bouncing once before coming to rest within 200 feet, demonstrating the pilot’s skill in adapting to the difficult conditions.2. How does the description of Henderson Field on Midway Atoll contrast with Slaton’s expectations, and what historical significance does the location hold?
Answer:
Slaton initially expected Henderson Field to reflect its legendary status as a pivotal World War II battleground, but instead found it resembling any other tropical island, with coconut trees and coral sand. The airfield’s historical significance lies in its role during the Battle of Midway, a turning point in the Pacific theater after Pearl Harbor. Despite its storied past, the modern airfield is utilitarian, maintained for official use and as a diversion point for trans-Pacific flights. This contrast highlights how time has muted the location’s wartime legacy, reducing it to a functional outpost in a marine conservation area.3. Analyze the symbolic and practical implications of the map Slaton encounters in the operations building.
Answer:
The world map in the operations building symbolizes Midway Atoll’s isolated yet strategically central position in the Pacific. The red pin and measuring string physically illustrate the vast distance (3,000 miles) to North Korea, emphasizing the logistical challenges of Slaton’s mission. Practically, the map underscores the remoteness of the atoll and the difficulty of communication or travel. The string’s alternating segments also serve as a metaphor for the fragmented, uncertain nature of Slaton’s journey—each segment representing a measurable but daunting step toward his goal. This encounter reinforces the theme of isolation and the scale of the task ahead.4. How does the chapter use sensory details to create tension during the biplane’s landing sequence?
Answer:
The chapter builds tension through vivid sensory descriptions: the “distant drone” of the engine violates the tropical silence, while the biplane’s slow approach is described as “barely moving,” evoking fear it might stall. Visual details—the pilot’s intense concentration, the wings “bobbling left and right”—heighten the unpredictability. The tactile “low-frequency vibration” of the engine and the abrupt silence after landing (“save for squawking seabirds”) create a stark contrast, emphasizing the relief of a safe touchdown. These details immerse the reader in the scene’s precariousness.5. What does Slaton’s interaction with the Pacific Islander woman reveal about his current priorities and emotional state?
Answer:
The interaction reveals Slaton’s preoccupation with reaching his family despite the impossibility. His immediate thought about using the ham radio to contact Christine shows his desperation, though he recognizes the absurdity of the idea. The woman’s offer of island activities (fishing, diving) contrasts with Slaton’s detached response (“I’m only along for the ride”), highlighting his emotional disengagement. This exchange underscores his singular focus on the mission and his unresolved anxiety about his family’s safety, even as he suppresses it to maintain professionalism.
Quotes
1. “It began as no more than a speck, a fleck of hope in the bluest of skies.”
This opening line poetically captures the anticipation and fragility of hope as the characters spot the approaching airplane. It sets the tone for the chapter’s tension and the high stakes of the landing.
2. “The symbolism was not lost on Slaton.”
This understated remark highlights Slaton’s awareness of Midway’s historical significance as a turning point in WWII, subtly drawing parallels to the current high-stakes situation he finds himself in.
3. “For the first time he missed the Ray-Bans he’d left behind on Sirius. He didn’t beat himself up over it—he’d departed Gibraltar expecting a Viennese winter and a gunsight. Not a mid-Pacific atoll and a nuclear bomb.”
This quote effectively conveys Slaton’s adaptability and the unexpected turns of his mission, while using vivid contrasts to emphasize the gravity of the nuclear threat.
4. “He knew perfectly well where his wife and son were, and knew they were unreachable. As much as he hated it, in that moment there was nothing he could do for his family. He could only wait for a chance.”
This introspective moment reveals Slaton’s personal struggle, balancing his professional mission with his family concerns, adding emotional depth to the action-packed narrative.
5. “Three red, three white. Three thousand miles, more or less. Nearly all of it water.”
This stark measurement of distance to North Korea visually underscores the isolation and scale of the challenge ahead, using the map’s string as a powerful symbolic device.