Chapter 80: Darrow: Stirring Stuff
Summary
- Darrow and his crew are observing Lysander's propaganda as he claims victories over the Ascommani.
- Propaganda includes images of Lysander's heroic acts, such as rescuing slaves and defeating enemy ships.
- Darrow displays disgust toward the propaganda, finding it sickeningly persuasive.
- Lysander addresses the Rim, asserting that they are not forgotten and detailing his triumphs and the restoration of the Garter to the Raa.
- Lysander calls for support in the fight against Volsung Fa and his fleet on Europa.
- Darrow's reaction to Lysander's speech is one of anger and a desire to exact violent retribution.
- Cassius and Diomedes, members of Darrow's group, question Lysander's intentions and alliances.
- Diomedes suggests that Lysander's survival indicates a possible new arrangement with Atlas (the antagonist).
- Darrow expresses concern about the fate of the Volk and the Daughters, foreseeing their destruction.
- Diomedes proposes the only hope for the Volk is to unite their fleet with Athena’s.
- Darrow grapples with always being a step behind Atlas and ponders his next move.
- Diomedes advises Darrow to encourage the Volk to remain on Europa to avoid a swift defeat by Atlas's forces.
- Darrow and Diomedes conclude that they have a window of opportunity to make a move before Lysander and Atlas realize their plan has been disrupted.
- It's suggested that Lysander will wait for reinforcements from Ganymede, granting them some time.
- Diomedes believes Lysander truly aims to protect the Rim and seeks unity, revealing his plan to show his grandmother the truth behind Lysander's actions.
- Diomedes sees an opportunity to leverage Lysander's weakness, which Cassius identifies as his reputation.
- Cassius pilots their ship, Archimedes, towards Io, moving forward with their plan.