In a rare calm, Holden’s crew share a real meal aboard the Tachi, toasting the dead marines and Shed. They assess the ship: powerful Epstein drive, stocked galley, medical bay, full PDCs, torpedo load, and a Mobile Assault Package. Seeking safety and autonomy, they vote to accept Fred Johnson’s offer of refuge.

Holden tours the ship, claiming a cabin and learning its feel. In ops, Naomi prepares a transponder override but balks at potential military failsafes. Holden decides quickly, runs the program, and the ship survives. He announces the new identity—Rocinante—firmly embracing their independence.

Approaching Tycho Station, the crew marvel at its scale and the construction of the massive generation ship Nauvoo. They speculate its comm array sent the tightbeam that once hit them and request docking clearance.

Docking proceeds smoothly. Holden orders suits for station egress and hands out sidearms; Amos straps in eagerly, Alex pockets his, and Naomi refuses. Determined not to be pushed around again, Holden leads them out, where they are greeted by Fred Johnson himself.