Griffin,

Thanks for your message. The Alliance are giving me food and a warm bed but that's just about it. Let's hope the reapers are taking a break too…

Rumour mill is in overdrive here. Anderson spoke to Jaha and found out you disobeyed a direct order to return to the Citadel. You know my situation here on Earth...but it's good to know there's people still out there working at bringing down the reapers together. You were always talented, kid, and you know how to get the best people around you. The N7 program hasn't had many soldiers who are as gifted.

Good luck with everything on the Outer System. When I'm back in the fight, let me know if you need anything. EDI and Joker will get me there in a heartbeat. Get Polis on our side. We need everyone in the galaxy working together.

Look after yourself,

Shepard.

Clarke switched off her terminal, smiling to herself. It was good to hear from her old mentor but she cursed the Alliance for keeping Shepard grounded. Shepard was the best damn leader there was, the Normandy was the best ship and Shepard's entire squad had just taken down a collector base. The Alliance were being ridiculous.

Clarke looked up and watched as people went about their duties on the Ark. The Normandy was famed for being built by Turians and humans in partnership...well, before it was blown to hell. The Ark though, was externally entirely Turian design. It was another thing the Alliance had hated. She'd worked closely with the Turians and successful missions had meant they had donated this small ship. It was enough for her to carry out her activities with a full squad and was only slightly smaller than the Normandy. Her mother and Jaha though had been furious. It subverted all regulations and protocol but no human ship had quite the same outer strength… although, Raven, Monty and Wick had both torn out most of the interior and had it redesigned to suit their needs. Turians didn't do comfort.

The ship was relatively elegant inside. There was a strange tranquility to it and Wick had worked so long on the engine that it could barely be heard. Clarke always preferred it when they were docked, but life on the Ark had grown on her.

The galaxy map took up most of this area and the ship diverged off up to the pilot and airlock area. They layout was so similar to the Normandy that it had given everyone a false sense of confidence. Shepard was everyone's hero.

'Clarke,' Monty said, from across his terminal and breaking her thoughts, 'Jaha has issued another order for us to return to the Citadel.'

Clarke fought a small smile at the fear in Monty's voice. They were all risking being in serious trouble whenever they did dock, but the fate of the galaxy was more important than ego, politics or protocol.

'Tell him we will: when we get a deal with the Commander.' Clarke replied easily, beginning to walk through the CIC and to the cockpit.

'Are we really going to call her that?' Finn asked, clicking off his terminal and coming to join her.

Clarke rolled her eyes.

'If we want a deal with Trikru I think we can at least recognise Lexa as leader.' Clarke said evenly. 'We can't let our terms and language get in the way of that. If he didn't call her "Commander" or even "Heda" everyone would see it as a sign of disrespect.'

'Yeah…' Finn agreed, running his hand through his hair, 'but there's plenty on this ship who don't want any deal with her, Clarke.'

'I'm the Captain and I'm in charge.' Clarke said smoothly. 'If they don't like that then they are welcome to hitch a ride to the Citadel on any other ship.'

Clarke fought another smile as she heard the young N7 soldier mutter under his breath that he was just trying to help. Harper called Finn over and he pulled a face as Clarke went to the cockpit without him. He was always keen to find out whatever news was going on. Finn had been a unique recruit; he was more than capable of motivating and even leading people but for a soldier he was incredibly reluctant to fight. He had joined the Alliance when he had heard about Shepard's warnings of the reapers. He knew war was coming and so he wanted to protect those he loved. However, fighting was not something that came naturally to him and Clarke worried for him. Perhaps he cared too much.

Bellamy flicked off his omnitool and looked at her seriously from where he was leaning, next to where Raven was seated as she flew the ship.

'Let me guess….Monty just sent Jaha's message…' Clarke said knowingly.

'Jaha's going to kill us. This is the third order we've disobeyed.'

'We need to get Polis on side.' Clarke dismissed. 'You know this.'

'Clarke-'

'Bellamy,' Clarke cut off, 'do you trust me?'

'I-'

'Do you trust me?' Clarke asked again.

Bellamy nodded, his eyes blazing.

'Then we get this deal done.'

'I don't trust these people though.' Bellamy added and Clarke sighed, running a hand through her blonde hair.

'Clarke's right,' Raven piped up, 'we need as many people on our side as we can get.'

'Thank you, Raven.' Clarke smirked. 'So take us in then. Let's go get the deal with the Commander.'

'Your wish is my command, Captain.' Raven replied.

'Who are you taking?' Bellamy asked as the ship began to gently descend into the orbit of Trikru.

Clarke's eyes were fixed on the windows. She loved the sight of Trikru more than any other planet in this system. It was a land of forests. The buildings that did exist weren't made of the same iron and metals that every other major city was. The capital of Trikru was named after the system and Polis was beautiful. In the middle of the green was a rising golden tower made of stone. The sight alone made Clarke never want to return to the Citadel.

'You, of course,' Clarke smiled finally, at her second in command, 'and Octavia I think.'

Before Bellamy could raise any objections Clarke raised her hand and quickly explained.

'I know, you're worried about her but she understands Trikru.'

'She's fascinated by them,' Bellamy said, in disdain. 'She'd run off here if she could.'

'But she can't.' Clarke replied firmly. 'The reapers are coming and Octavia wants to fight, but she's one of the best people to get an Alliance. Trikru respect her for how she treats them.'

'This deal will only go so far.' Bellamy reminded her. 'Half of Trikru are scattered as refugees and migrants across the galaxy and they barely have any citizen rights outside of this system. Azgeda will never support any agreement-'

'Lexa is stronger. We need her more than Nia.' Clarke shrugged.

'I hope you're right.'

'Go get Octavia.' Clarke said, with a bitter and sarcastic smile.

Bellamy gave her a playful look before walking back down the aisle to go get his sister.

'Thanks for backing me up.' Clarke said, as she continued to watch Raven guide the ship closer to the dock at Polis.

'You better be right.' Raven sighed and Clarke scrunched up her nose in annoyance.

There was a gentle thud and a hiss as the ship came to a halt. Clarke turned and pulled open one of the compartment drawers and started to equip herself with ammo and a small arc pistol. It was a deep sign of trust that she only carried her pistol on Trikru now and even that had been a leap of faith. The Trikru guards always kept their weapons but even if they had shed them it would hardly be a fair fight. Their biotics could tear them all apart.

It was another minute or two before Bellamy and Octavia joined them. Octavia seemed surprised to even have been asked but Clarke just gave her a brief but reassuring nod. She didn't have time for Bellamy's older brother routine.

'Minimal weapons.' Clarke ordered and she didn't miss how strained Bellamy's face looked in response but he did at least comply.

They stepped out into the humid air of Trikru and onto the golden brick road. In truth, it was far paler at this sight but it still held a majestic awe about it. Clarke thought it was the jewel of the galaxy but only Octavia seemed to agree; the rest of the crew were pining for the Citadel.

As they made their way out of the docks and through the square, they still attracted looks. The Trikru people still weren't used to having people so obviously from the Alliance in their midst and Clarke couldn't blame them for their distrust. She was glad that at least Kane consented to this mission and she knew he was working hard to slow up Jaha from just ordering the Alliance to arrest her, but the people here were worth it. They deserved a chance at survival against the reapers too.

The marketplace was alive. It was still morning for them and they would have a busy day of trade ahead. The smells of cooking fish and meat met her nostrils and she instantly felt soothed. The chat of the market was loud and joyous even at this time of day. They passed by stalls that sold what looked liked cooked jellyfish, those who made armour from the few metals they had on this planet and some weapons stalls although Clarke had to glare Bellamy into silence when he noticed how many weapons were bows, arrows and spears.

'They have a different way of surviving to us.' Clarke muttered, as they walked away from that last stall where the owner was glaring after them as Bellamy's snort of derision had not gone unnoticed.

'Do you think sticks are going to be enough to stop the reapers?' Bellamy asked. 'Why are we even bothering?'

'Because I told you to.' Clarke said finally.

She hated pulling rank on him. She relied on Bellamy more than anyone but she wasn't about to have this argument in the middle of the market place.

'They're strong.' Octavia said. 'Council wouldn't make such an effort if they weren't.'

'The Council don't want us to waste our time.' Bellamy retorted.

'Yeah, that's why they sent Shepard after Geth…'

'Guys,' Clarke cut off, 'we can discuss this back on the Ark. Now, come on.'

Octavia looked as though she was ready to argue but stern looks from both Bellamy and Clarke were enough to quell her. Clarke led them to the tower. Clarke never could get over the size of it, and she was relieved that the grounders now liked her enough that she was no longer forced to use the stairs to visit Lexa. The first meeting with the Commander had almost been enough to make her rethink her entire career.

Clarke nodded to the guards as they made their way to the entrance and into the elevator. The doors scraped shut and they slowly felt themselves being pulled upwards.

'They don't even use electricity.' Bellamy muttered, knowing two men in the basement were now turning a wheel to pull them up.

'Bellamy, I swear-'

Before Clarke could even get her words out Octavia had elbowed him in the gut and Bellamy was spluttering, bent double.

'Octavia, what the hell?' Clarke snapped.

Octavia shrugged.

'He's my brother. I can and I did.' Octavia dismissed.

'I'm your superior!' Bellamy reminded her, between gasps.

'You two are both benched for my next two missions.' Clarke muttered murderously.

'Good luck with Jasper and Finn.' Octavia smirked.

'I have Harper and Monro.' Clarke snapped, annoyed, and Clarke was incredulous to witness the Blake siblings exchange a smug smirk.

Mercifully, it was only a few moments before the doors were dragged open and Clarke could step out of the elevator. Titus was waiting for them and he regarded them with a cool gaze.

'Hello, Titus,' Clarke greeted.

He had never been particularly happy that Lexa had agreed to speak to them at all. He had been the subject of much ridicule on the Ark that Clarke had at least initially tried to stop. The tattoos around his bald scalp had drawn ridicule from those who resented needing to ask Trikru for help and Clarke would not stand for that line of jokes - until Titus upon her second meeting with Lexa had tried to get the Commander to kill her. Lexa had seemed as bored of this suggestion as Clarke was incredulous. After that she let her crew make all the damn jokes she wanted.

'Follow me,' he reminded, his voice as icy as his gaze.

'Warm welcome.' Bellamy muttered as Titus strode down the corridor, his cloak billowing behind him.

The three followed after him. In the Citadel, their presence would be enough to draw stares of admiration. Bellamy was a capable soldier, Octavia and herself were both skilled sentinels but their powers here were deemed as insignificant and their weapons were mistrusted and feared. Trikru people never picked up guns.

The guards to Lexa's throne room gave them tight nods. Clarke sometimes wondered what the gossip in the halls was. Any deal or alliance between her and Lexa could weaken the Commander's integrity and her popularity and Clarke needed her - but she needed a strong Lexa.

Clarke led the Blake siblings into the room where Lexa was waiting on her throne. Titus walked to her side and Clarke stopped a few feet in front of Lexa. The Commander gave little away in her expressions and she was as perfectly composed as ever. Her commander's uniform was nothing like the N7 offered. It was mostly made out of recycled armour but there was an auror about her that signified power. Lexa carried no guns but regularly kept a sword and dagger with her. The dagger was strapped to her leg but the hilt of the sword glinted near Lexa's waist as it stuck out at an odd end due to Lexa being seated. Lexa's eyes regarded her carefully but she gave no acknowledgement that Bellamy and Octavia were even present.

'Tell me, Clarke of the Sky People,' Lexa said in English, and Clarke had been taken aback that Lexa had ever agreed to even use another language beside Trigedasleng, 'are your people pleased that you are even seeking this deal?'

'No,' Clarke admitted, feeling it pointless to lie, 'but they prefer survival over death so I think they will get over it.'

Titus let out an annoyed breath but Clarke didn't miss how Lexa's lips twitched upwards and Clarke smiled softly at her.

Lexa's eyes narrowed momentarily as if scrutinising her but Clarke did not break their gaze.

'You may have your truce, Clarke.'

'Heda-' Titus started but Lexa raised her hand.

'The reapers must be our priority.' Lexa said, addressing Clarke.

'Agreed.' Clarke said.

'But the Council must recognise our people.' Lexa insisted and Clarke felt her heart drop. 'We cannot fight your war to be driven out of our homes again.'

'Earth isn't-'

'Bellamy!' Clarke spat but Lexa's eyes had flashed dangerously.

'See, Heda!' Titus snapped. 'You cannot trust them! They do not care for our people. I beg of you, Heda. Do not agree to this truce.'

'The reapers-' Clarke started.

'There is no such thing!' Titus screamed, spit spraying the stoned floor. 'This is a trick so that we may serve the council races again. They drove us out. You heard the Skaikru boy...he doesn't even think we have a claim to our home planet.'

'This is your home now.' Bellamy shrugged. 'You hardly ever leave the system. You distrust us because we explore - that's why you call us the people of the sky.'

'Because you are invaders.' Titus said, his lips quivering in anger as he stepped towards them. 'You drive your own people out for their powers.'

'Titus,' Lexa said, in a warning voice but he either ignored her or did not hear due to his own bellowing fury.

'You chase them across the galaxy and then you come here asking for our help-'

'You ignored the Council.' Bellamy cut in.

'The Council has no right to quash our powers. You are murderers and oppressors. I would see Polis burn before I let Heda-'

'Pleni!' Lexa shouted, rising to her feet.

Titus glared at Bellamy but he nodded and took a step back as Lexa walked down the small steps to meet Clarke at eye level.

'The reapers must be stopped but Titus is right. Our people have paid the price of the bruised egos of the council races who fear our biotics. We were earthlings, driven from our homeworld. Blood must have blood. We must have recognition and retribution. I cannot agree under any other terms for a threat that may never come.'

Clarke stepped back slightly, looking defeated. The Council would never even renounce their crimes against the people of Polis and there would never be justice, punishment or retribution. Humans had only just gotten their seat on the Council and they weren't about to stain their legacy now and acknowledge how great a role they played in driving Earthlings away from their home because their biotics were superior to even Asari.

The people of Polis had been a mystery and they had fascinated the galaxy since they had established a home here. They threw the whole concepts of biotics into doubt. People didn't understand just what made them so adept at using them.

Clarke closed her eyes momentarily. She had risked her career for this. The reapers were coming and the galaxy was doing nothing, too caught up in politics. She understood why but it was endlessly frustrating. She was going to have to go back to the Citadel with no alliance and a lot of questions.

'But after the war-' Octavia started, desperate.

'A war we may never see.' Titus brushed off.

'The reapers are coming!' Octavia half shouted and half pleaded for reason.

'So you say, but to us-'

Titus's words were lost to Clarke as her omnitool glowed orange. She raised her air and flicked up to see a call from Finn.

'Clarke, we're coming!'

Clarke glanced to Bellamy as Finn's panic stricken words hit her. Bellamy's mouth hung open.

'What do you mean they are coming here?' Lexa whispered in a deadly voice but it was Finn who answered over the comms.

'They're here, Clarke! They hit Earth!'

'No…' Octavia breathed and Lexa's eyes were as wide as the sun of the system.

'This isn't possible.' Bellamy said, his voice haunting.

There was a roar across the distance and the tower shuddered beneath their feet. Clarke and Lexa sprinted to the balcony and halted in horror. Reapers were pouring out of the sky one by one. There were dull pulses and whirs as the reapers in the distance launched their red lasers upon the land. Clarke's mouth fell open in horror.

There were screams from the market below as the people began to realise what was happening. People fled in all directions and Clarke looked across the landscape in terror. This was too soon. They hadn't prepared. They weren't ready.

Black smoke plumed from the forest in the distance as the Reapers set about destroying the forest. Clarke turned desperately and scanned the sky, finally seeing the silver Ark approach.

'We have to get out of here.' Clarke said quickly, she turned to order her squad to the balcony but she almost smacked into Bellamy, not realising they had all followed her and were now wearing the same stunned expression she was sure she had possessed mere seconds ago.

'Oh my God.' Octavia muttered and Clarke glanced over her shoulder to see a laser beam rip through the marketplace.

'Raven, hurry the hell up.' Clarke ordered into her comms system as the reapers began to descend ever closer.

'I can't leave my people.' Lexa said, terrified.

'You don't have a choice.' Clarke spat as the Ark drew up to them.

The airlock door flew open and Bellamy and Octavia jumped inside. Clarke turned to Lexa but her face was set but Clarke knew there was no chance in hell she was leaving without Lexa. She needed her.

'You can't help them by staying. You'll only die to.' Clarke urged.

No one would have any chance alone with this force and there were barely any ships on this planet to escape from. They had to go now or they were finished.

'Clarke!' Raven screamed into her comms. 'Get your ass in here now! They're going to hit us if we stay here!'

'Lexa, you know I'm right.' Clarke urged. 'The only way we can save our people is if we do it together.'

Lexa looked utterly torn. Clarke knew her dedication to her people. She'd been made commander of her people as a teenager and she'd served them faithfully. Everything they had fought to build here was being destroyed with crushing ease from the reapers.

'Lexa, please…'

'Heda, go.' Titus said. 'I will serve you by helping our people but you must go. The Coalition exists because of you. If you die then Clarke is right, there is no hope for any of us.'

Clarke's eyes shone with appreciation but Titus gave her a strained look and Clarke understood; he didn't believe it, but he just didn't want Lexa to die. Clarke nodded to him and grabbed Lexa's hand before she could protest and she launched off the balcony and pulled them both into the airlock. Within a second, Raven was pulling them away from the tower and Clark stared at the retreating figure of Titus who was heading back inside to face this new galaxy of horrors.

Beneath the tower people scattered for cover but it was no use as three different pink laser beams tore up the entire market place, the noise of the weaponry causing Clarke to shudder underneath her armour and the stench of smoke and death clung to her lungs.

As Raven screamed curses at both Clarke and the reapers, Clarke looked to the commander and Clarke was sure she had never seen anyone so defeated and the tragedy was Clarke knew that she looked the same, as did billions others in the galaxy right now. Countless lives had been lost within minutes. Earth had already been hit. The Reapers were finally here.

Author's Note: Hi guys. I meant to upload this a while ago but I had some art work for it and I have no idea how to add it. If anyone knows please message me or leave a review :) For those reading Seizing Bullets, there will hopefully be a new chapter up this weekend. I'm so sorry my updates have been slow. I've had weeks of exams and been pretty bad with my health. Anyway, hopefully you'll like this crossover!