Chapter 36: Lysander: Jurisdiction

Summary

• The chapter features a character named Lysander recovering from being poisoned.
• Pytha and Cicero are his companions, urgently trying to wake him up as Praetorian forces approach.
• Lysander struggles to become conscious and is in immense pain while his companions argue with Rhone, a ranking military officer, about the decision to revive him.
• As Lysander regains awareness, he is told about an assassination attempt against him, framing it as a political opportunity.
• Lysander learns that the Rim, a faction in their space universe, is abandoning a siege due to their home, Ilium, being attacked by an Obsidian fleet led by a warlord named Volsung Fá.
• Diomedes, a leader from the Rim, requests Lysander to join them in defending against the warlord, offering a century pact as an assurance to return and aid Lysander afterward.
• An emergency summit is convened, where Lysander's allies debate supporting the Rim. They ultimately agree to maintain the siege of Mars while Lysander aids the Rim.
• Lysander, weakened by the poison, plans to depart with a handful of his Praetorians to meet the Raa army.
• Rhone, who is Lysander’s Dux, expresses concern about Lysander’s safety and the wisdom of joining the Rim, but Lysander insists on going.
• Changes to the plan occur when Helios, a powerful figure, takes imperium of the fleets. Helios allows Lysander to come with strict limitations.
• Lysander agrees to Helios's terms, picking ten Praetorian guards to join him on the journey.
• There are sniper attacks, one of which injures Kyber, another character close to Lysander.
• Dido au Raa hands Lysander a device to combat the poison, and he prepares to leave for Ilium.