Chapter 39: Darrow: Under the Golden Gaze

Summary

• Darrow reflects on his past conversation with Nero about exploring the stars and feels conflicted as he walks with Quicksilver (Quick) in the Tabula Rasa’s garden.
• Darrow resents Quicksilver’s focus on space travel after their shared history fighting for a cause.
• Quicksilver explains the ship they are on is the "heart" of a larger vessel; it represents a "why" rather than the technical "how".
• They discuss Quicksilver’s reasons for letting Darrow aboard the ship and the threats they face, including the Shadow Armada.
• Quicksilver reveals the ship has been in construction since the war was going well and represents both hope and doubt.
• A sad history is shared about Quicksilver’s first love and children, who were murdered in retribution by a Gold creditor after a business deal went wrong.
• Quicksilver wears a ring to remind him of the brutal lesson of violence and power from this traumatic event.
• Quicksilver describes how he later took revenge on the Gold creditor, sending him into space where he still survives in isolation years later.
• Darrow understands Quicksilver wants the children aboard the ship to grow up free from oppressive Gold influence.
• Quicksilver admits to doubts about extending his life indefinitely and contemplates his loneliness and god-like role.
• Darrow suggests Quicksilver should forgive the Gold creditor to free himself from past pains.
• Quicksilver views Darrow as a son and expresses affection for him, despite refusing to provide significant help for the war.
• Darrow takes Quicksilver's eyeball ring and requests non-military assistance from him.
• The main telescopic array of the Tabula Rasa allows Darrow to observe the solar system, providing extensive information and possibly hints of a plan.
• Darrow discovers that a significant part of the enemy fleet is missing and follows their trajectory to Jupiter using the telescope.
• Two separate fleets seem to be on route to Jupiter, leading to speculation about their intentions.
• Darrow reveals new strategic information on the Obsidian conflict around Jupiter and suggests action based on these new insights.
• Sevro is reluctant to follow Darrow into war again but acknowledges the temptation to return home now that he has a chance.
• Darrow proposes using the current situation in Jupiter's orbit to support the Sovereign's forces in the war.
• Aurae expresses concerns about Athena’s potential reaction if Darrow, instead of Sevro, responds to her invitation.
• Darrow reveals that he had once betrayed the location of the Sons of Ares in a political deal and the consequences that followed.
• Even though Sevro refuses to join Darrow's mission, Darrow respects his choice and prepares to take the path alone, considering it part of his and Sevro’s shared inheritance.