Chapter 55: The Ignoble House Barca
Contains spoilersOverview
In the infirmary aftermath, Sevro recovers from his staged hanging as Mustang confirms Cassius will live, and Sefi’s language signals her consolidation of Obsidian authority. Victra proposes to Sevro; they marry a week later, lifting morale and easing factional tensions. The celebration ends with Holiday announcing a direct call from the Jackal, reintroducing imminent threat.
Summary
In Virany’s infirmary, Sevro jokes through pain while Virany details his neck and larynx injuries from the staged hanging. Mustang reports that Cassius survives with internal bleeding and that he is being left alone by the Obsidians. Darrow notes Sefi spoke for all Obsidian, implying a pan-tribal consolidation during the riot; Sevro frames his mercy as breaking a cycle of vengeance. Victra arrives and asks to speak privately with Sevro.
Outside, Darrow and Mustang weigh the forty-nine–day voyage to the Core, fearing the Jackal’s and Sovereign’s moves during the delay. Mustang warns that a unified Obsidian bloc under Sefi is both useful and dangerous. Sevro and Victra emerge beaming: Victra has proposed, and they announce their engagement.
Seven nights later, a small ceremony in the Morning Star’s auxiliary hangar cements the union. Darrow gives Victra away; Mickey officiates, offering a pared-down benediction. The marriage calms tensions after the riot, with Victra’s battlefield valor earning respect among the Sons. Victra chooses the Barca name over Julii, publicly aligning with Sevro’s legacy.
Celebration sweeps the fleet: ripWings fly in formation, Reds and Golds dance together, and even Kavax joins in, while Cyther celebrates completing Mustang’s special project. Daxo quietly observes and tells Darrow that Mustang loves him but fears loss. Amid comic interludes with Clown and Pebble, Holiday approaches Darrow, soberly reporting a direct com from the Jackal. Watching Mustang and Sevro spinning on the floor, Darrow feels dread return as the call looms.
Who Appears
- Sevro au Barca
Recovers from injuries, reflects on mercy, accepts Victra’s proposal, and marries, becoming a unifying symbol.
- Victra au Julii (Victra Barca)
Proposes to Sevro, weds him, and chooses the Barca name, strengthening bonds across factions.
- Darrow of Lykos
Narrates events, supports the marriage, gauges Sefi’s consolidation, and dreads the Jackal’s impending contact.
- Mustang (Virginia au Augustus)
Confirms Cassius will live, cautions about Sefi’s power, celebrates, and is described as loving yet fearful.
- Mickey
Teases in the infirmary and officiates the wedding with a restrained, heartfelt benediction.
- Holiday
Oversees security during festivities and quietly delivers the Jackal’s direct com to Darrow.
- Dr. Virany
Treats Sevro, detailing his neck and larynx injuries with pragmatic professionalism.
- Sefi the Quiet
Signals pan-tribal leadership of the Obsidians and agrees to leave Cassius unharmed.
- Cassius au Bellona
Wounded prisoner who survives; spared by Sevro’s mercy and protected from Obsidian retribution.
- Kavax au Telemanus
Dances with Mustang, easing old prejudices and modeling cross-faction camaraderie.
- Daxo au Telemanus
Observes the revelry, advises Darrow about Mustang’s feelings, and is dragged to dance.
- Clown
Comic relief at the celebration, nervously cutting in to dance near Pebble.
- Pebble
Dances with a Gray captain; becomes the focus of Clown’s awkward courtship.
- Cyther
Orange engineer who completed Mustang’s special project; joins the fleet-wide celebration.