Chapter 18: Catfish

Bero meets his Espenian handlers, Galo and Berglund, in a museum under his codename “Catfish.” Galo presses for specifics on a rumored major action by the Clanless Future Movement, but Bero can only report growing attendance, agitation, and vague talk of an imminent uprising.

The handlers probe Ema’s role among leaders Molovni, Guriho, and Otonyo. Bero recounts failed attempts to befriend and seduce Ema, offering scant background. Determined to learn more, Bero lurks at the Little Persimmon and briefly spies the leaders over maps of Janloon and hand-drawn blueprints before Molovni confronts and expels him.

Unable to breach the inner circle, Bero embeds himself through persistence and becomes CFM secretary, capturing attendance, minutes, and membership lists. He copies and supplies these documents regularly to Galo and Berglund, keeping his payments steady but not satisfying their demands for a breakthrough.

Galo explains Espenia’s stakes: Ygutan seeks to destabilize Kekon, topple clan power, and flood jade markets. The Espenians require hard proof of Ygutanian material support and urge Bero to leverage Ema to gain access. The meeting ends with Galo’s veiled threat that Bero’s funding—and safety—depend on delivering results, leaving Bero angry and cornered.