Assassin’s Revenge–A David Slaton Novel
Chapter 65: Sixty-Five
by Larsen, WardCaptain Boutros navigates the Albatross through treacherous waters near Kure Atoll at night, relying on outdated charts and cautious tactics. The unpredictable nature of Pacific atolls, with shifting coral reefs and unmarked channels, heightens the risk. Boutros employs traditional methods like a sounding line to measure depth, as the boat lacks advanced sonar. Tensions among the crew, particularly between Saleem and Rafiq, add to the challenges, forcing Boutros to strategically assign tasks to maintain order.
Meanwhile, Slaton and Sorensen review satellite imagery confirming the location of Slaton’s family in North Korea. The images show them arriving at a military airfield near Mount Kumgang and being transported to a secure residence. Sorensen’s intelligence tools, including high-resolution satellite photos, provide near-certainty about their whereabouts. Slaton’s emotional response to seeing his family in unguarded moments contrasts with the clinical precision of the surveillance.
Boutros continues his painstaking approach to the atoll, aware that a single misstep could doom their mission. The crew’s teamwork is critical, with Saleem using the sounding line to guide the boat through shallow waters. Boutros reflects on his oversight in not verifying the Albatross’s draft, leaving them to rely on guesswork. The tension is palpable as they inch closer to the lagoon, with breakers and reefs posing constant threats.
Slaton’s instincts alert him to inconsistencies in the situation, though he struggles to pinpoint them. The chapter juxtaposes the high-stakes navigation of Boutros with Slaton’s desperate quest to reunite with his family. Both narratives underscore themes of uncertainty, trust in limited resources, and the weight of leadership under pressure. The chapter ends on a note of suspense, leaving both missions hanging in the balance.
FAQs
1. What navigational challenges does Boutros face while approaching Kure Atoll, and how does he address them?
Answer:
Boutros faces multiple navigational challenges, including outdated electronic charts, shifting coral reefs, and limited visibility at night. The Chinese-made navigation software is two years out of date, and Pacific atolls are notoriously misrepresented on charts. Additionally, coral reefs shift due to storms and currents, making passages unpredictable. Without forward-looking sonar, Boutros relies on traditional methods: he posts crew members as lookouts and uses a sounding line to measure depth manually. He also keeps unnecessary lights off to maintain night vision and avoid detection. These precautions highlight his expertise and adaptability in high-risk situations.2. How does the tension between Saleem and Rafiq affect Boutros’ decision-making during the approach?
Answer:
The growing conflict between Saleem and Rafiq forces Boutros to strategically assign tasks to keep them separated. Recognizing their discord as a distraction, he positions them at opposite ends of the boat—Saleem at the bow and Rafiq at the starboard rail. This decision reflects Boutros’ leadership in mitigating interpersonal conflicts to maintain focus on the mission. However, it also adds an extra layer of complexity to his command, as he must balance crew dynamics with the critical task of navigating dangerous waters.3. What critical oversight does Boutros realize he made regarding the Albatross, and what are its implications?
Answer:
Boutros realizes he never asked how much water the Albatross draws (its required depth to float safely). Forced to estimate between 8-12 feet, he sets a 20-foot warning threshold on the sounding line to account for uncertainty. This oversight heightens the risk of running aground, especially since the charts may not accurately reflect shallow channels. The mistake underscores the importance of thorough preparation and highlights the precariousness of their mission—if the boat grounds, their operation could end abruptly.4. How does the satellite imagery provided by Sorensen help Slaton locate his family, and what details increase his confidence in the intelligence?
Answer:
Sorensen shows Slaton high-resolution satellite images of a North Korean military airfield and a nearby elite residence. The images capture a parked jet matching the one used to abduct his family, followed by three figures (two adults and a child) escorted into a sedan. The residence, identified as Park’s retreat, has lights on and visible security, strongly suggesting Christine and Davy are inside. Slaton’s confidence grows because Sorensen asserts 100% certainty about the jet, and the candid, overhead imagery lacks the staged quality of earlier propaganda photos.5. Why does Slaton feel something “isn’t right” about the situation, and what might this foreshadow?
Answer:
Despite the compelling evidence, Slaton’s intuition—a “familiar voice” he trusts—signals unease. This suggests he suspects hidden complexities, such as a trap, misinformation, or an undisclosed motive behind his family’s abduction. The feeling may foreshadow a twist: the location could be a decoy, or the timing of the intelligence might be suspicious. Slaton’s wariness hints at deeper layers to the conflict, setting the stage for potential betrayal or a strategic maneuver by adversaries.
Quotes
1. “Any approach to unfamiliar shallows demanded unremitting caution. Doubly so at night.”
This quote captures Boutros’ meticulous and cautious approach to navigation, setting the tone for the tense nighttime approach to Kure Atoll. It reflects both the physical danger of their mission and the broader theme of operating in uncertain conditions.
2. “Pacific atolls were notoriously misrepresented on charts… Owing to the capricious nature of such channels, few cartographers committed to plotting them on official charts.”
This passage highlights the treacherous, unpredictable nature of their environment and the limitations of modern technology, forcing Boutros to rely on traditional seamanship. It underscores the theme of navigating unknown dangers.
3. “He doubted there was anyone on the island, but it was free insurance. It also kept everyone’s night vision at its peak.”
This shows Boutros’ strategic thinking - taking precautions even when risks seem minimal. The quote also subtly introduces the covert nature of their mission and the interpersonal tensions among crew members.
4. “Nobody in the intelligence community, certainly not assistant deputy directors, gave that level of assurance without reason.”
This statement about Sorensen’s confidence in their intelligence demonstrates the gravity of the situation regarding Slaton’s family. It marks a turning point where abstract surveillance becomes personal and actionable.
5. “Slaton was taken by an odd sensation. A familiar voice echoing in. A voice he always trusted. Something wasn’t right.”
This climactic moment reveals Slaton’s intuition signaling danger, creating suspense about what might be wrong with the intelligence. It represents the theme of trusting instincts versus relying on technology and official reports.