Chapter Twenty-Two: Miller
Contains spoilersOverview
Miller travels to Eros, realizes he’s relieved to leave Ceres behind, and recommits to finding Julie Mao. He reconnects with Inspector Sematimba, who reveals Protogen has withdrawn and CPM’s corrupt force now runs Eros. Convinced Julie’s case ties into the war, Miller positions himself to intercept the Rocinante’s crew at the casino-level arrivals.
Summary
On a cramped people-mover to Eros, Miller reviews Julie Mao’s reconstructed case file and watches war news and Ceres’ secession reactions scroll by. A missionary strikes up a conversation about faith and war, prompting Miller to admit he’s left Ceres for good. Testing his feelings, Miller finds not grief but profound relief at cutting ties with his old life.
Miller arrives on Eros, a longtime repair port turned entertainment hub where vice oils the economy. Orbital timing puts him half a day ahead of the Rocinante. Wandering through casinos and fight posters, Miller imagines Julie beside him, her wry commentary underscoring his fixation on her.
Inspector Sematimba—an old colleague—spots Miller. Sematimba reports Protogen has pulled out and that CPM, an unprofessional, corrupt outfit, holds the security contract. When Miller mentions Julie Mao and hints her case reaches to the war, Sematimba warns him not to bring trouble to a station already on edge. An alarm draws Sematimba away.
Checking public docking logs, Miller sees the Rocinante has just arrived. Understanding Eros’ casino-centric layout, he sets up a vantage point overlooking the six tube-station doors that feed into the gaming floor. Accepting a drink to blend in, Miller watches and waits to intercept the crew as they disembark.
Who Appears
- Josephus Miller
Ex-Ceres cop pursuing Julie Mao; leaves Ceres behind without regret, arrives on Eros, and stakes out the Rocinante.
- Inspector Sematimba
Eros security officer and old colleague; explains Protogen’s withdrawal and CPM’s corruption; cautions Miller to keep a low profile.
- Missionary
Fellow passenger; discusses faith and war, catalyzing Miller’s realization that he feels relief at leaving Ceres.
- Julie Mao
Missing heiress central to Miller’s investigation; appears in his thoughts and motivates his actions on Eros.