Chapter 22: Lysander: Iron, Death, Gold

Summary

• The chapter titled "LYSANDER: Iron, Death, Gold" starts with preparations for an imminent military launch.
• Pytha announces through the Lightbringer ship's system that launch (SPITFIRE) will occur in twenty minutes.
• Lysander enters the main hangar with his century of chosen dragoons, receiving salutes from soldiers as he passes.
• All forty-three thousand members of the Praetorian Guard and two house legions from Mercury are dedicated to this assault.
• Ajax, wearing black armor with golden skull pauldrons, discusses the high stakes of their plan with Lysander, highlighting the personal risks to his reputation and legacy.
• Lysander reassures Ajax that Operation Polyphemus is a sound strategy, citing the support of Helios and Apollonius as proof.
• There's an intense sense of urgency as Rhone coordinates troop preparations, stressing attention to detail in combat readiness.
• Lysander notes the political undertones amongst his troops, as some expect him to give Rhone the honor of wearing his white cape.
• Instead, Lysander chooses to give his cape to the leader of the Red Helldivers, a group of Martian miners and outcasts, as a symbol of their importance in the upcoming operation.
• Lysander offers words of encouragement to Golds, known as novus homos (new men), who will follow berserkers into battle, and acknowledges that many will not return.
• As the launch approaches, Lysander has a heartfelt moment with Ajax, who expresses familial loyalty and a desire for vengeance against Atalantia for killing Lysander's parents.
• Lysander prepares to enter his spitTube for launch, but succumbs to fear and sickness; after vomiting, he reassures himself of his purpose as a warrior and a leader.
• Lysander struggles to achieve a state of calm, feeling panic but ordering himself to embrace his roles of Iron, Death, and Gold as the launch countdown continues.