“Fatal duels are the main problem,” Cory said. “The law doesn’t recognize clean blades, so if there are deaths or serious injuries, we expose ourselves to police scrutiny and criminal charges. We can find a way to allow people to settle issues of honor in a manner that’s more legally acceptable. The grudge halls can continue to be centers of social life without violence.”
Sammy spoke up. “On the whole, we’ve been successfully holding our own against the Crews. So successful, in fact, that there are areas of the country where we’ve pushed them out, but instead of making those neighborhoods safe for everyone, it’s Kekonese gangsters who’ve taken over the drug dealing, prostitution, extortion, and racketeering.” No one was looking directly at Jon Remi, but it was obvious who Sammy was referring to. “Every time a Kekonese man gets arrested or imprisoned for a serious crime while wearing jade, it reinforces negative stereotypes. As Green Bones, we need to enforce stricter standards about who we train and allow to be green, and what activities we shouldn’t tolerate.”
Jon Remi snorted. The sound was loud enough to be heard from the other end of the table. “And who’s going to say what is or isn’t allowed? You?” He turned his gaze on Hilo and Anden and crossed his tattooed arms. “Or will the great No Peak clan decide for us?”
“As a lawyer who’s worked on dozens of these cases,” Cory responded, “I can tell you that a person charged with jade possession, who isn’t engaged in any other offense and has no prior criminal record, might be convicted of a minor offense that carries a one-or two-year sentence. We’re almost always able to get prison time suspended in favor of a fine and community service. On the other hand, if someone is wearing jade when they’re arrested for selling drugs, running a protection racket, or committing assault or murder, that’s an aggravating factor and we’re looking at felony crimes and life sentences.”
Migu Sun, the older Green Bone who had come from Adamont Capita, cleared his throat and began to speak in a quiet, thoughtful voice. “I grew up in a Deitist family and was always taught that the gods left jade on earth as a test for us mortals. If they gave us back some of the power of Heaven, how would we use it? Would we wield that power over others and use it for evil? Or would we work for the common good, and protect the weak? I grew up hearing of legendary jade warrior heroes and cheering the resistance fighters of the One Mountain Society. But when jade was brought to these shores from the old country, it was corrupted by Espenian culture. Now young people see it as simply a way to get what they want. Many of them use shine and other drugs, and they don’t train in the jade disciplines like they used to. Dauk Losun was a wise and influential man, and all his life he lived modestly and relied on the counsel of his wife and trusted friends. He only wanted us all to live better lives in this country.”
Migu turned to Sana and Cory and said, “If we have to change the grudge halls, so be it. Let the Crews have the illegal businesses. If we don’t stop our own people from getting into drugs and crime, Green Bones will end up in prison, and our jade in the hands of the government, and in the end, we’ll be just like the barukan in Shotar, with no real prospects.” Migu stood up, turned to Hilo and saluted him deeply. “Kaul-jen, your clan has already accomplished a great deal here. If you say you’ll support us, surely anything is possible. May the gods shine favor on No Peak. For the sake of all Kekonese.”
Remi barked a laugh as harsh as a gunshot. “You old fool. You think the No Peak clan is running ads and lobbying politicians for our sake?” He shook his head, smirking at Migu Sun. “The clans in Kekon don’t give a shit about any of us. The Kauls only want to grow their business empire, and they want us—the kespies that they don’t even think of as real Green Bones—to fall into line and behave ourselves so there’s nothing to dirty the shiny image they show the Espenian government and the companies they work with. They expect us to take orders from them like their Fingers. Next, they’ll suggest we give up our jade altogether.”
“No one can ask that of anyone.” Hilo’s words cut the air as sharply as Remi’s laugh. The attention in the room snapped toward him. “No Peak has many business interests in Espenia, it’s true, and we want to grow and protect them. That’s no surprise to anyone. We bring money and jobs and jade, so you benefit as much as we do.” Hilo’s steady gaze settled on Remi and the reminder hung between them. “Many years ago, I told Dauk Losun that if we worked together, we Kekonese would become more powerful in this country than the Crews. Now I’m telling all of you the same thing. The Dauks are right. The biggest threat to you isn’t the Crews anymore. It’s your lower status here that’s a hardship. If you want to stop hiding your jade, then you have to stop doing things with it that need to be hidden.”