Contents
Chapter 33: Truthbearers
Overview
Art Wyles leverages his new political influence and faith-driven agenda to keep anti-Ygutan operations alive despite official cutbacks. By moving to acquire Jim Sunto’s GSI and fusing it with Anorco’s jade, Wyles positions a private military force to carry on Operation Firebreak, escalating corporate, political, and religious stakes.
Summary
Art Wyles, wealthy Anorco CEO and devout Truthbearer, enjoys his Euman Island residence and the company of Lula, a Kekonese courtesan. A call from Joren “Jo Boy” Gasson congratulates Wyles on becoming president-elect of the powerful Munitions Society, underscoring Wyles’s rising political clout.
Wyles then hosts Jim Sunto, former Angel and head of Ganlu Solutions International (GSI). The men affirm their shared faith and view Ygutanian Deliverantism as a global threat. Wyles reveals that Premier Roburg is cutting official funding for Operation Firebreak, reflecting public fatigue with overseas conflicts and jade-enabled forces.
Pivoting from the setback, Wyles presents Sunto with a confidential War Department memo authorizing private military contractors to continue Firebreak covertly. He argues that devoted Truthbearers within government will sustain the mission off the public ledger.
Wyles offers to invest three hundred million thalirs and acquire GSI as an Anorco subsidiary, leaving Sunto in charge. By pairing Anorco’s offshore jade supply with GSI’s IBJCS-trained personnel, Wyles envisions a vertically integrated private jade army to profit and counter Ygutanian influence. Sunto, shocked but tempted, prepares to accelerate recruitment.
Who Appears
- Art WylesAnorco CEO and devout Truthbearer; engineers privatized Firebreak by moving to buy GSI and supply jade.
- Jim SuntoEx-Angel leading GSI; receives secret authorization and considers Wyles’s 300-million buyout and rapid expansion.
- LulaKekonese courtesan living with Wyles on Euman Island; attentive partner framing his personal life.
- Joren "Jo Boy" GassonBaker Street Crew fixer; calls to congratulate Wyles on Munitions Society presidency, highlighting his influence.
- Premier RoburgEspenian premier who cuts Operation Firebreak funding, prompting the shift to private contractors.