The Expanse, #3
Abaddon's Gate
by James S. A. Corey
Contents
Chapter Forty: Holden
Overview
Holden moves his injured crew out of the Behemoth hospital as Ashford’s loyalists consolidate control. After a brief clash with armed patrols, Sam hides them and reveals she’s sabotaging Ashford’s plan to fire the comm laser.
Holden warns the shot could trigger the station to exterminate humanity, pushing them to help Bull retake the ship.
Summary
On the Behemoth, Holden and his wounded crew notice armed patrols arresting patients, signaling Ashford’s takeover. Fearing detention, they contact Chief Engineer Sam for help and attempt to relocate to a safer spot. While moving through the crowded hospital, they witness the scope of the disaster caused by the speed change.
Two OPA gunmen recognize Holden and try to detain them. Naomi disables one with a kick, and Amos knocks both out, arming the team with their weapons. A sympathetic nurse directs them to stash the bodies, and they push on.
Sam guides them to a hidden room and explains that Ashford has formed a coalition with UNN, MCRN, and key civilians, and his loyalists are purging opposition. She outlines the plan to overdrive the comm laser into a star-hot pulse that will destroy part of the ship to strike the Ring.
Holden reveals what he learned on the station: the slow zone’s measures are nonlethal deterrents, but true threats could trigger a response that destroys stars, risking all humanity. The stakes escalate from ship survival to species extinction if Ashford fires.
Sam has anticipated this, admitting she has covertly sabotaged the laser upgrades to guarantee misfires and buy a day or more. She asks for help rescuing Bull and countering Ashford’s takeover. The crew commit to aiding her despite their injuries, preparing to find Bull and oppose the plan.
Who Appears
- James HoldenLeads his injured crew to safety; warns that firing on the Ring could trigger species-level annihilation.
- Samantha Rosenberg (Sam)Behemoth chief engineer; hides the crew, reveals Ashford’s plan, and has sabotaged the comm laser to delay it.
- Naomi NagataInjured but decisive; contacts Sam, helps navigate, and disables a gunman during the escape.
- Amos BurtonBadly hurt yet effective; neutralizes two OPA thugs and arms the group, ready for a fight.
- Alex KamalSeverely concussed; moved on a gurney, offers support and quips despite injuries.
- Klaes AshfordLeads a coalition retaking the Behemoth; pushes the comm laser strike despite catastrophic risks.
- Carlos ‘Bull’ c de BacaParalyzed security chief; contacts Sam and needs extraction to help counter Ashford.