Holden and his crew decompress on Tycho Station after three days of shore leave. Holden grows restless under Fred Johnson’s patronage, arguing they should earn their own way and keep hunting for leads. Naomi supports him, quietly pledges her loyalty, and suggests giving Fred the Donnager’s encrypted data cube since she can’t crack it. They also note Fred’s arrangements to honor Lieutenant Kelly’s body.

Holden meets Fred, who is struggling to keep the Nauvoo on schedule amid Mars–Belt turmoil. Fred asks to borrow the Rocinante for a quiet, fast pickup on Eros. Holden refuses secret missions without transparency and demands full access if his ship is involved.

Fred reveals the target: “Lionel Polanski,” a paper-only identity that owns the Scopuli, has checked into a flophouse on Eros. Assuming an insider needs help but can’t ask openly, Fred needs a stealthy run. Holden insists he and his crew take the job as paid contractors, offering depositions and using the Donnager data cube as a bargaining chip.

Fred hesitates over the risk, but they strike a deal: the Rocinante crew will work for Tycho, record depositions, and appear for peace talks, while Fred gets right of first refusal on future contracts. Holden proposes disguising the Rocinante as a shabby gas freighter to evade recognition. They shake on it, and Holden calls Naomi to prepare for departure to Eros.