Chapter Eighteen
Contains spoilersOverview
Fleeing Canton aboard the Hellas, Professor Lovell confronts Robin over Lin Zexu’s destruction of opium and demands renewed obedience. Their argument exposes Lovell’s racism and exploitation of Robin’s origins and mother. Robin rejects complicity, activates a silver bar, and kills Lovell. Ramy confirms the death, leaving the group facing the fallout.
Summary
The Hellas departs Pearl Bay in haste after the opium’s destruction. Cramped quarters heighten tensions; Ramy and Robin bunk with sailors while Letty and Victoire share a cabin with Jemima Smythe, a curious American missionary. The students wait anxiously for news as Professor Lovell confers with the captain.
Lovell summons Robin and demands to know what he told Commissioner Lin, citing the massive losses to Jardine & Matheson. Robin insists he followed instructions but finally admits he opposes the opium trade and refuses to return to Canton for it. Lovell derides China, frames the matter as ingratitude, and asserts Robin’s debt to Babel and to him.
The quarrel turns personal. Robin challenges Lovell’s exploitation and demands acknowledgment of his mother. Lovell dismisses her with a slur and denies responsibility. Robin presses him to say her name; Lovell threatens Robin’s future at Babel and implies prison is the alternative. Robin, suffocated by anger, forces the confrontation.
Both reach into their pockets. Robin draws the silver bar and speaks its match-pair—bào, to explode—unleashing a burst that tears Lovell’s chest. Shocked, Robin kneels, calls Lovell “father” in Chinese, and understands there is no undoing what he has done.
Ramy, Letty, and Victoire rush in. They find the body and blood; Ramy checks for a pulse, recites a prayer, and closes Lovell’s eyes. With Lovell dead, the friends stand stunned as Ramy quietly asks what they should do next.
Who Appears
- Robin Swift
Defies Lovell over opium, confronts him about his mother, and kills him using a silver bar’s match-pair.
- Professor Richard Lovell
Confronts Robin about Canton, belittles China and Robin’s origins; is killed by Robin aboard the Hellas.
- Ramy Mirza
Supports Robin, jokes with the missionary, confirms Lovell’s death and closes his eyes, asks what to do next.
- Letty Price
Deflects the missionary’s probing, witnesses Lovell’s body, and is shocked by Robin’s confession.
- Victoire Desgraves
Presses Robin about the meeting with Lin; witnesses Lovell’s death scene, stunned by the aftermath.
- Jemima Smythe
An American missionary sharing the women’s cabin; nosy and eager about potential war, then departs to pray.