When the Slow Zone speed limit changes, Chandra Lucas is the highest-ranking MCRN officer beyond the Ring. After consideration, she allies with Ashford to provide medical care to wounded people with the Behemoth’s spin gravity, but struggles to determine the right course of action when up against his charisma and single-mindedness.

In our hint for Chandra Lucas, we described her as: diplomatic, vigilant, discerning, restrained, and decisive.

To reflect these traits, we used spicy rye (whiskey has been a common ingredient in our Martian military drinks since proud, incisive Captain Yao of the Donnager), smooth Calvados, sharp Averna, and Bittermens black mission fig bitters to create a balanced, sippable drink.

We took the photo for this one in weird circumstances, with a more frighteningly red cherry than we would normally use, but like the way it ended up mirroring her part as Mars’s representative as the Slow Zone group’s lives hung in the balance.

Instructions:

Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir until cold. Strain into a chilled tumbler over one large ice cube and garnish with a cocktail cherry.