Chapter 48: Darrow: The Tickler

Summary

• Darrow is awoken by pounding on his door; he fears the Obsidians have found them, but it's Lyria reporting Sevro is torturing a prisoner.
• Darrow rushes to the medBay with Cassius, who is drunk, to stop Sevro, encountering Lyria and Aurae struggling to open the locked door.
• Cassius directs Lyria to initiate fire protocols to unlock the door as Darrow tries to keep Cassius from escalating the situation with Sevro.
• Upon entering the room, they witness Sevro using brutal methods to interrogate Diomedes, trying to extract information about Athena's ships.
• Cassius confronts Sevro, who justifies his actions as necessary for their mission and shows contempt for Cassius.
• Aurae attempts to intervene, but Sevro continues his taunts until Cassius and Sevro end up in a violent physical fight, observed by Darrow and Lyria.
• Darrow reflects on the violence and tensions within his group, allowing the fight to proceed to work out their aggression.
• Darrow and Lyria witness Cassius and Sevro exchanging brutal strikes, culminating in Cassius accidentally hitting Lyria when she attempts to intervene in the fight.
• Sevro reveals to Darrow that his son was killed by an enemy named Harmony, explaining his current behavior and emotional state.
• Darrow confronts Sevro about his destructive actions and his need to work through his pain without lashing out at his friends and allies.
• Darrow offers empathy and support, emphasizing the importance of Sevro's role beyond just being the violent Goblin, highlighting his value as a leader and a friend.
• The conflict ends with Darrow giving Sevro an ultimatum: continue the mission with the group, stop his destructive behavior, or take the offer to be sent home.
• Darrow leaves to check on Lyria, reflecting on the personal challenges and self-imposed isolation that Sevro and others face.