Assassin’s Revenge–A David Slaton Novel
Chapter 78: Seventy-Eight
by Larsen, WardThe chapter opens with Slaton reviewing new surveillance photos of a compound where his family is believed to be held. Sorensen confirms that recent imagery suggests Christine and Davy are inside, though no direct visual confirmation exists. Slaton presses for details on a rescue mission, learning that SEAL Team Five is preparing to launch from Camp Humphreys using advanced stealth helicopters. However, the operation’s timing hinges on presidential approval due to the high-risk nature of crossing the DMZ, which could escalate into war. Slaton grows frustrated, sensing bureaucratic hesitation.
Sorensen reveals the mission’s delay is tied to political instability in North Korea. General Park’s attempted coup has been uncovered, triggering a purge by leader Kwon Il-sun. With Pyongyang in lockdown, the U.S. is monitoring the situation to avoid sending SEALs into a potential battlefield. Slaton realizes the rescue operation is secondary to a contingency plan: extracting Park as a high-value defector if his coup fails. Sorensen acknowledges this, defending the strategic priority while assuring Slaton his family remains a focus. The tension underscores the clash between personal stakes and geopolitical calculus.
As Slaton grapples with the bleak outlook, Sorensen hints at an alternative. She emphasizes the SEAL team’s readiness and alludes to leveraging “every asset,” including Slaton himself. His realization dawns when she directs him to the “Black Aces ready room,” suggesting he may join the mission. Overcome, Slaton kisses Sorensen in gratitude before rushing out, leaving her momentarily stunned. The moment underscores his desperation and the unorthodox measures being taken to resolve the crisis.
The chapter closes with Sorensen’s oversight: failing to notice a missing photo from the file. This subtle detail foreshadows future complications, hinting at undisclosed maneuvers or espionage. The exchange encapsulates the chapter’s themes—high-stakes decision-making, moral ambiguity, and the interplay of hope and pragmatism in intelligence operations. Slaton’s emotional urgency contrasts with Sorensen’s calculated professionalism, setting the stage for a risky, unpredictable rescue attempt.
FAQs
1. What is the primary contingency plan being discussed for extracting Slaton’s family from North Korea, and what are its key operational details?
Answer:
The primary extraction plan involves SEAL Team Five launching a mission from Camp Humphreys in South Korea using three modified UH-60 helicopters, described as upgraded “Stealth Black Hawks.” These helicopters are low-observable (stealth) and designed to penetrate North Korea’s air defense network. The mission is high-risk due to the potential for triggering conflict, as crossing the DMZ could be seen as an act of war. The timing depends on presidential authorization and intelligence assessments of the political situation in North Korea, particularly regarding General Park’s coup attempt. The team is prepositioned and ready to launch within hours, emphasizing rapid response capabilities.2. How does the unfolding political situation in North Korea complicate the rescue mission for Slaton’s family?
Answer:
The mission is complicated by the failed coup attempt by General Park, which has triggered a leadership purge in Pyongyang. Kwon Il-sun, aware of Park’s location, is prioritizing consolidating power before moving against him. This creates uncertainty about whether the SEAL team might encounter overwhelming resistance (e.g., a battalion) during extraction. Additionally, the U.S. government is weighing the risks of escalating tensions or sparking a broader conflict. The mission’s approval hinges on assessing Kwon’s next moves and ensuring the safety of both the SEAL team and Slaton’s family, making timing and intelligence critical factors.3. What revelation does Slaton have about the true purpose of the SEAL team’s prepositioning, and how does this affect his perspective?
Answer:
Slaton realizes the SEAL team and stealth helicopters were originally positioned as part of a contingency plan to extract General Park if his coup failed. Park, as head of the SSD, would be an invaluable intelligence asset as a defector. This revelation shifts Slaton’s understanding of the mission’s priorities—while his family’s rescue is a goal, the operation also serves broader geopolitical objectives. Though initially surprised, Slaton acknowledges the logic of this dual purpose, reflecting his weariness with relying on “hope” and his recognition of the complexities in high-stakes operations.4. Analyze the significance of the missing photograph from Sorensen’s folder and its potential implications.
Answer:
The missing photograph of Park’s residence suggests a critical oversight that may have operational consequences. Its absence implies that key visual intelligence is unaccounted for, possibly compromising mission planning or revealing gaps in security protocols. This detail foreshadows future complications, as Sorensen’s failure to inventory the folder could lead to misinformation or tactical errors. The oversight underscores the high-pressure environment in which decisions are made, where even small mistakes (like missing imagery) can have outsized impacts on covert operations.5. How does Slaton’s emotional response to Sorensen’s final revelation demonstrate his character and the stakes of the situation?
Answer:
Slaton’s impulsive kiss and rapid departure after learning he might join the mission reveal his desperation and determination to act. His emotional outburst contrasts with his typically calculated demeanor, highlighting the personal stakes of rescuing his family. Sorensen’s tacit approval (“Black Aces ready room”) signals trust in his capabilities, while Slaton’s actions underscore his shift from passive reliance on others to active participation. This moment encapsulates his internal conflict between hope and agency, as well as the high-tension, high-reward nature of the operation.
Quotes
1. “David, you need to understand something—launching a mission across the DMZ is essentially an act of war.”
This quote captures the high-stakes geopolitical tension in the chapter, emphasizing how the rescue operation could escalate into full-scale conflict. It highlights the delicate balance between personal urgency and international consequences.
2. “This isn’t about my family. It’s a contingency you’ve been planning since Park first contacted you.”
A pivotal moment where Slaton realizes the mission’s broader political purpose. This revelation shifts the narrative from a personal rescue to a strategic intelligence operation, adding layers of complexity to the plot.
3. “We’re watching very closely. It’s not out of the question that Park’s coup could still take hold—we just can’t start World War III to do it.”
This encapsulates the chapter’s central dilemma: balancing hope for a political solution against catastrophic risk. It underscores the fragile nature of covert operations in volatile situations.
4. “He was weary of relying on that one word: hope.”
A poignant character moment that reveals Slaton’s emotional exhaustion. This short but powerful sentence humanizes the protagonist amid the geopolitical maneuvering.
5. “In an oversight she would only come to understand days later, she never took the time to inventory what was inside.”
This closing line creates suspense with its hint of future consequences. The missing photograph foreshadows complications to come, leaving readers anticipating the next development.