The Expanse, #3
Abaddon's Gate
by James S. A. Corey
Contents
Chapter Forty-Three: Holden
Overview
In the fortified broadcast office, Bull receives confirmation that Ashford executed Sam and promoted Ruiz, shattering Holden’s team. Naomi and Alex volunteer for a risky push to engineering while Amos defends the studio so Anna can rally the fleet to a systemwide shutdown. Bull sets a tight timetable and recruits Martian marines, crystallizing the coming confrontation with Ashford.
Summary
Holden waits in Behemoth’s repurposed admin office as Bull’s people fortify it into a defensive studio. Monica fishes for an interview and offers coffee while Holden gauges Bull’s plan to seize engineering, noting Sam’s critical role. Amos wheels in Naomi and Alex, and Holden quietly assigns Amos to command the defense once the operation begins.
Bull receives an emergency call from Anamarie Ruiz: Ashford brought Sam to the bridge and executed her, then elevated Ruiz to chief engineer. The news devastates the room. Amos demands Ashford’s death; Holden, nauseated, resists turning grief into revenge and goes to break the news to Naomi, who mourns Sam without anger.
With Sam gone, Bull presses for a path forward. Naomi volunteers to replace Sam despite her injury, planning to shut down the reactor and isolate the bridge if she can reach engineering. Alex, shaken, commits to returning to the Rocinante to power her down during the fleetwide blackout window.
Bull outlines the plan: in thirty minutes, a mixed team of security and the Rocinante crew will seize the southern drum access and take engineering. Monica will broadcast while Anna and a coalition of UNN and MCRN personnel urge all ships to power down at 1900 for two hours, creating a window to subdue Ashford’s bridge. Amos will hold the studio against Ashford’s counterattack to keep the broadcast alive.
Holden entrusts Anna’s safety to Amos. Corin then ushers in Sergeant Verbinski and three Martian marines, who volunteer to join Bull’s fight, bolstering the assault force and solidifying the coming showdown with Ashford’s faction.
Who Appears
- James HoldenCenters the defense planning, grieves Sam, informs Naomi, assigns Amos to protect Anna, and commits to the engineering assault plan.
- Carlos "Bull" c de BacaLeads fortification and operation planning; confirms Sam’s execution; sets the timetable to seize engineering and protect the broadcast.
- Amos BurtonSwears to hold the studio defense, demands Ashford’s death, and is tasked to protect Anna and the broadcast at all costs.
- Naomi NagataDevastated by Sam’s death; volunteers to replace her in the engineering push despite injury, aiming to shut down the reactor.
- Alex KamalGrief-stricken but determined; volunteers to return to the Rocinante to power her down during the planned blackout.
- Monica StuartJournalist anchoring the broadcast setup; questions the plan, supports communications for the fleetwide shutdown message.
- Pastor Anna VolovodovLeads a mixed group of military and civilians; will broadcast appeals to shut down ships during the critical window.
- AshfordOff-screen antagonist; executes Sam, promotes Ruiz, and prepares to crush opposition to maintain control.
- Anamarie RuizNewly promoted chief engineer; secretly contacts Bull, confirming Sam’s execution and Ashford’s instability.
- CorinBull’s second-in-command; manages security flow and brings in Martian marines to reinforce the operation.
- Sergeant VerbinskiLeads four Martian marines who volunteer to join Bull’s assault to retake engineering.