Chapter 16: Lysander: The Two Hundred
Summary
- Lysander attends the summit of the Two Hundred at a refurbished Colosseum in Atalantia.
- He sneaks a moment with Horatia to finalize plans, discussing a secret dockyards deal, before separating.
- The Gold houses proceed with their ceremonial rituals, as Lysander sits with the hardline Irons faction.
- There is a report on the Ascomanni warlord's raids, viewed as a consequence of Republic's internal chaos.
- Cornelius au Carthii delivers a passionate speech requesting aid against Apollonius, noting the importance of the Venus dockyards.
- Cornelius is openly ridiculed by others, and Atalantia effectively seals his family's loss of the dockyards by personally intervening.
- Diomedes au Raa gives a dispassionate report on the war, harboring visible contempt for the Gold’s hypocrisy.
- Dido au Raa challenges Atalantia by calling out her selective support which has left the Rim burdened, and threatens to withdraw from the alliance.
- A heated debate erupts among the factions, highlighting tensions and political manoeuvring within the Two Hundred.
- Julia au Bellona, the Princeps Senatus, restores order and demands procedural respect, allowing the proceedings to continue.
- As tension mounts, Horatia subtly signals Lysander that everything is prepared for their plan.
- Dido gives a powerful speech to reclaim unity and fulfill promises, with Atalantia responding that Mars will be targeted after Luna.
- Atalantia announces Lysander's leadership in the upcoming campaign against Luna, consolidating his and her own power.
- Diomedes, followed by other Rim representatives, exits the assembly in protest, which indicates a rift within the Society.
- Lysander decides to take a stand, despite Ajax’s plea for him to remain seated and aligned with Atalantia.