Chapter Forty-Four: Anna

In the radio offices on the Behemoth, Anna watches fighters gear up and despairs that everyone has run out of ideas except violence. Sparring with Tilly and Monica, Anna insists Ashford and Cortez deserve sympathy even as she opposes their plan, warning that demonizing enemies poisons what follows any victory.

Bull, visibly failing, checks on readiness and presses for assurances that the broadcast team will be protected. Holden bluntly vouches for Amos, whose grief over a murdered friend will fuel a ruthless defense. Anna thanks Amos, and he quietly promises no one will hurt her today, cementing a fragile trust.

Bull calls zero hour and divides forces. Amos gathers a two-dozen-strong defense around the broadcast office. Holden forms the assault team—Naomi, Alex, four Martian marines, Bull, and others—to retake engineering, despite Naomi’s injuries and Alex’s wounds. Anna battles stage fright, fearing ships won’t risk shutting down.

Amos offers no false comfort, which steadies Anna. As the assault departs, Holden and Amos exchange worried farewells. Anna heads to the studio while Monica cues the feed, promising major guests and “the most important broadcast” yet: instructions telling the flotilla how to go home.