Leviathan Wakes (The Expanse, #1)

by James S.A. Corey

“I mean,” Holden said, “how long are we going to hang around on Tycho, drinking and whoring and eating sushi on Fred’s expense account?” “As long as I can?” Alex said.

“Look, you’re the big dog here. Even if I didn’t know who you used to be, you’d scare the shit out of me, so don’t feel the need to prove it. But no matter how scared I am, I’m not backing down on this.” Fred’s hoped-for laughter didn’t come. Holden tried to swallow without gulping. “I bet every captain you ever flew under thought you were a gigantic pain in the ass,” Fred said finally. “I believe my record reflects that,” Holden said, trying to hide his relief.

“There’s a right thing to do,” Holden said. “You don’t have a right thing, friend,” Miller said. “You’ve got a whole plateful of maybe a little less wrong.”

Thesis statement I guess.

“Damage,” Holden said. “Went clean through us, Cap,” Amos said. “Galley and the machine shop. Got yellows on the board, but nothing that’ll kill us.” Nothing that’ll kill us sounded good, but Holden felt a pang for his coffeemaker.

Fred laughed. It was mirthless. “Let me get this straight,” he said. “You’ll give me all the kingdoms of the Earth if I just bow down and do one act of worship for you?” Dresden cocked his head. “I don’t know the reference.”

“Remember not to ask after her husband.” “Why? I didn’t kill him, did I?” “No, sir. He’s having a very public affair, and the general’s a bit touchy about it.” “So she might want me to kill him.” “You can make the offer, sir.”

“It’s Captain Holden, sir.” “Do I have to?” “It would be best if he felt he was part of the effort, sir. He has a track record of amateur press releases.”