Contents
CHAPTER 51: The Unlucky Ones
Overview
Wen covertly transports real jade into Espenia by disguising it as bluffer’s jade and using her stone-eye immunity to bypass detection. She meets Anden and hands the stones to Rohn Toro’s trusted Green Bones for discreet distribution. Wen asks Anden to keep her role secret from Hilo, while reaffirming Anden’s place in No Peak’s overseas plans.
Summary
Arriving at Port Massy, Wen is diverted to secondary screening with a briefcase of bluffer’s jade and paperwork for a fake jewelry firm. She uses misdirection, her stone-eye nature, and dulled real jade worn as jewelry to pass inspection, reinforcing a prepared cover story that checks out.
Anden greets Wen with Rohn Toro. At the hotel, Wen makes Anden promise not to reveal to Hilo that she personally smuggled the jade, knowing Hilo’s rigid view of who belongs in Green Bone work. They discuss Anden’s life in Espenia, his conflicted loyalty and longing for home, and Wen’s own desire to contribute beyond domestic duties.
Rohn arrives with four trusted Green Bones from Port Massy, Adamont Capita, and Resville. Wen cleans the coating from her jade, disassembles choker and bracelets, and divides two hundred beads into five lead-lined boxes, entrusting each man with a share to equip and train subordinates discreetly. The bluffer’s jade is routed to a front company for legitimate sale.
After the high-risk handoff succeeds, Wen and Anden decompress. Strengthened by this infusion of real jade, No Peak’s Espenian allies gain a covert edge over local Crews while avoiding law enforcement scrutiny, and Anden maintains Wen’s secret from Hilo.
Who Appears
- Kaul Maik WenStone-eye who smuggles real jade into Espenia under a jewelry dealer cover, coordinates distribution, and keeps her role secret from Hilo.
- Kaul AndenNo Peak cousin in Espenia; greets Wen, assists the transfer, discusses his life and loyalties, and agrees to keep her secret.
- Rohn ToroNo Peak-aligned Green Bone leader in Port Massy; receives and distributes jade to trusted lieutenants across cities.
- Espenian customs officersScreen Wen at the airport; accept her cover and release her with the bluffer’s jade samples.