Chapter 9: Darrow: Shit Escalates

Summary

• An atomic detonation occurs on west spindle four at a space dock, causing devastating damage, and Apollonius's troops are preparing for an attack.
• Darrow, injured and with his comrades, suspects his ally Sevro may be behind the chaos.
• The military leader Apollonius addresses the situation with Asmodeus au Carthii, whose ships are approaching for an attack despite a prior agreement.
• Apollonius motivates his troops for battle against the superior Carthii forces, while one of his officers, Vorkian, suggests a more cautious approach.
• Apollonius refuses Vorkian's suggestion of retreat, desiring to craft a legendary battle and keep Darrow alive for a rematch.
• Battle commences as the Carthii attack, with Apollonius's forces responding and preparing for the Carthii boarding.
• Darrow and Cassius, imprisoned and used as pack mules, anticipate Sevro's involvement and plan to be ready for anything.
• They find themselves trapped, but Darrow holds onto hope for Sevro's aid while they make their way through the station amidst chaos.
• The enemy forces use drilling equipment to create breaches in the station's defenses, but Apollonius commands his forces to hold strong.
• An intense battle ensues, with Darrow and Cassius struggling to break free amidst gunfire, detonations, and desperate fighters.
• Servo, piloting a mech, appears and retreats with Darrow and Cassius through the station under heavy fire.
• Sevro leads them to a garden and ejects them into space, where they are eventually rescued by a ship called the Archimedes.
• Safe in the Archimedes and away from the battle, Darrow smiles despite the dire situation, relieved at his narrow escape.