Contents
CHAPTER 10: A Ridiculous Waste
Overview
As Hilo departs the Uwiwas with Teije, corrupt police try to kill the group on Zapunyo’s orders. Hilo Deflects the gunfire and his Green Bones rout the ambush, taking minor wounds. In the aftermath, Hilo mentors Lott through his first kill and deepens his resolve to destroy Zapunyo.
Summary
Hilo’s team leaves Zapunyo’s estate without escort. Hilo senses hostility from Iyilo, recognizing the barukan’s resentment and willingness to kill them if ordered. He splits the group across two cars and remains alert as they head for the airstrip.
At the airport, police cars block their plane. Despite Teije’s claim the officers are after him for bail-jumping, Hilo identifies the ambush as Zapunyo’s doing. He advances alone, drawing the officers’ focus, then Deflects the opening volley. Tar, Juen, Doun, Vin, and Lott charge; Lott throws knives with guided Deflection, dropping two men. Hilo joins the melee, killing swiftly. The corrupt officers are overwhelmed; Hilo spares the wounded as needless casualties of Zapunyo’s scheme.
They board the waiting charter plane. Juen is grazed by a bullet; Doun is shot through the calf. With first aid underway, the plane takes off, leaving the bloody tarmac behind.
In flight, Hilo sits with Lott, who is shaken by his first kill. Hilo contrasts Lott with his late father, praises his courage, and reframes the dead officers as enemies of the clan rather than personal foes. Lott steadies under the guidance. Hilo then broods at the window, contemptuous of Teije and increasingly determined to bring down Zapunyo.
Who Appears
- Kaul HiloPillar of No Peak; leads the group, Deflects gunfire, orders the counterattack, mentors Lott, and vows vengeance on Zapunyo.
- Lott JinYoung Finger; uses guided knife throws to fell attackers, then struggles with his first kill and receives Hilo’s counsel.
- TarPillarman; brash in demeanor, leaps into the fray and cuts down police during the ambush.
- JuenFist; guns down attackers from atop a squad car; suffers a shoulder graze.
- DounFinger; fights through the ambush and takes a bullet through the calf.
- VinFinger; detects the police ambush and joins the assault.
- Teije RunoHilo’s blood cousin; cowed after earlier beating, panics at the roadblock, escorted onto the plane.
- ZapunyoUwiwan smuggler kingpin; orchestrates a police ambush rather than risking his own barukan.
- IyiloBarukan bodyguard; radiates hostility as Hilo’s group departs, symbolizing Zapunyo’s contempt.