Summary

Part III, Conquer

Chapter 25 – Nero reports that most of the Golds have sided against him and with the Sovereign in the month since leaving Luna. Help is far away, and the path back to Mars is blocked by the Sovereign’s fleet. Darrow realizes there is too much caution in the people who surround Nero. Pliny argues that they should keep running, causing Octavia delay. Kavax disagrees, saying he will take a thousand men to compel those who did not answer Nero’s summons for help. The Telemanuses argue that they should indeed pay a visit to their own subjects to remind them of their loyalty. The Golds only respect power, says Darrow. To rally Saturn, the Galileans, and others, power must be demonstrated. The ships of Ganymede must all be taken.

Chapter 26 – Pliny disagrees with this plan, saying...