Assassin’s Revenge–A David Slaton Novel
Chapter 79: Seventy-Nine
by Larsen, WardThe chapter opens in the bustling Black Aces ready room aboard the USS Stennis, where Slaton meets Commander Dan “Gonno” Rhea, his pilot for a high-priority mission to South Korea. Rhea, a seasoned Navy aviator, explains the unconventional nature of their flight—a supersonic dash across the Pacific in an F/A‑18F Super Hornet, optimized for speed with multiple air refuelings. Slaton, introduced simply as David, learns the plan involves external fuel tanks and two mid-air refuelings to cover the 2,600 nautical miles in just over four hours. The mission’s urgency and the unprecedented logistical support hint at Slaton’s importance.
Rhea outlines the flight profile, emphasizing the balance between speed and fuel efficiency. The Super Hornet will carry three external fuel tanks initially, then jettison them to reduce drag before climbing to high altitude for maximum speed. Slaton, familiar with military aircraft, questions the call sign “Fast Eagle 2” but agrees to proceed. The dialogue reveals Slaton’s expertise, while Rhea’s lighthearted remark about “Maverick” being taken adds a touch of humor. The pilot’s awe at the mission’s priority underscores its significance, though Slaton’s role remains enigmatic.
Preparations intensify as Slaton is outfitted in flight gear, including a G suit, helmet, and survival vest. His request for a sidearm—a Sig P228—hints at his combat experience, earning him the nickname “Killer” from Rhea. The pilot’s briefing on ejection procedures and parachute landing confirms Slaton’s familiarity with high-stakes operations. The exchange subtly reveals Slaton’s background, leaving Rhea to piece together his passenger’s likely special operations pedigree. The tension between protocol and Slaton’s insistence on being armed underscores the mission’s unpredictable nature.
The chapter culminates in the high-energy launch sequence. Strapped into the Super Hornet’s cramped cockpit, Slaton witnesses the carrier’s orchestrated chaos before the catapult hurls the jet into the sky. The visceral description of acceleration—0 to 150 knots in seconds—captures the thrill of naval aviation. As Rhea banks west into the dusk, the narrative shifts to the journey ahead, blending technical detail with the adrenaline of the moment. The chapter leaves readers anticipating the mission’s outcome while highlighting the professionalism and camaraderie between Slaton and Rhea.
FAQs
1. What are the key logistical challenges Commander Rhea faces in planning Slaton’s flight to South Korea, and how does he address them?
Answer:
Commander Rhea faces two primary challenges: maximizing speed while managing fuel consumption over the 2,600-nautical-mile distance. He solves this by testing nine different flight profiles, ultimately opting for three external fuel tanks (“bags”) to extend range before jettisoning them to reduce drag. He also secures unprecedented air refueling support from Air Force tankers, allowing for two mid-flight refuelings. This hybrid approach—balancing fuel capacity with speed—enables an estimated four-hour flight time. The chapter highlights Rhea’s adaptability, as this mission differs from standard naval aviation operations, requiring creative problem-solving to meet Slaton’s urgent timeline.2. Analyze how the author uses Slaton’s interactions with Rhea to reveal aspects of his background and skills without explicit exposition.
Answer:
Slaton’s expertise is subtly revealed through dialogue and actions. When Rhea briefs him on parachute maneuvers, Slaton’s familiarity suggests prior military or special operations training. His request for a weapon (“Where’s my weapon?”) and tactical mindset (“Let’s fix that”) further imply combat experience. Rhea’s eventual use of the call sign “Killer” reinforces this. These details, paired with Slaton’s calm demeanor during the high-stakes catapult launch, paint him as a seasoned operative. The author avoids direct backstory, instead letting Slaton’s competence in high-pressure situations speak for his background.3. How does the flight preparation sequence underscore the differences between Slaton’s typical operational environment and naval aviation protocols?
Answer:
The meticulous preparation—flight suits, G-suits, emergency briefings—contrasts with Slaton’s implied improvisational background. His grimy, bloodstained clothing hints at recent field operations where formal protocols were absent. The Super Hornet’s cockpit, with its screens for navigation and weapons systems, represents structured military technology, while Slaton’s comment about being unarmed (“like having the most high-tech gun… leaving the ammo behind”) reflects a ground operator’s practicality. The scene emphasizes cultural clashes: Slaton prioritizes mission readiness (e.g., securing a sidearm), while the Navy emphasizes procedure and safety checks.4. Evaluate the significance of the flight’s call sign, “Fast Eagle 2,” in the context of the mission’s objectives and tone.
Answer:
The call sign “Fast Eagle 2” encapsulates the mission’s urgency (“Fast”) and military coordination (“Eagle,” a common aviation designation). The numeral “2” likely references the two-seat configuration of the F/A-18F. More subtly, it mirrors Slaton’s call sign ambiguity—Rhea jokes about “Maverick” being taken, a nod to Top Gun’s rebellious archetype, while Slaton’s eventual label (“Killer”) hints at his lethal purpose. The call sign thus bridges the mission’s formal planning (e.g., tanker support) with its unconventional nature: a non-pilot passenger being rushed to a destination at unprecedented speed.5. The catapult launch is described as “an acceleration like nothing [Slaton] had ever experienced.” Why might this moment be pivotal for characterizing both Slaton and the broader narrative?
Answer:
This moment contrasts Slaton’s likely ground-based experiences with naval aviation’s extreme physics. His lack of prior catapult exposure suggests his expertise lies elsewhere (e.g., infantry or intelligence), while his composed reaction (“Oh yeah”) reaffirms his adaptability. For the narrative, the launch’s intensity mirrors the mission’s high-stakes pace and the technological might of Slaton’s new support system. It also symbolizes transition: the violent acceleration away from the carrier parallels Slaton’s abrupt shift into a phase of rapid, military-backed action, foreshadowing the operational tempo awaiting him in South Korea.
Quotes
1. “This little passage we’re about to make—it’s not like anything I’ve ever done before.”
This exchange between Commander Rhea and Slaton highlights the unprecedented nature of their mission, setting the tone for the high-stakes operation. It underscores the exceptional circumstances that bring these two professionals together.
2. “From where we stand, it’s roughly two thousand six hundred nautical miles to South Korea… If everything goes as planned, Fast Eagle 2 should land at Camp Humphreys a little over four hours after we launch.”
Rhea’s detailed flight planning explanation demonstrates the extraordinary measures being taken to transport Slaton rapidly across the Pacific. The quote captures both the technical complexity and the urgency of their mission.
3. “Easy, Killer. We carry Sig P228s, but only on flights into combat zones.” / “Let’s fix that.”
This sharp exchange reveals Slaton’s operational mindset and Rhea’s growing awareness of his passenger’s background. The dialogue efficiently establishes both characters’ personalities and hints at Slaton’s combat experience.
4. “It felt like being shot from a gun, an acceleration like nothing he’d ever experienced. From zero to a hundred and fifty knots in two seconds.”
This vivid description of the catapult launch gives readers a visceral sense of the physical experience of carrier operations. It serves as both an exciting action moment and a technical insight into naval aviation.
5. “Rhea pitched the nose up, banked sharply to the left. Within seconds they were speeding west into the gathering dusk.”
The chapter’s closing lines create a powerful image of transition, both physically into flight and metaphorically into the unknown mission ahead. The dusk setting adds a layer of atmospheric tension to their departure.