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But there were six , as she’d just pointed out to Holden, two Raptor-class fast-attack cruisers Top-of-the-line Martian military hardware, andwith the two cruisers were four Martian destroyers They ht not be better than their UN counterparts, but with the two cruisers in their wing, they had a significant tonnage and firepower advantage And they were following the UN ships to see that they weren’t about to do so the one UN politician asn’t straining at the leash for a ith Mars

“Hey, you know?” Bobbie said before she realized she was going to say anything “I just had an idea …”

The galley fell silent

Bobbie had a sudden and unco up in the UN conference roo her military career in the process Captain Holden, the cute one as a little too full of hiape on his face He looked like a very angry person who’d lost his train of thoughtlearned to read the old lady’s expression better, she didn’t see anger there Just curiosity

“Well,” Bobbie said, clearing her throat “There are six Martian ships following those UN ships And the Martian ships outclass theh alert”

No one moved or spoke Avasarala’s curiosity had turned to a frown “So,” Bobbie continued, “theyto back us up”

Avasarala’s frown had only gotten deeper “Why,” she said, “would the Martians give a fk about protectingkilled by my own damn Navy?”

“Would it hurt to ask?”

“No,” Holden said “I’ it wouldn’t hurt?”

“Who’d make the call?” Avasarala asked “You? The traitor?”

The words were like a gut punch But Bobbie realized what the old lady was doing She was hitting Bobbie with the worst possible Martian response Gauging her reaction to it

“Yeah, I’d open the door,” Bobbie said “But you’re the one that will have to convince the minute, then said, “Okay”

“Repeat that, Rocinante,” the Martian commander said The connection was as clear as if they were standing in the roo hi carefully, all the same

“This is Assistant Undersecretary Chrisjen Avasarala of the United Nations of Earth,” Avasarala said again “I aue elesaveyour planet”

“I’ to have to send this up the chain,” the corin was audible in his voice

“Call whoever you need to call,” Avasarala said “Justht?”