Chapter 34: Virginia: Remember Earth

Summary

• The chapter features Virginia, a leader preparing for communication with the ship Archimedes, while the enemy might try to intercept the transmission.
• Virginia reminisces about taking a menu from a Phobos spaceport eatery as a memento of a bygone era.
• Virginia reflects on her love and initial fear of Darrow, a man with a powerful presence, and receives a tightbeam call from him.
• Darrow and Virginia confirm each other's identities with a coded exchange about personal history.
• Darrow asks about the state of their home and son, while Virginia struggles with revealing the harsh reality of their situation.
• Virginia informs Darrow that Phobos has been lost, and they've negotiated a peaceful transfer with their enemies.
• Darrow is visibly affected by their losses, and his aging and weariness become evident to Virginia.
• Virginia debates with Darrow about his return, fearing the consequences, and pointing out his importance as a beacon of hope for Mars, despite tactical risks.
• Darrow, wanting to come home, is convinced by Virginia that he must stay away to avoid capture and death.
• Virginia mournfully explains that his return would not assure victory and asks Darrow to trust her strategy to defend Mars.
• Virginia, emotionally strained, pleads with Darrow to lead an armada for their future victory, despite there currently being none.
• Darrow, reflecting on his past mistakes and aspirations, expresses his readiness to follow Virginia's leadership henceforth.
• The chapter concludes with Darrow, acknowledging his own growth and accepting his role beyond Mars, requesting orders from Virginia.