In the asteroid belt near Saturn, James Holden and the crew of the ice-freighter Canterbury, investigate a distress call from a mysterious derelict ship, the Scopuli. On Ceres Station, Detective Miller begins an off the book investigation of a missing heiress, Julie Mao.

Holden and crew fight for survival in a badly damaged shuttle. Miller uncovers clues to Julie Mao, as water rationing hits Ceres station. On Earth, UN Deputy Undersecretary Crisjen Avasarala interrogates a belter terrorist.

Holden and crew are taken prisoner aboard the Martian navy flagship, the Donnager and are forced to turn on one another. Miller contends with riots on Ceres, he connects Julie to the mysterious derelict ship, the Scopuli. Avasarala engages in a nasty game of politics with an old friend.

Holden and crew are caught in the middle of a desperate battle as mysterious war ships attack and board the Donnager. As Miller continues to investigate Julie Mao, his partner Havelock continues to go missing.

Holden and crew make a deal with an unlikely ally on Tycho station. Miller’s conspiracy theories and obsession over the missing girl continues to grow.

Miller discovers revealing information on a hidden data cube. Holden and crew arrive at Tycho station, surprised by their host’s hidden agenda.