Chapter 33: Lysander: Master of the Spoils
Contains spoilersOverview
Lysander secures Phobos, publicly decorates his forces, and destroys Darrow’s statue to cement victory. At a garden gathering, he balances allies by granting Apollonius the docks, recruits Julia’s support, and wins Dido’s pledge to stand against Atalantia. Preparing a rapid Iron Rain on Mars, Lysander is abruptly poisoned by the Lament.
Summary
As the final Republic ships depart Phobos under the negotiated transfer, Lysander conducts battle honors. He returns a bloodied cape to a burned Red, Orlow, promises him restitution, and awards phalera to Helldivers and Grays. Pytha receives the Civic Crown for saving thousands with the Lightbringer turned refuge. Lysander forgoes seeking the Grass Crown, then unveils a hologram as allied ships destroy Darrow’s statue over Phobos, chanting “Per aspera ad astra.”
At a celebration in Victra’s captured garden, Julia au Bellona needles Lysander over granting the dockyards to Apollonius. Lysander explains the balance of power he intends—Bellona for planetary rule, Apollonius for docks—and reveals his plan to shock the worlds with a full Iron Rain on Mars in three days, before Atalantia can intervene. He urges Julia to back speed and unity to win Mars outright.
Lysander then consults Dido and Horatia. He declares his goals: the Morning Chair, Atalantia’s removal, Core–Rim partnership, Martian helium for Rim prosperity, reforms to reduce violence and elevate the Pinks, and open dealings. Convinced, Dido commits to hold the field if Atalantia arrives, forcing Helios to stand with them or face disgrace.
Seeking Diomedes, Lysander finds him in the gardens. They speak frankly of Ajax, trust, and the proposed vanguard assault. Suddenly Diomedes notices blood from Lysander’s eyes: the Lament poison. Kyber briefly appears and vanishes when named, while Diomedes stays to help. Agony surges as Lysander urges Diomedes to keep the allies together. He tries and fails to master the poison with the Mind’s Eye, sinking into isolating despair.
Who Appears
- Lysander au Lune
Claims Phobos, decorates troops, courts allies for a rapid Iron Rain, secures Rim commitment, then is poisoned by the Lament.
- Julia au Bellona
Financier ally; challenges dockyard allocation, weighs Lysander’s plan, and is offered Mars if she backs a swift assault.
- Dido au Raa
Rim leader; approves standing against Atalantia and promises not to abandon allies during the Mars campaign.
- Diomedes au Raa
Rim knight; discusses trust and vanguard roles, spots Lysander’s bleeding eyes, stays to aid during the Lament.
- Apollonius au Valii-Ra
Powerful ally given the dockyards; furious and brooding at the celebration, a volatile asset for the coming assault.
- Pytha
Blue savior of thousands; awarded the Civic Crown for converting Lightbringer into a refuge amid battle.
- Rhone
Dux and Praetorian commander; conducts honors, recites ritual words, advises the feasibility of a rapid Iron Rain.
- Helios au Lux
Rim Imperator; skeptical isolationist likely to defer to Atalantia, contrasted with Dido’s commitment.
- Horatia
Lysander’s confidante and liaison; works on Dido and supports Core–Rim unity for the Mars offensive.
- Kyber
Operative present in the gardens; recognizes the Lament and disappears when Lysander collapses.
- Orlow of Gamma
Burned Red Helldiver who returns Lysander’s cape; receives a phalera and a personal pledge.
- Pallas
Julia’s lancer; engages Helios and entangles with Apollonius amid political jockeying at the celebration.