Chapter Thirty-Eight: Miller
Contains spoilersOverview
On Tycho, Miller contacts Havelock and secures Thoth Station’s coordinates, confirming a hidden Protogen research hub. He brings the intel to Fred Johnson and learns Fred is the Butcher of Anderson Station, now committing the OPA and the Rocinante to an assault.
Eight days later, with forces assembled and the target verified, Miller chooses to join the ground team and parts emotionally from Holden to begin the operation.
Summary
On Tycho’s observation deck, Miller reflects on the station’s opulence and Naomi’s struggle to triangulate tightbeam traffic from the mystery ship. Naomi suspects relays or drones, and Miller, recalling an old partner, realizes he may have a lead.
Via an encrypted Ganymede dropsite, Miller reaches Havelock, who confirms an off-the-record Protogen black ops facility in the Belt—likely Thoth Station. Havelock provides orbital coordinates but warns of deadly consequences if exposed. Miller sends a cautionary reply: Protogen is behind the Eros disaster, and Havelock should avoid any rotation to the station.
Miller informs Holden and demands a meeting with Fred. In Fred’s office, Miller questions the OPA’s capacity until Naomi and Holden reveal Fred’s identity as Colonel Fred Johnson, the Butcher of Anderson Station. Fred outlines a credible plan: a troop-laden cargo ship and the Rocinante as air support. Miller insists on joining the ground assault and delivers the coordinates for confirmation.
Eight days later, the Guy Molinari arrives with OPA soldiers, and surveillance confirms a target collecting Eros’ tightbeams. Miller prepares to depart the Rocinante, reflects on the crew he’ll miss, and shares a guarded, heartfelt farewell with Holden, promising to reconnect after the station is secured. He then leaves to join the assault force.
Who Appears
- Miller
Drives the investigation; secures Thoth’s coordinates from Havelock; pushes Fred to assault; joins the ground team.
- Fred Johnson
OPA leader revealed as the Butcher of Anderson Station; commits troops and the Rocinante to attack Thoth.
- James Holden
Supports Miller’s plan, arranges meeting with Fred; shares an emotional, cautious farewell before the assault.
- Havelock
Miller’s former partner at Protogen; clandestinely provides Thoth coordinates and context about the station.
- Naomi Nagata
Attempts to trace tightbeams; doubts triangulation; attends meeting with Fred and witnesses Miller’s demand.
- Amos Burton
Seen on Tycho; later jokingly referenced by Holden as needing prying from a whorehouse post-mission.
- Alex Kamal
Passes by on Tycho with Amos; remains part of the Rocinante’s planned air support.