Chapter Nineteen: Melba

Melba watches the fleets’ confrontation and expects James Holden to die, but learns after returning to the Cerisier that the missile stopped and Holden survived the Ring. Panic sets in: if Holden restores comms, her forged attack and the planted narrative will be exposed, and investigators may discover Ren’s murder.

When Danis General Contracting invokes an exceptional actions clause to provide volunteers to the UNN Thomas Prince, Soledad begs not to go. Recognizing the Prince will follow Holden through the Ring, Melba claims the slot herself to regain control of her plan.

With little time before transfer, Melba resolves not to leave evidence behind. She opens the sealant-filled locker, dissolves the foam, and methodically extracts Ren’s decomposed remains, packing bones and fluids into a vacuum-rated tool case. After cleaning the locker and composing herself, she delivers the sealed “coffin” to the loading bay with other cargo bound for the Prince.

Onboard the Thomas Prince, Melba sits through orientation with other civilian techs, already plotting how to acquire higher-clearance credentials and access. In the commissary, she spots Tilly Fagan, a social acquaintance from her former life as Clarissa Mao, and fears exposure. Melba withdraws, conceals her appearance, and secures her small cabin.

Alone in her quarters, Melba accepts that her operation must shift to improvisation. She commits to finding and destroying Holden—and any evidence or witnesses tying her to the crimes—despite the growing risks aboard a ship filled with people who might recognize her.