Chapter 10

The Ark

Clarke was annoyed. She had just been told that Murphy had landed himself in jail and that she had to check a wound on his arm after a fight with Connor´s brother. She had not missed Murphy´s unwillingness to socialize and just general rudeness these last few weeks, but she was willing to cut him some slack, she just knew he was in a bad place. And being in a bad place she could relate to. Killing Atom, Charlotte´s death, all those grounders, she had her own struggles with guilt; she just chose not to lash out.

But also no one constantly called her a murderer behind her back.

That topped with all the glares and gestures – the holding of the neck was always a popular one – it was getting a bit out of hand. Because of the trial everybody knew at least some of what had happened and gossip provided the rest. She knew Bellamy had somewhat taken him under his wing and for that she was grateful. As far as Clarke was concerned Murphy had proved himself and deserved a second chance.

But even she could only take so much.

When she enters his cell sees him sitting on the floor next to s small metal bed, with a beat up face, looking miserable. Was his face ever without bruises? Clarke made a mental note.

"What the hell were you thinking" This is definitely stern Clarke

He flinches a bit at the sharp tone of voice but doesn´t answer her.

"This can´t keep happening. Did you know it was Connors brother?"

"Not at first"

"He shouldn´t call you out like that but hell Murphy, you should cut Connor and Myles´ families some slack. Just ignore the comments for heavens sake. We have more important things to worry about". She was pleased that Murphy looked somewhat sheepish. "Now let´s have a look at that arm"

As she gave him a couple of small stiches to keep the wound close Bellamy suddenly walked in.

"Hey, is this jail some sort of open house?" Murphy tried to sound offended but honestly he didn´t mind at all. Jail was excruciatingly dull and these were the two people in camp he liked the most. Trusted them too. When did that happen?

"Shut it jailbird, I managed to persuade Abby that it is a good idea for you come with us on the Mount Weather expedition. I want you there, so are you interested? Were leaving the day after tomorrow: me, Clarke, Raven, Monroe and You"

Murphy didn´t even have to think about it.

Raven´s workshop, the ark.

Raven looked again at the note from Finn – she didn´t have the heart to throw it out yet – but she was less than pleased with how easily he had been duped by Jaha. That´s dreamers for you, and Finn had always been a dreamer. He was an idealist, but also somewhat naïve. Raven took pride in being the opposite. She had been the cynic in the relationship, but not so cynical as to throw out the note. Her own sentiment annoyed her.

The note was long, more than two pages. Finn had never been able to keep it short. But even with all the fancy words the message was simple. He didn´t believe in survival in the camp in the long run so they needed another solution and that was the City of light. They, Finn and Jaha would find a brave new world and then come back for them. He finished with - I love you, see you again soon! - But Raven just didn´t believe it anymore.

Finn had always loved his idealism more than her.

There was a knock on the door and Murphy peered his battered face in - "what, another fight", Raven thought, but decided to leave it. They had seen quite a bit of each other. Murphy enjoyed both Raven´s companionship and the seclusion of the workshop. He had been a regular visitor the last few weeks and it didn´t take an expert to figure out that he used it as a hiding spot so he didn't´ need to see anyone. She didn´t mind at all, and even started to look forward to his visits.

"Heard you´re coming on the expedition to Mount Weather? Sure that´s a good idea?" He actually sounded worried.

Murphy had grown on Raven, after Anya she just saw him in a different way - and compared to Finns earnestness his sarcasm actually felt fresh. She knew it was just a façade anyway. She had seen the other side to him. And now he was nowhere near sarcastic. Lately he had been bordering on overprotective and it bothered the hell out of Raven.

"It´s already been decided, I´m helping out with opening any electronic doors, starting the power systems etc. Remember, Mount Weather has been shut down for more than a 100 years. They need my help. How do you know about the trip anyway, Bellamy told me it is on the down-low, only need-to-know"

"Well", Murphy smirked. "I´m going too, so at least there´s that."

The Ark camp entrance – two days later

They were ready to go. The food situation was getting dire or would be in a couple of weeks The council had decided that all search parties for the missing kids would cease until the expedition got back. The energy that was left in the group needed to be used hunting. They hunting parties would just have to look for the missing kids at the same time. Abby didn´t have a lot of hope, there had been no trace of them for weeks.

The plan was to send a small group consisting of Clarke, Bellamy, Raven, Monroe and surprise guest Murphy. He was a bit of a loose cannon but Clarke had convinced her that he would be valuable, and Abby really had no arguments, and agreed to let him out of jail. She trusted her daughter´s opinion.

The group had gathered at the entrance of the camp and the woods were looking ominous in the distance. The plan was to gain access into Mount Weather, take stock of everything that was stored there and bring back the essentials: food and ammunition. There had been no grounder activity for weeks but Abby couldn´t help but feel that this was the calm before the storm.

She looked at the group of kids - she supposed they weren´t kids anymore, survivors was a more apt term – and felt a pang of pride. These so-called criminals had proved themselves and more. Her own daughter had serious medical capabilities and was tough as nails. Raven was a technical wiz with her head in the right place. Bellamy was the natural leader; he had quickly sailed up as her second in command. Monroe was a tough cookie, she had heard rumours that she had been part of the rumoured child fighting rings on the ark, and her close combat skills were second to almost none. Murphy was the odd one out in this group, but he had proved himself a good fighter in the battle with the grounders. Because of his frequent visits to the infirmary she had seen quite a bit of him and she had reached the same conclusion as Clarke, he deserves a second change. To be honest she felt her maternal instincts go into overdrive. Had this boy ever been loved by anyone?

She was taken out of her thoughts by the cheers from the crowd that had decided to see the Mount Weather group off. The secret was out. Although most people in the camp thought the trek mainly was for medical supplies and ammunition, they had managed to keep the food situation under wraps.

She hugs her daughter warmly and doesn´t want to think about the grounders they haven´t heard from in weeks

"Take care of yourselves," she whispers to herself as the small group leaves the camp and walks into the darkness of the forest.