The subject of discussion among the clan leaders today was what to do about the continued offshore jade mining by the Anorco corporation. After repeated sabotage of his ships, Art Wyles had installed security guards from Jim Sunto’s private military company, Ganlu Solutions International. Now the vessel off the coast of Euman Island was protected day and night by jade-equipped ex-Espenian military personnel who could Perceive the approach of attackers and drop concussion grenades on them, and technicians who could remove attached mines.
“Invasion and theft!” Koben Yiro declared, pounding the table. “These arrogant foreigners have no respect for our country or the meaning of jade at all.”
“No one disagrees with you on that, Koben-jen,” said the Weather Man of Six Hands Unity, with a touch of exasperation at the dramatics. Hilo couldn’t recall the man’s name offhand, but the chair next to him was empty. The kin killer Jio Somu never left the safety of his own territory in Lukang, even with the assurance of penitents being present. His Weather Man said, “But the CEO of Anorco, Wyles, has plenty of money and political connections and it’s clear he’s not going to be dissuaded. The company claims the ships are operating in international waters.”
“Lies,” Koben pointed out. “They regularly encroach on Kekonese territory.”
“The legalities are ambiguous, but what are we supposed to do when the Royal Council wants us to compromise?” asked the Pillar of the Jo Sun clan.
It was no secret in this room that Green Bones from the Mountain and No Peak clans had collaborated to damage the ships. The politicians in Wisdom Hall were extremely anxious about the escalating situation. So far, no one had been killed, but dead Espenian citizens or dead Green Bones from either clan could set off a disastrous diplomatic crisis. The government wanted to negotiate an agreement whereby the clans agreed to stop attacking the foreign company’s property if the Espenians agreed to limit offshore jade mining to certain areas and amounts.
Koben declared, “Only thin-blooded cowards would negotiate with thieves, begging them to steal only some of what belongs to us instead of all of it!”
Ayt Mada did not rein in Koben for his outspokenness. Hilo was reminded of shows and concerts where a lesser performer would come on stage first to get the crowd excited before the main event. Ayt allowed her vocal subordinate to rouse people up, so she could then step in and appear all the more the poised commander.
She did so now, quieting Koben with a single look before saying, “We would not be in this situation were it not for the long-term coddling of Espenian interests by certain clans in this room.” She fixed Hilo with a steady look of scorn that was deeply familiar to him by now. “Perhaps Kaul Hilo could exert some influence over the disgraceful private military company that guards the offending ships, since he’s personal friends with the founder.”
Hilo said, “Jim Sunto is no friend of mine. If you’re all looking for someone to blame, remember we wouldn’t have the Espenians breathing down our necks if certain other clan leaders hadn’t made our country a haven for foreign criminals.”
“Kaul-jen, Ayt-jen, please,” interjected Chairman Canto Pan, with admirable bravery, or simply exasperation at how no meeting of the KJA passed without some reminder that after all these years, Kaul and Ayt still wanted each other dead. “No matter the circumstances that led us here, let’s focus on the Royal Council’s proposal. What strict limits on offshore mining might we accept?”
It was remarkable, Hilo thought, how you could get used to anything. He would never have believed he could learn to stomach regularly being in the same room with the person responsible for the death of his brother, his brother-in-law, and so many of his jade warriors—and be bored, even by their mutual persistent hatred. While they sat here, No Peak was hunting down and killing the leaders of the barukan street gang that did dirty work for the Mountain and had carried out the murders of the five Green Bones in Lukang.
What is it going to take to fucking win this thing? Hilo seethed quietly as the meeting continued. Could slow, simmering, scattered clan warfare continue forever, past his own life? The Pillar of the Mountain was in her fifties—with no husband and no children. How long could she hold on to power in a clan full of ambitious, younger Green Bones? Why, for the love of all the gods, couldn’t the bitch tire and give up?
An office assistant that Hilo did not know came up behind him and said in a low, apologetic voice, “Kaul-jen, this envelope arrived for you at the front desk. The man who delivered it insisted that it was urgent and be delivered to you at once.” Hilo examined the sealed envelope, but there were no identifying marks on the thick stationery. He tore it open.