Assassin’s Revenge–A David Slaton Novel
Chapter 71: Seventy-One
by Larsen, WardThe chapter begins with the meticulous assembly of a nuclear weapon by a group including Sami, Rafiq, and Saleem. Despite the absence of a beryllium-polonium initiator, the process proceeds smoothly, with each member contributing specialized tasks—Sami handling uranium rings, Rafiq securing the assembly, and Saleem wiring the detonation system. The weapon is nearly ready, awaiting only the activation of arming switches. Saleem notes the time for prayer, but Rafiq insists on completing a final task: sealing the access port with a steel plate. The tension is palpable as the group prepares for their mission, with Boutros joining to confirm their schedule.
Meanwhile, Khang, a soldier with limited English, observes Park sending a suspicious message in English. Hidden in a closet, Khang overhears fragments like “mistake” and “urgent,” heightening his suspicions. Despite the risk, he decides to call his contact in Pyongyang early, sensing an opportunity in the brewing conflict. His instincts suggest a looming battle, and he acts on his intuition, imagining the phone ringing in a secure location far away. This subplot adds a layer of intrigue and impending confrontation.
On Midway Island, Slaton explores the local area, focusing on a dive shop run by an Australian named Mark. Their casual conversation reveals the island’s small, transient population. Slaton feigns interest in snorkeling while subtly assessing the shop’s equipment, including a shark deterrent pole. The exchange is lighthearted until Sorensen urgently signals Slaton from a nearby aircraft, abruptly ending the interaction. Mark’s playful remark about Sorensen hints at the contrast between the island’s mundane reality and the high-stakes mission unfolding.
The chapter weaves together three distinct threads: the weapon’s assembly, Khang’s espionage, and Slaton’s reconnaissance. Each narrative builds tension, from the technical precision of the bomb’s construction to Khang’s suspicions and Slaton’s abrupt summons. The juxtaposition of mundane details—like the dive shop’s worn gear—with life-or-death stakes creates a gripping atmosphere, setting the stage for impending conflict and urgency. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, leaving readers eager to see how these converging plots will unfold.
FAQs
1. What were the key steps taken by Rafiq, Saleem, and Sami to assemble the weapon, and why was the absence of the beryllium-polonium initiator significant?
Answer:
The assembly process involved multiple precise steps: Sami fitted six uranium rings into the receiver at the breech end of the barrel, Rafiq positioned the assembly onto the attachment point, and Saleem installed the shaped charge and connected the initiator leads. The absence of the beryllium-polonium initiator was significant because it necessitated sealing the access port with a steel plate—a critical modification to ensure the weapon’s functionality. This omission altered the weapon’s triggering mechanism, requiring Saleem to rely solely on the arming switches for detonation, which added complexity and risk to the operation.2. How does Khang’s discovery of Park’s actions contribute to the tension in the plot, and what might his motivations be for reporting it?
Answer:
Khang’s eavesdropping on Park’s secretive English message (containing words like “mistake,” “urgent,” and “Saturday”) heightens tension by suggesting internal betrayal or external communication with enemies. His decision to report this—despite the risk—hints at personal ambition: he may seek favor with superiors by exposing Park’s suspicious behavior. The scene underscores the pervasive distrust within their organization and foreshadows potential conflict, as Khang’s soldier instincts interpret Park’s actions as a threat to their mission or leadership.3. Analyze the contrast between the weapon assembly team’s urgency and Saleem’s insistence on prayer. What does this reveal about their characters?
Answer:
Saleem’s prioritization of prayer amidst the weapon assembly highlights his devoutness and adherence to ritual, contrasting with Rafiq’s pragmatic focus on the mission (“Perhaps later”). This dichotomy reveals Saleem as disciplined and spiritually grounded, while Rafiq embodies single-minded determination. Their exchange underscores broader themes of ideology versus practicality, suggesting that even in high-stakes scenarios, personal beliefs shape decision-making. Saleem’s absence later allows Rafiq to seek private counsel with Boutros, further emphasizing tensions between faith and duty.4. How does Slaton’s interaction with Mark the diver serve both practical and thematic purposes in the chapter?
Answer:
Practically, the dialogue establishes Midway’s sparse population, transient community, and available resources (like dive gear), which may become relevant to Slaton’s mission. Thematically, Mark’s casual demeanor and the shop’s rustic setting create a stark contrast to the high-stakes tension elsewhere in the chapter. The exchange also humanizes Slaton, showing his adaptability in forging quick connections while subtly scouting the environment. Mark’s remark about Sorensen (“your lovely friend”) adds levity, momentarily offsetting the narrative’s gravity before her urgent summons reignites the plot’s urgency.5. Evaluate the significance of the “bird’s nest” wiring and dual switches in the weapon’s arming mechanism. What strategic advantage or risk does this design pose?
Answer:
The “bird’s nest” wiring, with its redundant switches and decoy components (bright wires, clocks), serves as a counterintelligence measure—it complicates disarmament attempts by obscuring the true triggers. The dual switches (primary and backup) ensure detonation even if one fails, but their concealment within the tangle introduces risk: only Saleem knows their exact location, making the team dependent on his expertise. This design reflects meticulous planning but also vulnerability; if Saleem is compromised, the weapon’s activation becomes uncertain, potentially jeopardizing the mission.
Quotes
1. “‘It is almost time to pray,’ said Saleem. Rafiq, who had not bothered to do so in days, said, ‘Perhaps later. I still have one last task.’”
This exchange highlights the tension between religious devotion and the urgency of their mission, showing Rafiq’s prioritization of completing the weapon over spiritual obligations—a key character dynamic in the chapter.
2. “‘These are the true switches. The time is set as scheduled. Depress one button on each, and the countdown will commence. One will send a detonation signal at 1400, the backup one minute later.’”
Saleem’s explanation of the arming mechanism underscores the precision and deadly seriousness of their operation, marking a pivotal moment as the weapon becomes operational.
3. “Khang’s English was not good. But that very fact—that Park had moments ago mumbled in English as he’d typed and sent out a message—only hardened his suspicions.”
This passage reveals Khang’s growing mistrust of Park, emphasizing how language barriers can heighten suspicion in intelligence operations—a subtle but important tension in the narrative.
4. “‘New to the island? Haven’t seen you round here before.’ ‘Yeah. I came in on the Citation.’”
This casual exchange between Slaton and Mark contrasts sharply with the high-stakes tension elsewhere in the chapter, showing Slaton’s ability to blend in while maintaining his cover—a key skill for the protagonist.
5. “‘If you end up staying, I wouldn’t mind meeting her…’”
Mark’s lighthearted comment as Slaton rushes off provides a moment of levity while also demonstrating how Slaton’s personal connections (in this case, Sorensen) might become complicating factors in his mission.