Early Life
Kate Laswell was born in Annapolis, Maryland. She pursued her education at the American University of Beirut and Cornell University, where she earned a master’s degree in strategic intelligence analysis and a BA in international affairs. Inspired by her studies on military failures in the war on terror, she aimed to break the cycle. Laswell is also known to have married a woman before or during her service in the CIA.
CIA Career
Laswell’s career began as a communications analyst. Recognized for her sharp intellect, she was relocated to Pakistan by the Islamabad Station Chief. There, she served as a “targeter,” a crucial role in the drone strike program. Later, she was transferred to the U.S. Africa Command at Camp Lemonnier, which became the target of a suicide bombing. Surviving the attack, she felt a profound calling to dedicate her life to global security.
In the CIA, Laswell quickly ascended the ranks despite lacking a female mentor. She gained a reputation for her expertise in unconventional information warfare. By 2008, she was overseeing the Special Activities Division and managing the controversial “black site” program across Europe, Asia, and South America. Although she refused to testify in open hearings on rendition, her efforts in detainee information saved countless lives.
By the 2010s, Laswell reported to the CIA Inspector General with an elite TS/SCI clearance, authorizing her to respond to critical terrorist activities. She collaborated closely with multiple agents and officers, including “Alex” under her command. During this time, she developed a professional relationship with British S.A.S. Captain John Price.
Modern Warfare
Laswell and Colonel Norris oversaw an operation in Verdansk, Kastovia, which aimed to intercept chemicals from Roman Barkov’s shipment. The mission failed, leading Laswell to enlist Captain Price’s help to counter the threat of the stolen chlorine gas. This partnership saw numerous operations, including Price’s defense against Al-Qatala insurgents in London and “Alex’s” alliance with the Urzikstan Liberation Force to expel Russian forces from Urzikstan.
Laswell played a pivotal role in capturing Omar “The Wolf” Sulaman, the Al-Qatala leader, although they failed to prevent his escape from the U.S. Embassy. After the realization that Hadir, an ally, had stolen Russian gas and allied with Al-Qatala, Laswell authorized Price and his team to hunt him down to avert a potential war with Russia.
Fighting the Al-Qatala
Post-mission, Laswell agreed to support Price in forming Task Force 141, selecting elite soldiers like John “Soap” MacTavish, Simon “Ghost” Riley, and Kyle Garrick. Together, they tackled escalating threats from the Al-Qatala and the Ascendant, culminating in the dissolution of the Armistice due to heavy casualties.
Modern Warfare II
In 2022, Laswell coordinated with General Shepherd and led operations against General Ghorbrani’s forces, confronting major threats like Hassan Zyani and the Al-Qatala. She played a crucial role in field operations, including key missions in Amsterdam and joint operations with Mexican Special Forces to apprehend Hassan. Despite setbacks, such as being kidnapped by Al-Qatala, Laswell’s efforts were instrumental in countering the terrorist threat and dismantling their networks.
Modern Warfare III
In 2023, Laswell focused on stopping Vladimir Makarov following his escape from prison. She infiltrated the Arklov Military Base for crucial intel, enduring attacks to ensure the success of the mission. Laswell’s collaboration with 141 and various allies facilitated the capture of key targets and thwarted plans to use chemical weapons. Despite challenges, she remained a vital figure in the fight against global terrorism.
Zombies
In the Dark Aether storyline, Laswell joined Operation Deadbolt with Soap to combat the zombie incursion in Zaravan caused by Victor Zakhaev and Terminus Outcomes.
Trivia
- Laswell shares similarities with Rachel Kane from Call of Duty: Black Ops III and Karen Bowman from Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands.
- In multiplayer, she alerts players to enemy locations sighted by Coalition operatives.
