Chapter By Chapter> Tom Clancy’s Op-Center: Mirror Image chapter 56

Chapter by Chapter features me reading one chapter (or possibly multiple chapters for this one) of the selected book at the time and reviewing it as if I were reviewing an episode of a TV show or an issue of a comic. There will be spoilers if you haven’t read to the point I have, and if you’ve read further I ask that you don’t spoil anything further into the book. Think of it as read-along book club.

If you missed the last chapter reviewed, it looks like we might have to retitle “Commie Op-Center” to just “Russian Op-Center”, as Orlov made a move to make contact with their counterpart. He knows something’s up, and it’s time to fill in some gaps.

Time is not my friend this week, so it’s nice I only have one chapter to review this time around. I’m not sure what else to say. I don’t want spoilers in the intro and at this point I’m totally out of topics. The sooner this book is done the better. So to take up space on the homepage, here’s a random video.

That’s not how the full book went. Maybe this is the story that happened prior to the first novel? I hope not. They lost that mission. Also…Linebacker? What happened to Striker? Anyone else even know this miniseries happened? I didn’t. Still, on with the review.

Chapter 56: Tuesday, 7:35 AM, Washington, DC

Now I can talk a bit about the last chapter, where Peggy offered Orlov a chance to talk with his American Op-Center counterpart. Well, he and the rest of the home team are in the Tank planning their next move when the call comes through. Peggy, under a codename, forges the connection and Paul makes the decision to conduct the communication via video, despite still being in the room that’s shielded for a reason. Paul and Orlov talk, with the others making comments on and off mute. Basically, they aren’t sure they can trust him, but Paul gives just enough trust that an agreement is struck. If Orlov stops the train, Orlov Jr and Striker can compare notes and take evidence of Dogin’s operation, namely the money, rather than simply returning, putting himself and his son and wife in danger, and the conspiracy’s agents just finding another way. My question is what is Rossky doing right now, since he knows the British agent is making a communication link between the two Op-Centers. Remember, Rossky is art of that conspiracy, and he’s already got orders to do away with Orlov if he becomes a problem. He’s becoming a problem.

As for Op-Center’s side, forget what we know about the Russian Op-Center for a moment. The Cold War recently ended. There’s a conspiracy to restore the USSR and Communism to Russia. This Russian version of their bureau was started by Dogin, the guy behind the conspiracy. Old enmities are still in place so I understand their not willing to trust Orlov. As one points out, reputations can be faked. On the other hand we know that Orlov is doing this not to protect his son (with whom he already has a questionable father/son relationship) but protect his country and his president. We know he’s not part of Dogin’s plot. We know he’s sticking his neck out while trying to protect his family. Hopefully differences are put aside and both Op-Centers can work to keep Russia from falling back into their communist ways.

Next time, as I check, there may be two chapters up for review. How successful will Orlov Sr be in convincing his son that his surrogate father is the evil one? We’ll find out next time.