An aging water-hauler whose routine rescue duty pulls its crew toward the derelict Scopuli.
The Canterbury is a retooled colony transport now hauling ice from Saturn toward the Belt for Pur'n'Kleen Water Company. Under Captain McDowell it answers the Scopuli's distress beacon, despite the cost and delay. McDowell orders executive officer James Holden to investigate cautiously and leave at the first sign of danger.
Three-quarters of a kilometer long and roughly fire-hydrant shaped, the Canterbury is mostly empty space inside, built around the practical machinery and hangars of a long-serving industrial vessel.
The Canterbury is Holden's home and workplace, carrying the small crew sent to inspect the abandoned freighter.