Part III New Babel — Chapter Fifteen

Iren escorts Senlin through a dark warehouse to Finn Goll’s astonishing stone cottage, complete with a chimney to the ceiling and a bustling family. Inside, Senlin meets Mrs. Abigail Goll and several children, confirming this is truly Goll’s home and not a staged façade.

Goll speaks grandly of family, the Tower’s higher ringdoms, and his long toil to ascend. He pivots to anger over Senlin’s decision to raise porter wages, calling it theft and a complication to a simple job. Senlin counters that profits improved, but Goll insists all gains are his and demands obedience.

As Goll presses his point, Senlin secretly considers shooting him with the jailor’s key-gun in his pocket. Iren’s steady hand thwarts his aim, and the children’s footsteps above drain Senlin’s resolve. Realizing such a killing would destroy his conscience and any hope of reuniting with Marya, Senlin abandons the idea and agrees to Goll’s terms.

Goll dictates the remedy: Senlin must rescind the raises, repay the shortfall, and, if challenged, hang an example from the ranks. Shifting to business, Senlin mentions the Stone Cloud. Goll grows suspicious that Rodion is interested in the ship’s private parcels but refuses to violate the mail.

Concluding, Goll orders Senlin to keep the men in for the night while Iren distributes arms. Expecting Rodion may attempt a raid, Goll intends to catch him in the act and warns Senlin to stay out of the way, hinting at a potential power reshuffle if Rodion overreaches.