Chapter Fifty-One: Holden
Contains spoilersOverview
Under punishing acceleration chasing Eros, Holden halts the Rocinante to avoid killing his crew. As the UN prepares a massive nuclear strike, Holden and Naomi devise a workaround: reactivate OPA freighter transponders on Eros to guide the missiles.
The plan is adopted and launched, but Miller immediately reports a new problem.
Summary
The Rocinante strains to match Eros’ accelerating course, pushing the crew into dangerous high-g. Fred Johnson reports that Earth plans to fire its entire ground-based nuclear arsenal, and asks Holden to guide the missiles, even if that means leaving the ship on a fatal autopilot course. Holden rejects sacrificing his crew and cuts thrust, accepting they cannot keep up.
In the lull, Holden vents frustration and guilt, clashing with Naomi over self-pity. Alex stands down while Holden broods on humanity’s stagnation and the hubris that unleashed the protomolecule. The UN corvette Ravi checks in as the Roci’s systems note its transponder.
Seeing the Ravi’s signal sparks an idea. Holden calls Naomi back to ops and confirms that Miller’s suit comms are being boosted by ships moored to Eros, proving radio can still get out. He asks Naomi to reactivate the five OPA freighters’ transponders to create beacons on Eros’ surface.
Holden sells the plan to McBride and Fred; both UN command and the OPA approve. Naomi brings the freighters online, their transponders lighting up Eros’ position. A vast wave of nuclear missiles launches, now able to home on reliable targets despite Eros’ stealth and evasive maneuvering.
Holden feels victory within reach and hopes his crew will live to see it. Then Miller calls from inside Eros to report a problem, threatening the hard-won plan.
Who Appears
- James Holden
Rocinante captain; ends the high‑g chase, clashes with Naomi, and devises the transponder‑beacon plan adopted by UN/OPA.
- Naomi Nagata
XO/ops; warns of limits, challenges Holden’s self‑pity, then reactivates OPA freighter transponders to mark Eros for the missile strike.
- Fred Johnson
OPA leader coordinating with UN; proposes Roci-guided targeting, then endorses Holden’s transponder plan and greenlights the mass launch.
- Alex Kamal
Roci pilot enduring extreme acceleration; maintains pursuit until Holden cuts thrust, then stands down.
- Detective Miller
On Eros with a nuke; his comms confirm radio can escape, later calling to report a new problem.
- McBride
Officer aboard UN corvette Ravi; receives new orders, hears Holden’s plan, and relays the change.