Contents
Chapter 29: Rude Awakenings
Overview
Hilo and Woon recover in the hospital, their survival credited to IBJCS-inspired Steeling. Shae defends saving Ayt to prevent national chaos, while Hilo suspects Espenian foreknowledge of the bombing. With troops stabilizing Janloon, Juen coordinates a swift crackdown with select allies and a media push. Meanwhile, the ROE chemically interrogates Ygutan agent Molovni about the nekolva program.
Summary
Hilo and Woon are dug from the KJA rubble and rushed to Janloon General, gravely injured but alive. Once lucid, Hilo explains he trained No Peak’s leaders in Espenian IBJCS anti-IED Steeling and used it to survive the blast, while Woon’s lesser injuries came from distance and collapse. Shae visits Woon with their newborn Tia, then checks on Hilo, who is battered and missing some jade.
In private, Hilo lashes out at Shae for saving Ayt Mada, but Shae argues Ayt’s death alongside the bombing would have plunged Kekon into chaos. Juen reports that CFM-inspired cells launched attacks during the leadership vacuum, forcing the Royal Council to deploy troops, including jade-equipped soldiers, which bought the clans time to regroup.
Strategizing from the hospital, Hilo acknowledges public pressure for retribution and orders swift coordination: work with Aben Soro, bring in minor clans, and use journalists to show he’s alive to blunt Koben narratives. He reveals an anonymous warning note he received before the blast—likely Espenian—fueling suspicion they sought leverage over a surviving No Peak rather than full occupation. Wen backs Shae’s point that two strong clans reduce foreign manipulation.
Elsewhere, Ygutan nekolva operative Vastik eya Molovni awakens in ROE custody. Rejecting torture, Espenian interrogators administer pharmaceuticals, intending to extract detailed intelligence on the nekolva program over time.
Who Appears
- Kaul HiloPillar of No Peak; hospitalized but directing recovery, reveals IBJCS Steeling saved him, plans PR and crackdown, distrusts Espenians.
- Woon PapiBadly injured, relieved to see family; confirms survival during blast; supportive of Shae; symbolizes No Peak’s resilience.
- Kaul Shaelinsan (Shae)Defends saving Ayt to prevent chaos; visits Woon and Hilo; analyzes Espenian motives and advocates balanced stability.
- Juen NuHorn coordinating street response; admits underestimating CFM; moves to work with Aben Soro and minor clans.
- Maik WenBeside Hilo in recovery; counsels restraint; supports media plan and pragmatic cooperation for stability.
- Vastik eya MolovniCaptured Ygutan nekolva agent; awakens in ROE custody; subjected to pharmaceutical interrogation.
- Ayt MadaMountain Pillar, recovering under guard; her survival triggers debate over national stability.
- Aben SoroMountain Horn; potential partner in joint operations against the CFM.
- Nau SuenMountain loyalist noted as guarding Ayt during recovery.
- Iwe KalundoMountain Weather Man, among Ayt’s inner circle during her convalescence.
- Niko KaulHilo’s son; visits his injured father before security sends the children home.
- RuHilo’s adopted son; present during the hospital visit, then escorted away.
- Jaya KaulHilo’s daughter; emotionally clings to her father during the visit.
- Tia WoonShae and Woon’s newborn; calm presence during hospital visits, highlighting family stakes.