The Expanse, #3
Abaddon's Gate
by James S. A. Corey
Contents
Chapter Forty-Seven: Holden
Overview
Holden and Corin attempt a risky zero-g approach to the Behemoth’s bridge but learn Naomi cannot gas the defenders. Ashford dispatches power-armored troops toward engineering, forcing Holden into a delaying role.
After Ashford brakes the drum to reroute his team, Bull orders Holden to press on and seize the bridge before the comm laser can be restored.
Summary
Holden and Corin ascend the Behemoth’s exterior elevator shaft in vacuum because the primary lift is locked and Naomi has shut down many systems. They cut into the stalled elevator to pass the midpoint and continue toward the bridge, listening to Anna and Monica’s broadcast urging full power shutdowns.
Bull reports progress in engineering and the comm laser’s cut link, but Naomi is locked out of the bridge systems, ending the knockout-gas plan. When Naomi spots four power-armored troops leaving the command deck, Bull reassigns Holden and Corin to delay them in the shaft. Bull has stripped the armor of ammo and gun contacts, but warns the suits remain deadly at close range.
While they set an ambush, Holden speaks privately with Naomi, confronting his shaken faith and newfound purpose through the Miller construct. He thanks Naomi; she confesses love, giving Holden calm before the pending fight.
The ship suddenly howls as Ashford orders the habitat drum braked, causing massive inertial chaos. Bull concludes Ashford is rerouting his team to avoid the fortified shaft. Despite engineering now facing assault from another approach, Bull instructs Holden and Corin to continue to the bridge and stop Ashford from restoring the comm laser, accepting the split risk.
Who Appears
- James HoldenLeads the ascent toward the bridge; reassigned to delay power armor, then to seize the bridge; shares a candid, grounding exchange with Naomi.
- Bull (Carlos c de Baca)Coordinates engineering defense; reports system control and laser cut; redirects Holden’s mission; deduces drum braking strategy.
- CorinAccompanies Holden; cuts the elevator hatch; prepares the ambush and tactical cover at the shaft.
- Naomi NagataHolds engineering access but is locked out of bridge systems; spots power armor on security cams; affirms her love to Holden.
- Klaes AshfordFortifies the bridge, deploys power-armored team toward engineering, and brakes the drum to change their route; central opposing force.
- Anna VolovodovContinues broadcasting shutdown appeal amid gunfire, lending public legitimacy to the plan.
- Monica StuartCo-hosts the broadcast, framing the shutdown message to the flotilla audience.
- Ashford’s power-armored teamFour troopers in stripped Martian suits; initially head for the shaft, then rerouted after drum braking to assault engineering.