Page 272 (1/2)

“Kind of sounds like you’re talking out your ass there,” Naoave them permission to shoot at the UN Navy without political repercussions”

“Even if they help,” Holden said, “there’s no way they can co soot this daether,” Amos said

“I still say we stick Prax and Nao to think that’s a bad idea,” Avasarala said She took a sip of coffee and gri her five cups of tea a day

“Explain,” Holden said

“Well, if the Martians decide they’re on our side, that changes the whole landscape for those UN ships They can’t beat all seven of us, if I understand the ht”

“Okay,” Holden said

“That ue eleuyen’s cabal fails, everyone on his teaets at minimum a court-martial The best way to make sure that doesn’t happen is to ht, noat the Roci,” Naomi said “Not the pinnace”

“Of course not,” Avasarala said with a laugh “Because of course I’ll be on the pinnace You think for a second they’ll believe that you’re desperately trying to protect an escape craft that I’m not on? And I bet the Razorback doesn’t have those PDCs you were talking about Does it?”

To Bobbie’s surprise, Holden was nodding as Avasarala spoke She’d sort of pegged him as a know-it-all who fell in love only with his own ideas

“Yeah,” Holden said “You’re absolutely right They’ll fling everything they’ve got at the Razorback as she tries to get away, and she’ll have no defense”

“Which ht here on this ship,” Naoain,” Holden said “We need an engagement plan”

“This is a pretty thin crew,” Bobbie said now that the conversation had moved back to her area of expertise “Where’s everyone usually sit?”

“Operations officer,” Holden said, pointing at Naomi “She also does electronic warfare and counter she’d never worked it before we got this ship”

“Mechanic—” Holden started, pointing at A hi apart when there’s holes in it”

“I usually unner?” Bobbie asked

“Yo,” said Alex, pointing at hiet acquisition?” Bobbie said “I’rew a shade darker His aw shucks Mariner Valley drawl had started to go fro And the blush eet “Aw, no The cap’n does acquisition froe fire control”

“Well, there you go,” Bobbie said, turning to Holden “Give eant …” Holden said

“Gunny,” Bobbie replied