Contents
CHAPTER 40: The Bosses
Overview
Dauk Losun brokers a Firstdawn summit with Port Massy’s three Crew Bosses, where Hilo, posing as a Kekon clan envoy, sells 100 kilos of raw jade for 800 million thalirs in exchange for peace in Southtrap. Financing and smuggling roles are split among the Bosses, with Skinny Reams to oversee handling.
Afterward, Hilo reveals he’ll ship low-grade scrap jade, buying time while proposing to supply Dauk quality jade and trainers toward a longer-term alliance. Dauk withholds commitment but is intrigued by Hilo’s promise of future power.
Summary
Rohn Toro arranges a neutral, sacred-hour parley at Thorick Mansion between Dauk Losun and the three Port Massy Bosses: Blaise “the Bull” Kromner, Jo Gasson, and Anga Slatter. Hilo and Tar attend incognito, deferring to Dauk as spokesman. The Bosses arrive with foremen and muscle; tensions and mutual suspicion frame the meeting.
Dauk outlines the Kekonese preference to police their own and limit outside interference, but Kromner presses on jade access. Hilo, introduced as a Kekon clan representative, offers direct supply from Kekon if the Crews restore peace in Southtrap and leave Kekonese operations alone. After debate on gambling, jade risks, and labor, the parties negotiate 100 kg of raw jade for 800 million thalirs in four shipments, with Jo Gasson financing and greasing officials, and Anga Slatter’s Wormingwood Crew handling port passage.
Hilo probes chain-of-custody integrity, pushing for a single accountable enforcer. Kromner names Willy “Skinny” Reams to control jade distribution and prevent street leakage, vouching personally along with affirmations from Gasson and Slatter. Terms settled, communication is to run through Dauk.
Back at Dauk’s home, Hilo reflects on the meeting’s dynamics and the value of personal ties. On a walk, Dauk questions No Peak’s shift to selling jade to criminals; Hilo argues Espenia requires indirect methods and that the deal buys time and safety without overt bloodshed.
Hilo then reveals his stratagem: he will ship No Peak’s seized, lower-quality scrap jade—adequate for foreigners but not prized by Green Bones—diverting the Crews’ attention. He proposes a parallel plan to supply Dauk with good cut jade and trainers to build lasting Kekonese strength in Port Massy, hinting at a quasi-tributary alliance and broader Espenian ambitions.
Dauk, respectful but cautious, declines immediate commitment, citing community consent and uncertainty. Hilo promises that, with alliance, Kekonese power in Espenia will surpass the Crews within five years. Dauk signals interest, leaving the door open for partnership.
Who Appears
- Kaul Hiloshudon (Hilo)No Peak Pillar posing as a clan envoy; brokers jade-for-peace deal, tests Crew structure, plans to ship scrap jade, and proposes arming Dauk toward alliance.
- Dauk LosunPillar of Southtrap; convenes Bosses, fronts negotiations, translates for Hilo, later hears Hilo’s longer plan and weighs alliance cautiously.
- Blaise “the Bull” KromnerSouthside Crew Boss; drives demand for jade, negotiates purchase, assigns Skinny Reams to control distribution, gains financing and port support.
- Willy “Skinny” ReamsKromner’s foreman; endorsed to oversee jade handling and prevent leakage into streets.
- Jo (Joren) GassonBaker Street Boss; offers financing and political cover, affirms Skinny’s reputation.
- Anga SlatterActing Wormingwood Boss; secures a 15% cut for port passage, supports Kromner’s choice of Skinny.
- Rohn ToroDauk’s feared deputy; arranges the meeting and drives the Kekonese party.
- Taru (Tar)Hilo’s Pillarman; attends incognito, submits to disarming, observes tensions.
- Sana DaukDauk’s wife; hosts post-meeting lunch while Hilo and Dauk discuss strategy.