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Changed line(s) 13,14 (click to see context) from:
* TheAce: Frederik manages to take down a plane armed with only a rifle. Justified later when Agarwal mentions that his dossier describes him as an exceptional sniper. [[spoiler: Not a surprise considering [[ChekhovsGun how he dispatched the WG7 assassin]].]]
* ActionizedSequel: While the first book had its share of action scenes but leaned more on the adventure angle, this one kicks it up several notches, with more fight scenes, several chases and even a HighAltitudeBattle [[spoiler: between Vatel's unarmed flying-boat and a Japanese fighter.]]
* ActionizedSequel: While the first book had its share of action scenes but leaned more on the adventure angle, this one kicks it up several notches, with more fight scenes, several chases and even a HighAltitudeBattle [[spoiler: between Vatel's unarmed flying-boat and a Japanese fighter.]]
to:
* TheAce: Frederik manages to take down a plane armed with only a rifle. Justified later when Agarwal mentions that his dossier describes him as an exceptional sniper. [[spoiler: Not [[spoiler:Not a surprise surprise, considering [[ChekhovsGun how he dispatched the WG7 assassin]].]]
* ActionizedSequel: While the first book had its share of action scenes but leaned more on the adventure angle, this one kicks it up several notches, with more fight scenes, several chases and even a HighAltitudeBattle[[spoiler: between [[spoiler:between Vatel's unarmed flying-boat and a Japanese fighter.]]
* ActionizedSequel: While the first book had its share of action scenes but leaned more on the adventure angle, this one kicks it up several notches, with more fight scenes, several chases and even a HighAltitudeBattle
Changed line(s) 16 (click to see context) from:
* AnyoneCanDie: [[spoiler: Gornelli, Frey and eventually Hao]] don't survive their encounter with [[NebulousEvilOrganisation WG7]].
to:
* AnyoneCanDie: [[spoiler: Gornelli, [[spoiler:Gornelli, Frey and eventually Hao]] don't survive their encounter with [[NebulousEvilOrganisation WG7]].
Changed line(s) 18 (click to see context) from:
** Neither [[spoiler: atomic research]] nor [[spoiler: flying wings designs]] were anywhere near as advanced at that point in the war. {{Handwaved}} as Working Group Seven is shown to have funding and resources well in excess of other countries. {{Lampshaded}} at the end when [[spoiler: the scientists sent to recover the bomb say they're not even certain Hashimoto's design would have worked as intended]].
to:
** Neither [[spoiler: atomic [[spoiler:atomic research]] nor [[spoiler: flying [[spoiler:flying wings designs]] were anywhere near as advanced at that point in the war. {{Handwaved}} {{Handwave}}d as Working Group Seven is shown to have funding and resources well in excess of other countries. {{Lampshaded}} {{Lampshade|Hanging}}d at the end when [[spoiler: the [[spoiler:the scientists sent to recover the bomb say they're not even certain Hashimoto's design would have worked as intended]].
Changed line(s) 20 (click to see context) from:
* BackFromTheDead: While readers knew that Frederik survived in TheStinger of Literature/TheDragonRun, the trope is played straight from Vatel's POV, who didn't. [[spoiler: Frederik's wife]] also turns out to be NotQuiteDead, much to the man's shock.
to:
* BackFromTheDead: While readers knew that Frederik survived in TheStinger of Literature/TheDragonRun, the trope is played straight from Vatel's POV, who didn't. [[spoiler: Frederik's [[spoiler:Frederik's wife]] also turns out to be NotQuiteDead, much to the man's shock.
Changed line(s) 22,25 (click to see context) from:
* BecomingTheMask: Possibly what happened to [[spoiler: Frieda Schenke, Frederik's wife]], although he theorizes [[spoiler: she]] might have been in it all along.
* BigBad: [[spoiler: Frieda Shenke.]]
* BoomHeadshot: [[spoiler: Poor Frey.]]
* UsefulNotes/ChristianMythology: The Germans use the search for mythological artifacts as a cover while they really are looking for natural resources. One of the items mentioned is the [[Franchise/IndianaJones Ark of the Covenant]].
* BigBad: [[spoiler: Frieda Shenke.]]
* BoomHeadshot: [[spoiler: Poor Frey.]]
* UsefulNotes/ChristianMythology: The Germans use the search for mythological artifacts as a cover while they really are looking for natural resources. One of the items mentioned is the [[Franchise/IndianaJones Ark of the Covenant]].
to:
* BecomingTheMask: Possibly what happened to [[spoiler: Frieda [[spoiler:Frieda Schenke, Frederik's wife]], although he theorizes [[spoiler: she]] [[spoiler:she]] might have been in it all along.
* BigBad:[[spoiler: Frieda [[spoiler:Frieda Shenke.]]
* BoomHeadshot:[[spoiler: Poor [[spoiler:Poor Frey.]]
* UsefulNotes/ChristianMythology: The Germans use the search for mythological artifacts as a cover while they really are looking for natural resources. One of the items mentioned is the [[Franchise/IndianaJones Ark of the Covenant]].]]
* BigBad:
* BoomHeadshot:
* UsefulNotes/ChristianMythology: The Germans use the search for mythological artifacts as a cover while they really are looking for natural resources. One of the items mentioned is the [[Franchise/IndianaJones Ark of the Covenant]].
Changed line(s) 29,30 (click to see context) from:
** Yann starts off with a Waco UBF-2, [[ShoutOut the same plane]] Jock flies in the prologue of [[Franchise/IndianaJones Raiders of the Lost Ark]].
** He then flies the H-198 and the Caudron Simoun, two planes closely tied with [[Literature/TheLittlePrince The Little Prince]] author Creator/AntoineDeSaintExupery.
** He then flies the H-198 and the Caudron Simoun, two planes closely tied with [[Literature/TheLittlePrince The Little Prince]] author Creator/AntoineDeSaintExupery.
to:
** Yann starts off with a Waco UBF-2, [[ShoutOut the same plane]] Jock flies in the prologue of [[Franchise/IndianaJones Raiders of the Lost Ark]].
''Film/RaidersOfTheLostArk''.
** He then flies the H-198 and the Caudron Simoun, two planes closely tied with[[Literature/TheLittlePrince The Little Prince]] Creator/AntoineDeSaintExupery, author Creator/AntoineDeSaintExupery.of ''Literature/TheLittlePrince''.
** He then flies the H-198 and the Caudron Simoun, two planes closely tied with
Changed line(s) 33,36 (click to see context) from:
* DisneyDeath: [[spoiler: Frederik]]'s last appearance has him shot and falling in a river. His final fate is left to the reader.
* EasilyForgiven: Subverted. Nobody trusts [[spoiler: Frederik]] at first and it takes some persuading for Ascalon to admit his motives are legit.
* FaceHeelTurn: [[spoiler: Schenke]], from Frederik's perpective.
* FireForgedFriends: Vatel with Sarif and Sir Timothy. Also, Vatel and [[spoiler: Frederik]], after they return from the mining camp.
* EasilyForgiven: Subverted. Nobody trusts [[spoiler: Frederik]] at first and it takes some persuading for Ascalon to admit his motives are legit.
* FaceHeelTurn: [[spoiler: Schenke]], from Frederik's perpective.
* FireForgedFriends: Vatel with Sarif and Sir Timothy. Also, Vatel and [[spoiler: Frederik]], after they return from the mining camp.
to:
* {{Ghostapo}}: The Germans use the search for mythological artifacts as a cover while they really are looking for natural resources. One of the items mentioned is [[Film/RaidersOfTheLostArk the Ark of the Covenant]].
* DisneyDeath:[[spoiler: Frederik]]'s [[spoiler:Frederik]]'s last appearance has him shot and falling in a river. His final fate is left to the reader.
* EasilyForgiven: Subverted. Nobody trusts[[spoiler: Frederik]] [[spoiler:Frederik]] at first and it takes some persuading for Ascalon to admit his motives are legit.
* FaceHeelTurn:[[spoiler: Schenke]], [[spoiler:Schenke]], from Frederik's perpective.
* FireForgedFriends: Vatel with Sarif and Sir Timothy. Also, Vatel and[[spoiler: Frederik]], [[spoiler:Frederik]], after they return from the mining camp.
* DisneyDeath:
* EasilyForgiven: Subverted. Nobody trusts
* FaceHeelTurn:
* FireForgedFriends: Vatel with Sarif and Sir Timothy. Also, Vatel and
Changed line(s) 38 (click to see context) from:
* HoistByHisOwnPetard: [[spoiler: Vice-Admiral Sato]] in the climax didn't realize [[spoiler: Hashimoto tampered with his bomb, removing the timer]].
to:
* HoistByHisOwnPetard: [[spoiler: Vice-Admiral [[spoiler:Vice-Admiral Sato]] in the climax didn't realize [[spoiler: Hashimoto that [[spoiler:Hashimoto tampered with his bomb, removing the timer]].
Changed line(s) 40 (click to see context) from:
* ItsPersonal: [[spoiler: Vice-Admiral Sato]] blames Vatel for killing his son. [[spoiler: He scales it back significantly after Vatel tells him that in reality Hiroshi committed suicide to avoid detention (an honorable death). He still wants him dead though.]]
to:
* ItsPersonal: [[spoiler: Vice-Admiral [[spoiler:Vice-Admiral Sato]] blames Vatel for killing his son. [[spoiler: He [[spoiler:He scales it back significantly after Vatel tells him that in reality Hiroshi committed suicide to avoid detention (an honorable death). He still wants him dead though.]]
Changed line(s) 42 (click to see context) from:
* MirrorCharacter: Frey's story is similar to Vatel's. Both left Aéropostale around the same time, both founded successful businesses in the colonies and are well connected, and both [[spoiler: end up being private assets to governmental intelligence services]].
to:
* LaResistance: [[spoiler:Hao]] is revealed to be part of a network that resists the French occupation of Indochina.
* MirrorCharacter: Frey's story is similar to Vatel's. Both left Aéropostale around the same time, both founded successful businesses in the colonies and are well connected, and both[[spoiler: end [[spoiler:end up being private assets to governmental intelligence services]].
* MirrorCharacter: Frey's story is similar to Vatel's. Both left Aéropostale around the same time, both founded successful businesses in the colonies and are well connected, and both
Changed line(s) 48,57 (click to see context) from:
* {{Shoutout}}: Several.
** The discussion about ancient artifacts references the [[Franchise/IndianaJones Ark of the Covenant]], one of three EasterEgg nods to the first Indy movie hidden in the book.
** Lulu's bar and the names of several gangsters are a nod to the 1963 gangster movie Film/LesTontonsFlingueurs, a French comedy classic.
** Schenke was the name of the scientist Cate Archer rescued in the 2000 spy-comedy game VideoGame/NoOneLivesForever.
* TakeThat: Agarwal scoffs when Vatel jokingly mentions the [[Franchise/IndianaJones Ark of the Covenant]].
* TheResistance: [[spoiler: Hao]] is revealed to be part of a network that resists the French occupation of Indochina.
* TrespassingToTalk: [[spoiler: Frederik]] does it to Yann. [[spoiler: But it's to [[HeelFaceTurn propose an alliance]], not to kill him]].
* VeryLooselyBasedOnATrueStory: The ''Atlantis'' was a real ship that really stopped at Kerguelen in December of 1940[[note]] A sailor died during the stopover and was buried on the island, making it the German's southermost war grave in the world[[/note]]. The ''Ranchi'' and the ''Meigen Maru'' were also real ships that were in service during the time period.
* WeHardlyKnewYe: [[spoiler: Gornelli and Frey]] exit the story as soon as their narrative purpose is fulfilled.
* WhatTheHellHero: From virtually everyone when Vatel allies with [[spoiler: Frederik]]. Even he is not convinced he's making the right call, although events later prove him right.
** The discussion about ancient artifacts references the [[Franchise/IndianaJones Ark of the Covenant]], one of three EasterEgg nods to the first Indy movie hidden in the book.
** Lulu's bar and the names of several gangsters are a nod to the 1963 gangster movie Film/LesTontonsFlingueurs, a French comedy classic.
** Schenke was the name of the scientist Cate Archer rescued in the 2000 spy-comedy game VideoGame/NoOneLivesForever.
* TakeThat: Agarwal scoffs when Vatel jokingly mentions the [[Franchise/IndianaJones Ark of the Covenant]].
* TheResistance: [[spoiler: Hao]] is revealed to be part of a network that resists the French occupation of Indochina.
* TrespassingToTalk: [[spoiler: Frederik]] does it to Yann. [[spoiler: But it's to [[HeelFaceTurn propose an alliance]], not to kill him]].
* VeryLooselyBasedOnATrueStory: The ''Atlantis'' was a real ship that really stopped at Kerguelen in December of 1940[[note]] A sailor died during the stopover and was buried on the island, making it the German's southermost war grave in the world[[/note]]. The ''Ranchi'' and the ''Meigen Maru'' were also real ships that were in service during the time period.
* WeHardlyKnewYe: [[spoiler: Gornelli and Frey]] exit the story as soon as their narrative purpose is fulfilled.
* WhatTheHellHero: From virtually everyone when Vatel allies with [[spoiler: Frederik]]. Even he is not convinced he's making the right call, although events later prove him right.
to:
* {{Shoutout}}: ShoutOut: Several.
** The discussion about ancient artifacts references the[[Franchise/IndianaJones Ark of the Covenant]], Covenant, one of three EasterEgg nods to the first Indy movie ''Film/RaidersOfTheLostArk'' hidden in the book.
** Lulu's bar and the names of several gangsters are a nod tothe 1963 gangster movie Film/LesTontonsFlingueurs, a French comedy classic.
''Film/LesTontonsFlingueurs''.
** Schenke was the name of the scientist Cate Archer rescued inthe 2000 spy-comedy game VideoGame/NoOneLivesForever.
''VideoGame/NoOneLivesForever''.
* TakeThat: Agarwal scoffs when Vatel jokingly mentions [[Film/RaidersOfTheLostArk the[[Franchise/IndianaJones Ark of the Covenant]].
*TheResistance: [[spoiler: Hao]] is revealed to be part of a network that resists the French occupation of Indochina.
*TrespassingToTalk: [[spoiler: Frederik]] [[spoiler:Frederik]] does it to Yann. [[spoiler: But Yann, [[spoiler:but it's to [[HeelFaceTurn propose an alliance]], not to kill him]].
* VeryLooselyBasedOnATrueStory: The ''Atlantis'' was a real ship that really stopped at Kerguelen in December of1940[[note]] 1940.[[note]] A sailor died during the stopover and was buried on the island, making it the German's southermost southernmost war grave in the world[[/note]]. world.[[/note]] The ''Ranchi'' and the ''Meigen Maru'' were also real ships that were in service during the time period.
* WeHardlyKnewYe:[[spoiler: Gornelli [[spoiler:Gornelli and Frey]] exit the story as soon as their narrative purpose is fulfilled.
* WhatTheHellHero: From virtually everyone when Vatel allies with[[spoiler: Frederik]].[[spoiler:Frederik]]. Even he is not convinced he's making the right call, although events later prove him right.
** The discussion about ancient artifacts references the
** Lulu's bar and the names of several gangsters are a nod to
** Schenke was the name of the scientist Cate Archer rescued in
* TakeThat: Agarwal scoffs when Vatel jokingly mentions [[Film/RaidersOfTheLostArk the
*
*
* VeryLooselyBasedOnATrueStory: The ''Atlantis'' was a real ship that really stopped at Kerguelen in December of
* WeHardlyKnewYe:
* WhatTheHellHero: From virtually everyone when Vatel allies with
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Changed line(s) 4,5 (click to see context) from:
''The Kerguelen Cat'' is a 2021 historical fiction novel written by Creator/RaphaelRelat. It is the direct sequel to the 2020 [[Literature/TheDragonRun The Dragon Run]].
to:
''The Kerguelen Cat'' is a 2021 historical fiction novel written by Creator/RaphaelRelat.Creator/RachelRelat. It is the direct sequel to the 2020 [[Literature/TheDragonRun The Dragon Run]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
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Changed line(s) 8,9 (click to see context) from:
[[CreatorThumbprint As with its predecessor]], the title references a plane that features prominently in the story, in this case the PBY Catalina flying-boat.
to:
[[CreatorThumbprint As with its predecessor]], the title references a plane that features prominently in the story, in this case the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consolidated_PBY_Catalina PBY Catalina Catalina]] flying-boat.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
->''“What did you find?” Yann repeated.''
->''“The impossible. A mining camp, hidden under the forest. Things I'd never seen, giant planes, giant nets extending for miles for camouflage. An entire excavation, completely undetected. And that's not even the main thing...”''
''The Kerguelen Cat'' is a 2021 historical fiction novel written by Creator/RaphaelRelat. It is the direct sequel to the 2020 [[Literature/TheDragonRun The Dragon Run]].
One year after [[Literature/TheDragonRun escaping from England]], French pilot Yann Vatel is still in Bombay when Ascalon comes back knocking on his door. While allies are dealing with the [[UsefulNotes/WorldWarII phony war]] in Europe, Vatel will be sent to French Indochina to uncover illegal mining operations that could give the Axis powers an edge in the coming war. During the course of the mission, Vatel reconnects with old friends and builds new alliances, but the clues progressively lead him to a mysterious and powerful organization embedded deep into Nazi infrastructures, called Working Group Seven. As their terrifying goals become clear, Vatel embarks on a perilous flight to stop them once and for all.
[[CreatorThumbprint As with its predecessor]], the title references a plane that features prominently in the story, in this case the PBY Catalina flying-boat.
----
!!''The Kerguelen Cat'' contains examples of:
* TheAce: Frederik manages to take down a plane armed with only a rifle. Justified later when Agarwal mentions that his dossier describes him as an exceptional sniper. [[spoiler: Not a surprise considering [[ChekhovsGun how he dispatched the WG7 assassin]].]]
* ActionizedSequel: While the first book had its share of action scenes but leaned more on the adventure angle, this one kicks it up several notches, with more fight scenes, several chases and even a HighAltitudeBattle [[spoiler: between Vatel's unarmed flying-boat and a Japanese fighter.]]
* AllThereInTheManual: Like the first, this book comes with a ''Planes Of Ascalon'' companion booklet that gives more details about the various planes that appear in the story.
* AnyoneCanDie: [[spoiler: Gornelli, Frey and eventually Hao]] don't survive their encounter with [[NebulousEvilOrganisation WG7]].
* ArtisticLicenseHistory: A couple of instances.
** Neither [[spoiler: atomic research]] nor [[spoiler: flying wings designs]] were anywhere near as advanced at that point in the war. {{Handwaved}} as Working Group Seven is shown to have funding and resources well in excess of other countries. {{Lampshaded}} at the end when [[spoiler: the scientists sent to recover the bomb say they're not even certain Hashimoto's design would have worked as intended]].
** Technically, the amphibian version of the Catalina was not launched until 1941, although prototypes had been tested. {{Handwaved}} in this case too as it is said to be a custom-built pre-production model.
* BackFromTheDead: While readers knew that Frederik survived in TheStinger of Literature/TheDragonRun, the trope is played straight from Vatel's POV, who didn't. [[spoiler: Frederik's wife]] also turns out to be NotQuiteDead, much to the man's shock.
* BadGuyBar: Lulu's joint combines this with TheNeutralZone. The bar in Port-Louis also qualifies.
* BecomingTheMask: Possibly what happened to [[spoiler: Frieda Schenke, Frederik's wife]], although he theorizes [[spoiler: she]] might have been in it all along.
* BigBad: [[spoiler: Frieda Shenke.]]
* BoomHeadshot: [[spoiler: Poor Frey.]]
* UsefulNotes/ChristianMythology: The Germans use the search for mythological artifacts as a cover while they really are looking for natural resources. One of the items mentioned is the [[Franchise/IndianaJones Ark of the Covenant]].
* CityOfSpies: Saigon.
* ContinuityNod: A remark by Frey explains the punchline of a throwaway joke in Literature/TheDragonRun. Agarwal also updates Vatel on what other characters have been up to since we last saw them.
* CoolPlane: A staple of the series.
** Yann starts off with a Waco UBF-2, [[ShoutOut the same plane]] Jock flies in the prologue of [[Franchise/IndianaJones Raiders of the Lost Ark]].
** He then flies the H-198 and the Caudron Simoun, two planes closely tied with [[Literature/TheLittlePrince The Little Prince]] author Creator/AntoineDeSaintExupery.
** The titular "Cat" is the mighty PBY Catalina, the most successful and versatile flying-boat type ever designed.
** For the bad guys, the Horten flying-wing certainly qualifies.
* DisneyDeath: [[spoiler: Frederik]]'s last appearance has him shot and falling in a river. His final fate is left to the reader.
* EasilyForgiven: Subverted. Nobody trusts [[spoiler: Frederik]] at first and it takes some persuading for Ascalon to admit his motives are legit.
* FaceHeelTurn: [[spoiler: Schenke]], from Frederik's perpective.
* FireForgedFriends: Vatel with Sarif and Sir Timothy. Also, Vatel and [[spoiler: Frederik]], after they return from the mining camp.
* HighAltitudeBattle: Vatel finds himself in one against a Japanese fighter.
* HoistByHisOwnPetard: [[spoiler: Vice-Admiral Sato]] in the climax didn't realize [[spoiler: Hashimoto tampered with his bomb, removing the timer]].
* ImportedAlienPhlebotinum: Working Group Seven is openly looking for [[AncientArtifact mythological artifacts]] and [[AncientAstronauts alien tech]]. It's all a front to hide their real agenda.
* ItsPersonal: [[spoiler: Vice-Admiral Sato]] blames Vatel for killing his son. [[spoiler: He scales it back significantly after Vatel tells him that in reality Hiroshi committed suicide to avoid detention (an honorable death). He still wants him dead though.]]
* KnowWhenToFoldEm: [[OnlySaneMan Captain Richter]] takes one look at the explosion and decides to get the hell out of Dodge.
* MirrorCharacter: Frey's story is similar to Vatel's. Both left Aéropostale around the same time, both founded successful businesses in the colonies and are well connected, and both [[spoiler: end up being private assets to governmental intelligence services]].
* MyopicArchitecture: While bringing Vatel up to date after he escapes from Saigon, the group comments on the abysmal failure of the UsefulNotes/MaginotLine as defense against German invasion.
* MySisterIsOffLimits: Sarif jokingly pretends to do this at the end.
* NebulousEvilOrganisation: Working Group Seven has heavy shades of this.
* OnlyKnownByTheirNickname: Frederik was this since his first appearance, but we eventually learn his real name towards the end of Act 2: Wilhelm Gartner.
* ShellShockedVeteran: Vatel still shows signs of PTSD, a year after the events of the first book.
* {{Shoutout}}: Several.
** The discussion about ancient artifacts references the [[Franchise/IndianaJones Ark of the Covenant]], one of three EasterEgg nods to the first Indy movie hidden in the book.
** Lulu's bar and the names of several gangsters are a nod to the 1963 gangster movie Film/LesTontonsFlingueurs, a French comedy classic.
** Schenke was the name of the scientist Cate Archer rescued in the 2000 spy-comedy game VideoGame/NoOneLivesForever.
* TakeThat: Agarwal scoffs when Vatel jokingly mentions the [[Franchise/IndianaJones Ark of the Covenant]].
* TheResistance: [[spoiler: Hao]] is revealed to be part of a network that resists the French occupation of Indochina.
* TrespassingToTalk: [[spoiler: Frederik]] does it to Yann. [[spoiler: But it's to [[HeelFaceTurn propose an alliance]], not to kill him]].
* VeryLooselyBasedOnATrueStory: The ''Atlantis'' was a real ship that really stopped at Kerguelen in December of 1940[[note]] A sailor died during the stopover and was buried on the island, making it the German's southermost war grave in the world[[/note]]. The ''Ranchi'' and the ''Meigen Maru'' were also real ships that were in service during the time period.
* WeHardlyKnewYe: [[spoiler: Gornelli and Frey]] exit the story as soon as their narrative purpose is fulfilled.
* WhatTheHellHero: From virtually everyone when Vatel allies with [[spoiler: Frederik]]. Even he is not convinced he's making the right call, although events later prove him right.
* WillTheyOrWontThey: Vatel and Layla Sarif.
----
->''“The impossible. A mining camp, hidden under the forest. Things I'd never seen, giant planes, giant nets extending for miles for camouflage. An entire excavation, completely undetected. And that's not even the main thing...”''
''The Kerguelen Cat'' is a 2021 historical fiction novel written by Creator/RaphaelRelat. It is the direct sequel to the 2020 [[Literature/TheDragonRun The Dragon Run]].
One year after [[Literature/TheDragonRun escaping from England]], French pilot Yann Vatel is still in Bombay when Ascalon comes back knocking on his door. While allies are dealing with the [[UsefulNotes/WorldWarII phony war]] in Europe, Vatel will be sent to French Indochina to uncover illegal mining operations that could give the Axis powers an edge in the coming war. During the course of the mission, Vatel reconnects with old friends and builds new alliances, but the clues progressively lead him to a mysterious and powerful organization embedded deep into Nazi infrastructures, called Working Group Seven. As their terrifying goals become clear, Vatel embarks on a perilous flight to stop them once and for all.
[[CreatorThumbprint As with its predecessor]], the title references a plane that features prominently in the story, in this case the PBY Catalina flying-boat.
----
!!''The Kerguelen Cat'' contains examples of:
* TheAce: Frederik manages to take down a plane armed with only a rifle. Justified later when Agarwal mentions that his dossier describes him as an exceptional sniper. [[spoiler: Not a surprise considering [[ChekhovsGun how he dispatched the WG7 assassin]].]]
* ActionizedSequel: While the first book had its share of action scenes but leaned more on the adventure angle, this one kicks it up several notches, with more fight scenes, several chases and even a HighAltitudeBattle [[spoiler: between Vatel's unarmed flying-boat and a Japanese fighter.]]
* AllThereInTheManual: Like the first, this book comes with a ''Planes Of Ascalon'' companion booklet that gives more details about the various planes that appear in the story.
* AnyoneCanDie: [[spoiler: Gornelli, Frey and eventually Hao]] don't survive their encounter with [[NebulousEvilOrganisation WG7]].
* ArtisticLicenseHistory: A couple of instances.
** Neither [[spoiler: atomic research]] nor [[spoiler: flying wings designs]] were anywhere near as advanced at that point in the war. {{Handwaved}} as Working Group Seven is shown to have funding and resources well in excess of other countries. {{Lampshaded}} at the end when [[spoiler: the scientists sent to recover the bomb say they're not even certain Hashimoto's design would have worked as intended]].
** Technically, the amphibian version of the Catalina was not launched until 1941, although prototypes had been tested. {{Handwaved}} in this case too as it is said to be a custom-built pre-production model.
* BackFromTheDead: While readers knew that Frederik survived in TheStinger of Literature/TheDragonRun, the trope is played straight from Vatel's POV, who didn't. [[spoiler: Frederik's wife]] also turns out to be NotQuiteDead, much to the man's shock.
* BadGuyBar: Lulu's joint combines this with TheNeutralZone. The bar in Port-Louis also qualifies.
* BecomingTheMask: Possibly what happened to [[spoiler: Frieda Schenke, Frederik's wife]], although he theorizes [[spoiler: she]] might have been in it all along.
* BigBad: [[spoiler: Frieda Shenke.]]
* BoomHeadshot: [[spoiler: Poor Frey.]]
* UsefulNotes/ChristianMythology: The Germans use the search for mythological artifacts as a cover while they really are looking for natural resources. One of the items mentioned is the [[Franchise/IndianaJones Ark of the Covenant]].
* CityOfSpies: Saigon.
* ContinuityNod: A remark by Frey explains the punchline of a throwaway joke in Literature/TheDragonRun. Agarwal also updates Vatel on what other characters have been up to since we last saw them.
* CoolPlane: A staple of the series.
** Yann starts off with a Waco UBF-2, [[ShoutOut the same plane]] Jock flies in the prologue of [[Franchise/IndianaJones Raiders of the Lost Ark]].
** He then flies the H-198 and the Caudron Simoun, two planes closely tied with [[Literature/TheLittlePrince The Little Prince]] author Creator/AntoineDeSaintExupery.
** The titular "Cat" is the mighty PBY Catalina, the most successful and versatile flying-boat type ever designed.
** For the bad guys, the Horten flying-wing certainly qualifies.
* DisneyDeath: [[spoiler: Frederik]]'s last appearance has him shot and falling in a river. His final fate is left to the reader.
* EasilyForgiven: Subverted. Nobody trusts [[spoiler: Frederik]] at first and it takes some persuading for Ascalon to admit his motives are legit.
* FaceHeelTurn: [[spoiler: Schenke]], from Frederik's perpective.
* FireForgedFriends: Vatel with Sarif and Sir Timothy. Also, Vatel and [[spoiler: Frederik]], after they return from the mining camp.
* HighAltitudeBattle: Vatel finds himself in one against a Japanese fighter.
* HoistByHisOwnPetard: [[spoiler: Vice-Admiral Sato]] in the climax didn't realize [[spoiler: Hashimoto tampered with his bomb, removing the timer]].
* ImportedAlienPhlebotinum: Working Group Seven is openly looking for [[AncientArtifact mythological artifacts]] and [[AncientAstronauts alien tech]]. It's all a front to hide their real agenda.
* ItsPersonal: [[spoiler: Vice-Admiral Sato]] blames Vatel for killing his son. [[spoiler: He scales it back significantly after Vatel tells him that in reality Hiroshi committed suicide to avoid detention (an honorable death). He still wants him dead though.]]
* KnowWhenToFoldEm: [[OnlySaneMan Captain Richter]] takes one look at the explosion and decides to get the hell out of Dodge.
* MirrorCharacter: Frey's story is similar to Vatel's. Both left Aéropostale around the same time, both founded successful businesses in the colonies and are well connected, and both [[spoiler: end up being private assets to governmental intelligence services]].
* MyopicArchitecture: While bringing Vatel up to date after he escapes from Saigon, the group comments on the abysmal failure of the UsefulNotes/MaginotLine as defense against German invasion.
* MySisterIsOffLimits: Sarif jokingly pretends to do this at the end.
* NebulousEvilOrganisation: Working Group Seven has heavy shades of this.
* OnlyKnownByTheirNickname: Frederik was this since his first appearance, but we eventually learn his real name towards the end of Act 2: Wilhelm Gartner.
* ShellShockedVeteran: Vatel still shows signs of PTSD, a year after the events of the first book.
* {{Shoutout}}: Several.
** The discussion about ancient artifacts references the [[Franchise/IndianaJones Ark of the Covenant]], one of three EasterEgg nods to the first Indy movie hidden in the book.
** Lulu's bar and the names of several gangsters are a nod to the 1963 gangster movie Film/LesTontonsFlingueurs, a French comedy classic.
** Schenke was the name of the scientist Cate Archer rescued in the 2000 spy-comedy game VideoGame/NoOneLivesForever.
* TakeThat: Agarwal scoffs when Vatel jokingly mentions the [[Franchise/IndianaJones Ark of the Covenant]].
* TheResistance: [[spoiler: Hao]] is revealed to be part of a network that resists the French occupation of Indochina.
* TrespassingToTalk: [[spoiler: Frederik]] does it to Yann. [[spoiler: But it's to [[HeelFaceTurn propose an alliance]], not to kill him]].
* VeryLooselyBasedOnATrueStory: The ''Atlantis'' was a real ship that really stopped at Kerguelen in December of 1940[[note]] A sailor died during the stopover and was buried on the island, making it the German's southermost war grave in the world[[/note]]. The ''Ranchi'' and the ''Meigen Maru'' were also real ships that were in service during the time period.
* WeHardlyKnewYe: [[spoiler: Gornelli and Frey]] exit the story as soon as their narrative purpose is fulfilled.
* WhatTheHellHero: From virtually everyone when Vatel allies with [[spoiler: Frederik]]. Even he is not convinced he's making the right call, although events later prove him right.
* WillTheyOrWontThey: Vatel and Layla Sarif.
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