Chapter Six: Holden

On Ceres, Naomi challenges a lucrative, suspicious contract to transport cargo to Titania. Holden admits he accepted partly to flee the Ring and Miller’s haunting presence. As the crew prepares to load, the client cancels and warns that someone is tracking Holden, urging them to leave quickly.

Holden and Amos arm up to guard the dock, but a young woman, Adri, arrives only to serve Holden with legal papers. Mars has initiated proceedings in Earth and Martian courts to reclaim the Rocinante as the Tachi, ordering immediate impound. The ship is locked to the dock, stranding the crew.

Over twelve days, Naomi and Alex pursue legal options and realize that even escape would leave them blacklisted from major ports. Finances look bleak, and Holden fears losing the ship more than any past mortal danger. Then Monica Stuart of UN Public Broadcasting proposes hiring the Rocinante to reach the Ring ahead of the fleets, invoking press freedoms to nullify the impound.

Monica requires interviews with the Eros survivors as part of the deal. Holden suspects manipulation and blames Miller’s influence, but Naomi argues leaving creates possibilities. Accepting the only viable path, Holden agrees to take Monica’s team to the Ring.

Before departure, Monica’s crew—camera operators Okju and Clip, and soundman Cohen—boards with minimal gear. The two teams size each other up in the galley, preparing to share tight quarters for the long journey as the Rocinante readies to depart Ceres.