Contents
CHAPTER 52: This Is Serious
Overview
Anden settles into No Peak’s Port Massy liaison office under Hami Tumashon, proving useful by recruiting staff through the Dauks and scouting markets. Amid violent Crew upheavals, he discreetly assists Horn-side reprisals against two ex-servicemen. Tension deepens with Cory over commitment and future plans. The Kauls call Anden, asking him to help kill a man, escalating his role.
Summary
Anden moves from the Hians’ home to a costly Southtrap studio to be closer to No Peak’s Port Massy liaison office, where he works as a junior associate under Hami Tumashon. He adapts to routine city life and appreciates the stability and autonomy.
Tasked to recruit local bilingual staff, Anden turns to the Dauks. Dauk Losun pledges support, and Dauk Sana delivers candidates; from her list, four hires join the office. Meanwhile, Port Massy’s Crews implode: Skinny Reams breaks from Boss Kromner, allies with Anga Slatter, and Kromner is driven into hiding before being arrested, easing pressure on Southtrap’s Kekonese community.
Hami expands Anden’s duties to liquor-market research and real estate scouting. Quietly, Anden handles a Horn-directed assignment locating two ex-servicemen who raped a Kekonese girl; after he confirms their addresses, Maik Tar follows up, and the men later suffer crippling attacks and arson, implying clan retribution.
Anden’s relationship with Cory grows strained. During a brief visit, Anden confronts Cory about fidelity and asks if he’d move to Kekon. Cory admits past indiscretions but affirms commitment while keeping future plans undefined, leaving Anden uncertain about compatibility and family expectations.
Soon after the New Year, Hilo calls Anden with Shae and Juen on the line. They say they need his help in Espenia. The request is stark: assist in killing a man, signaling Anden’s deeper entanglement in clan operations.
Who Appears
- Kaul Hiloshudon (Hilo)Pillar of No Peak; calls Anden with Shae and Juen, asking his help to kill a man.
- Kaul Shaelinsan (Shae)Weather Man; on the call with Hilo and Juen, coordinating a lethal request in Espenia.
- Maik JuenHorn of No Peak; joins the call seeking Anden’s assistance in an assassination.
- Kaul AndenWorking in Port Massy office; recruits staff, scouts markets, aids covert reprisals, faces relationship doubts.
- Hami TumashonHead of the liaison office; directs Anden’s recruiting, market research, and discreet assignments.
- Dauk LosunSouthtrap Pillar; pledges support to No Peak and Anden, smoothing community relations.
- Dauk SanaHealer and community leader; supplies candidate list that yields four hires.
- Cory DaukAnden’s boyfriend; admits minor infidelities, hesitates on long-term plans, open to Kekon hypothetically.
- Skinny ReamsCrew figure; breaks from Kromner and allies with Anga Slatter amid violent turf shifts.
- Boss KromnerSouthside boss; targets Reams, then hides and is later arrested, weakening Crew dominance.
- Anga SlatterCrew leader; allies with Reams against Kromner as Crew violence escalates.
- Maik TarNo Peak enforcer; follows up on Anden’s intel before targeted reprisals occur.
- Mr. and Mrs. HianElderly hosts; offer Anden continued lodging, remain supportive after his move.