Chapter 58: Lyria: Europa

Summary

• The chapter titled "LYRIA" takes place on Europa, where the group lands on an island after surviving a storm.
• Lyria is scolded by Cassius for neglecting her cleaning duties but realizes Cassius is joking.
• Cassius decides to stay on the surface, as the Moses Columns needed for descent are offline, and expresses his desire to keep his ship ready as an escape option.
• Despite the danger, Lyria intends to pursue someone named Volga, undeterred by the frightening Obsidians they encountered on Io.
• Cassius expresses concern for Lyria dealing with Obsidians, reflecting on the changes in war and asking her to consult with him before making any potentially harmful decisions.
• Lyria makes a spitshake promise to Cassius to seek his advice in the future.
• Lyria, feeling inspired by Cassius's good deeds, thanks him, and they share a moment before Lyria leaves to join the others led by Darrow.
• The group meets heavily armored Red troopers led by Cheon, who greets them formally with a coded exchange of phrases.
• They board a submerged craft where Darrow and Sevro stand out because of their physical stature and the tension runs high.
• As they descend into the ocean depths, there's a mixture of anxiety and awe at the beauty of the undersea world.
• On reaching Athena's realm, Lyria can't help thinking about the fate of those left on the surface who might be left to die.
• Upon docking, something seems amiss as the group notices suspicious activity, such as manacles being carried by people on the dock.
• A gas is released inside the submarine, subduing Darrow and Sevro, and it becomes clear there is a betrayal underway as they are being restrained.
• Lyria's attempts at self-defense are futile, as the gas overpowers the passengers and she is hit on the head while trying to wield her pistol.
• A new character, Athena, appears, disapproves of the violence, and commands Cheon to stand down, highlighting a difference in principles.
• Athena greets Aurae warmly as her "bravest daughter," indicating some prior connection and revealing Aurae's role in bringing the group to Athena.
• Lyria feels a sense of betrayal from Aurae, while Athena declares the situation to be "Justice, at last."