Chapter 89: Darrow: The Only Path
Summary
- Darrow reflects on his struggle to remember his son Pax and the rest of his family during war.
- He recounts bringing home a glass globe from the Himalayas as a memento for Pax, before mentioning recovering in the Raa bunker after an injury.
- After coming out of the Raa bunker, Darrow describes the destruction of the Garter, but notes signs of survival and aid from other factions like the Daughters.
- Diomedes, Darrow's companion, expresses his willingness to cooperate, but not subservience towards the Daughters who are helping survivors.
- Darrow meets Sevro, who informs him about the reluctance of Athena and Volga to engage Lysander's forces.
- Sevro, though not fond of Cassius, is emotionally affected by his death and resolves revenge on Lysander.
- Sevro confronts Diomedes about not killing Lysander while mocking the newly recognized Hegemon of the Dominion, Gaia.
- Diomedes and Darrow discuss the dire food situation due to the destruction of croplands and alliances with Mars against Lune.
- A meeting is called to sign a new covenant, an uneasy agreement that remains suspect of not being honored but needed for unity against the Society.
- A new alliance is formed with terms that leave no one entirely satisfied, but is necessary for the greater war effort.
- A diplomatic exchange occurs, and despite misgivings about the future, Darrow emphasizes the importance of trust among allies.
- A speech by Aurae highlights the contrast between the leaders' drive for control and the combined path of the gathered allies, which promises growth after destruction.
- Darrow exchanges final words with Volga and Lyria, who acknowledge Cassius's impact and the need to continue the fight in his honor.
- Darrow reflects on the assembled fleet's lack of cohesion and the challenges of uniting them into an effective force against the Society.
- An unexpected encounter with a stealth ship, the Archimedes, occurs as they leave Io.
- Exploring the quiet Archimedes, Darrow mourns his lost friends and confronts the loss of Cassius in the ship's cargo hold.
- Sevro finds memorabilia in Cassius's room, prompting reflection on their past and a discussion about continuing with Cassius's recordings.
- Darrow sends a silent message to Virginia and Pax, affirming his love and determination to win the war.