Chapter 7-The Solution
Three months later.
Six months before the dropship falls
It's been three months since Charlotte and Harper had started to hang out with Billy's group of friends. Nothing has really changed for them. Billy had met Charlotte's parents, who had thanked him for making their daughter happy. Nothing has been found on the shooter, and Billy had gone back to school.
Billy, Wells, and Murphy were walking to the cafeteria for lunch. The girls were meeting them there after they left the teens to have girl time, as Clarke called it. Billy, Murphy, and Wells had been hanging out with Jake in the workshop. They walk into the cafeteria and see the girls are sitting down, they grab their food, and sit. "You guys have fun?" Wells asks.
"Yeah," Charlotte says with a grin on her face.
"Well, after you left it, we went to the workshop and helped Jake," Billy says.
"Was he mad I wasn't there?" Raven asks.
"No, He asked where you were, but once we told him, he said it was okay. Just this one time, though," Murphy says. Raven nods.
"Was Kane there?" Harper asks.
"At the beginning. He was talking to Jake. He left shortly after we arrived," Billy says.
"What about the new girl? We saw her working. Never seen her there," Wells says. Raven nods.
"That's Mia. She started about a week ago. She's good, and I mean that. She's been training under Jake and me. She'll probably be as good as me in a few months," Raven says.
"You're scared. There might be someone better than you," Murphy says in a teasing tone.
"Shut up, assface," Raven says with a smile. The group eats and puts their trays away.
"I'm gonna go home. My parents said they would be home early," Charlotte says.
"Okay," Billy says.
"Come on. I'll take you back," Murphy says. Harper follows. The others head for Billy's apartment to relax. They get in there and sit down. About ten minutes later. The swings open and hit the wall with a bang. They all turn and see Murphy, who had sweat dripping down his forehead.
"Murphy, what's wrong?" Wells asks, concerned.
"Charlotte's... parents arrested... gonna get floated... Harper's with her," Murphy says in between breaths. They get up and follow Murphy going through the ark's metal halls as fast as they can. They get to Charlotte and Harper just as Charlotte's parents are putting in the floating chamber. Charlotte was crying as Harper held her. Wells starts to move to his father when the guards stop him.
"It's okay," Jaha says. The guards move, and Wells walks past the guards.
"Dad, you can't do this. She's just a child. This would turn her into an orphan," Wells pleads with his father.
"I'm sorry, son. Nobody is above the law, not me, not you, not your friends or their parents," Jaha says.
"Dad, please show mercy just this once," Wells pleads once more. Billy watches the two parents. He sees Charlotte's dad looking at with eyes that he knows all too well. Billy nods at the father, who smiles a sad smile.
"I'm sorry, son. Mercy is not a luxury we can afford. Move him back," Jaha says. The guards come up and grab Wells, who tries to struggle. Charlotte starts to cry harder. Harper pulls the girl against her chest as Raven and Murphy block her view. Clarke and Emma watch with tears in their eyes. Jaha looks at the group and locks eyes with Billy, who just stares back at him. Jaha presses the button, and the airlock opens, revealing the blackness of space as Charlotte's parents are pulled out into the blackness of space. The airlock closes, and nothing remains almost like nothing was there at all. Billy stands there and watches the chamber as memories enter his head. The guards let go of Wells, who stares at the chamber. Jaha moves towards his son. Wells takes a step back and swings his fist, which connects with Jaha's face making the Chacheller fall to the ground with a bloody lip. The guard moves towards Wells, but Jaha holds up his hand.
"Mom would be disappointed," Wells says before he starts to leave. The others start to follow. Billy was the last one of his friends. He stands there and stares at the chamber. The memory of his parents being floated fresh in his mind. He feels someone grab his arm and turns to see Raven.
"Come on; Charlotte needs us," Raven says. Billy nods. They walk away. They arrive back in Billy's apartment to see Charlotte curled up against Murphy crying. Wells bends down in front of the girl.
"I'm sorry, Charlotte. I tried. I'm so sorry," Wells says, tears in his eyes. Charlotte looks at the teen.
"It's not your fault Wells. You tried, that's all you could do. I hate your dad," Charlotte says.
"I hate him too," Wells says. Charlotte hugs Wells, who hugs her back.
"Charlotte should stay with one of us. She shouldn't be alone," Emma says.
"How about tonight you stay with me. My parents won't mind," Clarke says. Charlotte lets out a little smile.
"Okay," Charlotte says in a small voice.
"Harper and I can take her.," Murphy says. Harper nods. The three of them walk out of the apartment and head for Charlotte's place. A few minutes later, Wells shoots off the couch.
"What's wrong?" Emma asks.
"After someone is floated. The guard collects their things," Wells says. Billy's eyes widened.
"He's right. I remember them doing it to mine," Billy says.
"Even worse. The guard in charge of all that is the one who floated Murphy's father," Wells says. Billy moves towards the door.
"Clarke, Emma, Raven, stay here," Billy says. They nod. Billy and Wells leave and start to run for Charlotte's home.
They get there as they put the cuffs on Murphy, Charlotte, and Harper. They start to take them out as their friends watch. Wells and Billy stand there for a moment before they head back to Billy's apartment. They walk in and see Kane, Jake, and Callie.
"Where are they?" Raven asks.
"We didn't get there in time," Billy says.
"So they were arrested," Jake says. Billy nods.
"Great, Listen, I can try to get them out. I don't think I can. You guys need to keep doing your daily things. Understood?" Kane asks. They all nod and sit down.
Two months later. 4 months before the fall of the dropship.
It's been two months since Murphy, Harper, and Charlotte had been arrested. The group of friends has visited their friends multiple times a month. There had been more crimes, which meant more people getting floated and teens sending glares at Wells.
Billy walks into the visiting room in the skybox. He was seeing Murphy today. He sits down as he waits for Murphy. Billy looks around and sees the parents visiting their kids. He watches one of them as the mom cries as she holds her son. Billy looks away and looks down at the ring on his finger. He starts to play with the ring when Murphy sat down. The guard walks away. Billy looks up at Murphy. "How have you been?" Billy asks his friend.
"Fine. The good thing about the cells is that I can work out for however long I want. Charlotte and Harper are doing okay. They share a cell," Murphy says.
"So I'm assuming you're by yourself," Billy says to his friend.
"Yeah. It's nice and also sucks. I'm going insane," Murphy says.
"Well, hopefully, we can figure out a way to get you guys out," Billy says.
"How is Raven?" Murphy asks.
"She's doing good. She was telling me about Mia, who I have only talked to once. She says the girl should be a zero-G mechanic in two months," Billy tells Murphy, who nods.
"Clarke and Wells?" Murphy asks.
"Clarke is fine. It's Wells I'm worried about. People have been committing crimes and are being floated. A lot of them are parents, and that a lot of teens are getting mad at Wells," Billy tells his friend, who nods.
"Look, watch out for him and be careful," Murphy says. Billy nods as a guard comes over and grabs Murphy, who walks away with him. Billy leaves and heads to the workshop to help Jake. He walks in and sees Jake talking to Raven and Mia. He had told them about a glitch which was the oxygen failure. He didn't tell them that exactly. He told them a month ago after Jaha had told him to do so. They have been doing their best to fix the problem but have had no luck. Sinclair has also helped. Billy walks up to them.
"Hey, guys," Billy says. They turn to look at him.
"Hey," Mia says. Mia had brown hair and green eyes. Her hair was just above her shoulder. She had a fair skin tone and a slim body.
"Any luck with the glitch?" Billy asks.
"No, We're running out of options. I'm gonna have to bring in more people," Jake says.
"Don't go rogue, Jake. Talk to Kane or Jaha," Raven says. Jake nods.
"Let's get back to work. Billy, I need your help moving some metal," Jake tells Billy, who nods. Billy takes off his leather jacket and sets in on the chair as he follows Jake. Billy and Jake start to move the metal.
"Have you seen Clarke or Wells?" Billy asks as they move the metal into a pile.
"Clarke told me that they were playing chess today. Emma?" Jake asks.
"She's with her parents today," Billy tells Jake, who nods. They move the metal for about another hour. Billy puts back on his jacket. "I gotta go see Kane," Billy says. Jake nods as Billy leaves.
Billy walks through the metal hall of the Ark. Billy walks to the door and knocks. Callie opens the door. "Kane, not home?" Billy asks.
"No, he is. He's just doing paperwork and wasn't paying attention," Callie says with a smile. Billy nods as he heads inside. Billy walks over and sees Kane still looking at his papers.
"I got kicked out of class again," Billy says as he sits down. Kane looks up.
"What?" Kane asks.
"I'm kidding. It's Saturday. I just wanted to get your attention," Billy says. Kane drops his pen.
"How's Murphy?" Kane asks.
"Good. He told me Charlotte and Harper are okay. What are you working on?" Billy asks.
"A plan we have that might fix the oxygen. And I can't tell you," Kane says. Billy frowns.
"Fine, I'll be back later. I'm gonna go see Clarke and Wells," Billy says. They nod. Billy leaves and heads for the room Clarke and Wells play chess in. He walks in just as Wells beats Clarke, who groans. Billy smiles.
"I'm done," Clarke says.
"Okay fine. Hey Billy," Wells says as three kids come into the room.
"Hey, guys. You done?" Billy asks.
"Yeah, we were just about to leave," Wells says. Billy nods. They stand up and start to leave when the three teens get in their way.
"Is there a problem, guys?" Clarke asks.
"Not with you two. Just Jaha Jr," The one in the front says.
"That means you have problems with us," Billy says. The one in the front chuckles.
"This is for my father," One of them says as he punches Wells in the face. Wells falls down as one swings at Clarke, who moves and hits him. Billy grabs the one advancing towards Wells, who was still on the ground. Billy grabs him and throws him over the table. The second comes up and punches Billy in the side. Billy grunts in pain. Clarke was on the ground as the other man hit her. The guards come in and drag the man off Clarke.
"Arrest them all," The lead guard says.
"What about the chancellor's son?" One of the guards asked.
"Let the chancellor deal with him," The lead guard says. Wells stands up as Clarke, and the three men are pulled out. The last guard puts his hand on Billy's hands.
"Stop. They started it," Wells said.
"Go to your father, Wells," The lead guard says to Wells. He leans into Billy's ear. "I guess you'll die like your parents too," The guard says. Billy brings his hand back and headbutts the guard. He lets him go as he holds his broken nose. "You bastard," He says as he pulls out his shock stick and shocks Billy, who falls to the ground. Before the guard shocks him again. Knocking him out.
Billy wakes up in a cell. His side hurt as he looks over and sees Murphy looking at him. A grin on his face. "The worst thing I have even woken up to," Billy says. Murphy laughs.
"You are so stupid," Murphy says. Billy laughs.
"Don't I know," Billy says. The door opens, and a guard comes in.
"You have a visitor," He says to Billy, who nods. The guard who leads Billy follows the guard into the visiting room where Raven and Kane were waiting. They both were glaring at him. Billy sits down.
"I know," Billy says.
"Your birthday is in four months. You could be floated. What were you thinking?" Kane asks.
"I wasn't. He hit Wells, and I lost it," Billy says.
"Why did you hit the guard?" Raven asks.
"He said I was going to die like my parents. And I lost it," Billy says.
"Look, that idea we had earlier should help. Don't do anything stupid and be careful," Kane says. Billy nods.
"You better not fucking die you, idiot," Raven says.
"Love you too, Raven," Billy says with a smile. Kane and Raven leave soon after. Billy is escorted back to his cell. The prisoners are let out about an hour later. Billy and Murphy walk over to Clarke, Charlotte, and Harper. Charlotte gets up and hugs Billy. Who hugs her back. Billy sits down, and the friends talk like usual.
Three months later. One month before the dropship falls.
Billy has been in the skybox for three months. He and Murphy would workout in the cell the best they could, and they were okay.
Billy and Murphy were heading back to their cells. Emma and Wells were dragged in last night. A guard walks over to Billy. "Come on," The guard says. Billy follows the guard into a room where Kane sat at a table.
"Leave us," Kane says. The guard leaves and shuts the door. Billy sits down. "What's up?" Billy asks.
"I bet you saw Emma and Wells. I told them this first, and they got themselves arrested. Kinda what I expected," Kane says with a small grin.
"Then why did you tell them?" Billy asks.
"Because you are gonna need all the allies you can get for what's coming," Kane says.
"What is coming?" Billy asks.
"Jake can't fix the problem. The council came up with a solution. They are sending 100 of the teens in here down to the ground. I finished the list this morning. All of you are on it," Kane says. Billy smiles. "Why are you smiling?" Kane asks.
"Because I'm going to the ground," Billy says.
"You might die," Kane says.
"If I die on the ground, I will be at peace. I would like to ask for a few favors," Billy says.
"What?" Kane asks.
"First, Is there any chance you could get Raven on the dropship?" Billy asks. Kane looks at him for a moment.
"Maybe. We have Mia now, so there is a chance. The hundred could use a mechanic. I'll try. No promises. What else?" Kane asks.
"Supplies. Any weapons, food, medicine. Anything you can get to help us down there," Billy says.
"It's not gonna be easy. I might be able to. If anything, I can get you three bags at the most. I'll try my best," Kane says. Kane stays silent for a moment before he pulls out a letter from his back pocket that had Billy's parents' name on it.
"I was supposed to give this to you when you turned 18. You'll be on the ground," Kane says.
"What is it?" Billy asks.
"A note from your parents. What this note says is important, and if Jaha ever found out, I would be floated. This is the only time I have broken the law," Kane says.
"Kane, what is this?" Billy asks.
"The reason your father attacked the guard was because he found out about your sister. Emma," Kane says.
"What?" Billy asks, shocked.
"Emma was born two years after you and was given to her current family. Your father was talking to Emma's adoptive father, and the guard heard. Your dad tried to stop him, and he was floated. Both of them were floated. I have never read this note, and neither has Jake, who is the only other person who knows about Emma. Your father asked us to protect you, and I did not do that for a long time. Jake did, and I'm sorry," Kane says.
"There's no need. You've done enough," Billy says.
"There was another note for Emma. I gave it to her before I came to talk to you. After this meeting, you will not leave your cell for the next month," Kane says. Billy nods as Kane stands up as does Billy. Billy stands up and hugs the man. They leave the room. Billy heads back to his cell.
Kane walks through the halls and to Jaha's place. Kane knocks on the door, and Jaha opens the door. "What is it, Marcus?" Jaha asks.
"I would like to talk to you about the hundred," Kane says. Jaha moves out of the way, and Kane walks in.
"What about the hundred?" Jaha asks.
"I would like Raven Reyes to join the hundred," Kane says.
"Raven Reyes is one of the best Mechanics we have," Jaha says.
"We also have Jake and Mia. The hundred could use a good mechanic. Raven has a close friendship with your son and his friends. She would be a great addition to the hundred," Kane says.
"Are you sure about this, Marcus?" Jaha asks.
"Yes. I am. Mia is already a zero-G mechanic. We don't need two. Raven will be of more use on the ground," Kane says.
"Okay, Marcus, go tell Ms. Reyes what she will be doing," Jaha smiles as he leaves. Kane goes to Raven's apartment and knocks. Raven opens the door.
"What's up, Kane?" Raven asks, confused.
"In one month, we will be sending 100 teens to the ground to see if the earth is survivable. Your friends are on that list. I have gotten you a spot. Would you like to go?" Kane asks. Raven looks at him, shocked.
"Yes," Raven says.
"Good, during the next month, I will tell you everything you need to know rest today. Tomorrow we start," Kane says. Raven nods and shuts the door. Kane walks away,
That night as Murphy sleeps, Billy opens the letter. "Hey, kid. If you are reading this letter, that means your mother and I are dead. I'm sorry that we left you, and I wish I could change that. If you're reading this note, that also means your eighteen, so happy birthday You also know about Emma. I wish I could be there with my kids, but I can't. I need you to protect your sister, and I know you will. You are something special, and I knew it from the moment you were born. I love you, son, and I am so proud, and I know your mother is too. May we meet again," The note says. A tear goes down Billy's eye.
"May we meet again," Billy whispers as he lays down and goes to sleep.
Here is the next chapter. After chapter eight, we head to the ground. Tell me what you think. I hope you guys are enjoying this story. As always, suggestions are welcomed. Until next time.