Chapter 37: Darrow: Cacophony

Summary

• Darrow is aboard the spaceship Archimedes, approaching an asteroid important to the Republic's hope.
• He reflects on the reminders of his mission, Pax's gravBike key, and Thraxa's weapon, Bad Lass.
• The asteroid appears insignificant and has been mined in the past.
• Cassius, the ship's companion, is slightly injured and they joke about the ship's cleanliness.
• Darrow expects Quicksilver to already be aware of their arrival despite their stealth capabilities.
• The journey of thirty-six days was fortunately uneventful, with threats from the Rim and Obsidian pirates being minimal.
• The vastness of the Belt, which is populated by asteroids and a few cities, is described.
• Darrow contemplates the civilizations beyond the asteroid belt, reflecting on the distance from the sun.
• Darrow recalls the last time he was far from the sun and thinks about Lysander occupying his old space aboard the Morning Star.
• Darrow feels a sense of isolation and insignificance in the vastness of space.
• Cassius brings up concerns about whether Quicksilver is on the asteroid and whether Darrow has been lured away by false hopes.
• Darrow acknowledges the possibility but accepts it as Virginia's strategy to protect Mars.
• Darrow stays focused on his mission without dwelling on doubts, inspired by a book called "The Path to the Vale."
• His discipline on the journey has been segmented into training his body, mind, and heart.
• Darrow trains intensely with Cassius and has adjusted his diet to regain his physical form.
• He has also been writing a book for his son and reading "The Path to the Vale," finding strength in facing suffering.
• Darrow studies intelligence about his enemies and questions their strategies and motives.
• The productive tone of the voyage has influenced everyone but Sevro, who has been distant and uncooperative.
• As they approach the asteroid, Cassius notices a crater opening—a hidden hangar releases several unique ships to escort them.
• A man named Matteo appears over the communication projector, welcoming Darrow.
• Darrow meets Sevro, who is making knives and prefers to stay isolated in his work.
• Sevro's music, referred to as Cacophony, and his knife-making hobby reflect his emotional state.
• Darrow confronts Sevro about joining him to meet Quicksilver, but Sevro remains noncommittal, immersed in his thoughts.