Chapter 20: Virginia: Nucleus

Summary

• The scene is set in space, as Victra’s dreadnaught Pandemonia moves toward the main fleet, and the narrator's war shuttle descends towards Phobos, orbiting Mars.
• Phobos is described as small and heavily urbanized over the centuries, with vast cityscapes and a diverse range of living conditions for its once large population.
• The moon serves as an important defensive position, with fortifications aimed at protecting strategic docks, amidst which stand monuments to heroes.
• The narrator reflects on the presence of Darrow, her husband, and expresses hope that he is still alive and will return to see their son.
• There is a strategy discussion and view of the approaching Rim and Core Armada, indicating an unexpectedly aggressive assault plan, possibly led by Apollonius.
• The narrator enters a heavily defended command center known as the Nucleus on Phobos and takes command, signified by placing a battle crown on her head.
• A comprehensive display of the battlefield is presented, showing all the defenses in place around Mars, and there's a description of the battle stations and formations.
• Reports come in from commanders of different task forces - Pandemonia, Task Force Fox, and Task Force Warlock - all in their positions and ready for the enemy.
• The narrator decides on a defensive strategy with advisement from her commanders, believing that offensive moves would negate the advantage of their heavy fortifications.
• The enemy’s maneuvers are scrutinized, particularly Dido’s and Diomedes’ battlegroups, as well as the historic significance of Darrow’s ship, now under Lysander’s control.
• The narrator is concerned about Lysander’s seemingly underpowered and ill-prepared flagship, the Lightbringer, and does not understand the enemy's confidence in attacking.
• There are some suspicions about the enemy fleet's movements and the loyalty of their own sources, and preparations are checked for potential saboteurs.
• The chapter concludes with the narrator expressing disdain for having to wait and play defense, eager to learn why the enemy would challenge them without Atalantia.