The Expanse, #2
Caliban’s War
by James S. A. Corey
Contents
Chapter Eighteen: Avasarala
Overview
Avasarala is given broad authority to investigate whether Venus is tied to the Ganymede attack, but she suspects the assignment may also be a political attempt to remove her from the Martian negotiations. She uses the shift to recruit Bobbie Draper as an unofficial bridge to Mars, recognizing Bobbie's anger and value.
Meanwhile, surveillance from Ganymede reveals that Holden, Amos, Prax, and Pinkwater forces have entered a hidden area and encountered armed resistance. Avasarala orders them all seized, realizing Holden and the previously unknown Prax may have stumbled onto the center of the crisis.
Summary
Avasarala briefs Secretary-General Sorrento-Gillis and Errinwright on the stalled Earth-Mars talks and the unexplained activity on Venus. She reports that Venus is showing escalating protomolecule-driven disturbances, including iron upwellings, volcanic eruptions, and a possible energy spike coinciding with the Ganymede attack, though the link remains unproven.
After the secretary-general leaves, Errinwright tells Avasarala the negotiations are deadlocked and gives her broad authority and resources to determine whether Venus is connected to Ganymede. Avasarala accepts but suspects the promotion may also be a maneuver to remove her from the Martian negotiations, possibly because Nguyen or another powerful faction wants her sidelined.
At the Dasihari Lounge, Avasarala approaches Sergeant Roberta Draper, who is drinking after her disastrous appearance at the talks. Avasarala bluntly explains that Mars used Bobbie as political proof that the monster was not Martian, reducing Bobbie to a showpiece. Avasarala then tells Bobbie that Earth did not create the monster either, recognizes Bobbie's anger at the politicians' indifference, and offers to hire Bobbie as her liaison to the Martian military.
Back in her VIP apartment, Avasarala plans how to maintain informal access to Martian and UN intelligence despite being shifted toward the Venus investigation. A priority surveillance call from Ameer reports that James Holden has left his ship on Ganymede with Amos Burton, met botanist Praxidike Meng, negotiated with Pinkwater security forces, forced entry into an unused corridor complex, and become involved in a firefight.
The time lag from Ganymede leaves Avasarala unable to respond quickly, increasing her frustration as she realizes Holden may have uncovered something connected to the protomolecule, the OPA, or Bobbie's monster. She orders Ameer to move beyond surveillance, break up the fight, and bring in Holden, Burton, Prax, and the Pinkwater personnel, then begins researching Praxidike Meng to learn why the obscure botanist matters.
Who Appears
- Chrisjen AvasaralaUN official given Venus authority; recruits Bobbie and orders Holden’s Ganymede group detained.
- Roberta “Bobbie” DraperMartian Marine angered by political exploitation; considers Avasarala’s offer to work as liaison.
- Sadavir ErrinwrightAvasarala’s superior; grants her broad resources to prove or disprove the Venus connection.
- Esteban Sorrento-GillisUN secretary-general; receives Avasarala’s briefing and praises her work before leaving.
- AmeerPriority surveillance analyst who reports Holden’s movements and receives Avasarala’s detention order.
- James HoldenUnder UN surveillance on Ganymede; leads a group into a hidden complex and firefight.
- Praxidike MengGanymede botanist whose meeting with Holden alarms Avasarala and prompts deeper investigation.
- Amos BurtonHolden crew member reported armed and accompanying Holden during the Ganymede operation.
- NguyenUN military figure Avasarala suspects may have powerful backers trying to sideline her.
- ThorssonMartian official expected by Bobbie to ship her out after the failed negotiations.