Lysander awakens on Io expecting Cassius, but is instead led by Aruka, a Brown steward, through hidden passages to a secluded room. There he meets Gaia Raa, Romulus’s mother, attended by the aged Obsidian Goroth. In an austere chamber with a rare wooden piano, Gaia sheds her senile act, needles Lysander about legends and duty, and coaxes him to the instrument. Gaia’s mournful playing draws Lysander into an unexpected response; he plays a requiem that unlocks vivid, long-buried memories of his mother.

They speak plainly of loss—Cassius and Gaia’s slain kin—and of honor versus survival. Gaia reveals Seraphina earlier begged mercy for Lysander, but he insists duty outweighs any bond. Pressed for her purpose, Gaia admits she wants help, not consolation.

Gaia leads him to a solarium where Pytha, gaunt but alive after torture by Pandora, is waiting. Over tea and food, Gaia warns Dido will quietly execute both Lysander and Pytha before or after Romulus’s trial. Survival, Gaia says, requires freeing Romulus from the Dust Cells so her daughter Vela’s loyal legions can strike Sungrave. Diomedes, bound by oath to the Olympic Knights, will not defy Dido. Despite Pytha’s skepticism about escape, Lysander calculates the risks and agrees; Pytha chooses to accompany him.

Gaia outlines the plan: hoverbikes await in a garage, a transponder will summon Vela once Romulus is secured, and Goroth will guide them through the mountain’s secret tunnels. Aruka retrieves Gaia’s razor, Shizuka, which Gaia lends to Lysander. After a brief, emotional farewell, Goroth leads Lysander and Pytha into the dark passages to begin the rescue.