Chapter 17: Lysander: Mars Must Fall
Summary
- Lysander interrupts a summit meeting, challenging the retreat of Diomedes and railing against the infighting among Golds which led to their previous failures.
- Diomedes initially dismisses Lysander, but Lysander invokes his right to interject as a descendant of a Conqueror, demanding to speak despite mockery from others.
- He secures the required support of thirty members to validate his interjection, with Horatia and her bloc raising their hands in support.
- Lysander criticizes the current trajectory of Gold society, accusing it of fostering self-interest and greed over true leadership and unity.
- He passionately argues that the Society has lost its way, having become obsessed with war rather than striving for peace and prosperity.
- Lysander appeals to the ideals of the Society’s ancestors and suggests that the true enemy is their internal division, foreshadowing a future conflict between the Core and the Rim.
- He implores the assembled to reignite their sense of purpose and to act as shepherds rather than wolves, unifying to tackle their common enemy, the Rising.
- Lysander proposes that instead of targeting Luna, the Society should focus on reconquering Mars, uniting all factions against the Rising, and preserving the broader peace and stability.
- He refuses Atalantia's offer to reclaim his family seat if it means breaking the alliance and insists peace must be the priority over personal gain.
- Lysander further surprises the assembly by revealing that he has negotiated peace between House Rath and House Carthii, with an armada soon to arrive to support this new alliance.
- As Lysander's speech gains momentum, he garners support for his plan, even from unexpected factions like the Rim, who had been hesitant to join the cause.
- With Atalantia realizing she is outnumbered, she reluctantly concedes to the assembly’s wishes while maintaining her intention to continue the siege of Luna.
- After the assembly, Atalantia sarcastically congratulates Lysander and warns him about the personal costs of political maneuvering, before leaving with her followers.
- Lysander and Ajax have an intense but silent interaction as Atlas, observing the summit from afar, exits the scene quietly.