Contents
Chapter 8: Speaking for the Family
Overview
Anden resumes controlled jade use in medical training and is invited to present in Espenia. With Hilo and Shae’s approval, he travels to Adamont Capita to build goodwill but is curtly rebuffed by Deputy Secretary Kelly Dauk. In Port Massy, Anden reconnects with old ties, sees Cory has moved on, and hears Dauk Losun’s grave concerns about Espenia’s jade ban, police pressure, Crew tensions, and Maik Tar’s brutal vengeance undermining No Peak’s image.
Summary
At Janloon General, Emery Anden dons limited jade for a preoperative procedure, deftly clotting blood flow to a liver tumor under Dr. Timo’s supervision as Espenian researchers observe. Impressed, Dr. Elan Martgen invites Anden to present bioenergetic techniques in Espenia, largely because of Anden’s language skills and mixed heritage.
Anden brings the invitation to the Kaul house. Despite tension between Hilo and Shae, Shae supports the trip as a bridge to Espenia; Hilo agrees. Young Niko, remembering Wen’s injury in Espenia, objects, and Anden reassures him he chose to go and will be careful.
In Adamont Capita, Anden assists faculty at a medical conference and serves as translator. Afterward, he seeks policy connections and meets Deputy Secretary Kelly Dauk. Kelly distances herself from Kekonese clan interests, frames jade prohibition as settled law, and refuses introductions or help, asserting her Espenian identity and office.
Anden then visits Port Massy, receiving a warm community welcome. Cory arrives with Daria from law school, treating Anden politely but at a distance, signaling he has moved on. The encounter leaves Anden conflicted.
Walking with Dauk Losun, Anden hears candid worries: the Crews remain dangerous despite setbacks; police now target Kekonese for jade; Espenian attitudes may extinguish Green Bone tradition; and Maik Tar’s gruesome vengeance abroad harms No Peak’s image and goals. Anden concedes the point, and they part with mutual concern about the future as Anden prepares to return home with no concrete gains.
Who Appears
- Emery AndenMedical student using controlled jade; invited to Espenia; authorized by Hilo to lobby; rebuffed by Kelly Dauk; reconnects in Port Massy and hears Dauk Losun’s warnings.
- Kaul HiloPillar of No Peak; reluctantly approves Anden’s trip to Espenia to speak for the family.
- Kaul ShaeWeather Man; supports Anden’s outreach to Espenia to bolster No Peak’s business and understanding.
- Niko KaulHilo’s son; protests Anden’s trip due to fear after his mother’s past injury in Espenia.
- Dr. TimoSupervising Green Bone physician; oversees Anden’s preoperative jade procedure and travels to Espenia.
- Dr. Elan MartgenEspenian researcher who invites Anden and Kekonese practitioners to present jade medicine at a conference.
- Kelly Dauk (Dauk Kelishon)Deputy Industry Secretary; distances herself from clan ties, refuses to aid No Peak’s lobbying on jade.
- Dauk LosunPillar of Southtrap; hosts Anden, condemns Tar’s brutality, warns of jade bans, policing, and fragile community standing.
- Cory DaukAnden’s former partner; now a lawyer; meets Anden politely and arrives with a new companion, Daria.
- DariaCory’s companion from law school; her presence underscores Cory’s moving on.
- Mr. HianAnden’s former host; welcomes him back and helps convene community gathering.
- Dauk SanaLosun’s wife; helps host Anden and the community dinner in Southtrap.