Chapter 51: Darrow: Midnight Lands

Summary

• Darrow and his crew wait in Jupiter's orbit due to dangerous storms on Io before making their approach.
• Darrow reflects on the name origins of Jupiter's moons and the harsh impact of conquest on them.
• Io has been heavily damaged, with cities destroyed, but the equatorial region called Demeter's Garter remains intact.
• Demeter's Garter is a vital agricultural area and key to controlling civilization on outer moons.
• Fá, the antagonist, has seized Io strategically, echoing Darrow's own tactics and ruthless efficiency.
• Darrow feels conflicted about the brutality required for such military actions and its consequences.
• There is no sign of resistance against the occupying Ascomanni forces as Darrow's team makes their way to Io.
• Darrow and the crew use a volcanic plume as cover to approach Io undetected by enemy patrols.
• The Archimedes lands in a volcano range, away from the city Sungrave, to avoid detection.
• Darrow prepares for the mission with Aurae's help and sets out with Sevro who dons the Godkiller armor.
• Their route avoids direct confrontation by traveling through the Waste of Karrack to approach Sungrave.
• As they travel, they witness Jupiter's large presence in Io's sky and the harsh, volcanic landscape.
• Surface temperatures on Io plummet during nivalnight when Jupiter eclipses the Sun.
• Darrow and Sevro move with caution, alternating between flying and using gravity boots to scout for enemies.
• They pass the Waste of Karrack, observing charged particle auroras in the sky, which leads Darrow to reminisce about the Blues.
• Darrow reflects on Sevro's recent isolation and hopes for reconciliation after personal grief.
• Sevro comments on their improved armor technology, expressing regret it wasn't available earlier.
• Passing the ruined city of Darkfall, Darrow contemplates the harsh reality of Io's non-terraformed, inhospitable environment.
• Darrow is affected emotionally by the sight of the destroyed city and the thought of Io's citizens being exiled.