John Murphy

John made his way over to the South Tower, listening to the whispers as he passed. The thief's son, the worthless boy that nobody cared for. That was no longer true, Clarke cared. Clarke believed in him and he felt that trust envelope and strengthen him.

Being assigned to Bellamy could not have been planned better. Bell's close association to Pike and their mutual dislike for each other would be a perfect screen for his mission. John was not unaware that his assignment may have also be a move by Pike to keep the former delinquent under control and if he suspected Murphy's possible involvement with Clarke this would be a good way to keep an eye on that. There was little trust between him and the older Blake.

It had soon become clear to him that Bellamy was a better second in command and enforcer, steadfast and loyal to the whichever leader was in command. He did his job well, bending and breaking himself for their will. But, Bellamy never seem willing to take full command. Just as when they first landed and his "no rule" policy was put into effect, which quickly went to shit because there still needed to be order. Clarke was the one to step in and do so. Not before attempting to hang John for Wells death, he had hated her because of it. But Clarke soon proved to be the stronger leader of the two when she faced what needed to be done. Bellamy was there, of that John had no doubt. Always the loyal second when those in charge need that of him. John doubted however Bellamy's willingness to be the one making those choices. Everyone knew who really lead them, but they respected Bellamy, because he did what also had to be done, but only after Clarke's command.

Now Clarke was back, and again shouldered the burdens she had thought she left behind. This time he would be there to ensure the world bent to her will. So he watched and listened and played the part of the Murphy. Because that is what was needed.

Octavia

Octavia smiled ruefully to herself, as Clarke's prediction had been correct. Sanitation crew. As expected she fought and rage against the being made to clean up shit. She was the former second of one of the grounders most feared generals, Indra Kom Triku, General of TonDC. Her outburst had earned her a gun butt to the stomach and a threat to Lincoln's life. That sobered her quickly as did Clarke's unflinching uninterested eyes.

Her part was simply act as though Clarke was betraying her personally and keep the tension between them palpable. Octavia understood that this was a part that Clarke was playing, but it still was hard for her to accept. Her mind kept remembering the missile that had been allowed to fall. She knew what Indra would say, "A ruthless leader is a great leader. Clarke is doing what needs to be done." As far as Octavia was concerned Clarke was doing a stellar job of that. Looking into the flat blue eyes of her friend had been unnerving. For now, she would trust her "friend", if Clarke could still be called that during or after would be another thing.

Right now Clare and Kane were the lesser of two evils. So if shoveling shit got her closer to their plans than she would shovel shit.

rClarke/ Pike/ Kane

Kane listened as a knock sounded on the Chancellors door. He and Harper were sitting manning the radio in the windowless room they used for spying and planning. Clarke's arrival had been a relief of sorts as Kane waited patiently to talk with Clarke to see what she had planned. Getting close to her would prove to be difficult as he sensed she was aligning herself with Pike. Which was somewhat baffling to Kane, as he knew of Clarke's feeling for an alliance with the Grounders and their Commander. Kane's focus shifted after hearing Pike's voice.

"Come in," came Pike's low voice, as the door was opened and closed allowing Clarkes entrance. Pike sat at his desk looking at what appeared to be soil samples. Clicking his tongue in disappointment.

"You wished to see me, Chancellor?" Clarke asked making her way to stand before Pike.

Nodding as he motioned for her to sit at the conference table to his left as he tidied his work before going to join her.

Settling himself on a chair opposite of her, he just stared at her, looking her over, waiting.

Clarke sat back more than happy to wait until Pike choose to speak. She was in no rush, the longer she waited the longer he waited. It was to her advantage not his. Plus, she needed to seem both petulant and accommodating. Finding the balance would prove to be an organic constantly changing thing.

He narrowed his eyes, coming to the realization that Clarke was waiting on him, respectful of his position. His mood shifted a little, lightening. He smiled at her appreciating her understanding of who was in charge. "So," he said clearing his throat. "You had mentioned somethings that may prove useful in dealing with the Grounder threat?"

"Yes," she paused to gather her thoughts. Aware of his change of mood. "Heda is tired of war, the Mountain falling had weaken her in the eyes of her people. When I kneeled before her I helped to mend some of the rift in power. But now that she has lost me to the man who killed her peace keeping warriors she will be fighting to keep her Coalition intact. Which means she is probably station with the blockade."

"Lexa is here?" Pike seemed surprised.

Clarke quietly bristled at his over familiar use of Lexa's name. Her face however remained unchanged. "Yes, more than likely. If she is here her personal flag would be flying at the largest tent farthest from the frontline."

"Which would make her harder capture," Pike said absently to himself. "Would she be open to a meeting?" This was directed at Clarke.

Sighing. "May I speak plainly?" Clarke asked wary.

Pike nodded.

"With you? No. The only thing Heda will accept from you is your surrender. Your blood must pay for the 300 souls lost. She may even call for the blood of your supporters. Anything less would cause her to lose control of her warriors," she said her tone measured and controlled as she observed him and his reaction, it was exactly what she hoped it to be. "Regardless of what Heda may want."

Kane was surprised to hear this. From what he understood of the Commander, she could be reasoned with, had sought an alliance with Clarke and the Sky people. Even after Clarke had claim their revenge instead. Her warriors never acted against her never out right disobeying an order or act without her say so. What was Clarke playing at? What was her plan? Rubbing his chin thoughtfully as he continued to listen.

"Why do you keep referring to her as Heda? You owe her nothing," he paused looking her over, suspicious. "Or do you?" the challenge was evident in his voice.

"I call her that so I remember not to underestimate her. She may be young merely three years my senior, but she can and has been ruthless. She left us, her allies, at Mount Weather when she knew her people could be saved. She has no qualms with getting her hands dirty as well should it be forced upon her. She may be tired of war, but she will break her soul to keep her people safe."

"You sound like your respect her." Pike observed, frowning.

"I do, as you should too."

"Not likely," Pike stated his tone dripping disgust.

Clarke smiled sadly to herself. Pike would never see the Grounders as anything other than a threat to be crushed. Overall she couldn't blame him. Farm station had been unlucky to land so close to Azgeda's border. His people were slaughtered because of it. She could image the amount of loss he felt. He had always been the one in charge of The Farm, as the residents of the Ark had fondly called it. This first glimpse of the ground and her people coloring everything else in Pikes world. While she was understanding, she also knew he had to be stopped.

"We have better weapons than they do. The will yield to us. And I will show Lexa who she should respect. The only question is…," he paused staring directly in her eyes. "Who side are you really on?"

She turned to him, facing his stare unfazed, letting him see a piece of her strength and will enough to mislead him when she said "My People's."

He looked at her, unnerved by the intensity of her gaze as she stared calmly into his. Her sincerity to protect her people evident.

"In that case I would like to appoint you as my advisor and assistant," he said extending a hand out to her.

Kane waited, his breath caught in his throat as he waited for Clarke's answer.

Clarke paused a moment then took it nodding as they shook hands, mindful to keep her grip a shade bit lighter than his own. "I accept."

She took the deal, Kane heard Harper breathe out in a whoosh. "What is Clarke thinking?" Harper hissed in disappointment. Kane shushed her.

"What is Lexa planning, really?" Pike asked simply, directly back to business.

"A blockade in hopes that I can convince you to surrender," Clarke said simply.

"Hmm," Pike intoned. Not really trusting in Clarke's word, but her eyes as always were sincere. "The ground," Pike began his tone low and thoughtful. "was like a dream. We had made it. Most of Farm station had survived the initial fall. I was happy, I was alive and so were most of the people I called family. Then the Grounders came we hadn't been on the ground more than a week before we were being killed. They were ruthless and savage. Like ghosts that appeared and then vanished. They dispatched us quickly. They were unbiased in who they killed, women, children, it didn't matter. Though they did seem kinder when killing the children, less savage," He paused his eye's pinning hers with his pain.

"I had to now become a man of War," Pike continued. Clarke listened, thoughtful. "My people, people who once enjoyed life, the feeling of dirt in our hands, nurturing the plants that fed the Ark, had to harden they're soft hearts. The Grounders took a piece of our comfort and joy when they attacked. The loss of our children broke us further. The Grounders must be made to yield. They will bow before me and submit to my power," he said his eyes taking on a slightly crazed look to them.

Kane and Harper looked at each other, sadness and pain coloring their faces. They too understood the loss of loved ones lost. The ground hadn't been as kind as they had hoped.

Clarke looked taking in the dirt brown eyes of Charles Pike. Looking into the eye of a storm that was brewing and would consume Arkadia if not stopped. "I'm sorry," she stated sadly, lowing her eyes. She meant it. His anger was warranted. The Ice Nation were not known for their kindness. They were, while Nia ruled consumed by their Queens need for power. Roan was slowly changing that. He was nothing like his mother, knowing that keeping the Coalition united could serve them all. Pike and his people had sadly fallen at the wrong place during the wrong monarch's rule. Then Mount Weather happened and again Farm Station took most of the loss. Of all of the Ark's survivors Pike and his station felt the most losses. For the Clarke mourned for him. But, Pike was a fool to think he could make the Coalition and its Commander yield. Pike and his followers may have the better weapons now, but the Grounders had more people to throw at them. Now with Azgeda truly bowing before Lexa they were stronger than ever. Azgeda still claimed the most ruthless of clansman and they would not hesitate, at Lexa's command, to take out any who needed to be dealt with. Soon, once night fell there would be Trikru warriors sent to watch hidden in the trees, early warning should the Arkadians leave the gate. These were Triku lands and they knew how to blend into the forest. The only thing truly saving them was Clarke's presence and Lexa's faith that Arkadia would handle its own problems and rejoin the Coalition.

Pike's crazy was a problem.

"What do you have planned Chancellor?"

"Right now, reconnaissance. Gather information on the enemy try to figure out their next move. The more pressing matter is the threat behind these walls, it needs to first be handle. I suspect Kane and he has supporters, but I am unable to catch them. Somehow they are getting out and I need you to tell me how."

"It would be my pleasure," her tone soft. "But it will cost you."

"I could just make you, your mother's life for your information."

Kane and Harper both in haled sharply as they held their breath waiting to see how Clarke would react to this. Her reply shook them, but for different reasons.

Clarke waited looking at Pike her eyes unaffected. "If you must,"she stated simply. Knowing his threat was empty. What control he did have would be threaten once her mother's blood was spilled. Abigail Griffith was safe.

"Does she really not care if her mother dies?" Harper asked disbelief heavy in her tone.

"No, Clarke knows Abby is safe. She is the only one skilled in Medicine. Her death would put everyone at risk. The worst Pike can do is threaten her or heavily restrict her movements, Clarke knows this. She is letting Pike know his threat is empty."

"Are you really on my side Clarke?" Pike asked his eyebrow quirked in concern his tone barely containing his irritation.

"Yes, Chancellor I am," Clarke said in a clear sure voice without hesitation.

Eyeing her closely, it would appear the young former leader was not so willing to be accommodating. "Then what do you want?" he asked angry at her display.

"The release of the Grounders back to their people," she said.

Kane

Kane's thoughts were in a whirl trying to make sense of what they had just heard. Clarke had asked for the lives of the Grounders for the protection of her people. Her decision made little sense considering it made her look sympathetic to the Grounders not her own people. What was Clarke's plan? It was becoming clearer that Kane needed to speak with her. Since her actions left him with more questions than answers. Whatever Clarke was planning she seemed in no rush to tell them. Time was becoming more and more precious, but Kane would be patient. He had little choice otherwise.

ALIE/ Jaha

"Should we be worried about her," Alie asked Jaha.

He was silent a moment, thinking. "No, not yet."

"Very Well."