Chapter 53: Old Secrets

Shae brings Niko to a meeting with Espenian Ambassador Lonard and Colonel Basso, who ask No Peak to disperse the large protest encampment on Euman Island, even by force. Shae cites Abukei permission and national opposition to offshore jade mining, refusing to turn Green Bones against jadeless civilians and to break aisho.

When Lonard offers political support for Espenian jade decriminalization in return, Shae counters by revealing No Peak’s evidence that ROE intelligence allowed the Janloon bombing to proceed to protect its espionage aims and captured Vastik eya Molovni. As Lonard downplays old allegations, Niko interjects with “Operation Firebreak,” hinting at secret ROE use of Kekonese contractors in foreign conflicts, unsettling the officials.

Shae proposes an “alliance of inaction”: No Peak will keep Espenia’s secrets—Janloon, Molovni, and Operation Firebreak—if ROE does not hinder the jade decriminalization bill. She rejects deploying Fists at Euman, and ends the meeting with a stark reminder of Espenia’s lack of accountability regarding Kekon and jade.

In the car, Shae rebukes Niko for springing Firebreak without warning. Niko explains that while with GSI he carried out Operation Firebreak—secret ROE proxy wars—expressing guilt over his role. Shae acknowledges the burdens of leadership, and they wait outside Tia’s school.

Niko articulates a hard conviction about power: if the clans stop defining jade, others will, erasing the meaning of their history and sacrifices. He accepts his past flight as a mistake and embraces duty, effectively declaring his intent toward the Pillar’s path. Shae, fearful yet proud, collects Tia, who happily announces a part in her school play, underscoring the family stakes behind their political struggle.