5 Big The Expanse Stories That Could Power Season 7

Warning: Spoilers ahead for the final three novels of The Expanse book series.

The Expanse is one of the best sci-fi shows of recent years. The series ran for six strong seasons on Prime Video and stayed very close to the original novels written by James S.A. Corey. However, the show ended after adapting Book 6 (Babylon’s Ashes), even though three major novels are still left: Persepolis Rising (Book 7), Tiamat’s Wrath (Book 8), and Leviathan Falls (Book 9).

There is a 30-year time jump between Book 6 and Book 7, which may be one reason the show paused. If the series ever returns for Season 7, there is plenty of powerful story material ready to be adapted. Here are five major storylines from the final The Expanse books that could shape a Season 7 revival and beyond.

1. The Rise of the Laconian Empire

Season 6 introduced viewers to Laconia, a planet accessed through the Ring network. Admiral Winston Duarte, who betrayed Mars, escaped through the Laconian gate and cut it off from the rest of humanity.

In the books, the story jumps ahead 30 years. During that time, Laconia becomes a massive and highly advanced empire under Duarte’s rule. He calls himself the “High Consul” and governs with strict, authoritarian control. Laconia becomes the central power in the final trilogy.

Duarte believes he is the only person who can guide humanity’s future. His obsession with control leads him to experiment with the protomolecule. He even injects himself with it to achieve immortality and attempts to create a human hive mind.

This storyline is dark, political, and deeply emotional. It would be incredible to see Laconia fully explored on screen in a potential Season 7. Duarte’s daughter, Teresa, also plays a key role in the later books, especially in her relationship with Amos Burton.

The Laconia arc alone could easily support multiple seasons.

2. The Return of Cara and Xan

Season 6 briefly introduced Cara and Xan, two children on Laconia. After Xan dies, Cara brings his body to strange repair drones created by the ancient Ring Builders. The drones bring him back to life — but he is no longer fully human. Later, Cara also dies and is revived in the same way.

In the final books, Cara and Xan return in a much bigger role. Scientists study them to understand the protomolecule and the strange alien technology. Their condition becomes important to Duarte’s search for immortality.

Their storyline also connects with Dr. Elvi Okoye and eventually the Rocinante crew. Seeing their strange transformation and how it affects them emotionally would add depth to the sci-fi mystery.

A Season 7 adaptation could expand their characters and explore the true power of the protomolecule.

3. The Rocinante Crew’s Final Journey

The heart of The Expanse has always been the Rocinante crew — Holden, Naomi, Amos, Bobbie, Alex, and Clarissa.

After the 30-year time jump, the crew is older and changed. The Rocinante becomes a ship working under the Transport Union. Clarissa Mao eventually dies from a medical condition introduced in Season 6. Her emotional goodbye would be heartbreaking on screen.

Chrisjen Avasarala also passes away from old age in the later books. Her funeral would be a powerful moment for longtime fans.

Bobbie Draper eventually becomes captain of the Rocinante. Naomi leads a resistance movement against the Laconian Empire. Holden is captured by Duarte and plays a key role in the final conflict involving the Ring network.

One of the most powerful moments in the series is Holden’s final sacrifice. He destroys the Ring network to save humanity from the mysterious alien threat. This ending gives his character a complete and meaningful arc.

Also, fans would likely see the return of Proto-Miller, the strange protomolecule version of Joe Miller. His presence remains important in understanding the alien forces.

A proper adaptation of Books 7–9 would give the Rocinante crew the emotional ending they deserve.

4. The Truth About the Ring Entities

The mystery of the Ring gates has been building since Season 3. The books finally reveal more about the ancient alien civilization known as the Ring Builders and the mysterious enemies who destroyed them — often described as “dark gods.”

These Ring Entities exist beyond normal space and react violently when ships use the Ring gates too much. They are responsible for the destruction of the Builders long before humans discovered the network.

In the final trilogy, humanity’s actions awaken these powerful beings again. Duarte believes he can defeat them by evolving humanity through the protomolecule.

This storyline adds cosmic horror to the political drama of Laconia. A Season 7 revival could dive deeper into the origins of the Builders and the terrifying power of the Ring Entities.

It would expand the universe and make the story feel even bigger.

5. Amos Burton’s Immortal Future

One of the most surprising endings in Leviathan Falls centers on Amos Burton.

Like Cara and Xan, Amos is revived by alien repair drones after dying. He becomes something more than human — nearly immortal. In the final epilogue, set 1,000 years in the future, Amos is still alive on Earth.

He becomes a bridge between humanity’s past and its distant future.

This epilogue is small but powerful. It suggests that even after the fall of the Ring network, humanity survives and rebuilds. Seeing this distant future on screen would give the series a bold and emotional final note.

An extended Season 9 could even explore what life looks like 1,000 years later and how Amos fits into that new world.

Can The Expanse Return for Season 7?

There has been no official confirmation of a Season 7 yet. However, the story clearly feels unfinished. The 30-year time jump could be handled through aging makeup, recasting younger characters, or simply waiting for time to pass.

The final three books offer rich political drama, emotional character arcs, and deep sci-fi mysteries. If adapted properly, Seasons 7 to 9 could complete the full vision of The Expanse.

For fans, the hope remains alive. The universe of The Expanse is too big — and too powerful — to stay silent forever.