The Expanse Podcast - Tales From The Rocinante

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Solo Talk Media YouTube Channel

Alcon’s journey to get The Expanse on TV

Expanse Showrunner explains the season 5 finale shocker

An Astrophysicist discusses the ship designs from The Expanse. 

The episode opens on the Rocinante. Monica isn’t buying the destruction of the Protomolecule along with the Zmeya. She wants to review the nav and combat logs. But it’s going to have to wait because the Roci’s treat responder picked up five Free Navy vessels heading their way.

Low on fuel and ammunition, Bull says their only option is to turn and get out of there as fast as possible. But Holden doesn’t want to run. He knows that the Roci has become a symbol for Marco, who won’t give up until they’re destroyed.

Jim reminds Bull that they’re looking for Naomi, but not to forget that Inaros murdered millions on Earth and attacked Tycho killing Fred. If Marco wanted a fight, they’d give him one by going directly at them. And hopefully, distracting them enough for Alex and Bobbie to rescue Naomi undetected.

Jim contacts Alex and tells him of his sacrificial plan. Unable to help his captain increases Alex’s determination to get to Naomi, and he pushes the Razorback even faster.

As the Rocinante prepares for battle, Holden admonishes Bull for calling Belters “Skinnies” he won’t have derogatory terms like that used on his ship.

Bull wants to do as much damage as possible to the Frigate, but Jim orders him to fly straight through the Free Navy formation. Their goal isn’t to win this fight. It’s to buy time for the Razorback.

As the Roci prepares for its suicide run against the Free Navy ships, something happens.

Onboard the Tynan, Drummer and her crew, who are part of the Free Navy armada, prepare to engage the Rocinante. As the two sides approach each other, Drummer snatches Karals gun and orders the woman to sit still as she reprograms and launches their missiles. One hits the Mowteng, taking out its drive. Before she can do anything else, Bertold tries to subdue Drummer. As the two are grappling, Karal retrieves her gun and is about to fire on Drummer when Michio hits her from behind, inadvertently killing the woman.

Drummer reports back to the Koto that they had a malfunction and Karal was injured. Buying time, she asks for immediate assistance. Then, she arms their remaining torpedos and fires on the Free Navy ships.

Seeing what is happening, Jim orders the Rocinante to come about to engage the heavy Frigate.

Onboard the disabled Mowteng, Josep does what they should have done before and follows Drummer’s lead. He fires their missiles as well.

The incoming torpedoes paired with the Rocinante’s attack is too much, and the heavy Frigate is destroyed. With both Martian ships gone, Drummer contacts Holden to say the fight is over.

———-

On the Chetzemoka, Naomi is desperately trying to loosen a frozen valve before the Razorback gets too close. It takes several attempts with her having to replenish her suit’s limited oxygen before finally dislodging the valve, causing one of the ships maneuvering trusters to fire, putting it into a spin.

When they notice, Alex prepares to compensate for the now spinning ship. Bobbie points out how dangerous it is to attempt docking two spinning ships in a high-G turn. Especially since the Razorback is already damaged. She warns him of all the dangers of attempting this, but Alex ignores her. Naomi is on that ship, and they’re going to get her, and that’s that.

Low on oxygen and barely conscious, Naomi is distraught that her little trick didn’t dissuade Alex, and he’s still approaching the Chetzemoka. With no more tricks left to try, Naomi does the only thing she can think of. It’s a long shot, but it may be the only way to save her friends. She dons her vac suit with its minimal air, opens the airlock and leaps into space.

Onboard the Razorback, Bobbie notices something dislodge from the Chetzemoka. Upon closer inspection, they see that’s it’s Naomi. Alex recognizes the arm gestures she’s making as Belter emergency hand signals. “My radio is out.” “Low air.” “Ship.” “Explosion hazard. Do not approach.” But with the Chetzemoka circling Naomi, they cannot approach her.

After several tense moments floating in space, and her air completely depleted. Naomi is about to pass out when something collides with her. Bobbie, in her Martian Marine armour, grabs hold and administer her oxygen.

With Naomi now secured. Bobbie informs a relieved Alex that they’re safe and free of the Chetzemoka’s path. But when she questions if he’s told Holden yet, there’s no response. The high-G burns were too much for him, and he dies of a stroke.

———

Reunited on the Rocinante, Jim tells Naomi that Alex’s ex want’s to handle the funeral arrangements. Alex is going to receive full military honours.

Naomi blames herself. Alex died, saving her from her mistakes. But Jim reminds her that strokes are a risk they all take with every hard burn.

Dealing with their grief, Holden asks Bull to fire a missile at the Chetzemoka, destroying the ship for good. Before they alter their heading for Luna, he assures Naomi that she will be granted immunity and be a valuable asset with her knowledge of Marco.

Jim confesses that he never played the message she left for him. Doing so would be admitting she was gone. So she plays it for him. It’s a message of her love towards him as well as for Amos and Alex. And if she’s gone, she wants him to move on with his life. She’ll always be a part of it, but his future isn’t over.

While watching a broadcast from Luna where newly appointed Secretary-General Avasarala declares martial law on Earth and Luna and declares that they are not at war with the good and law-abiding people of the Belt, only with those who follow Marco Inaros. As Bobbie walks by, Monica asks for her opinion on the destruction of the Zmeya.

————-

Onboard the Pela, Marco is angry because he doesn’t know what’s going on. The Rocinante is still alive, and he’s not getting any responses from the Free Navy ships.

Flip asks what happened, and Marco tells his son his plan failed. When the boy displays no reactions to the news, Marco questions his feelings and why he’s not upset. Filip says there’s no point. They tried to kill them, and they didn’t. It doesn’t alter Marco’s plan either way, and there’s still more work to do. For the first time, Marco shows a sense of pride in his son.

Feeling betrayed, Marco asks Serge to help him send a message to Drummer.

She later receives the message. It’s a video of Marco spacing Serge. Drummer confesses to Oksana and the others that she figured that would happen. But there was no other way. At least now, they can choose their own path.

Oksana tells her she’s leaving and taking the Mowteng. Bertold goes with her, but Josep and Michio decide to stay with Drummer. Drummer asks her to stay, but Oksana says they have nothing to stay together for and leaves.

———-

On Luna, Erich plans on settling on one of the ring worlds. He figures it won’t be long before he’s running things. He offers Amos to join him, but the big man says he has his own thing and the two part ways.

Amos rejoins the Roci and is immediately embraced by Naomi in a big hug. When she starts saying how sorry she is that Alex is gone, he stops her. It’s not her fault. Making a choice to hold your ground to save her family. As far as last stands go, that’s the one he’d pick, just like Alex did.

Before settling in, Amos asks for a moment alone with Holden. Amos tells Holden he’s going to need a favour.

He questions whether or not Holden would have really killed him way back when the Martians were going to board the Rocinante, and Amos was preparing to fire on them. Holden says he would have. Accepting the answer, Amos says there are no hard feelings between them, Holden may have thought of killing him then, but now they have each other’s back. They’re family now.

Satisfied, Amos calls out, “We’re good!” and then turns to Holden, saying, she’s going to ride with us for a while and thank you for being cool about this, before walking into the ship.

Holden is stunned when he turns to see Clarissa Mao standing there. Before he can say anything, Amos pulls her into the ship.

––––—

Later at a special gathering. Avasarala introduces Bobbie as her new liaison. With everyone gathered, she asks everyone to take a good look around. This is what Marco Inaros hates, what he’s afraid of. Diverse people coming together and working for a common cause. Now, all they have to do is turn every Earther, Martian and Belter into this. It’s how they win.

As people are mingling, Monica informs Holden that one of the Zmeya’s missiles got away and could possibly be carrying the Protomolecule sample.

Avasarala interrupts the conversation asking James to go with her to the situation room without making a fuss. There’s been another attack at the Ring. A coordinated attack significantly damaged all three ships guarding the Ring. To make matters worse, another attack came from within the Ring, destroying one of the UNN ships.

Their spirits turn when a fleet of Mars ships appear on the sensors. However, they soon discover that the incoming ships were previously reported lost by the MCRN. They’re in league with Marco and quickly decide the battle. Then unexplainably, the MCRN ships transit the Sol Ring on route to who knows where. An entire Martian fleet has gone rogue.

Jim informs them that Inaros may have bought the Martian’s help with the Protomolecule sample. Even though it’s dangerous, it’s possible the Martians know something about the Protomolecule they don’t.

———-

The scene shifts back to Marco. He’s telling Filip that this was only something to dream of when he was the boy’s age. Now, and for generations to come, it will be something that happened. He made it happen.

As the last of the ships guarding the Ring is destroyed, Marco’s crew starts chanting his name. Filip doesn’t look pleased.
Inside the Ring Zone, Admiral Sauveterre congratulates Inaros on his well-won victory.

In turn, Marco offers his gratitude for their help and assures them that the Laconia system is there’s and their heirs from this time forward.

Once disconnected, Admiral Sauveterre plays a message received from Dr. Cortazar. The Protomolecule sample arrived safely, and they’ve already seen beautiful results. By the time they arrive at Laconia, he expects to start phase 3 construction. The image in the video shifts to show an enormous alien-looking vessel orbiting above the planet.

As the Barkeith prepares to transit the Laconia Ring. Sauveterre takes pride in what they are doing. Laconia is going to be a military-run world. Strict with rules and protocols. Where the smallest infractions will be disciplined with death.
As the Barkeith transitions the gate, time slows, and what appears as alien-like spirits infiltrate the vessel. As the ship proceeds through, it vanishes.

And that was the episode, and the season.

Twitter: @solotalkmedia

Facebook: facebook.com/solotalkmedia

Email: [email protected]

Voice Feedback: 1-805-910-7656

[3:53] News
[7:25] Episode Recaps
[23:37] Feedback

Solo Talk Media YouTube Channel

Alcon’s journey to get The Expanse on TV

Expanse Showrunner explains the season 5 finale shocker

An Astrophysicist discusses the ship designs from The Expanse. 

The episode opens on the Rocinante. Monica isn’t buying the destruction of the Protomolecule along with the Zmeya. She wants to review the nav and combat logs. But it’s going to have to wait because the Roci’s treat responder picked up five Free Navy vessels heading their way.

Low on fuel and ammunition, Bull says their only option is to turn and get out of there as fast as possible. But Holden doesn’t want to run. He knows that the Roci has become a symbol for Marco, who won’t give up until they’re destroyed.

Jim reminds Bull that they’re looking for Naomi, but not to forget that Inaros murdered millions on Earth and attacked Tycho killing Fred. If Marco wanted a fight, they’d give him one by going directly at them. And hopefully, distracting them enough for Alex and Bobbie to rescue Naomi undetected.

Jim contacts Alex and tells him of his sacrificial plan. Unable to help his captain increases Alex’s determination to get to Naomi, and he pushes the Razorback even faster.

As the Rocinante prepares for battle, Holden admonishes Bull for calling Belters “Skinnies” he won’t have derogatory terms like that used on his ship.

Bull wants to do as much damage as possible to the Frigate, but Jim orders him to fly straight through the Free Navy formation. Their goal isn’t to win this fight. It’s to buy time for the Razorback.

As the Roci prepares for its suicide run against the Free Navy ships, something happens.

Onboard the Tynan, Drummer and her crew, who are part of the Free Navy armada, prepare to engage the Rocinante. As the two sides approach each other, Drummer snatches Karals gun and orders the woman to sit still as she reprograms and launches their missiles. One hits the Mowteng, taking out its drive. Before she can do anything else, Bertold tries to subdue Drummer. As the two are grappling, Karal retrieves her gun and is about to fire on Drummer when Michio hits her from behind, inadvertently killing the woman.

Drummer reports back to the Koto that they had a malfunction and Karal was injured. Buying time, she asks for immediate assistance. Then, she arms their remaining torpedos and fires on the Free Navy ships.

Seeing what is happening, Jim orders the Rocinante to come about to engage the heavy Frigate.

Onboard the disabled Mowteng, Josep does what they should have done before and follows Drummer’s lead. He fires their missiles as well.

The incoming torpedoes paired with the Rocinante’s attack is too much, and the heavy Frigate is destroyed. With both Martian ships gone, Drummer contacts Holden to say the fight is over.

———-

On the Chetzemoka, Naomi is desperately trying to loosen a frozen valve before the Razorback gets too close. It takes several attempts with her having to replenish her suit’s limited oxygen before finally dislodging the valve, causing one of the ships maneuvering trusters to fire, putting it into a spin.

When they notice, Alex prepares to compensate for the now spinning ship. Bobbie points out how dangerous it is to attempt docking two spinning ships in a high-G turn. Especially since the Razorback is already damaged. She warns him of all the dangers of attempting this, but Alex ignores her. Naomi is on that ship, and they’re going to get her, and that’s that.

Low on oxygen and barely conscious, Naomi is distraught that her little trick didn’t dissuade Alex, and he’s still approaching the Chetzemoka. With no more tricks left to try, Naomi does the only thing she can think of. It’s a long shot, but it may be the only way to save her friends. She dons her vac suit with its minimal air, opens the airlock and leaps into space.

Onboard the Razorback, Bobbie notices something dislodge from the Chetzemoka. Upon closer inspection, they see that’s it’s Naomi. Alex recognizes the arm gestures she’s making as Belter emergency hand signals. “My radio is out.” “Low air.” “Ship.” “Explosion hazard. Do not approach.” But with the Chetzemoka circling Naomi, they cannot approach her.

After several tense moments floating in space, and her air completely depleted. Naomi is about to pass out when something collides with her. Bobbie, in her Martian Marine armour, grabs hold and administer her oxygen.

With Naomi now secured. Bobbie informs a relieved Alex that they’re safe and free of the Chetzemoka’s path. But when she questions if he’s told Holden yet, there’s no response. The high-G burns were too much for him, and he dies of a stroke.

———

Reunited on the Rocinante, Jim tells Naomi that Alex’s ex want’s to handle the funeral arrangements. Alex is going to receive full military honours.

Naomi blames herself. Alex died, saving her from her mistakes. But Jim reminds her that strokes are a risk they all take with every hard burn.

Dealing with their grief, Holden asks Bull to fire a missile at the Chetzemoka, destroying the ship for good. Before they alter their heading for Luna, he assures Naomi that she will be granted immunity and be a valuable asset with her knowledge of Marco.

Jim confesses that he never played the message she left for him. Doing so would be admitting she was gone. So she plays it for him. It’s a message of her love towards him as well as for Amos and Alex. And if she’s gone, she wants him to move on with his life. She’ll always be a part of it, but his future isn’t over.

While watching a broadcast from Luna where newly appointed Secretary-General Avasarala declares martial law on Earth and Luna and declares that they are not at war with the good and law-abiding people of the Belt, only with those who follow Marco Inaros. As Bobbie walks by, Monica asks for her opinion on the destruction of the Zmeya.

————-

Onboard the Pela, Marco is angry because he doesn’t know what’s going on. The Rocinante is still alive, and he’s not getting any responses from the Free Navy ships.

Flip asks what happened, and Marco tells his son his plan failed. When the boy displays no reactions to the news, Marco questions his feelings and why he’s not upset. Filip says there’s no point. They tried to kill them, and they didn’t. It doesn’t alter Marco’s plan either way, and there’s still more work to do. For the first time, Marco shows a sense of pride in his son.

Feeling betrayed, Marco asks Serge to help him send a message to Drummer.

She later receives the message. It’s a video of Marco spacing Serge. Drummer confesses to Oksana and the others that she figured that would happen. But there was no other way. At least now, they can choose their own path.

Oksana tells her she’s leaving and taking the Mowteng. Bertold goes with her, but Josep and Michio decide to stay with Drummer. Drummer asks her to stay, but Oksana says they have nothing to stay together for and leaves.

———-

On Luna, Erich plans on settling on one of the ring worlds. He figures it won’t be long before he’s running things. He offers Amos to join him, but the big man says he has his own thing and the two part ways.

Amos rejoins the Roci and is immediately embraced by Naomi in a big hug. When she starts saying how sorry she is that Alex is gone, he stops her. It’s not her fault. Making a choice to hold your ground to save her family. As far as last stands go, that’s the one he’d pick, just like Alex did.

Before settling in, Amos asks for a moment alone with Holden. Amos tells Holden he’s going to need a favour.

He questions whether or not Holden would have really killed him way back when the Martians were going to board the Rocinante, and Amos was preparing to fire on them. Holden says he would have. Accepting the answer, Amos says there are no hard feelings between them, Holden may have thought of killing him then, but now they have each other’s back. They’re family now.

Satisfied, Amos calls out, “We’re good!” and then turns to Holden, saying, she’s going to ride with us for a while and thank you for being cool about this, before walking into the ship.

Holden is stunned when he turns to see Clarissa Mao standing there. Before he can say anything, Amos pulls her into the ship.

––––—

Later at a special gathering. Avasarala introduces Bobbie as her new liaison. With everyone gathered, she asks everyone to take a good look around. This is what Marco Inaros hates, what he’s afraid of. Diverse people coming together and working for a common cause. Now, all they have to do is turn every Earther, Martian and Belter into this. It’s how they win.

As people are mingling, Monica informs Holden that one of the Zmeya’s missiles got away and could possibly be carrying the Protomolecule sample.

Avasarala interrupts the conversation asking James to go with her to the situation room without making a fuss. There’s been another attack at the Ring. A coordinated attack significantly damaged all three ships guarding the Ring. To make matters worse, another attack came from within the Ring, destroying one of the UNN ships.

Their spirits turn when a fleet of Mars ships appear on the sensors. However, they soon discover that the incoming ships were previously reported lost by the MCRN. They’re in league with Marco and quickly decide the battle. Then unexplainably, the MCRN ships transit the Sol Ring on route to who knows where. An entire Martian fleet has gone rogue.

Jim informs them that Inaros may have bought the Martian’s help with the Protomolecule sample. Even though it’s dangerous, it’s possible the Martians know something about the Protomolecule they don’t.

———-

The scene shifts back to Marco. He’s telling Filip that this was only something to dream of when he was the boy’s age. Now, and for generations to come, it will be something that happened. He made it happen.

As the last of the ships guarding the Ring is destroyed, Marco’s crew starts chanting his name. Filip doesn’t look pleased.
Inside the Ring Zone, Admiral Sauveterre congratulates Inaros on his well-won victory.

In turn, Marco offers his gratitude for their help and assures them that the Laconia system is there’s and their heirs from this time forward.

Once disconnected, Admiral Sauveterre plays a message received from Dr. Cortazar. The Protomolecule sample arrived safely, and they’ve already seen beautiful results. By the time they arrive at Laconia, he expects to start phase 3 construction. The image in the video shifts to show an enormous alien-looking vessel orbiting above the planet.

As the Barkeith prepares to transit the Laconia Ring. Sauveterre takes pride in what they are doing. Laconia is going to be a military-run world. Strict with rules and protocols. Where the smallest infractions will be disciplined with death.
As the Barkeith transitions the gate, time slows, and what appears as alien-like spirits infiltrate the vessel. As the ship proceeds through, it vanishes.

And that was the episode, and the season.

Twitter: @solotalkmedia

Facebook: facebook.com/solotalkmedia

Email: [email protected]

Voice Feedback: 1-805-910-7656

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Welcome to The Expanse Podcast Double Take. In this episode, I give you my first impressions right after seeing the season 5 finale titled “Nemesis Games.” I’m creating these short posts to encourage listener feedback by asking questions about the episode.

This week’s questions are…

1) Is that the last we see of Oksana and Erich?

2) What was your favourite and least favourite story arch from season 5?

3) With season 6 announced as the last, what do you hope to see?

I’d like to thank everyone who has subscribed to this podcast and encourage you to join the discussion by sending in your feedback by calling +1-805-910-7656 or by e-mailing me at [email protected] or visiting the website at solotalkmedia.com. If you are enjoying this podcast please consider leaving me a review on Apple Podcasts.

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[4:28] Episode Recaps
[17:50] Feedback

Could Bobby really hold 2 spaceships together?

Cara Gee talks about Polyamorous and LGBTYQ+ representation on the show.

The Expanse opening credits song lyrics.

The episode opens with Marco receiving an update on their war efforts detailing victories won and loss. Many Belters died in these conflicts but he says it was worth the price.

He becomes furious when he receives news from Karal about the Chetzemoka distress call changing. It can only mean Naomi is still alive.

He later confronts Filip. The two apologize for their previous actions. Filip for bringing Naomi there, and the death of Cyn. When Marco tells his son Naomi is alive, he can’t believe it. His mother didn’t walk into that airlock out of sadness, despair or remorse. She wasn’t trying to kill herself. She was trying to escape. To leave them, again. Filip lashes out in anger and unbelief, crying.

—

Both the Razorback and the Rocinante also pick up the altered distress call. The crews of both ships try to understand the meaning behind this strange new message. Confused, the two ships decide to increase speed towards the Chetzemoka with the Razorback in the lead.

—

On the Dewalt, Oksana and Karal talk privately about the Chetzemoka. Oksana doesn’t want to keep this news from Drummer but Karal tells her Marco will tell them what to do. And if she informs Drummer, whatever happens after will be her fault Oksana agrees to keep silent. 

Later, Drummer questions their new orders to rendezvous with other Free Navy ships and engage and destroy the Rocinante. Why pick a fight with a ship that is already heading to a trap with the Chetzemoka? When Karal questions her loyalty to Marco, Drummer says if it needs to be done, it will be done.

After this short standoff, Oksana asks Drummer to relinquish her gun. She’s worried Camina may start something. Drummer reluctantly hands it over.

Later, Drummer confronts Oksana about what’s going on. She knows her friend is keeping something from her. Marco killed Ashford and Naomi. Two people she loved. And now he wants them to murder Naomi’s friends? She’s gone along for the sake of her crew. But demands some respect.

Oksana question’s Drummer’s love for them. Does she love them as much as she loved Naomi? Drummer says yes. Oksana gives in and tells her about Naomi and why Marco is sending them against the Rocinante. She pleads with Drummer to think rationally. If she acts out it’s not just her Marco will have killed, but all of them.

—————

On Earth, the Baltimore crew arrive at Lake Winnipesaukee and find an estate with an orbital shuttle still in the hanger. They enter the building only to find some of the house staff hiding there. They’ve been barely surviving since the rocks fell. They inform Amos and the rest that the shuttle has a reactor problem and hasn’t flown in over two years.

Amos, Clarissa and Erich get to work trying to figure out what the problem is. The ship’s batteries are charged and it’s full of fuel. But something is tripping every time they try to turn on the reactor.

With the temperature dropping and food supplies running low, Erich questions whether they should abandon their plan and take the helicopter and leave. But Amos isn’t ready to give up. If they put their heads together they should be able to figure out the problem.

When the winter staff from nearby estates arrive thinking they’re a relief team, Erich wants to send them away. But Clarissa steps in and offers them space on the shuttle if they want to go to Luna. Amos and Erich are not happy with this. It’s a small ship, and what if more people show up? But Clarissa stands her ground. If they want her help fixing the ship, they don’t leave anyone behind who wants to come. Erich is ready to leave her and the others behind, but Amos gives in and tells them they can come.

While working on the ship, Erich calls Amos to meet him outside. They have trouble. A group of island security officers want to move all their food and essential supplies to a central location for efficient distribution. Knowing the business, Erich says it’s the most pathetic shakedown he’s ever seen. 

When the security officer asks for their helicopter as well, tensions rise, guns are drawn. Once again, Clarissa steps in and asks everyone to put down their guns. Things are bad enough without everyone trying to kill each other. To Erich’s surprise, Amos gives the order to drop the guns and tells the security team to walk away. As they leave, Amos tells Clarissa they’ll be back in force. Their best plan is to get the ship running and be gone before they do.

Later, Amos and Hutch are taking a break outside. She asks about his decision to leave Earth. She’s afraid to leave everything behind and start all over again. But he assures her that nobody ever starts over, because nobody ever leaves everything behind. While talking, he has an epiphany about the ship. He knows what’s wrong. They test out his theory and it works.

As they start the pre-launch sequence, the island security team attack. A gunfight ensues. Several of Erich’s team are shot as they try to retreat to the hanger.

Inside, Clarissa gets the last of the house staff inside the ship when she hears the commotion of someone breaking in. As Erich and the team enter the hanger they find a weakened Clarissa amongst almost a dozen bloody and mangled corpses. They pick her up and retreat inside the ship.

Amos and Hutch bring up the rear as the pre-launch sequence finishes. Hutch is shot, and the big man picks her up and carries her inside. He shuts the airlock door and orders Clarissa to take off. Once in orbit, he takes care of Hutch’s wounds and then joins the others.

———

On Luna, Avasarala is shocked to find out Secretary-General David Paster ordered the attack on Pallas Station. She scolds Admiral Delgado for going behind her back. He says all he did was give his professional opinion when the Sec-Gen asked for it.

They arrive in the sit-room to a conversation on what their next target should be. The Secretary-General wants to expand the Pallas Initiative by attacking anything with a connection to Marco Inaros. Avasarala tries to defuse the situation saying they need to spin their story to make it clear that they are not at war with the Belt. But Delgado counters that they are.

Chrisjen is angry at the eye for an eye attitude they’re all taking. Marco should not be their role model. Just because he attacked civilians doesn’t mean they should as well. She tries to convince them that the Belt is not all one nation and that they can still ally with factions in their common cause.

Paster rebukes her saying it would take too much time. His job is to make their people safer and reduce the enemy’s ability to hurt them as quickly as possible. They need to take the fight to the people who hurt them.

Avasarala stands her ground. Saying she wants that too. Every night she dreams of torturing Marco Inaros because he murdered her husband. Arjun is dead and she would sacrifice everything to get him back. But right now, everyone who loved someone on Pallas Station is feeling the same way she does. And if they keep this up, every partisan they kill will create ten more who will stand against them.

The Secretary-General dismisses her comments as being emotional. And right not they can’t be emotional, they need to be rational and objective.

The conversation turns to attacking Ceres Station. Denying it to the Free Navy would force Inaros back to the outer planets spreading his forces thin. When her plea for the hundred of thousands of children on Ceres is ignored. She stands up and resigns her post. saying she will not be a part of this. As she walking out as if on cue, half of the council resign and walk out as well.

Later, General Tesfaye approaches Avasarala as she adds Arjun’s name to an Earth memorial. Three more cabinet ministers just resigned and a no-confidence vote is scheduled for tomorrow and Paster will lose, triggering a snap-election and the ministers want to know if she would step up and serve again.

Chrisjen approaches Delgado. Despite their differences, she would like him by her side. But he says he’s transferring to a strike group to go after Inaros. She tells him that will everything Marco has at his disposal, they may lose if they go toe-to-toe with him. But he won’t back down. He wants the chance to be the one to take out Inaros.

Conceding, she has a drink with him and asks him to finish the joke he never finished.

A Belter, a Martian, and an Earther go to a bar. The Belter says, “Give me a shot of your finest Martian Whiskey. Drinking like my enemy helps me think like my enemy.” The Martian says, “Give me a shot of your finest Earth Tequila. Drinking like my enemy helps me think like my enemy.” The Earther says, “Give me a shot of the finest Belter liquor you have. Best the Belt has to offer.” The bartender says “Because it helps you think like your enemy?” And the Earther says, “No, because I’m trying to drink less. The best the Belt has to offer is terrible.”

After reciting it, Delgado admits. That joke used to be funnier.

——-

On board the Chetzemoka, Naomi is desperate and risks her life for a minuscule amount of water. In despair, she notices the casing on one of the bomb wires is cracked exposing the wires within. Connecting a wire from the bomb to the vac suit helmet activates the display. She sees the bomb’s proximity as well as detonation radius. She also sees the Screaming Firehawk, AKA the Razorback on an intercept trajectory.

The residue from the water she got earlier gives her an idea. Desperate, and in a last-ditch effort, she dons the vac suit and once again enters the space between the hulls. The episode ends with the sound of clanking on metal.

And that was the episode.

Twitter: @solotalkmedia

Facebook: facebook.com/solotalkmedia

Email: [email protected]

Voice Feedback: 1-805-910-7656

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Audible – get a FREE audiobook download and 30-day free trial at solotalkmedia.com/audible. Over 200,000 titles to choose from for your iPhone, Android, Kindle or mp3 player. Leviathan Wakes amongst them.

Send me your feedback 1-805-910-7656 or [email protected]

Deadline to submit your feedback this week is Friday, 9 AM Eastern time.

Welcome to The Expanse Podcast Double Take. In this episode, I give you my first impressions right after seeing the ninth episode of season 5 titled “Winnipesaukee.” I’m creating these short posts to encourage listener feedback by asking questions about the episode.

This week’s questions are…

1) What was Amos thinking as he looked out the airlock window?

2) Will it be a smooth takeover for Avasarala?

3) What is Naomi up to?

I’d like to thank everyone who has subscribed to this podcast and encourage you to join the discussion by sending in your feedback by calling +1-805-910-7656 or by e-mailing me at [email protected] or visiting the website at solotalkmedia.com. If you are enjoying this podcast please consider leaving me a review on Apple Podcasts.

You can also follow me on Twitter and Facebook

[4:35] Episode Recaps
[17:26] Feedback

Are the Asteroids Scientifically Accurate?

Could You Survive Space?

The episode opens on Earth with Amos and Clarissa trekking across the wilderness on their newly acquired motorbikes on the way to Baltimore.

While stopping at an abandoned building, Clarissa discovers several abandoned bodies. The Elderly left behind when people fled the place. It’s a stark reminder of what the world will be like for a while.

Clarissa tells Amos she knows where they can find a ship to get off-world. But it would be very hard for them to get there by themselves.

Once in Baltimore, they’re brought before Erich who reminds Amos of their previous deal and says he can’t help them. But it’s them who are offering to help Erich. They tell him of an island in New Hampshire where the rich have their vacation homes. Each one has a suborbital shuttle that can get them to Luna.

When Erich asks why he would want to leave everything he’s worked for. But they convince him that there’s nothing left there for him. The person he was is gone. With that realization, Erich is in.

————-

On Luna, Secretary-General David Paster addresses the assembly for the first time. Uneasy at first, he delivers a strong speech touching the hearts of all Earthers. 

What he lacks in experience he will more than makeup for in passion, dedication and internal support. 

He acknowledges how Avasarala and Delgado saved them all from further catastrophe and that they will now be working by his side as he orders the largest manhunt in human history. They will not stop until Marco Inaros and his fellow terrorist are caught and dealt with. The times ahead will try their souls but make no mistake. they will prevail. They must. The future of humanity demands it.

His speech is met with raving applause.  As they leave the auditorium, Paster admits that he’s not as confident as his speech made him sound. 

Later at a cabinet meeting. the Secretary-General is informed that their military is looking but they have no information on Inaros’ whereabouts. Avasarala reminds him that they cannot depend on the Martians until they know who can be trusted.

Paster expresses concern for the Ring should Marco intend to destroy it. But they assure him they have the firepower to deal with any Free Navy ships that approach the ring.

Paster is not happy that they’re waiting for Marco to make his next move instead of them making their first. The citizens of Earth need to see they can apply pressure. 

Admiral Delgado suggests they attack Palace station but the rest of the cabinet is concerned about civilian casualties. Delgado thinks it’s worth it, but Avasarala voices her concern that by attacking Palace, they would radicalize every Belter who doesn’t already support Inaros. If that happens they wouldn’t be fighting just Marco’s faction but the entire Belt.

The Secretary-General decides to table the decision before an argument breaks out.

Later, the Sec-Gen privately asks Delgado to speak his mind about Palace station. The Admiral is frank, he thinks they should blow it up. The victims on earth need to see that they’re fighting back and the casualties won’t be nearly as many as Marco killed on Earth.

As the Admiral leaves, the Secretary-General is left with a lot to ponder.

———-

Onboard the Pella, Marco mourns Cyn’s death and demands to know how Naomi died. He blames Filip for his friend’s death because he’s the one who brought Naomi to them.

———

Onboard the Rocinante, Holden and crew search the Zmeya’s debris for signs of the Protomolecule but find nothing.

Speculations fly about whether or not the sample could have been destroyed by the blast or if the ship transferred it to another vessel before they arrived. Nobody is satisfied with any answers.

With nothing left to do, they plot a course to rendezvous with the Razorback. Bull is concerned that when it comes to Naomi, Jim would have no problem putting them all in harm’s way to get her back.

As they’re searching for Marco’s fleet, Alex and Bobbie notify Jim that they picked up the automated emergency call from the Chetzemoka.

———- 

Onboard the Chetzemoka. Naomi is in bad shape. Her exposure to space has left her burnt and suffering in pain.

She tries to access the ship’s systems but everything has been stripped away. And what little remains she has no access to. Upon closer inspection, she notices that the ship has been rigged with explosives which will detonate if she tries to disarm them. 

As if things weren’t bad enough, she discovers the ship is broadcasting a distress call in her voice.

“This is Naomi Nagata of the Rocinante. If you get this message, please retransmit. Tell James Holden I am in distress. Comm is not responding. I have no nav control. Please retransmit.”

With no way to stop the transmission. She tries to fabricate a communicator using a space helmet to broadcast her own warning not to approach the ship. It’s a bomb with a proximity detonator. But it doesn’t work.

She becomes desperate after receiving a message from Alex saying they’re coming to get her. In a dangerous play, she dons the vac suit, and without oxygen enters the maintenance section between the ship’s inner and outer hulls. 

She tries one terminal junction box after another without any luck. Almost suffocating in the process each time. After many, many tries, she finally finds the terminal box connected to the com unit. By disrupting the circuit she can change the message to say.

“This is Naomi Nagata,.. Tell James Holden I am in… …Control.”

——

Elsewhere in space, Drummer and her team are salvaging the remains of a belter ship. Drummer tells them the many dead bodies they saw were from a faction that voted for Marco’s death at his tribunal. 

Her crew says nothing has changed, they’re still just salvagers. But Drummer says no. They’ve become scavengers. Marco kills those who defy him and they pick the bodies clean.

On the bridge, Karal tries out the captain’s chair. When Oksana arrives she asks why Marco attacked them. But Karal corrects her by saying Marco didn’t attack. They attacked the Free Navy. Marco offered them the same deal everyone got but they declined. Then they hijacked two skiffs loyal to Marco. So Marco retaliated. Their job now is to salvage what they can from them, including food so they can feed protect and the belt.

Oksana later confronts Drummer and asks why she’s pushing her away. They may not like working with Marco, but at least they’re alive. But Drummer isn’t sure she can continue doing this.

Later, Karal informs them they’ll be heading to Ceres Station once their salvage job is done. Marco believes the Inners will try to block the trade routes and it will be their job to engage with any inner ships they encounter.

When they receive Naomi’s distress call, Karal informs them it’s a fake. She tells Drummer that Naomi was aboard the Pella when she was there. But she killed herself by walking out of an airlock when she realized she couldn’t get her son back. Naomi was a traitor to the Belt and now she’s dead.

Oksana has to restrain a furious Drummer from attacking Karal. Grief-stricken Camina retreats to her quarters and drowns her sorrow in a bottle.

Alone with Oksana, Karal tells her that Drummer is only captain as long as she follows Marco’s orders. She tells Oksana that she was friends with Naomi long ago. But then she stopped believing in what they were fighting for and turned her back on them and left.

When they realize the distress call has changed, Oksana asks if it’s possible Naomi is alive and on the Chetzemoka. But Karal says it’s impossible although she doesn’t look so sure of that statement.

The episode ends with Naomi’s new message playing on a loop.

“This is Naomi Nagata,.. Tell James Holden I am in… …Control.”

And that was the episode.

Twitter: @solotalkmedia

Facebook: facebook.com/solotalkmedia

Email: [email protected]

Voice Feedback: 1-805-910-7656

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Audible – get a FREE audiobook download and 30-day free trial at solotalkmedia.com/audible. Over 200,000 titles to choose from for your iPhone, Android, Kindle or mp3 player. Leviathan Wakes amongst them.

Send me your feedback 1-805-910-7656 or [email protected]

Deadline to submit your feedback this week is Friday, 9 AM Eastern time.

Welcome to The Expanse Podcast Double Take. In this episode, I give you my first impressions right after seeing the eighth episode of season 5 titled “Hard Vacuum.” I’m creating these short posts to encourage listener feedback by asking questions about the episode.

This week’s questions are…

1) Is the Secretary General leaning towards or away from Admiral Delgado idea of attacking Palace Station?

2) Will Erich be an asset or cause problems for Amos and Clarissa?

3) Are we going to see Mars’ side of the story this season?

I’d like to thank everyone who has subscribed to this podcast and encourage you to join the discussion by sending in your feedback by calling +1-805-910-7656 or by e-mailing me at [email protected] or visiting the website at solotalkmedia.com. If you are enjoying this podcast please consider leaving me a review on Apple Podcasts.

You can also follow me on Twitter and Facebook

[3:13] Episode Recaps
[16:40] Feedback

The episode opens with Naomi remembering a happy moment from when she was still with Marco and Filip was a baby.

Meanwhile, Filip is watching video feeds of his mother’s escapades upon the Behemoth. Marco sees him but the boy lies about what he was looking at. Marco praises his son for the man he’s become. So young and yet so accomplished. Filip tells his father he just wants him to be proud of him.

Marco then tells Filip the ship his mother gave him is of no use to their fleet. Would he mind if Marco used it for a special purpose. The boy agrees saying, even though it was a gift from Naomi, it means nothing to him.

Marco then goes to Naomi’s cell. He wants to know why she came back to Filip after all these years. She tells him she needed her son to know she loves him and that she would do anything for him.

Marco says he took Filip because he thought it would make her stay. Marco thought he and Naomi were of the same mind. But has since realized her heart was never in like his. Now he’s raising Filip to be the fighter he thought she was.

Naomi retorts that Filip is his own person and doesn’t deserve to die for Marco’s dreams.

Marco replies that she doesn’t know the boy. She hasn’t seen him since he was a baby who needed to be protected. However, Marco’s been there for every important moment in the boy’s life. Something Naomi feels very guilty about. But even living with that guilt, she still felt relief. Relief because the pain of losing Filip was not as horrible as having to stay with Marco.

And now she want’s Filip to know who his father really is. She says the only reason he hasn’t killer her yet is because Marco fells threatened. If he did kill her, Filip would know she got to him and she was right all along.

But Marco replies he hasn’t killed her because he doesn’t want their son to feel abandoned again. As he leaves, he gives her permission to walk about the ship providing she doesn’t raise a hand against any of the crew.

Her new freedom takes her to Filip’s quarters. Her son arrives and tells her he’s been reading up on her exploits and how she saved everyone. She tells him it was a team effort.

He changes the subject and asks what she meant when she told him she knows what he’s going through.

She knows the power his father has. She tells him that Marco made her feel like the centre of the universe and she craved his attention. Which made her blind. 

She asks Filip if he feels any remorse for what he’s done? She tells him she used to dream of all the things he would become when he grew up. A killer was not one of them. Now, all she dreams of is that one day he will regret his actions. Killing people doesn’t mean you’re strong. She didn’t know how strong she was until she left Marco. That’s when she realized that everything she had done was to please Marco. Who was happier with himself than with her.

She knows the hold Marco has over people and the way Filip looks at his father. And she hopes he’s not turning into his father. But Filip says he’s his own man. Marco doesn’t control him. He doesn’t need his father or her. But the two then embrace and he asks why she left him.

She never wanted to, but Marco hid Filip from her. She searched for a very long time. Eventually, she had to accept that she couldn’t save him and that her life was nothing without him. She went into an airlock, prepared to take her own life, finally at peace with herself. But then she realized that opening the airlock wouldn’t change anything for Filip. Whether she was alive or dead, he was going to grow up without a mother.

She never wanted to leave him, but walking away was the only choice she had left. It’s the only choice anyone ever has.

—-

Finished getting the Chetzemoka ready for Marco’s new plan. Cyn encounters Naomi.  She apologizes for hitting him, he accepts and the two are good again.

He tells her that he saw her enter that airlock all those years ago. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. He didn’t think anything could break her. But then she walked out. When he looked for her the next day she was gone.

She tells him that without Filip, the only way to get her life back was to leave. Cyn then confesses that he’s the one who hid Filip from her on Marco’s orders. If he had known she would leave he would have helped her. They were all a family, he thought he was doing the right thing and she would come back to Marco, to him.

When he saw her on Palace station after so long he thought it was her chance to make it up to her. She says it is and asks him to help her.

———

Out in space, the Rocinante is searching a popular trade route for the Zmeya who is hoping the traffic will hide them.

When the topic of the Protomolecule comes up and what they’re going to do with it, Jim assures Monica and Bull that he intends to destroy it.

Monica tells them she reached out to some sources for the whereabouts of Marco’s fleet in case they don’t find the Zmeya. It’s always good to have a second plan.

Jim and Bull reminisce about Fred. Talking about how the man often ignored others to do his own thing. Which usually turned out to be right.

Bull comments that Jim and Fred were a lot alike, which is probably why they butted heads so much. Holden confesses that he never trusted Fred, he always thought he had an angle he wasn’t revealing. But he should have.

Their conversation is interrupted by a message from Alex. When they realize how close Alex is to them Jim reaches out.

Meanwhile, on board the Razorback, Alex and Bobbie are getting an update from Avasarala. The UN Fleet is pulling back to protect Earth. With the information they provide her they’re going to hunt down and destroy any of Marco’s Free Navy they come across.

They’re surprised when a reply to their message comes in from Holden. Jim updates them on the Zmeya and the stolen Protomolecule and tells them to get back to Tycho and await further news from him. They send Holden the information they’ve gathered on Marco’s fleet in case that’s where the Zmeya is headed. 

Reviewing this new information, Holden spots Naomi’s ship the Chetzemoka. He’s distracted for a moment, thinking of Naomi, but realizes that the most important thing is getting the Protomolecule sample back.

He tells Alex and Bobbie that Marco has Naomi and asks them to divert and keep an eye on Marco’s fleet. If they lose them, they may never get Naomi back.

Still, on the hunt for the Zmeya, Holden and Monica contemplate how Marco has MCRN ships. He clearly has supporters on Mars. Guns and ammo are one thing. But acquiring gunships would take months of planning and logistics. Not to mention high-level military access. They deduce that the only way Marco could pay for all of this is by offering something extremely valuable that Mars wants in return. And the only thing Marco has that is valuable is the Protomolecule sample and Dr. Cortazar. It can’t be a coincidence that both were seized just days apart.

Holden confesses that they, or more specifically Naomi, gave the Protomolecule sample to Fred. Without it as a bargaining chip, the Inners would never have recognized the OPA without it. Fred was holding on to it until they could build a navy to defend themselves.

Bull interrupts them. They’ve found the Zmeya. In an attempt to escape, the Zmeya fires torpedos at them. The Rocinante just barely manages to take them out with their PDCs. Then Jim fires the railgun to disable their ship so they can board it. Bull and Monica question this decision and why they are not destroying it and the Protomolecule Sample. But Jim wants to find out what they know in order to locate Naomi.

Before they can send in drones to check the ship, the Zmeya explodes.

—

Unbeknownst to them, Marco is monitoring the situation. Marco is upset. If they hadn’t brought Naomi on board, this wouldn’t be happening. 

Cyn asks that he let Naomi go. But Marco seeing weakness in his old friend says she’s never leaving the ship. And if Cyn has a problem with that he can go.

A while later, Filip approaches his father and asks for command of his own ship. He wants to show his father all he can do and he wants their people to know who he is. But Marco shows his son just how disappointed he is in his recent actions. The boy’s weakness nearly undid everything they’ve fought for.

Marco doesn’t want to share the glory. He basks in the knowledge that Belters everywhere are chanting his name. Marco, Marco, Marco, and he tells the boy he’s nothing without him. Filip played a part in their victory, and those who matter know that. One day, Filip will lead the Belt. But not until Marco is gone.

Marco then summons Naomi to the bridge. He taunts her, saying she’s free to leave, but no on her ship. Since she was the reason the Rocinante didn’t blow up, taking half of Tycho station with it, they’ve decided to use the Chetzemoka as a trap for the Roci. Once she sees her family die, they’ll put her on the float and she’ll be free.

Marco says it was Filip’s idea. When she questions her son, he can’t look her in the eye. She pleads with her son, and he strikes her calling her a pathetic earth-loving welwalla who tried to make him weak. Marco accuses her of trying to make their sun betray him. She screams and curses at Marco as she’s escorted off the bridge.

As Marco and his crew set the Chetzemoka to remote pilot and detach it from their ship. Naomi makes her way to the airlock. As she closes the inner doors Cyn squeezes through. He pleads with her not to do this. Not to end her life this way.

She turns and tells him he shouldn’t have followed her. Too late, he notices the hypospray in her hand indicating she has other plans. Taking a deep breath, Naomi opens the outer doors and propels herself through space towards the Chetzemoka killing Cyn in the process. Unbeknownst to her, Filip is watching at the inner door.

As she floats towards the ship, completely exposed to the vacuum of space. She injects herself with the hypospray. She manages to grab hold, open the outer airlock door and pull herself in. The outer door cycles closed as her space ravaged body floats inside.

And that was the episode.

Twitter: @solotalkmedia

Facebook: facebook.com/solotalkmedia

Email: [email protected]

Voice Feedback: 1-805-910-7656

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Audible – get a FREE audiobook download and 30-day free trial at solotalkmedia.com/audible. Over 200,000 titles to choose from for your iPhone, Android, Kindle or mp3 player. Leviathan Wakes amongst them.

Send me your feedback 1-805-910-7656 or [email protected]

Deadline to submit your feedback this week is Friday, 9 AM Eastern time.

Welcome to The Expanse Podcast Double Take. In this episode, I give you my first impressions right after seeing the seventh episode of season 5 titled “Oyedeng.” I’m creating these short posts to encourage listener feedback by asking questions about the episode.

This week’s questions are…

1) Why was Marco looking at the ring gate?

2) Was the protomolecule destroyed along with the Zmeya?

3) Are Jim and Monica correct that Mars is supplying Marco in exchange for the Protomolecule?

Bonus Question) If your answer to questions two and three is YES, then what will happen now between Mars and Marco?

I’d like to thank everyone who has subscribed to this podcast and encourage you to join the discussion by sending in your feedback by calling +1-805-910-7656 or by e-mailing me at [email protected] or visiting the website at solotalkmedia.com. If you are enjoying this podcast please consider leaving me a review on Apple Podcasts.

You can also follow me on Twitter and Facebook

[3:30] Episode Recaps
[22:49] Feedback

The episode opens on Luna. A visibly distraught Avasarala is desperately trying to reach her husband Arjun who is missing after the attack on Earth. when David Paster, the Minister of Transportation arrives and uneasily announces that he’s the new acting Secretary General.

He inadvertently mentioned the devastation on the planet, embarrassingly oblivious to the fate of Chirstjen’s family. She tells him her daughter and grandchildren are safe but she hasn’t heard anything about her husband. He offers to pull whatever strings he can to help locate him.

The acting Secretary General confides in her that the only reason he got into politics is because he thought his local politician was an idiot and figured he could do a better job. He never aspired for a higher position and now  he’s in over his head.

He knows that Avasarala is responsible for averting additional attacks on Earth and asks her to be part of his provisional cabinet.

She graciously agrees, composes herself and steps out to begin her new role.

————

On Tycho station, Holden and his makeshift crew are in the process of starting up the now no longer sabotaged Rocinante, when Monica Stuart shows up.

Bull and Holden tell her they’re going on a military operation and she shouldn’t be there. But she won’t take no for an answer. The only reason they have a target to go after is because of her and she has a story to write.

She’s already been kidnapped once, and for all they know Marco has more people on Tycho station so she’d rather take her chances on the Roci. She reminds Bull that this isn’t her first rodeo. She was on the Rocinante when it was the first ship to go through the ring gate and survive. 

Holden escorts their new passenger to her quarters and orders the ship to give her guest access only to the onboard systems.

Once underway, Holden discovers an unread message from Naomi with the subject line: IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG, that was sent while she was on the Chetzemoka. We however, do not see Holden play the message.

————-

Drifting in space, the Razorback is approached by another ship. Three belters attempt to board her, but when they open the hatch they’re met by Bobbie who’s wearing the Martian Marine Goliath suit she acquired on the black market. She opens fire with the suits machine gun and easily dispatches two of them before the third retreats back inside his ship as it tries to make its escape.

While this is going on, Alex who was hiding on the back side of the Razorback leaps through space to the attacking vessel. He makes his way to the ships thruster section and plants a grenade, while Bobbie attempts to hold the two ships together with her suits enhanced strength.

The strain is too much for her suit and she loses her grip. As the two ships drift apart  Alex makes a desperate leap and manages to collide with the Razorback quickly engaging his boot and glove magnets.

Bobbie pulls him in as they desperately try to get out of there knowing what’s to come. 

As soon as he’s inside he activates the ships emergency startup, putting them under way. As the enemy ship powers up to pursue, their thrusters ignite the grenade which causes a catastrophic explosion destroying the vessel.

———-

Meanwhile, on board the Free Navy flag ship the Pella, Marco is infuriated because the Rocinante didn’t blow up taking out half of Tycho station as expected.

He blames Naomi’s presence for the failure. When Filp apologizes for bring her on board Marco orders his son to space her. 

Filip, Cyn and Marco get into an argument and Cyn finally loses his temper and stands up to Marco, telling him if he wants space her he can to do it himself. He won’t let Filip be a part of it.

Marco calmly asks Filip to make the choice for himself and the boy pleads to spare his mother. Marco dismisses the situation saying he has more important things to do.

Once Cyn and Filip are gone, Karal tells Marco, that if he really wants Naomi spaced, the next time ask her.

When Filip confronts him mother telling her she deserves to die for what she did, Naomi feels relieved, knowing she succeeded in saving her people.

Filip accuses her of no longer thinking of him and those she once knew as family anymore. 

She agrees, she doesn’t and she feels bad about it. She also knows that if she had attacked Marco she would have been killed. It would have been the last thing she ever did but worth it. Because it’s the only thing left she can do to help her son.

Marco made Filip a murderer. He ended millions of ordinary lives and one day he’ll feel the pressure of what he did.

She also tells him that Marco would expect Filip to die for him, but he would give up his life for the boy.

—

Later Drummer and her armada arrive for their meeting with Marco surprised that his free navy includes Martian warships. Oksana and Josep are worried about Drummer’s state of mind. Her losses are still fresh. They need to make sure she doesn’t do anything rash.

On the Pella, they notice Marco’s crew include members of Golden Bough and Black Sky factions, there as tributes in exchange for Marco people on their ships.

They’re concerned that if Marco already has Golden Bough and Black Sky with him, half the OPA will rally to his banner as well.

After some witty banter sizing each other up Oksana brings everyone back on topic before Drummer and Marco come to blows. They’re there to talk about the future, not the past.

With the inners now the enemy, how are belters going to get food? Earth is the only source of live soil.

Marco assures them plans are in motion, and within a decade the belt will have more agricultural sources than Earth.

Once freed from colonial control, the Belt will have no limit.

He invites Drummer and her crew to join his Free Navy. They are free to leave if they don’t want to, but don’t expect his protection.

Camina reminds him that the only reason they need protection is because of what he did. His actions have committed the entire Belt to war with the Inners and made peace impossible.

Marco explains that they were always at war. All he did was alter the terms.

Back on her ship, Drummer tells her crew what’s going on. There is much debate on whether or not they should join him with both sides sharing valid points.

Until Bertold tells them they have no choice. Marco may have said they have a choice but they don’t. Earth will go to war with the Belt, and their only chance to survive is to stand together.

Like it or not, Inaros is going to do what centuries of leaders, including Anderson Dawes and Fred Johnson couldn’t.

He’s going to combine hundred of factions into one nation and their only choice is to join him or die.

—

The decision made, Marco and Drummer exchange crew members. Serge will stay on the Pella as Karal joins Drummer’s ship.

When Drummer mentions that Serge is family to her, Marco introduces his son Filip to her, stating that Camina is a good friend of his mother. He tells his son how Naomi was with Drummer on the Behemoth before leaving to rejoin her inners.

Drummer reminds him that by rejoining her crew, Naomi helped save every soul in their system. Filip is curious to hear more but there’s no time.

Marco tells Drummer to mention to Naomi what a fine young man her son has become.

And when Drummer asks Filip if he has anything he wishes her to tell Naomi, the boy let slip by saying that there’s no need, he can tell… before Marco abruptly cuts him off.

Suspicious, Drummer returns to her ship and everyone parts ways.

Back at her cell, Filip sits down next to his mother and asks her to tell him about the Behemoth, while Marco watches from the bridge while setting up an intercept with the Rocinante.

————-

On Earth, Amos and Clarissa come across a refugee aid station. Not wanting to be identified by the authorities and Clarissa being sent back to prison, they decide to take their chances on reaching Baltimore. Teaming up with people like Erik in times like these will increase their chance of survival.

It’s a long trip, and Clarissa isn’t in the best of shape, the withdrawal from the mod blockers is making her muscles cramp, but she says she’ll make it. 

They come across a dead body in the woods which Amos strips for provisions. They briefly discuss their parents, or lack thereof. When Amos brings up Lydia Clarissa says she sounds like she was a good person. But Amos tells her there are ways someone can live a good life without actually being a good person.

As it’s getting dark they come across a lone traveller sitting by a campfire and they join him to warm up. 

Amos questions him about Baltimore but the man tells them they’d be crazy to go there. It’s chaos with people killing each other over simple provisions. 

There’s something about the man Amos doesn’t trust so he and Clarissa leave. The man warns them about a man to the east, and end of times guy, who’s holed up in a compound and will shoot anyone who comes too close.

Once they’ve put some distance between them, Amos stops to make sure the man isn’t following them. He says the problem with civilization is it keeps people civil. If you take the one away, you can’t have the other. 

He grew up looking over his shoulder and now everyone else is going to have to learn to do the same.

Satisfied that they’re not being followed, Amos changes direction towards the protected compound.

Telling Clarissa to stay hidden, Amos jumps the front gate, calling out with his hands up.

He just wants to talk trade. Amos claims to have a water recycler he’s willing to exchange for a hinting riffle.

The man tells Amos strip to make sure he’s unarmed. But once he does the man intends to shoot Amos and retrieve the water recycler for himself.

Before he can pull the trigger, Clarissa, with her mods fully engaged attacks and kills the man before collapsing from exhaustion deliriously whispering about monsters and not being afraid.

Amos carries her into the house by the fire as she recuperates from her ordeal.

When she regains consciousness he shows her their haul. They have weapons, food and transportation.

Then he asks her about her mods. She explains to him how they help her for a short time but take a heavy toll on her. 

He tells her not to worry, he won’t let anything happen to her. He heard her talking in her sleep about monsters and being afraid.

She explains that that was a poem she wrote that she uses as a prayer. 

I have killed, but I am not a killer,
because a killer is a monster
and monsters aren’t afraid.

She then tells him she’s afraid all the time. of the things she did and how right it felt while doing them.

She then question why they came there. Does it bother him that they killed a guy just to get supplies they need?

They went out of their way to murder someone and take his stuff just because they needed it. That’s not the kind of thing good people do. Not even bad people trying to live like good ones.

Amos realizes that Holden never would have approved his actions, and he has to get back to his crew before he loses himself even more.

And that was the episode.

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