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The book is set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, and follows the story of several characters as they navigate a complex web of politics, conspiracy, and interplanetary conflict. The story begins with Julie, a young woman who is being held captive on a ship, and then shifts to Jim Holden, the executive officer of the Canterbury, a ship that hauls ice from Saturn's rings to the Belt. When the Canterbury receives a distress signal from a nearby asteroid, Holden and his crew are drawn into a mystery that involves a missing ship, a mysterious disease, and a conspiracy that threatens the entire solar system. Meanwhile, Detective Miller is tasked with investigating the disappearance of Julie Mao, a young woman from a wealthy family who had been living on Ceres Station. As Miller delves deeper into the case, he discovers that Julie's disappearance is connected to a larger conspiracy involving the Outer Planets Alliance, a radical organization that seeks to protect the rights of Belters. The story unfolds as a complex and suspenseful thriller, with multiple plot twists and turns, and raises questions about the nature of power, identity, and humanity in a future where the boundaries between Earth, Mars, and the Belt are becoming increasingly blurred. Throughout the book, the characters must navigate the dangers of space travel, the complexities of interplanetary politics, and the risks of playing with forces beyond human control. The book ultimately builds towards a climactic confrontation between the characters and the protomolecule, a mysterious and powerful entity that has the potential to transform humanity and the solar system forever.
The protagonist, Julie, has been held captive in a storage locker for eight days after her ship, the Scopuli, was taken. She has been surviving on minimal water and has been too afraid to make noise, fearing she would be shot. As the days pass, she becomes more desperate and eventually tries to escape by kicking the locker door. After finally breaking free, she explores the empty ship, finding signs of a struggle and blood, but no people. She makes her way to the engineering deck, where she finds a horrific scene: the ship's fusion reactor has been covered in a flesh-like substance with tubes and pulsing parts, and her captain's head is embedded in it, begging for help.
The story shifts to Jim Holden, the executive officer of the Canterbury, a ship that hauls ice from Saturn's rings to the Belt. Holden is tasked with checking on the ship's systems and crew, including a medical tech who is treating a crew member's injured arm. He also interacts with Ade Tukunbo, the ship's navigator, with whom he has a romantic interest. However, their conversation is cut short when Captain McDowell calls Holden to the bridge to discuss an emergency signal they've received from a nearby asteroid. The signal is from a Martian freighter called the Scopuli, and the Canterbury is obligated to stop and render aid. Holden and the captain discuss the difficulties and potential costs of altering their course to respond to the signal, but ultimately decide to do so. As they begin to make plans to stop and investigate, Holden is warned by the captain to be cautious and not to take any unnecessary risks.
Detective Miller is tasked with investigating the disappearance of a young woman named Julie Mao, who is the daughter of a wealthy and influential family. Miller's investigation is complicated by the fact that Julie has been involved with a group called the Far Horizons Foundation, which is believed to be a front for the Outer Planets Alliance, a radical organization. As Miller delves deeper into the case, he discovers that Julie's family wants her found and returned home, and he is hired to do just that. However, Miller's instincts tell him that something is off, and he is unsure what he has gotten himself into. Meanwhile, Miller's partner Havelock is not included in the investigation, and Miller is left to navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries between different factions on Ceres. As Miller begins to dig into Julie's past, he uncovers a trail of clues that suggest she may be more than just a rebellious rich girl, and that her disappearance may be connected to a larger conspiracy.
The crew of the Knight, led by Holden, prepares to investigate the distressed ship Scopuli, which is found resting against an asteroid. As they approach the ship, they notice a large hole in its side, indicating a breaching charge was used to gain access. Holden, Amos, and Naomi suit up and use a salvage mech to reach the Scopuli, where they find no signs of the crew or any bodies. The ship's reactor is shut down, and it appears that someone intentionally opened all the interior pressure doors to empty the ship of air. As they search the ship, they discover that the distress beacon was not activated by the Scopuli's crew, but rather by a fake beacon made from a transmitter and a battery. Holden becomes increasingly uneasy, suspecting that the transmitter may have a second signal triggered to go off when found. Just as they decide to leave the ship and return to the Knight, they receive a message from Captain McDowell, indicating that there may be a problem.
Detective Miller is interrupted during his evening meal by a call from Hasini, the assistant manager of the Blue Frog, a port bar on Ceres. Hasini informs Miller that his partner, Havelock, is at the bar and looking for a fight. Miller heads to the bar, where he finds Havelock drinking and on the verge of starting a brawl. Miller calms Havelock down and they leave the bar, walking through the tunnels of Ceres while discussing Havelock's struggles to fit in as an Earther in the Belt. Havelock feels like an outsider and is frustrated by the prejudice he faces from the Belters. Miller tries to offer some words of comfort and understanding, but it's clear that Havelock is still struggling. They eventually head to a cop bar, the Distinguished Hyacinth Lounge, where they meet up with other security agents and try to put Havelock's troubles behind them. However, their evening is disrupted by a broadcast from Captain Shaddid, who announces that a situation is unfolding and orders all security agents to report to their stations. The message is followed by a video from a man named James Holden, who appears to be in a state of shock and rage, setting the stage for a larger crisis to come.
The crew of the Knight, led by Holden, rushes back to the Canterbury as it's being attacked by a stealth ship. Despite their efforts, the Canterbury is destroyed by nuclear torpedoes, killing everyone on board. Holden is filled with rage and grief, and he broadcasts a message to the attackers, sending them the crew's personal files and photographs. The stealth ship targets the Knight, but then disappears. Holden wants to chase after the stealth ship, but Naomi advises against it, suggesting they call for help instead. As they try to come to terms with what happened, Alex reveals that the stealth technology used by the attackers is similar to what he saw in the navy, and they discover that one of the components has a Martian navy serial number. Holden decides to broadcast the evidence to the public, revealing that the Martian navy may be involved in the attack.
Detective Miller is tasked with responding to a crisis on Ceres Station after a broadcast by James Holden implicates Mars in the destruction of a water hauler. Miller and his partner Havelock discuss the implications of the situation, with Miller explaining that the attack on the water hauler is a serious threat to the Belt's resources and way of life. As tensions rise on the station, Miller is assigned to lead a team to the port level to maintain order and prevent rioting. However, they soon discover that their riot gear has been stolen, and they must improvise with SWAT gear instead. Miller and his team encounter a violent mob in one of the sectors, where a man is being beaten to death. Miller uses his knowledge of the Belt and its culture to defuse the situation, appealing to the crowd's sense of identity and shared interests. He manages to calm the mob and arrest the perpetrator, but not before the man is severely injured. As the situation is brought under control, Miller reflects on the challenges of maintaining order in a volatile environment and the complexities of loyalty and identity in the Belt.
Holden and his crew on the Knight are trying to come to terms with the destruction of the Canterbury and the loss of their friends. They are waiting to hear back from Saturn Station, but when they finally receive a response, it's from a lawyer who informs them that the Martian Congressional Republic Navy (MCRN) is sending a ship to pick them up and investigate the incident. The crew is wary of the MCRN's intentions and discusses their options, ultimately deciding to cooperate with the investigation while also trying to protect themselves. Holden comes up with a plan to send a public message announcing their cooperation, making it harder for the MCRN to disappear them. However, just as they think they have a plan, they receive a transmission from the MCRN ship, the Donnager, and are instructed to follow a specific course. As they begin their journey, they detect six unknown ships on an intercept course, flying without transponders, which raises new concerns and uncertainties for the crew.
Detective Miller is investigating the disappearance of Julie Mao, a young woman from a wealthy family who had been living on Ceres Station. As he delves deeper into her life, he discovers that she was a complex and private person who had been estranged from her family. Miller finds a series of messages from Julie's mother, Ariadne, which reveal a strained and manipulative relationship. The messages show Ariadne trying to guilt trip Julie into coming home, and Julie's responses range from angry to conciliatory. However, the most recent message from Julie's father, JPM, is more ominous, warning Julie that the Belt is about to become a very unsafe place and urging her to come home for her own safety. This message was sent two weeks before the destruction of the Canterbury, which has sparked tensions between Mars and the Belt. Miller's investigation is taking on a new level of significance as he uncovers more about Julie's life and the events leading up to her disappearance.
The crew of the Knight is on high alert as they navigate through space, being followed by six unknown ships and on a course to meet the Martian battleship, the Donnager. As they try to make sense of their situation, they receive a tightbeam transmission from Fred Johnson, a former UN colonel and now a key figure in the Outer Planets Alliance. Johnson warns Holden that he is being played and that someone is trying to start a war. He offers his help and asks Holden to use a specific keyword in his next public broadcast to signal that he is not being coerced. The crew discusses their options and decides to continue on their course, but they are aware that they have become pawns in a larger game. As they try to cope with the stress and uncertainty of their situation, they gather in the galley to drink and talk, and Holden finds himself drawn to Naomi's unique features and strength. The crew's dynamics and relationships are put to the test as they face the challenges ahead, and they can only speculate about the intentions of the unknown ships and the true motives of Fred Johnson.
Detective Miller is tasked with investigating a complaint of extortion at a hardware shop in sector eight, where the owner claims to have been approached by a man named Mateo Judd who demanded protection money. Miller discovers that Judd is wearing an OPA armband, which suggests a possible connection to the Outer Planets Alliance. As Miller delves deeper into the case, he learns that the usual organized crime groups on Ceres have stopped operating, and a new group may be moving in to fill the power vacuum. Miller decides to pay a visit to an OPA-friendly bar, where he meets a man who claims that the OPA is not a criminal organization, but rather a group that defends Belters against economic terrorism by the inner planets. The man denies any connection to Mateo Judd, but Miller is unsure if he can trust him. Meanwhile, Miller's partner Havelock is concerned about Miller's activities and offers to listen if Miller wants to talk. The next morning, Miller wakes up to find that Mateo Judd has been murdered, and he realizes that the OPA may be more involved than he initially thought.
The crew of the Knight boards the Martian battleship Donnager, where they are met with a mixture of professionalism and hostility. Holden is taken to meet with Lieutenant Lopez, a naval intelligence officer, who questions him about his past and his accusations against the Martian military. Meanwhile, the Donnager is preparing to engage with six unknown ships that are approaching, and the crew of the Knight is trapped in their quarters, awaiting the outcome. As the battle begins, the Donnager takes damage, and the crew of the Knight is thrown into chaos. Despite their initial confidence in the Donnager's defenses, they soon realize that the Belt ships are putting up a fierce fight, and the Donnager is taking heavy damage. In the midst of the battle, the crew of the Knight suffers a devastating loss when their medic, Shed, is killed by a gauss round that pierces the room.
Detective Miller is investigating the disappearance of Julie Mao, and he's getting closer to uncovering the truth. He visits a jiu jitsu studio where Julie used to train and talks to her instructor, who reveals that Julie was attacked and raped when she first came to the Belt. Miller also meets with Anderson Dawes, the Ceres liaison for the Outer Planets Alliance, who tries to persuade Miller to stop looking for Julie. Dawes reveals that Julie worked for the OPA and that they are also looking for her, but Miller refuses to back down. As tensions rise on Ceres Station, Miller warns his partner Havelock to take a leave of absence and get off the station, fearing that things may escalate into violence. Miller's investigation is putting him in the middle of a complex web of alliances and rivalries between different factions in the Belt, and he's starting to realize that Julie's disappearance may be connected to a larger conspiracy.
Holden and his crew are on the Martian battleship Donnager, which is under attack by unknown ships. As they try to escape, they suffer a devastating loss when their medic, Shed, is killed by a gauss round. The crew works together to patch up the breaches in the room and tries to come up with a plan to survive. They are eventually rescued by Lieutenant Kelly and his marines, who are wearing heavy vacuum-rated armor. The group makes their way to the elevator bank, but not before one of the marines, Mole, is killed in a hail of gunfire. They escape down the elevator shaft and make their way to the hangar bay, where they plan to take a corvette to escape the ship. However, they soon discover that the hangar bay is filled with hostile boarders in powered armor, and they must shoot their way through to reach the corvette. As they make a break for the ship, Gomez provides covering fire, but Kelly is hit and disappears in a flash of light, leaving the crew's fate uncertain.
Detective Miller is investigating the brutal murder of a Martian-born citizen, Enrique Dos Santos, who was tortured and nailed to a wall on Ceres Station. As Miller delves into the case, he discovers that the killers may have been connected to an independent gas-hauling company and have fled to Io. Meanwhile, Miller's investigation into the disappearance of Julie Mao is put on hold by his superior, Captain Shaddid, who prioritizes maintaining order on the station over pursuing the case. Miller meets with Anderson Dawes, an OPA representative, who provides him with information about the missing riot gear and its possible connection to a front company. In exchange, Dawes asks Miller to drop the Mao investigation, but Miller secretly continues to pursue the case, seeking to uncover the truth about Julie's disappearance and the mysterious events unfolding on Ceres.
Holden and his crew are trying to escape from the Martian battleship Donnager, which is under attack by unknown ships. They manage to board a corvette, the Tachi, and escape the ship, but not without suffering casualties, including the death of Lieutenant Kelly. As they flee, they realize that their transponder signal is still active, which could give away their location to their pursuers. However, Alex reveals that he had switched off the transponder signal before they escaped, making it harder for them to be tracked. The crew then prepares to bury Lieutenant Kelly with full honors and records the ceremony in the ship's log. Holden contacts Fred Johnson, a key figure in the Outer Planets Alliance, who provides them with a new transponder code and coordinates for a safe harbor. The crew sets course for the safe harbor, unsure of what to expect but hopeful that they can find refuge and protection from their enemies.
Detective Miller watches a broadcast from the Martian president, who announces that Mars will be enforcing a military cordon on the Belt to protect its citizens and economy from the Outer Planets Alliance (OPA). The president blames the Belt for the attack on the Martian ship Donnager, which Miller believes may not be entirely accurate. Miller is then called into his captain's office, where he meets with Anderson Dawes, a representative of the OPA. Dawes tells Miller that he needs to stop investigating the disappearance of Julie Mao, as it is no longer in his jurisdiction and could put him in danger. Miller is resistant to the idea, but eventually agrees to drop the case. However, he later reveals to himself that he is in love with Julie and is determined to find her. Miller's partner, Muss, tells him that he is being given the worst cases and is no longer a respected detective, which further motivates him to continue searching for Julie. The chapter ends with Miller reflecting on his life and his job, feeling like he has hit rock bottom, but still holding onto the hope of finding Julie and uncovering the truth.
The crew of the Rocinante, formerly known as the Tachi, is enjoying a brief moment of peace and normalcy as they settle into their new ship. They share a meal together, discussing their situation and the ship's capabilities. Holden decides to take Fred Johnson's offer of refuge and the crew agrees to follow him. As they prepare to head to Tycho Station, Naomi works on changing the ship's transponder signal, but is hesitant due to the potential risks. Holden decides to execute the program, and the ship's new identity as the Rocinante is established. The crew then sets course for Tycho Station, where they are greeted by Fred Johnson, who welcomes them aboard. As they dock, Holden arms his crew, citing a need for caution and independence. They meet Fred, who is revealed to be the Butcher of Anderson Station, a surprising and potentially ominous twist.
Detective Miller's world is turned upside down as the government of Ceres collapses and the United Nations withdraws its oversight, leaving the station in a state of uncertainty. Miller is fired from his job by Captain Shaddid, who no longer trusts him. Despite this, Miller continues to investigate the disappearance of Julie Mao, pouring over docking logs and searching for any lead that might bring him closer to the truth. As the station teeters on the brink of chaos, Miller's obsession with the case grows, driven by a sense of purpose and a desire to uncover the secrets that Julie may have uncovered. Meanwhile, the power vacuum created by the UN's withdrawal sets the stage for a potential takeover by the Outer Planets Alliance, and Miller can't help but wonder what Julie saw that's worth sparking a war between Mars and the Belt.
Holden and his crew arrive at Tycho Station, where they are greeted by Fred Johnson, a key figure in the Outer Planets Alliance. Fred explains that the station is protected from attack due to its strategic importance and the significant investments made by Earth and Mars politicians. Holden is skeptical of Fred's intentions, but eventually agrees to stay on the station in exchange for protection and shelter. Fred reveals that he wants to use Holden and his crew as witnesses in a potential trial to investigate the destruction of the Canterbury and the Donnager, and to push for a new set of treaties between the Belt and the inner planets. Meanwhile, Naomi copes with her emotions by singing karaoke and drinking, while Holden reflects on his own losses and struggles to come to terms with the events of the past month. He eventually finds solace in the silence of the Rocinante, but is still haunted by the ghosts of his past.
Miller, a former detective, is trying to come to terms with his new life after being fired from his job on Ceres Station. He spends his days drinking coffee and auditing ship records, searching for any lead on the disappearance of Julie Mao. He receives a message from his former partner, Havelock, who offers him a job with Protogen security, but Miller declines, choosing instead to focus on finding Julie. He discovers a potential lead on a ship called the Rocinante, which may be connected to James Holden, and decides to investigate further. As he prepares to leave Ceres, he books a transport to Tycho, but then receives an update from Havelock that the Rocinante has put in a flight plan for Eros, so he changes his plans and books a new transport to Eros. Miller is driven by his obsession to find Julie and uncover the truth, and he is willing to take risks and face uncertainty to achieve his goal.
Holden and his crew are enjoying some downtime on Tycho Station, but Holden is getting restless and wants to get back to work. He proposes that the crew start looking for jobs to do, using their ship, the Rocinante, to transport goods and people around the solar system. The crew agrees, and Holden meets with Fred Johnson, the leader of the Outer Planets Alliance, to discuss a potential job. Fred wants to borrow the Rocinante to pick up a person on Eros, but Holden refuses, instead offering to rent the ship and crew to Fred for the job. Fred eventually agrees, and the crew prepares to head to Eros to pick up the person, who is revealed to be connected to the mysterious ship, the Scopuli. Along the way, Holden and Fred discuss the details of the job and the risks involved, and Holden comes up with a plan to disguise the Rocinante as a freighter to avoid detection.
Detective Miller travels to Eros on a cheap transport, reflecting on his past and his investigation into Julie Mao's disappearance. On the transport, he meets a missionary who discusses the war between Mars and the Belt, and Miller shares his own thoughts on the matter. Upon arrival on Eros, Miller walks through the casino level, taking in the sights and sounds of the crowded and decadent area. He runs into an old acquaintance, Inspector Sematimba, who is now working with the new security contract on Eros, CPM. Sematimba warns Miller that things are unsettled on Eros and advises him to stay low-profile. Miller waits at a tube station, watching for the crew of the Rocinante, who are scheduled to arrive, and prepares to make contact with them.
Holden and his crew arrive on Eros to investigate a lead on a person named Lionel Polanski, who may be connected to the mysterious ship, the Scopuli. As they make their way to the flophouse where Polanski is staying, they notice they are being followed by a Belter in a goofy hat. Upon arriving at the flophouse, they are confronted by a woman with a gun who demands they come with her. However, before she can take them into custody, a group of armed individuals bursts into the room, opening fire and sparking a intense gunfight. Holden and his crew take cover behind the check-in desk and return fire, but they soon realize that the situation is spiraling out of control. Just as it seems like they are about to be overwhelmed, the Belter in the goofy hat intervenes, taking out one of the attackers and potentially saving their lives. In the aftermath of the gunfight, Holden meets the Belter, who introduces himself as Miller, and they begin to try to make sense of the chaotic situation they find themselves in.
Miller, a former detective, has just killed a man who was part of an ambush on James Holden and his crew. As they wait for the police to arrive, Miller explains that he was investigating the disappearance of Julie Mao, a crew member of the Scopuli. Holden reveals that they were also looking for someone from the Scopuli, and they decide to investigate a room in the flophouse where they think the person might be. Inside, they find evidence of a struggle and vandalism, and eventually, they discover Julie Mao's body in the shower stall. Her body has been severely altered, with growths and tubes coming out of her, and a brown slush leaking from her. Miller is shocked and disturbed by the sight, and he warns the others not to touch anything. When the police arrive, Miller meets with his old colleague, Sematimba, and explains the situation. He warns Sematimba that the case is deeper and more complex than they can imagine, and that he is in over his head. Miller asks Sematimba to forget that he was involved and to let him handle the case on his own, but Sematimba offers to help him instead.
The crew of the Rocinante, along with Detective Miller, are trying to make sense of the events that just transpired, including the gunfight in the lobby and the discovery of Julie Mao's body. Miller reveals that he was investigating Julie's disappearance and had been searching for her, and that her family had hired him to find her. The crew discusses the implications of the events and the potential consequences of their actions. They also examine Julie's hand terminal, which contains a cryptic message and a password-protected file. Naomi manages to access the file, which appears to be Julie's journal, detailing her experiences after being infected with a mysterious disease, known as the "Phoebe bug", which she contracted on one of the moons of Saturn. The journal reveals that Julie was on a shuttle, trying to escape the infection, and was headed to Eros to send out a distress signal. The crew realizes that the Phoebe bug may be a bioweapon and that they need to investigate further to uncover the truth. They decide to head to a location designated by a code in Julie's journal, BA834024112, which may hold the key to understanding the events that have unfolded. Miller asks to join them on their mission, driven by a desire to find out who killed Julie and to uncover the truth behind her death.
Detective Miller meets with James Holden and his crew at a hotel restaurant on Eros Station, where he tries to negotiate a ride on their ship, the Rocinante, in exchange for his help in investigating the disappearance of Julie Mao. However, their conversation is interrupted by an emergency broadcast announcing that the station is in lockdown due to a radiological hazard. As the crew and Miller try to make their way to the casino level for safety, they realize that the situation is more complex and sinister than they initially thought. Miller recognizes some of the security personnel as corrupt and violent individuals he had previously encountered on Ceres Station, and he begins to suspect that they are involved in a larger conspiracy. As they navigate the crowded and chaotic corridors, Miller tries to convince Holden and his crew to change their plans and not head to the casino level, but instead to make their way to their ship, hinting that the situation is not what it seems and that they are in grave danger.
Holden and Miller navigate through the corridors of Eros Station, trying to uncover the truth behind the alleged radiological hazard. They follow a group of citizens being led by fake riot cops to a supposed radiation shelter, where they discover that the shelter is actually filled with unconscious or dead bodies. The guard is forced to open the door, but they soon realize that the room is filled with a gas that knocks the guard unconscious and causes Miller to cough. Their hand terminals then alert them to a radiation hazard, and they realize they have been exposed to a lethal dose of radiation. As they try to make their way back to their ship to find medical treatment, they are confronted by another group of fake riot cops, and Miller is forced to shoot them to protect themselves. Holden and Miller then continue on their way, trying to escape the station and find a way to counteract the effects of the radiation.
Miller reflects on his past, including the first time he killed someone, and how it has affected him. He and Holden are trying to escape from Eros Station, which is in lockdown due to a radiological hazard. They encounter two guards, and Miller uses his knowledge of one of the guard's past mistakes to manipulate him into giving up his gun. Miller then kills the guard and uses the other guard, Ko, as a prop to convince additional guards that they are part of the installation team from Protogen. As they move through the station, Miller ponders how he has changed over time, becoming more willing to kill and less connected to his humanity. He realizes that his search for Julie Mao was also a search for a part of himself that he had lost. Meanwhile, Miller and Holden finally reach the hideout where they were supposed to meet up with the rest of the crew, but they find it empty, and Holden is worried that they have missed their deadline.
Holden and Miller are trying to escape from Eros Station, which is in lockdown due to a radiological hazard. They are searching for Holden's ship, the Rocinante, but are having trouble navigating through the crowded and chaotic corridors. Along the way, they encounter a group of mafia thugs impersonating riot cops, who are killing people and leading others to their deaths. Holden and Miller intervene, killing some of the thugs, but not before one of them kills a young boy. As they try to make their way to the docks, they are met with a group of heavily armed men blocking their path. With no clear way to get past them, Holden and Miller are faced with the reality of their situation and the likelihood of their own deaths.
Detective Miller and James Holden are trapped in the chaos on Eros Station, where a mysterious disease is spreading and the station is in lockdown. As they navigate the violent and desperate crowds, Miller reveals that he believes the station is being used as a massive experiment to study the effects of the disease, and that the mercenaries who have been terrorizing the station are now falling back, possibly to escape. Miller and Holden decide to follow the mercenaries, hoping to find a way off the station before it's too late. Along the way, Miller's physical condition deteriorates, and he begins to experience hallucinations and a sense of detachment from reality. Despite this, he presses on, driven by a desire to uncover the truth behind the disease and the station's fate. As they approach the archway leading to the port, Miller and Holden prepare to make a final push to escape, but not before Miller has a moment of clarity about the true nature of the experiment and the horrors that are unfolding on Eros Station.
Holden and Miller navigate through the chaotic corridors of Eros Station, trying to reach the port where the Rocinante is docked. They encounter various obstacles, including mercenaries, infected individuals, and radiological hazards. Along the way, they discover that not all of the mercenaries are working together, and some are arguing with each other. As they try to make their way to the ship, they are met with gunfire and are forced to fight back. Holden and Miller use riot armor to protect themselves and make a run for the elevator, but not before they are both injured. Miller's arm is broken, and Holden is shot in the leg. Despite their injuries, they manage to reach the elevator and make their way to the Rocinante's berth. When the elevator doors open, they are greeted by Amos, who is armed and ready to help them. Miller is badly injured and appears to be on the verge of passing out, while Holden is exhausted and relieved to have finally reached the safety of the ship.
Miller slowly regains consciousness after being treated for his injuries on the Rocinante. He is met by Naomi, who informs him that he and Holden are both dead, having suffered severe injuries on Eros Station. The expert system on the ship has managed to save their lives, but they will both require ongoing medical care and monitoring. As Miller tries to come to terms with his condition, he overhears a conversation between Holden and Naomi, in which Holden confesses his love for Naomi, but she rejects him, telling him that he doesn't truly understand his feelings and that she won't sleep with him until he can be honest with himself. Later, Miller talks to Holden, who is struggling to cope with the fact that he killed someone on Eros Station. Miller shares his own experiences with killing and assures Holden that it's okay to be haunted by the memory, as it means he still has a soul. The chapter ends with Miller reflecting on his own feelings and the events that have unfolded, and he is visited by a hallucination of Julie Mao, who tells him that she loves him and will take care of him.
Holden and his crew are recovering from their ordeal on Eros Station, where they discovered a mysterious disease and uncovered a conspiracy involving the Martian navy and a bioweapon. As they try to make sense of the data they found, they realize that it may implicate Earth in the attack on the Donnager. Holden decides to broadcast the data to the solar system, despite Miller's warnings that they don't know the full story and may be starting a larger war. The crew then sets a course for an asteroid, BA834024112, which is connected to Julie Mao's disappearance. As they approach the asteroid, they find a stealth ship that is almost invisible to radar, and they prepare to investigate it, suspecting that it may be filled with infected people.
Miller and the crew of the Rocinante explore the stealth ship, finding signs of a violent struggle and evidence of the protomolecule's presence. They discover that the ship's crew had been conducting experiments with the protomolecule, and that it had broken free of containment, infecting the crew. As they investigate further, they uncover a video presentation by a Protogen executive, who reveals that the company has been secretly experimenting with the protomolecule, a potentially powerful and transformative technology. The executive proposes using the protomolecule for large-scale testing, despite the risks and unknown consequences. Miller and Holden realize that Protogen's actions are the root cause of the disaster on Eros and the wider conflict in the solar system. Meanwhile, Amos works to restore power to the ship, and Naomi discovers a potential lead in the ship's computer systems.
Holden and his crew are investigating the stealth ship they found, trying to uncover the secrets behind the mysterious disease and the conspiracy involving Protogen and the Martian navy. They discover a comm log with a message from Captain Higgins, who warns of extreme contamination hazard and provides vector data for the ship's location. Holden and his crew realize that someone is desperately searching for the ship and decide to scuttle it to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. Meanwhile, Naomi tries to open a safe found on the ship, but it requires a specific magnetic key. Amos works on setting the ship's reactor to self-destruct, and Holden decides to cut the safe out of the wall and take it with them. As they prepare to leave, Miller reveals that he's been watching the news and informs Holden that Mars and Earth are now at war, with Earth ships firing on Martian counterparts and destroying the Deimos deep radar station. Holden is left to grapple with the consequences of his actions, wondering if he is responsible for the outbreak of war.
Detective Miller is watching the news feeds as the war between Earth and Mars escalates, with the Martian navy retreating and Earth enforcing a blockade. He meets with James Holden, the captain of the Rocinante, who is considering broadcasting the data they found on the stealth ship, which could reveal the truth about the protomolecule and the conspiracy involving Protogen. However, Miller advises against it, warning that it could lead to more chaos and violence, and that the information could be used as a pretext for further conflict. Instead, Miller suggests that Holden should consider what Naomi would do, implying that she would be more cautious and thoughtful in her approach. Meanwhile, the crew of the Rocinante is preparing to head to Tycho Station, where Holden hopes to find someone he trusts to help them navigate the situation. Miller reflects on the violence and destruction that has occurred, and the difficulty of making the right decision in a complex and uncertain world. He ultimately suggests that the best course of action would be to destroy the protomolecule and prevent anyone from accessing it, but acknowledges that this may not be a feasible or realistic option.
Holden and his crew arrive at Tycho Station, where they meet with Fred Johnson, a key figure in the Outer Planets Alliance. They discuss their discovery of the protomolecule and the events on Eros Station, and Fred is shocked by the revelations. Naomi explains her theory that the protomolecule is a distributed computing system that needs a large amount of biomass to function, and that Eros Station was the perfect test tube for it. The crew also discusses the implications of the protomolecule and the potential consequences of their actions. Meanwhile, Holden and Miller take their weekly medication to counteract the effects of the radiation they were exposed to on Eros. Fred agrees to work with Holden and his crew to stop Protogen and their observation station, but only if they can track down the station's location. The crew comes up with a plan to use the OPA's resources to gather a team to take down the station, and Fred agrees to provide them with the necessary support.
Detective Miller reflects on his life and the events that have unfolded, including his investigation into Julie Mao's disappearance and the conspiracy involving Protogen. He meets with Naomi on Tycho Station and discusses the comm data from the stealth ship, and later receives a message from his former partner Havelock, who provides him with the coordinates of the black ops station, Thoth. Miller decides to share the coordinates with Fred Johnson, the leader of the Outer Planets Alliance, but only if he can convince him that the OPA has the capability to take down the station. Fred reveals that he has a cargo ship with troops and air support, and Miller agrees to join the ground assault. As Miller prepares to leave the Rocinante, he says goodbye to Holden and the crew, and they make plans to meet up again after the mission. Miller then boards the cargo ship, ready to take on the challenge of taking down Thoth Station.
The crew of the Rocinante, led by Holden, is on a mission to attack Thoth Station, a secret research facility in the Belt. They are flying blind, with their reactor shut down and no radio contact, in an attempt to sneak up on the station. However, their plan is complicated by the presence of two smaller, faster ships that are protecting the station. The crew engages in a intense battle, using their ship's maneuverability and point defense cannons to evade and destroy the enemy ships. Despite taking significant damage, the Rocinante manages to destroy one of the enemy ships and damage the other. As the battle rages on, the crew suffers injuries and damage to their ship, but they continue to fight to complete their mission. Meanwhile, Fred Johnson, the leader of the Outer Planets Alliance, is preparing to launch a assault on the station with a team of troops. The crew of the Rocinante is waiting for Fred's team to arrive and take control of the station, but they know that the battle is far from over.
Detective Miller joins a group of OPA soldiers on a mission to attack Thoth Station, a secret research facility in the Belt. As they breach the station, they encounter resistance from Protogen security forces and engage in a intense firefight. Miller and the OPA troops push forward, overcoming obstacles and taking out enemy forces, until they finally reach the operations center. There, they find Dresden, the man Miller has been searching for, who attempts to negotiate with Fred Johnson, the leader of the OPA. Dresden offers Fred a deal: amnesty and anything he wants in exchange for leaving the station and allowing Protogen to continue their work. However, Fred is not interested in the offer and seems to know more about what happened on Eros Station than he is letting on. The situation is tense, with both sides aware that the consequences of their actions will be severe.
Holden and his crew arrive at Thoth Station, where they meet with Fred Johnson and OPA soldiers who have taken control of the station. They confront Antony Dresden, the executive VP of bio research for Protogen, who reveals that the company's goal is to harness the power of the protomolecule to transform humanity and give them the ability to survive in any environment. Dresden believes that the protomolecule is a key to unlocking humanity's true potential and that the cost of a million and a half lives on Eros is a small price to pay for the potential benefits. Holden and the others are horrified by Dresden's words and realize that he has been manipulating events to further his own agenda. The chapter ends with Dresden's offer to negotiate a price for the data from Eros, but Miller intervenes, suggesting that the conversation is far from over.
Detective Miller is dealing with the aftermath of his actions on Thoth Station, where he killed Antony Dresden, the executive VP of bio research for Protogen. Miller's actions have consequences, and he is no longer welcome on the Rocinante, the ship captained by James Holden. Miller meets with some of the crew members, including Amos and Naomi, and it becomes clear that they do not want him around anymore. Amos tells Miller that Holden is uneasy around him because of his tendency to kill people without discussing it first. Miller reflects on his past and his actions, and he comes to terms with the fact that he is no longer part of the crew. He also watches footage of the protomolecule's effects on Eros Station, which is disturbing and haunting. Meanwhile, the war between Earth and Mars is escalating, and the Outer Planets Alliance is preparing for its next move. Miller is left to navigate his new reality, alone and without a clear purpose.
Holden is on Tycho Station, where his ship, the Rocinante, is being repaired. He meets with Sam, the team leader of the repair project, and is impressed by her skills and professionalism. Meanwhile, Naomi is spending time with Sam and her friends, and Holden feels a little left out. Later, Miller visits Holden and they have a tense conversation about Miller's actions on Thoth Station, where he killed an unarmed man. Holden is uncomfortable with Miller's willingness to take the law into his own hands and tells him that he can't trust him around the people he cares about. After Miller leaves, Holden calls Naomi and they meet up at a bar, where they talk about their feelings and finally act on their attraction to each other.
Miller, a former detective, is struggling to come to terms with his new life after being fired from his job on Ceres Station. He is haunted by the memories of his past and the events that have unfolded, including the discovery of the protomolecule and the conspiracy involving Protogen. Miller meets with Fred Johnson, the leader of the Outer Planets Alliance, who offers him a job as a security consultant. Miller's first task is to analyze the situation and identify Fred's biggest problem, which he determines is containment of the protomolecule. Miller advises Fred to defend Eros Station, but Fred points out that this would be impossible if Earth and Mars bring their navies to bear. Miller then suggests that the only way to ensure the protomolecule is destroyed is to drive Eros Station into the sun, using the generation ship Nauvoo to push it into the sun's corona. Fred considers the plan, weighing the risks and challenges involved. Meanwhile, Miller is still grappling with his own demons, including his feelings of guilt and responsibility for the events that have occurred. He is visited by a hallucination of Julie Mao, who tells him that she loves him and will take care of him. Miller is torn between his desire to start anew and his need to confront the consequences of his past actions.
Holden and Naomi spend a intimate night together, and the next morning, they receive a call from Fred Johnson, who informs them that the Earth science vessel Charles Lyell is heading towards Eros Station, accompanied by a Phantom-class escort ship. Fred reveals that he has a plan to prevent the ship from landing on Eros, which involves sending six supply freighters to the station, including the Rocinante, to secure the docks and prevent the science vessel from landing. The freighters will be equipped with high-yield fusion warheads that will detonate if anyone tries to land, and the Nauvoo will be used to push Eros into the sun, ensuring that the protomolecule is destroyed. Holden and Naomi agree to help with the plan, but Holden refuses to hand over the protomolecule sample to Fred, citing concerns that it could be used as a bargaining chip. Miller intervenes, suggesting that Holden is the best person to carry the sample, and Fred eventually agrees to let him keep it. The chapter ends with Holden and Naomi leaving Fred's office, relieved that the situation was resolved without violence.
Detective Miller is dealing with the aftermath of taking control of the generation ship Nauvoo, which is now being used to push the infected Eros Station into the sun. He reflects on the consequences of his actions and the fact that he has become a symbol of the Outer Planets Alliance's power. Miller's security team is made up of a diverse group of individuals, and he is aware that they are not a traditional military unit. As he prepares to leave for Eros on the demolitions ship Talbot Leeds, he is met with a mix of emotions from his team, who are excited and nervous about the mission. Miller also learns that Mars has destroyed the Phoebe science station, which was the source of the protomolecule, in an effort to prevent its spread. Despite this, Miller remains skeptical of Mars' intentions and is aware that the situation is still complex and uncertain. As the Talbot Leeds departs, Miller is left to contemplate the nature of the protomolecule and the consequences of playing with forces beyond human control. He is haunted by the voice of Julie Mao, who represents the dangers and mysteries of the protomolecule. Miller's journey is one of self-discovery and acceptance of the harsh realities of the world he lives in.
Holden and his crew are on high alert as they navigate the complexities of their situation. They've stopped the Earth science ship and its escort from approaching Eros, but they know this is only a temporary solution. The crew discusses their next move, and Holden reflects on his feelings about Miller's actions on Thoth Station. Naomi shares her insights on Miller's motivations and the morality of his actions, highlighting the differences between Holden's and Miller's perspectives on what is right and wrong. Meanwhile, the crew detects a large number of ships heading towards them from all over the system, setting the stage for a potentially catastrophic confrontation.
Miller is on Eros Station, where he has chosen to stay behind and ensure the destruction of the protomolecule. He reflects on his past and the events that have led him to this point, including his investigation into Julie Mao's disappearance and the conspiracy involving Protogen. As he waits for the generation ship Nauvoo to collide with the station, Miller listens to the voice of Eros, which has become a constant presence in his mind. He thinks about his decision to stay behind and how it will bring him closure and allow him to be with Julie again. Just as the Nauvoo is about to hit the station, it suddenly changes course and misses Eros. Miller is shocked and confused, and as he looks at the stars, he realizes that Eros Station itself has moved, dodging the impact. The chapter ends with Miller's astonishment and the implications of this unexpected turn of events.
The crew of the Rocinante is trying to make sense of the unexpected movement of Eros, a massive asteroid that has suddenly changed its trajectory and is now heading towards the sun. As they chase after Eros, they discover that it has become invisible to radar, making it even more difficult to track. Holden, the captain, contacts the UNN corvette Ravi and suggests that they work together to gather intel and come up with a plan to stop Eros. The captain of the Ravi, McBride, agrees to join forces, and they begin to discuss possible solutions. Meanwhile, Holden also contacts Fred Johnson, a key figure in the Outer Planets Alliance, who suggests that they try to deflect Eros' course by detonating nuclear bombs on its surface. However, this plan requires the remote codes held by Miller, who is still on Eros. As the situation becomes increasingly dire, Holden and his crew must come up with a plan to stop Eros before it's too late, while also navigating the complexities of their alliances and the growing threat to humanity.
Detective Miller is on Eros Station, which has unexpectedly moved and is now accelerating. He reflects on his past and the events that have led him to this point, including his investigation into Julie Mao's disappearance and the conspiracy involving Protogen. Miller decides to use a nuclear bomb to destroy the station, which he believes is the only way to prevent the protomolecule from spreading. He arms the bomb and prepares to take it inside the station, despite the risks and uncertainty of the situation. Meanwhile, he talks to Holden and Naomi, who are trying to find a way to stop Eros and save Miller. However, Miller is determined to go through with his plan, and he says his goodbyes to his friends. As he enters the station, he is accompanied by a hallucination of Julie Mao, and he prepares to face whatever is inside.
Holden and his crew are trying to stop the asteroid Eros, which is accelerating towards Earth at an alarming rate. Despite their best efforts, they are unable to keep up with the asteroid's speed and are forced to stop their pursuit. However, Holden comes up with a plan to use the transponders of five OPA freighters that are moored to the surface of Eros to guide a swarm of nuclear missiles to the asteroid. The plan is approved by Fred Johnson and the UN Naval command, and the missiles are launched. Meanwhile, Miller, who is still on Eros, contacts Holden and informs him that there is a problem, setting the stage for a potentially disastrous outcome.
Miller, still on Eros Station, is trying to stop the protomolecule by finding and destroying its control center. As he navigates the transformed station, he reflects on the past and the events that have led him to this point. He discovers that the protomolecule is using the station's infrastructure and the dead bodies of its inhabitants to grow and spread. Miller's suit is running low on oxygen, and he is experiencing strange and disturbing visions. Despite the challenges, he presses on, driven by his determination to stop the protomolecule. Meanwhile, he realizes that the voice of Eros Station is not just a random collection of sounds, but is actually a manifestation of the protomolecule's navigation system, which has been influenced by the languages and cognitive structures of the station's dead inhabitants, including Julie Mao. Miller manages to contact Holden and informs him that they have a problem, setting the stage for a potentially catastrophic outcome.
Holden considers Miller's proposal to try and communicate with the protomolecule, which Miller believes is being controlled by Julie Mao's consciousness. Miller thinks that if he can find Julie and talk to her, he may be able to negotiate with the protomolecule and prevent it from attacking Earth. Holden is skeptical but decides to give Miller a chance, and comes up with a plan to delay the nuclear missiles that are targeting Eros, buying Miller some time to try and find Julie. The plan involves using the Outer Planets Alliance's resources to hack into the missiles' systems and lead them off course, while also using the transponder codes from the freighters on Eros to pull the missiles into a long arc that will eventually wrap back around to the asteroid. Holden's goal is to give Miller enough time to find Julie and try to communicate with her, while also keeping the option open to destroy Eros with the nuclear missiles if Miller's plan fails.
Detective Miller finally finds Julie Mao, the woman he's been searching for, in a transformed state, connected to the protomolecule that has taken over Eros Station. He tries to communicate with her, and she begins to regain some sense of self, but is still driven by the protomolecule's influence. Miller convinces her to change the station's course, heading for Venus instead of Earth, in an attempt to prevent the protomolecule from spreading and infecting more people. As Julie makes the decision, the station's systems respond, and Miller feels the effects of the protomolecule beginning to transform him as well. Despite the uncertainty and danger, Miller is determined to see the plan through, and he reassures Julie that they will be fine.
Holden is on high alert as the UNN corvette Ravi targets the Rocinante, with Captain McBride demanding that they surrender and prepare for boarding. Holden refuses, and the Ravi begins to maneuver for an attack run. The Rocinante's crew prepares for battle, with Alex attempting to out-turn the Ravi and Naomi using countermeasures to break the targeting lock. Just as it seems like the Ravi is about to fire, Eros suddenly reappears on radar, having changed its course to head towards Venus instead of Earth. The crew watches in awe as Eros breaks apart and disperses into a cloud of fragments around Venus, wondering what this means for the future and the protomolecule's plans.