E.S. Raye

I’ve been avoiding writing this topic for a while, but with only three weeks left until Gas Giant Gambit hits shelves, it’s finally time to talk about the antagonists in Gus’s story:

Laszlo Leconte and his children.

But you’ll forgive me if I don’t get too deep into the motivations that drive these characters. I don’t want to give anything important away!

Laszlo

Laszlo Leconte is the founder, operator, administrator, and owner of Leconte Atmospheric Mining Solutions, and the Las Ráfagas mining outpost.

In classic western iconography, think of him as the wealthy oil baron who also happens to be the town’s mayor.

When Gus first arrives, the townsfolk are disturbed by Laszlo’s recent behavior. He’s been more aggressive than usual, pushing people to move, offering them far less than what their properties are worth, and even threatening those who won’t sell.

Meanwhile, Laszlo’s mining operation has been shut down for some time, apparently for retrofitting and renovation. But Laszlo doesn’t share details or timelines, and has ordered the miners stay confined to the barracks level of the outpost until the undefined work is completed.

Laszlo is a smooth talker, and commands most of the rooms he enters with his smile, charisma, and plenty of money. He’s a man used to getting his way, and isn’t above cheating to do it.

And he’s got big plans for the future of Las Ráfagas.

The Leconte Brood

Laszlo has three adult child that appear in Gas Giant Gambit: Makenzie, Laszlo Junior, and Aaron.

Makenzie is mentioned early on, but spends the bulk of the story away from Las Ráfagas. Her return involves a lot of spoiler-y stuff, so I’ll have to skip her, here.

Junior and Aaron, however, are main antagonists like their father.

Junior

Junior is Laszlo’s mining foreman. He is in charge of all the outpost’s day-to-day operations and output. He is a dower man, with sharp features and slicked back hair. Junior is distrustful and arrogant, but also cold and conniving. He is quick to exert his influence, and to draw his pistol.

Aaron

Aaron, the youngest of these three, is far more open than his older brother. He initially comes off as cordial, even friendly, but he’s always looking for the angle–how every situation can benefit him. Aaron’s emotions run much closer to the surface than his brother’s, and he, at times, has trouble holding on to his temper.

Aaron is the chief of the company police force, whose jurisdiction is supposed to cover only the mining levels of Las Ráfagas; the town itself is Marshal Ray’s domain.

In theory.

Both of the Leconte sons are avid razz players, and can be found on the Cirrus House gambling floor most nights.