The Expanse, #3
Abaddon's Gate
by James S. A. Corey
Contents
Chapter Thirty-Seven: Clarissa
Overview
In her cell, Clarissa rejects forgiveness and embraces self-hatred, until Father Cortez visits with a confession and a plan. Cortez and Ashford intend to turn the Behemoth’s comm laser into a weapon to destroy the Ring, sacrificing themselves to protect humanity. Persuaded by meaning in sacrifice, Clarissa agrees to protect Ashford as they seize control.
Summary
Clarissa, imprisoned and restless, recognizes a painful return to herself after the collapse of her revenge. She rejects Anna’s implied forgiveness and fixates on self-hatred, convinced that those who visited her have moved on. Watching traffic to Ashford’s cell, she senses a power shift brewing aboard the Behemoth.
Father Cortez visits and confesses his guilt for leading the combined fleet into the Ring, reframing his past hubris as fear masked by faith. He tells Clarissa there will be no amnesty and argues that the alien threat demands an ultimate sacrifice: destroying the Ring to prevent future tragedies.
Cortez reveals Ashford’s impending release and a plan to amplify the Behemoth’s comm laser into a hull-cutting beam capable of severing the Ring, trapping everyone inside but saving humanity beyond. He asks Clarissa to protect Ashford from those who will resist, appealing to her desire for meaning in death and atonement for her crimes.
As Ashford is freed and his loyalists mobilize to secure engineering, command, and transfer points, Clarissa agrees to join them. Embracing the fatal logic of sacrifice, she pledges to ensure no one stops Ashford as they move to consolidate control and prepare the laser, setting the next confrontation in motion.
Who Appears
- Clarissa Mao (Melba)Imprisoned saboteur; rejects forgiveness, embraces sacrificial meaning, and agrees to protect Ashford’s plan to destroy the Ring.
- Father Hector CortezGuilt-ridden religious leader; orchestrates Ashford’s release and persuades Clarissa to support the plan to cut the Ring.
- Carlos “Bull” de Baca (mentioned)Absent this scene; his prior security regime frames the context for Ashford’s counter-move.
- Klaes AshfordFreed from custody; leads loyalists to seize control and arm the comm laser, relying on Clarissa’s protection.
- JojoAshford-aligned guard; questions Clarissa’s loyalty but accepts her assignment to command deck.