Chapter 2: Darrow: The Book

Summary

• The chapter's protagonist, Darrow, reflects on the tough conditions and psychological toll of life inside an old Sons of Ares base on Marcher-1632.
• Marcher-1632 was repurposed by Darrow's crew as a hidden refuge after being abandoned more than a decade prior.
• Darrow vividly describes the weight of leadership and his constant worry for his son, his partner Virginia, and his lost comrade Sevro.
• He interacts with the ship's engineers, checking progress on a project and sharing concerns about the potential betrayal by someone close to them.
• Darrow recounts the escape of Cassius from the Rim to warn the Republic of an impending war, helped by Aurae, who is now under suspicion of being a spy.
• Darrow visits Screwface, a comrade from his past with whom he shares a history, but who has become bitter and disenchanted.
• Screwface shares his pessimistic view of their situation and the state of the war, spreading doubt about their allies and leaders.
• Darrow tries to maintain morale but is affected by Screwface's negative outlook and his own resentments, particularly about Sevro's actions.
• Despite his own doubts, Darrow forces himself to continue training, using it as a method to combat the inner "coward" he perceives as an inclination toward surrender.
• He listens to a recorded speech by Virginia for comfort and then practices swordplay while the ship's artificial gravity simulates different environments.
• Darrow heads to his quarters and performs his nightly rituals, recording messages for his wife and son, documenting his story.
• The chapter ends with a cliffhanger, as an alarm signals that an enemy spaceship has found their base, and Darrow prepares for battle.