The Expanse, #3
Abaddon's Gate
by James S. A. Corey
Contents
Chapter Four: Anna
Overview
Pastor Anna Volovodov confronts a domestic abuser, engineers his arrest, and secures his victim’s cooperation. At home, Anna and her wife Nono decide Anna will join the UN mission to the Ring while Nono takes their daughter to Earth. The chapter establishes Anna’s resolve, moral method, and the personal cost of answering the Ring’s call.
Summary
On Europa, Pastor Anna Volovodov meets Nicholas Trubachev after his wife Sophia reports renewed abuse. Knowing Sophia is too afraid to accuse Nicholas, Anna provokes him during their meeting, tases him when he grabs her, and calls police to report the assault. She simultaneously urges Sophia to show her bruises and tell the truth, ensuring Nicholas’ arrest.
Afterward, Anna returns home exhausted. She shares quiet time with her wife Nono and their daughter Nami, reflecting on family bonds and the comfort they provide after difficult pastoral work.
Over dinner, Nono raises an unread United Nations message inviting Anna to a humanitarian advisory mission to the Ring. They confront the cost of life in low gravity for Nami and the larger implications of the Ring for faith and humanity.
Nono insists Anna will be chosen and should go, while Nono will take Nami to Moscow to grow up in real gravity and meet family. Anna fears the separation, but Nono frames it as temporary and necessary. Anna accepts: she will travel to the Ring seeking understanding, and her family will await her on Earth.
Who Appears
- Annushka (Anna) VolovodovPastor on Europa; confronts an abuser, ensures his arrest, and commits to the UN mission to the Ring.
- Namono (Nono)Anna’s wife; insists Anna go to the Ring while she takes Nami to Moscow for Earth gravity and family.
- Nicholas (Nick) TrubachevAbusive husband; threatens Anna, is tased and reported to police, setting up his arrest.
- SophiaVictim of Nicholas’ abuse; persuaded by Anna to show bruises and speak to police.
- NamiAnna and Nono’s young daughter; her future in real gravity motivates the family’s decision.