Chapter 83: Lysander: A Way Out

Summary

• Lysander arrives at the spaceport of Plutus and is greeted by Demetrius and Markus, while noticing a tension between Demetrius and Kyber.
• Kyber informs Lysander that Demetrius is not scared of her, hinting at his confidence from participating in a secret kill pool.
• Lysander shares information with Demetrius about his visit with Diomedes and reports of strange behavior on Europa, delaying an attack until they have better intelligence.
• Once in private, Lysander seeks to contact a friend to discuss the intelligence but decides against letting Markus do it.
• Demetrius reveals the friend had already called off the attack on Europa and Lysander ponders whether they need to intervene concerning the Raa prince.
• Lysander is escorted to his quarters to await Atlas’s arrival and avoid unwanted attention, while taking the time to ponder an offer made by Diomedes and the implications of accepting it.
• Markus informs Lysander that Flavinius is with their 'friend' and Lysander seeks assistance from Exeter, who does not respond.
• Lysander has an unexpected encounter with Cassius, an old friend who has secretly entered his quarters.
• Cassius and Lysander discuss the changes in Cassius since they last met, noting Cassius's improved appearance and Lysander's surprise at seeing him comfortable in his own quarters.
• Cassius wears tiger-styled armor and speaks of its previous owner, Strabo, who is also now taking a long nap, hinting at his death.
• Lysander ponders how Cassius bypassed security measures, suspecting Pytha's involvement.
• Cassius attempts to reconnect with Lysander, referencing a shared history and the burdens of their family legacies.
• The dialogue explores the tension and emotional baggage between Lysander and Cassius, with Cassius expressing regret for past actions and Lysander's ambivalent feelings toward him.
• Lysander reveals his internal struggle with feelings of insignificance and manipulation by people in power throughout his life.
• Cassius proposes joining forces with Lysander to confront Atlas and suggests they could be free to live differently.
• Lysander struggles with the idea of accepting Diomedes’s offer and is plagued by fear and anxiety over Atlas's potential revenge and control tactics.
• Finally, Pytha appears and encourages Lysander to agree to a plan of action, with the promise of support from her and Rhone, giving Lysander a sense of hope and alliance.