Assassin’s Revenge–A David Slaton Novel
Chapter 66: Sixty-Six
by Larsen, WardThe chapter “Sixty-Six” opens with the Albatross navigating into a lagoon near Green Island after an initial failed attempt. Boutros carefully marks the safe passage using GPS, ensuring a smooth anchorage close to the island’s derelict runway. The crew remains vigilant, monitoring depth and tides to avoid grounding, and sets dual anchors to secure the boat. Rafiq receives a message confirming their shipment’s arrival at dawn, reinforcing their tight schedule, while Boutros reassures him about the seaworthiness of their runabout. The scene underscores the crew’s precision and the looming tension of their mission.
Meanwhile, Christine and her son Davy arrive at a stark, fortress-like compound in North Korea, shivering in the bitter cold. After being given warmer clothing, they are led to the main house, whose opulent interior starkly contrasts its austere exterior. Christine observes the lavish furnishings and artwork, struck by the dissonance between the regime’s harsh reputation and the curated comfort of the space. The sudden warmth and light inside the house momentarily disorient her, but she remains wary, holding Davy close as they are greeted by General Park Hai-joon.
Park’s demeanor is inscrutable as he engages Christine, acknowledging her confusion about their abduction. He attempts to put Davy at ease by offering Western toys, a gesture that surprises Christine given North Korea’s isolation. Park then reveals that their presence was unplanned, complicating an operation involving her husband. Christine, determined to avoid confrontation for Davy’s sake, cautiously probes for answers, but Park hints at a larger, unresolved narrative. The exchange underscores the surreal and precarious nature of their situation, with Christine balancing fear and curiosity.
The chapter closes with Park hinting at a complex, unfolding story, leaving Christine—and the reader—with more questions than answers. The juxtaposition of the Albatross crew’s methodical preparations and Christine’s disorienting captivity creates a dual tension, foreshadowing interconnected stakes. Park’s cryptic remarks suggest deeper geopolitical machinations, while Christine’s resilience and Davy’s innocence add emotional weight. The chapter masterfully blends suspense and intrigue, setting the stage for revelations to come.
FAQs
1. What precautions did Boutros take when navigating the Albatross into the lagoon, and why were these measures important?
Answer:
Boutros exercised extreme caution when entering the lagoon, first attempting an eastern channel that proved to be a dead end before successfully using a western passage with consistent depth (minimum 18 feet). He marked the safe route with GPS for future departure, inched forward at minimum speed near low tide to avoid grounding, and relied on starlight for navigation after moonset. These precautions were critical because the lagoon contained stray coral heads and a soft sand bottom—while running aground wouldn’t be catastrophic (the rising tide could free them), it would delay their mission. His meticulous approach reflects the high stakes of their operation.2. Contrast Christine’s expectations of North Korea with the reality she encounters upon entering General Park’s residence. What does this reveal about cultural perceptions?
Answer:
Christine initially describes North Korea as “medieval,” noting the lack of electricity during their drive and the fortress-like exterior of Park’s home. However, the interior shatters these assumptions: it’s warmly lit, lavishly decorated with modernist art and plush furnishings, and even includes Western toys for Davy. This stark contrast highlights how preconceived notions about isolated regimes often emphasize deprivation, while reality can be more nuanced. Park’s remark about “lumps of coal” underscores this irony, suggesting deliberate efforts to subvert Western stereotypes while maintaining an authoritarian exterior.3. Analyze the significance of Rafiq’s hesitation before going below deck. What might this imply about his trust in Boutros or their mission?
Answer:
Rafiq’s pause after inspecting the runabout—nearly speaking but ultimately leaving silently—suggests unspoken doubts. While Boutros assures him the boat is seaworthy, Rafiq’s skepticism lingers, possibly reflecting broader concerns about their plan’s viability. This subtle tension hints at hierarchical dynamics (Rafiq may lack authority to challenge Boutros) or operational risks (the runabout’s reliability could jeopardize their shipment at dawn). The moment adds psychological depth, implying that even professional operatives grapple with uncertainty in high-stakes scenarios.4. How does General Park’s demeanor and treatment of Christine and Davy defy typical hostage scenarios? Discuss the potential strategic purpose behind his actions.
Answer:
Park greets Christine with a handshake, provides warm clothing and toys, and speaks in a hushed, almost conspiratorial tone. This atypical hospitality could serve multiple purposes: (1) disarming Christine to extract compliance, (2) showcasing North Korea’s “civilized” facade to a Westerner, or (3) genuine (if manipulative) empathy, given his reference to grandchildren. His admission that her presence was “unplanned” and created “complications” suggests a strategic pivot—he may be attempting to co-opt her cooperation rather than rely on brute coercion, which aligns with the setting’s curated normality.5. Interpret the chapter’s closing line: “…one, I assure you, whose end has not been written.” How does this foreshadow the broader narrative arc?
Answer:
Park’s cryptic statement underscores the unpredictability of the situation. By claiming the story’s conclusion is unwritten, he implies that Christine (and by extension, her husband) could influence the outcome—a possible invitation to negotiation or a veiled threat. This mirrors the chapter’s themes of contingency (e.g., Boutros’s navigation adjustments) and hidden agendas. The line also builds suspense, positioning Christine as an active participant rather than a passive captive, while hinting at unresolved geopolitical stakes beyond her immediate predicament.
Quotes
1. “For their sake, let it be so.”
This ominous line from Rafiq underscores the potential danger to the bird scientists on Green Island, hinting at the clandestine and possibly violent nature of their operation. It creates tension while revealing the characters’ disregard for collateral damage.
2. “She knew little about North Korea, but what she’d seen so far could be distilled to one word: medieval.”
Christine’s stark observation captures her first impressions of North Korea’s primitive infrastructure and sets the tone for her captivity experience. The contrast between this and the luxurious interior she later encounters makes this particularly striking.
3. “I really am in North Korea, she told herself.”
This simple internal realization marks a pivotal moment of acceptance for Christine, transitioning from disbelief to confronting her frightening reality. The self-directed thought makes it particularly poignant and relatable.
4. “Perhaps you expected children in North Korea to play with lumps of coal.”
General Park’s sardonic remark reveals both Western stereotypes about North Korea and his awareness of them. This loaded comment serves as both social commentary and a power play in their interaction.
5. “That,” Park replied, “is a very long story. And one, I assure you, whose end has not been written…”
This closing line creates compelling narrative tension, suggesting high stakes and uncertainty about Christine and Davy’s fate. The unfinished nature of the statement leaves both Christine and the reader wanting answers.