CHAPTER 37: Threats and Schemes

No Peak discovers an insulated shipping container in the Docks holding the dismembered remains of an Uwiwan informer, likely the source on the Amaric Pride. Kehn, angered by the calculated display, notes Ti Pasuiga’s growing audacity and the difficulty of protecting distant informants.

Over lunch, Kehn argues that Zapunyo’s organization must be hit harder. Hilo observes Zapunyo’s business is squeezed by No Peak’s interdictions but acknowledges Zapunyo’s diversification into shine and global crime networks. They conclude that Uwiwa’s corruption shields him from Espenian action.

Hilo prioritizes local strategy: No Peak’s police sting on a shine dealer exposes high-profile users tied to Iwe Kalundo, damaging Mountain succession optics. Simultaneously, No Peak shutters prostitution in its own Armpit casinos and redirects customers into Mountain districts, provoking costly incidents for Ayt Mada.

Seeking to inflame Mountain infighting, Hilo orders Tar to hire outsiders to openly attack a Koben Green Bone after his Espenia trip, ensuring the hit cannot be traced to No Peak. He assures Kehn they will plan stronger action against Ti Pasuiga upon his return.

In a separate thread, Tau Maro balances nonprofit advocacy frustrations with limited political traction. He is then confronted in his office by a narrow-faced jade-wearing criminal and two youths. The intruder rejects blackmail, instead demanding an introduction to the Kauls. Maro refuses; the men depart with veiled threats, revealing they know personal details about him.