Contents
CHAPTER 18: The White Lantern Club
Overview
Shae hosts Espenia’s ambassador and Euman’s base commander at the White Lantern, refuses increased jade exports, and warns against Espenia’s military buildup. She leverages evidence of Mountain-run SN1 production in Ygutan to align interests, declining cash and pressing instead for Espenian advocacy on tariffs and market access for Kekon.
The meeting reframes No Peak–Espania ties from raw jade to broader economic cooperation while covertly undermining the Mountain.
Summary
At the White Lantern Club, Shae arrives early to host Ambassador Gregor Mendoff and Colonel Leland Deiller, staging the room and signaling control. She opens with resumed mining news but counters Espenia’s military buildup around Kekon, stressing public distrust and the clans’ authority over jade exports.
When the Espenians press for more jade to support Shotar in Oortoko against Ygutan, Shae firmly states the KJA and clans will not approve increased shipments. She frames jade as sacred and central to Kekonese identity, distinguishing clan conflicts from foreign militarization and warning that force would face the Green Bone clans.
Pivoting, Shae offers value without jade: a dossier proving large-scale SN1 production in Ygutan operated by Mountain-linked actors. Deiller, recalling Shae’s past codename, accepts the intelligence’s credibility. The revelation alarms both men, highlighting the risk of Ygutan arming proxies if they access black-market jade.
When the ambassador prices the intel at 10–15 million thalirs, Shae declines cash and asks for advocacy: reduced Espenian tariffs on Kekonese goods and loosened restrictions on real estate and business operations, especially in Port Massy, to correct trade imbalances and strengthen public perception of the alliance.
Deiller reaffirms strategic ties; Mendoff warns change is slow but agrees to raise the issues with national leadership. Shae asserts her full authority as Weather Man, closing the meeting having rejected the jade request and bartered intelligence to undercut the Mountain while seeking long-term economic gains.
Who Appears
- Kaul Shaelinsan (Shae)No Peak Weather Man; hosts Espenian officials, refuses more jade, trades Mountain–Ygutan SN1 intel for tariff and investment advocacy.
- Ambassador Gregor MendoffEspanian ambassador; seeks increased jade exports; offers cash for intel; agrees to advocate trade concessions.
- Colonel Leland DeillerEuman Naval Base commander; evaluates Shae’s intelligence, acknowledges her credibility, underscores Espenia’s strategic aims.
- WoonShae’s senior aide; manages the room, presents dossier, shields Shae from interruptions.
- Unnamed translator (junior Luckbringer)Observer and backup interpreter; present but silent during negotiations.