Contents
CHAPTER 41: Green as Fuck
Overview
Hilo meets Anden in Port Massy, thanks his hosts, and lays out No Peak’s Espenian expansion, including a new Weather Man office Anden will join after graduating. Anden protests, but Hilo refuses his return unless he wears jade, arguing Janloon would brand him ruined. They part on strained but caring terms, and Anden immediately reaches out to Cory, signaling commitment to life in Espenia.
Summary
Hilo visits the Hians’ home to thank Anden’s elderly hosts with gifts, then takes Anden to breakfast. He explains No Peak’s growing interests in Espenia and reveals Shae’s plan to open a Weather Man office in Port Massy under Hami Tumashon, expecting Anden to work there after graduation.
Anden challenges the decision, arguing he was promised a return to Janloon after two years. Hilo counters that they are discussing options and, pointedly, offers to fly Anden home immediately if Anden agrees to wear jade—an offer Anden cannot accept.
Hilo clarifies his reasoning: Janloon is a green-as-fuck city, and Anden would be pitied as the Kaul who cannot wear jade. He urges Anden to build a future where he won’t be judged, asserting the clan needs Anden as No Peak’s man in Espenia. Hilo also presses on Anden’s relationship with Cory, contrasting Anden’s inner “greenness” with Cory’s distance from Janloon’s lethal jade culture.
After a subdued farewell, Hilo departs by taxi. Left alone, Anden struggles with the conflicting desires for home and his life in Port Massy. He calls Cory, who is packing to return to law school, and bluntly asks him to come over for sex, signaling Anden’s immediate turn toward Cory and acceptance of his present path.
Who Appears
- Anden EmeryKaul cousin in Espenia; debates returning home; assigned to No Peak’s new office; reaches for Cory.
- Kaul HiloPillar of No Peak; orders Anden to remain in Espenia; frames identity versus jade; departs Port Massy.
- Dauk CoryAnden’s partner; on the phone agrees to pick him up; relationship deepens.
- Uncle HianAnden’s elderly host; receives Hilo’s thanks and gifts, humbled and grateful.
- Auntie HianAnden’s elderly hostess; honored by Hilo’s visit and gifts, quietly appreciative.