Assassin’s Revenge–A David Slaton Novel
Chapter 26: Twenty-Six
by Larsen, WardThe chapter opens with the arrival of a North Korean patrol boat, described as a utilitarian vessel marked with Roman numerals, which docks alongside Boutros’s ship, *Albatross*. The transfer of personnel—Park, his nervous technician, and the hesitant skipper Choe—is executed quickly, with Choe sharing a silent, knowing glance with Boutros before being escorted below by armed crewmen. The scene underscores the impersonal and transactional nature of their mission, as Boutros reflects on the expendability of Choe and the technician, noting the world’s indifference to their fates.
A conversation between Boutros and Rafiq reveals deeper tensions. Rafiq recalls a disturbing video of an execution in North Korea and admits his discomfort when asked to endorse similar brutality against Christians. Boutros challenges Rafiq’s evasiveness, emphasizing that moral ambiguity has no place in their mission. The exchange highlights Rafiq’s internal conflict, contrasting with Boutros’s hardened resolve and the ideological certainty of their fellow jihadists, Sami and Saleem.
Boutros presses Rafiq on his commitment to their goal—building a device to attack America. Rafiq assures him of his dedication, but Boutros’s probing gaze suggests lingering doubt. The patrol boat departs, leaving *Albatross* adrift in silence, and Boutros momentarily reflects on his role as commander of what he wryly terms the “Islamic State Navy.” Yet, he dismisses introspection, focusing instead on the daunting journey ahead.
The chapter closes with Boutros restarting *Albatross*’s engine, symbolizing the resumption of their perilous mission. The quiet tension between duty and morality lingers, but Boutros prioritizes action over reflection. The sea ahead represents both physical and ideological challenges, with Boutros steadfastly steering toward their destructive objective.
FAQs
1. What details in the chapter suggest the North Korean patrol boat is outdated or makeshift?
Answer:
The chapter describes the patrol boat as “a gunmetal gray dagger of armor with a high-mounted deck gun,” implying a utilitarian, no-frills design. The mention of it being part of a “beehive navy” suggests mass-produced, low-quality vessels, while the Roman numerals “623” stamped on the bow seem like an afterthought or concession to Western conventions. The clumsy docking maneuver (“all the deftness of a bumper boat”) and the use of ropes with truck tires as fenders further emphasize its makeshift nature. These details collectively paint a picture of an outdated, functional naval force rather than a cutting-edge military presence.2. How does the interaction between Boutros and Rafiq reveal their differing perspectives on violence and ideology?
Answer:
Boutros displays a hardened, pragmatic view of violence, calling the executed North Korean official “lucky” for a quick death and criticizing Rafiq’s earlier neutrality about executing Christians as dishonest. Rafiq, however, shows moral unease—he recalls being disturbed by the execution video and initially avoids taking a stance. While he ultimately affirms his commitment to their mission, Boutros senses Rafiq’s motivation differs from core jihadists like Sami and Saleem. This tension highlights Rafiq’s intellectual background (referenced as “time in university”) and hints at internal conflict beneath his outward loyalty.3. Analyze the significance of the silent exchange between Choe and Boutros during the transfer.
Answer:
The moment Choe hesitates and locks eyes with Boutros conveys unspoken understanding between seasoned sailors, transcending their ideological divide. Choe’s glance back at the wheelhouse and Boutros’s recognition of “something deeper” than confidence suggest mutual respect for shared maritime experience. This fleeting connection contrasts sharply with the impersonal brutality that follows—Choe being ushered below at gunpoint—underscoring the chapter’s theme of individuals becoming expendable in larger geopolitical machinations. The silence speaks volumes about the human cost obscured by operational objectives.4. How does the chapter use sensory details to create atmosphere during the boat rendezvous?
Answer:
Vivid sensory imagery immerses readers in the scene: auditory details like the “thump” of hulls colliding and the “drone” of diesel engines; visual elements like the exhaust-belching stack and vessels disappearing into fog; tactile descriptions of the rocking seas. The “churn of whitewater and smoke” during departure contrasts with the eerie quiet after engines shut down, amplifying tension. These details ground the high-stakes transfer in physical reality while symbolizing transition—the muffled, misty environment mirrors the moral ambiguity surrounding the characters’ actions.5. What does Boutros’s reflection about commanding the “flagship of the Islamic State Navy” reveal about his mindset?
Answer:
His ironic self-awareness—calling the modest Albatross a “flagship”—shows he recognizes the absurdity of their makeshift jihadist navy, yet he dismisses any deeper reflection. The abrupt shift to practical concerns (“so much work ahead”) reveals a commander prioritizing mission over ego or ideology. This moment encapsulates his operational focus: he derives purpose not from grandeur but from the twenty-year journey leading to this point. The passage underscores how Boutros’s identity is tied to action rather than symbolism, contrasting with more dogmatic comrades.
Quotes
1. “‘Whatever their fate… I doubt the world will notice.’”
This cold observation by Boutros about the North Korean crew’s likely destiny underscores the chapter’s themes of expendability and geopolitical indifference. It reveals his hardened worldview shaped by years of conflict.
2. “‘We cannot afford the luxury of compassion.’”
Rafiq’s statement encapsulates the brutal pragmatism required by their mission. This ideological justification for violence becomes a key point of tension between the characters’ humanity and their extremist goals.
3. “‘There are only two possible opinions regarding such an act. Some would call it justifiable in a time of war. You thought it abhorrent, yet didn’t have the conviction to say so.’”
Boutros challenges Rafiq’s moral ambiguity about executing Christians, highlighting the chapter’s central conflict between ideological absolutism and human conscience. This exchange reveals their differing motivations.
4. “‘God willing, we will bring fire to America.’”
Rafiq’s ultimate declaration of commitment to their terrorist mission represents both the chapter’s climax and its most chilling moment. The phrase “bring fire” poetically encapsulates their destructive intent.
5. “Not with so much work ahead. Not with so much sea in front of them.”
These closing lines powerfully convey the relentless forward momentum of their mission. The parallel structure and maritime imagery reinforce both the literal journey and their irreversible path toward violence.