The Expanse, #3
Abaddon's Gate
by James S. A. Corey
Contents
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Bull
Overview
Bull consolidates survivors on the Behemoth, launching a cross-fleet broadcast and arranging transfers from damaged ships. He learns Mars has captured Holden, but Captain Jakande refuses to release him. Bull contacts the Rocinante, where Anna has subdued Melba. When Ashford tries to shut Bull down, Bull orders his arrest; Pa backs the mutiny and takes command to continue the humanitarian plan.
Summary
Confined by his injuries, Bull reflects on the slow zone’s collapse of distance into deadly time and doubles down on turning the Behemoth into a safe hub. He greenlights Monica Stuart’s Radio Free Slow Zone to humanize the crisis and encourage cooperation, while arranging transfers from the Martian Cavalier and the Thomas Prince’s injured and civilians, including Father Cortez.
News arrives that Mars has captured James Holden and is transporting him to the Hammurabi. Bull insists Holden must come to the Behemoth to prevent a jurisdictional fight. He then reaches the Rocinante and connects with Anna Volovodov, who reports she has restrained the saboteur—Melba/Clarissa—and believes Melba destroyed the Seung Un.
Bull negotiates with Captain Jakande, who refuses to release Holden or cede command, despite Bull offering sanctuary and shared planning. Meanwhile, Bull continues reconfiguring the Behemoth: Sam removes the rail guns and reworks systems to enable drum spin and life support without thrust gravity.
Ashford storms in, enraged that Bull disarmed the ship, opened communications to outsiders, and is bringing enemy personnel aboard. The confrontation turns physical; Ashford assaults Bull, and the medical team scrambles to stabilize him. Bull argues the only path to survival is unity and evacuation under one shelter.
When Ashford orders Bull placed in a medical coma, Bull counters by ordering Serge to arrest Ashford. After a tense pause, Pa backs Bull, and Serge and Macondo escort Ashford away. In the aftermath, Pa and Bull agree to continue consolidating everyone on the Behemoth, allowing no outside weapons, and focusing on spin-up and evacuation planning. Pa assumes command, and Bull pledges support to see the humanitarian plan through.
Who Appears
- Carlos "Bull" BacaBehemoth security chief, paraplegic; drives consolidation plan, launches broadcasts, contacts Roci, confronts Mars over Holden, and orders Ashford’s arrest.
- Klaes AshfordBehemoth captain; enraged by disarmament and outreach, assaults Bull, then is arrested after attempting to overrule him.
- Michio PaXO; exhaustively supports Bull during the mutiny, has Ashford taken into custody, and assumes command to continue the plan.
- Anna VolovodovOn the Rocinante; contacts Bull, reports subduing Melba and implicates her in the Seung Un’s destruction.
- Captain JakandeMartian commander; refuses to hand over Holden or accept Behemoth authority despite Bull’s overtures.
- Monica StuartJournalist; front-face of Radio Free Slow Zone, broadcasting to calm and unify the fleets.
- Hector CortezCleric from Thomas Prince; part of transfers to Behemoth, shown aiding relief efforts.
- SergeBehemoth crew; executes Bull’s order to arrest Ashford during the confrontation.
- MacondoBehemoth crew; helps Serge restrain and escort Ashford to custody.
- Doctor SterlingBehemoth physician; treats Bull during Ashford’s outburst, re-secures his lines and restraints.
- SamEngineer; removes rail guns and repurposes systems to enable drum spin and life support.
- James HoldenCaptured by Mars; his custody becomes a political flashpoint Bull tries to redirect to Behemoth.
- Melba (Clarissa Mao)Saboteur; restrained by Anna on the Rocinante, implicated in the Seung Un’s destruction.
- Lt. ScupskiInterim Martian commander of Cavalier; begins transfer of crew and supplies to the Behemoth.