All rights go to the writers of the TV show The 100 and film The Chronicles of Riddick for my OC's name. This is M-rated for profanity, graphic violence, and sexual content. Warnings will be placed accordingly at the beginning of each chapter. Also, this story MIGHT become a mild crossover with the TV show Vikings in the future, but that will definitely be after season one. Full author's note will be located at the bottom of every chapter.

1

GOODBYES

A ray of light glinted across Eve's placid face as she stared at the twelve-inch knife twirling between her nimble fingers. She tilted her head, falling deeper into her quietude; and for a moment, the weight in her stomach lifted.

But only for a moment.

"Are you ready?" came a familiar voice.

She glanced over her shoulder. Councilman Marcus Kane stood at the door, leaning against the door frame with arms folded across his chest. His dark-blue uniform shirt wrinkled at the sleeves.

"Always," she replied. Turning away, she gave the knife a final visual inspection before dragging her finger along the edge. Calloused skin scraped off the top layer with ease.

Still as sharp as ever, she thought with a pleased smile.

She slipped the blade into the sleeve pocket located within her boot. She patted at the sides for a quick adjustment before turning toward the metal band resting atop her bare mattress. A pair of prongs protruded from the inner base and she stared at them with distaste. Why did it have to be needles? She hated needles.

Taking a breath, Eve brought the contraption over her wrist. It's just an inch of metal, she rationalized, ignoring the points pricking into her delicate skin. It'll hurt for only a second. She clenched her jaw and readied herself for the sharp pain.

"Allow me."

Eve blinked. With her hand frozen over the band, she turned around and watched as Marcus strode across the room towards her, his steps languid and counted. His dark-brown eyes landed on her face as he came to a stop, before they dropped to the device.

"It's easier if someone else does it," he offered, holding out his hand.

She eyed him for a moment, suspicious of his kind gesture. His opposition against the Council's decision to send her to Earth couldn't have been more adamant. For a year he argued her value to the Ark on multiple fronts, including her tenure as an executive officer, her influence among the guard, and the people - which was questionable, in her opinion. After she increased the residential searches last year she'd lost favor in many parts of the ship.

They needed her, he said, for the days to come when Order would fall under martial law. Because he could see no other outcome than chaos consuming their modicum of civilization.

The Council heard his words as they did to those offered at any other hearing, and then responded in the same manner they'd done for the past three years - with a slam of the gavel and execution date.

And now Marcus Kane, a man of conviction and resilience, stood before his adopted daughter with the knowledge she'd be stuffed into a decrepit shuttle and hurtled through space until she landed on Earth. A planet still recovering from its nuclear ruination ninety-seven years ago.

Even if he did sabotage her bracelet, the Council would still send her down along with a hundred criminals that would love her head on a platter. Her demise was inevitable.

She handed over the wristband.

With a crude click, the clamps closed around the small of her wrist, the needles finding a solid home. She managed to muffle a yelp but Marcus still raised an eyebrow at her.

"That hurt," she insisted, rubbing at the area.

"I've seen you handle worse," Marcus remarked. She rolled her eyes and before she could step away, he grabbed her wrist. With a slow turn of her arm, he observed a set of green, blinking lights built into the band. "These lights indicate vital sign readings. They'll show the Ark that you're still alive. If by some miracle the ground is safe, make sure these are always on."

She stared at the lights for a moment as she imagined her vital signs on display next to a hundred others in the control room. All blaring the color red the moment they landed on Earth while the crew watched in the background. Watched as the prison population and she died from radiation poisoning.

Letting out a breath, Eve pushed the macabre thought to the back of her mind and then nodded, pulling her arm away.

"Yes, sir," she said, meeting his firm gaze. His stoic demeanor held on for a few more seconds before it melted and she found herself facing the grieving man underneath.

Her chest tightened at the sight. Don't. Don't do this. Not now.

She needed strength - his strength. Now, more than ever. And if his next words involved anything short of inspiration or courage, she knew her resolve would crumble. Before fear and panic could take a hold of her, she turned away and went around to the metal chair resting near the head of the bed. Her eyes fell to the dark-tinted jacket slouched over the frame, the one she'd left out for today.

The polyester fabric felt cool against her skin as she shrugged it over her shoulders. Her long, dark tail of hair landed with a pat as she pulled it out from under. To the casual observer, the hooded garment resembled a regular flight jacket produced on the Ark, a makeshift piece of outerwear with incorporated patches and zippers for seams. However, in light of recent events and her soon-to-be home, she installed a thin holster in the front, a pocket in the back, and slits in the sleeve ends, as well as the shoulder seams. A bit much, she admitted, but she'd be damned if she found herself tied up on Earth without means of escape.

Like Marcus had said, if by some miracle the air wasn't toxic, she could run off once the ship landed, find safety and wait for the Ark to follow. Live off the land for a weeks. That is, if she hadn't already made promises to the Chancellor and the ship's Head Doctor to protect their children Wells Jaha and Clarke Griffin - which she had.

And Eve didn't break promises.

Oh well. Hiding wasn't her style anyway.

"I know you feel that you need to do this," Marcus's calm voice filled the room again. She continued as if he hadn't spoken, reaching beneath her pillow for the loaded gun she'd acquired with a few favors and ass-kissing. It slid into the holster with a soft click. His light footsteps grew closer behind her. Tugging at the end of her jacket and double-checking the pockets, she pretended to be busy, hoping he wouldn't continue. "But I want you to know that you don't have to."

Eve stopped, a hand still in her jacket, and with a heavy sigh wheeled around to face him. "It's done, Marcus. I'm not backing out."

"I know," he said in a calm voice. "That's not what I'm talking about." She stared at him for a moment, confused. A soft smile stretched across his face and he took a step closer. A firm but light hand landed on her shoulder and she swallowed hard as his sincere eyes met hers. "What I mean is that I know you feel you need to do this after everything that's happened…but you don't have to. Because you're the best damn officer the Ark has ever had and nothing will ever change that. Nothing. And I want you to know that I couldn't be prouder of you." His hand extended out to her. "It's been my greatest privilege to be a part of your life, Eve Logan."

Her eyes fell to his hand and a thickness grew in her throat at the sight. The time for goodbyes had arrived and even with all her emotional preparations - imagining the moment, reciting the words, promising herself she'd walk away strong - she still wasn't ready. Not by a long shot.

She never cried, ever. Not since her parents' execution. But his words struck her deep and she couldn't prevent the tears from building along the waterline of her own eyes, threatening to fall down her cheeks. She wanted to thank him for everything he'd done for her. Even when she was a lousy kid, he always believed in her, never allowing her to feel sorry for herself or settle for less. Instead, his unrelenting motivation pushed her to work harder, to be a better person, and to never give up. He always fueled her potential and, even though their blood was not the same, she considered Marcus a father, a protector, a mentor, and most of all…a friend. She wanted to tell him that he was wrong, that she wasn't going to the ground for a tainted legacy or redemption but because it was what he would do if he was in her position.

He was a great and brave man, and she would do anything to live up to him and everything he saw her be. Words could not express her gratitude.

Straightening her stance and tightening her jaw, she returned an assertive nod and shook his hand, knowing the greatest thanks she could give him was to serve the Ark the best she could. As he had.

"I won't let you down," she said, a tear falling down her cheek.

"I know you won't," he smiled. The thumb of his free hand wiped away the tear and after a moment of looking at each other with sorrow-stricken eyes, he pulled her into an embrace.

Eve held him close, her chin resting on his shoulder. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

"It's all right," he whispered in return, giving her a gentle pat, feeling the guilt wash over them both. "I'm the one that's sorry. I should have been there for you and I wasn't." He pulled away with his hands on her shoulders. "I hope you can forgive me."

She shook her head and smiled. "There's nothing to forgive."

Marcus smiled back. He gave her one last look before taking a step to the side. "The prisoners are being boarded right now." He gestured to the door. "You should go."

Eve stared at the opening that led out into the grey, metal hallway and took a deep breath. "Goodbye, Marcus," she said, her eyes meeting his. "May we meet again."

He nodded back, his throat bobbing as he swallowed hard. "May we meet again."

To be continued…

Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope you enjoyed the first chapter. If you have any recommendations or advice, please feel free to let me know. As of 05/24/19, I have placed this story on hiatus and under revision. All following chapters have been taken down and will be replaced once I have corrected errors and improved weak writing. If you choose to become a follower, I will send a PM alert for new chapters. Thank you for your patience.