Lexa is a Prepper and Clarke is a Trauma Surgeon

by secretkeeper0024

Lexa, the leader of a prepper community outside of Polis City where Clarke works at Polis GH as a Trauma Surgeon. After a chance meetings, the pair go on a date but their lives and values seem too different to make a partnership viable. Lexa lives outside of mainstream structures like police and court services preferring to take the law into her own hands which Clarke finds strange

1. Chapter 1

Lexa is a Prepper and Clarke is a Trauma Surgeon

p. 2 Part One - When the World Worked.

p. 231 Part Two - End times

Chapter One

"How are you feeling?"

"Nothing a coke wouldn't fix," his voice cracked, partly from just waking up, partly from disuse and partly from having a tube down it to help him breathe during an emergency appendectomy.

"Not even if you were dying, Aden,"

"I could be,"

"You're not, and your sister is right, that stuff is poison,"

Lexa's heart gave a lurch both because she was surprised by the sudden entrance of the doctor into the room and because it was her - the hot blonde surgeon with eyes like the ocean! Lexa immediately did a quick self audit; what had she said, what was she wearing and how was her hair? Oh for god's sake, don't start needing the approval of virtual strangers - even if they are extremely attractive.

Doctor Griffin strode through the gap in the curtain like she had fifteen seconds to spare between life saving interventions that only she could perform - and Lexa thought that was probably more than likely true. Those gorgeous baby blues glanced from Lexa, giving her a saucy wink, to the patient, giving him a tough love appraisal accompanied by a crooked eyebrow to emphasise her acute medical diagnosis of the imminent dangers of soft drink consumption on the human body.

She had a neat trick of flicking the medical chart off the end of the bed and into the air and grabbing it with the same hand while her eyes darted between various machines and bags of fluid before taking in the words, letters, numbers and dashes on the page.

"Aden Woods, 13 years old, home schooled, a dog named Shark and now minus an appendix."

"He's a wolf,"

"Really? I beg your pardon."

"How do you know all that?"

"You talk in your sleep,"

"No way!"

"No, it's just stuff we find out about kids incase they are upset, we can comfort them,"

"I'm not a kid,"

"Can we agree on a mature and independent young person? Healing well by all accounts," she flipped the pages back to the last page, which was in fact the first page, and turned her attention to the tall, thin, sun kissed woman with a mess of dark brown, almost almost black braids, seated on a plastic chair pulled up to Aden's bedside.

"It's Lexa, right?"

"Yyes," Lexa stuttered and then flushed pink.

"You live out of town?"

"Yes,"

"I couldn't have you spend another night on that shower chair, so you either let me transfer the patient to a private room or I will let you take him home, if you can manage?"

"Aden?" Lexa deferred to her brother

"Home, please?" Aden was ready for people to stop prodding and poking him and sticking him with needles and filling his veins with medication.

"I can manage," Lexa affirmed, turning back to the doctor.

"Okay, I will start the paperwork. It's going to take a couple of hours, shift change," she added by way of explanation, "Take care, you two," she flashed them a bright smile, dropped the chart back over the rail at the end of the bed and ducked out between the curtains.

Lexa watched as the last tendrils of curly blonde ponytail flirted with the curtain and felt as though the young doctor had taken the sunshine out of the room with her.

"She is pretty," said Aden in a stage whisper.

Lexa gave him a disapproving look which he saw right through.

"So how come you wouldn't let them give me a room? I thought that's what health insurance is for?"

"It is, but it would have been using up an important resource unnecessarily. Just because we can afford it, doesn't make it right. If you were dying, or staying for a long time or getting your pecker reattached or something, then I could justify it,"

"Lexa!"

Both Aden's hands shot straight down the front of his body and cupped his genitals as though to ward off any such notion and to reassure himself that everything was still intact. Lexa laughed a little and then returned to her more serious MO.

"You scared the skrit out of me, Aden, I am really glad you are okay and feeling better,"

"I wasn't scared as much as in pain,"

"Any pain now?'

"Nah, the nurse gave me some drugs before and I think that doctor knows what she's doing,"

"Yes, I expect she does,"

- A month or so later -

"I've a sick gig coming up," said Raven, sipping the foam off her beer.

"Taylor Swift call in sick again?" Clarke tried to keep a straight face.

"Oh you've been saving that one up, admit it?"

"I admit it,"

"It's those Tree Crew folk,"

"Tree Crew?"

"Yeah those weirdos that live out in the boondocks with a sea container full of tinned tuna and rice waiting for the world to end,"

"What?"

"For real, there is a huge community of them to the north of here. Anyway they have a shit load of vehicles and machinery that they want serviced, chainsaws and stuff. My boss hates them and thought it would be hilarious to make me go. I have to stay out there for a few days until the job is done, I am quite looking forward to it,"

"Is it a cult?"

"Nah, they're preppers. Have you ever heard of it? They're on Netflix, they're preparing for the end of the world,"

"Sounds like a cult, how will I know if you need rescuing?"

"They are giving me access to all their engines, wouldn't be wise to piss me off,"

"Once they give you a beer and hear you talking they will happily walk you down to the front gate,"

"Oi!"

- A week after that -

"They didn't keep you against your will then?"

"No, they are actually really nice people. A bit, passionate, I guess, but not crazy,"

"And did you eat tuna?"

"Tuna?"

"Yeah, you said they had a sea container full of canned tuna for the end of the world,"

"Not literally, oh well, in this case, sort of literally. Not tuna, but they hunt off their own land, I had deer steaks, fish out of their own river and veggies out of their own patch,"

"Oh no, they got to you, didn't they?"

"There is a really hot chick named Anya, she kind of got to me,"

"You didn't?"

"I didn't, because it was a work thing, but, I would have and I will next chance I get,"

"You better hurry up then,"

"Why?"

"In case the world ends!"

"Fuck me, Clarkey! You're in fine form tonight."

- A couple of months after that -

"Doctor Griffin?"

"Yes?"

"You wouldn't remember me, but - "

"I do, Lexa Woods, sister and guardian of Aden Woods minus one appendix,"

"Wow, that's amazing,"

"Not when I'm trying to get to sleep, I assure you. How is Aden?"

"Fine, totally recovered, thanks. Um, any chance I could buy you that cup of joe?"

"Oh, that's not necessary,"

"I would like to, please,"

"Sure, okay,"

"Are you unwell? Or are you just hanging around for the bleach smell?"

"Ha, no I am well, I have brought a friend in for an appointment,"

"Oh right, because you live out of town,"

"That's right, here you go,"

"I was just going to sit in the sun for fifteen or until my beeper goes off, want to join?"

"I don't want to impose,"

"So you will buy me a coffee but wont sit with me while I drink it?"

"Yes, I would totally love to," Ugh! Lexa wanted to kick herself again, something about this woman made Lexa all giddy.

"The sun shines on this seat for approximately one and a half hours every morning, and I try to catch it for at least ten minutes, it's practically the only sun I get,"

Clarke sat back in the seat with her eyes closed, head back and let the rays warm her face. Lexa tried hard not to stare,

"You work a lot of hours?"

"Yeah, at least 80 per week,"

"Wow, no wonder you can't sleep,"

"What do you do for work?"

"You would think I would have come up with an answer to that question by now; I'm self employed, a jack of all trades. Aden and I have a piece of land that we are working, so we do a bit of everything, fencing, we have a garden, animals - "

"A farmer?"

"That too, but not exactly,"

"It's not illegal is it? Like, it's not a pot farm or something?"

"No, not a pot farm," said Lexa, laughing

Clarke's buzzer buzzed, she rolled those beautiful blue eyes and pulled the dreaded item out of her pocket, and read the text,

"Damnit, times up,"

"Um, Doctor Griffin, could I buy you lunch sometime? Anytime?"

Clarke gave her companion an appraising sort of look,

"It's not a pot farm?"

"Definitely no pot, or any illegal activity or substance," said Lexa holding up her three scout fingers.

"I am willing to give you a breakfast slot on Friday at Wild Thyme, say ten?"

"I will take it, thanks,"

"My name is Clarke,"

"Lexa, oh damn, you knew that,"

"Thanks for the coffee, Lexa, see you Friday,"

"Friday at ten, see you then,"

- An hour later -

"Are you joking? I am up here getting test results and you are hitting on doctors? I could be dying,"

"Oh Anya, please! How were the results?"

"Fine, nothing to worry about,"

"Good, I am relieved,"

"There is no way you walked up to a random woman and asked her out, Lexa,"

"It is Doctor Griffin, the surgeon who operated on Aden,"

"Oh the blonde hair, blue eyed mama you sooked about?"

"Mama? Oh my god, that Raven has turned you all city,"

"Yeah, that even felt wrong coming out,"

"She was in the coffee line, I said hi, she remembered me, my full name, Aden, everything, she must be like a savant or something,"

"And you just asked her out?"

"I bought her coffee, she invited me to sit with her in the sun, her beeper thing went off, I asked her to lunch, she agreed to breakfast,"

"Wow, Lexa, that's amazing. She must be really special because - "

"Don't say it,"

"You haven't been out with anyone - "

"Don't say her name,"

"Okay, but it's got to be four years?"

"Five. She is so pretty, her hair, her eyes, her smile,"

"Oh boy, here we go!"

- The next week -

"Oh god," Clarke fell into the seat opposite Lexa at 10 minutes past ten, with her sunglasses on.

"Hey, are you okay?" asked Lexa, concerned.

"I should have given you my number, I am sorry I'm late,"

"It's okay,"

"I am really sorry, I am out of sorts,"

"Okay. Do you want to cancel or…?"

"No, thank you, you are very sweet, bear with me,"

Clarke looked around for a waiter and signalled,

"Two double lattes straight up,"

"Absolutely, and another for you?" he asked looking at Lexa,

"Sure, thanks," He smiled and returned to the barrister to place the order.

"I've had no sleep, and I am not taking these glasses off, I look like hell,"

"Well, I guess if you are depriving me of looking into your eyes over this breakfast, you can make it up to me with a lunch next week,"

"Wow, I come late and grumpy and you still want a lunch? You're a keeper!"

Clarke had the pleasure of watching the blush rise slowly up Lexa's cheeks, as the brunette looked away and chewed at her bottom lip. She certainly was very attractive, Clarke had never dated anyone who wore a khaki work shirt, ever - let alone out of work hours but everytime she saw Lexa she was wearing one, and she wore it well. She appeared a practical, hands on type of person, she looked strong, her upper arms weren't huge but they definitely strained the fabric. So hot!

From behind her sunglasses Clarke realised she could take a good long look at her companion without giving herself away,

"Have you come up with a judicious descriptor for your job title yet?"

Lexa smiled, her eyes searching beneath the dark lenses for a glimpse of Clarke's eyes but they were well concealed,

"No, I must say, I haven't given it much thought."

"My sister Raven, was telling me about these preparers, these people who prepare for the end of the world, living on the land, eating tinned tuna - "

"Raven? Raven Reyes? The mechanic?"

"You know my sister?"

"Wait, preparer? Do you mean prepper?"

"Yeah, prepper, I guess so,"

"I'm a prepper. Raven came out a few weeks ago to service our engines,"

"OMG! Did I just put my foot in it? Are you seriously waiting for the world to end?"

"I'm not waiting exactly - "

The waiter brought the coffees and Clarke got busy arranging both of her cups, Lexa watched her wondering if the good doctor was assuming she was a lunatic, like most people did.

"Are you ready to order your breakfast?" asked the server.

"If my date here is leaving me to eat alone, I will take the humble pie?"

"Of course not, I'll have scrambled eggs on sourdough, please,"

"Phew, then I'll have the Ploughman's please, keep the latte's coming,"

"Certainly,"

"I am sorry Lexa, I have really made a mess of this date, if it is a date?"

"I would love for it to be a date, and there is no mess, nothing we can't sort out,"

"Oohh, you're so sweet. I am officially parking my ignorance and judgementalness, judgementality, whatever, I've had no sleep, - please tell me about prepping,"

"You think I am a nut, don't you?"

"I don't know anything about it, except Raven made it sound like a cult,"

"Well, the concept has gotten some traction recently, and people are prepping in response to a perceived threat to our way of life, for some it's war, economic collapse, environmental disaster or pandemic, whatever. And there are various levels of preparedness, some have a bug out bag, something they can get from A to B with, some have a bug out vehicle, something they can escape the disaster or live out of and some people have bunkers somewhere they can live for a period of time until the emergency passess."

"And what is it for you?"

"It's more about being self-sustainable and not dependent on the system,"

"Until you get appendicitis?"

"Well, there is that." Her comment irked Lexa, but it's not unlike the sort of reactions most people experience when she tries to explain her choices.

"Sorry, that was meant to be a cute little joke but it came out as judgy and disapproving,"

At least the woman knew how to apologise, a dying art in this world, if there was one,

"Thank you," she acknowledged the apology and pushed on, "The Woods have been on Trikru lands for many, many generations, we preserve our ancient traditions of living off the lands and caring for the flora and fauna. Luckily for us it is in vogue and our knowledge is valuable; we run educational and training sessions, educate people about basic through to complex prepping, survival skills, self defense and weaponry."

"It must be nice to do something you are passionate about, with people who are just as passionate?"

"We have a strong community, even if we haven't met before,"

"So you travel a lot?"

"I could travel as much as I want, but I am pretty choosy about the jobs I take that will take me away from home. I can glean a lot of information from the scrolls people send me of their properties and structures that allow me to develop comprehensive individual threat analysis and help develop defensive strategies and prepping plans."

"So you don't actually think the world is going to end?"

"Well it could, but it has lasted quite a long time so far, for it to end during the 80 years of my life span would be pretty unlucky,"

"True,"

"Most people I meet and work with are pretty convinced,"

"It sounds like you all are pretty committed, but I am relieved you are not urging me to accept that the world is about to end and to move in as your resident medic,"

"It's definitely a way of life,"

"And I would bet my Audi you sleep better at night than I do,"

"What's an Audi?"

"A car? Wait is that a joke?"

"No joke, I am not up on all the latest gadgets, brands and trends. But, enough about me, so what's the reason for the lack of sleep?"

Their plates were placed in front of them, both of Clarke's empty cups were removed and another full one placed within reach,

"Thank you," Clarke breathed, looking appreciatively at her food, inhaling the smells, "This smells so good. I am going to take my glasses off but please don't judge me,"

"Judgement free zone re dark circles and prepping obsessions,"

"Thanks, Lexa. Something you will learn about me early on is that I love to eat! You can probably tell by my hips. Anyway, the main reason I can't sleep is that I am wired all the time, my microwave beeps off and I reach for my phone, my front door bell rings and I reach from my work buzzer, there is always something I am about to spring into action for. And that action is almost always an urgent life saving predicament."

Clarke cut up several mouthfuls while she spoke and when she got to the end of her explanation she began to eat, the action wasn't lost on Lexa, who assumed that she had learned to eat in such a way in response to the constant interruptions. Once she had tried a little of everything, Clarke continued.

"Then there is the shift work, sleeping in the hospital and the broken sleep. I am not complaining, honestly, I love my job, I just thought I would have adapted better after all this time. My Mother falls asleep at the drop of a hat, sleeps soundly and wakes feeling refreshed even if it's only been an hour"

"She works shift work as well?"

"Like Mother, like daughter - she is a surgeon,"

"Oh wow, you followed in her footsteps."

"Yeah, my father is an Environmental Engineer and I was never going to go down that route,"

"What does he do exactly?"

"Oh now that I think about it, it might interest you. He is working on a Government project for a space vehicle that can be used to house humans long term if the Earth becomes uninhabitable."

"That's amazing! So it must be huge? How many people could it house? For how long?"

"I don't know and I have no idea. Maybe you should have breakfast with him,"

It didn't sound snippy the way she said it but Lexa's eyes darted up regardless, had she offended Clarke? And that's when she noticed Clarke's eyes, her face was pale, her eyeballs were red and the dark circles were evident, she had made a determined effort not to look at all, but now that she had seen, she couldn't look away.

"I am sorry, Lexa, that came out wrong. I meant it sincerely but it sounded bitchy, I just thought you would have a lot to talk about, I am sure he could learn a lot from you,"

"It's okay, Clarke, I thought you were annoyed by how much I went on about prepping,"

"Honestly, I wasn't. It's all very interesting, but my mind is a little fried. Please forgive me?"

"There is nothing to forgive, just relax. Will you be able to sleep today?"

"After these coffees? I don't know."

A silence developed as they each applied their attention to finishing their meal,

"Has Raven spoken to you about Anya?"

"Oh yes, she works on your land, doesn't she?"

"Yes, they met when Raven came to service the engines. They are spending a lot of time together,"

"Is that so? Since they met, or more recently?"

"I think since they met but much more very recently. Anya has been making quite few trips into to town, I have noticed her wearing some new shirts and some city talk has leaked into her vocabulary,"

"City talk? If I know Raven, they haven't been talking very much,"

"Bahaha, same could be said for Anya. Raven did seem to think we were crazy when she first arrived, she was suspicious of us. I know the town people call us Tree Crew, they think we are lunatics and probably Raven did as well. I just showed her the property, her hut where she could stay, the shed where she would be working, at the end of the day we all ate together and had a few beers and she was surprised that we hadn't tried to 'convert' her. She, too, mentioned the word cult, and said something about tinned tuna," Lexa laughed.

Clarke shook her head, mortified, "Sorry, I really was ignorant, I am ignorant."

"It's no problem, we are used to it. I think we are not as fanatical as other groups. Anya answered many of her questions and afterwards she seemed to have many thoughts about our agenda, she is really very intelligent, she seems more than a mechanic."

"Raven is a genius, literally and much more than a mechanic; she is actually an aeronautical engineer and a Zero Gravity mechanic. But she has a hard time accepting herself and thus hides among mere mortals as a simple mechanic,"

"She is a genius? And you, are you a savant?"

"A savant? No, why would you think that?"

"You remembered my whole name many months after a brief introduction and out of context,"

"Oh, Lexa, me remembering the name of an unbelievably beautiful woman? That's totally on you! I am afraid Raven is the only genius in this family!"

Lexa was blushing profusely and staring out of the window as though to escape the intense pleasure and awkward self consciousness of being called unbelievably beautiful by a woman who was surely far, far prettier. Clarke thought she was adorable, and reached her hand across the table to take Lexa's. "Sorry, I didn't mean to embarrass you,"

Lexa shook her head,

"You said family? It's difficult to believe that Raven is your sister?"

"We went to school together, her family life was pretty rough and she ended up staying with us so often that my parents just gave her a bedroom. When they made a dental appointment for me, they made one for Raven as well, when it was time to buy school books, they bought hers too, made sure she had pocket money, clothes, medical insurance and put us both through university. We never wanted her to leave."

"That's amazing. They are very generous, your parents."

"Yeah, they are and we had plenty of money. We all love Raven and she loves us, she is my sister, our parents have two daughters."

"Are you going to be okay getting home, Clarke? You look like you are about to crash."

"I feel it, too. Lexa, this has not been my finest performance, thank you for being so understanding."

"Of course, I have enjoyed getting to know you better,"

"Can I get your number?"

"Let me type it in for you?"

Clarke pushed her screen across the table, signalling for the cheque. Her body was beginning to shut down at a rapid pace and she didn't know whether to be annoyed or relieved.

- two days later -

Clarke

Can I call you, Gorgeous?

Lexa

Lol, I guess, I am not used to such compliments.

Clarke

Well, Gorgeous, that's very hard to believe. Actually I was already calling you gorgeous and asking if if this was a good time to call?

Lexa

Oh. Well that's embarrassing!

Clarke

Not at all. I have had nearly 18 hours of rest - part coma, part sleep and part dozing and I feel brand new. I enjoyed our breakfast, awkward as I was. How are you?

Lexa

That's great news, I was concerned about you

Lexa

We have been repairing some fencing to the north of the property, we have an ongoing neighbour dispute and she has damaged the fence to make her point. It makes me cross because there are other things we could be doing, and it's expensive, but it could have been worse

Clarke

Want to tell me about it over lunch tomorrow?

Lexa

Sure do. Let me bring a picnic and meet at Rangers? Make sure you get your sunshine!

Clarke

Naw, how sweet are you?

Lexa

Quite, lol

- At Rangers -

"Except for the flour and salt in the bread, this is all from our land," Lexa proudly, laying out the wares her community works so hard to create; there was pulled pork rolls with coleslaw, a salad with roasted pumpkin and beetroot and apple pie with rustic looking lattice pastry strips.

"Wow Lexa, this is amazing. Is this cheese?"

"Goats cheese with basil and peppercorns,"

"No tinned tuna in sight!" quipped Clarke, helping herself

"I don't understand the tuna references? What am I missing?"

"I assumed end of the world preppers would be hoarding canned goods not eating like gods,"

"Well, there is a little of both, to be honest,"

"And do you have one of those khaki shirts for every day of the week or…? I mean you look great, it really lets your green eyes pop, but I've never seen you in anything else,"

"It's my uniform. Its unusual, I know, but it's my way of not getting caught up fashions and trends,"

"Something wrong with that?"

"I am just speaking for myself, but it's not important to me, I focus my mind on things that are important and commit my time, energy and resources to that."

"I need more information,"

"For example, my mind and body function well, I am strong and healthy, able to care for myself and Aden, for my community. My value lies there not in socially contrived narratives designed to distort the way my body appears, clothes and fashion that cost real money that are designed to equate women's desirability with thin and weak, accentuating that being vulnerable is attractive - natural even - well you can see how that runs counterintuitive to my lifestyle."

Clarke had stopped eating and her full attention was on the speaker, her eyes roaming over Lexa from head to foot, taking in her appearance more fully; the undyed hair, the practical braids, the makeup free skin, her bright sparkly eyes - alive with keen interest and intelligence. Not much could divert Clarke's attention from a meal, especially one as delicious and interesting as this but her awareness was fully arrested by the woman before her.

Clarke was twenty eight, she had led a reasonably privileged life, her parents had money, not millions but they were definitely upper middle class, undeniably very comfortable. Both had inherited some money and a holiday property, they lived mortgage free and earned more than they could reasonably spend. Plenty for the endowment of cultural capital; private school education and annual overseas holidays, it all came with its own unique cultural expectations; for example everyone in their set could play tennis, knew how to swim, played an instrument, was artificially tanned, had straight white teeth, took a gap year, went to college and social networking was a way of life.

It wasn't all champagne and yachts however, Doctor and Doctor Griffin worked very hard, put in long hours, so did Clarke, she had studied her whole life to be a surgeon. It was an unspoken arrangement, she didn't have to be a surgeon, or even a doctor but she had to be something, her parents and teachers provided the resources and Clarke and Raven worked their hindquarters off to learn and achieve good grades. Applied effort over time was role modelled in her home and her community, asking if she had homework was akin to asking if she breathed in and out all day long.

"Too much?" Lexa's eyes were fixed on her own plate, she looked prepared for disappointment.

"No, Lexa, not too much. I've never met anyone quite like you before," Clarke leaned forward and put her hand on Lexa's knee, "You have shown me nothing but consideration and kindness, you are interesting, intelligent and insanely attractive. I feel myself being drawn to you,"

"But?"

"No but, it's just that you have said some things that I have never thought of before, deep, complex ideas that - look, I have even put down my cutlery! I have dated a lot of people, Lexa, and I can assure you, I don't remember ever stopping halfway through a meal because I was captivated by my date."

"I thought you were wondering how to extract yourself from 'the cult',"

Clarke threw her head back and laughed,

"Not at all. We are very different people though and it occurs to me that the interactions I usually have are an exercise in going through the motions, with you I have to really listen, very carefully."

"What do you mean?"
"You haven't asked me which college I graduated from, what my parents do for a living, where I last travelled overseas, it can sometimes feel like an auction, who can out bid the other."

"That's your dating experience?"

"It probably explains why I haven't dated for the last year,"

"I am privileged!"

Clarke winked at Lexa and picked up her fork,

"You appear to come into town relatively frequently, do you go to the city often?"

"My trips to town have increased of late,'

Lexa gave Clarke a sideways look to indicate that she was the sole reason for this change in routine, "Usually I come once a month or so. I make a point of taking Aden to the city every year for a week. It's a cultural feast for us, through the year we make note of things we learn about; new foods, films, theatre, musical and art exhibitions and then we cram it all into a week or ten days!"

"That sounds exciting. Do you mind me asking what happened to your parents?"

"Our Mother died shortly after Aden was born and our father died eight years ago on the property. There was severe flooding and we were out moving the cattle and banking up the river and somehow, I don't know, he fell or became injured, anyway he drowned. We didn't realise he was missing for an hour or so and it was too late."

"Im sorry, Lexa,"

"They were good people, we were close. I mentioned we are the latest generation on our lands, my father's father died just two years ago and now it is just Aden and I. And the community, of course."

"Who is your community?"

"Anya is my closest friend and mentor. Luna, Lincoln, Nyko, Indra and her daughter Gaia, Gustus and Echo, there have been others at various times but we are the main group.

"How big a piece of land are we talking here?"

"50 000 hectares"

"Hmmm, I can't imagine it,"

"200 square miles,"

"Two Hundred! That's like from here to Hildesburg!"

"Thats East, and we are to the North, but yes, that's about right,"

"Lexa thats enormous,"

"Sha, it is."

"Tell me about it?"

"Really, you won't be bored?"

"Hardly,"

"You want coffee with your pie?"

"Oh you really know how to treat a girl,"

"A picnic and me talking your ear off? It's an easy date for me,"

"Actually, I am doing the hard work, I am getting an education!"

"I can stop anytime,"

"Oh no, I want to hear everything!"

"If that is true, I am pretty much guaranteed a third date,"

"Consider me committed,"

Lexa packed the lunch things away by putting lids on everything and popping it all back in the cooler, she pulled out a thermos and poured two cups of coffee and passed Clarke a large piece of pie,
"I am not even going to pretend that that slice is too big, I will eat it!"

"That sounds like a threat,"

"I am probably a little self conscious about my weight,"

"You are a very sexy woman, Clarke,"

"Well, thank you, I will take that compliment and the pie! Now, the land?"

"Every generation has purchased more and more land, except my father and myself, with the idea that we live mortgage free and provide good homes and livings for all the relatives, so that the family could work in roles they enjoyed and nobody had to struggle. We live sustainably, there have never been chemicals used on the property, the flora and fauna are strategically managed so as not to deplete resources or damage the ecosystem."

"Why have you and your father not purchased more land?"

"Hmm, it seems my father had some struggles, it has taken me a full ten years to get it back on track."

Lexa pointed to the blanket they were sitting on,

"If this was the land, we have a river running through here, and another here, we have dams here, here and here, and countless wells. We live in huts built loosely around a large outdoor communal area that is covered, there are bathrooms, laundry facilities, a commercial kitchen and long tables we use for meetings, educational classes and for produce. There is an orchard, several vegetable patches, although the word patch might be misleading, it is more industrial than that, near the roadway we have a market stall. We make our own sauces, chutney's, jams - "

"Wait, your surname is Woods?"

"Sha, it is,"

"Woods. You're the Woods of Trikru Woods?"

"Sha, Clarke."

"OMG, Lexa! Trikru not Tree Crew."

"Sha, what?"

"You have been sitting here talking like you are a farmer's daughter who makes her own apple pies, an eccentric hippy waiting out in a bunker for the end times not the heiress of a multi million dollar timber empire."

"I am more a modern hippy than an heiress, Clarke, if those are my choices,"

"I am going to kill Raven. God, I am an idiot,"

"Raven doesn't know either, and how would you?"

"Is it a secret?"

"No, but it's also not how I introduce myself. When we met I was the panic stricken sister of a boy who needed urgent surgery, then I saw you in the line for coffee. People don't usually want to know my story, if they know my connection to the Trikru then they are often reluctant to approach or if they do not they assume I am a crazy prepper. And for the record I never said I made that pie myself, I am sorry if I gave that impression,"

"Oh Lexa, you are really quite unique. Can I see it?"

"The property?"

"Yes,"

"Sure, why don't you ask Raven and we can make a weekend of it?"

Chapter Two

- a fortnight later -

It was two and a half days, if not falling exactly on a weekend, Raven drove her 4WD north out of town, along the highway for an hour before taking the turn off as sign posted, there was quite a long road with many front gates along it, each with a sign requesting open gates should remain open and close gates should be closed after passing through. They finally turned in through the Trikru compound front gates and followed the path.

Clarke turned off Raven's blaring hip hop, determined to pay full attention to the land and get a feel for the whole atmosphere. After thirty minutes of virtually off-road driving there appeared some buildings in the distance and Clarke got a feeling of excitement deep in her gut, as they pulled up, Lexa and Anya approached the vehicle - Lexa in her trademark Khaki work pants and shirt.

Before even saying hello to each other, let alone anyone else, Raven and Anya fell straight into a deep and passionate kiss, with Raven pushing Anya against the vehicle and sliding a thigh between her legs. Lexa and Clarke looked at each other with wide eyes and then grinned as they realised they both felt the same level of awkwardness in response to their friends' PDA.

Lexa leaned in and give Clarke a less familiar greeting - a hug,

"Welcome to Trikru, Clarke, how was your trip?"

"Thank you, fine, I missed you though," she took Lexa's hand.

"That's nice to hear, me too," Lexa was shy and Clarke thought it was adorable.

"Hmh, let's give them a few minutes. How about I show you to your hut? Depending on how you feel we can have lunch here and take a local tour or if you are feeling energetic we can take lunch out on horses or four wheelers, up to you?"

"It's been years since I have ridden a horse and I have never driven a four wheeler,"

"I picked this cabin because it gets less sunlight due to the large trees, it's also more quiet here too, I wanted you to have the opportunity to sleep while you are here,"

"You are very considerate,"

"There are two beds but evidence indicates you will more than likely sleep alone!"

Clarke crooked an eyebrow,

"I mean, regarding Raven," Lexa hastened to supply,

"I am teasing you. This is less a hut and more a five star hotel suite on stilts,"

"I hope you are comfortable," Lexa made short work of pointing out the features before leaving her to freshen up, offering to meet up in the common area about 200 meters away.

Clarke found Lexa repacking the cooler boxes,

"It looks like we are on our own, Anya and Raven are taking a private tour of a more intimate nature,"

"I can't pretend to be surprised, still, I am sure we will enjoy our time together,"

"No doubt, Clarke. So horses or four wheelers? We can actually take the jeep, if that suits you more?"

"Is the four wheeler hard to learn?"

"Not at all, shall we try it?"

"Yes, please."

Lexa hefted the heavy cooler and Clarke watched her muscles go to work under the tightened fabric of her shirt,

"Can you manage that one?" Lexa asked, totally oblivious.

"Sure," Clarke lifted a much lighter canvas bag and followed Lexa, watching her movements with concealed appreciation.

They approached four ATVs lined up like soldiers,

"I have already completed a pre start on each of the vehicles," she explained as she tied down the load to the rear of each,

"A pre start?"

"Working from home has its perks but cultivating a culture of safety is practically a full time job in itself; imagine your crew all heading out in different directions with various vehicles, weapons, terrain, animals, water… It's part of prepper culture to be safety conscious so it could be worse,"

Lexa patted the seat, and Clarke threw a leg over,

"There is a helmet here, sunnies and gloves. We won't be going over 20mph and we will stick to the trail so there is unlikely to be any trouble, the most important thing if anything should go wrong is using this radio and you must remain with the vehicle, someone will come for you."

Lexa gave Clarke the basics, asked her to repeat back what she understood of the instructions, asked her if she still felt comfortable and then showed her how to drive the vehicle, it is very simple, right handle forward for forward motion, backward for reverse, and either the right hand squeezer or foot pedal to brake.

It really was easy and Clarke lost all her worry in the first thirty seconds. She had no desire for speed - unlike Raven who would be dying to tear around off track and jump logs and things, declaring helmets were for wusses! Clarke had patched up too many of those bodies to be interested in taking unnecessary risks.

As good as her word, they rode single file, sticking to the 20mph and to the track, they could talk easily through microphones and speakers in their helmets and Lexa described to Clarke what she was seeing as they passed, they only rode for fifteen minutes or so before they came out onto a little rise overlooking the river. Lexa placed her sunnies and gloves inside the helmet and turned to help Clarke.

"Not too terrifying?"

"Safe as houses," Clarke was surprised to find that she had actually enjoyed the little jaunt. Before unpacking their cargo, Lexa took Clarke's hand and walked her back they way they came, taking her off the track and into a more heavily wooded area,

"Some of these trees are several hundred years old, Clarke. These ones are Ash trees and those are Oak and that one is a Pine. We have three plantations two deciduous; one a Black Ash and the other Mahogany, and one evergreen; Western Red Cedars, none of those will be ready for harvesting this generation, perhaps even the next."

"So you are planting for the next generations?"

"Yes and no, planting now has many benefits even if we don't see the end result or reap the harvest. It's good for me to be active, to contribute to the community, here at Trikru and also the wider community, to regenerate the Earth and to leave something for the next generations too. The trees provide food and shelter for us and the animals, too."

Lexa grinned at Clarke, and the happiness conveyed so much about who she was, it touched Clarke in a way she hadn't been touched before, or for a long time at least. She reached over and touched Lexa's face, letting her fingers skim the soft warm cheek,

"You are beautiful, inside and out,"

"Thank you, Clarke," her green eyes dropped again as Clarke could have predicted but they didn't stay down, instead she looked straight back at Clarke, forest green piercing into arctic blue.

Their shared gaze was honest and direct, there was a sexual element but that was not the primary transaction between the pair, both were hoping for something much more, something deeper, more meaningful. It was as though they were both asking the question, could it be you? The one I have been waiting for, the one who can hold my gaze and my heart without causing anymore heartbreak.

It would have been the perfect moment for a first kiss, but neither leaned in and both appeared willing to wait, if this was what they each hoped, there would be plenty more perfect moments for first and following kisses.

"Lunch?"

"When am I not ready to eat?"

Lexa spread the lined rug so that they could lean against a fallen log and when they sat, Clarke sat close enough that their legs were touching from ankle to hip and Lexa was not at all disconcerted.

"Tell me about your two weeks, since I last saw you?" she asked the blonde, whilst she unpacked.

"I had the next day off, I don't recall what I did but it would not be unusual for me to do a little window shopping, coffee and browse in the bookstore, take myself to lunch if no one else is available, which often my friends are not on a weekday. Then I worked five afternoons straight - "

"How does it work, in the hospital? Who decides who does which jobs, for example?"

"Oh so when I arrive at the hospital, I get a handover; it includes all the recent cases we have have treated that have been closed off and those that remain open, where we are up to with treatment, those going off shift will flag anything unusual like if they can't find an appropriate diagnosis or agree on a treatment plan then we will all have a look and see what we can come up with. Oh, what's this?'

"This is Venison Pie with red wine, rosemary and mushrooms and this is potato salad,"

"It's still warm?"

"Just out of the oven this morning, we eat well at Trikru that's for sure!"

"I'll say, it smells so good,"

"And this is apple cider, no alcohol. Please eat and continue your description when you are ready,"

Clarke oohed and aahed over the pie, then the potato salad, then the cider, everything was so delicious, and that was before Lexa brought out the chocolate mousse and cherry slice,

"Please, Lexa, please tell me you have coffee?"

Lexa tugged the thermos out and lifted it for Clarke's approval.

"I am literally in heaven, Lexa, thank you so much,"

"I did make the coffee but not the slice,"

"You are ensuring it is going into my mouth and that deserves thanks and praise,"

"I will take it. Also brace yourself, Raven and Aden are about to jump out at us, if I am not mistaken,"

"How do you know?"

"I have lived in these woods my whole life, I am attuned to the energy, the sounds and smells,"

"RAH!" Raven and Aden pounced out of the shadows and shouted in unison.

"AAhh!" Clarke screamed in shock despite the warning, only Lexa remained stoic.

"After all I did for you!" Clarke charged Aden, giving him a pitiful look that actually did sober him,

"Sorry, Doctor Griffin,"

"And you," she tried to give Raven the same look but nothing doing,

"Is that chocolate cake with cherries?" Raven leaned over the log, broke off a piece of Clarke's and shoved it into her mouth, "Ish even better van it looksh."

Anya and a young girl approached the group along the path, each holding the reins of two horses, choosing to have nothing to do with their juvenile attempt to scare Lexa and Clarke, Anya even advised them to reconsider. Having known her since she was a child, she knew Lexa would hear them coming a mile off and be thus prepared for their antics, just as she knew that Lexa would not appreciate having Clarke catch a fright.

She kept well back to keep the horses calm too, Raven's high energy was something else, and it had lifted and carried Aden right along with her, if he wasn't careful that girl could get him into all sorts of trouble. The thought made her laugh, almost out loud, if she wasn't careful herself, Aden wouldn't be the only one in strife.

Sure Raven was a bit out there but Anya suspected that at least some of that was a defensive shield because when they were alone together she let some of that stuff go and underneath she was amazing. Raven was like the sun, a mass of burning energy, most of it mental - the woman was super smart, like gifted smart and what wasn't mental was sexual. A shiver went down Anya's back just to recall some of the things they had done together - and some of those only just a couple of hours ago.

Anya tethered the horses,

"Heda," She said quietly with a nod, "Clarke, nice to meet you. This is my seken, Tris."

"Hey Anya, Hey Tris, nice to meet you both,"

"Heda?" said Raven, "Is that your nickname?"

Anya answered before anyone else could,

"Heda translates to Commander. Lexa is responsible for all these lands; the flora and fauna, the water, the community, she owns and manages the various Trikru businesses. We all rely on her for our livelihood, and when the shit hits the fan - for our survival. She runs this place like a military operation, she doesn't need to stride about and shout but if you fuck up you will know about it."

"When the shit hits the fan? That's a prepper term, isn't it?" asked Clarke.

"Yeah, how did - " Lexa was surprised.

"I've been reading up," she said, lifting her chin, a little pride in her demeanour.

"Thinking of joining our cult?" asked Lexa, poking her in the thigh to indicate she was teasing.

"Hey, I admitted my ignorance, you can't hold that against me forever,"

"Fair point, I apologise," Lexa raised her hands in surrender, "So, what did you learn?"

"Like you said, people are prepping for a variety of catastrophic scenarios in a multitude of ways. I guess some are more or less committed and some have more resources than others. It does seem topical at the moment, people seem to be concerned with international war, the possibility of civil war, government failure, economic collapse, pandemic and environmental concerns. I did watch a few episodes on Netflix - some of those people seem a little… I don't know, preoccupied - I would be worried about stockpiling weapons."

"We have stockpiles of weapons and ammo, don't we Lexa?"

"Yes, Aden, we sure do,"

"I knew I was bound to put my foot in it sooner or later,"

"It's not for everyone, Clarke, no one is going to try to convince you,"

"Except Indra," added Tris.

"Okay, except Indra," agreed Lexa.

"Are you into it, Anya?" Clarke asked,

"Sha, Clarke,"

"And what is your particular concern, what are you prepping for?"

"Systemic failure, the Government has turned on the people to an unprecedented level and that it is unsustainable. Either the people will resist or the army will step in, systems will fail, people won't be able to work, buy food and medicines - it will be every person for themselves, gangs will rise up and pick off the weak and take what they can."

"And what about you Aden, do you think the end times are coming?"

"I've been hearing these claims all my life and I think there is truth to all of them - except the Jesus coming back to Earth thing, that's not happening. But environmental, an asteroid, EMP, war, systemic chaos, it's all possible, but like Lexa says, is it actually going to happen in our lifetime? Chances are low, but it's good to be prepared, right?"

"Yeah, I think that's probably around about where I sit with it too," Clarke nodded,

"Does that mean you are going to start prepping?" asked Aden, an impish grin appearing on his face.

"Maybe next month,"

"Did you get finished, Aden?" Lexa changed the subject lest Clarke feel pressured.

"Yeah, I got it done,"

"Well done, and try not - "

"I know, to leave it to the last minute,"

"What is it?" Clarke asked.

"Homework, an assignment actually," answered Aden.

"Oh for school?"

"Yeah,"

"To be honest, I thought 'homeschooling' was a euphemism for no schooling,"

"I go to school," said Aden, defensively, "I am ahead for my age, aren't I, Lexa?"

"Yes, you are, considerably,"

"I have to apologise, again. I really didn't know I was so judgemental, and ignorant. I just heard 'end of world' and my mind just pulled out all the worst stereotypes and applied them. I really am sorry. You must get a lot of prejudice in the community?"
"Fuck em," Anya said, "They can do them and let us do us."

Clarke was intrigued by the level of hostility and Lexa tried to explain,

"Our value systems are really different to mainstream, actually they clash quite a bit. Not all preppers are the same, but we do tend to share some basic values; if it is end times, then I want to be careful with my resources - this goes down to quite a deep level.

For example, the world values physical beauty and preppers value traits, skills and experience that contribute to survival. The effort that goes into undermining people's health, self esteem and wellbeing, the effort that goes into creating millions of toxic products to help people 'achieve' beauty, the environmental damage it does, animal testing, all for profit! It is quite disturbing and dangerous.

In end times it comes down to what have you got to contribute to the survival of this group; are you smart? Are you strong? Do you have a skill? No one is going to care if you have split ends or when you last shaved your legs. So preppers tend to reject those values; I don't want to put my energy into that system, my money, my thoughts. All my precious energy goes into my family, my community. That's what makes someone beautiful, we are intelligent, industrious, innovative."

"Amen, sister," said Raven, it might have sounded facetious to an outsider, but no one present doubted her sincerity. "I should apologise too. When I first came to service your machines I thought this was some kind of crazy cult, I was pretty arrogant and said some stupid shit - I thought Indra was going to deck me at one point,"

"She was," interjected Anya.

The conversation died away and also the intensity, Aden talked about the river and it being a shame that it was too cold to swim, and then Raven asked if she could ride an ATV and Lexa agreed as long as either Anya or Aden rode with her.

"How would you like to ride a horse back?" Lexa asked Clarke,

"Sure, a gentle one?"

"Of course,"

Lexa made quick work of bundling up their supplies and tying the cooler onto the back of the vehicle, "See you back there!" they all called out to each other.

Clarke finally got one foot up in the stirrup and was about to subject herself to the ungraceful attempt of hauling herself up when she felt strong hands take her waist from behind,

"You hop and I will lift, ready?"

Clarke hopped and Lexa lifted her as if she were a child rather than an adult who weighed more than she ought. Lexa was up on her own steed in no time and having made a couple of clicking noises, both horses ambled away from the group and headed for home.

They took the scenic route, Lexa again acting the tour guide, pointing out all the things she thought might be of interest; geological features of the land, geographical information, flora and fauna.

"Would you like to see the wolf pack?"

"Really? I would love to,"

Lexa whipped out her radio, "Copy, Echo?"

A woman responded and they spoke briefly,

"Are you up for a trot?"

"I guess," and with that, Lexa whistled and both horses broke into a gentle trot, Lexa stayed by Clarke's side,

"Sit up straight, shoulders back, good. Are you comfortable?"
"Yes, it's a bit like riding a bike,"

Lexa flashed that gorgeous grin, the one that made Clarke's tummy dip sharply.

After a few minutes, she asked if Clarke was ready to to canter,

"If I say yes, will you smile at me like that again?"

The smile took even Lexa by surprise, bursting onto her face, forcing her lips to open and her eyes to shine, there was something rather lovely building between these two women and it was making them both rather joyous.

Echo was in a field when they arrived,

"Heya Heda, ha yu?"

"Heya Echo, disha ste Klark,"

"Heya, Klark,"

"Nice to meet you, Echo,"

Lexa dismounted in a smooth movement and whilst Clarke looked down and around trying to develop a plan to get down, it was only the first barrier, the second was the wolf pack.

"Just wait a moment, Clarke," advised Lexa, and when Clarke stopped focussing on the horse she realised there was a process occurring between Lexa, Echo and the pack.

Lexa remained still and calm by her steed, Echo approached slowly, her forearm extended, the pack were relatively calm but a little frisky, just a little nervous to meet someone new. There seemed to be approximately fifteen wolves, most were jumping around each other; play-fighting, nipping and scratching harmlessly at each other.

A core group of four were at Echo's heels literally, skipping around, changing positions, moving from in front, to behind, to beside. They were sniffing the air excessively, their eyes glancing from Echo to Lexa, to the horses, to Clarke, to each other, to the larger group that hung back a little but there was no growling, just strong interest. These four were like Echo's posse, her bodyguards.

They approached Lexa with Echo, sniffing and licking at her, darting forward and then skipping away, Lexa took the extended arm when it was within reach,

"Echo is the Alpha of this pack," She explained to Clarke over her shoulder.

"Sha, Clarke, these wolves are still quite wild but they follow my lead and they know Heda well. When you come down you will be safe, be quietly confident, slow deliberate movements, keep your hands out," Echo demonstrated the posture, "I will approach you, avoid direct eye contact with them, they will be watching me for their signals. Ready?"

"Yes," Clarke couldn't help but feel nervous, despite the warning.

Lexa approached and placed her hand around Clarke's ankle, wordlessly conveying her message for Clarke to put her weight on this stirrup and lift the other leg over, once she had gotten that far, again, Clarke felt Lexa's strong hands grip her waist and lift her easily to the ground. It felt so good, the heat from her sure hands reached Clarke's skin, she felt safe, protected, cared for.

But Clarke's attention was quickly diverted as a fresh wave of nervous energy broke over the pack, a renewal of their yipping, nipping and skittering around expressed itself. Lexa stepped back, Echo stepped forward - amazingly the horses remained calm despite having more than a dozen powerful wolves play biting around their ankles.

"Welcome, Clarke," Echo offered her forearm and Clarke took it in the same way as Lexa had done.

"You are doing well, don't be nervous," and then Echo began speaking of what was obviously a very passionate topic for her, her pack,

"As Heda said, I am the Alpha, the leader of this pack. These four are my seconds, the strongest warriors, they follow my commands and keep the others in line."

Those four approached Clarke with a mixture of intimidating bravery for show and interested research. They approached sniffing her strongly and then ducked away, nipping and yipping at each other, only to approach again, this occurred for several minutes,

"Come, have a drink with me?"

"Sha, mochof, Echo," Lexa took the reins of both horses and tethered them to a nearby tree, she quickly caught up to Echo and Clarke who had turned back to cross the field, Echo and her posse took up the front line whilst the rest ran in formation, Echo explained,

"With human communities there is always tension between what is best for the group and what is best for the individual, but with the pack - it is a single organism, there is no individual vs community mentality, only one unit. Sure the teenagers try to assert themselves from time to time but when the shit hits the fan - they fall in line."

Ah, there's that saying again, Clarke thought to herself.

"The other difference between humans and the pack is that humans see leadership as a position of power rather than as a position of responsibility - that is why Heda commands so much respect - she is a unique human in that respect."

Sha, mochoff, Heda - what Clarke had at first assumed was odd colloquialisms, she now wondered if it was in fact a different language. She would have to ask Lexa about it.

"These are not my minions but my family, as Alpha I am responsible for the protection of and provision for my pack. When I command them to action it is not because I am the boss and enjoy having power over them, it is because I see a need that must be fulfilled, I am privileged that they allow me this responsibility,"

"We each have our role; those four are my warriors,"

Clarke's eyes followed Echo's finger and she realised that the four who had been at Echo's side were now fanned out toward the edge and at the front of the group,

"There are scouts out of sight," She pointed off to the side vaguely, "I have one Mother and pups at the moment in a sheltered area, there are two guardians with them and I have two injured and one elderly wolf who are in a separate sheltered area."

"It is more injured than usual but with the recent conflict with the Ice Queen - "

Echo appeared angry and made a noise at the back of her throat.

"It is what it is, Echo, although I am sorry for your pack. How are they recovering?"

"One will recover but one will be lame now." It seemed that she would like to express her feelings on the topic but words appeared to have failed her for the moment.

Just inside the tree line was a hut on stilts, at first it appeared similar to the other huts in the common area that Clarke had seen but then she noticed that it was actually quite unique. This one was round with no windows, there were six broad steps up to a basic wooden landing and the door was simply a wide wooden board, with no handle or obvious lock. Echo simply pushed it inwards on her way in and then pushed it out on her way out, Clarked nearly laughed out loud - it was like a human sized sideways doggie door!

There was no ceiling inside, the top of the outer walls were clearly visible. The circular roof, reminiscent of the Japanese conical hat, merely hovered a good foot above the walls connected by a few structural beams, and hung about the same length over the sides of the walls. The roof was wide enough to keep most weather out, but Clarke suspected that if the wind blew the rain at just the right angle, it would probably find a way under the roof, over the walls and indoors.

There was a small fire burning away in the middle of a much larger fire pit, some small carcasses being smoked on a spit, rabbit Clake wondered? While Echo was in doors, Lexa went immediately to the spit and inspected the meat, turning it to one side to even the cooking process. The fire pit was bordered by four logs, forming a large square, giving the impression that a large number of people regularly occupied the space.

Echo returned with a flask and three tin mugs, she handed the mugs to each and poured in a couple of fingers of what Clarke could already smell was going to be some very potent alcohol. They took a seat on the logs, Lexa waited for Clarke to choose her spot and then sat by her, Clarke showed her appreciation by tucking her hand in the crook of Lexa's arm.

"Tell me about this hut, Echo, it's construction is different to the others in the common area,"

"Yes, Heda had it built to my specifications. In the depths of winter many of the pack sleep in there together - it gets very hot, as you can imagine, and stuffy. This way the heat rises and escapes the room, leaving us just with body heat, which is more comfortable and fresh air is constantly blown in under the roof. In summer it is also cooler with the constant circulation of air."

"And you live out here by yourself?" Clarke could have kicked herself the moment the words were out of her mouth - hadn't Echo just told her that her pack were her family and they even slept together? A knowing smile passed between Echo and Lexa.

"Sorry, I, that was dumb." Lexa squeezed her hand in sympathy and understanding. When Lexa spoke of the cultural barriers between their two worlds, she was not wrong, Clarke felt like she was in a totally different world and then information that was flying at her was so new and much, it was difficult for Clarke to keep up.

"It's okay, I am used to such comments. I have a mate who I haven't seen for two years, she will join me when she escapes the madness."

"I don't quite understand?"

Lexa picked up the story,

"Echo comes from across the Northern border of our lands, Azgeda, where she lived for many years. Remember I told you my neighbour damaged the fencing just weeks past? We call her Queen Nia, the Ice Queen, she has wanted some, if not all of my lands for many years and will not take no for an answer and so she resorts to property damage, threats and intimidation. She is quite a sick person, she has many people in her community and treats them very badly."

Echo looked sadly into the bottom of her cup, swirling the thick dark liquid around,

"About two years ago, I was beaten very badly, after some days my partner Ontari managed to get me to the border with a couple of my pack and luckily Heda took pity on me."

The pack picked up on Echo's sadness and began to close in on their Alpha, pushing against her legs, licking at her fingers to provide comfort.

"It is not pity, Echo. We tended to her injuries, fed her and allowed her to rest and recover, she fit into our community well so she stayed and is now one of us. We are very lucky to have you. Over the months many of her old pack have found their way across the border, too," Lexa nodded her head toward the moving mass of fur, "And now we await the arrival of Ontari, she will be welcome when she can get away."

"Mochoff, Heda," said Echo sadly. Lexa swallowed down the last of her beverage and elbowed Clarke gently in the side,

"And now we must be getting back," she said.

Clarke tipped the mug to her lips for the first time, having been both unsure of whether or not she would like the taste and also being preoccupied with Echo's story. The alcohol was so strong that it burned the hairs in her nostrils and it was all she could do to suppress a cough whilst waiting for the thick molass-essy liquid to make its way into her mouth. It was strong but it was delicious, sort of coffee toffee flavoured and extremely morish but Clarke was wary of indulging her senses in the pleasant beverage knowing the beverage would be playing havoc with her other senses!

It was getting on to evening by the time Lexa and Clarke got back, A short bulky woman woman approached giving Clarke a stern once over,

"Heda, osir need kom talk," Lexa nodded he reply,

"Indra, this is Clarke, Clarke Indra." Before either had an opportunity to greet the other, Lexa turned to Clarke and rubbed her hands up and down her upper arms,

"I have business just now, do you remember where your hut is? The common area will be filling up with people as they return from work and prepare for dinner. Anya and Aden will be around and hopefully Raven, if they have managed to rein in her wild spirit. I will see you for dinner in an hour?"

Lincoln approached and led their horses away and Clarke nodded,

"I will be fine, see you later."

She turned and looked about herself to get her bearings, oh yes, her hut was on the other side.

Clarke was suddenly feeling very tired, she headed for her hut, stripped off her clothes and turned on the shower. She was certainly on her feet a lot at the hospital, and there was a certain degree of physicality to her work but apart from that she was not the most active person. In her spare time Clarke also read a lot, not only was it important that she keep up with the latest research; medicines, treatments, products and procedures but there was hospital and government policies and procedures to keep up to date with as well. Physical activity such as today's was taxing, indeed.

Research was easy for Clarke to read and comprehend, she spoke that formal academic, scientific and medical language after all and was familiar with the style of presentation of information but out here - everything was new. The air was different, there were new people, new culture, new habitat, animals and walking from A to B was not like town or city walking - this was walking over terrain, with plant roots and bugs! Clarke was exhausted, frankly, but she was not unhappy.

"Clarkey?"

"In the shower,"

It was Raven, she pushed open the door and sat down on the toilet seat for a chat. Having lived in the same house for nearly all of highschool and sharing a college dorm room, there was nothing they hadn't seen. Not that Raven was looking, actually she was looking at herself, checking out her hair and making strange faces in the steamy glass of the mirror.

"Where did you get to? We've been back ages,"

"We met Echo, she has a wolf pack,"

"A wolf pack? This place is crazy, isn't it? Awesome, but a little cray cray."

"It's certainly different. I think they speak another language,"

"Yeah, I heard Aden and Tris babbling away and only caught every other word,"

"Have you been keeping out of trouble?"

"Clarkey, come on, you know me!"

"That's why I am asking."

"Hard to get into any danger when we can only ride the ATVs at thirty mph,"

"Twenty,"

"No, when they trust you, you're allowed to go thirty,"

"Oh, Lexa must not trust me then," It was a joke, Clarke did not share the same drive for adrenaline rush that Raven did, it was enough for her just be here, to be spending time with Lexa, but for her sister, if the rule was thirty she would want to be going forty! It had been that way forever.

"How's it going with Anya?"

"Damn, she is one hot woman. She can almost keep up with me, you know?"

"Really? Better hang on to her then."

"Bit early for that kind of talk. What about you and sexy Lexy?"

"Oh please don't call her that to her face. It would mortify me completely."

"Fine, the Commander then? Is that better?'

"Just Lexa is fine. I really like her, she is so sweet to me, you know?"

"So tonight is the big night?"

"No, we haven't even kissed yet,"

"What's taking you so long?"

"What's so long? Three dates and now this weekend. What's the rush?"

"You never used to be such a prude,"

"I'm not a prude but if doing things that way gets me Wells, Finn and Niylah - I am happy to try a new approach,"

"Fair call,"

"And hey, just because dry humping on the car bonnet in front of my host before I even say hello, isn't quite my style, I don't think that makes you a slut or me a prude. We are just different, and we can go at our own pace. I want only good things for you, Ray,"

"True that. I didn't mean to be a dick, it's just that my energy is all high and stuff,"

"I've always said that I think you are an introvert stuck in extrovert gear,"

"Yeah, maybe slowing down could have its benefits,"

Chapter Three

There must have been more than two hundred people around the common area when Clarke and Raven emerged, there were some children, a few dogs and groups of people all over, there was a huge fire pit in the centre bordered by tree logs, but this one had eight logs instead of four. There was a huge spit over the top with what was obviously a pig rotating over the flames, around the outside of the fire, directly on the coals sat several industrial sized pots, that people were turning so as to keep the heat evenly dispersed and stirring the contents.

Around the outside of the logs were long tables with bench seats, filled mostly with what appeared to be families, children and older people. Clarke nodded and commented to herself, this way parents could monitor what and how much their children were eating, also they weren't going to close to the fire. The elderly were also being fed in relative comfort - and then she saw it; those families and people at the tables were being served by Lexa, Anya and Indra and some others, even Aden and Tris.

The young, and apparently senior members of the community, were bringing out trays of food, passing steaming bowls, chatting to them, joking with the children, pouring their drinks. There were individual bowls of food but on the tray were salads, vegetables, various roasted meats, rice and bread, it all looked so attractive, nothing stingy in the amount of food on offer, everything appeared well cooked and was presented to make the food look so attractive.

Behind those tables was the communal kitchen area, with more seating under cover and a bar area was off to one side with a gaggle of interested customers lining up to give their orders.

"The bar! Did you bring any money?" Raven dug her elbow into Clarke's side with enthusiasm,

"In my purse in the hut,"

"You want a wine?"

"Yes, please,"

Clarke took a seat on a log by the fire and watched all the comings and goings.

"Heya, yu Heda's girl?"

"Hi, I'm Clarke," Clarke smiled and offered her hand at the woman, the woman took her forearm rather than her hand as Echo had done earlier,

"Ah, english," she said nodding, "I'm Gaia, Indra's daughter, can I get you a drink?"

"Thank you, I have one coming,"

"You becoming Trikru?"

"Just visiting,"

"You like it? You find us strange, no?"

"It's certainly very different, but not strange really, I think perhaps we are the strange ones,"

"True bilaik," she said laughing and drinking from her mug.

"Do you live here?"

"Sha, my mother is Heda's general, Indra,"

"Oh, I've met her. Are you a warrior too?"

"Sha, we are all warriors!"

"Oh of course,"

"I am apprentice to the Fleimkepa,"

"Fleimkepa? What is that?"

"Spiritual leader, like a priest, we are devoted to safeguarding the Flame and ensuring its succession,"

"What's the flame?"

"The lineage of Heda. The survival and knowledge of our ancient traditions, our culture,"

"Clarkey, it's free, you don't have to pay for booze, no wonder this place is full of people!"

"Thanks Raven," she said, taking the mug.

"This is my sister, Raven, Raven, this is Indra's daughter, Gaia,"

"Hey, nice to meet you," said Raven, slipping into beside Clarke.

"Gaia, what do all these people do here?" Clarke asked,

"Heda," Gaia stood up to greet Lexa, who had approached from behind Clarke, out of her eyesight. Gaia performed the same little half bow her mother had earlier, Clarke was only just now recalling, in addition she changed her stance, like a military soldier at ease, legs spread comfortably, hands behind her back, head down.

"Gaia, ha yu?" Lexa approached and put a hand on Clarke's shoulder, applying pressure as if to communicate, 'don't get up',

"Very well, Heda, and you?"

"Please relax, I see you have met my guests. Clarke is a surgeon at Polis Hospital and Raven came once before to service the vehicles, but I think you were away,"

Gaia straightened up and looked Heda in the eye,

"Sha, must have been, I don't recall meeting you, Raven,"

"Gaia, join us for dinner? Clarke would you prefer to sit at a table or here, anywhere you like?"

"I'd like a table, please,"

"Sha, this way," Lexa offered her arm and Clarke took it, she led them to a table where Anya, Tris, Lincoln, Aden and Indra were just finishing up laying out the food.

There was lively conversation up and down the table, with people leaning forward or back to hear what someone was saying several people along the row, everybody that is except Indra who appeared to be listening to all, but speaking to none. Gaia was reserved and serious but she was interested, interesting and communicative, unlike her Mother who appeared cross and formidable, Clarke even baulked at asking her to pass the condiments, preferring to go without.

"Is everything okay? Indra seems upset about something."

"No, everything is fine, Indra was just updating me about the progress of the work teams and other things," Seeing she hadn't answered Clarke's question adequately she provided more detail,

"We have a handover at the beginning and end of each day, usually Indra, Anya and myself, sometimes Aden too, depending. Indra is responsible for the property; movement of people and animals, scouts and boundaries, resources, incidents and accidents. Anya is responsible for the security of the property and she runs the education and training seminars and weekends we provide."

"I am so interested to learn more, Lexa, I know there are so many facets to what you just said but all day you have said things that make me want to know more, from trees, to wolves, to why you were serving those families their dinner when you are the boss. Also, I think you are speaking another language sometimes and I think you said Nyko is responsible for your medical service? Can I take a look at that before I go? If that's not being impertinent, of course,"

"Not impertinent, Clarke, I am happy that you are interested and what you don't pick up this time, there will be other times," Lexa coloured and then added, "I hope,"

"You are gorgeous when you blush," Clarke put her cutlery down and turned to face Lexa, she traced her cheek and whispered, "I am feeling more and more certain there will be other times, Gorgeous,"

And as Lexa's grin lit up her face, it sparked joy somewhere behind Clarke's breast.

Trikru was a whole new secret world, a micro community existing almostly secretly - inhabiting a tiny corner of the world Clarke knew and understood. This was a world where Lexa was the King - the Commander, surrounded by warriors who would live and die for her. She had her own priesty kind of Fleimkepa, Titus, two senior right hand generals Indra and Anya and five senior warriors Gustus, Lincoln, Tristan, Ryder, Ross and Penn who, except for Gustus, generally answered to Indra.

They bowed to their Heda and followed her instructions without hesitation - and given they live a reality circa the middle ages, something tribal including local tribal warfare across borders. Oh sure, they used firearms and the internet but their culture was ancient.

One such Trikru tradition involved apprenticeships of the young, each of the Generals had a seken that were trained in all aspects of becoming a warrior; self defence, hand to hand combat, melee weapons, firearms, strategy, hunting, tracking, survival skills and leadership. Usually sekens were chosen when they were about ten years of age, it was a big responsibility, a huge commitment for both the warrior and the seken.

Lexa also felt a significant responsibility regarding apprenticeships, both in relation to the individual and the community. The warrior was asked to make a five odd year commitment to the personal and skills development of a young Trikru person. That young person was expected to submit themselves to the authority of their warrior, to come and go and their beck and call. The process produced a highly skilled Trikru population and retained strong links to their traditional culture.

But Lexa was not without the realisation that developing Trikru skills was necessary, but equally valuable was having a population that was not ignorant in the ways of the world. She required that all apprentices graduate from highschool and was committed to provide for any students who were interested in pursuing a college education. To that end, Trikru facilitated a charity to provide scholarships for Trikru college students - a full ride to study anything, anywhere, no strings - with the hope of developing a highly skilled, resourceful and competitive community.

- The following morning -

"Clarke? Are you awake?" Lexa called, tapping on the door.

"Lexa? Oh shit, nearly, come in,"

The sun was well up, it was nine o'clock and Lexa was getting antsy waiting for her, so she put together a tray as an excuse to make contact.

"I brought coffee,"

"Oh Lexa, that's amazing, please," Clarke sat up, her eyes still closed, her t-shirt all skeewiff, her hands trying to tame her mass of bed headed blonde curls that were absolutely determined to do their own thing.

"Im sorry, have I overslept?"

"No Clarke, this is your time, I just, I just missed you, that's all,"

"Naw, how sweet are you?" She patted the bed and Lexa was only too happy to sit by her.

"Just white, I think?" she asked, handing Clarke a mug,

"Yes, please, oh it smells so good - no instant coffee in Trikru!"

"Did you sleep well?" asked Lexa, smiling.

"I did, actually. I just lay down and went straight to sleep and didn't wake until now,"

"You were tired,"

"Yes, I really was, mentally and physically. It's hard work learning so much, you know?"

"Oh well, I spoke to Nyko and he is keen to show you our resources, but if today doesn't suit you - "

"No it does, it totally, does, thank you Lexa,"

"Only, I must mention something to you beforehand, it's not because I don't trust you, but because I know you are still learning our ways,"

"What is it?" asked Clarke, her curiosity piqued.

"Well, you can imagine if it was end times, how valuable our resources would be, people would be highly motivated to learn exactly what we have, how much we have, where it is stored, how they could access it."

"Oh of course, I am glad you mentioned it, because although I am highly trustworthy, I am also a little naive - Raven is always ragging on me for my lack of street smarts,"

"So you are not offended?"

"Not at all,"

"Phew,"

"Bahaha, besides, you bring me coffee in the morning, you can say anything you want!"

"I have something to take care of while you are with Nyko, he will call me when you are done, is that okay?"

"Absolutely, everything okay?"

"Ah the Queen is messing with our border again, I must go and see the extent of the damage, please stay in the common areas unless you are with Nyko, Anya, Indra or Aden,"

"Is it going to be dangerous?"

"I doubt it, but until you know your way around a bit more it is better to stay on the paths,"

"Of course, don't worry, I am a good girl, not a rule breaker!"

Lexa squeezed her eyes shut as her mind went somewhere it shouldn't, thoughts of Clarke with very little clothes on, whispering things good girls shouldnt in her ear.

"Hey, I don't need to know what you are thinking, to know what you are thinking,"

"Sorry," Lexa gave Clarke her best 'sorry not sorry face', "more coffee?"

"Oh you are good!" said Clarke, holding out her cup and laughing.

Clarke made her way through the common area, she returned the tray to the dishes area and was looking around for a snack, there were something like thirty odd people working at various tasks. On any given day, crates and crates of fruits, salads, vegetables, herbs, various edible leaves, mushrooms, even truffles and honey are harvested from the grounds and brought to the common area for processing.

Where possible food was washed and prepared for imminent consumption, a practice designed to reduce unnecessary double handling and storage, particularly refrigeration - it was literally earth to plate. Food that was in abundance was jarred, canned, pickled or preserved in some other way, perhaps dried or even juiced.

Various dairy products were produced on site; milk, butter, cheese, yoghurt and ice cream. Meat was also butchered on site using as much of the whole product as possible and reducing waste. Fish were also plentiful and Luna made sure the rivers were not overfished. Trikru provisions were all organic, strictly seasonal and although there was always meat of some description offered, many people ate a largely vegetarian diet with no meat at all or only a small portion, complimenting their vegetables, grains and salads.

Of course Trikru did have to trade for additional essential items like sugar, salt, flour, oats, rice and so on, but these costs were minimised by the making of their own breads, biscuits, pasta, cakes and desserts. They brewed their own beer, wines and harder spirits which were both freely given as well as tightly controlled and regulated.

Titus also had his hands full, what with his extra duties regarding keeping tabs on the Ark Station, keeping his ear to the ground in terms of media events and reports concerning the Ark, Jaha, Raven, the scrolls, NASA and or the DoJ. In addition to his regulation responsibilities on behalf of the Trikru, he also had things to manage in relation to the relocation of workers and resources, add to that the selling of two Polis condos!

Not fifteen minutes later, Clarke was ready to check out the resources Nyko had to play with. There was a little consultation hut with a wide ramp rather than stairs, inside was a desk, some chairs, a bed at the back behind a curtain, there were basic first aid supplies and medicines and one wall contained shelves of medical books.

There were three adjoining huts at the back; one appeared to be a sort of mini hospital with beds, a bathroom, and several linen presses containing bedding and more medical supplies. The next hut was a sort of crude operating theatre, with a sort of dentist chair in the middle, there were several sinks for handwashing and sterilising equipment. The last hut was clearly a store room with all manner of supplies, Clarke was quite impressed, passing over the products that would not generally be found in many doctors surgeries - Clarke was amazed to find that this 'first aid' station was equipped to deal with much more complex medical issues, including dental.

Nyko was not a doctor but he had delivered babies, reset broken bones, performed a tracheostomy and retrieved bullets from inside a live body - Clarke didn't know whether to be concerned or impressed. Part of her was screaming that she had been to school for eight years and survived two years of general and surgical internship and was still supervised for another year to perform those sorts of interventions. The other part was considering the argument that if it were end times then any intervention was surely better than none.

Besides, he wasn't running a chop shop of body parts, he wasn't selling organs, and he was only patching people up until they got to a real hospital. Nyko not only ran the first aid clinic cum hospital but he studied a lot and he knew everything there was to know about the medicinal properties of plants, many which were growing under his specialised care within the borders of the property. What wasn't native to the area and or struggled to grow well in this habitat, they apparently traded for.

Nyko had more questions for Clarke than she had for him, and she took great joy in sharing her knowledge with him. There were two medical journals in particular she thought he could benefit in subscribing to, she typed his contact details into her phone she promised she would keep in touch and send him information as she thought helpful. They finished up by having coffee in the garden nearby and chatting about things less medical, he was a good man, she got a really good vibe from him, and his spirit was gentle yet strong.

"Aah, Heda comes," Nyko said at some point, Clarke looked around but nobody came, it was almost a full minute later that Lexa did indeed come jogging up the path. The senses of these people of the land were extraordinary, Clarke recognised.

After lunch Lexa gave Clarke one of most disarming shy smiles and said,

"We are training this afternoon, would you like to watch?"

"Sure, training for what?"

"Training, ah self defence and fighting, weapons,"

"Really? That sounds interesting,"

"You don't like it? That's okay, I can pass for today,"

"No no, Lexa, I want to see it. I am not really one for watching sports at home, but I would love to see you all doing your thing."

"I bet that Gustus is this best isn't he? He is a huge wall of muscle,"

"Gustus is good, sha,"

"Not the best? What about Lincoln? Quiet and deadly?"

"Lincoln is also good,"

"Not the best? Who is the best then?" Clarke's eyes roved over the few who were finishing up their lunch, trying to identify someone she thought would be a likely contender.

"Well for many years Anya was the best,"

"Anya? Really? I mean sure she looks strong, but I can't see her beating Gustus,"

"She was… until she was dethroned. The student finally beat the master."

"By who, come one, you are playing with me now,"

"Heda." said Lexa with finality, and a smirk of pride.

"You? You can beat all of these people, everyone who was here last night?"

"Sha, you doubt me?"

Clarke reacted to the sudden heat that flooded her body, she ran her fingers up Lexa's upper arm, feeling that muscles she had seen straining her shirt on numerous occasions,

"I look forward to seeing you in action, Heda," she said, seductively.

"Clarke, you are not being a very good girl just now," And indeed, she turned into a bad girl later that afternoon, a very bad, very down right dirty girl.

Aden brought along his wolf, he introduced Shark to Clarke and asked if she wouldn't mind if he sat with her while the fighting was on. He was a beautiful wolf and as serene an animal she could imagine, he exhibited the same behaviour as she had observed in Echo's pack, a sort of nervous skittering, then a concentrated sniffing all over followed by a calm acceptance. He laid at her feet and let Clarke repetitively scratch the top of his head with her fingernails, when Aden was satisfied he pulled off his coat and joined the others in the pit.

There was an open area fighting pit filled with sand not too far from the common area surrounded by a grassed area with logs for seating the first few rows of spectators. Behind that were a number of portable wooden bleacher seats, four rows high housing as many warriors who could afford to stop working to participate and to watch.

It began with a sort of group warm up session, bending and stretching their limbs and joints to avoid a soft tissue injury - that's when the trash talk started. Gustus was there at the front, demonstrating the movements they were all expected to follow for the warm up, his eyes scanning the group like he might begin correcting those who weren't trying hard enough.

Anya was in the front row, her long straight dark brown hair was pulled back into a high bun, accentuating her cheekbones. Her outfit was simple, long black pants and a tucked in sleeveless black turtleneck, she looked like she meant business. Raven was sitting next to Clarke, her energy was off the charts - apparently all the sex they had been having, as Raven insisted in sharing the details, hadn't worn her out - if anything it seemed to have left her super charged.

All the warriors were barefoot and many of them in pants or long shorts and a tee shirt. Tris and Aden were the youngest ones there she was talking as shit much as the others whilst Aden was quite diligent in following the meticulous directions. After ten minutes, all the warriors paired up and began doing exercises, or roughhousing, together, pushing and pulling each other, tripping each other up and giving everyone else shit.

Lexa was late to join the others but came jogging up,

"Moba," she called and paired up with someone who had been working in a trio due to the odd numbers. She was wearing similar pants to Anya in navy blue and a skin tight dark grey long sleeved cotton top, her braids were all tied back in a high ponytail. There was very little left to the imagination in that outfit and Clarke bit her bottom lip in appreciation.

"Was hoping you weren't going to show, Heda," Someone called out.

"No chance," she fired back with a fierce grin.

"You could always improve, Quint, rather than waiting for your betters to disappear," Anya added, loudly. Oohs, aahs and sniggers could be heard from inside and outside the pit.

"Shof op," Quint growled, and then more people laughed.

Clarke thought the banter had all been in good fun until this last comment, which she was unable to correctly interpret but it sounded very much like 'fuck off'. She wondered if there was some bad blood between him and Anya. Before she could consider the matter further, someone was handing out wooden staffs to all the warriors, they all began in their pairs doing some kind of pattern that they were all familiar with. The sound of the staves coming into contact with one another was a definite and ominous crack.

It began slowly and without force with quiet cracks over the pit, but as they settled into their routine and got the feel for their opponent the speed and force grew, the trash talk dried up as their concentration was needed to focus on blocking and outmaneuvering their opponent. The staff was not used to hit the body, at least that was not the object of this particular exercise, but that was not to say that some fingers weren't injured - there was the occasional crack followed by a hiss or a grunt.

The intensity grew, so did the silence of the participants and the observers, finally Gustus called it quits and the staffs were returned,

"Hand kom hand," he called out authoritatively and the warriors all stepped out of the pit, the large man grabbed up a tablet and began call out names and numbers,

"Aden and Freya, one. Indra and Micah, two," and on and on until they had all been called, she handed off the table to someone who looked like they would be registering the winners and pairing them up for the next round.

Aden and Freya grinned, leapt into the pit and shook forearms, there was no animosity that Clarke could tell, just two people who enjoyed the competitive activity. They stepped back and crouched ready for Gustus' signal, then like bullets from a gun they leapt into action, no quarter was given to either age or gender - each wanted to win. It was like a mixture of kickboxing, wrestling and martial arts - or like those two people fighting in the hospital waiting room last month, thought Clarke, at least they were on drugs to explain their behaviour!

Aden beat Freya convincingly in a few minutes, he offered her his hand and she let him heave her body up from the sand, and out of the pit. Indra and Micah stepped forward, they too grasped forearms and Indra had him flat on his back before Gustus had even finished the call to start. This seemed to get the one named Quint's nose out of joint, who stormed on to the pit, pointing and shouting in their native tongue, which Clarke had learned was called Trigedasleng.

Gustus moderated the dispute and it was quickly agreed that although Micah seemed to think all was fair in the first bout, they were going to have a do over. This time when he called,

"Go!" Indra, as dry as ever, asked Micah if he was ready, when he said,

"Sha" she asked Quint if he was ready, which made everyone laugh and then she flipped Micah onto his back employing the exact same tactic as the first time she put him down.

Micah wasn't upset at all, and he even had the good grace to applaud his opponent, and invite the crowd to also show their respect and appreciation. Clarke couldn't see Quint, but there was a rumbling from the back of the group. Raven seemed to be enjoying this activity more than anything Clarke could remember in some time.

She had always been more willing to sit with their father, Jake and watch football, tennis, soccer, whatever was on. Granted most of their conversations inevitably turned to

"It would be better if the rules allowed for this or that,"

Which morphed into,

"Wouldn't it be cool if they could play this wearing a jetpack?"

"Or underwater?"

"Or temporarily blinded?"

Abby and Clake would always sit with their medical journals rolling their eyes at the ridiculous conversations and inevitable inventions they would dream up to make it more exciting.

Clarke perked up when Anya's bout was called and Raven could not have been anymore alert, Anya seemed to enjoy toying with her opponent, baiting her to attack and then falling back, finally someone called out,

"End it, Anya,"

So she did, holding her opponent in a headlock, with her arms and legs wrapped tightly so as to immobilise her until she tapped out.

Only a few more fights and then Lexa was called, like Aden she won convincingly, but she didn't play around, she got a feel for her opponent and then quickly and decisively took him down. The second round was more interesting as Clarke got to know some of the warriors by sight or recalled their characters, some were smart mouths, some were overly confident, it was fun trying to guess who was going to win as they stepped up.

The final group comprised Lexa, Anya, Indra, Quint, Gustus, Lincoln, Tristan, Ryder and Penn, all but Quint were level headed and friendly, Quint seemed to have something to prove from earlier - or more likely from another day, Clarke realised. He was pacing up and down the side of the pit, like a caged beast, he had a few supporters who appeared to be encouraging him, bolstering him up. When Lincoln took him out, Quint was seething, he grabbed up the shirt he had earlier literally ripped off his back and he and his little gang took off post haste.

Lexa looked as though she wanted to say something, to challenge him or talk to him, but Anya had a quiet word in her ear and that seemed to end her indecision. It was down to Tristan and Lexa for the final bout and this lasted longer than any of the other fights all afternoon, they were more evenly matched and used many of the same techniques and strategies but eventually Lexa overcame her opponent and it all ended in good spirits.

Gustus announced Heda as the winner and there was a bit of cheering and clapping, the pit was emptied at last, some of the fighters disappeared into the crowd and some of the crowd approached their fighters. Raven had darted off as soon as Heda was announced and when Clarke stood to make her way over she noticed Nyko was tending to some of the wounds, there were a couple of broken fingers from the staves earlier, some black eyes, a broken nose and some strained joints and muscles.

Clarke made her way over to ask if needed help, but he assured her that it was all well in hand, he encouraged her to find a cool drink for 'her' Heda. And Clarke did just that, she took a mug of cool water from the tap and offered it to Lexa,

"Hey, congratulations Heda, champion indeed!"

"Thank you, Clarke," she took the water gratefully and drained the cup.

"Any injuries you want me to take a look at?"

"No, Clarke, I am fine,"

"Are you sure? I mean it couldn't hurt to have a professional look you over?" she wiggled her eyebrows and everyone burst out laughing.

"Well, yes in that case, there does appear to be…"

Searching for some injury but not bothered to work that hard, she left the sentence unfinished,

"Exactly," Clarke linked arms with Lexa and tugged her away from the crowd.

"Your hut, my hut or medical hut?"

"Um, my hut?" responded Lexa, and pointed out the direction.

"You looked amazing out there,"

"Well, I must confess I did try,"

"It worked. Please, can I see your arms?"

Lexa attempted to pull her sleeves up, it was a little joke because Clarke's eyes were too often glued to her upper arms. When Clarke made to roll her eyes, Lexa went one better and pulled her top over her head and off her body, she stood there in what Clarke could only describe as a breast wrap.

Her skin was pink and warm to the touch from the exertion, and her muscles were bigger than Clarke had anticipated, she could not help but lick her lips and she ran her fingers over the bicep,

"Clarke, I do believe you are being lecherous,"

"Yes, Gorgeous, I totally am. Would you like me to stop?"

"Go ahead,"

Clarke walked around Lexa to stand behind her and ran her hands up and down her biceps and then began to kiss her back and shoulders, the back of her neck, using her tongue as well. She was pretty confident it was making Lexa weak in the knees, her breathing had certainly grown laboured in the last minute. She tailed off her exploration by giving Lexa's shoulders a massage and then suddenly patted her backside and said,

"Go and shower, I want my dinner,"

Lexa shook her head as though to disperse a heavy fog, she barked out a laugh and headed into the bathroom, taking her shirt with her.

"Would you like your privacy, I can wait outside or meet you at the common area?"

"No Clarke, I will be only few minutes,"

When Lexa had turned off the water and Clarke felt sure she could be heard without shouting,

"So, what's the story with that Quint guy?"

"Oh him. He is going to challenge me soon, and when he loses, he and his merry band of idiots will go over the north wall and sell our information to Queen Nia,"

"What? Wait, challenge you for what? This is your land, your company?"

"Yes, that is true, but only for so long as such things hold,"

"Meaning?"

"When end times come, you can only claim what you can hold; contracts, legal rights, property deeds - none of that will have any meaning. There may be no government, no rule of law, so people like Quint are going to be dangerous. He is strong, capable, able to cobble together weak minded men, they will prey on the vulnerable and take what they can, whether they need it or not, mostly because they enjoy it."

"But its not end of times now,"

"No, but we tend not to have much faith in external systems. I could sue Nia in the courts, they would find in my favour but that means nothing to people like her. With reasonable people you can just pop up to the fence and say 'hey, this is a problem for me can we talk about it,' and most people will say 'sure, thanks for letting me know'. But Nia is not reasonable, in her mind to want is necessarily to receive, she wants my land and she will stop at nothing to get it, she is quite sick. No court is going to fix that, and I would be going to court with her every other week from now until I die."

"So what is the answer?"

"Force,"

"What do you mean force? Violence?"

"It may come to that but not necessarily so. Clarke, what you saw today was play fighting, just a fun contest for entertainment, but make no mistake, we can fight. I have a formidable army, small but powerful, skilled and armed to the teeth with prehistoric and modern weapons. I don't necessarily like violence, I don't seek it but I am prepared to use and defend it."

"At present, I employ a number of strategies to repel the Ice Queen. First, I have good relationships with people, my people here, the neighbours on my other borders, the township. Second, I maintain high vigilance, Echo and her pack patrol the border every night, I have scouts that travel over the border to watch them, rangers check the perimeter twice daily and fences are constantly repaired. Third, I watch and wait for the right opportunity to press my point. Does this disturb you?"

"Yes, I must confess, I am disturbed. On the one hand what you say is all reasonable and rational, but to have an army and such weapons seems so… extreme. And you seem perfectly sweet and lovely, kind and thoughtful, gentle even, yet you train for war - consider killing people."

"I understand, and I have no wish to persuade you. In some ways it is good to take things slow - I am aware of the cultural differences between our peoples, it is very hard to make our values match,"

"I don't want it to be over, not yet, I really like you,"

"And I really like you, Clarke,"

"Can I just have time to work through it? I mean, it's all new, and I am disturbed but I am not saying no. And I know I have said some dumb things, but I am willing to learn,"

"Of course, Clarke, do not upset yourself, I wasn't saying this is over, I was just giving you an out. I mean it's got to be scary coming here, on my land, surrounded by my people and being told I have an army and weapons, right?"

"Well, I wasn't scared before..." Clarke laughed but it was true, she didn't feel threatened by Lexa in the slightest, or her people, except maybe Indra, and that Quint guy.

"Hey, we started out talking about Quint and got onto the Queen, can we just backtrack a moment? You said he will challenge you and then sell your information, challenge you for what exactly? And aren't you concerned about him Nia knowing where your supplies are?"

"Oh right, so Quint wants to be the top dog, he wants to publicly best me in a physical confrontation, humiliate me and undermine my authority. He will attempt to win people's support and when that doesn't work he will intimidate and threaten them. For what purpose? I don't even think he knows. He will act like the proverbial Alpha, boss everyone around, make them serve him, squander and sell the resources and assets and then when everything turns to skrit he will look for greener pastures."

Lexa had exited the bathroom fully dressed and had been wandering around her hut braiding her hair, while they had been talking, finding her boots, a clean pair of socks, she was just tying her laces as she made her final point,

"As for selling my information, Quint knows far less than he thinks he knows,"

"Why don't you kick him out, if he is going to leave anyway,"

"He is a pain, but not that much of a threat, really. He will never best me - "

"Well, you don't know,"

"I do know. You think I would risk my brother to the likes of that, that, branwada? Believe me, Quint will steal stuff and jump the fence but nothing more - oh actually, if Nia ever did plan an all out assault he might be in the group, but nothing more. Now, enough talk, you mentioned you were hungry? Let's let the dust settle on this topic - it is not all we are, Clarke, I want you to see that, too."

Heda Lexa worked hard to earn the respect and loyalty of her warriors, it had taken time, effort and sacrifice. In her years of personal frugality, of industry and integrity, she never asked anyone to do tasks that she wasn't willing and able to do herself, she treated her workers well and found ways to reward them until she could afford to pay them generously and to provide better conditions.

She found creative ways to supplement their more traditional streams of income and in time was able to turn unprecedented profits. In part it was due to her own simple living, she had not let the power go to her head; she drank in moderation, never smoked or drugged, she wasn't sex crazed or obsessed with driving the latest vehicles or setting herself apart by living in a large luxurious house.

And she had raised Aden to follow in her footsteps, her style of leadership more resembled being of service than her acting the big boss. Their father had his vices, still a good man but certainly one who had a gambling problem, but the days of living month to month were now well in the past. And saying month to month wasn't entirely honest, even Titus had to admit that, but he misrepresented the financial situation a little to Heda Roman.

There was a great deal of Trikru money tucked away, many millions in fact but Titus never referred to it and it is entirely possible Roman didn't know about it. Titus always referred to money they had on hand, the profit of the last twelve months only. So when Roman blew last month's cash Titus reacted as though it was a disaster and how would they get by? What if there was an emergency?

But Lexa was no slouch when it came to the books. Titus of course tried to present the last twelve months as though that was all the money they had in the world but Lexa was taking no one's word for anything, she dug around until she found everything; cash, assets, shares, stocks and bonds, precious metals, tradable consumables and luxury goods. If she was impressed by uncovering the fact that her inheritance was worth in excess of twenty million dollars she did not express it.

She asked Titus for the details about everything and with her sound university education in finance and business was actually an asset to him in his role rather than someone to be coddled. They reviewed all of the decisions he had made throughout his tenure as Fleimkepa and aside from one or two small errors or misjudgements, she seemed to be very happy with his trustworthiness and industriousness.

They also reviewed choices and decisions made by her father and grandfather, that's when Lexa became aware of her father's gambiling problem and the jeopardy he had placed their community in. Together Heda and Fleimkepa worked to set an agenda for Trikru, a business strategy and a financial plan and they began to consult each other more closely and made decisions together - he was impressed with her business acumen by also her painstaking diligence and commitment to Trikru.

She could have money, if she wanted it. She could travel, employ a manager while she took it easy but she was determined to leave Trikru in a better position than she found it, not just for Aden but for whoever took over as Heda whether related to her or not. Rather than purchasing more land, Lexa focussed on improving the infrastructure of the compound and the conditions of the workers.

Simultaneously in the ten years since she had been at the helm they had moved into two companion business streams; first is the selling of prepping knowledge and products and the second is side hustles like the market stall out on the highway and the line of Trikru sauces, jams and chutneys which could be found in luxury hotels and exclusive stores around the country.

The security and prepper assessments she provided for interested parties were by far the most lucrative income stream, but there were also the first aid and emergency response classes, the self defence and prepper education clinics and the line of first aid kits, prepper survival kits and bug out bags, and utility vehicle packs. Lexa's endless industriousness had enabled them to more than double the money that was invested long term; together she and Titus had more than accomplished what they set out to achieve and they were getting close to looking around at extending their property.

Before Clarke and Raven returned to Polis, Tris and Aden gave them a clinic and a 72 hour survival pack as a parting gift. Overseen by Anya, the young pair educated them in the types of emergency situations that might occur given their geographic location and the sort of minimum necessary emergency resources. They provided their 'students' with a backpack each and described each item and how to use it as they handed it over for Clarke and Raven to pack it into their new bug out bag.

8x pre-measured 350ml air tight, sterilized purified water emergency packets for easy rationing

(3 litres per person/per day)

Water purification system

3-day supply of non-perishable food (9x 400 Calorie servings for a total of 3600 calories)

A list of extra clothing/blankets

A container for prescription and non-prescription medicine

First-aid kit

Battery powered radio

Plastic sheet, duct tape, paracord (for shelter)

Map and compass,

Torch, cap lamp and signal mirror

Fire starter and kindling

Hunting knife and durable scissors

Clarke and Raven were impressed with a new sense of imminent threat to their survival, only further reinforced by Aden's repeated urges to take the bug out bag everywhere they go; leave it by the door at home, take it in the car, take it into the office, to the gym, away for the weekend. Everywhere you go, because you never know when the shit will hit the fan, and once it does, you might not make it back to your car or home.

Chapter Four

- Two weeks later -

"Lexa!" Clarke opened her front door as wide as it's hinges would allow and jumped into Lexa's arms, "Oh you are a sight for sore eyes,"

Lexa lifted Clarke off the ground and held her tightly,

"I am so happy to see you, Clarke,"

"Me too, come in, come in,"

Lexa picked up her overnight bag, leaving her bug out bag next to Clarke's by the door, and crossed the threshold, with Clarke plastered to her side. This was one of the nicer condos in Polis and the term nice did not do it justice, Lexa was taken by surprise as she looked around. The front door led directly into the open plan lounge area that had floor to ceiling glass walls looking out past the large balcony and out over Polis itself - the views were stunning! It was late afternoon and the sun was beginning to set, lights were coming on across Polis and the view was awesome.

Inside, the expansive room was divided into a foyer, a bar area, a lounge and dining room more by arrangement of furniture than by structural barriers. To the left by the dining table was a wide swinging door to the kitchen and to the right by the wall mounted tv, was another door, supposedly to the bedroom and bathroom.

"This is luxurious, Clarke, I was not expecting this."

"Yeah, we have been very lucky, by we, I refer to Raven who lives in the condo next door. Can I get you a drink? Hot, cold, alcoholic?"

"Wine?"

"Red or white?"

"Red, if you have it?"

"I went shopping and bought everything they had because I want this weekend to be perfect,"

"It will be, it already is,"

"Naw.

"So let me show you around, well, there's this," Clarke flourished her hands at the foyer, she pivoted and waved at the dining table, then the sofa and the bar. Then she opened the door and walked through to the bedroom, more glass walls, killer views, the least of which was not the king sized bed which Lexa was keen to get to know more intimately. A large marble ensuite, complete with spa bath and double shower. She took Lexa's bag and placed it suggestively at the foot of the bed.

"And now, the kitchen!" They backtracked, "The stove remains a virgin, I'm afraid, more on that later. Now drinks." Lexa followed her back to the bar.

"So as I was saying, financially Raven and I have really landed on our feet. First, mom and dad paid for our education - so no student loans! Second, they helped us with our deposit for our first apartment in New York and third when we sold up and moved to Polis it was like we were millionaires!"

"Raven works as a mechanic, it doesn't pay so well, I imagine?"

"She is being silly with that job, I don't know why she does it! You know how smart she is right?"

"You mentioned it and Anya said as much,"

"She developed and sold two apps that have made her incredibly financially comfortable. She doesn't need to work at all, and if she wants to work, well she doesn't need to be under the hood of someone else's Toyota, with a boss who enjoys trying to squash her like a bug!"

"Oh wow, I didn't know, why does she do it?"

"My sister is complex. She likes engines, she likes grease and she likes talking shit with the boys, but as far as engines go - she is trained to work with spacecraft so fixing cars is like playing with Lego for her. And if she really loves it, fine - she could open her own shop and work her own hours."

Clarke shook her head as she poured,

"On the one hand she absolutely knows how brilliant she is, on the other she is frightened to embrace her awesomeness - I think she is worried people won't like her if she shows her true self. Which is weird because sometimes she behaves in ways that almost guarantee people won't like her."

"Hm she seems complex. She has been hurt by her family at a young age, that can be hard,"

"Yeah, she was. I love her to pieces and my parents love her, I mean as far as they are concerned they have two daughters, their wills split everything fifty-fifty. And they really like her, dad especially, he calls her from work to ask her opinion on his project stuff, mom never asks my opinion!"

"From what you have said, his job sounds very interesting,"

"Yeah, I should work at getting you two in the same room, three, Raven would enjoy the conversation too and have a lot to contribute,"

"Raven has already contributed to our community, she suggested a number of things to Anya about security and access to underground storage and such,"

"Underground storage? How does she know about that?"

"She has been staying with Anya when you have been working, I guess she must be following Anya around and learning,"

"Is that a problem? I know you are concerned about maintaining confidentiality about resources,"

"I have known Anya all my life, I trust her completely. If she is discussing things with Raven, then I trust her judgement."

"You called her Fos, at the fighting pit, what does that mean?"

"It translates to First. Anya is my mentor, I was her Second, which makes her my First. We have a strong tradition of warrior training, like an apprenticeship, warriors take on seken's who accept that person's guidance and instruction until they are passed out and can take on their own second."

"Your community reflects traditions of ancient times, is that by design?"

"At end times you cannot predict what resources will be available to you, all you may have is yourself, maybe your community, maybe the supplies we work so hard to put by, when the bullets run out guns are useless so we may find ourselves in a situation harking back to ancient times."

"Before it gets too late, Lexa, I feel obliged to confess that I only have one bedroom, one bed. I was hoping we could, you know, progress to the next level, but I don't want to put you on the spot. If it's not the right time, we can just sleep together, and if that doesn't work, I can sleep at Raven's, she is literally on the other side of that wall."

"I appreciate you not wanting to spring it on me at the last minute, but I too have been anticipating this 'next level', as you call it,"

"Awesome. I am relieved that we are on the same page. At the risk introducing an awkward conversation, can we talk about safe sex?"
"I'd love to participate although I have never had such a discussion before,"

"You haven't? Is there a reason for that?"

"I have only had one partner, we were fifteen."

"No one since then?"

"She died, and I… I had not found anyone else… until now. Until you."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to - "

"It's okay,"

"Perhaps I should start? It's always easier having this discussion with patients than having it myself. Okay, here it is, I'd like for us to get a full work up, tested for all STIs and show each other a print out of our lab results. Until then, I'd prefer we abstained from oral and penetration."

"Sounds reasonable,"

"That's it?"

"Is there something else?"

"I, no. I guess I was expecting some push back, like a negotiation."

"Your boundaries are negotiable?"

"Well, no."

"Then we are agreed."

"Hm! Okay, agreed. That actually wasn't too bad."

"What's it usually like?"

"Most people know they should discuss it but they feel like it is unsexy, a barrier to sex, something to be avoided. They just say whatever they have to to get laid; I'm clean, I just got tested. Or when things get heated they try to get more than was agreed."

"That's not good. I am a prepper, Clarke, there is nothing sexier than a frank discussion and boundaries. It's not a barrier but the gateway - "

And that's all she got out as she became distracted by Clarke, who rested her wine glass on the coffee table and took Lexa's from her hand, with slow movements and unbroken eye contact she straddled Lexa. She felt Lexa's hands on her thighs, enjoyed the heat they radiated, she ran her hands along Lexa's biceps and leaned in for their first kiss. It was slow, soft, and oh so lovely, no tongue, just beautiful kisses that made their breath hitch and their hearts race.

Clarke kissed along Lexa's jaw line and down her neck, Lexa's head dropped back to enjoy every moment. Eventually they laid their foreheads together, trying to savour and draw out the experience.

"I knew it, I just knew you would be a great kisser,"

Lexa didn't even reply, she was lost in the experience of Clarke.

"Did you think about my suggestion for a night out?"

"I have dropped my outfit with the dry cleaner and can pick it up whenever you are ready,"

"Really? I am excited to see you dressed up. But first, I wouldn't mind seeing you undressed,"

They kissed again, more, their hands running up and down each other's arms, and legs, holding each other's waists, their fingers tracing each other's faces.

"There is just one more thing. Tomorrow afternoon, I reserved a spa treatment for us. Now, I totally heard what you were saying the other day about the narrative of beauty, I have been giving it a lot of thought and you are right. But this is not that, at least I don't think it is. I just thought we could have a massage, get our nails and hair done, I just, well I like to be girly sometimes and I don't often get the chance. But if it's going against your beliefs, I totally understand, no pressure,"

"Okay, I will try it,"

"Oh thank you, Lexa, we don't have to do anything you don't want,"

"Now, what shall we do with the evening? Any preferences? We could order in - fyi, I am a terrible cook, really awful, dangerous even. That's not me being cute, unless its toast, forget it, not if you want to live to see the end times,"

Lexa burst out laughing,

"Are you hungry for food or - "

"Am I cooking?" asked Lexa.

"No, take out! I have the most comprehensive take out resource in Polis; I know all the best places, when they deliver and what to order. What do you like? Chinese? Pizza? Mexican? Thai? Do you like seafood by any chance?"

"I do like seafood, I don't often get the opportunity to really indulge,"

"I booked a table for tomorrow night at Dockside, I hope that's okay?"

"Sounds fancy,"

"It is. And it is my treat, I really want to spoil you this weekend,"

"I really look forward to being spoiled,"

"And tonight?"

"How about Thai food and then I think we should begin the mutual spoiling,"

"If you knew how my body responded to you, Lexa,"

"I understand perfectly,"

"I am going to order super fast and then we can make out while we wait?"

"Be super, super fast,"

They progressed to French kissing and over the clothes fondling, for the forty minutes it took for the doorbell to ring announcing the arrival of their food. It was wonderful, slow and sexy, they felt very connected. Clarke set up a table on the balcony and poured more wine, the views were spectacular and both had to really focus to appreciate it and the food, as distracted by each other as they were.

"More?" askd Clarke.

"I am certain it will taste much better three hours from now,"

"I like the way you think,"

While Clarke was literally throwing the food into the fridge, Lexa snuck into the bedroom and tore off her clothes except for the matching lacy two piece she had bought online and paid a premium for swift dispatch.

"Oh wow, Lexa, you look amazing,"

It didn't take long for Lexa to discover that Clarke was wearing something just as pretty underneath her outfit as well, at least they were on the same page.

Both women fought the urge to satisfy their immediate and pressing need to climax and forced themselves to take a slower pace, to appreciate each other, to learn each other's bodies. Just the kissing alone was incredible, the skin on skin contact was heady and delicious and listening to the other hold their breath, or inhale sharply, moan or sigh was pushing them ever closer.

"Lex, Lexa, oh you feel so good,"

"And you, Clarke,"

"It's just, it's been a while for me and I don't know how much longer I can, hold out,"

"Then don't hold out,"

"I mean, I'm close, which is, so oh, so dumb because, we still have clothes on,"

"Feel free to have as many orgasms as you will, I will enjoy it too,"

"Can you? Be on top? Oh, yes, that's so, good, so right, kiss me again,"

Lexa had been waiting at least five times as long since her last sexual partner, and she had been holding out with every ounce of strength and determination she could muster. So when Clarke's body started moving, Lexa let hers move likewise and their rhythm was so pleasing, their genitals pressed together, their movement causing friction so exciting to both that within just a couple of minutes they were orgasming.

"Did you?"
"Sha,"

"That was so hot,"

"I want to burn that moment into my memory,"

"I will be more than happy to remind you,"

"Clarke, hold me, please,"

"Let's get these off…"

Clarke peeled the underwear off Lexa's boneless body, took her own off and then slid herself underneath her lover, so that Lexa's head was on her shoulder,

"How's this?"

"Perfect,"

"Are you okay?"

"Blissed out,"

"Good, anything you need, I am right here,"

She began raking her fingernails lightly through Lexa's braids, kissed her forehead and held her close, she felt Lexa heavy with relaxation and felt at peace with the world. Just when she was beginning to wonder if Lexa had fallen asleep, she heard her voice,

"I like you so much,"

"Me too. Unbelievable really after our first date, how did I not blow it?"

"I understood that you were exhausted,"

"That, and had my foot permanently wedged in my mouth,"

"A very sexy mouth,"

And that seemed to be the signal for round two.

"Oi, Clarkey! Griff?"

"Crap," Clarke searched for the top sheet with her foot, and managed to cover their naked, sleeping bodies just as Raven burst into the bedroom,

"How was it?"

"What day is it, Ray?"

"Umm Thursday?"

"Yep Thursday. And what did we discuss was happening on Thursday?"

"Sexy Lexy was coming over,"

"That's right, and you were going to call before walking through the door?"

"Oops, I forgot,"

"You did not, you were hoping to catch an eyeful, or failing that, to embarrass either of both of us,"

"True, I failed."

"No, I think Lexa is sufficiently mortified by hearing the nickname you have for her,"

"Is that her?"

"No, it's Anya, what do you think?'

"I smell Thai food,"

"In the fridge,"

"Thanks, sis,"

"You only call me that when you are sucking up,"

Clarke straddled Lexa's bottom and rubbed strong flat hands over her brown skin and relaxed muscles, following her fingers with hot kisses and trailing her tongue,

"Your alarm clock is awesome,"

"My sister?"

"No, this one," she wiggled her bottom.

Clark giggled,

"Thai food does sound good, hungry?"

"Sha,"

"Want my robe?"

"Please,"

Raven must have predicted they would get up because there were three bowls of rice with equally apportioned leftovers and three premixed Canadian Club with Ginger Ale. While Clarke and Lexa were happy to sit on stools at the kitchen counter, Raven just had to sit on the kitchen counter, and not just a little with her legs hanging over - no, the whole bit, with her legs crossed.

"So… How was it? I mean, what have you been up to?" Raven asked, trying to look innocent.

"Raven and I are pretty close, but one thing we never quite agree on is the post sex post mortem. Raven here likes to share all her details and would like to know all of mine, and has not stopped trying to get me to confess for twelve years. But aside from saying that we enjoyed our evening very much, you can both rest assured knowing I have nothing further to add."

"Oh you are such a princess and that's not even true, you did say things about Wells,"

"There was a specific problem and I needed information and support,"

"Commander, despite what Clarkey here will have you believe, we are very close, she divulges more than she will admit. We share a lot, everything in fact, sometimes we even share sexual partners,"

"That's enough, Raven." Clarke said, staring fiercely at her sister, her face flushing and her breathing becoming ragged.

"Calm down, I am just looking out for you, if Lex cant handle the truth, then it's best to know sooner rather than later."

"Get out."

"Sheesh! Fine, don't get your knickers in a bunch, if you're even wearing any!" She took the bowl and the bag of spring rolls and her Canadian Club and slammed the front door.

Clarke was furious. Lexa felt very uncomfortable, she was partly disturbed by whatever Raven was insinuating, which she was still trying to figure out, and wondering if there was any truth to it, whatever it was. And she was torn about trying to comfort Clarke, she didn't know if she should or how to go about it - luckily Clarke took control of the situation.

"I am sorry, Lexa. Not for that," she pointed sternly at the front door, "That's on Raven. I am sorry because I have lost my temper. It's nothing for her to bait me, I am well used to her pressing my buttons by now, but I think she hit too many at once. I am just going to clear this up by saying; first I dated a guy named Wells who couldn't sustain an erection, I did talk to Raven about that."

"Second in college she dated a guy named Finn for a couple of years, their ending was messy, on again off again. Much later I went out of town on a work thing, he just happened to be in the area, I could make excuses and say I was overwhelmed with my project, he pursued me relentlessly, but I ended up making out with him and Raven was really hurt. It's totally on me, I take full responsibility."

"Was this recent?"

"Ten years ago,"

"Did she just find out?"

"Ten years ago,"

"Wow. Why did she think I needed to know that? Actually, you know what?" Lexa put her hands up, like she was drawing a line in the sand, "That, was just some really shitty behaviour. I am sorry she did that, you handled it well."

"That's it?"

"What else?"

"I guess I wasn't sure what to expect,"

"You thought I might leave?"

"I wouldn't blame you,"

"That whole situation was actually bizarre, I am not going to let her bad behaviour ruin our weekend. How are you feeling? How can I help?"

"I could use a hug?"

Lexa stood up and went behind Clarke and wrapped her long arms around her waist and leaned her front against Clarke's back,

"How's this?"

Clarke warped her arms around Lexa's pulling her in a little tighter,

"Really good. Fancy a bath?"

"Mmmm that sounds good,"

Clarke filled the huge bath with hot water and scented bubbles, Lexa slipped in first and then Clarke found room between her legs, pulling her arms around her again,

"The worst part is that she will be feeling really bad about it now, she will be upset and crying with her headphones on full ball, playing some RPG shooting up all the bad guys,"

"You feel sorry for her?"

"Yeah. I am still mad at her, don't get me wrong, and we will be having words. Raven enjoys teasing me and embarrassing me, but she doesn't enjoy hurting me."

"You two will talk, you will work it out,"

"Thanks for understanding. I am sorry she made you uncomfortable,"

"It's done. Right now I am happy to be here, in this bath tub, with you, a naked you, laying right here, letting me hold you."

"Good thoughts,"

They made love, slept late, walked to the main street for breakfast, they held hands and strolled through the main streets, window shopped a little and Lexa picked up her dry cleaning. Later at the day spa they sipped champagne and browsed the bath menu,

"How does this work?"

"We can share a bath or have our own bath, separately or together. You select what you think sounds nice, they will prepare it and we will soak for an hour, it's really nice,"

"Hey this sounds like you, Lexa, Volcanic Rock mud bath with Native Wattleseed,"

"Okay, I will have that,"

"Me too!"

Lexa followed Clarke around, taking off her clothes, slipping under the shower, donning a thick white fluffy robe and slippers, hopping into the steaming double mud bath surrounded by candles. Someone knocked quietly and offered them tea or champagne and they opted for the bubbly again, after it was delivered a soundtrack of the sounds of nature began playing.

After an hour, a quiet gong was heard, the signal for a second shower, someone whispered a recommendation of the benefits of hydration and two glasses of tepid water appeared, then they were shown into the massage parlour, again candles, birds and waterfalls. What began as an ordinary rubadub massage, turned into an extraordinary experience, there were oils, heat packs, hot stones, aromatherapy, reflexology and deep tissue massage.

A Hydrating leave on body masque was applied before Clarke and Lexa rolled onto their backs to receive a Facial Treatment, followed by a Nourishing warm Macadamia oil scalp massage. Finally they were advised that it was time for their manicure and pedicure, they peeled themselves off the table, donned the robe and poured themselves into the comfortable massage chairs with endless features and settings.

Then last, but not least came the hair salon and more champagne, they were both slowly coming out of their deep state of relaxation and beginning to feel excited for their big night out. When they finally returned to the condo, all that remained to be done was to slip into their dresses and apply their makeup, in Clarke's case; a little eyeshadow and lipstick, in Lexa's case; expertly applied eyeliner.

"Lexa, you look incredible,"

That shy look transformed her appearance yet again, and the blush took nothing away from her beauty. Wearing a slim fit black dress to her ankles, it was of a thin knit material, with a round neckline, fixed straps and a racer style back. She was wearing gold hooped earrings, low black heels and toted a shiny black clutch.

Clarke also looked amazing in a silver sequin metallic backless mini dress with white platform heels and a white over the shoulder bag. Clarke was what could be described as 'heavy set', she was curvy, chubby and rocked a full rack and wow was she sexy! Her assets were on display which really was not fair, Lexa was already easily distracted by them.

A knock sounded at the front door,

"Bet you shots it's Raven to apologise,"

Lexa didn't respond, as long as Clarke was happy, she didn't mind.

"Raven Reyes." said Clarke evenly.

"I am here to apologise, Clarke. I feel awful that I hurt you, my behaviour was out of line and I am sorry. Is Lexa still here? I'd like to apologise to her as well,"

Clarke stepped back and opened the door wider, Lexa approached the foyer,

"Lexa, I am sorry my behaviour made you feel uncomfortable, it was completely inappropriate. Also, the things I insinuated about Clarke were completely untrue, she is an awesome person, she has integrity and treats people with respect, so please forget what I said."

Raven pulled out a box from behind her back,

"I know that this can't make up for it, but I know you are going out tonight, you both look beautiful by the way, and you don't have to wear it but mom said you might like it,"

She lifted the lid and their were six frangipani corsages,

"They are different colours but still matching and they can go on your wrist or on your breast, what do you think?"

"They are perfect, Raven," Clarke actually burst into tears, Raven pulled her into a hug,

"Don't cry, Clarkey," she said, gently, patting her back.

"This isn't over, but I appreciate your coming over. I hate fighting with you,"

Lexa was impressed.

"Thank you, Raven. That was an outstanding apology and a corsage is a great gift, thank you."

"I thought you'd be wearing pants, Lexa but you look really pretty. Wrist or breast?"

"Wrist for me. Clarke?"

"Wrist, please. I don't want anything crowding the view,"

They all laughed, Clarke picked a Frangipani with blue tips and Lexa chose one with yellow.

"Did you go to the spa house?" asked Raven.

"It was amazing, we had the works!" replied Clarke.

"I am glad, you both deserve it. Alright, I'm outta here, have a great night and call me if you need picked up, or a body guard or someone to carry your doggy bag - speaking of…?"

"In the fridge. Oh, that's the Uber, lock up, Ray?"

"Yup, get outta here,"

The Uber driver told them they looked amazing, the jazz bar owner came down personally to meet them and refused to let them pay for their drinks, bar staff and customers alike showed their appreciation of a pair of beautiful women. At the restaurant they were comped a moderately priced bottle of wine and when the chef came out to greet patrons at another table, she stopped by to ask how they were enjoying their meal.

Clarke thought all the attention was due to Lexa and Lexa of course thought everybody knew and admired Clarke. It was pleasant to be noticed and admired but more importantly they had the attention and admiration of the one who mattered most. There was only one thing on Lexa's mind as she was perusing the menu,

"I know you mentioned this already, but today must have been expensive, and this menu looks extravagant, please would you let me - "

And that was as far as she got, Clarke took her hand,

"You're right, Lexa, today wasn't cheap and tonight," she shrugged,

"But honestly, I can afford it, truly. Raven and I have only been to the Spa House once before and I have never eaten here, despite how many awards it keeps winning. The truth is, I want to have this experience, with you. At end times, I want to look back and know that we did this, that I gave you this, at least once."

"Then I accept, thank you, Clarke, I am having a wonderful time with you. That massage was sooo relaxing, you look crazy good tonight, I can't even say, and I am so hungry right now you may have to reconsider your superannuation strategy,"

"Nothing would make me happier than to see you order to your heart's content and oh, I think I forgot my credit card!"

"No problem - "

"Just kidding. Do you like to share? Off your plate I mean?"

"Nothing would make me happier than to see you eating from my plate, Clarke, and I am not being facetious,"

"I think I'm in love!"

They held hands, drank wine, laughed, smiled, flirted and talked through the various courses; Lobster Bisque with sourdough; Charcoal Murasaki Peppers with rocket and parmesan; Caper Leaves, Shallots and Sardine Garum; and Grilled whole Sea Bass with Radish. At which point Clarke suggested they go dancing and before they headed home there was a late night coffee house where they could have coffee and port and dessert. Lexa needed no coercion.

It was eleven by the time they got to the bar, still pretty early considering, but neither Clarke nor Lexa were there to be trendy, security called them forward and insisted they jump the queue. They were ogled, whistled at and propositioned before they ordered their first drink but they didn't even look around, they were there for themselves, everyone else could find their own entertainment.

"Umm, Clarke, it's been a while since I danced, well anything more than stomping around the campfire with my little brother, that is,"

"Oh yeah? Feeling self conscious?"

"I don't want to let you down,"

"I understand,"

"You're not disappointed?"

"Of course not, but can I let you in on a secret?"

"What?"

"I can dance."

"Okay,"

"And I know, Lexa Woods, that you have moves," she closed her eyes and thought back to the early hours of this morning, oh yes, Lexa had moves,

"And I promise that if you just stand there and put your hands on my hips, I am going to take such good care of you, you will forget all about feeling self conscious,"

"You should work on one of those phone lines, Clarke, that was so sexy,"

"I know," she smirked, she tapped the bar and called for shots,

They each had two B52's Lexa thought she heard Clarke order, then Clarke took her hand, led her on the empty dance floor and that was the last thing Lexa remembered until she and Clarke squeezed themselves through the gaps in the crowd to exit the dance floor. They went to the bathroom and back to the bar but it was crazy busy and they gave up and went to the coffee house.

"So the dancing? I knew you had it in you! Did you enjoy it?"

"Did I dance? I thought I was just holding you and watching,"

"So sexy Lexa, so hot, I am obsessed with your guns, you know that, don't you?"

"These?" Lexa flexed and Clarke's pupils blew,

"Coffee, port, cake, home, bed, sex,"

"You're on."

Chapter Five

Every fortnight for three months Lexa and Clarke spent three consecutive days together, alternating where possible between each other's places. On the second visit they each swapped lab reports revealing a full bill of health and celebrated by confidently and happily swapping bodily fluids.

After two months, things weren't necessarily getting serious between them, but neither were dating other people, or considering dating anyone else, but they had to have the talk.

"Will you be my girlfriend?"

"Absolutely, Clarke,"

"And just to be clear, I'd like to be exclusive,"

"Totally,"

"Great. I really like where things are at between us, I mean I work a lot and it's nice to feel that I don't have to compromise, you know? You have your own thing, and Aden. Of course it would be nice to see you more often, but the missing you is kind of nice too,"

"Aden really likes you, he gave me his blessing,"

"Oh yeah? That's sweet, I really like him too,"

"He likes that you treat him like a person, not a kid, you value his opinion, his skills and experience,"

"I was thinking that I'd really like it if we could get your people and my people together. No hurry, no pressure, but you said you and Aden go to the city every year, my folks are in New York. Raven and Anya too, of course. What do you think?"

"I'd really like to meet them. Have you told them about me?"

"Raven did, inadvertently when she rang mom crying the first time you stayed at mine,"

"Was it a secret?"

"No, I tell dad everything, well I would but Raven gets there first. My relationship with my mom is not as easy, actually her relationship with everyone is a bit itchy scratchy and the older she gets the more difficult she becomes,'

"What is the problem?"

"When she was just a medical doctor she was more, I don't know, human? No, that's too harsh. When she was promoted to Chief Medical Officer she changed; overworked, stressed, less surgery, more admin, more meetings. And she is not a great leader, it's terrible to say, I mean she has many skills and talents but that isn't one. Her relationships with people became fraught, both personal and professional, the more they resisted the harder she fought, the more they resisted."

"Then she became a Council member and got worse, she feels entitled, her opinion is worth more. She talks at us now rather than with us, when I began avoiding her outside of work, I could justify that, but then I found myself trying to avoid her at work as well. That's why I got out of the city, she kept pushing me with an eye to advancement and opportunities, setting me up on dates with 'influential' people because it would be good for my career. Career. Career. Career."

"You don't want to advance?"

"No, I don't. I would never admit that to anyone but you and Raven because that is like social suicide. People would think I was dysfunctional, it would be a sign that something was deeply wrong with me, my character or psychologically."

"Really?"

"You have talked about cultural differences, right? Well, in my set, it is thought of as normal and admirable to want to get to the top, as early and as quickly as possible, however you get there. If you have to marry someone, do something immoral or illegal, well that's just unfortunate, the important thing is getting to the top."

"Sounds awful,"

"Yeah, I don't mind if someone has a bit of drive. I mean, I do; I want to be a good surgeon, the best I can be, I am still studying, still reading, learning, but do I want to be the Chief MO? Not really, I mean, if there was no one else, if I thought I could contribute something unique or necessary, maybe, one day. If my Mother heard me say that she would say,

Oh Clarke, you think being rebellious is cute, but this is serious, you only get so many

bites at the cherry and by the time you grow up and realise, your chances may be gone."

"To which I always respond by saying that I will just marry someone who can make it happen,"

"Now that you have a girlfriend?"

"I will say, 'don't worry Mom, Lexa promised to buy me a hospital so I can play Chief MO,"

"Oh boy, I feel her dark looks already,"

"You can just hide with Raven and Dad, She will probably ask to see Aden's scar to see if my technique can be improved upon!"

"Phwoar, you know, I think Aden and I have plans this year, and next year too I am sure,"

"Too late! She will be working most of the time anyway, holidays are for wimps!"
"Your father?"

"Totally different fish altogether, he will take the whole month off and be ready and willing to do anything we like. He is easy, caring, interesting and funny, he will like you and Aden tremendously, I just know it."

"He doesn't care that you and Raven are gay?"

"We are both bisexual, and no, neither of them care in the least, except my Mother is concerned that someone else may be homophobic and it could affect my chance of promotion down the line. Did you parents mind?"

"No, Perhaps my Mother didn't know, I may have been a bit young, but my father and grandfather loved me a great deal, they loved Costia too."

- some months later -

"Hey, Clarke, how are you?"

"Hey, Lexa, I am sorry this isn't a personal call. I need to find Raven urgently, is she at Trikru? She hasn't answered her phone since yesterday?"

"Sha, she is here, ai hodnes, is everything okay?"

"No, I need to speak to her, it's important,"

"One moment,"

Clarke heard Lexa use her walkie talkie in the background,

"Copy Anya?"

"…"

"Sha, Clarke needs to speak with Raven, its urgent,"

"…"

"Okay, Mochof,"

"Clarke, Anya and Raven are coming back to the common area, twenty minutes or so,"

"Thank you, will you have her call me stat?"

"I will. Is there anything I can do?"

"I will call you in an hour or so, I have to go, speak soon."

"Whats up, Griff?"

"Raven, I'm so sorry, but Daddy has died,"

"What? Shit, when? How?"

"It seems he died at work, maybe yesterday?"

"Are you asking me or telling me?

"We don't know, there is something weird going on,"

"What do you mean, weird?"

"Well they didn't contact Mum straight away, she got a message when she got out of OR notifying her that he had died - a phone message! Anyway, when she rang back some guy called Thelonias Jaha was acting like it was a project that had just been put to bed. They hadn't called paramedics or notified police and now they don't know where the body is,"

"What the…"

"I am looking for flights to NY stat, you're coming right?"

"You have to ask? I am leaving now, if the flight doesn't give me time to come home, pack my undies and I will meet you at the terminal. Are you okay? Sorry, dumb question."

"I need you,"

"I am coming, sis,"

Clarke paid a premium for two business class seats to NY, it was either that or wait longer for seats in coach on later flights. She called the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at Polis General Hospital (GH) and explained the basics, minus all the confusing details, her boss was totally supportive, inviting her to take all the time she needed and to call anytime. Clarke put the coffee machine on and began packing the basics, she hadn't even cried, she was just in reaction mode. She let herself into Raven's place and began putting the basics together in her sister's suitcase, they wouldn't have much time, which reminded her to book an Uber.

She checked her watch and picked up her phone to call Lexa,

"Hey Clarke, Raven told me, I am sorry to hear about your father."

"Thanks, Lexa. Our flight is in two hours, this is the first minute I have had since I mom told me,"

"How is she?"

"Shocked, in emergency response mode, so am I,"

"Understandable. Do you need anything?"

"I don't think so, thank you. It hasn't hit me yet."

"Raven said there was some confusion?"

"Yeah, I don't know the details but apparently he had a heart attack at work but they didn't call paramedics or notify police and now they apparently can't find his body."

"What?"

"Yeah, and his boss kept repeating that he had 'the situation' under control, that it had been resolved!"

"Resolved? Odd wording."

"Wait, oh thats mom, Lexa, I have to go, call you tonight?"

"Anytime, ai hodnes,"

- several hours later -

Clarke and Raven were shell shocked, seated silently, holding hands, clutching a glass of whiskey.

"This just can't be real," Raven finally muttered,

"I know," Clarke sounded as she felt, dazed.

"I would pay one thousand dollars for a cigarette right now,"

"I think I would too and I hate them,"

"Do you think it is something sinister, at his work I mean?" Raven asked.

"Sinister, what do you mean?"

"Well, no one called the paramedics or police and now his body is missing - I mean what other explanation could there be?"

"I guess," replied Clarke, feeling afraid to really consider the proposition.

"How much do you know about what he is working on?" asked Raven.

"Nothing. You think it's connected?"

"The Ark Station is a spacecraft designed to orbit the Earth in outer space for two hundred years in the event that the Earth becomes uninhabitable, for sustaining the human race."

"Right, that's publicly known." responded Clarke.

"Yeah, so they are planning a 'soft launch'; launching the craft, sending it up, not out, just to make sure all systems are 'go' for three months as an opportunity to identify any issues and problems in preparation for the potential hard launch."

"Right?"

"Recently Dad has been concerned about the integrity of the craft's life support system, specifically it's capacity to filter oxygen over the anticipated life span of the project - so fine for the soft launch but not adequate for the hard launch, two hundred years."

"How do you know all this?"

"Can't say. But apparently, dad raised it numerous times through all the appropriate channels but his claims were shut down, with increasing vigour, I might add."

"What?"

"Look Dad didn't want you to know certain things, and I agree, it could be dangerous, but suffice to say Jaha was committed to the timeline of this soft launch and nothing like a little lack of oxygen was going to jeopardise it."

"What?"

"I know right, politics."

"Politics?"

"Yeah, it's like the cold war all over again only this time with the Chinese, Trump tweeted that the Ark is going up, come what may, and Jaha is going to deliver come hell or high water."

"How do you know all this,"

"Can't say, Clarkey, trust me."

"I do trust you, I just…"

"Clarkey, I don't want to upset you or Mom, but I don't think dad had a heart attack in his office,"

Clarke knocked back her whiskey and pressed the call button for a refill.

"This 'can't say', does that mean you are somehow mixed up in this?"

"I may have crunched his numbers for him,"

"Isn't that sort of illegal? A breaching of US government security or…"

"Totally,"

"Oh shit,"

"It's fine, they will never find out. You know I would never let that happen, right?"

"Of course,"

"That's not why, it's because dad threatened to go public,"

"Im sorry, I can't, I think I am starting to unravel,"

"Its fine, take it easy, we never have talk about it again,"

Clarke burst into tears and Raven held her all the way to JFK.

"Mom? We're here. Mom?!" Clarke called out into an apparently empty home.

"She's probably at work," said Raven.

"Yeah, I wonder if she will be able to schedule the funeral to coincide with her lunch break?"

"Clarkey, come on,"

"You're right, that was uncalled for,"

"There is only three of us now, let's be kind to each other,"

"This sucks,"

"Yeah it totally does,"

"I'd already called the police, I did it immediately, I just didn't tell Jaha," Abby said later that night, they were all sitting at the dining room table having a glass of wine.

"I would too, Mom, standard procedure," said Clarke, convinced.

Raven was uncharacteristically quiet, sober and cagey. She was sure their father had been eliminated but she needed proof and she was afraid of saying too much, keen to learn all that Abby knew regarding the details of Jake's death.

"And still no body?" Clarke asked.

"No body." Abby confirmed.

"Tell me again from the beginning," Clarke and Abby just could not accept the facts, these were two individuals who played by the rules and they just could not comprehend that other people don't always do the same.

"I got out of OR at four pm on Tuesday," Abby was marking off the events on her fingers, "There was a message saying Jake had died at his desk through the day of heart failure,"

"Do you still have the message?" asked Raven.

"You don't believe me?" Abby was incredulous,

"No, but it's evidence, isn't it?"

"Oh of course, sorry Raven,"

"Go on, mom," Clarke urged.

"There were no other messages that were not work related, not one from Jake to say he was feeling unwell, not one from his office to say he was taken ill,"

"I think that's weird, Ray, do you?" asked Clarke

"Mhm, in these circumstances I do." she replied

"What circumstances?" Abbys' tone was abrasive and the girls just tried to let it wash over them.

"Well if they really did stumble on him after he had died and called paramedics or notified authorities, broke the news to you in person and had a body - then not necessarily suspicious,"

"I agree," said Clarke, definitively, "So, you called Jaha…"

"I called his office, and left a message. Then I called his cell, that's when he said heart failure, then probable heart failure, then he said complications. I couldn't understand the indecision so I asked him exactly what the paramedics had said. That's when he said they weren't called, that it was too late, but I wasn't suspicious. I asked if he knew where the body was, I meant which morgue, but he panicked and said how would he know where the body was - that's when I started to think something was off."

"Then he came over all paternal with sweeping generalisations; it's been taken care of, nothing to worry about, generous insurance, he would make sure there was substantial compensation. I thought, why is talking to me like I am a child, distracting me with money? And why compensation? No one gets compensation for a heart attack."

"Then, I asked which police officer he had spoken with and again he said they weren't called, there was nothing suspicious, why would they be called?

"How did you have his cell number?" Raven asked suddenly.

"What?"

"You said you called the office and then called his cell,"

"Oh yes, well," Abby became busy, refilling their glasses, she pulled her coat from the back of the chair and pushed her arms through the sleeves. Clarke and Raven shared a look, Clarke took up the mantle, it was a strategy they had used as teenagers, tag teaming their parents and teachers to distract and wheedle. Right now Clarke was playing 'good cop',

"She probably knows him, dad's boss and all that, right Mom?"

Abby looked mighty uncomfortable, and then pulled on her best defensive armour she said,

"Not exactly. I made contact with Jaha earlier this year because I was worried about your father,"

"Worried, how?' Asked Clarke, this was news to her.

Raven left this line of questioning to Clarke, she would only interject if Clarke missed something or

when she needed to step in as 'better cop'.

"Well, Jake was becoming obsessed about the Ark, mentally unstable."

"Dad was mentally unstable?" Clarke was doing her best to maintain her equilibrium.

"Yes, Clarke," Abby squared her shoulders defiantly, "As a medical doctor and his wife, I can say with authority that Jake was becoming mentally unstable,"

"Obsessed about the Ark?" Raven tried to steer the conversation,

"He didn't think it was safe to launch, Jaha assured him that his concerns had been addressed, that he needed to focus on the task at hand and being part of the team. That was three months ago and I thought Jake appeared to be doing better, until I found these recordings on his personal laptop, your father was cataloguing events, describing what he saw was a problem, he thought the consequences would be catastrophic."

"He was preparing to be a whistleblower, can you believe it? That's mental instability, right there. So of course I contacted Jaha immediately, sent him the footage, he said he would take care of it, that Jake was a good man, if a little misguided,"

"When was that?"

"Last month."

Raven flicked Clarke another look covert look, and asked as gently as she could,

"Mom, do you think there is any connection between Jaha needing to silence Dad and Dad's body being missing?'

"Oh Raven, this isn't a spy film, this is real life - and I am not even going to condescend to respond to the insinuation that this is somehow my fault,"

"Mom, Raven never said that, she was just asking the question."

"Look, I appreciate that this is a huge shock, you never think this is going to happen to you, but it does. People die. And Jake, well, you weren't here, he was under an enormous amount of pressure with this project, he had lost weight, he was nervous, anxious and paranoid."

"Why did you not tell us?"

"I was handling it,"

There was a pause and then Clarke said desperately,

"It must have been very stressful,"

She shakily got to her feet and wobbled out of the room, up the stairs and lay on her bed.

"I don't appreciate that," said Abby, to her back,

"Mom, I am going to say the same thing I told Clarkey, this is an awful, awful moment in time. We are all hurting, we are all going to be a little cray cray - can we just try to cut each other some slack?"

"I don't want you two ganging up on me and turning this into a CSI drama - it is not appropriate,"

"Of course not, but we do need a body for the funeral. My sister and I want to be able to bury our father and we want our Mother to be able to bury her husband."

With this final comment, Raven went over and kissed Abby's cheek and rubbed her back, Abby began to cry and they sat there together feeling the first pangs of loss.

In the morning Clarke woke to find Raven had slept on top of the covers with her, but brought in the cover off her own bed and spread it over them.

"Hey, Ray,"

"Hey, Clarkey,"

"Did you have a late night?"

"Nah, come up not long after you. You were fast asleep."

"I took a pill. Did you two argue?"

"Nope, she just told me that it was likely an oversight and that she would handle it,"

"What do you think?"

"I think not. You know how much I owe that man, I will not let this go. But first things first, let Mom find his body and have the funeral. There will be plenty of time for us to find out what happened afterwards and get justice for his death. Pushing it now will not end well,"

"Oh god, Raven, what did they do?"

"There is a reason Dad didn't get into this with you, he knew there was a chance of danger - I don't think he thought this, but you know… He would have thought Edward Snowden and Julian Assange not Seth Rich. He told me because he needed my skills and knew I could protect myself online."

"I want to know everything, Raven,"

"Okay, but not here, when we get home,"

"Promise?"

"Promise, kiddo, now put coffee on, and Clarkey don't mention any of this to anyone, not even Mom, don't talk about it on the phone or email, and don't google anything. I will sort you out when we get home, okay?"

"Okay. That's what dad always called us, kiddo!"

"Yeah."

- the next day -

"We can't bury him without a body," Clarke and Abby were at a crossroads again.

"What do you want me to do, Clarke? The police have been notified, they have investigated and that's what they have said,"

"Nothing suspicious, cased closed?"

"Word for word."

"Did you ask them where his body is?"

"Raven, maybe if you tell her she will listen,"

"Clarke, police have investigated, there is nothing suspicious, no evidence, no leads, case closed."

Clarke just sat there open mouthed staring from one to the other, she knew that Raven was playing a part but she was stunned that her Mother was buying this crap.

"Okay. Mom, where do you think Dad's body is?"

"I don't know. If the police don't know, no one at the Ark knows and NASA doesn't know, then how would I know?"

"And you're okay with this?"

"Of course not, but what can I do?"

"Get a lawyer? Push back. Are you scared Mom, that if you make waves you will be in danger?"

Raven got up and started clearing the table, going behind Abby to give Clarke a pointed look.

"Danger? Of course not, your generation is so far from reality."

Raven gave Clarke a pleading look and Clarke followed her lead.

"Okay Mom, I'm sorry, I am just upset. So what are the funeral arrangements?"

"Well, I guess we just have to hold the funeral and bury an empty casket,"

"I guess so," said Clarke, feeling like she was in some kind of parallel universe, perhaps her Mother was inhabited by a parasitic alien - or a manchurian candidate.

And that was like the permission Abby needed to go ahead with the funeral arrangements, a funeral director and assistant came by in the afternoon and walked them through the process. He was obviously very experienced, he barely raised an eyebrow when he was informed that there was no body as yet and he was willing to take care of absolutely everything; from paperwork, to media notices, mourning stationery, choosing a casket, planning the service, music, flowers, vehicles, live streaming, food and alcohol.

Jaha had made mention, at some point, the possibility of a State Funeral, Abby was interested but Raven begged her not to and Clarke, not really caring either way, presumed that Raven might have a political reason to avoid it, so she agreed with her sister and Abby didn't insist. Between the three of them everything was decided quickly; photos, songs, a poem, who would give a eulogy, it would be a simple affair but there would be hundreds of mourners.

"I would like to be there for you Clarke, Anya and Aden as well,"

"I would really like that, Lexa, so would Raven, I know,"

"Is that a yes?"

"Yes, please and thank you. You should bring Tris."

"Really? Thank you, she cares about the two of you, as well. When should we arrive? And I will book rooms, we don't wish to be any trouble,"

"No don't book rooms, there is plenty of space here,"

"Your Mother?"

"It is what it is, wait - what? Oh Lexa, I have to go. Thanks for wanting to come,"

"Of course, ai hodnes, take care."

Raven was gesturing desperately from the doorway,

"Come on, get a load of this and remember our plan, water off a duck's back?"

"Yep, I got it,"

Clarke and Raven returned down stairs to be introduced to a fellow named Deputy Director Thelonius Jaha, with him one assistant who was opening their laptop, pulling out sheafs of papers from a briefcase and organising them face down on the coffee table. It was only as Clarke moved into the room to shake hands that she saw two what appeared to be security agents standing at the front door.

"Deputy Director Jaha," said Clarke.

"Deputy Director Jaha," echoed Raven.

"I'm sorry for your loss," he said, and made a sad face.

"There is never a good time, I am afraid, but we've brought the insurance papers, I am authorised to make you an offer for compensation and there are just a few odds and ends to sign,'

"Of course, thanks for coming in person,'

"Least I could do, Doctor Griffin,"

"Abby, please. Can I get you some coffee?"

"No thanks, Abby, I am sure you have enough on your plate at the moment, we will be in and out as quickly as possible."

Abby gestured for them to sit, and took the front edge of an armchair, Clarke sat on the arm, and Raven stood, not unlike the security personnel, in the kitchen doorway with her arms folded and a blank mask covering her features.

Jaha spoke and his assistant was literally like his right hand, passing the mentioned documents, whipping out four matching blue pens with the Ark Logo across the top.

"Government insurance is inflexible but it is plentiful - not that anything can make up for your loss,"

The assistant passed the document, Jaha glanced at it, offered it to Abby who looked it over and then angled it to Clarke, who in turn looked around for Raven and signalled with a flick of her head. When everyone had silently acknowledged the number on the page and no one appeared to make an objection, Jaha mentioned the required signatures, the assistant efficiently took up the first sheaf, check the front and back pages and passed it to Jaha, who passed it to Abby with a pen, a second sheaf was passed around until it found Clarke and a third to Raven.

Abby looked over the contents of the document briefly and was poised to sign, Clarke tried to read but tears were beginning to form, and Raven was reading hers word for word.

"Do we get copies of the ones we sign?" she asked, her eyes remaining on task.

"Of course, they will be emailed this afternoon, as soon as they are scanned into the system,"

"Can I take screenshots for the meantime?"

"Actually, that's outside of our policy," said Jaha with what must be his sorry face.

A silence spread over the room for nearly one minute while Raven weighed up her options,

"I am not comfortable having my signature taken away before I have a copy,"

"Raven - " Abby began with a displeased tone,

"It's okay," Jaha took charge, determined to keep control of the situation, "I understand Raven, like Jake you are a true patriot,"

Clarke could have sworn she heard a crack from Raven's neck as she looked up in shock, there was a bit of an eyeball standoff and then after a pause, Raven said,

"Thank you, Deputy Director, I am so sorry, I don't know what I was thinking. Sign here?"

"And initial every page," he said in a voice coated so thick with slime that Clarke felt ill.

Raven did so, Abby followed suit and after Clarke sought and received the non verbal okay from her sister, she did likewise.

They were passed back to Jaha, then back to the assistant who checked every page and filed them.

"Should be processed in three working days, if there is any delay give me a bell and I will put my foot on their neck. Now,"

More paperwork pass the parcel,

"For compensation. You are an intelligent person, Doctor Griffin, let's not beat about the bush - "

"Abby," the good Doctor insisted.

"Abby. I have been advised to make you an offer of 250 but I am authorised to approve 500."

"Five Hundred." repeated Abby.

"Thousand." clarified Jaha.

Abby, Clarke and Raven stared at him, half a million dollars because Jake died of a heart attack in his office? Not even Raven understood insurance but that at least sounded logical. Compensation is for someone who wrongs another, but this? While Abby and Clarke tried to figure it all out, Raven suppressed the urge to call it for what it was - hush money.

"Is this cash money? To be spent in any way?"

"That's for the family to decide," said Jaha, getting annoyed with this persistent little brat,

"Pardon?" Abby was shocked and sure she must have misheard or misunderstood.

"It's your money, Abby, yours and Clarke's." he reassured her.

"Raven is mine and Jake's daughter, Deputy Director, you overstep," Abby's volume was low and dangerous, a maternal instinct to defend her family, her daughters.

"I beg your pardon," The big man back in his box.

"This has a gag clause?" Raven said, not in the least upset by Jaha's attempt to cut her down, like Abby, Raven was driven by instinct to protect her family and it would take a bigger person than him to dissuade her.

"Standard procedure," Jaha offered immediately,

"Mom?" Raven asked, "Are you happy for this?"

"I suppose,"

"You don't have to suppose, if you need more time, expert advice, a lawyer to look it over, just say,"

"It's okay, isn't it?" Abby asked Jaha.

"To be entirely up front Abby, Jake's situation doesn't actually genuinely qualify for compensation, I mean he had a heart attack, right? But he has been an integral part of the team, I went to bat for him, for you, with the establishment - I know money can't replace your husband, but it doesn't hurt to have choices, to ease the discomfort of adjustment."

"Mom, would you mind if I spoke to Raven? Just hold off for one minute,"

Clarke grabbed Raven's elbow and steered her into the kitchen,

"What the fuck?" she whisper yelled.

Raven pressed her lips to Clarke's ear,

"Its hush money,"

"What are you doing?"

She leaned in again,

"I think the house is bugged,"

"What the fuck?" Clarke's mouth moved but no sound came out.

Raven just shrugged.

"Should we…" Clarke moved her hand in that well recognised check signing motion.

"Why not?"

Clarke moved in to whisper,

"But we will be gagged,"

"You think they won't come for us if we piss them off? Money or no money, gag order or no,"

"I guess,"

So they signed and Jaha returned to the office pleased to be closing that relatively easy chapter.

"You girls should have that money," said Abby.

"Let's not speak of money," said Clarke immediately.

"Put it in a high interest account for twelve months, until the dust has settled," said Raven.

"Why twelve months?" asked Clarke, genuinely interested.

"Mom works a lot, we live in Polis, maybe in a year she might decide that an inner city apartment would be more convenient than a large house in Brooklyn."

"Speaking of Polis, Mom, Lexa and Anya are flying in for the funeral,"

"I don't think that's appropriate, Clarke,"

"I have been seeing Lexa for six months, she wants to be here for me,"

"Funerals are like weddings, you can't just take anyone,"

Raven winked at Clarke and immediately her Clarke's resentment vanished,

"Well they are coming, I will let you know the details,"

"Where are they staying?"

Clarke and Raven burst into laughter and it took Abby half a minute to give in and laugh at herself too, she recalled Raven's words from the first night,

"Cut each other some slack,"

- At the airport -

"It is so good to see you guys,"

"Thanks for meeting us,"

"Thank you for coming."

"How was your flight?"

"You look tired,"
"Here, let me take that for you?"

It was a beautiful mess of hugs and tears - it felt like family. They waited for luggage, somehow got it all into the vehicle thanks to the years Raven spent playing tetris, and then went to have lunch at Bennington's. They all settled in and ordered and then Raven and Clarke began their story, tag teaming the narrative and Lexa, Anya, Tris and Aden sat open mouthed like they were at a tennis match, watching first one speaker and then the other.

"There is something you all should know before we get back to the house."

"Yeah, and this is a half story for more reasons than one,"

"The story is that Dad had a heart attack at his desk at work and died before anyone could intervene,"

"Paramedics weren't called because he was already dead,"

"And police weren't called because it was natural causes,"

"And somehow his body went MIA,"

"Police looked into it but found nothing suspicious and declined to follow up,"

"Dad's boss came to the house asking us to sign NDA's in exchange for a pile of cash,"

"So tomorrow we are burying an empty casket,"

"Mom has convinced herself that this is an oversight, anything said to the contrary will earn the speaker her wrath for all eternity,"

"Oh and the house is probably bugged so nobody say anything about anything,"

- after the funeral -

"I just can't believe he is gone, you know? He was such a beautiful person and that light has gone out in my life," Said Clarke, drying more tears.

"I feel his loss like an empty cavity in my chest, but how can something empty feel so much pain?" said Raven, her fingers splayed out over her heart.

"Do you remember your first world cup final, Ray?"

"Yeah, I wasn't living here yet but I was staying over a lot. Dad and I stayed up all night watching the finals, the next morning I was following Clarke out the door for school - "

"He says, "you don't look well, Raven, you should stay home, I will write you a sick note tomorrow. She looks really sick, Clarke, doesn't she?"

"I believed him, he tucked me up on the couch and we watched soccer and ate pizza all day."

"I remember, I had words with him about that," added Abby.

Memories led to stories led to photo albums, the first two were almost entirely of Clarke; ultrasound images, pregnant Abby, a bald fat naked newborn, a newborn holding Jake's finger in one hand and Abby's in the other, a smiling drooling baby with vibrant blue eyes, an adorable but still mostly bald toddler, a fat toddler with blonde fuzz taking her first steps.

There were a few photos of her with Abby or Jake and even fewer with both, it was clear that Jake's physical genes were dominant in their birth child, the blonde hair, the blue eyes, the tendency to carry a little extra weight. His happy disposition was also present, although Abby appeared very happy too in these early pictures. The first photo of Raven was when she was about seven, standing in a group of perhaps a dozen seven year old girls, more than half missing one or two of the front teeth at Clarke's birthday party.

The deeper into the photo albums they got, the more regularly she appeared, her dark skin, dark hair and dark brown eyes started appearing frequently at less formal events and more daily rituals; cook outs, first day back to school, school photos, at the park, at the beach, in their pyjamas. And her long thin body moved from the outside edges of pictures to the inside, almost all side by side with Clarke, framed by both or either of their parents.

The stories and memories Clarke and Raven shared, occasionally Abby, started out from a sad source, loss and grief, but they led to happier memories and ended on a sort of celebratory note, with Raven raising her glass,

"Thanks Dad, you gave me so much, and you gave it freely and with joy. It's because of him, and you Mom, that I am the person I am today. I will honour your sacrifice, Dad and make you proud, although it will not be on the soccer pitch just like you always dreamed."

Chapter Six

- Three months later -

Raven popped the champers, the cork goes flying and neither of them even looks for it.

"What are we celebrating?" asks Clarke.

"I quit my job,"

"You did? What today?"

"No, I gave notice last month,"

"Why the secret?"

"I got a better offer - actually it took a lot of work but I was persistent. I didn't know for sure I could wrangle it but finally I got verbal confirmation yesterday and signed the contract today,"

"Contract? So it's not another grease monkey gig?"

"No. I have finally taken your advice and accepted my awesomeness, I am the youngest G Zero mechanic NASA has ever hired from outside their training recruits."

"G Zero, wait did you say NASA? Raven, what is going on?"

Raven picked up her phone, hit a few icons and Clarke's surround sound began pumping at close to near full capacity, the vibrations could be felt in the floor, being absorbed by her feet and up her legs and it was that loud doush doush that Raven loved so much. The brunette poured two glasses of bubbly until they over-spilled, she handed one to her sister, they clinked, sipped and then moved closer and spoke softly,

"I told you I would find out what happened to Dad and this is my way in,"

The noise was so loud that Clarke had to strain her ears and watch Ravens mouth as she spoke to get the full message.

When they arrived home from New York, Raven began her campaign 'Vengeance de la Papa,' she called it, it was a three pronged strategy;

First, to learn all she could about the leadup to Jake's death, understanding how he died and what happened to his body, and to accumulate evidence of and documenting the cover up. So far she had been on the outside of a high security Government agency.

Which brings her to the second strategy - that which is at hand, getting on the inside.

And third avenging her father and getting justice for her family.

The first thing she did was replace all her and Clarke's hardware; phones, pagers, tablets, ipod's, laptops, computers, everything. She swept their cars, homes and offices, and set up an extensive security firewall around the pair of them and necessarily Anya and Lexa. She schooled Clarke in exactly what she wanted her to know, which is what she wanted other people to think she knew, fuck all! She coached her as to how she should answer any questions, should they ever come.

While Jaha probably tapped Jake Griffin's phones, computers, home and office to keep tabs on him, Raven had just survived an extensive identity, credentials and security check as well as character assessment. It was expected by Raven that her apartment, phones, computers and new office would very likely all be set up for surveillance. And if they were keeping an eye on her, why not her sister who lived next door, where Raven was very likely to spend a considerable amount of time?

Raven expected it and Clarke accepted it, she had nothing to hide, if they wanted to listen to 14 days of her coming home after an 18 hour shift, calling for chinese or mexican food, showering, sleeping, rinse and repeat and then three days of hot sex - good for them. Welcome to her life. Not that she was unhappy, just fucking tired, boney weary exhausted.

Clarke understood her role and she trusted Raven implicitly, she agreed to work within Raven's parameters and remain in the dark as to the details. In many ways life for her went on as before, she went to work, read copious amounts of medical journals, spent every other weekend with Lexa, which was getting serious, btw. But there were two not so subtle differences, the first, whenever her phone rang it would never be her father, ever again, and the second, she was sleeping worse than ever.

She had this horrific recurring nightmare that Abby, Raven and Clarke were forced to watch Thelonias Jaha assassinate her father by forcing him through an airlock on the Ark in space. The women would be screaming and crying, guards would restrain them, forcing them to watch, her father would stand there, barefoot, in a pair of overalls with a NASA logo on the front left side of his chest trying to be brave, telling them that he loved them, that he was sorry.

Jaha would nod once, an emergency siren would wail and the airlock would open, and then everything would freeze for a moment. Clarke and her father would be eyeball to eyeball on opposite sides of the glass, then the moment would end - he would be sucked out so fast that she could hardly detect movement and the airlock would be empty.

Always, she would jerk to a sitting position, halfway through a scream, sweating profusely and sobbing. Those two or three nights she spent with Lexa every other week gave her no reprieve but at least Lexa would hold her afterwards, wipe the sweat from her brow, kiss her temple and tell her she was safe, that it was just a horrible, terrible dream. Nyko gave her some herbs but being on call so much she couldn't always use them. Lexa noticed that she was losing weight and becoming either hypervigilant and anxious or else she would zone out, mid conversation even.

Lexa was aware that Raven was interstate, working on something significant regarding their father's suspicious death, Anya had said as much but because Raven wanted to protect Clarke, she was careful with whom she confided. Lexa took this to mean that Raven confided in Anya, which she had to admit was a shrewd choice. When Clarke shared the news that Raven had secured an elite position with NASA, indeed on the very project Jake had been working on - The Ark, she knew just how serious Raven was about avenging her father, and what a formidable enemy Thelonias Jaha, NASA and potentially the Trump Administration had created.

At the end of the day she had actually gotten the job on her own credentials! As far as Raven's application was concerned, her cover story alluded to burnout after earning two PhDs by the time she was twenty six. Luckily she had completed her practical and experimental research at CERN and Aerospace Technology Institute and Arianespace, respectively so she hadn't raised any flags at NASA during her application process and being a Reyes rather than a Griffin had probably helped too.

She had tweaked her application just so, to ensure that her application and credentials were screened and vetted and she was interviewed and tested outside of the Ark project. She may or may not have manipulated the process so that her personal files were deleted from one department and inserted into another precisely after her formal employment was registered and exactly before she had been assigned a specific role. Jake was an Environmental Engineer and while Raven could probably talk a good game, it wasn't necessary to her goal for her to be employed in the same role - in fact probably better she didn't.

- one month later -

Her biggest concern was avoiding being identified within the Ark project by Jaha but while Raven was naturally cunning, life had provided her the opportunity to develop the capacity for ruthlessness. Besides all that, she had bugged his cell phone, office phone, office, car, laptop, office and home computer within a week of being on site, two could play at that game, you son of a bitch. She knew when he was on site, at home or at his secret girlfriend's apartment that Raven hadn't had the chance to crack yet, when in the office the tracker she had activated on his cell alerted her to his movements.

Raven's primary role for NASA was supposed to be as G Zero mechanic on the Ark craft itself but before she could even get settled into her team - her role was co-opted by her team leader Jackie Sinclair. Like everyone else on the project, Jackie was flat out and due to the combination of little time for inducting Raven into NASA specific procedures and protocols and endless meetings, a huge demand for written reports - somehow Raven's talent for analysis became essential to Jackie's ability to survive the manic work schedule.

They became fast friends from the get go, he never hit on her or degraded her, rather, he recognised her abilities very quickly and set about finding a way for both Raven and The Ark Project to meet or even exceed their potential. He put her to work on some of the most interesting, challenging and genuinely satisfying projects she had ever had the pleasure to work on and she returned comprehensive results more speedily than he could have hoped.

The demands of Jackie's role increasingly took him out of the office, to what the pair jokingly referred to as front of house, and so necessarily, Raven was increasingly relegated to the mainframe to churn out the data and analysis that Jackie relied on. It was a work marriage made in heaven and virtually guaranteed that Raven and Jaha would never cross paths, he got the kudos that she actively avoided.

As extra insurance she had her hair cut and lightened significantly and she lost the attitude entirely, which was less challenging than it might have been at any other time in her life. But then she did have two powerful motivations and both were honouring solemn oaths; the first was honouring her promise to Clarke about making some genuine changes regarding her behaviour, from that time she really went too far and hurt her sister deeply, the second was to avenge their father.

It only took a couple of months for Raven to settle in properly, she didn't need to be fully ensconced in the whole organisation, just solid with Jackie and their immediate team. The factory, as they called it, was mayhem, and Raven was doing not only her own and Jackie's work, but also most of the data crunching and analysis of the whole team. Long term it would have been an employment strategy to avoid but no one had time for such considerations, least of all Raven, who had her own agenda.

The only way she could hope to manage the ever increasing workload was to invest some of the valuable time in the development of an app to help her process the data. A big no no, obviously, but Jackie turned a blind eye and Raven had bigger fish to fry.

- Twenty days to soft launch -

The hard launch was to be triggered in the event of a catastrophic event on Earth, mostly likely radiation and would necessarily involve the ejection of the craft into deep outer space, far beyond Earth's orbit. Four hundred people would form a society for the ultimate purpose of surviving and sustaining human life for two hundred years after which it is thought that the radiation would break down sufficiently enough for the Earth to become habitable once again. Survivors would return to the ground and repopulate the Earth, hence being responsible for the survival of the human race.

The soft launch is a dry run so to speak; the craft would be ejected into space, within Earth's orbit with four hundred people, they would remain in orbit for twelve weeks as they attempt to identify issues and create solutions that would be implemented in time for the hard launch. There was only one chance to get it right and the survival of the human race was dependent on them doing just that.

The Ark project was President Trump's baby, he was elected almost entirely on his promise to get the Ark into orbit under budget, ahead of schedule and he would save the world from the politicians who were literally bringing forward End Times and the extinction of the human race. He never really made clear the links between these claims, but continued to pump his fist and chant breathy slogans like "Only Trump can save humanity!" Voters were so sick of same-same but different that they bought a ticket to the Trump show.

Democratic Bill Clinton promised change for the working man but conditions only worsened. Republican George W. promised to end the foreign wars but 9/11, Afghanistan, Iraq and Guantanamo. Back to a Democrat Obama who promised to tax the rich and close Guantanamo, but nothing doing. Trump's opponent establishment favourite Hilary Clinton's entitlement was evident when she screeched that single payer health care will "never, ever come to pass". And so anti-establishment Trump seemed like a solution with his promised Ark a beacon of hope for humanity.

Raven was having a ball crunching numbers, accessing and compiling appropriated data, interpreting results, drawing accurate conclusions, advising decisions with evidence - all the while monitoring Jaha and investigating her father's death. Jackie was totally impressed with his new staff member and was certain she was capable of much more, he was determined that after the Soft Launch he would make an effort to find a more suitable role for her unique talents and abilities.

Clarke was missing Raven terribly, who was working out of the Kennedy Space Center, in Cape Canaveral, Florida and would most likely not return prior to the Soft Launch, when hopefully all of her objectives would be met, she could resign and come home.

In addition to missing her, Clarke was more than a little worried, to be honest, she was a little worried about herself too. Still grinding out her 80 some hour work weeks on little sleep, she had lost her father and it seemed apparent that her grief was only just beginning to sink its teeth into her soul. She was just coming out of a meeting and heading back to the ER when a call came over the PA,

"Doctor Griffin please report to reception, Doctor Griffin,"

Clarke performed an immediate pivot and took the first hallway on her left, digging into her pocket for her pager, she wondered if she had missed a message and contemplating who or for what she could be needed at reception.

She pushed through the door with her shoulder,

"Doctor Griffin reporting to reception as requested," she called, her eyes searching for a recognisable person or task,

"Someone here to see you, Doctor," someone pointed and Clarke saw her beautiful girlfriend standing against the wall with a bunch of flowers.

"Hey you," Clarke face lit up and mirrored the happiness radiating in Lexa's,

"Hey Doc, I've got this rash…"

"Ha! I have just the scalpel,"

"On second thoughts…"

They embraced and shared a couple of kisses that were a mere shadow of the contact both craved.

"I didn't know you were coming to town today,"

"I wasn't, last minute trip,"

"Oh yeah, running low on tuna?"

"Something more important,"

"Are those for me?"

"They are," Lexa handed them to the happy blonde, who accepted them with obvious pleasure.

"Thank you very much."

"Clarke, have you time for a coffee?"

"Everything okay?"

"I am fine, just a quick chat, but I know how busy you are,"

"One moment,"

Clarke dug out her phone and punched a few numbers,

"Hey, Tim, That sleep you were so looking forward to? I will trade you Metcalfe's ankle if you do my rounds now?"

…

"Mhm, please? Don't make me beg. My gorgeous girlfriend has shown up to take me to lunch,"

…

"Ha," Clarke lowered the phone away from her mouth and said to Lexa,

"Tim says he will let you take him to lunch?"

Lexa grinned and shrugged as though the trade was acceptable.

"Umm, she says no thank you,"

…

"Ha, I will tell her, Thanks Tim."

She hung up and grinned,

"He says you are by far the prettiest girl who has turned up to take me for lunch this week!"

Lexa chuckled and kissed Clarke's temple, confident in the knowledge that she was the only woman in Clarke's life.

They ordered sandwiches and coffee from the cafeteria and went out to the garden where they first ever had coffee together,
"These are beautiful, Lexa, thank you again," said Clarke, admiring her bouquet.

"If I had known you would gift me a lunch, I would have brought something, as it is, take these,"

Clarke almost grabbed the package in delight, she opened the bag and saw a half dozen slices of something covered in chocolate,

"The way to a good doctors heart is through her stomach - Oh Lexa, you are far too good to me,"

"It is a pleasure to take care of you, which brings me to my next point,"

"Uh oh, am I in trouble?"

"I am worried about you. Since you father died your sleeping is worse, your nightmares are pure torture, ai hodnes. You are losing weight - "

"Well, you can't complain about that!"

"It's not a complaint but neither is it something to be joyful about, Clarke. The root cause is one of deep disturbance. Your eyes are losing their shine and these deep circles, ai hodnes, I care for you, I love you, you must know by now."

"You love me?"

"Very much,"

"I wasn't expecting you to say that. Today."

"I wasn't expecting to say it either, but it is the truth and I don't need you to say it. I came to express my concern and to mention a possible solution."

"A massage?"

"Something whose effects will be longer lasting, I hope,"

"I'm intrigued,"

"I want to invite you to Trikru, not for the weekend, but longer, perhaps a month. Come and stay with us, have a break from your work, be with us in the natural world, let us care for you,"

"I can't just leave, Lexa, and move an hour down the road to sit and twiddle my thumbs,"

"Not sit and twiddle but a different sort of work,"

"What did you have in mind?"

"I have asked Indra to be your Fos for one month, she will train you in self defence every morning, then you will rest and in the afternoon you will work,"

"Ah, here's the catch,"

"It is part of our ethos, everyone contributes. You could work with Nyko, but we don't get so many injuries, I thought perhaps you might like to learn to hunt?"

"Hunt? You want me to go out into the wild and shoot a deer?"

"Not in the wild, and not with guns. You will be taught how to hunt; the discipline of walking silently, tracking, reading the environment, using spears and bow and arrow, then you will learn to gut and skin the beast. It is physically hard work, but I believe it will be healing for your mind and spirit."

"My Mother will not approve at all,"

"And your father?"

"Ooh you are sly,"

"He would…. he would want me to be well,"

"Me as well. Don't decide now, just think on it."

"Okay, I will. I notice you have been slipping in a sweet new Trigedasleng nickname for me,"

Lexa coloured a little, she leaned forward and repeated the words softly,

"Ai hodnes, it means 'my love',"

"It's beautiful."

"You are beautiful. I only wish for you to be well, Clarke."

- Fifteen days to Soft Launch -

"I think you should consider it, scratch that, I think you should go,"

"You would say that,"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I don't know. You've been willing to work as a car mechanic like you're not capable of doing whatever it is you're doing now, which still makes no sense to me. But that's just not me, I can't justify me doing that kind of behaviour."

"A medical professional calling looking after your mental health 'behaviour'? Like taking a one month vacation is naughty or reckless. What's it all for anyway? What is the point of working 80 hours a week forever and being unhappy?"

"I'm not unhappy, wait, did you say vacation?"

"Yes, Clarke, get some sleep, eat some good food, have lots of orgasms, reset and come back brand new. Tell Mom you are going to a medical conference in Japan, she will never know the difference and you won't have to suffer her disapproval and concern about your career."

Clarke laughed and Raven joined in,

"Hmm, I could use a vacation."

"Atta girl,"

"And what about you? How's the new job? I miss you, btw,"

"Miss you too, Clarkey. I am working hard, long hours, but chipping away at my goals, learning new things every day, building up my resume, I feel confident about the direction my new role is taking,"

Clarke understood Raven's coded message, she was creating ways to get access to information, building a trove of evidence and was happy with her success. Raven was not certain that she was not under surveillance but she knew that by the time she ever realised she was it would be too late. They talked for a while but eventually Raven had to get back to her desk and Clarke had to go to bed.

Raven was in her element, professionally and personally. She worked on her own quite a bit, which she liked and when there was team stuff she dominated; the way she saw information, identified potential problems and found solutions was an art form. She was easily beating Clarke for hours on the clock but rather than tired or fatigued she felt electrified, and frequently slept in her office because she didn't want to miss anything or waste the twenty minute transit to her rented flat and back again.

The stuff she had uncovered about Jaha was truly shocking, he was nothing but a power hungry little dictator, with a hard on for using force and gaining recognition for his and other people's wins. There was a trail of metaphorical bodies, shattered and wrecked individuals who had learned their lesson well - do not cross Jaha. There was a paper trail documenting the rising tension and inevitable conflict between Jaha and her dad, not literally paper of course, but hard evidence in black and white in hidden and apparently deleted files all over the digital space.

The primary objective of Thelonius Jaha, Vice Chancellor of NASA, is to make good Trump's election promise and get Ark Station in the air; it was a rush job, no doubt, but money was no object with a bottomless black budget and in addition there was some pretty hefty brain power behind the project too. Winning this mission would set Jaha up for life in every conceivable way - celebrity, opportunity, money and power - there was no reason to imagine that this might very well be the platform from which Jaha could launch his own political ambitions. And Raven knew he had them.

Jake Griffin's primary objective was to evaluate and assess the inbuilt life support systems, the most critical of which was the ability of the craft to ensure sufficient oxygen. That includes bringing some from Earth (storing it and making it accessible) and there is also the capacity to generate oxygen by electrolysis (running electricity through water). Jake's first analysis found that the systems in place for the initial four hundred passengers were more than adequate but entirely off his own bat he also generated projective data for the life span of the project which found that the systems were not only inadequate but entirely too fragile.

The projected lifespan of the Hard Launch mission was 200 years. The most likely anticipated catastrophic event is radiation, which could take 200 years to decay to the point rendering the Earth once again habitable. That's potentially ten generations. Data modelled off those numbers did not look good and if the notion had not been immediately suppressed could have jeopardised and or tarnished the imminent Soft Launch.

The moon landing of 1969 was so much more than a scientific breakthrough, it was a transformative moment in the history of not just America, but the world, and not just in our time but for all time. The cultural impact of that moment is immeasurable - and that was just a hoax! The Soft Launch of the aptly named Ark Station would be a similar event, with the added kudos of being the final bastion of the human race. There was no way that Jaha was going to let Jake Griffin's do gooder compulsion to threaten this mission.

Yes, you heard it, preventing the project from jeopardy, even delay, was Jaha's priority, not ensuring the lives of potentially thousands of people - he is willing to risk the survival of the last human beings in existence. He was not necessarily an inherently evil person, he was simply a product of the system that produced him, a system that rewards winners and crushes everyone else.

Raven could predict his risk analysis with ease;

How likely is it that a genuine end times scenario would occur? Minimal.

If it did, how likely is that scenario going to occur in his lifetime (say sixty years, tops)? Minimal.

If it did, how likely is it that the oxygen problem would rear its head before he expired? Minimal.

And if all of those things did occur, what is the chance that he would be held accountable? Minimal.

Based on what evidence? In the history of the world the rich and powerful rarely get caught and even more rarely get punished. So in the risk/reward analysis - this one was easy. Push on for all glory!

And to be fair, Jaha certainly gave the persistent Jake Griffin a lot of outs. He responded to all the information in his reports except for that item, He responded to specific requests for a sit down with slippery avoidance, he ignore phone calls, messages and emails and when Jake started showing up he gave him the old "Come on Jake, this is above your pay grade, let it go." Raven had her fathers recordings to prove it.

Abby was right when she told her daughters that their father was becoming unstable, the poor guy was battling his conscience on an epic level - not many people held the weight of the survival of the human species in their hand. Valentin Savitsky may be another, but only in hindsight. Jake Griffin had an enduring sense of justice, a strong sense of duty, a deep commitment to fairness and goodness, if any one embodied the maxim 'Do no harm' it was Jake.

And his inability to turn a blind eye was bringing him into the crosshairs of some other very committed, very passionate people - one being Thelonious Jaha. He had put Jake under surveillance after their last meeting, the risk was just too great and a good thing he did too, the man's diary entries alone revealed the extent of his existential crisis. His domestic conversations quickly dried up, initially Jaha thought Griffin may have suspected his home was tapped, it turned out that his wife was less supportive and more critical than he could bear.

There were worrying search engine entries, incriminating phone calls and cryptic conversations but his end was sealed when Doctor Abby Griffin enacted her civic duty, she contacted Jaha to reveal her husband's intention to invoke whistleblower status and publish his concerns for the world to see. Jake was a traitor in Jaha's eyes, well he had to be for Jaha to justify his following actions.

He could not act immediately, the link between Abby coming forward and Jake's death would just be too obvious so a range of low level subterfuge and gaslighting tactics were randomly employed. Some workplace alienation, a little sedative here, a little stimulant there, a little car trouble, a password change or two, missing keys, unexplained bills all designed to keep Jake busy, stressed, thinking about other things. It had the other bonus of other people becoming increasingly uncomfortable around him, they began to avoid him, question his integrity.

A month later, on a day with no significance, Jake was stuck with a needle full of some drug that induced heart failure. Jaha allowed others in the office to incidentally observe the body when there was no chance of resuscitation. The drug would be easily detected in his system as would the needle mark, his wife being a prominent MD and highly skilled surgeon - it was too big a risk. The office was evacuated for paramedics and Jake was tossed unceremoniously into the industrial incinerator.

The police who were sent to investigate were specially selected and found exactly what they expected to find, fuck all. Ark Station employees either saw the dead man at his desk or knew someone who did, so no one was suspicious on that end. When Abby asked Jaha played dumb, police verified that nothing was amiss, he was shocked frankly that she didn't make more noise, for a Senior Medical officer or whatever she was. He rolled in with the money and as it so often was, was the end of that.

Except that Raven Reyes was sitting some number of floors down watching and listening to his every move, documenting every link and every piece of evidence, building on her father's cache of data.

Chapter Seven

- At Trikru a week later -

"Oh oh, Lexa, so good, oh, god yeeessss!"

She didn't cry out loudly, she never had been a screamer, it was a strained low whisper that turned her lover on more than any increase of decibels ever could. Clarke exploded and collapsed in a jellied heap on top of Lexa who was as happy as she had ever been in her life. Clarke had phoned two days ago to accept her invitation, it took another day or two for the wheels to be set in motion and last night she had finally arrived!

Now they were supposed to be breaking for a long lunch, but somehow this and quickly scoffing down a roll on the move was way more appetising than an actual meal and a nap. Clarke had not slept particularly well, not the worst that Lexa had witnessed but not a deep sound sleep, that's for sure. Indra whacked on Lexa's hut with what sounded like a cane at seven am,

"You're late, Princess, get up, now."

It was Lexa who responded with an almost panicked squeak,

"Coming Indra," she called out, to Clarke she urgently whispered,

"Your Fos is here, come on, time for up, ai hodnes, please,"

Clarke muted her feelings and her thoughts and allowed Lexa to help her dress before stepping out blinking furiously into the daylight,

"Hey Indra, sorry,"

"I am your Fos, now run over to the common area and grab a roll and let's move,"

It was funny, Clarke grinned and a giggle almost escaped her, this was like some boot camp reality show with Indra obviously playing the role of drill instructor. Fine! Clarke would play along, she grabbed the roll and followed Indra away from the common area.

They started with stretching and then began with some basic self defence stances and moves, Clarke paid attention and put in the effort to learn. It was clear early on to Indra that Clarke was a mess; she had zero fitness, she was beyond weak and even her posture was skrit, she didn't hold back on telling her second what she thought either.

"Are you even trying, Princess?"

"Tsk, you're wasting my time, PUSH!"

"Pathetic, again. Again. AGAIN!"

The first and only compliment was a less gruff "good," when Clarke failed to fall over after Indra body slammed her with force. The only reason she didn't fall over was because she was so exhausted she genuinely didn't believe she could get back up. As they were winding down and preparing to end their session Indra made a little speech about how she was the Fos and therefore responsible for Clarke, her fitness and skill development. That she, Indra, would be shamed and lose the respect of other warriors if Clarke didn't improve and she was not going to let that happen.

The second part of the speech was even less pleasant. As they walked back to the common area she pointed out an obstacle course in the tree line, a track carved out by Trikru fitness fanatics with a series logs, low branches, ropes and other hurdles.

"Tomorrow you will wake at six, eat, drink plenty of water and complete two full laps of the obstacle course, then meet me where we trained today at 6:45."

"Okay," said Clarke, feeling, not for the first time today, that perhaps she had bitten off more than she could chew.

"Fos," shouted Indra,

"Yes, Fos," ceded Clarke, but a little whiff of defiance coiled in her gut.

She went to have a shower and change before lunch only to find Lexa waiting in bed for her. Clarke really didn't think she had it in her after her exhausting physical output, but once Lexa started kissing her, she found she did - sweaty as she was.

Afterwards and before she had a chance to fall asleep, Lexa rolled out of bed and turned on the shower, she returned to lift Clarke gently and put her in the steaming hot shower, which did wonders for her recovery.

"The adjustment is unpleasant and challenging, but I have faith in you, ai hodnes, you can succeed,"

"Indra doesn't like me,"

"Do you like her?"

"Not really, I guess,"

"Indra is the best. She was Anya's Fos,"

"Really? Don't worry, it's only the first day, I don't give up that easily,"

"That's my girl, now wash and lunch, Lincoln is waiting on you,"

Lincoln was just as exacting as Indra but his manner was completely different, therefore her experience was more enjoyable. First challenge for her was to find and spot a hare, sounds easy enough but there was so much to consider;

What sort of area would make an ideal safe haven for a small creature in the middle of the afternoon?

Who were its predators, it's prey?

What were the physical attributes of the animal, strengths and weaknesses?

Then there was learning to walk noiselessly in the scrub, to leave behind no trail and to identify the trails of others, human and animal, along the way she learnt some Trigedasleng and some hand signals that Lincoln used instead of words, when there was distance between them or they needed to avoid alerting prey. Overall the afternoon was very interesting, enjoyable and passed in a flash. Clarke yawned all through dinner and Lexa insisted on an early night.

"NO!" Clarke screamed, bolting into a sitting position.

"You are safe, Clarke, just a dream," Lexa immediately put her hands on Clarke, trying to ground her.

"Oh god," Clarke tried to breathe deeply, to shake off her nightmare and become present.

"I am sorry to wake you," she said, Lexa didn't reply with words, but continued to rub her back.

"Why are you up, why are you dressed?" asked Clarke, her eyes just opening now.

"Trouble on the border with Queen Nia, I must go,"

"Oh can I help?"

"No, thank you, Clarke. Until I return I must ask that you remain here or in the common area, go nowhere except with your Fos, Anya or Aden. Do you understand?"

"I understand,"

"Even if someone were to say 'Lexa said meet her there', or something. I trust these three with my life, therefore I trust them only, with yours."

"This sounds dangerous, Lexa, I don't like it."

"Maybe something, maybe nothing, but I must go and check,"

Surprisingly, Clarke went back to sleep. She was woken at what she would describe as the crack of dawn to Aden knocking,

"Clarke? Are you awake? Clarke?"

"Who is there?"

"Its Aden,"

"Oh, come in, Aden,"

He tentatively pushed open the door and seeing that she was not completely indisposed he entered, closing the door behind him, but not before Shark squeezed through to have a sniff around.

"You are not training?" he asked, tentatively.

"No, there was some trouble at the border, I think Indra will be busy with that, won't she?"

"Regardless, you must follow her direction. She sent me to train with you until she returns."

"Oh yeah, okay, I should get up then,"

"Sha, I'll be waiting."

Clarke could have kicked herself, why did she assume training would be off today? Last night she had made the decision to follow her Fos' instructions to the letter for one whole month and see if she could win the woman's respect, and now, this morning she had already failed to follow instructions. It's a grrr. She had never been anything but professional and diligent throughout her medical training but she had just given Indra one more reason to think she was a Princess!

Clarke leapt out of bed with determination, discovering sore muscles in her thighs and butt, and detected even more pain when she put her bra on. She downed two cups of water and grabbed a couple of rolls, again eating them as she hot footed it over to the obstacle course. Aden was already bounding over a tree stump like a nimble little minx and sprinting through the undergrowth and between trees, Shark at his heels, leaping over and crawling along beside his master.

Clarke could manage nothing more than a light jog between obstacles but she did complete two full laps before reporting to her young supervisor. He walked her through it again showing her some handy techniques which really would make future completion easier. He demonstrated how fluid movement, momentum and certain pace could be used to propel her under, over and through obstacles which was far more effective than her strategy of stopping to think her way through.

Then they began with self defence, they started with the movements Indra had been trying to teach her the day before, Aden put her through her paces and then identifying her barriers he explained a few concepts to her regarding energy, core strength, balance and weight distribution through her body. He put her in a basic defensive stance and then with a few light pushes he showed how easily she could be brought off balance, then he got her to take the stance again,

"Hold you core muscles here," he said, patting the corresponding body parts, "Spread your legs, more, bend your knees, now hold and control but be flexible not stiff,"

She tried to follow his instructions but it wasn't easy,

"Close your eyes," he commanded, and continued to put his hands on her and gently push, slowly increasing force helping her to identify certain muscles by function, he constantly corrected her posture as she built up her strength and resistence.

It was a less active work out but no less intense, she had worked all of her muscles hard without jumping and leaping around and Aden was no slouch, there were no breaks or taking it easy, it was go go go from one concept and body movement to another, and then another.

"Heda is back," he said suddenly as though he had sniffed her arrival in the common area on the wind, "Come," he said, his wolf trotting along proudly.

An early lunch had been prepared in anticipation of the returning warriors, Food and water was laid out in easy reach and no one who had not been one of the party on the front lines approached the bounty and would not until the warriors had eaten. Clarke noticed Nyko attending to some injuries and her feet automatically carried her over to assist.

Mostly nicks and scratches, but there was an abdominal stab wound and a few other deep cuts. Clarke mentioned calling paramedics but Nyko shook his head, then she suggested someone driving the stab victim to town to the hospital, again Nyko and the patient soundly rejected the notion so Clarke got to work assessing, cleaning and stitching the wound, in the outdoors with the medical supplies they had on hand. Which were not too shabby, she had to admit to herself as she was washing up afterwards.

It was only then that Clarke realised that she had not seen Lexa, she looked around, checking the wounded, the lunch area, she returned to the hut to see if she was taking a shower to find Lexa sitting on the end of the bed with a towel pressed to her side. She had gash under her ribs that while not life threatening, was concerning, and it was more than a flesh wound, having caught a lower external intercostal muscle.

Clarke wanted to speak - there were so many things she wanted to say but seeing Lexa here, alone, in pain - she didn't have the heart. She didn't understand the ways of the Trikru but Lexa was no drama queen, even if she was a martyr, there would be a reason as to her choices and behaviour, so Clarke bit her tongue and tenderly laid her lover back on the bed, removed the towel and assessed the injury.

"I will be right back, Lexa, just rest," she said, replacing the towel.

Clarke left the hut and made her way through the crowd to the medical hut where she gathered all the items she would need to tend to her wounded warrior, her wounded soldier, the concept echoed throughout Clarke's mind and set off a chain reaction through her heart and her spirit. Hers. She realised in that moment that she loved Lexa.

When she shut the door to the medical hut Indra was waiting for her,

"How is Heda?"

She asked in a quiet voice, her concern was evident,

"She will be fine, In - Fos, nothing serious,"

"She insisted the warriors be tended to first,"

"Did she? Well. She appears to have lost more blood than necessary in the waiting but she'll be fine,"

"She had better be," said Indra, with a sudden flash of viciousness, and then she was gone.

Clarke had seen that sort of reaction countless times on the wards; worry, fear, panic for loved ones sometimes made people react in anger and aggression. Rather than taking offense, it actually warmed Clarke's heart, Indra cared for Lexa, loved her and was concerned for her well being. Not only was that lovely in itself it also proved to Clarke that her Fos was human after all - and if she could love Lexa, Clarke could learn to tolerate, even respect Indra.

Lexa was no sooner patched up when she defied Doctors orders to rest, she had to get out there and see her warriors, to check on their condition, to thank them for their service and to demonstrate that her injury was minor and her leadership still intact.

"I would not call that injury minor, Lexa,"

"Regardless, I must be out there, I will be out there. I know you don't yet fully understand our ways, and I appreciate your concern, I do, but it is absolutely vital I show my strength publicly, now."

"Okay, well if you are determined, will you at least let me give you a stronger pain killer?"

"Will it make me drowsy?"

"No, Heda, but it will relieve you of the need to stagger, if we are going to do this, let's do it right."

"Thank you, ai hodnes."

Despite the fact that the compound had been attacked and a small battle fought over night and into the morning, it was business as usual. Warriors were served their lunch first, followed by children, Mothers and the elders, and then everyone else, it was not a long lunch, Heda gave a short summary of the event, reported injuries and damage, gave instructions that people were to avoid the area.

She thanked Echo and her pack, despite the fact that they were not human, and the scouts for giving them early warning, allowing them time to mount an effective defence and minimise casualties and property damage. Warriors who needed rest after being up most of the night and those who were injured were publicly thanked for service and a rousing cheer went up, then people were dismissed to return to work, except for those who needed rest and recovery.

Clarke kept an eye on Lexa and her movements before being taken aside by Lincoln,

"Time to hunt, Clarke," he said. She sighed, very little slowed this mob down, she thought.

As they were coming home in the evening, Clarke was called by Aden,

"I have something for you," he said happily, "Oh you caught a hare? Well done, Clarke!"

"Thanks, Aden, my first one,"

"Here, I will take it to the kitchen for you, good work today, see you tomorrow,"

"Thanks Lincoln, see you tomorrow,"

Aden had laid out some resources for her, a small but sturdy backpack, a range of weather-appropriate clothing, a pair of hiking boots, compass, first-aid kit, multi tool, hunting knife in a sheath and two reusable water flasks. There was a pair of wrap around sunglasses, a hat with a wide brim, a fire starter kit and whilst the gear appeared to be second hand, it was all in very good condition.

"Aden, is this all for me? I can't believe you thought of me," she scratched behind Shark's ear, blown away by the young man's thoughtfulness.

"Sha, Clarke. I am so happy you are here with us, I know it is only for a month, but I want you to be happy and safe. You should fill these water bottles the night before, pack some jerky, nuts, dried fruit, biscuits and things in here so you never get caught out. Your Fos will be impressed,"

"I am impressed, Aden, thank you,"

"There is one more thing,"

"What is it?"

"Indra will be watching you, hidden. Watching all the time, around camp, the obstacle course - "

"Spying, you mean,"

"Not like that Clarke. Heda asked her specially to train you and Indra takes her responsibilities seriously. She doesn't know you, she is suspicious, she doesn't understand your ways. But she is a good person, Clarke, she wants good things for you even if she appears cranky."

"Right, well thanks for the tip. I guess that's something my Fos and I have in common,"

"What's that?"

"We both want to impress Heda,"

"Sha, we all want that," said Aden laughing and gesturing around the camp as though to indicate all its inhabitants.

Although she had not gotten off to a good start, Clarke's day had not turned out so badly, she had learned a lot, she had contributed to the community, she had experienced a change in attitude and she had caught a rabbit! Or rather a hare in this case, not that she understood the difference.

Within three days even Clarke could tell she was improving. She was following her Fos' increasingly early starts, her more brutal workouts, pushing her physical fitness and strength. She followed Aden's advice of making sure she always had her pack with her, fully stocked and equipped. She was waking more easily and rising with less resistance, and it was entirely possible that she was sleeping better.

Lexa was impressed and gave her plenty of praise and encouragement. Clarke was now running/power walking through the obstacle course at both ends of the day, not because her Fos ordered it, but because pushing herself was the only way she was going to improve. It helped knowing that Indra was probably watching her, and better to be observed exerting herself than stuffing her face.

"Lexa, I wanted to say, I mean I have been thinking about it. I wasn't expecting you to say it back then, not that I didn't like it, I did…"

"You don't have to say anything Clarke, I know what is between us, without words,"

"I want to, Lexa, I love you. I do. I was just trying to find the right moment that wasn't right after sex or, whatever… but then I realised, I mean my father died so unexectedly, I didn't want you to ever wonder, doubt."

"I know and I love you with all my heart, ai hodnes,"

"I was getting all academic about it, I even googled it. I have never said it to anyone, not in a romantic sense. And I didn't want to make it a romantic thing, I wanted it to be something real, not flowers and emotions but a rational, thought out, real thing, like I am here, I am in this with you. And I don't know what this means because I am not the marrying, having babies type. I am not giving up my job - "

"You don't have to Clarke, it is enough to know that we are together. We are two independent people, you do you and I will do me and we will try to meet in the middle."

"You don't want babies?"

"I like babies, family is important but only as we choose. Let's talk again in five or ten years,"

"And in five or ten years if we are still only seeing each other twice a month?"

"You are enough, Clarke, however you come, twice a month, everyday, with or without babies,"

"Oh see, that's perfect. Its real, authentic and appropriate and so very you, Lexa,"

"And because it is all of that, it is also a little romantic, no?'

"Be careful, Heda, or you may very well find yourself getting laid."

- The next day -

"Lexa, do the people working here get paid,"

"Sha, of course, what do you mean?"

"I mean in real money?"

"Hmm, there are levels. As a lifestyle, preppers do not only rely on money, there are other often more valuable ways to compensate for labour that can be more helpful to the individual."

"I'd like to know more, if it's not too personal,"

"Our core people; myself, Aden, Anya, Indra, Gustus, Lincoln, Tristan, Ryder, Penn, Echo and Luna - the Kru, all get a salary, plus we live on the land so everything is supplied; accommodation, food, vehicles, tools and resources. I assure you it is generous and comprehensive, including medical and dental both on site and medical insurance as required by the government. I can not jeopardise the safety or well being of my community, my family, nor can I risk getting a bad reputation in the wider community."

"Then there are people who work here but live away they get wages for their work but we have personal arrangements with many people according to their needs; for example some are undocumented workers, they may not have a bank account - "

"Lexa Woods! You better not be exploiting undocumented workers here!"

"Of course not, please, do not insult me. We don't employ undoc workers, we employ people, some of whom may be undocked. Workers are chosen on their skills and links to our prepper community."

"Oh well, that's okay then. It's just that in the hospital system I have seen the unjust and frankly dangerous conditions some of those people live with - always been a touchy subject for me. Moba,"

"You are learning our language,"

"The essentials thus far - please, thank you, sorry and cake!" They both laughed.

"I have no secrets from you Clarke, but you can see I am responsible for the livelihood and indeed lifeline for almost one thousand people and their families. Again not that I think you would willingly divulge information, but there are people, determined and tricky people who may try, have tried,"

Lexa's voice cracked and was unable to finish,

"Hey, Lex, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, it's nothing,"

"It's not nothing, but you don't have to talk about it if you don't want to,"

"Thanks, I will, just not now,"

"It's fine," Clarke wrapped her arms around Lexa, who relaxed into the touch.

- later -

"Hey, Anya, ha yu?"
"Ha, your accent is improving, ha yu, Clarke?"

"I thought I would see more of you, but we are never in the same place at the same time,"

"Im extra busy just now as it turns out, nothing personal,"

"Are you sure?"

"What do you mean?"

"I thought you might be missing Raven and burying yourself in work,"

"Sha, could be,"

"I miss her too. Do you hear from her often?"

"Every couple of days, she tries to be careful, to protect me, and you,"

"Yeah, I know. Hey listen, can we talk for a minute, I wanted to ask you something,"

"Sha Clarke, shoot, as Raven would say,"

"She would. Lexa has made it clear, several times, that I am not to speak about things that go on here at Trikru, divulge secrets, which of course I would never willingly. But she mentioned someone trying to get me to talk unknowingly, and I'm confused. I don't really understand what she is implying?"

"Did you ask her about it?"

"I would but she got upset, like I thought she was going to cry. I've never seen her even close to being upset before, I didn't want to push it."

"Hmmm. So what exactly are you asking me?"

"As we know, there is a huge cultural difference between your people and mine, and I don't know what I don't know, right? So far, from what Lexa has said, I get the impression that preppers are super private about their resources, which I get, but like how likely is it that someone will target me for information? Or have I misread her meaning?"

"I mean, I don't even know anyone in the community that isn't Trikru and all my other friends have no idea I have any connection to prepping. I told them my girlfriend is a farmer because I didn't know how to talk about it without accidentally saying something I shouldn't."

'Hmm, I understand what you are saying. It's certainly an important topic, and rather broad. Can I have a think on this and get back to you, Clarke?"

"Yeah, sure, thanks."

"How was your training today, ai hodnes?"

"Great, I am really improving, c'mon, hit me!"
"Bahaha, I am sure you are improving, you look happier about training that in the beginning,"

"Well, you know, I lost the attitude, and then my Fos lost her attitude. I can't say we are friends, but perhaps no longer enemies."

"That make me very happy, and now, if you will allow me, I have asked Lincoln if I might take you hunting today,"

"And that makes me very happy, lunch first?"

"I have a picnic, and the horses are saddled,"

"Ooh is this a date? I like it,"

"It could be,"

"Okay, spill it Lexa Woods, this is no date! You clearly have something on your mind,"

"I do need to tell you something which is very painful for me,"

"Okay, sorry, I was trying to be funny,"

"It's fine. It's because of this that I did not provide you with adequate details to make you feel safe. Anya told me of your confusion, and now I must do what I have avoided."

They dismounted, tethered their horses, Lexa handed Clarke the rug and began unpacking the refreshments, it appeared as though she was psyching herself up to tell her story. Clarke's heart went out to her, she would have liked to have said 'don't tell' if she could spare Lexa the pain, but clearly Lexa felt it needed to come out.

"I had another lover, long before I knew you. Her name was Costia. We had known each other since we were twelve. Her family was known to our community for many years, passing through working, trading and such. They moved here permanently and Costia and I became fast friends, we spent all our free time together."

"When we were fifteen we became romantically involved, girlfriends. She was learning to be a tracker and healer. I graduated as Anya's seken, I finished highschool by correspondence and then undertook my college education online. We were busy but there was plenty of time too, to be young and free. We would trek for miles around, camp out, go skinny dipping, it was unbelievably sweet, innocent."

"We had been having trouble with Queen Nia even from that time. When my father died she renewed her efforts to buy at least part of our land, she tried consoling me, befriending me, manipulating me, intimidating me. Her attacks on our lands, on my people and on our resources were relentless. I can never express my gratitude to my grandfather, Anya, Indra and Gustus in those days, and every day since, I needed their strength, their wisdom, their tactics."

"We managed to survive her ferocity and after about two years the situation abated and she appeared to have accepted my answer. There had been little things here and there but small enough that I wasn't concerned and random enough I could not predict. Then a team of trackers was ambushed, two killed, all wounded with severe wounds and Costia missing."

"We quickly brought back the wounded for treatment and other trackers set out to pick up the trail. I had to bite the bullet and call in the police after 12 hours because any further delay would be too difficult to justify to authorities. The Sheriff at that time treated us poorly, like we were uneducated savages, incapable of understanding, he believed that we were responsible from the outset and did everything he could to substantiate that theory. He walked all over the crime scene, disturbed and destroyed evidence. In the meantime I was distraught thinking Costia was dead and wild with anger, so much so, he threatened to arrest me and I couldn't leave Aden. Not like that."

"After two days my trackers reported back having followed the tracks deep into Nia's lands, they assured me that Costia was still alive, that she had struggled and put up a good fight but that she had been overpowered and forced to go with them. Once inside Nia's lands their safety was at stake and necessarily their movement extremely cautious, they could not get as close as they would have liked but they were certain she was there and she was alive."

"Of course I reported this to authorities immediately, in addition I had scouts and trackers up to the line of our shared border in the hope someone would see something, that we would be able to get Costia back before she was too badly hurt or worse. Of course the whole time I knew that she had been taken because she was mine, Nia either wanted to make Costia spill all our secrets or to use her to force my hand, likely both. But, no word ever came."

"Police attended the property, questioned Nia and her family, her workers, searched the property but found nothing, they put my statements down to mutual animosity, a neighbour dispute. Their official conclusion was that there had been a fight between the members of the scouting party, that Costia had run off somewhere, perhaps injured in the frey, perhaps after leaving the group and maybe she made it her destination but more than likely died in the attempt."

"They warned me strongly to get my people off the boundary, to stay in my lane and leave my neighbours alone. Costia's family were devastated, their daughter taken, violently, no body to burn. They loved me but they were also resentful that I didn't do more, they wanted vengeance. By the gods, so did I. My advisors were torn, my grandfather and Anya strongly advised me to caution, to play the long game, Indra as you may imagine wanted justice, for Costia's family, for the other trackers we lost, for Trikru - the years we had live in the shadow of her tyranny."

"Costia's family left, never to return. It was only when Echo came that I finally had confirmation of what I already knew; someone from inside our community had been bought and Nia watched Costia from her side of the fence and from within my community, eyes and ears I thought were safe were plotting against us, sending messages to our enemy. Of course preppers are private, secretive and suspicious at the best of times but this was a blow, indeed."

"Couldn't Echo provide a statement to the police about what happened to Costia," Clarke asked.

"Yes and no. The condition in which Echo came to us was horrific, Clarke, she had been beaten almost to death and after a week when she could finally speak she begged me for mercy, for safe haven. Of course she already had it, she had been treated with the best we had, her two wolves too, didn't leave her side and we provided for them."

"Nia is truly a sadistic person, Echo is living proof that not only does she mistreat her workers, she rules with fear and violence, with a particular penchant for deliberately scarring her victims. You no doubt recall the scars on Echo's face and hands? Nia brands her property. Echo explained that it is the ultimate sign of obedience and allegiance for a slave to accept the Queen's marks, those workers are honoured with better rations and important jobs."

"Ontari is Nia's favourite and strongest warrior and Echo and her pack was her best tracker, they were in a relationship and Nia became jealous of their close relationship. She tried to cause a rift between them, separated them by always sending one away to work, she tried to make Echo renounce Ontari, when Echo refused she was beaten and whipped for days before Ontari could get her away to the border. The skin on Echo's back is something I will never forget. She won't make a formal statement, let alone testify until Ontari is safe, and I won't ask her to, one lost love is enough in this tragedy."

"And of course I offered her sanctuary, I did say that it would take time for me to trust her, but Echo was willing to tell me everything, everything she knew about Nia, about the property, the resources, the workers and of course Costia. Nia tortured her, killed her and cut off her head. Over time I was able to verify a great deal of Echo's information."

"Oh my god Lexa, I don't know what to say,"

"There is nothing to be said, Clarke. You are the only person I have ever told the whole story. I tried to keep it to myself because I like to keep Costia close to my heart. Our relationship is private, special. Not only because I love her, but because she was taken on my watch and I never got justice for her family, the least I owe her now is to keep her memory close, not to discard her, as though she meant nothing, then or now, she is not replaced."

Lexa broke down, "I don't mean to hurt you," she sobbed.

Clarke knelt behind Lexa and held her tightly,

"I am not hurt, Lexa, I am honoured that you have shared your story, and some of Costia's story with me. I know you, you are capable of great love and there is plenty of room for both me and Costia in your heart. You can keep her secret if you want but you don't have to, not anymore."

Lexa cried for some time, Clarke held and rocked her, swept her braids back, kissed her head and waited. Eventually Lexa recovered, Clarke poured her some water, and then some wine, Lexa picked at some food while Clarke ate, hungry after her industrious morning.

"And the reason I told you all that in the first place is because you weren't confident with the information I had given you, which of course is correct, because I hadn't given you all. But the point is that preppers are on the one hand, secretive and on the other, curious, probably more so than your culture would allow for normal. But there are a few who will take it to the extreme, and we just happen to be living next door to one of those, one who surveilled my last partner, abducted, tortured and killed her, so my concern is not unwarranted."

"There are others I trust besides Anya, Indra and Aden. Gustus, but he is my personal guardian, he swore an oath to my father and grandfather that he would give his life for mine. He follows my orders without question, except where it requires him to move too far from my side, he would never leave me for you even if I begged him to. I trust Lincoln without doubt, but he has other unique responsibilities when the shit hits the fan. I trust Echo, Luna and Gaia and several others both within Trikru and without. There is a priest and historian, Titus, with whom I am very close and trust implicitly, but his responsibilities lie outside of Trikru for the most part."

"Anyway, now that I have probably scared you to death, you should know that I have eyes on you at all times, a rotating crew of warriors who travel before you and behind you to make sure that what happened to Costia can never happen again."

"And when I am in town?"

"Ah, I believe Raven has that covered,"

"Of course she does," Clarke laughed and shook her head,
'You are not angry?"

"I am well loved by two amazing people who have the capacity to keep me safe," she shrugged, "It is a little ironic however that I am the worlds' best behaved girl and yet am living so close to danger on two entirely unrelated fronts,"

"Best behaved, huh? Is that what you call last night?"

"Absolutely, I think I was a very, very good girl last night. A little dirty, I concede, but you have to break a few eggs to make an omelette, am I right?"

"And speaking of food, you have to catch me a hare - go,"

"Go? Just like that?"

"Of course, I will clean up, and find you when you have it to supervise your gutting and skinning,"

"Oh honey, I am a surgeon, you think I need supervision?"

"What can I say, I like to watch."

Chapter Eight

350 of the 400 proposed places had long been finalised on the Ark for the Soft Launch - on schedule for six days hence. Of those, 250 were essential personnel with critical and specialised knowledge vital to keeping the craft in the atmosphere, functioning and repairs, and those performing indispensable jobs and services relating to the crew survival; oxygen, water, food, medical and sanitation were the priority.

Approximately 100 places were politically motivated choices, many of whom had been persuaded to transfer 100 million dollars cash into the Trump Organisation's private charity;

- Us Trump -

The President claimed the Us portion of the name of his charity was, of course, a patriotic nod Us (as in: the United States) but many political commentators declared that the deliberate choice of styling declared that it was actually Us (as in: not you). And the oxymoron 'private charity' was lost on no one despite the President's vague and repetitive assertions that the money would be used to "help many, many people, American people, maybe some others, we don't know yet. But we will be helping them, you won't believe how many people we are going to help, believe me."

The Station was frantic, the pressure palpable as thousands of very stressed people were desperately trying to keep up with the intense demand and crucial timelines for results. Not for Raven however, she had specifically told Jackie to immediately cease the frantic emails and desperate verbal pleas for her attention on issues as they arose. Rather she pointed to a white board, she would only be working on the task at the top of the list, Jackie was free to rearrange and add to the list as he was wont to do, but Raven would be completing one task before taking the next cab off the rank.

Jackie couldn't complain, not really, because if she allowed it he would be asking her to stop work on the current project to run some numbers and then another critical priority would be pushed across his desk and neither the first or the second would ever see completion. And besides that, Raven was like a genius supercomputer, highly industrious, nothing escaped her notice, she had no interest in shooting the breeze or pats on the back, she was every team leader's dream team member.

Raven simply consumed his entire workload, along with her own, producing copious easy to read, succinctly worded reports for dissemination, often with a post it note on top highlighting an interesting interpretation or making an ingenious recommendation. Jackie knew that Raven knew that he was simply peeling off the post it notes and regurgitating her ideas as though they were his own and reaping the kudos, he was too desperate to care and she apparently didn't mind.

Countdown at 96 hours and holes were being plugged at a phenomenal rate, it was clear to all now that the time for safety was well past. Trump's first term was so bad, in fact it was the worst performance of any American President ever, and without the soft launch of the Ark he would have had zero chance of reelection. His numbers were all in the single digits, and with all of the original members of his team having long since defected or been fired, Trump looked like a lonely, lost old loser, even he had considered not running for a second term.

But that was before he had cottoned on to the second most valuable service the launch of the Ark could provide, probably an idea pushed across Jared or Ivanka's desk rather than originating in his own mind. Now, despite its being twenty years in the making, with the extraordinary public interest in the soft launch of the Ark, Trump was claiming that this was his baby and he was hanging his entire second election hopes it's successful launch.

The timing was perfect, he could afford no delays, every effort was laser focussed on getting this big bird in the skies, the final countdown would echo the final election votes tally and as the mission was declared an unequivocal success he would be sworn in for his second term.

On the factory floor Jaha sounded much like people imagined Trump sounded at Trump Inc behind the cameras of The Apprentice - "I don't care about the details - just get it done, or you're fired!" He only saw what he wanted to see, the pre launch concerns could be plugged with blue tack and gaffa tape for all he cared, as long as the craft got up. Any concerns after that would not be his problem - they would find their own solutions, if they wanted to survive.

So professionally Raven was right where she wanted to be, and on a personal level she had achieved the first and by far the most difficult of her goals with the only the smaller and more simple task remaining. The first task resulted in a two part documentary series that was ready to be dropped onto the World Wide Web via several secure sources with preset triggers, no matter who found out or with what she was threatened - this information was coming out.

The essential points of which illustrate, explain and provide irrefutable evidence for the inherent structurally flawed life support system, not for the soft launch of the Ark, but the hard launch that would inevitably follow. So her allowing the timing of her own little launch to follow the soft launch was in no way risking any lives, that crew and those private citizens would have plenty of oxygen for their three month jaunt.

The other little nugget would be Jaha's treatment of Jake Griffin, and Raven had documented everything, most damning of all was the office cam footage of Jaha carrying Jake's dead body throughout the Station. It was eerie as the room cams toggled from one to another, Jaha's back disappearing through one door and his face reappearing on the other side, Raven still got shivers down her back whenever she viewed it.

Part two was a scroll compilation of her own subsequent investigation, the only thing it omitted was the part played by Abigail Griffin whose role in the affair was limited to finding and viewing Jake's attempt to blow the whistle on this very same issue and making that known to his boss, Thelonius Jaha. What Abby had done was neither malicious, immoral nor illegal. She was simply a concerned wife and citizen who put her faith in the wrong person, with disastrous consequences. Publicising her name, linking her to this scandal in a way other than as Jake's loving wife was unnecessary and cruel.

With the scrolls ready to drop twenty four hours after launch, Raven was only left with the obligation to satisfy her promise to get justice for Jake's murder. She could see the argument that publisicing Jaha's involvement was justice enough, but Raven was not entirely satisfied with that. There was no question of killing him - that was not her idea of justice, it would only make her a killer which Jake would never condone, also her Mother and sister would pay the true price of that and finally it would be far too obvious.

She frequently fantasised about sedating him and covertly stowing him on the Ark at the last possible moment, so that the world could watch him while he watched his oh so privileged life unravel. He could kiss goodbye the future which would have otherwise been so bright the rest of us would have had to wear shades! Let him watch the scrolls on repeat as he was stuck in a tin can for three months with approximately 350 of the same people whose lives he would happily have condemned with the Hard Launch. That felt like justice to Raven.

But she was not one to rush into such endeavours. Since Raven had crossed the line with Clarke that time, in front of Lexa, she had become a changed woman. She had always been brash, impulsive and loud, she had been embarrassing people for years, stirring the pot, pulling pranks - it had been hilarious. Until it wasn't. She had hurt Clarke and she knew it. She left Clarke to cool down and it had taken the blonde a full week for the worst of her pain to dull slightly and the white heat of her anger to dissipate before she could face Raven for a frank discussion.

Raven almost couldn't bear it, it was the longest they had ever not spoken and it was the most upset she had ever made Clarke and Raven was genuinely remorseful. Clarke called her and they had coffee, she said her piece and made it clear that Raven needed to grow up, that behaviour would no longer be tolerated. Raven accepted full responsibility and pledged to never repeat the offence.

Initially Raven assumed that self control would be the primary method of avoiding another such performance but in practicing holding her tongue a little, resisting the easy social interaction of acting the joker, there came the recognition of a calm quiet in her mind. Other needs made themselves known, she realised that her constant attention seeking, drinking and partying only served to distract her from some long unresolved upsets.

Raven did some digging on the net and performed a psychological evaluation on herself and implemented some conventional and some unconventional interventions and the effort, uncomfortable as she may have been, was surprisingly effective. It was like she had fit all of her growing up and maturing into a three month period, and although she hadn't lost her sense of humour and mischievous bent altogether, she had found a more measured approach, one that was focussed on making connections with people, building them up instead of tearing them down, laughing with them rather than at them.

She suspected that her newfound maturity was also playing a rather big role in her workplace success, sure her brain power carried most of the load - but if ¾ of her job was labour power and ¼ was communication and teamwork, then ¼ was due to her personal development. If even that had not been the case, the knowledge that she would never again hurt Clarke like that would be enough, and the recognition and positive reinforcement from her Mother, sister and girlfriend were always welcome.

As the intensity of the workplace increased and the needs of the project grew more desperate NASA began providing personal services to those working on Project Ark. Food and drinks were laid on 24/7, approximately every four hours a team would practically back a truck up the conference room and a range of food would be dumped off. Crates of fruit, sandwiches, pastries, cereal and milk, yoghurt, cheese and crackers, prepackaged hot meals, one would have to be seriously fussy or have severe dietary requirements to not find something to get by on.

Bathroom packs were delivered to offices (reusable cotton tote bag with a towel, flannel, soap, shampoo, body wash, toothbrush and paste, floss, earbuds, nail care, sanitary products and other essentials), An inter-office dry cleaning service - it was not uncommon to see more than a few people getting around in a pair of sweats waiting for their suits to get back. And Raven's favourite - the massage therapists who would give free thirty minute shoulder and neck rubs while you were punching the keys on the machine of your choice.

In other news Clarke felt like she was on some kind of high school holiday camp and was enjoying the accompanying happy holiday feelings. As Raven recommended, she eating good food, having plenty of sex, the best sex of her life it had to be said, and no matter how many hours she worked in a day there was always plenty of time for positive social interaction with others, both during activities, between tasks and at meal times.

Her Fos had her getting up at five am, ramming a little food and a lot of water into her gob and running - not walking - six laps of the obstacle course every morning before training even started. The change was incredible, at least to Clarke's mind and body, she felt good, scratch that - great!

Clarke's body was changing. She had always been chubby, since childhood, and the sort of weight loss she had experienced after her father died was not the healthy sort, not the result of moderate lifestyle change combining exercise with healthy eating. That weightloss left her looking pasty and frail, the stringy hair and dark circles under eyes was not the look of youth and health.

But now she had put on both weight and muscle, due to the type of physicality she was embracing her posture was naturally different, her confidence was pretty healthy and she was finally getting some good quality sleep. Although she was busy every single day, the type of stress she was faced with was entirely different, there was no shift work and the only death she was forced to consider was non human. Clarke still had a long way to go before anyone could pretend she was proficient with a weapon, but she was pretty handy with a net and wringing the neck of a rabbit or even a bush turkey.

She couldn't bring herself to lie to her Mother about taking time off work but more than once she wished she had, Abby was shocked to say the least,

"But you just had time off for the funeral? What are they going to think?"

"Exactly what I told them, I need more time off,"

"I don't understand you, Clarke, you were never like this when you were young, you had a sense of duty, an eye on the prize,"

"Yes, and now I have that prize, I am due a month's break."

"A month! You will be lucky if they are not forced to replace you. How is this going to look when you apply for a promotion?"

"I phoned to tell you that I am so stressed that I am losing weight, I can't sleep and my mental health is shot and all you can think about is me working more?"

"Oh Clarke, it's just that you have always been the good girl, besides that moving from NYC to Polis, I still can't justify that decision, but fine, it's done. Just as Raven gets her act together, you fall apart."

"Oh mom, one of you daughters has 2 PhDs and a small fortune, the other is a surgeon. Maybe you should take some time off and recalibrate, get a new perspective."

"I have responsibilities, thank you very much, I am not jeopardising all I have worked for a month off in the boondocks with a bunch of hippies."

"You liked Lexa, and Anya, and who couldn't like Aden? Come on?

"Well don't go making any commitments, especially you, meeting someone in the medical field would be ideal, even if it was only administration or finance."

"Too late, Lexa has proposed and we are having a baby and you should be happy, she has a degree in business finance and loads of money! Got to go, I think the turkey baster is ready, love you."

Clarke ended the call, Raven was right, she should have said a conference in Japan.

"Your Mother doesn't like me?"

"Yes she does, and she hardly likes anyone. She just worries I will ruin my career if I don't make the precise choices she would make."

"Like having me for a girlfriend for example?"

"Honey, you are way down on her things to disapprove of in my life,"

"Hmm, why does that sentence not comfort me?"

"You know what I mean, her concerns are focused on my career more than anything else. Now I just hung up from a taxing, unpleasant conversation, do I need to leave this hut as well?"
"No no, I know how to make you forget taxing, unpleasant conversations,"

"You do say the sexiest things,"

"Want to see something cool?"

"Always up for an adventure, Aden,"

"Grab a four wheeler, I've already done the pre-start,"

"Do we need to let someone know we are going?"

"Heda knows,"

Clarke grinned, reminded how easily she too had slipped into the tradition of when referring to her personally, it was always Lexa, and when referring to her professionally, it was Heda, or sometimes bed, but that's not pertinent. She pulled on her personal protective equipment, or PPE, and followed him down the track, Shark on the back of his bike.

After a few minutes he spoke into the mic in his helmet, that came through loud and clear in hers,

"The speed limit is thirty, Clarke, do you feel comfortable giving it a go?"

"Sure,'

Even at this speed Shark could jump off the moving vehicle, go and inspect something of interest, return to chase the quad bike down and leap onto the little shelf at the rear.

In no time thirty felt like twenty so it was fine, Aden was unlike any teenager she had ever met, always thoughtful of others, and his work ethic and sense of duty would rival his sister. Most teenagers would ditch the helmet and push the ATV to the max as soon as no one was looking, but that just wasn't his style. He was like a mini Lexa in many ways, always working, a young leader inspiring respect in their community, but in no way was he conceited, arrogant or bossy.

He talked as they rode along,

"In the rainy season, the river come up to there,"

"When it snows we bring the cattle into these areas, closer to home,"

"Good mushrooms through there, Clarke,"

He stopped along the main track at some point and pulled a pair of binoculars from his bag. He looked around until her found what he was seeking,

"Look, Clarke," he pointed and handed her the field glasses.

Clarke looked through them and tried to identify what Aden might have wanted to show her,

"Look up, in the trees,"

After a minute or so Clarke saw a tree house of sorts, nestled high against the trunk of a huge tree, it's base resting on two strong branches.

"A treehouse!"

"Sha, there are many many of them, all over Trikru,"

They were a simple structure from what Clarke could see, a base with a tall post in each corner, four half walls with a wide roof. There appeared to be some mosquito netting over the roof but bunched up at the edges, probably so it doesn't get blown around and damaged in the wind.

"How does anyone get up there? Climb the tree?"

"There is a rope ladder, either in a box at the base of the tree or on a net at the top you can release with a bow and arrow or pistol shot."

"Wow, that's awesome, what are they for?"

"Just in case you need it,"

"If the shit hits the fan?"

"That too, if you needed to hide, or if there was a wild animal, or flooding, or if you are surveilling something or someone, anything you can think of. There are supplies in there, instructions and first aid. I've stayed in them overnight, it's really fun."

"Can you have a fire up there?"

"Sha, there will be a small drum, kindling and firewood will be up there too. We keep logs of when they have been used so they can be swept and restocked,"

"Swept?"

"Spiders,"

"Ah, good point!"

It was a life she was so unaccustomed to, having been raised in the city, her approved activities were all academic in nature; reading, studying, art, music, she had learned how to swim but even that was indoors. Her upbringing was incredibly stilted compared to Aden's, not that she had been unhappy - far from it, but for her to have suggested catching public transport would have had her Mother in conniptions. And here was Aden casually grabbing a four wheeler and going off on a little adventure!

Further on Aden signalled that he was slowing down, he rode very cautiously for 500m or so before pulling off the main track, they rode off road for a short distance, Aden carefully avoiding sticks that could give either of them a tyre puncture.

"Here," he pointed,

Clarke could see nothing, but followed his move to turn the vehicle around to face the exact way they entered in on and switched it off, gloves in the helmet and that hung off the handle bars.

"I wanted to show you this Clarke, it's a bunker,"

"A bunker? Like a pre war bunker or…?"

"No, one of our end times bunkers,"

He scrabbled away at the undergrowth, shifting the soil to make visible a metal hatch door, he grinned at her and his enthusiasm was infectious, she began to feel like they had found a long lost treasure chest, and now to see if it contained precious jewels! She helped him shift the stiff levers and heave the weighty trap door, it was black as pitch down the long round tube.

Still grinning, Aden said,

"Check this out,"

He pulled a glow stick out of his back back, cracked it to activate the chemicals and dropped it down the hole, they waited perhaps a full minute before Clarke could make out a room at the end of the round vertical tunnel-like entrance. It was thrilling. For such a simple thing, Clarke was excited, it brought the prospect of end times that much closer and not that one should be excited by something like that, but...

Aden swung himself easily down into the tube and climbed down the metal ladder welded to the side, when he reached the bottom he called out,

"Alright, your turn,"

Clarke mimicked his strategy of getting herself through the opening, it wasn't that it was a tight fit, just a little awkward, but she joined him in no time. They stood there side by side looking around the room by the weird green misty light given off by the glow stick, their eyes were still adjusting and it wasn't worth a trip in the dark to be in an unnecessary hurry, slow and steady win this race.

"Ah no power," said Clarke,

"No, there will be power, a generator at the back, come on,"

It was a single elongated rectangle room, for descriptions sake imagine it was in four portions, the first quarter is almost sparse, nothing in the way of storage, furniture, gear or supplies, all of which were fitted to within an inch of the middle two portions. The last quarter housed the generator, kitchen and cooking facilities, dining table and chairs, behind a door in the rear wall is a small bathroom, drop toilet and shower, and laundry.

It reminded Clarke more of a dog bone, despite its actual even dimensions, Aden explained;

"You can expect the entry to be clear because you can imagine people running, perhaps desperate to clamber in, in the dark, with injuries and so on. And the other end is where the kitchen and heating is, if it was winter and cold then everybody would be at that end, keeping warm, fixing food, keeping a close eye on rations - make sure no one is nicking more than their fair share."

Clarke shuddered, imagining being trapped in here for weeks at time, the tension would be something, that's for sure.

"How many people can fit in here?"

"They are designed to fit 8 people with three months worth of supplies,

"Three months!"

In the middle section there were 8 folding bunks attached to one side flat against the wall, but for the mattress it held, underneath the four bottom bunks were four huge storage containers containing linen, blankets and pillows. On the opposite wall were rows of industrial sized lockers which were clearly labelled with an itemised stock sheet in a plastic sleeve on the front. Clarke was impressed, if you had never been here or were in a rush looking for something, you only needed to quickly read the lists to find what you needed and how many were on hand - without having to pull everything out.

There were clothes, tools, water and water filtration supplies, food, First Aid, weapons, batteries, lighting, there were even games and books. Aden explained the air filtration system, the generator, heating and cooking, and the drop toilet and Clarke wondered how selfish on a scale of one to ten she was, to be hoping to god she would never have to spend three months in a bunker like this, rather than grateful she may have the chance to survive in one - thanks to her very committed prepper girlfriend.

There was a large sturdy wooden table and foldable chairs which hung high upon the walls on nails to keep the space as clear as possible. Again Aden dug around in his bag and pulled out two tin mugs and a thermos of coffee, he coloured as her put them on the table,

"Lexa told me you love coffee,"

"Is this a date, Aden?"

Clarke laughed and bumped his shoulder a little,

"No, it's just that I did want to tell you something,"

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah. I really like you, for Lexa I mean. She is happy around you, really happy. I wish you didn't have to go home again and I was wondering if you thought of maybe, one day, marrying Lexa?"

"Hmm, did she set you up? Is she secretly listening somewhere, where is your radio?"

"No, she doesn't know I was going to ask that, and I know it's private, you don't have to answer,"

"Ade, I am not sure I am the marrying type," Clarke said gently, "But if I was, Lexa would absolutely be my first choice. What's really on your mind?"

"Well it's just that if you two got married I'd have a bigger family, even if was all girls,"

"Both girls, you mean?"

"No. If I get you then I get Raven too, and if she marries Anya then I get her as well - that's four sisters, and your mom maybe,"

"You want my mom as your family?"

"Well even though she doesn't like us all that much, but she will, we are good people,"

He sounded as though he was convincing Abby, it did tug and Clarke's heartstrings.

"Then maybe there would be babies and I could be an uncle, my kids would have cousins."

"Sounds like you have thought about it a lot?"

"Well there is only two of us now, and if there was an accident or end times, then Lexa might be left all alone, or me,"

'You have made a convincing argument, Aden, and for the record, if this was a date, it would have been a good one. Someone will be very lucky to have you in their life one day,"

"It will probably be another girl,"

"Any particular girl?"

"The is a girl in town, but I don't know her, I just see her sometimes in passing,"

"Oh yeah? Why don't you say hi, find out her name?"

"Yeah, maybe,"

"Also, if I ever get stuck in one of these Aden, I sure hope your in here with me,"

"I will try, Clarke,"

Oh he is adorable, thought Clarke, and if she could give him a bigger family she would and maybe she can. That night she swore Lexa to secrecy before telling her of the conversation she had with Aden, Lexa was both proud of him and concerned to think he might be sad about there only being the two of them left in the line. They talked about him for a while, how much they liked and admired him, his personal traits and skills, what he brought to their relationships and their lives just by being present.

They made love slowly and tenderly, at first, their passion steadily built up and their close bond, their intense feeling of connection, of loving and being loved, created an almost earth shattering shared orgasm, that left Clarke slumped, straddling Lexa's lap as the brunette sat leaning heavily against the headboard. Their arms holding each other, finger caressing softly, faces in the crook of each others neck, still trying to get back their breath,

"I never want to move, Lexa. This moment is the most beautiful moment of my life,"

"I am glad I am with you to share it, ai hodnes,"

Not one minute later a light but persistent knock came at the door of the hut,

"We spoke too soon," said Clarke,

"Indra?"

"Anya, Heda." was the answer, "I am sorry to ask, but may I come in? This concerns you and Clarke,"

A questioning look passed between the lovers followed by quick movements and the hurried pulling on of clothing, Lexa opened the door and Anya came in, pulling it closed behind her.

"I am sorry to disturb you,"

Lexa made a passing movement with her hand, as though to brush away the apology,

"When Raven left, she left me some very specific instructions. One is to use this burner phone to call her under particular circumstances, which have just now occurred. We, the three of us, must call Raven on this phone in 20 minutes,"

Lexa picked up the phone which was encased in a plastic sandwich bag,

"Don't open it," said Clarke,

"Why not? We have to ring her, no?"
"She went to the trouble of taking it out of its box and into that bag, Raven does nothing by chance."

"She is right," said Anya, "fingerprints and DNA, it's on the list, along with how to dispose of it,"

They sort of looked at each other awkwardly contemplating a long twenty minutes and then they went their own ways; Clarke to the bathroom, Lexa put the kettle on and Anya browsed a bookshelf, plucked something off and sat down, trying to ignore the ruffled bed clothes.

There was an unacknowledged individual countdown as all three looked at their watches every minute, a couple of attempted conversations fell flat as each tried to contemplate what Raven might be going to communicate. Good news, bad news, personal, corporate or even political - it was obvious that Raven had access to the very latest, unfiltered goings on around the world, and whatever this was was obviously not going to fly over the general carrier services.

At the nineteenth minute, Anya picked up the bag containing the phone with her right hand whilst her left held her wrist watch at a convenient angle, side by side, watching the dreaded second hand tick around the final circumference. It occurred to Clarke, as she observed the usually unflappable Anya waiting anxiously to make contact with Raven, that perhaps this woman loved her sister. If that was true, Clarke could not be happier, Raven hadn't discussed her relationship, which Clarke now realised was probably the bigger sign that something was afoot.

Her thought was interrupted as Anya thrust the phone at her,

"The number is programmed in," she said,

Clarke pressed the keypad carefully, not wanting to waste time by making an error and having to start over, especially with the bag running interference, when the number started ringing, Clarke put it on speaker and rested the phone in the middle of the table. It rang and it rang, on the sixth ring the three women looked around at each other to gauge their responses, finally Raven picked up,

"It's me," she said, the obvious avoidance of announcing her name was a signal Clarke picked up on immediately,

"Hey, I miss you, how are you? We are all here," she said,

"I am good, real good. You?"

"Same,"

"Good, okay I got something to tell you that will make you hair stand on end, but I need you all to play it cool, Okay"

"Okay,"

"The Ark passenger manifest has been finalised and published. My name is on it."

"Okay," Clarke's voice was obviously shaky in response, the panic that gripped her throat was so unpleasant but she forced herself to remain calm for Raven. Lexa, seeing her response took her hand, and Clarke, seeing Anya's, took hers and she didn't snatch it back!

"Thanks," her relief of not having to deal with hysteria was evident, "So look, this is not ideal, I realise that. In terms of the actual flight this craft is certainly capable of getting us there and back, no matter what you hear. I know three months is a long time, but it is what it is."

Clarke nodded, her throat having seized up, Lexa flicked Anya a look who appeared to be in similar distress, so she took the lead,

"Can we do anything for you?"

"Yep. Listen, I've done something. It's big. You will know all about it soon enough. I don't think you should go home, I think you should stay where you are, do you understand,

"We understand," Lexa replied, knowing that message was for Clarke.

"Commander, I want to officially ask you for safe harbour, for both of us, please?"

"Of course, no question,"

"Thank you. Really, you don't know how much that means to know she will be safe,"

"What else do you need?"

"Well, I know you're not running a charity so I got you a little something in anticipation of this moment. The location is indicated," Lexa looked at Anya for confirmation, who nodded,

"Take a semi and fork in darkness, and only your most trusted,"

"Right, okay, thank you," Lexa didn't know what to say.

"There is a twenty four hour window in which it will be safe to go home and get your stuff,"

"What about yours?" Clarke's voice was strained and cracked,

"Already taken care of,"

"What will I tell his wife?"

"You wont need to say anything. Same with the ER."

The ER? Clarke didn't ask under the assumption that the coded message would become clear at some point. There was a small silence,

"Babe?"

"I'm here," Anya's cracked voice was immediate

"This is as shitty as it gets circumstantially, I get that, but I love you, you don't have to say it back - "

"I love you, more,"

"I know, babe. You will probably change your mind when you see what I have done, but, it is what it is. I have a plan, okay, babe, trust me and follow my directions, please?"

"I will. Please be as safe as you can, okay?"

"I will, love you blondie, yes, and you too Commander," and with that she ended the call, obviously overcome with emotion herself.

After a spell, Lexa asked Anya,

"Do you know what these instructions are?"

"I have a list of signals to watch for, with another list of corresponding actions. She is one freaky tech expert, what she doesn't know about security and covert tactics is not worth knowing. So, whilst I don't know today what those instructions are, I believe I will know when I need to. Heda, thank you for taking her, she will be an asset to Trikru, I know she will,"

"Of course, Fos, asset or not, she is yours therefore she is mine,"

"Oh Raven, what have you done?" whispered Clarke, helplessly.

"Neither of you have any idea?" asked Lexa, looking from one to the other.

"None," They replied simultaneously.

"And you will stay with us, Clarke?"

"I guess so. Which sounds really ungrateful, I'm sorry, but my condo? My job? My life?"

"It's just three months, ai hodnes, see what you can negotiate at the hospital - "

"Oh, the ER, that's what she meant! Whatever she has done is public, so public everyone will know, us, my mom, the ER. Has she just become a whistleblower?"

All she could think was that Chelsea Manning went to prison, Edward Snowden is exiled to Russia and Julian Assange hasn't left his room at the Ecuadorian Embassy in seven years.

"I need to go home tomorrow, I guess," she said with an air of reluctant resignation.

"Sha, shall I go with you?"

"Yes, please,"

"What about you, Fos, what can I do for you?"

"It's not so much that she is going away for three months, it's that she is alone and in trouble,"

"Hmm, alone won't bother her too much," said Clarke, after a moment, "and trouble doesn't know Raven Reyes. The big takeaway from tonight is that she loves you! And I know my sister loves me too, she will leave no stone unturned in getting back to us, Anya, and that woman creates resources from thin air, and more opportunities than everyone else I know."

"Thank you for saying that," Anya was comforted by Clarke's reassurance.

"She has done all the hard work, and all she asks of us is to be strong,"

"Okay, you're right, I can do that,"

"Go home, have a good cry and then get up tomorrow and make a plan,"

"Oof, you sound like Heda, Clarke,"

"Well then, I must be right."

Clarke gave Anya a big hug, then as she let her go, she pulled her in again,

"And this is from Raven,"

Lexa joined in, hugging the pair of them, she insisted on walking Anya home and Clarke hopped into bed again, trying to let the information wash over her, not to think too much or worry. She began patting her face and her hair, an old self soothing technique she hadn't used in years, except that she had started again in NYC when her father died until just recently, and here she was in need of comfort, again.

The wave of emptiness that washed over her the following day as she stepped into Raven's apartment was both anticipated and unexpected. The apartment was clean, professional standard clean, all personal traces of Raven were gone except what remained in her choice of furniture, no books, no smaller electrical appliances, her music and game station - gone. The fridge door stood open, deliberately wedged with a piece of folded up cardboard and the interior was empty and as clean as it was the day it arrived in a box.

Anya's statement about Raven being alone reverberated around her mind and an acid, chemical tasting wave of emotion washed over her. Since Clarke and Raven had returned from NYC, Raven had been largely alone, Clarke now realised; researching, planning and scheming to avenge their father. She had applied for that job in secrecy, even cleaned her apartment to save Clarke the trouble, she had moved away under the burden of what she was doing and planning in near silence so that Clarke would be free and safe. Not merely from the weight of the knowledge, not only from possible future incrimination but also, Clarke realised, she had even traded to secure her a place of safe harbour.

Clarke packed like Raven did when she was a teenager, she just opened her suitcases, scooped up all of her undies, bras and socks from the drawer and threw them in. Clarke and Abby used to tag team her choices and tactics until one or both just took over, so at least the case could close and not exceed the airline advised weight restriction. All her underwear, most of her day to day clothes, her books and personal items, medical and technical resources, bathroom supplies, at which point she became upset and overwhelmed, unsure how to proceed.

Lexa had been wordlessly carting down load after load and packing it carefully in the vehicle.

"May I make a suggestion?"

"Yes, please, you are being so good to me, but I need all the help I can get,"

"Contact a cleaning service to take care of everything, like Raven's apartment. They will clean it, dispose of the perishables and close the place up. Pay your mortgage and bills for six months to give you some breathing space, I can help you if you need it, and in three months when Raven returns and the interest has passed, you will both be back here."

So that's what Clarke did. She didn't think Lexa was lying exactly, wishful thinking more like, but it was what she wanted to believe, and perhaps Lexa wanted to believe that too.

Clarke had plenty of money to do as Lexa suggested, luckily having a valuable trade and working like a dog for years made that possible. It reminded her and caused her to wonder what tradable items Raven could have procured in anticipation of needing to satisfy any demand Lexa might have made to compensate for their safe harbour. A semi-trailers worth at any rate. Tuna? Clarke burst out laughing at herself, which gave her a momentary relief from the oppressive upset and worry.

Lexa had initially offered Clarke her own hut but it had only been a month long stay at that point, and she thought better of needlessly taking up resources when chances were she would be sleeping with Lexa every night. Now that her stay had extended to three months, Lexa renewed the offer and Clarke

did pause over the thought of spending three months, 12 whole weeks, in Lexa's small hut.

Now just to give it some context - Clarke would have thought her own one bedroom condo too small for two people to share, despite its ample size. And Lexa's hut was far smaller, in fact it was just one room, with a kitchenette for tea and coffee, a fireplace and a bathroom, there was her bed with a table and folding chairs in the space between the foot of the bed and the door. Shelves were built into the wall for all her personal things.

Lexa was very minimal herself, she didn't spend much time indoors throughout the day, she was busy around the compound or in her office, and there was no need for her to bring work 'home' with her. There was no couch possibly because there was no tv, in fact there was little in the way of entertainment, books of course, and a deck of cards, but Lexa found her pleasure in nature, in her job and in her community. Of course she knew everyone, the names of all their kids, and always had time to chat to them in passing.

Aden moved into his own hut when he started going through puberty, about thirteen, he was truly like a mini version of Lexa, the same responsible outlook, always doing their duty but never burdened by it. Clarke thought for sure that he would have a PS5 or something comparable but no, he said he could afford one but he didn't really have much time for playing, his words. He would sooner jump on a horse or four wheeler with his wolf, and make sure that the workers weren't overfishing the rivers.

As they 'moved in' together, Clarke contemplated 12 more weeks at Trikru, what would she do? Lexa suggested she learn a skill, archery perhaps or firearms in addition to joining a crew; cattle, horses, foraging, hunting, or fencing. Or, she suggested slyly, you could take your training to the next level. Clarke huffed loudly,

"I have taken it seriously, Lexa,"

"I know, your fitness and strength have improved, but your self defence could be further developed,"

And that was an invitation to wrestle if Clarke ever heard one, she threw both pillows at her lover, and launched herself full pelt across the room, aiming for her gut and hoping to knock her over but Lexa saw her coming a mile off and although she could have side stepped and let Clarke knock herself out cold on the wooden beam behind her, she engaged.

She let Clarke hit her with her full weight, in momentum and barely stumbled, she manoeuvred them from vertical to horizontal on the bed, because, who doesn't want to be comfortable while play-fighting, right? Besides, this could go a whole other direction if she played her cards right! It was obvious very quickly that Clarke was out matched in strength, speed and fitness.

"Would my Fos train me for another three months if I asked her?"

"I imagine she would, sha,"

"Would she hate it?"

"She loves to make you uncomfortable, I know this,"

"Doesn't she have other things to do?"

"Indra is a very good leader, she delegates well. She still supervises while she is training you, she has eyes everywhere."

"Okay, well I will do that and choose a new skill,"

"Fencing would be a good companion skill, building up your strength and fitness,"

"It doesn't sound exciting,"

"Hmm, perhaps fencing itself is not exciting but being in a team is very satisfying,"

"True, alright,"

"There is a permanent team, Ross is the leader, Quint and some of his boys work there, but others as well. Sometimes there is another team, if there is property damage or something,"

"Oh Queen Nia?"

"Sha, but not only her, sometimes the weather or cattle too can damage the fences. But, Clarke, I must ask Ross to keep you from going to the North boundary, I hope you understand,"

"Okay, I don't even know which way is North, so, you know,"

They laughed together and enjoyed a cuddle, the room didn't seem quite so small any more.

Lexa could not hide her enjoyment of having Clarke in her hut for twelve whole weeks, Clarke did remind her several times that it wasn't permanent, but Lexa couldn't help dreaming. She made some changes to the hut to make more room for Clarke and her belongings, the first thing she did was to make their bed fold up against the wall during the day. She fixed a flat screen to the wall, so they could lay in bed and watch a film if, god forbid, they ran out of other things to do.

Lexa placed four of the crates that held the supplies Raven made available to them, on dollies and used them for dining chairs that could be rolled out of the way when not in use. There was quite a bit of extra stuff that Lexa submitted to now that she was no longer single - those days when she was satisfied with one set of sheets, one towel and one pillow. Clarke brought with her high quality linen sets, near new pillows, clothes, keepsakes, books, supplies, art supplies, you name it!

Lexa insisted that Clarke keep her easel and she placed it by the window in the light - Clarke had once mentioned having much time for sketching and painting recently and Lexa wanted to make it as easy as possible for her to pick up a pencil and begin, whenever the mood or opportunity struck.

"Lexa, have you ever thought about marriage? Kids?" asked Clarke.

"Hmm marriage always seemed a little too worldly to me, but I'm definitely down for the long term monogamy. And kids, I would love a pile but I don't want to carry and birth them. You?"

"Raven and I always swore we would never get married but that was easy because we hadn't met anyone we truly loved. I think it's just a little too middle class for me and that's not a concept I can interpret easily. And yeah I like tiny babies but I don't know that I could be a stay at home parent, I would go totally crazy just dusting, breastfeeding and crayons for fifteen hours a day."

"I would just strap it to my chest and go about my business."

"I guess, when you work for yourself…"

"Regarding marriage, it seems like you are in the no camp, looking for a way to say yes. Maybe instead of deciding whether or not marriage is for you, you should consider under what conditions marriage might be worth considering."

"What do you mean?" asked Clarke.

"Well, maybe if having children would be better in a marriage situation, you might consider it. Or maybe if it was really important to your partner, you might consider it. Maybe buying property together might make marriage more eligible."

"Right?"

"Then if enough conditions occur or a condition of sufficient strength, then it becomes worth thinking about. But right now, I haven't asked you, you haven't asked me - I presume no one else is asking you, so we can just leave it for now and see how we feel down the track. When things are less hectic,"

"Yeah, things have been hectic. Emotionally and everything else."

Chapter Nine

Later that night, under cover of darkness, according to Raven's specific directions, the Kru (Lexa, Aden, Indra, Anya, Gustus, Lincoln, Gaia, Tristan, Ryder, Penn and Ross) plus Clarke travelled in a loose convoy to a dodgy looking storage facility on the highway in the middle of nowhere. Anya woke the guy who was supposed to be guarding the premises but had clearly fallen asleep at the post, his muddy boots up on the table and a shot gun between his knees.

"Open at 8am," he growled, his long gnarled index finger pushing his worn stetson back up off his face a little.

"The sign says 24/7," replied Anya, pointing to the doubled sided flashing neon sign on the highway.

"Yeah well, that was then,"

"I am here for units 124, 125, 126 and 127."

He eyed her carefully, lifted his feet and began rustling around in what might have been a shoe box full of receipts and finding something he liked he said,

"No access till yer paid in full. Yer behind,"

A pair of headlights flashed across his face,

"Shit," he swore, squinting over Anya's shoulder, into the light, clearly not pleased at having to actually do some work.

Anya slid a detailed receipt across the desk, clearly reflecting that all four units had been paid for twelve months in advance and still had nine months of credit remaining.

"Never seen that before,"

He started to say when a second set of headlights appeared, followed by a third. It dawned on him that this was no coincidence - all these vehicles were showing up at the same time, and when at least six men began piling out of trucks he knew his shotgun would be of little help. He had intended to see what sort of scratch he could squeeze her for but he could see now that to avoid any trouble he would have to acknowledge the receipt and let her have her stuff.

Anya had the four 'keys' to the four units when it suddenly dawned on her that for all her stealth and security, this place seemed very unRaven-esque. It was only after she had lifted the janky roller doors that she understood why,

"I will never doubt you again," she prayed silently.

Each of the units contained another industrial looking unit made of hard plastic, with a complicated lock system on the front, the group held their breath wondering how on earth they were going to maneuver those heavy containers out of the unit and lift it into the trucks even with the fork lift?

Anya fished around in her coat pocket for the next set of directions, it contained the requisite codes for each, and as she went from one to the other unlocking them, Lexa followed opening the doors on each. Inside were each unmarked, industrial looking, securely sealed crates, and each of the four types of crates were unique to the others, suggesting four different types of cargo.

A low whistle could be heard from amongst their midst,

"Whatcha got here?"

The group turned as one to find the nosy groundsman, or whatever he worked at, was helping himself to an eyeful of top secret, potentially dangerous information, that may or may not come back to bite them in the ass. Lexa gave Penn an up nod, he slung his arm around the smaller man, turning him around and said,

"Come on, let's get you out of this cold night air,"

Two or three followed to make sure he was back sitting on his ancient and filthy swivel chair, in his little office, unconscious though he was.

The team got to work unloading the crates from out of the hard plastic shell, the crates were stacked by the semi trailer, the shells were loaded into the trucks and then the crates repacked back inside. Lexa was convinced that whatever was in there was military but there was no way she was going to open them out there for anyone to see. She stepped away to make a phone call,

"Titus, moba kom wake you, no, everything is fine"

…

"I need access to the warehouse in an hour, send everybody home except the out door guards, lock all the doors and turn off all the tech,"

…

"No, I have people with me for that, mochof, see you soon,"

To the group she said,

"We will unload this at the warehouse, where we have security, time and space to see what we have,"

Two hours later none of the group could believe what they were looking at. The first shell contained 12 cases of military weaponry hardware; technical pistols, shotguns and assault rifles, ammunition, spare clips, tactical vests, gas canisters, smoke canisters and flash bang grenades, silencers, scopes and more.

The second shell was medical in nature - enough to establish a small MASH unit, an emergency dental clinic and a reasonably well stocked pharmacy, including in excess 100 various specialised high grade first aid kits. There was high grade surgical equipment, including trauma gear, but as if that wasn't enough there was a mobile x-ray machine, a mobile ultrasound machine and several sets of defibrillators all with independent battery power, extra rechargeable batteries and charging stations.

The third was military grade surveillance and communications equipment with a focus on perimeter security and control room set up. There was enough computer equipment to build a small mainframe, countless monitors, computers, laptops and tablets, there were phones, burners, walkie talkies and vehicle comms set ups with antennas and satellite dishes and a range of mini and micro sized drones. Hundreds and hundreds of tiny wireless spy cams, a range of video and audio recording devices, thermal imaging technology, laser detection equipment, gps's, night vision goggles, covert earpieces and collar mikes, it was truly mind blowing.

The fourth and final container held a wide range of tools; battery packs, chargers, radios, lighting, water filtration supplies and products, flashlights, glow sticks, paracord, there were pairs of power tools (cordless drills, cordless impact drivers, chain saws, reciprocating saws, circular saws, angle grinders), there were even mobile car repair kits and a full set of hydraulic rescue tools including cutters, spreaders, and rams.

Even the now empty hard plastic shells would be useful in some capacity, as would the empty crates. They all just stood around staring at the mass of expensive, not to mention nearly impossible to acquire, cache that they had just been gifted.

Clarke sidled up to Lexa and whispered,

"This is a lot, isn't it?" It was massive according to her standards, but wondering how that would translate cross culturally. She was relieved to feel Lexa's arm snake around her shoulder and squeeze,

"Sha, Clarke, more than a lot,"

"Heda, I must know where you acquired these supplies?"
Titus spoke, an older, tall, thin, bald man, wearing a robe, Clarke wondered if he was a monk.

Lexa didn't respond immediately, she appeared to be choosing her words carefully,

"This is the price of safe harbour with the Trikru."

That was as vague a statement as Clarke had ever heard Lexa utter and she was unsure of the cause for secrecy, was it from the people in the room or Titus himself?

"Heda, I must advise caution, we are preparing for end times not running a shelter."

"Come, Ticha," Aden followed Lexa and Titus as they walked away for a private chat.

Meanwhile, Indra and Anya took the opportunity to begin discussing distribution and covert storage of the bounty and Clarke listened out of interest. From what she understood, the fact that this stockpile exists, its contents and origin would be kept classified from everybody outside of this room, in fact no one at all knew from whence it came. Only Lexa, Anya and herself could link Raven to the delivery.

It would be divided up between Trikru, this warehouse and some would be apportioned for trade, the workers within this warehouse, the Trikru residents and workers and the community at large would never know of its existence. The longer Clarke was around conversations of this nature, the more intrigued she became by the intricacies of prepper culture.

For example, she could see the need for secrecy in a general sense, of course someone would be well compensated for divulging the contents of this haul, and be further rewarded for details of its location and security information. She had no idea how much this stuff was worth on the street, but anyone could guess that its value was at least tempting enough that someone would consider a heist.

Without much chat between the pair, the consensus appeared to be that all of the combat gear would be unpackaged, tested, serial numbers to be filed off, the Trikru mark applied and the packaging would be carefully disposed of. The weapons would be packed into smaller bundles and they would be transferred to the compound where most would be covertly stock piled and some would be drip fed into the available stock to be used for training, working or indeed defence.

Nyko and Clarke would be consulted about what would be useful on the ground without drawing too much attention, that would likewise be transported, while the remainder would be squirrelled away for longevity. Clarke did suggest that the dates on the medication would need to be recorded, and if there was an oversupply perhaps some of the excess could be traded, Anya nodded and her Fos gave her a look that contained slightly less sneer than usual. That was a win!

When Lexa and Titus returned it was obvious that they had been having a rather tense discussion,

"What have you decided?" Lexa asked Indra and Anya, they explained and she nodded in approval.

"Keep the warehouse clear today, Ticha," and looking at the others she said, "Get these resources squared away."

"Sha, Heda," was sung in a low toned chorus by half a dozen voices.

It wasn't that Raven's name had come up to join the Ark Team in the air so much as it was Jackie Sinclair's. In recent times he had proven himself particularly diligent and useful, his unique insight and creative ideas had been extremely helpful to the team and his supervisors. Hence his value had been reconsidered it was determined that he would be eminently more useful up there than down here post launch.

Jackie said he would go if Raven could. She had done so much for him, indeed for the project, in just the short time she had been on the team, it was the least he could do. She appeared shocked when he had given her the good news, but after only a moment or two of reflection she agreed - he knew it, she had been dying to go!

In fact Raven had not been dying to go, but it did provide her with a couple of solutions to some as yet unanswered questions she had been contemplating. And had this opportunity not arisen, she would have found some other way around it all, but as it turns out, this could work, too.

The two main things on her mind were; what would happen to her once the media got hold of the scrolls? She would expect to be questioned by the DoJ and held indefinitely, that was a no brainer, and a problem, for sure. But worse, what would Clarke and their Mother be hit with? The other issue was what to do with Jaha, something or nothing?

If she went up with the Ark, she would have at least a three month buffer. And while she could and likely would be effectively silenced and hamstrung while floating through orbit in a tin can, unable to defend herself, what could Jaha and his one percent cronies pull out of their collective asses? Twelve weeks is a long time, 2000 hours of spin could do a lot to change the narrative.

Her only hope was to take him with her. Twelve weeks where they could thrash it out before 400 witnesses, of which surely not all could be effectively, permanently silenced by the establishment upon landing. It was her only hope. So that's what she did.

40 hours to lift off, it was frantic, even Raven was starting to feel the pressure, not about her decision or the practicalities of it, not even about the flight, could she call it that? It wasn't her first time; she was twice a winner of the John Puller Academic Prize and during both PhDs she had gotten some pretty generous access, she had been up and around, never three months worth, but enough that it lost its romance.

Sinclair was married with children so communicating the news of his being bumped up and onto the flight came as an unexpected shock, he spent hours in communicado with a crying wife and one upset child and the other excited as hell. Raven, having said all of her goodbyes months ago, and having decided not to tell her Mother, she had fuck all to pack and was able to focus on keeping up with the work as it poured in, both hers and Jackie's.

Not that she hadn't been doing this since the day she arrived, not that she cared, he was a nice guy and she could actually do it with relative ease. And luckily she did because it had bought her this opportunity, which had now begun to think of as quite providential. Turns out that she could not have come up with such a neat little plan as this on her own, although she almost did, but here it was.

She had chosen and procured her poison, it was in a capped syringe in her coat pocket hanging behind her office door. At a moments notice she could press a button, find out exactly where he was, she could toggle to a cam in that room, do a headcount, grab her weapon of choice, create a diversion, knock him out, stash the body and transfer it onto the craft at a more convenient moment.

The prick would miss his own countdown, that made her almost as happy as the whole plan in it's entirety. It's footage like that they would be running ten years from now as part of his presidential campaign, like that stupid footage of George W in an airman's uniform strutting across the tarmac posing as someone who had actually served in active combat.

Be calm, Raven reminded herself. There were medicals, medications, injections and dietary restrictions that she had to squeeze in and around her work schedule but nothing got her worked up like the one percent. Forty hours, just keep your head straight for forty more hours and then it will all be over. She was pleased with what she had accomplished, she had avenged her father, kept her Mother and sister safe and she had a reasonable idea that she could get herself out of this scrape, too.

At the twenty four hour mark The Ark launch was all everyone in the world was talking about, news coverage was endless, 24/7 on every channel and every web site. Clarke was relieved to be at Trikru in many ways, even if her sister hadn't been getting on that craft, she still would have been overwhelmed by the constant elevated atmosphere. Every patient would have been watching the telecast, all their visitors would have been telling everyone who would listen every detail they knew, it would have been unbearable.

But she did want to see the lift off, as bizarre and contradictory as that may seem, in lieu of the previous statement. She wanted to eat a meal at the diner in town, be part of the public countdown, she wanted to witness the immense pressure that would be expressed just prior, forcing the craft to launch off the ground and through the atmosphere, the stratosphere, past the mesosphere and into the thermosphere. This piece of information came courtesy of Aden Woods, the newest Ark expert, somehow he was not irritating the way other people were, saying the exact same thing.

They had hardly seen Anya since that night, Lexa suggested that she was keeping herself very busy, apparently she was finding comfort in personally dividing and disseminating the products Raven made available to them. Clarke invited her to come to the diner with them, Anya said she would see.

"You already feel alone, I don;t want you to be alone,"

Anya just nodded, there seemed another layer to their friendship now, a deeper bond, she wondered whether it was a bit sister in law like?

It made her think of what Aden had said about family, perhaps his wish was coming true?

The diner was packed. Lexa offered to pay for the meal of the family if they made it possible for her and her group to slide into their booth when they had finished. In the meantime the four of them; Lexa, Clarke, Aden and Lincoln found a place at the bar, and Aden suggested they all order for the person to their left, which sounded like a fun idea.

Lexa ordered a beer for Clarke, Clarke ordered a caramel double malt thickshake for Aden, Aden ordered a vodka and watermelon punch to be served in a martini glass with an umbrella, and Lincoln joked that he was going to order Lexa a coke, but instead ordered her a Long Island Iced Tea. Turned out they all liked their drinks, and Lincoln showed not the slightest embarrassment drinking out of the dainty little glass, even going so far as to tuck the umbrella behind his ear.

Lexa spotted the woman from the booth waving them over after about an hour, she tried to apologise for taking longer than they anticipated, but Lexa assured her that she was grateful to be able to nab a booth at all, and was more than happy with her end of the bargain. They all slid in and made themselves comfortable, they had a prime spot of the screen, the footage of which was raking its way through every minute detail, filling up the space between now and lift off anything and everything they thought could keep viewers nailed to their seats.

They ordered snacks to start, similarly trying to draw out the experience, there was still 2 and half hours to go before the final countdown, and ordering mains too early would make them feel awkward about holding up the table. As the time approached Clarke began to feel nervous and Aden excited, and at about an hour to go they were joined by Anya and Tris, Anya admitted that she would rather be with them than alone after all. It was a nice feeling of family and Aden looked especially happy.

There was only one news story on the screen, with its many facets being cycled through and then repeated for hours, probably days if they had cared to watch. The purpose of the flight, how well the design and features of the craft met the need for function; there was discussion of Trump having given the project his full support; discussion about NASA, the overall role of the organisation and how this project fit with those aims. They kept bringing on experts to comment on each and every angle, then how likely an end world scenario was likely to be, that the human population could be reduced to just 400 people orbiting the Earth, waiting for it to recover, from the effects of perhaps radiation?

A few more establishment experts toeing the line between rejecting end world scenarios and the alternative thinking it as unchristian and unamerican but at the same time finding a way to argue that such projects were not a waste of resources, but necessary to the economy, patriotism and survival of the human race! These glaring hypocritical, contradictory remarks were never challenged by the host, just glossed over with expensive suits and blinding white smiles to the next talking point.

Aden who had probably consumed the least amount of television in his life of anybody else in the diner could not get over the bald faced lies some people told while the rest of the panel smiled and nodded as though they didn't know better.

"That didn't even make sense!" he protested loudly, in disgust.

"That guy said…. And then that woman said…. And they all agreed as if that meant the same thing,"

Anya tried to explain it to him,

"It's confusing because it isn't real, Aden, this isn't news, it's entertainment, propaganda. That's why nothing makes sense, that's not the point."

"Then what's the point?"

"Commercials and propaganda. Try to identify what they want you to think, look in the opposite direction to start digging for the truth," explained Anya rather cogently.

"Shut up!" shouted one guy, overly loudly given his relative proximity,

Aden's eyes opened as wide as they would go and no one else at their table moved a muscle.

Everyone just hoped the potential spat would just fizzle out and die but the guy had a few beers under his belt and wanted to have a go,

"This is America, you know. And I'm a patriot. We're all patriots here, so shut your mouth,"

Aden just stared at him in disbelief until Lincoln subtly dug his ribs with an elbow.

The guy was getting no return for his effort so he finally let it go and waved for another pitcher of beer and all the faces in the diner turned back to the screen.

Forty Five minutes to go.

As soon as the hubbub began to fill up the room again Aden apologised,

"That was my fault, I shouldn't have spoken so loud,"

"Aden, if I told you to shut up because you were speaking too loud, what would you think,"

He thought for a moment and then said,

"I guess I wasn't speaking that loudly, everyone in here is having their say, I've got a right to express my opinion too,"

"Exactly," replied Anya.

"Yeah, he is just being an ass," said Tris, defending her friend.

Lincoln took up the lesson, but speaking quietly so as not to be overheard,

"I've always found these discussions confusing, you said a specific thing about those on the panel colluding to obscure the truth and then someone says, 'yeah well I'm a patriot so…"

"Yeah, I didn't understand that,"

Lexa chimed in,

"I don't mind having a logical discussion, thrashing out the details but you cant have an argument when someone goes off point to defend their position. Everyone claims to be a patriot, and being one means something different to everyone, but it doesn't actually support his claim."

Aden nodded like he understood, then their attention was arrested by the series of official NASA staff photos of the 400 and a list of their education, qualifications, awards and points of interest.

There were a few staff who had been asked to suit up at the last minute and of those they didn't have photos and details, Raven's name was mentioned in this group, no educational details, no photo.

"Does that make you sad?" asked Aden,

"No, Raven doesn't care about publicity, in fact she would probably prefer it this way. She has a strong sense of self, approving of herself gives her a lot of fuel, she goes a long way on that. She knows how much we love her and that gets her the rest of the way," answered Clarke.

"When do you think we will find out, you know," he gave a serious sort of look and nodded,

"How long until we know this launch is successful, you know, until they are out of danger?"

"Well the most dangerous part is getting off the ground, then it takes 9 minutes max to reach the Thermosphere and after that they should be pretty right,"

"Wow, okay, that's pretty quick. I think it has already been programmed to go at a predetermined time. Give the news cycles time to recover from the launch, maybe 24hours from now, ish?"

"I am more excited for that than this," he said, with a guilty grin.

"Shut up," came the same voice from over the back of their table.

Anya had finally found an outlet for her already frayed nerves,

"Your obnoxious behaviour is bothering our family dinner," she said calmly.

"Yeah? And your son is making my beer go flat,"

"You have probably had enough anyway," she continued, not about to back down.

Tris grabbed Aden's hand under the table.

"An' 'oo do you think you are, telling me what ta do?"

"Same as you telling us what to do,"

"You ought to knock some sense into that brat before he gets much older,"

"We like him just fine as he is,"

"Well I don't and I don't want to 'ear 'is opinions no more,"

"Feel free to leave,"

"Fuck you, bitch,"

"Ooh he shouldn't have said that," whispered Tris, her lips hardly moving.

Anya stood up, looked him square in the eye and said loudly, inviting the room into the discussion,

"How about a little friendly competition? Two pitchers, please," she called over her shoulder.

"First one to the bottom of their jug wins. Loser leaves."

"Or what?"

"Or I take you outside now and punch you until you stop speaking,"

"Bahaha, as if you could! Alright, the firs' one,"

Two pitchers arrived on a tray with two glasses, Anya turned her glass upside down and prepared to drink from the side of the jug, the farmer type stood tall, squared his shoulders and copied her,

The barman was excited by the prospect and nominated himself judge and jury,

"On your marks," he called, no one was watching the screen, "Get set, go!"

Anya took a deep breath and downed the jug without pausing, albeit she was pretty flushed and gasping for air when she was done, and the farmer still had a third to go,

"Fucking cheat," he said, dragging his forearm across his mouth.

"Now, Wayne, she beat you fair and square."

The barman was attempting to have the final word and ward off any fisty cuffs,

"Time to go home, old mate,"

Anya turned her back on the fellow, raised her empty pitcher and shouted to the bar,

"Next round is on us, now let's watch this tin can break the sound barrier!"

There was a rousing cheer, she had earned the respect of the patrons.

Aden looked impressed, Tris looked like she had scored the winning goal at the Superbowl.

"Was that easy, with the jug?" he asked.

"I took it slow because I was hoping I would get to punch him,"

They all stifled a laugh and divided their attention between their meal and the big screen.

"That was amazing, Fos!" Tris said. Anya winked at her seken.

The time dragged on, especially with the terrible quality of commentating and the narrative in general, they all would have preferred an unbiased, independent, even left wing perspective but that's the establishment for you. There was mention that they had been expecting a live cross with Thelonius Jaha in the hours prior to the countdown, but they had not been able to reach him, several pundits suggested that this was of course a critical moment in the project and that he was probably tending to 101 vital, last minute issues.

"And frankly we all support Jaha giving the craft and the team his undivided attention in these final moments, he is well known for his eye to detail and commitment to safety, so we wish him luck and we wish all our friends on board the Ark Station the very best of luck and smooth sailing as we cross live now to Dennis Mantle, who is outside of the Operations room, Dennis?"

A look crossed between Clarke and Lexa. Jaha missing now? At the 24th hour? Smells like Raven.

"Good evening everybody, Dennis Mantle with you live from just outside the NASA Operations room, at the John F. Kennedy Space Center, located on Merritt Island, Florida. This is the hot spot, of course, for the imminent launch of the Ark Station - the reason the whole world is tuned in to (channel plug)! Gee, what an exciting moment in the history of America and the history of the world.

I know just how many references have been made between this launch and the 1969 moon landing, but folks there is no denying that both of these moments could share equal billing for the most important occasion in the history of human evolution.

Now, I have heard it argued, and it is a compelling case, that this is slightly more significant of the two because of the impetus for this soft launch, which is of course the hard launch where those 400 humans will ultimately be the last of our kind, escaping a potentially unsustainable Earth, to remain the last and best hope for the survival of the human race."

The diner was silent, and it seemed that everyone recognised it all at the same moment. It's not that they had not heard that story before, hell, anybody who had seen a television, looked at the news or spoke to another human being in the last 48 hours had heard it. But the imminent nature of the launch seemed to give the speech a little more gravity than earlier versions.

"I don't know, folks at home, close call? I confess that I am leaning toward the latter argument for claiming this event to be the most significant. And the Hard Launch will make both points moot as it supersedes both in significance - hang on, there appears to be some movement behind me here, yes, yes, in the Operations room, just behind me here, it appears as though - "

"We seem to have lost Dennis, and we cross live now to the official countdown with President Trump and Mr Thelonius Jaha, who is of course the man tasked with putting all of this together. No one can claim he did it single handedly, but he has given this proud nation a tremendous level of service over the years - Okay, I have just been informed that Jaha is still on the factory floor, as they call it, and the President is going to give a speech before the official countdown."

The first strains of the United States national anthem The Star-Spangled Banner could be heard and the diner patrons stood as one body, hands on hearts, heads bowed in deep reverence of the myth of their homeland. Aden looked like he was thinking about not standing but when he saw Clarke stand he followed, not to copy her but because her sister was on that craft and she had to be stressed enough about that, he didn't want to add to it, besides he had caused enough trouble for one day!

The President prepared to say a few words, and thankfully they were few,

"Thank you, this may be the most important speech I have ever made. Good evening, my fellow Americans and to those watching us from around the globe. In just a few moments, be prepared to witness the successful Soft Launch of The Ark Station and its journey into orbit. This project is a dry-run for the day when 400 of our best and brightest citizens may take that final journey one day in the future.

The Ark will launch very shortly, travelling through layers of the Earth's atmosphere, to orbit around the Earth for 12 weeks. The information gleaned from this exercise will be assessed and solutions implemented for the improved Ark Station and it's potential Hard Launch at some future time."

"It takes a strong government, a strong President to deliver on their promises. Now I promised this years ago, check the records, I promised it and now I am delivering. The whole world is looking at us tonight, they're asking themselves, 'how did he do it? How did they do it?' It wasn't easy, let me tell you, I had the dirty dog democrats fighting tooth and nail to prevent this from happening, but they can't stop us and they can't stop me from delivering to my constituents, my voters. Just one more thing, let me ask you this - are you tired of winning yet?"

"I want to thank all the many thousands of people who have worked hard to make this moment possible. It is an honour and a privilege to be here, at this point in time, to know, that in the unlikely event that human species or our home here on Earth is jeopardised, we have a plan to survive. So don't be afraid, have faith, don't buy into all that end days stuff, that's for other people to take the easy way out, to live in fear. Not us. Be bold, know that you are an American and we are the greatest people on the planet. To those on board the Ark Station, we wish you good luck and Godspeed."

Live feed footage of the Ark Station preparing to launch replaced the President's orange face and yellow hair. A new and separate audio file being played over the top, it was a commentator, there was no introduction given just an unidentified person speaking, possibly from inside the Control room,

"Three minutes and twenty five seconds and counting, we are still a go at this time, we have transmission coming in now, we turn to automatic sequence,"

"T minus three minutes and counting. All elements of the mission are on line for a go at this time. If anybody on the factory floor has eyes on Mr Jaha please alert the Control Room Supervisor."

"Members of the launch team at the control centre are monitoring a number of what we call redline variances, tolerances, we don't want to go too far above or below in terms of temperatures and pressures. We have someone standing by to call out any significant variation that may jeopardise either the launch, the successful flight or indeed the mission."

"T minus two minutes thirty seven seconds and we are still a go on the Ark Station mission at this time. If anybody has eyes on Jaha, on the factory floor or anywhere please contact the Supervisor."

"The vehicle is starting to pressurise as far as the propellants are connected and all is still a go as we continue to monitor our status going forward. T minus two minutes and twenty seconds."

"From the moment of lift off Ark Station will be a minimum of 6200 miles away from their destination. We have just passed the two minute mark on our countdown, now at T minus one minute fifty four seconds and counting. Our status board indicates that the oxidising tanks in the second and third stages have now pressurised. They will continue to build up pressure in all three stages here at the last minute due to preparing for liftoff."

"T minus one minute thirty five seconds on the Ark Station mission to launch and survive twelve weeks in orbit before returning home here to the United States. All indications coming into the control centre at this time are indicating that we are a go."

"One minute twenty five seconds and counting. Our status board indicates that the third stage has completely pressurised. Eighty second minute has now been passed. We will go to full engine power at the fifty second mark in the countdown. If anyone has heard from or has eyes on Jaha, immediately contact the Control Room Supervisor."

"Guidance system goes on at seventeen seconds. Leading up to the ignition sequence at 8.9 seconds. We are approaching the sixty second mark on the Ark Station mission to launch, T minus sixty seconds and counting. We have passed T minus sixty, Fifty five seconds and counting."

"The pilot has just reported back there has been a 'real smooth transfer', We have just passed the fifty second mark. Ark Station transfer is complete. Engine power will be coming on line within the craft at this time. If anyone has heard from or has eyes on Jaha, immediately contact the Control Room Supervisor."

"Forty seconds away from the Ark Station lift off. All the second stage tanks are pressurised. Thirty five seconds and counting, we are still a go."

(Most people in the diner were still standing from the national anthem and the President's speech was so short, everyone appeared to be transfixed as they participated in this once in a lifetime event.)

"The Captain of the craft has revealed that 'it feels good'. T minus twenty five seconds. Twenty seconds and counting. Does truly no one have any idea of the whereabouts of Thelonius Jaha? It's just incredible. T minus fifteen seconds. Guidance to internal."

"Twelve, eleven (some people in the diner began to join in the countdown), ten, nine, Ignition sequence start,"

(A loud controlled explosion sound could be heard over the audio).

"Eight (the last few voices lost their will and the official countdown continued solo with complete silence in the room), seven, six, five, four, three, two, one, zero."

(Fire burst out from underneath the craft as it worked to harness that energy, that power, to hoist itself up and be thrust out into the atmosphere).

"All engines running, we have a lift off."

"Plus thirty seconds, the craft is no longer visible to the naked eye. Launch is officially a success"

Anya and Clarke still holding hands, with Lexa standing beside Clarke, arm around her shoulder, her hand on Anya's back for moral support. Everyone held their position waiting, and for once the silence was a good sign, that all was well. They all began to sit again and ponder the experience.

"As hand wringing as that was, I actually feel really good about it," said Clarke, "she had complete internal access, if it hadn't been safe there is no way she would have gone. And I just know that she will make it, she will come back home to us. I just feel it,"

"I feel it too, Clarke. What do you make of the missing Jaha, though?" asked Anya.

"He has probably been sedated and tied up by someone and locked in a toilet stall," replied Clarke.

"Why would someone do that?" asked Aden.

Clarke shrugged and smiled at him,

"Maybe he kept telling people to shut up and someone didn't have access to pitchers of beer at work."

Chapter Ten

Raven was strapped into her seat with a book, it was a western romance. With so many people to organise, so much going on and she was so far down the list of important people, she simply decided to stay put and rest. This two hours was the longest rest period, awake, where she had nothing to do and nothing to think about, for months and months. She had completed all her personal tasks and a great many professional ones - but they were never going to stop coming, they would have had her working on a laptop strapped into this seat if they could.

Speaking of strapped in, Jaha was secured in a toilet cubicle in a part of the ship that had been off limits for days, what better place for a sack of shit? And one might wonder how the hell a woman could carry a large sedated man through a highly secured, military protected, shut down zone? Not as hard as you think when you're a texpert like Raven Reyes.

She had set off a little disturbance at one end for the bodies to follow up and for the external eyes she simply set the security live feeds back in time - what they thought was live footage was three hours old. No one even saw a woman push through a tech box on a flat bed trolley, she was in and out in five minutes and back in her office to reset the surveillance feeds before anyone noticed.

And here she was comfortably reading without a care in the world, unlike Racquel Swan, an heroine from the 1800s whose father just died and left her a fortune. All the men in her home town were trying to win her heart (read money), and when city boy lawyer Mister Andrew Harris arrives, everyone is suspicious of the newcomer but he is the only one who truly loves Miss Swan. Will Racquel realise the truth before Mr Harris rides the steam train East again, and she loses him forever?

Raven was not one bit nervous about the flight or anxious about spending three months doing laps of a tiny little marble sized Earth. She wasn't in the least bit trepidatious about Jaha finding himself on board the Ark or when he finally fingers her for a villain. Not even when the world, including these 400, are suddenly alerted to her story.

No, the time for anticipation and stress has passed. It's a little like this book, she reflected, of which she had already read the last few pages first to make sure she would enjoy it, she had all but written the last chapter of this real life saga and was quietly confident she could secure the last word.

A voice came over the internal comms, some person commentating their final moments before take off, a little bit of information for the masses she presumed and the official countdown. She felt serene, she really did, she imagined sending Anya, Clarke and her mom a big hug, 'home soon, I promise'. She tuned out of the people around her, the detailed audio monologue punctuated by near constant T minus updates and desperate requests for Jaha, and tuned into a helpless, naive and at times stupid and insipid Racquel. Perhaps when this adventure is over, she will go back in time and give Miss Swan a few pointers in taking care of business and feminism 101.

So relaxed, she must have dozed off, the monologue was apparently over and the launch was a complete success. The people who had noticed her sleeping looked at her incredulously - the most important moment in the history of humankind and this one has nodded off! Fuck 'em thought Raven as she smiled around, she had been working some insane hours, and this was the first chance she'd had for a nap.

As time passed the internal comms started up, "My name is Mitchell Wright, you can call me Mickey, I am the Captain of this vessel, responsible for the craft and the project for the next twelve weeks. As you heard lift off and launch were a complete success, thank you President Trump (queue laughter).

Now I am going to let you all out of your seats in an organised fashion, as your seat number is called, you may head to the bathroom, take some refreshment from the galley and report to your workstation. Welcome to life on the Ark, folks. Seat numbers 2, 4, 6, 8, 10. Seat numbers 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60. Seat numbers 102, 104, 106, 108 and 110. Seat numbers 152, 154, 156, 158 and 160."

Seat numbers were called every fifteen minutes and Raven didn't care if hers was never called, she was still following Racquel's pathetic attempts at avoiding the various proposals and schemes of all the men in her life. Even the one who nearly raped her she merely called 'a little spirited', Jesus Racq, get some balls! Finally it was time, her number was called and she had to pee, she grabbed pre-packaged sandwiches and a filled reusable water bottle and headed to find Jackie.

Jackie was thrilled to be part of this momentous occasion, even if it was not momentous it is still pretty cool, even Raven had to admit. He was chatting away to everyone who was passing his office, sending selfies to his family, trying to explain to his kids why he wasn't floating around the craft. Raven could see the unopened emails in his inbox on his laptop in the background, she would have been more excited if she wasn't aware of just a little more excitement around the corner - namely Jaha in the can, the scrolls hitting the WWW and the possibility of her facing the DoJ.

She opened his emails starting at the first unopened one, from the bottom up, click scan, click scan, she perused a couple of messages, a report, an update, a request for validation. She opened her own laptop side by side and forwarded herself the request from Jackie which automatically gave her access to the relevant file. She proceeded to perform the data validation via her own suite of number crunching apps that she had developed on the sly since she had been with NASA, not for profit of course, but how else did anybody think she had been achieving the immense workload they threw at her? And not just hers but Jackie's as well? When the validation had been completed she emailed the authorisation codes from Jackie's email account and that's how her work on the Ark began.

It took plus six hours post launch for Jaha to begin coming around from the several sedatives he had been administered over the last twelve hours, his groaning and movement scared the heck out of someone in the next cubicle who assumed someone was ill and performed the necessary checks. Word of Jaha's being on board made the rounds quicker than an emergency alert siren, in some cases heads could be seen receiving the news from the person on their left, and immediately leaning to their right to repeat it.

He was taken to the infirmary and the news was communicated to the captain, Mickey, who swiftly alerted the Operations Supervisor on the ground. Jaha had no memory of the incident, no idea how or when he had been transferred to the Ark or who could be responsible for such a dangerous action. Blood work confirmed the presence of sedatives which confirmed his story and the consideration of the use of another as Jaha began to fully contemplate his predicament; he was now a resident of the Ark project for twelve weeks!

And he had missed his big moment - standing with Trump as they each gave a speech, shared the official countdown and basked in the public kudos for their achievement and contribution to the survival of the human race. He could not believe it, he sooner thought the whole thing was a prank, that his moment was just hours away, in the future, where were his speech notes and his suit?

He was shown the footage but he just could not believe it, his disappointment was keen and a sense of shame as he heard the commentator, time and again, ask after his whereabouts for the world to hear; like he had somehow gotten lost in his own building or been caught on the toilet with his trousers around his ankles. Oh gods!

His moment of glory turned to an unending moment of shame of international public proportions on an epic scale. He was going to find out what had happened and who, who was responsible for such an elaborate revenge plot, and he had a few ideas too - no one gets to the top without stepping on a few toes. But of all the names, Raven Reyes was not among them, and if it weren't for the scrolls about to drop, this may very well have been the perfect crime.

Jaha was on the phone to the Director, he wanted a complete security sweep, start with the last time he was seen on security feeds prior to the launch, find out who had gotten to him and how! Internally he was devastated, shamed and livid, externally he was just plain furious, at everyone and everything! His disposition served to keep him horizontal in the infirmary without permission to leave.

Life on the Ark was necessarily different to life on Earth where, when you can get the shits with your doctor and walk out of the office without consequence. But the fragile environment onboard a craft with limited resources orbiting Earth was more delicate - no one could afford an irate Jaha disrupting and disturbing the function and the mood of the team aboard the Ark. The Chief Medical Officer had already been in contact with the ship's Captain and they agreed that Jaha would remain on the bunk until they could be assured that he would not be a disturbance.

He accepted it sullenly at first, the choice was to remain quiet or be forcibly restrained, either medically or with straps. Oh how the mighty have fallen, he thought over and again. One day he was the Deputy Director of NASA and the next a virtual prisoner on his own fucking project,

"Sir, your vitals are beginning to rise again,"

Relax, breathe, he told himself, this is a glitch, just a glitch, besides, he was still not convinced that the whole thing was still not some large scale prank, probably live streaming on youtube right now. The next big thing to see followed by the launch.

"That's better, Sir, we will get to the bottom of this, you can be sure."

The launch. He had never felt as bereft about anything in his life as he did about the prospect of missing his own launch. Those images of him and the President at the moment of the successful launch, it was to have been the launch of his own political career. Instead, now he would be remembered as the fool who nobody could find at the critical moment - his opposition, whoever they might be, would have a field day! Somebody was going to pay - Abernathy or Jamall, or even Chang. He would find them and then he would make them pay.

"Try to relax, Sir,"

Not only had he lost that valuable experience and opportunity but what the hell was he going to do up here for three months? Would they ask for his resignation? Could he spin this to his advantage at all? Was it possible that his whole career was over? No one would care that he was sedated and kidnapped, they will only remember that he was not at his post when the flag was unfurled - the echo of that commentator constantly asking "Has anyone got eyes on Jaha?" throughout the most important moment in the history of the world.

There were probably memes doing the rounds already, "has anyone seen Jaha?" a Where's Wally puzzle of Jaha in the most ridiculously obvious and inappropriate places while the world was searching for him and not finding him. The newest saying will be 'are you really going to be there or are you going to pull a Jaha at the last moment?'

Tiger Woods isn't remembered as the best golfer to have ever played the game - he is remembered as the fool who couldn't keep his dick in his pants and lost everything; his marriage, his reputation, his endorsements and his ability to compete on the green.

Mel Gibson, Hollywood royalty and family man, billion dollar actor and real estate mogul who drove drunk and made made racist slurs and lost the lot - his consequent divorce settlement cost him half a billion dollars and he had been blacklisted by Hollywood so firmly he had to fund and make his own movie just to get an acting job.

Hugh Grant shocked the world when he was pulled out of a vehicle by police on a main street for having sex in a public place with a prostitute, while he was in a high profile relationship with a well known supermodel. His career didn't hit quite the lows Woods and Gibson but he certainly was a very funny joke for many, many years.

Jaha needed to get out in front of this, he had to set the narrative, he needed a spin doctor, he had a few calls to make.

"You're spiking again, Sir,"

"I have to get up, I need an office space, somewhere I can make some calls. I don't have any clothes or personal - I don't even have a towel to have a shower."

"No problem, Sir, the Captain has said that when you are sufficiently calm he will come and see you. You can tell him what you need and I am sure - "

"When I am sufficiently calm! Do you know who I am? I am not some naughty child, I have been assaulted and abducted, I need to speak to him now. Where is my phone, my laptop, oh my god!"

"Yes, of course, Sir, we are all aware of the circumstances, and an investigation is underway, they will keep you updated with their findings,"

Jaha felt like his head was going to explode. He had no contacts, no numbers, no emails and on this craft he was going to be treated like everyone else - he would have no office, no privileges, no staff, he would have to stand in line for his own god damn protein paste! And worse, he was not going to be able to participate in the investigation, to push it in the direction it needed to go. Thelonius Jaha had just lost control of his whole life, career notwithstanding.

He didn't even feel the prick, he became vaguely aware of a high pitched beeping somewhere in the room and the next thing he was slumping over and the doctor was helping him to a lying down position. This was baaad, sooo very baaaad…

His vitals had spiked, again, and as agreed he had been sedated and restrained to the bed, and this would continue to occur until he could get himself under control and behave in a reasonable manner. They were only eight hours into their project and things were already beginning to go sideways, if Mickey couldn't get a hold of this situation - the whole project could be compromised.

Raven had procured another computer, in addition to her's and Jackie's, along with two more monitors and was doing her thing. She no longer had her own office, she had a space on a table with other members of her team. She could hear everything that everyone said both inside the room and out in the passageway, and because they were talking about Jaha, the Captain, the Doctor and the investigation into how Jaha came to be on the Ark Station, she could hear a lot more than that.

Apparently he had become agitated, asking for his phone, wanting to speak to the Director and then calling for the Captain. Fair enough too, the guy had been sedated and kidnapped, he was probably still disoriented and to wake up at the beginning of a three month journey had to be a bitter pill to swallow. He had demanded to see the Captain and become disorderly so they sedated him again and tied him to the bed, which some people found amusing but many more were outraged - the Deputy Director himself, first kidnapped and now restrained!

If Raven thought it was amusing she gave no indication, she understood they were only early in their journey, things needed to be kept under tight control. The chain of command had been clear but now with Jaha on board, how was it going to work? She could see the need for order. She looked at her watch and experienced a spike in her own vitals, T minus ten hours until her WhistleBlower status was invoked.

If Thelonius Jaha thought things were bad now, he was in for a world of hurt in just a little while, the victim was about to become rebranded as the predator - not her, him! And yes, maybe her too. At present he was screaming for justice because he had been sedated and his body moved on the Ark but when people see him sedating good old Jake Griffin, everybody's friend and mentor, and stuffing him into an incinerator, people may be less inclined to feel sympathy for the position in which the Deputy Director finds himself.

Raven was not expecting to be shown much sympathy either, the people on board and everywhere else on planet Earth would be able to watch those scrolls from beginning to end, many times over, pause, rewind, google stuff and discuss ad nauseam. They would choose a side, defend it, during debates some might be persuaded to a different view, some will sit on the fence, but at the end of the day she had brought confusion and instability way too close for comfort and there would those who would not thank her for that even if they begrudgingly admired her tenacity and loyalty for uncovering the murder of her father.

The only card Raven had to play to win them over was that Jake had been one of them, they would remember him, remember what a great guy he was. That he would have been here with them but he had died standing up, not for himself, but for a group of people exactly like them who would need to take this flight in the future. And he didn't die because a pipe fell on him or he crashed his car - no he was murdered, stuck with a sedative, just the way Jaha was bitching was done to him and tossed away like a piece of inconsequential rubbish. A tiny cog in a large machine who had served his purpose.

And for what? Because he got in the way of Jaha's political aspirations? Jaha had lied to investigators, investigators had done a half assed job, he threw some money at the widow for an NDA - the one percent once again bending the world to their whim and if people happen to get crushed under their wheels, well, it was all for the greater good. But stick Jaha with a sedative and stow him on the Ark and suddenly he becomes all concerned with thorough investigations and justice.

Yes she would have to play her cards carefully. In the meantime she would continue to work, what else was she going to do? Plus she enjoyed it. Btw, Swan eventually became Mrs Wilson and her money was kept out of devious hands, they would probably go on to have a dozen handsome, well mannered babies. She wondered briefly how Anya was faring now that she had seen the craft safely launched? And Clarke? Her Mother would at this moment be in blissful ignorance for ten hours more.

Raven finished up the few things she was working on and set a longer algorithm to run while she went to have a sleep, she wanted to be rested and awake by the time these scrolls hit, she was beginning to feel nervous now, the anticipation. She explained to Jackie what she was up to work wise and advised she would be back after a kip, she took a shower and climbed into her bunk and went straight to sleep.

It felt like two minutes later that her alarm went off, she didn't have to look at it to know: T minus 59 minutes and counting until the scrolls dropped. At least the narrative would be hers, someone wasn't going to be continuously asking the whereabouts of Thelonius Jaha who was probably still tied to the infirmary bed. She was in no hurry to return to the office, she went to the galley and poured some coffee and listened to some people chit chatting about work and family and things people discuss with people that are still getting to know one another. She pushed two pieces of bread into the toaster and refilled her coffee, taking time to change out the filter for the next user.

At the office Jackie was attempting to crunch the numbers but having no success,

"I could show you how to do that, Jackie, "

"I did know how to do it once upon a time, then you came along and put us all to shame,"

"Come on, I will give you a refresher, it will come back to you in no time and then we will all be on the same page of awesome."

"Maybe later, can you pull this now?"

"Sure, Boss,"

"Thanks, Raven,"

"Want me to - "

"Yes please, they need me in fifteen,"

"You got it,"

She scanned the numbers and pulled what he would need, reconfigured it, re-stated the parameters and seeing that it was clear she typed out a speedy analysis and gave him a byline,"

"Thanks, Raven, really,"

"It's called teamwork,"

It was happening, she could feel it, the stillness, the death knell of silence, everyone was preoccupied with a screen, obsessively so, concentrating and then calling someone over and showing them. Raven opened a new tab and began watching too. It started with Jake Griffin's thin, drawn face, concerned and a little desperate, he was speaking quietly, recording his message about how he had detected insufficient life support systems for the proposed Hard Launch of the Ark Station and how critical this is to the viability of the project.

He describes how he had run the numbers and identified the issue, thinking he had made an error in the crunch, or the analysis or even his conclusion, he had someone else take a look, who verified his findings. He took it to the team leader who was interested and referred it to the next level up and eventually returned it to Jake saying the higher ups would take a closer look at it. Time went by, Jake followed up but no one seemed to know anything about it.

Eventually he created a paper trail, emailing it to his team leader, and ccing in the line manager. Six months went by of Jake trying to raise the issue with all and sundry but it appeared to him as though someone, somewhere had decided to wait Jake out. So he emailed Jaha directly who ignored him. Several times. When Jake ambushed him Jaha basically ruffled his hair and called him a troublesome little scamp, not exactly but you get the gist.

As the recorded messages went on Jake looked older, more drawn and increasingly suspicious, looking over his shoulder, whispering into the mike, there would be very few people who wouldn't have compassion for the poor guy who talked about the importance of the project, how much he believed in it, how important this issue was. More than once he referred to it being akin to the Titanic's lack of lifeboats;

"We don't do that to people any more," he said desperately, "And we don't need to,"

People were at different points in their viewing of the scrolls, all within sort of thirty minutes of each other, but others always knew where you were at because at a particular point in the scroll everyone always went,
"Aww,"

That's right, thought Raven, he is fighting for you right there. America was founded on the tradition of fronting up to tyranny not kowtowing and taking it up the - anyway, back to the scrolls.

There were a few more interactions between Jake and Jaha and then a serious conversations recorded by Jake where Jaha told him in no uncertain terms that the project was going ahead as is, there was nothing that could be done at this stage,

"Commit some resources to it," pleaded Jake.

"It's done." replied Jaha.

"Delay," begged Jake.

Jaha reacted to that like Jake had shot him with a bullet,

"Griffin, I am telling you this one last time, this is above your pay grade,"

"With all due respect, Deputy Director Jaha, this is precisely my pay grade,"

"Enough."

He turned and left a visibly upset Jake standing outside the building.

If the first part of the scrolls made the argument, then part two laid the foundation for the consequences of part one, at least for one person. They were pieced together from Jaha's surveillance of Jake, his phones, his computers, his home and office, and there was some footage from NASA security. There was no commentating, just visions of Jake looking out of the window in his office, crying at his desk, pacing in his home office, recording in his diary… They were haunting visions of a patriot wrestling with his conscience, sometimes giving in, only to snatching it back and try for another solution.

Then there was a third part, again no voice over, just footage of Jaha with date and time stamp, sometimes if location was unclear, Raven had added that over the top of the footage as a subtitle. Random snippets of private and personal conversations,

"Griffin is a good man, just a little misguided. I had my people run the numbers and the data was inconsistent and his conclusion a little trigger happy…"

"No, everything is online, no concerns at all, Sir, absolutely. I have this well in hand,"

"Grey! I told you ten times already. No. Trump's people said he will be in navy and my suit can't be darker than his. I don't know, lighting? Well, he is the President, so I guess he gets prerogative. Frankly, I don't care, if he wants to be in the darkest suit in the room, fine, just know that there will come a day when I will be in the darkest suit in the room, but until then, it's got to be grey."

"There is a lot riding on getting this bird in the air on schedule so make it happen, I don't care if you sticky tape and blue tack it together, just don't come to me with problems and no solutions,"

A sketch of the man's character was being developed in his own words and when the art director aka Raven Reyes had felt the picture was clear enough she showed the office cam footage in deadly silence. Jaha leaving his office. Cam toggle, Jaha appearing in the passage. Jaha exiting the hallway. Cam toggle, Jaha appearing at the elevator. Cam toggle Jaha entering the lift, pressing the button, and riding it all the way to the ground. Approximately 45 seconds of eerie silence, Jaha checking his cuffs, his watch, his phone, his cuffs again.

Cam toggle, Jaha exiting the lift and stepping into the foyer, exchanging words with a couple who were just arriving, then they get into the elevator, Jaha heads for the factory floor. Cam toggle, again and again as Jaha makes his way to Jake's office.

It appears a somewhat friendly greeting, Jaha could be saying something like,

"Hey Griffin, how are you holding up? Long hours are crazy huh? Look I just want to - "

Jake is caught off guard as Jaha's right hand reaches out to grab his arm, while his left is taking a syringe out of his pocket, a quick stab, the full syringe is completely emptied into a stunned Jake Griffin's blood stream. Jake looks devastated, he knows. The final seconds of his life, he knows he has been betrayed. There will be no goodbye to his wife and daughters and then he slumps.

Jaha catches him and sits him in the chair, he caps the syringe and pockets it, he looks around the office, see's the office cam goes to the corner, reaches up and rips it out of the wall. Cam toggle Jake's laptop, Jaha could have predicted that Jake's laptop was also recording, given it was he who had ordered the complete surveillance of Griffin, but he must have forgotten or simply did not think anyone would find out. He could be seen pocketing the wall camera.

No one could have seen that coming, the ultimate plot twist.

Jaha check's Jake's carotid pulse, must have still been beating. Jaha waits, looking around the office, opens a couple of drawers, pocket's Jake's cell phone on what appears to be impulse. Jaha is waiting for Jake to die with no possible inkling that months later the world would be watching him watching Jake die, he scans the man's emails, opening one or two that may have been of interest.

Finally, Jaha positions Jake so that he is leaning back in his chair, he tries to get an arm up to his chest or his throat but it wont stay put, then he goes back out into the hall leaving the door open, he appears to be saying something to the office at large, maybe,

"Jake Griffin has had a heart attack, paramedics are en route, take your gear and vacate the floor."

But he is also gesturing behind himself, inviting people to look, which a few do, people appear visibly upset, as they gather their phones, bags, coats, laptops and they can be seen gathering into foyer and then someone indicates that the paramedics could probably use that space so they move out in to the car park which is on the other side of the building.

Jaha walks swiftly through the offices, making sure it is clear of people. He goes to the emergency door and props it open, goes back to Jake's office, leans over to take Jake in a fireman's lift but at the last second, he checks his wrist for a watch and takes it off and shoves it into his pants pocket. Then he takes Jake as planned and can be cam toggle followed almost all the way to the bowels of the building where without pause he throws Jake's lifeless body into the burning hot furnace.

Brushes his hands as though Jake was dirty business and heads back to his office for a few more phone calls some of which make it into the scrolls, but the point is made. The final entry is silent words on the screen, much like subtitles;

The author of these messages claims whistleblower status effective immediately due to the publishing of evidence revealing the violation of laws, rules and regulations by Deputy Director Thelonius Jaha and therefore NASA. A gross mismanagement of information relating to the inadequacy of life support systems on the Ark Station, an abuse of authority and a substantial and specific danger to public safety.

Thus far Raven's identity has remained concealed, not even her voice has appeared publicly, but that is about to change. The investigation will begin and Jake's family will be front and centre for both intense media interest and with the DoJ. Raven's connection with NASA will be uncovered any second now and she will be fingered pretty early on as the scroll maker, the Whistleblower and the only person with both motive and access.

But she is on the Ark Station now, what are they going to do? After a quick join the dots investigation, which is more than they did for her father, it has to be said, they will contact the Captain and instruct that she be taken under house arrest and placed in a cell for the duration of the project. But the truth is, he will have mutiny on his hands if he doesn't also lock up Jaha.

Fuck, why me! Mickey thought, running his fingers through his hair. Not even 48 hours in and now this! Un fucken real. The Director, perhaps even the President, will be ringing him at any moment, they will have no qualms in telling him what they expect to occur but at the end of the day, he is the Captain. It is just not viable for them to be running the ship from Earth - they can afford to have a completely different agenda, but it was his duty to see the mission through in the safest, most straightforward manner possible and that's what he intended to do.

While he waited, he thought; pre scrolls there had already been some discussion about Jaha taking over leadership of the ship because he is the most senior ranking official. But now? Having watched him kill a man, one of their own and put him in the incinerator like that, that was callous. He will have no hope of garnering enough support to mount any kind of challenge or authority.

As Mickey contemplated the amount of power that was about to be exhibited in an attempt to set the agenda, create the narrative and control the players, it occurred to him that perhaps it would be wise for him to record these conversations. It also popped into his mind to refuse to take the calls. This was his craft, his project, and having people calling in to manage it was not going to be helpful. If it were a case of two team members fighting, resulting in a murder, he would be expected to manage that without calling the Director or the President, why did they think they needed to call him now?

The answer to that was publicity. They didn't care when Jake Griffin was desperately trying to raise attention, they didn't care to find out what happened to him in his office, why the paramedics never actually came. How did his family bury him with no body? He would hear what they had to say and then he would do what he needed to do, they were hardly going to arrest him in twelve weeks time. That would make three tarmac arrests in front of the world!

Anya, Lexa and Clarke had viewed the scrolls from start to finish and then Clarke rewound certain parts to make sure she recalled the detail correctly or understood the exact phrase. Still no one had said a word. Several days ago, at the warehouse, Lexa gave Titus a heads up about some never seen before information being released regarding the Ark Station, she asked him to give her immediate notification the moment it became available. He asked for more details, of course he did, and he was keen to know how she knew. Lexa, who stayed away from media and politics as much as possible, now appeared to be ahead of the news cycle? Curious.

Titus had sensed a change in Lexa since she had been dating this Clarke Griffin, so he looked her up, as you do; facebook, workplace, family, education all that. She seemed harmless enough, not in the community, not even on the fringe but at first it was manageable because they saw each other infrequently. Then she came for a month, now it was three more months. These people, they don't want to make a contribution or a commitment but when they need something, they don't mind taking, and Lexa was too kind, too generous.

He was shocked to see that the blonde had been made privy to their recent stockpile, things of that nature were usually highly secretive, the only way he could account for it was that she was somehow connected to it. However, she did appear just as shocked as everyone else regarding the nature of the supplies, the sheer volume and value, but that didn't mean she wasn't in some way connected to it. She had money, her family had money.

Titus had done as asked and kept a very close eye on the news and made an effort to dig around some unofficial sources as well to see if he could get a lead. He had no idea why Lexa would be interested but then he came across the name Raven Reyes who was not only on the flight manifest but was also the same girl Anya had been hanging around with. That explained that, or so he thought. He tipped Lexa off at the first hint of something unfolding, and then sat down to consume the live drama himself. He could never have guessed the gravity of what was about to unfold.

Lexa had called Anya over the handset and the three of them sat and watched Jake and Raven's home movie in utter silence. She offered to turn it off when Jaha got to Jake's office but Clarke was determined to bear witness to the evidence in its entirety. They sat there staring at the monitor as the clip ended, Clarke leaned forward and found the bits she needed to hear again, locking the facts down in her mind.

"I can't say I am all that surprised," she finally announced, "She put together a comprehensive case."

"I think it was very good quality, she is highly skilled," said Lexa.

"What's going to happen to her?" asked Anya.

"She said she had a plan right?" asked Clarke,

"Sha, she did,"

"She may have left something out, something to release if they don't let her walk," suggested Lexa.

"Maybe," Anya sounded hopeful.

"What has she done, at the end of the day? Hacked their systems? Sedated and kidnapped a person? Its not murder or espionage or spying," Lexa was trying to sort the facts and weigh the possibilities.

Clarke's guts were swirling, her father was gone, as much as it killed her to know that but Raven was still out there and she did not want to lose her too.

"You forgot the worst thing. She breached the NDA. Murder is normal, but exposing them? They go after whistleblowers hard in this country," she said quietly.

Silence fell as each of the three tried to sift through it all.

She didn't want to say anything more for fear of upsetting Anya, but she firmly believed Raven had an Ace up her sleeve,

"She said she had a plan. I know Raven. She always thinks three moves ahead of everyone else,"

"When she gets home, I am never letting her go out again, not even for milk," said Anya, fiercely.

"Naw," They put their arms around her.

"Mom must be in the OR,"

"How do you know that?" asked Lexa.

"She would have phoned otherwise. Poor mom, she is going to feel so bad when she realises that Dad wasn't going crazy, he needed her and she let him down. I suppose she thought she was doing the right thing by contacting Jaha, she could have no way of knowing he would murder her husband. Still she will see how Raven edited that out like she was protecting her, which she was but not because she thought her guilty,"

"She will be alone, Clarke, would you like to ask her to come here to Trikru? That way she will be protected from the media and you can be together,"
"Thank you, Lexa, I will see how it goes,"

The phone vibrated on the table,

"Here she is. Hello, Mom?" Clarke took her phone to the bed and laid down, Lexa and Clarke left to sit outside and give her some privacy.

"Yes, I have seen it. I should tell you Mom, that it is very likely our phones are tapped so be careful what you say,"

"Tapped? Oh, Clarke don't you start all this, too,"

"Mom, did you watch those scrolls? Raven thinks your house has been tapped since before dad died,"

"I don't understand all this. He was a good man, Jake. Such a good person. How could this happen?"

"He got in their way, it's as simple as that,"

"That's why there was no body,"

"Yep,"

"That's why Jaha offered us compensation so we would stop asking questions"

"Yep,"

"And I took it,"

"You didn't know,"

"If I had believed your father, if I didn't go to Jaha, he would still be alive,"

"We don't know that, Mom,"

"Where is Raven?"

"Well, she's umm, on the Ark Station,"

"What?"

"Aunt Cece? It's Clarke,"

"Clarke Jean Griffin! I am very sorry to hear about your father, Clarke, honestly, I thought it was a heart attack."

"I know, I know. It's all a bit messy,"

"Messy? That's an understatement,"

"Aunty, I was talking to mom but we got cut off. Either that or she fainted when I told her Raven was on the Ark Station,"

"What?"

"Yeah, that's what she said. Listen, Aunt Cece? Mom needs a friend, even if she says she doesn't, this isn't over yet. She's lost Dad, I'm in Polis and Raven is, well you know."

"Of course, I will try and get her to leave the OR, and by that, I don't mean her office."

"Her phones, computer, the house, everything is bugged, just so you know, but that doesn't matter, she doesn't know anything. Her safety lies in the publicity, I just thought you should know."

"Bugged? You can't be serious! This is like a Baldacci novel."

"You're telling me. Promise me you will look after Mom, Aunty?"

"Of course, I will, Clarke,"

"Hey, you're Raven, right? Raven Reyes?," he put his hand out to shake.

"That's me," She took it and then sat when he gestured to a chair, she sat also.

"Nice to meet you. Captain Mitchell Wright, call me Mickey."

"Okey dokey, Mickey,"

"We are x hours into this project and I already have significant problems; firstly, Thelonius Jaha, a person not on the flight manifest, has been found on board The Ark Station. Secondly a series of scrolls have been released for public consumption that appear to suggest that Jaha is a murderer. Third, the alleged author of those scrolls has claimed whistleblower protections. Fourth, that whistleblower is, apparently, you."

Raven watched him as he spoke, he genuinely looked like a good guy, and he spoke to her normally, like he was still trying to figure it all out. A Jaha type would have come stomping in and thumped a fist on the table and proceeded to speak to her like she was detestable, the lowest form of life possible.

"Now, I have had two calls from the Director, two from the DoJ and one from the President himself. Can you guess what they were regarding?"

"Enlighten me."

"The scrolls that dropped one hour and,' (he checked his phone for the time) "52 minutes ago. To be fair I just want to lay a few things out so that we are on the same page;

I am the Captain of this craft and of this project.

I can't have people running around my craft sedating, abducting and murdering people - "

"I haven't murdered anyone," interjected Raven, feeling defensive.

Mickey held up his hand,

"I didn't say you had and I am not done."

Raven nodded, Mickey continued, "

I also can't be expected to be taking direction from various agencies on the ground on how to deal with this or that, including the running of this craft or the project.

I am telling you this so that you can appreciate the precariousness of this situation and my position, while it is in fact still my position. This situation has gained the attention of powerful people and it is not all that hard to imagine myself simply replaced or 'having a heart attack', there is also the possibility of being usurped by a patriot under their own steam, or someone else's."

Mickey looked at Raven and she looked straight back at him.

"I haven't made up my mind what to do yet, but I have to ask, Raven, would you tell me if you had any plans or if you were a danger to any one or this project or…?"

She continued looking at him, she believed him, she trusted him, her behaviour had inadvertently put him in this predicament. She looked around the room for obvious bugs and then she looked beyond the windows for anyone listening or watching them.

Mickey's eyes followed her and he knew exactly what she was thinking, she was considering saying something, something apparently for his ears only.

"I admit nothing. I can honestly say that I do not intend to harm anyone either here or on the ground."

"I believe you. It just now occurs to me however, that someone may wish to harm you. Is there anything you need? Anything you want me to know? Anything I can do for you?"

"I don't think so, Mickey, thank you."

"How are you feeling? Captain Mickey, remember me?"
"Of course I remember, I haven't completely lost my faculties,"

"I understand it's been difficult for you -

"Difficult? That's one way of putting it. The Doctor, that fucking Lipson sedated me! On top of already having been sedated and abducted. I want these restraints removed immediately and I want to view these scrolls everyone is talking about."

"Totally understandable requests and both will be granted when you can demonstrate that you can keep you vitals, and your temper under control,"

"My temper?"

"You know full well Thelonius, that conditions within confined quarters such as these make for a very fragile social ecosystem, and we all need to demonstrate our willingness and ability to mute excess tension and stress regardless of how appropriate those responses may be on the ground."

"Certainly. I understand." What Jaha understood was that he would be getting nowhere fast if he did not toe the line, "Now I would prefer to be addressed as Deputy Director Jaha, as per my rank and standing and I would like to see those scrolls."

"I am called Captain by a few teasing scallywags and the Doctor gets called Doc or Doctor, but everyone else goes by their given name or nickname, precisely to erase those ranks and standings that, whilst either necessary or a privilege on the ground, are actually problematic up here."

"Fine. I won't forget this. The scrolls?"

"Absolutely," Mickey signalled and a tablet was made available,

"I will return in three hours to see how you are getting on, continue to monitor the patient," said Mickey to the Doctor. The veiled threats escape nobody, Jaha's to remember that Mickey crossed him and Mickey's that the doctor would sedate him at the merest provocation.

Hmm, not at all as pleasant a meeting as the one with Raven, but she also had proven herself a danger, more so because she was quiet, unpredictable and had proven herself oh so capable. She was not without balls either, in taking on Jaha she had taken on NASA, bought herself three months worth of safety and world wide publicity - if the populus bought her version of events it would be very difficult indeed to bring her to justice.

Justice. An interesting consideration. The one percent always got justice and never faced it, the ninety percent were always brought to justice but never got any. Jake Griffin never got justice, Jaha never faced any. So Raven 'allegedly' got her own and now the one percent would come after her with everything they had for daring to expose them so publicly - not for justice but for retribution.

And for as long as they, NASA, DoJ, Police force, the President etc are seen to be powerless in this situation the harder they will fight to rectify it, this will become the real war, Griffin and Jaha will be long forgotten in the hunt for Raven Reyes - the person who dared to embarrass the top brass. All they had to do was say the magic word. Terrorist.

While Jaha was viewing the scrolls, Mickey also took another viewing to see if he could identify the facts among the spin. Is there any way that the footage of Jaha could have been manipulated? He had to make a decision going forward and for that he needed information, facts. His first priority was the functioning of the craft and safety of the crew, the second was the successful completion of the mission - as far as he was concerned they were not equipped to hold an investigation, a hearing and the attempt to mete out justice, especially for 'crimes' that occurred on the ground.

The Hard Launch, if and whenever that actually occurred, would be a totally different kettle of fish. That mission was projected to last 200 years, 20 generations, they would not be a crew, a team, no they would be a society, the last human society. The priority of that Captain would be different, it would be survival of the craft and the population until such time as they could return to Earth, that would necessarily require the investigation of crimes, a system of prosecution and defence, the facilitation rehabilitation and punishment.

What Mickey did have access to were holding cells; if anyone became dangerous they could be removed from the population and wait out the mission inside a cell and face justice on the ground. Upon his first viewing he had easily been persuaded that Jaha was a murderer and Raven was simply getting the justice she and her family had been denied. But the more he thought on the matter, and information coming to light as a result of his interactions with the pair, things were evolving.

He still thought Jaha was a murderer, and not that it was a crime but the guy was an asshole. He had been running this project with an obvious eye on the prize, and that prize had nothing to do with the mission. He would breeze into meetings, squash anything inconvenient or problematic, for example Jake Griffin's discovery of inadequate life support systems. Fine for this project, but given that this project was an opportunity to identify potential issues for the Hard Launch - it was no little thing.

Raven was a more nuanced character by far. Had justice been served for her father it is doubtful any of this would have occurred - in the first case Jaha would be in prison awaiting trial and not on this craft. And Raven would still be working as a mechanic in, where was it? Polis? No scrolls, no publicity, no whistleblower status, no sedating and abducting. But as it was, she did 'allegedly' do those things which proved her to have no mean IQ level and a fearful amount of tenacity and courage - those things in themselves make her dangerous.

How relevant was it to argue that grief and injustice could provoke that in any one of us? Damn it, this response was not provoked in her Mother or sister so… And Whistleblower status, Mickey was going to need some fast education on that one; what did it mean technically and did he, as a human being, as a NASA employee or as Captain have any specific duties or responsibilities to a whistleblower?

He started where everybody does, wikipedia, he read the first few paragraphs, scrolled down to read the headings of subsequent paragraphs and scrolled all the way to the very bottom to check the resources section, where he found some potential sources and opened them in new tabs.

To be fair he could spend the next twelve weeks wading through this shit, but he didn't have time for that. He needed an authoritative and current, preferably NASA or US government sanctioned source, which would serve to guide him as to his obligations to said whistleblower. To his personal relief he was willing and confident to argue that his obligation was to 'protect' a whistleblower, who is guaranteed freedom of speech in situations where they disclose evidence of violations of laws, rules and regulations blah blah blah.

He was relieved because he wanted to protect her, he was surprised to find that he liked her, he believed her story. She tried to get justice, and she is not an idiot; someone knew where her father's body was. Someone was hiding something and that someone was powerful enough to persuade the NYPD and NASA to look the other way. If anything was going to be done, she would have to do it herself. But that didn't mean he didn't think she had the capacity to cause absolute chaos and mayhem on board this craft if she had to.

It was time to return to Jaha, Mickey sighed, this was going to be a chore. He could already anticipate what Jaha's response to the scrolls would be.

"This is pure fiction, footage of me in my workplace edited to make it appear as though I did these things. I am the victim here, I was sedated and abducted, I was prevented from attending the countdown with the President of the United States," said Jaha, digging his index finger into his own breastbone for emphasis,"

"Thelonious, your vitals," reminded the Doctor,

"Fuck the vitals," spat the patient, enraged by the injustice of it all; the fake scrolls, the publicity, the whistleblower status, the missed countdown, oh how that cut him. And to add insult to injury they insisted on calling him Thelonious!

The doctor and the Captain shared a look, the syringe was covertly uncapped and there was virtually no time between Jaha feeling the prick and his conciousness slip away, Fuck these Mother fuckers, he only thought, or tried to say as he was overtaken by unconsciousness.

"How long is this going to continue?" asked the doctor.

"Well, if you're happy for the Ark Station population to be subjected to his anger and his narrative, then you have my permission to withhold treatment,"

"Oh no, on second thoughts," the doctor smiled, "What are you going to do with him?"

"I have no idea," Mickey stepped through the door, leaving the med bay.

Chapter Eleven

It had been four weeks since anybody had heard from Raven, they assumed that she had been locked up aboard the Ark, some kind of holding cell. The news cycle had been like a rabid dog, reporting on the scrolls and everything that could possibly be related to the scrolls; who was the author? Who was Jake Griffin? Are the images genuine or had they been doctored? Was the claim for whistleblower status appropriate? Should laws on the ground be prosecuted in the sky?

On and on until the Government banned them, the scrolls that is. Clearly they would have liked to have prohibited scroll related conversation as well if they could. That's right, America, the land of the free, made possessing a copy (in full or portions thereof) of the scrolls, playing them, viewing them or transmitting them in any way was punishable by law.

Now of course some freedom fighters and human rights advocates were testing out their legal powers of resistance in the courts of law, but as it stood, the ban was not only in place, but the government, both state and federal were enforcing it. Pretty hard to prepare and defend a legal case if mention of the topic has been censored.

Not only was the establishment keen to quash all communications (public and private, academic, legal and otherwise) by imposing a censorship of the topic, they also attempted to make it socially unpalatable, to the point of unpatriotic and potentially treasonous to attempt such subjects. Media pundits overnight went from seeking out every salacious detail to pretending the whole drama had never existed and if anyone mentioned it on or off the air they would react in a very self righteous manner, suggesting the entire affair and discussion of it was offensive and crude and was to be avoided at all costs.

As this new response trended, and as always the ten percent take their cues from the one percent, the middle class follow the upper class and the working class imitate the middle class and so on. But in this case the underclasses and fringe elements were not taking cues. They became the determined few who persisted in following the issues closely; this was a genuinely important issue for the public to be aware of and to discuss and an authentic matter of interest for academics, libertarians and legal minds.

It had long been tradition that these few were labelled lunatics and troublemakers like those individuals and groups who resisted the government line about Communism, Vietnam, Korea, Iraq and WMDs and 9/11. Dismissed and forcefully pushed aside until they ran out of steam or their legitimacy became sufficiently undermined. But there was something different this time.

There had been resistance all along to various conditions; the cosying up of politicians and wealthy corporate power brokers, foreign wars, corruption and greed, wealth inequality, defence budget, surveillance state, offshore tax havens, campaign finance, global warming, net neutrality, erosion of workplace protections, erosion of environmental protection, stagnation of wages, no minimum wage, criminal justice reform, deaths in custody, mass shootings, opioid epidemic the housing crisis, cost of student loans, cost of medications and health insurance, police brutality and Flint still didn't have clean water and on and on.

More and more people were becoming more and more desperate, less and less willing to be silenced, even by violence. The more the government scrambled to set the narrative, the further away from them the narrative was carried and the harder they tried to quash all discussion of related issues, the louder the resistance to oppression or repression became and the rest just went underground. The best they could hope for would be that it would be worked out informally with hegemonic forces setting the narrative that the government was failing to win.

Under these new conditions getting updates about Raven via the news has been difficult, if not impossible. The last they heard was that it had been all but confirmed that she had viewed the scrolls, she cooperated under questioning by the Captain but had admitted to nothing. News anchors had been frothing at the mouth with opinions that she should face the death penalty for treason and crimes against the state while more cool heads argued for restraint and that an investigation should be completed at the very least before such calls could legitimaely be made. And people on both sides of the argument claimed to be true patriots.

Social unrest was becoming a real problem across the nation, people were less easily cowed, the government and those used to setting the agenda were losing their capacity to enforce it. Perhaps people were finally getting hungry enough to demand bread.

Anya eased up on her horse when the roofs of the outbuildings came into view, it was easier to justify going easier on the animal than it was on herself. She was worried sick for Raven and she missed her terribly, that made her feel angry. Unjustified anger perhaps, but angry all the same. Angry at Raven, Jaha, Clarke and Raven's Mother, Clarke, Lexa, time, the weather. She couldn't turn her anger outwards so she turned it inwards, against herself, she trained harder than ever and worked, taking every physical job available.

As the days turned into weeks Anya began to feel the pangs of fear and grief and decided to opt out of all further media consumption, it was also around this time she started achieving the workload of three people. She dug holes by hand even though there were mechanised tools for the purpose, once the holes were dug, she loaded and unloaded stock, shooing others out of the way so that she could lift and carry the heaviest objects. It wasn't rational or logical but it helped, it kept her busy, the more her body hurt the less her mind hurt her and it kept her tired, she fell into a heavy sleep at the end of every day and woke early to go again.

It didn't go unnoticed. Lexa tried to speak to her dearest friend and mentor, Clarke also tried to reach her but Anya was not used to talking about feelings, she was used to working and punching things until the uncomfortable feelings passed. Also drinking, but she wasn't going to return to that. She wasn't an alcoholic necessarily, but she did go through a sustained period of very hard drinking and she realised that she was putting herself in a precarious situation.

Her friends had not been happy with her, her work had suffered, her crew had lost faith in her decisions and were losing respect for her, and if she had developed a reliance, god forbid addiction, and end times did occur, she would be fucked. So she stopped, not stopped drinking altogether, but stopped drinking to excess and stopped getting drunk. She frequently had a beer after work, but it was rarely more than that these days.

She heard her phone signal an incoming text, she slipped off the horse and handed the reins to one of the horse trainers, she was so totally focussed on the screen, that she didn't even greet them or pat her horse. They didn't take offense, assuming the message was important, Anya was always friendly and said hello to everyone, and she loved her horse, it was a long running joke that he was the only male that could get her weak kneed and sooky, she was always cuddling up to him, talking in baby talk.

She grabbed her walkie talkie,

"Heda, copy Heda?"

"Copy Anya,"

"Your location?"

"Common area,"

"I'll meet you at your office, with Clarke,"

"Copy that,"

Anya took off running, cell phone in one hand and walkie talkie in the other, she heard Clarke respond as well, "Yeah, copy that, Heda and Anya, heading back now,"

Fifteen minutes later they were all staring at Anya's most recent text from an unknown number:

"Hotplate."

"What the fuck?" asked Anya, struggling to keep her emotions in check.

"That's definitely Raven, she means burner," said Clarke.

"Why haven't you responded?" Lexa enquired.

Anya pulled out a sheaf of papers, laying them on the table, next to it she plonked a cotton tote bag.

"I don't trust myself to not mess this up," she said, the nerves were obvious in her voice.

"I have lists, here," she said, poring over them and inviting the others to join her.

Raven had been meticulous in her preparations. A note for every conceivable outcome, if this happens do that, use this burner under these circumstances, and that for those. There were six cell phones and burners and Anya didn't want to accidentally use one instead of the other which may then make it unusable for another scenario.

Clarke poured over the instructions,

"This one, this is the most appropriate description?"

"That's what I thought," replied Anya,

"I agree, said Lexa.

"That means it is this burner?"

Each of the burners and phones was placed in a snaplock bag with a piece of paper clearly visible. The scenarios were numbered, the possible responses were numbered and each had a corresponding phone or burner, also appropriately labelled.

here

Anya typed in the message and then showed it, when they nodded she pressed send.

Within minutes a message with a date, time and gps location came through.

Followed by a second message with +/- 100 miles. A third message came through after that,

bring boss n blonde, 1st aid, crowbar n sledge hammer, confirm.

Anya shrugged and then responded with the word,

confirmed

She returned the burner to the table and covered her face with her hands, she could not repress the sobs as they won the fight to free themselves from her body and her soul.

Neither Lexa nor Clarke said a word, they moved to embrace her and hold her. It was a shitty, shitty situation all around. Not that they blamed Raven at all, it was just as shitty for her, if not it had to be worse, they had to admit. Poor Anya, she had been worrying herself sick for four weeks without word, and knowing the whole time that Raven would be arrested the moment her feet hit the ground, literally. And she was powerless to do anything for her lover, they all were powerless.

Lexa took the opportunity to have a word with Anya, to remind her that working herself into the ground was not of help to Raven. She looked again at the time and date in the message something like thirty six hours, she pulled out her laptop and both Anya and Clarke watched her like a hawk, before she could type anything into the search bar, Clarke said,

"What are you doing, Lexa?"

"Looking up the coords,"

"No." Clarke responded and shut the lid.

"No?"

"No." Anya and Clarke said in unison.

"See the burners and codes etc," said Clarke, waving her hand at the table.

"She could have just called me or sent me an email," interjected Anya,

"Oh damn, of course, sorry, I wasn't thinking,"

"Skrit, sorry. Let's use a paper map."

The trio had completed a pre-start on a twin cab utility vehicle, fueled and stocked and now stood hanging around, their anticipation making them edgy and keen to make a start. It was Lexa who was holding them back, she wanted to take only as much time as it would take to travel there, leaving a little extra for unforeseen circumstances such as a wrong turn or a flat tyre. She could not be certain that their messages had not been covertly intercepted, and she felt safer passing time at Trikru than hanging around out in the open where they could be obstructed or detained from reaching Raven.

Anya and Clarke agreed of course, but they were itchy and scratchy, they had all guessed that Raven was escaping the Ark Station in one of those escape pod thingies and they all hoped that the first aid kit request was in anticipation of possible impact injuries rather than injuries she had received while on the Ark.

They all had their own particular personal concerns for how best to prepare for their lover, sister and friend; Anya packed clothes, blankets, water, hot drinks and food. Clarke did some preliminary research on possible impact injuries and modified the first aid supplies as appropriate. Lexa studiously pored over maps of the area, public and private roads, topographical maps for off road driving, she identified the most economical and furtive routes in and back and considered that if the pod did indeed land 100 m from where they were how would she get from A to B?

Among other things, Lexa threw into the utility tray a massive set of bolt cutters just on the off chance they needed to trespass onto private property and there was a gate - they only had one crack at this and Raven was counting on them. The other thing she packed was four assault weapons tried and tested and enough ammunition for a small force, she could only predict what they may face out there - and Clarke with all of her gunshyness, would wield a weapon if push came to shove and even Raven, if she was injured but conscious and needed to defend herself she would.

At about 2am they deemed it finally time to make a move, Lexa took the wheel, Anya and Clarke were both offering the front passenger seat to the other but Anya won when she opened the back door and climbed in. She was not in the mood for chit chat, in fact none of them were. Lexa drove west at a steady clip for two hours, at some point she cut the headlights, drove for another ten minutes and pulled up where they would have a good view of the area.

The three of them took out their binoculars and watched, they were not watching the sky, they were watching the ground for company, gatecrashers to their little reunion. They watched earnestly for thirty minutes in all directions but none saw any movement or lights. They discussed where to park, Lexa headed there, lights still off, and they began an unofficial countdown, with eyes on the sky.

The plan was to first notice the pod in the sky, try to evaluate where it might land and begin, to head in that direction. Lexa personally thought that a five am landing time was a pretty good time, not dark enough to raise much attention, not daylight enough that many people would be out and about, but she didn't really know how much control Raven had over the timing and such conditions of the flight.

It had taken a week of observation to decide that Raven did not belong in a cell and that Jaha did. Post scroll publication the crew had been split 20-80 with the minority identifying with Jaha's being under enormous pressure to ensure the project was a success, and whilst no one agreed that murdering Griffin was appropriate, they still kind of thought that Jake somehow brought it upon himself and should have followed the rules.

Funny how the rules about ensuring the life support system was adequate never quite got the same attention as the rules about doing as you're told. And the impact of stress to excuse heinous crimes was also never applied to Raven, who was largely viewed by this group as someone whose behaviour was wildly inappropriate and dangerous. They were of the opinion that she should have been confined to a holding cell for the remainder of the project and handed over to the DoJ upon landing.

Eighty percent felt strongly that Jaha was wrong to have rejected the life support information and then to have squashed it, his murdering Jake only confirmed Jaha's otherwise debatable psychopathy. They were convinced and appalled that the police investigation into Jake's missing body was so obviously disingenuous. They wondered how, when Jake had not received justice, Raven had not received justice, Jaha had not faced justice - people could be expected to just stand by and eat shit.

Mickey was also of this opinion, but his priority was to maintain order on the Ark. So far Raven was playing along perfectly; she worked constantly, she didn't chit chat much to folks, if asked directly she would say, "I have work to do," and then move away before the conversation could continue. The only person she spoke to was Jackie and even with him she avoided the topic entirely. No gossip, no politics, no phone calls to the ground and no animosity toward Jaha, not that she saw him, but she didn't also try to see him - all in all, a model citizen.

Not that she couldn't be up to something, Mickey knew, she had proven herself to be entirely too clever to bide her twelve weeks to hand herself over to the authorities on the ground. She might have developed a cult following on board and on the ground, she had gained the support of a range of individuals and organisations, but she couldn't hope to get out of this easily? Since 9/11 the US government had claimed unprecedented rights to designate anyone, including its own citizens, as 'enemy combatants' without charge, illegally kidnapping, detaining and torturing numerous people without recourse.

Unlike Raven, Jaha was constantly stirring up trouble both on board and on the ground, so much so that the Director and many others had simply stopped taking his calls. They may have been willing to back his side, regardless of the facts, but his behaviour was becoming a problem, urging them to do this and that. Problem was: they were at a stalemate. Had Raven been on the ground, no doubt she would have been taken and held and they would have set the narrative. But she wasn't.

And they were working with an uncooperative Ark Captain who insisted that he did not have the resources to conduct an investigation, especially into things that occurred on the ground and insisted that if he locked up one on the word of someone on the ground, he would have to lock up both. They tried pressuring him, covertly and overtly but more than once the 'line dropped out' from his end. They could do nothing with him while he was in space - or them, as it turns out.

They had considered replacing him but they risked further instability both on board and on the ground. Reyes had played her hand well, too well, they had to admit. There were only two courses of action open to her now, gain access to a pod and try to reach the ground to avoid the second course of action wait until she was arrested the moment her feet hit the tarmac. Mickey had assured them that he was well aware of the chance of Raven taking a pod and he had improved security both around their access and operation as well as her own security.

As far as the DoJ was concerned they were listening and watching her closely, her personal laptop, phone, work computers, the computers and phones of those around her but so far she had not made a move. Her phone had been switched off and no one had reported her using it or having access to another. She was using her personal and work laptop but apparently only for work purposes no personal emails, no social media and no search engine entries. And she wasn't surveilling anyone.

But once again Raven had managed to come up with the goods. Mickey rewound the security footage and watched her from the moment she woke up to the moment she disappeared. She walked from her bunk, to the bathroom, to the galley where she set her soft leather briefcase, that no one had ever seen her carry before, on the floor while she made coffee and ate some toast. She said good morning to a couple of people but nothing more than that.

She walked to her office, again, nothing out of the ordinary except the case, which sat on the floor untouched, the entire time. She did several hours of work, she received no phone calls at all and no emails that were not strictly work related. She could be seen talking to several people but no conversations were protracted and all seemed to be in reference to work, she and Jackie could be seen sharing a joke at one point, then he leaves and she returns to her tasks.

Then without warning she gets up, takes the bag, walks out of the office, through a main area, along the corridor up the guts of the craft, into areas she almost never goes and would be hard pressed to convince anyone as to why she might be there legitimately. But nobody stops her or questions her. The person who was supposed to be watching her simply follows discreetly, at a distance.

Then Raven either gets extremely lucky or this is a coordinated affair. She turns into a hallway and immediately steps into a niche in the wall on her left. At the far end of the hallway is a guard stationed at the door to a maintenance room, beyond which the pods are parked, who does not appear to have seen her enter the hallway at all. The person following her turns into the hallway and finds it empty except for the guard at the end, he continues walking and looks right where he should have looked left, misses where she was hiding entirely and makes his way to the end of the hall.

The two speak, apparently one asking the other, 'did you see anyone come this way?', the other says no but offers to help, one goes right and the other left, leaving the hall and the doorway to the maintenance room empty and momentarily unguarded. Raven's head pops out, seeing no one, she heads straight through the 'secured doorway'.

Mickey follows her progress as she passes through the maintenance room, easily evading detection as every person seems to become busy in a corner where she is not. She leaves the room by a door on the far side and enters the room of pods and locks the door behind her. By this time the person guarding the first door is now back in position and the person looking for Raven returns to her office to see if she had perhaps gone back to work.

In the meantime, Raven has all the time in the world to check the doors of each pod and finding one is unlocked, she jumps in, and immediately begins to operate the craft. Of course, she is a trained G-Force pilot, what did they expect? It takes the guard ages to retrace his steps to confirm that Raven is indeed missing and report the event to someone who also checks before finally reporting it to Mickey. By the time the Ark Station is put into lock down, she has piloted the craft into the hangar, sealed the doors, and breached the landing deck - and fled the Ark Station.

He couldn't blame her, not really. He enacted protocol, locked down the craft, sealed what needed sealing, did a headcount and contacted the Director of NASA with the unhappy news that Raven Reyes had eluded their security protocols, stolen a pod and escaped the Ark. Of course they tore him a new one, that was to be expected, the Commissioner demanded access to the footage which Mickey provided and watched himself from start to finish.

Those on the ground raged that this was a set up, Mickey questioned each of the security personnel and everybody in maintenance and they all answered the exact same way, 'never saw a thing, was just doing my job." There was nothing left for Mickey to do except tighten security immediately and then go and give the good news to Mr Thelonious Jaha.

"I can not believe you have let this happen. She should have been secured in a holding cell."

"Same could be said of you,"

"How dare you, I have not been charged with any crime,"

"And nor has she,"
"It is apparent that your values do not reflect the values of this organisation - "

"I get that you are used to being able to dictate terms Jaha, and if it were up to you, you would crucify her on the Hill for all to see - so we are all reminded of who sets the terms."

"Just get out, I am done with you,"

"You don't mind bending the rules to get what you want and if people get hurt, so be it. But when people like Raven Reyes bend the rules to get what they want, and if you should get hurt - there is no 'so be it' - it's all fire and brimstone, and talk of justice and patriotism."

"Get out,"

"You are dying to get back to the ground, back to your people. Those who understand that people like Raven are inconsequential, dispensable and people like you - well, you're special, untouchable."

"You will pay the price for your insubordination, and aiding and abetting a criminal,"

"Maybe I will get a cell next door to yours."

Raven's disappearance left the Director and his people scrambling across time and space to find the pod and the girl before she slipped through their fingers again! But Raven had not only timed her trip perfectly, she had just so happened to have the good fortune of selecting a pod that had a damaged tracking system, specifically the receptor pads. Perhaps that's why the door was left open, someone was in the process of repairing it?

NASA attempted to track the pod but were unable to secure a signal, the moment it got clear of the Station the gps coordinates initially had her landing somewhere in the vicinity of NE Russian province of Kanevka, several hours later there were coords for North of Invercargill, New Zealand. Apparently she was flying blind between turning the systems online for just a few moments here and there to ensure she was on track for her destination.

By the time they followed up on numerous reports of UFO sightings in the greater Polis region, it was too late, she had gone. There was blood in the pod and the seatbelt was cut with a utility knife by a secondary person, so she had help and that help was very likely the Prepper clans that lived in huge numbers in the lands out that way.

Son of a bitch! If that woman didn't beat them at every turn. It didn't take long to trace her to Trikru but they had yet to make contact. Preppers were notoriously anti establishment, hostile to any perceived threat and trigger happy. The last thing they needed was to come off looking like they were using WMDs on their own civilians - even though that is precisely what they would like to do.

So they did nothing, they scoffed donut and coffees sitting in their armored personnel carriers with tinted windows trying to look inconspicuous and tried not to melt under the hateful gazes of the crazy preppers as they lazily lugged their bulk buy two for ones at the local general - tuna and ammo.

The timing of her departure allowed her to travel with the engine switched off for long periods of time and stay oncourse for a landing in North America. Raven would turn the engine on here and there, check the settings, make sure she was on course, make any adjustments and then switch it off again. She had to wait until the very last moment before deploying her parachute to ensure she didn't hit the ground in free fall or Anya, Clarke and Lexa would require a dustbuster to collect her remains.

"There," said Anya, desperately.

"Where?" asked the other two, removing their field glasses to look at her and see where she was pointing. Then the binoculars went back to their eyes to see if they could verify the flying object. Sure enough, a fast paced moving object, coming in on a fairly steep incline. There was a discernible head like part, the back end of which appeared to be sort of shrouded, for want of a better term, in a gaseous mist and that was followed by a fiery tail. The shape of all three combined was almost like an upside down teardrop.

Lexa put her binoculars on the dash and started the engine, she depressed the gas pedal slowly, turned the car and began heading in the direction she thought the object may make contact with the ground. She was driving off road, in the dark with no lights to avoid drawing attention from anyone who may happen to be about, so she needed her full concentration on the ground, the last thing the needed was to waste time on changing out a flat.

It took maybe two minutes from when Anya first saw the object to when it hit the ground, there was some noise and light indicating a collision but no explosion. Lexa put her foot down, driving at about 25mph in the dark over rough terrain, she just wanted to get there asap, Clarke and Anya both had their eyes peeled for company and to make sure Lexa was on track for their prize.

It didn't take ten minutes for them to reach the pod, Lexa pulled right up alongside it, she didn't want to have to cart tools back and forth and Raven, if she was unconscious.

"There are leather gloves," She reminded them as she pulled on the handbrake.

All three jumped out and donned the gloves, first things first, get the hatch open, Anya pulled on her gloves, located the tools and dropped the side of the tray for easy access. The sulphuric smell of burning was unpleasant but they had no time to worry, if it became a problem, Clarke had P2 masks in her kit. There were still naked flames at the rear end of the capsule, which had landed on its side, making the door now on top rather than side on - but at least it wasn't underneath.

Clarke tried to see into the cab but between the heat, smoke and damage she couldn't make anything out the only thing she felt certain of was her intuition and her intuition told her that there was no movement or sound from inside the cockpit.

Lexa tested the heat of the vehicle with the back of her hand, through her glove, she tested a variety of surfaces and declared it to be manageable. She asked Anya,

"You want me to go up?"

"No," Anya growled as though Lexa had just asked, 'hey, should I impregnate your girlfriend?'

There was no time for offense or even laughter, Lexa bent over and folded her fingers together to boost Anya up, who wasted no time. She dropped the sledge hammer and the crowbar at Lexa's feet and as she stepped into Lexa's grip, she bent her knee, leaping forward and Lexa helped her by hoisting her up. As though they did this all day every day, no chit chat just on and up, Clarke had seen such evidence before of their long working partnership, they just knew how to tackle certain tasks, even ones they had never been faced with before like a pod falling from the sky.

Lexa picked up the tools and prepared to pass them up.

"There is damage here," Anya called down, "I'm not sure we can open the hatch, the metal has been compressed,"

"Okay, you want me to come up,"

"Nah, I'm not sure it will hold a fatty like you," she joked and that was a good sign. It signalled that Anya felt confident that Raven, whilst perhaps unconscious, was unlikely to have incurred much damage given the soundness of the pod structure, aside from it's unfortunate landing, it had maintained its shape and integrity.

While Anya was looking for a way in from the top, Lexa and Clarke circled the front end for possibilities, several minutes went by and frustration began to form. Eventually Anya could wait no longer, she wedged the crown bar into an unlikely looking panel and began smashing at the other end with significant force.

"What are you doing, Fos?" Lexa called out in a low voice,

"As if Raven would sit around waiting for someone else to open the door," she growled down, and took up her hammering once again, three or four hits in there was a breaking sound,

"Got it," she said, "Lex?"

They could tell that Anya had found a way inside the capsule, so Clarke boosted Lexa up who began tearing away at pieces that would pose a risk as they pulled Raven out of the top, she had one eye on the task and one eye on Anya.

"Raven? Hey babe, you made it. Can you hear me?" Anya was trying to unclip the seat belt but failing she whipped out her hunting knife and cut away anything that looked like it might piss her off.

"Tell her to check over Raven's body for wet clothing, it might be blood," called Clarke,

Lexa relayed the message and then called back to Clarke,

"Toss me up the yellow coloured rope,"

"Yellow rope, yellow rope," Clarke jumped on to the back of the ute and flipped open the tool box lid, the yellow rope, among others was neatly coiled and close to the top, she grabbed it.

"Anya says there is wetness behind her left knee but she can't see,"

"Okay, no wetness up her thigh or crotch?" asked Clarke

There was chit chat between Lexa and Anya, before Lexa came back with

"No, just the lower leg and a gash on her head but the helmet protected her from worse,"

"Thank god, when you tie her, do it from under the arms incase their is internal damage,"

She threw the rope, Lexa caught it and passed it down along with the message.

Anya tied her off as quickly as she could, she lifted Raven to see if there would be any snags, then Lexa hauled Anya out and they both lifted the unconscious woman through the opening. They pivoted and dropped her down to Clarke who immediately confirmed that the patient was breathing and then assessed the head and leg wound as well as any others she could identify.

"It is so good to see you, Ray, I can't tell you how much we all love you." Clarke was half crying and half talking normally, she opened the front of her sister's coat and then used a large pair of scissors to cut away the front of her various shirts and things - there appeared no obvious damage She cut up the left pant leg to reveal a very nasty injury,

"Raven's knee is shattered, she needs surgery asap,"

"Okay, lets get her in the back seat of the vehicle," Directed Lexa,

"Oh check the cab for a bag or something," said Clarke, knowing Raven will be pissed if she brought something and they left it behind,

Anya and Clarke got Raven onto a blanket and then used that to lift her into the back seat, keeping her leg relatively stable. Lexa popped down into the cab and had a good look around, seeing Raven's leather satchel, she grabbed it, climbed out with some difficulty. She noticed that Anya had the presence of mind to return the tools and rope to the back of the tray and tie it down, she is right, thought Lexa, they had already overstayed their welcome.

The sun was beginning to rise and they needed to be far, far away, but not so desperately as to be driving like a fool, churning up dust and inviting everyone's attention or to risk having an accident - that would really be a problem. She jumped into the driver's seat and prepared to release the handbrake, the engine had been running the whole time.

"Ready?" she asked and two answers in the affirmative came back. She eased out of park and drove steadily back the way they had come, mindful that Clarke was hard at work in the backseat on Raven's unconscious body, with Anya as her assistant.

They arrived back at Trikru without incident, Lexa drove the car right up to the medical hut door, Nyko must have heard them arrive and he came out of his hut, pulling a shirt over his head as he came. Clarke was clearly in charge and he could not have cared less, he followed her every direction and answered every question as they prepared themselves and their patient for emergency surgery.

Anya was in for another lengthy wait, Lexa ordered her to go and have a shower and a meal and not to come back until she had done so, promising faithfully that she herself would come if there was any news at all in her absence. There wasn't. Everything took longer than it normally would in the environment Clarke was used to working out of; she had to make do with the lighting and tools that were available to her and the serious lack of staff! But Raven was alive and relatively unscathed for a person who just traveled through the Earth's atmosphere in a vehicle no bigger than a smart car.

Turns out Clarke could have used a dust buster to track down all the fragments of shattered bone from her sister's leg, it took five hours for Clarke to feel satisfied that she had removed all of the loose bone. They didn't have the necessary equipment to either repair or rebuild the knee cap, so someone would have to go shopping and then Clarke would open her up again and either put the broken bones back together with metal wires, pins and screws or fit a titanium kneecap.

Either way, they had a little time, she needed Raven to wake up so that she could be certain that all of her injuries had actually been identified and treated. Nyko helped her to cover and set the leg to prevent it from moving around, then she stripped her surgical gear off, washed up and went to see Lexa and Anya.

"Well?" asked Anya,

"I have done all I can for now, I need some specific titanium parts in order to rebuild the knee cap, but for now, she is alright. Still under anaesthetic, you can go and see her if you let Nyko show you how to wash and wear the gown,"

"Fine, whatever, thank you, Clarke. She will be able to walk again?"

"The sooner I get those parts, the sooner her body can start mending around the new pieces, the better her outcome will be,"

"Lexa?"

"I will get Titus on it, Fos, go and see her," she turned to face Clarke as Anya took off in the other direction, "How are you, ai hodnes, what can I get you?"

"A shower, a meal and a nap?"

"You got it, come on," she walked Clarke back to their hut, turned on the shower, helped her undress and got her under the hot water.

"I am going to get you some food, be right back,"

"Thank you,"

"You're welcome, Clarke,"

While the kitchen hands were preparing a tray for Lexa to take away and one to be sent to the medical hut, she phoned Titus,

"Heya Ticha, ha yu?"

…

"Hm, been a long night. Any news?"

…

"Really?"

…

"Could never hide anything from you. Speaking of, I need urgent supplies to rebuild a knee cap, titanium."

"No idea, ask NASA! Sorry, poor taste, I know. Just get what you think is best, female, thirty, Anya's height but thinner. Maybe get one in every size that's not children and giant?"

…

"I apologise, I have been up all night. Thank you Ticha, text me if there's more? Mochof."

Lexa picked up her tray and returned to her hut, where Clarke was just blow drying her hair,

"Heya, ai hodnes,"

"Heya, gorgeous,"

"Titus is on the hunt for a knee cap,"

"What is his job exactly?" Clarke kissed Lexa's cheek to thank her for the food, and they sat together, eating and talking.

"Hmm, well he was my grandfather's advisor, and then my fathers and now mine. But it's more than that, he guides me in the old ways, the secretive ways of our people, they call him the Fleimkepa, keeping a light across the generations. He provides the bridge between the reigns of the Heda's and maintains stability of the community.

If I should die without an heir, Aden will be the next Heda. If I have an heir that is too young to reign, Aden will act as regent on their behalf, but it is the Fleimkepa that will facilitate such a transition - provide the legitimacy of Aden's claim, imbibe his claim with authority."

Lexa began laying out the food as she spoke,

"Gaia is his apprentice, it is a comprehensive role, and she will make a wonderful Fleimkepa. But in losing Titus, we will lose something more - he knows many, many people across the clans, in many ways he is like a god father figure.

Our community is a very old one, one of the oldest, even before we settled in these parts, Titus has all the old records, tracing the ancestors through the generations. Many of the newer communities are ones that have split off from ours, or from ones that used to be ours. It hasn't always been my family in leadership, it just happens that the responsibility falls to us now.

The Fleimkeper tradition originally comes from our community, the Heda leads and the Fleimkepa advises with reference to the records, he is duty bound to serve me, and his allegiance is to Trikru. But because of the dispersing of the communities, and the pre-exisiting relationships Titus has with many people, they continue to contact him with issues, problems and asking for favours.

He asked for and received both my father's and my own permission to continue to assist where he could, where it was not to the disadvantage of Trikru. And so like the grand master he is, he moves people and resources around his board, collecting information and debts of honour. There is something of a joke among the communities - when your phone rings people will say 'if that is Titus would you answer? And you have to quickly tally; on the balance of things are you more likely to be called to be asked to do the Fleimkepa a favour for which you will be rewarded or would he more likely be calling in your debt?"

"You know, that doesn't really surprise me about him, although I have only met him the once."

"My having taken you and Raven into our community has angered him, it is not personal. Preppers have very strong traditions, one is keeping apart from the wider society, not mixing, another is not diluting our purpose. He is suggesting that I have become bewitched by your beauty and that Raven has bought her way in, compromising Trikru allegiances, do we look after her because she is paying or do we look after our own and shuck our word?"

"Yes, I got the impression he was sussing me out!"

"I hope you are not offended?"

"No, we all have our duty and he is doing his. As long as he is loyal to you, who am I to complain?"
"He is not wrong, I am bewitched by your beauty. It is difficult when personal, family, community, business and tradition all intersect, but I am aware of my duty and am doing my best to balance it all."

"Is it a problem for you to have us here?"

"It would be unbearable for me if you weren't here,"

"Does Titus know you are a romantic?"

"I have long suspected he anonymously publishes poetry, perhaps under a pseudonym, so yes, I believe he senses a kindred spirit within me,"

Lexa's joke was unexpected, and her grin so heartwarming, Clarke loved the way it lit up her whole face, and Clarke's heart right along with it.

"You are so beautiful, Lexa,"

"Come on, time to sleep, Clarke,"

"If you are going to change the subject, perhaps you might consider giving Anya a holiday?"
"For Raven?"

"Yes, Raven is going to need a high level of care, and they could both use a break,"

"Okay,"

Lexa tucked herself up behind Clarke, their bodies folding together perfectly, and wrapped her in her long arms and they fell asleep within minutes.

Chapter Twelve

"Clarke, Clarke, wake up,"

"Um, Aden? That you?"

"Yes, Nyko said Raven is getting a temperature and he asks you come and take a look at her,"

"Thank you, Aden, I will be right there,"

She rolled over and Lexa's side of the bed was empty but she didn't have time to contemplate it, she pulled on some clothes, flew out the door and raced to the medical hut. Nyko was right, Raven was hot and there were signs of infection. Nothing to panic about but something requiring immediate intervention, Clarke located the antibacterial liquid treatment and set it up to be administered at a medium rate through the drip.

She checked her watch, postulating that if Raven became unconscious due to the knock to her head on landing she really could have expected her to be awake by now, but add the factor of being administered an anaesthetic, it could be difficult to predict when she might wake. Clarke finally twigged that Anya was not here and that made her wonder where Lexa and Anya were? Please, can there not be a problem, thought Clarke, can we just go one freaking day without a drama?

Clarke stood over Raven, brushing her hair back from her face, she kissed her forehead, like her Mother used to do to the pair of them, when tucking them in at night.

"Heya, Chicken Little, you did real good you know? I am super proud of you and I love you the most of anyone in the world, except maybe Anya. Don't tell anyone, but I think she likes you. Dad would be proud of you too, and Mom will be in about ten years, but you can't take that personally, okay? As if you haven't done enough already, Ray, it would be so cool if you would wake up, just to let me know you're okay? And then you can go right back to sleep."

"Okay, well, you just wake up when your good and ready, no one can say you haven't earned it,"

There was a scuffle at front door of the hut, so she headed in that direction to see who it was, Lexa was bringing in some boxes off the back of a utility vehicle,

"Hey Gorgeous, what you got?"

"Titanium knee caps, pins and wire as requested,"

"No way. There is no possible way. How? I know you said Titus is the Godfather, but this is… it's impossible is what it is."

"I told you once before, Clarke, we are not just squirrelling away tins of tuna for a rainy day. This is a serious effort in the preservation of the Trikru, having said that, this is a pretty amazing feat."

"Damn straight it is. Please thank him for me, Lexa, won't you?"

"I certainly will. How is she?"

"There are signs of infection, I have administered an antibiotic, but I think I'll hang around for while,"

"Where is Anya?"

"I thought she was with you,"

"Hmmm, that's weird." Lexa grabbed the two way off her belt and snapped on the button,

"Copy Anya?"

No immediate response, but there was a bit of static clicking on and off, as though she was trying to respond, finally they heard,

"Go Heda?"

"Your location?"

"North border, channel change."

Lexa fiddled with the dial on the walkie talkie and then it crackled,

"Heda?"

"Got you,"

"Quint refused to come to defend our border and then attacked us. I think this was supposed to be a coordinated event from within and without."

"Skrit, where is he?"

"Lock up,"

"Leave him overnight, Indra and I have this for now, you should rest,"

"No, I am coming out,"

"We have 200 warriors, more than enough, Heda,"

"Copy that, call me for anything" Lexa looked mutinous, beyond livid, she returned it to the main channel and clipped her radio back in it's spot.

"Fuck me!" she growled in an undertone, it was the most offensive language Clarke had ever heard Lexa use, not that she cared, after growing up with Raven there were no variations of cuss words she hadn't been exposed to. It was just that she didn't like to see Lexa upset, she stepped forward and put her arms around her girl and comforted her,

"Queen Nia?"

"Mmm and worse, Quint is challenging me for leadership."

Lexa stood up suddenly and grabbed at her mike a second time,

"Copy Aden?"

"In the common area, Heda, I am okay,"

"Okay, I am here, if you need me,"

"Sha, Heda,"

"He will be helping to prepare food and drinks for the warriors when they return,"

"He's such a good kid, honestly,"

"Sha, he is. I would, I would, - "

"You don't need to say it. You, and your team, have policies and procedures in place to prevent such a thing, and he is right where he should be and wants to be, of service to you and his people."

"Sha, thank you, Clarke,"

"Did you get much sleep?"

"A couple of hours,"

"Okay, well why don't you come in here with me, lay down on this cot, I will tuck you in - "

"I have to go down to the lock up,"

"No, you don't. Let Anya and my Fos secure the border. You rest, get your head straight for an hour."

Lexa did not understand why she was allowing Clarke to lead her through the door, toward the cot,

"It's not as nice as laying down with you," whined Lexa.

"Granted it is not, but it is better than nothing, sit."

Lexa sat, pouting like an adorable child.

"Boots on or off, my darling?"

"On,"

"Off it is,"

Ignoring Lexa, Clarke united the laces, loosened the tongue and pulled them off, lifted her feet and spun her around on her butt so that she was lengthways, returning to her top end, she laid her back, spread a warm blanket over her, and kissed her forehead, much the same as she did Raven's earlier.

But unlike with Raven, this kiss turned into several more, running the length of Lexa's face down to her mouth, there was tongue involved and it quickly became heated.

"I am a terrible doctor," said Clarke, unbuttoning two top buttons of her shirt to give Lexa a look.

"Oh no, you are a very good doctor, the best,"

"You should be resting,"

"No, I should be resting and you two should get a room!"

"Raven! Call Anya," Clarke extricated herself and flew to her sister,

"It is just like you to wake up halfway through a sentence. OMG Ray, how are you feeling? Water?"

"Yes,"

Clarke put her finger over the end of the straw, which kept the water inside as she fed it to Raven,

"You're okay, you land right where you said you would and we picked you up no trouble."

"Anya?"

"She is coming, Raven,"

"How injured am I?"

"Shattered knee cap and infection. How are you feeling?"

"Meh."

"You did good, Ray, real good,"

"I got justice for Dad,"

"Yes you did. We are all so proud of you, he would be proud too."

"My biggest fear was waking up in a NASA or DoJ holding cell,"

"You never have to worry about anything like that again, Anya has a crush on you and she will destroy anyone who looks at you sideways,

"Damn straight I will," said Anya, from the doorway.

"Speak of the devil," Clarke waved her into the room, "Two quick things and then we will give you some privacy, shattered knee cap, Ray so no moving under any circumstances, infection so plenty of water. Welcome home."

"So glad to see you're awake, Raven, you're a champion," said Lexa holding her boots, as they left.

Clarke and Lexa slipped out and wrapped their arms around each other in relief.

Anya stood inside the doorway, choked with emotion, Raven couldn't see her and so held out a hand. Anya crossed the room in quick steps, still unable to speak, she took Raven's hand and kissed it. Raven must have sensed that she was upset,

"It's alright babe, I'm okay. You did good to get me outta there, I owe you one."

"After all you have done, I am supposed to be comforting you,"

"Plenty of opportunity, the drugs will wear off and you will have to pass me things cos I can't walk,"

"Raven, I am so proud of you. What you did, all of it. Getting that job, the investigation, the scrolls, it's just so incredible. Anyone would be lucky to have you in their corner,"

"And you?"

"And me."

"Anya, I want to belong to you, I have been trying so hard to come home. Not to a place, to you."

"I never want to be without you, ever again, I love you so much,"

"I love you too, babe,"

Indra was up at four am to head off the work teams before they grabbed their supplies and spread out across the compound to their various work programs.

"Heda has accepted Quint's challenge for the leadership of Trikru, they will fight at 10am. Everyone is invited to remain, only essential work detail will be necessary."

She repeated the details time and again, until others of the Kru joined her in spreading the word. Warriors enjoyed the rare opportunity of an extended seated breakfast, and the excitement of real hand to hand combat and to see their Heda wipe the pit with Quint's blood!

Quint had few friends, he was nasty and creepy and he was not Trikru, just a labourer passing through who had overstayed his welcome. A big mouthed, short tempered show off, ringleader of the witless and bully boy but his biggest offence by far had been his snide comments about Heda.

Heda Lexa had been leading the Trikru for nearly ten years, there was no one who could or would argue that she did not lead from the front lines, she worked in all the various roles around the compound, and she worked hard. The first few years were lean across the compound as she worked to get the Trikru back on its feet financially, she strove to make their way of life, their knowledge, skills and services highly profitable.

She kept the ancient traditions, she led her people fairly, she served children, the injured and the elderly and as the money began to flow in she was both prudent and generous. Prudent in planting two plantations and improving infrastructure, both added value to the compound and provided employment. Generous in that wages were raised across the board and conditions improved and injured warriors were retrained rather than moved on.

So the Trikru were fiercely loyal to Heda Lexa. The only reason that they held beating the crap out of Quint before today was that leadership indicated that they preferred to let this scenario play out. And today it seemed that their patience was going to be rewarded - Heda was going to whoop his ass. They had no problem helping set up the staging area, bringing out the seating, raking over the sand pit, sharpening the weapons and placing them around the pit.

"Please, Clarke,"

"No. Absolutely not. I will be waiting in the Healer's Hut. And if I see you there and you are not vertical, you are going to be in big trouble."

"I promise you, I am in no danger,"

"How do you know that? I mean - "

"It's my job to know, Clarke, it's my job to fight, to defend my claim. I know this is new to you, you don't like violence and you are afraid for me."

"I don't want to watch it - either way,"

"It would mean a lot to me if you came, but if you are determined, I accept your decision. But honestly, ai hodnes, there is zero reason for you to be concerned. Quint is weak."

"He made it to the top twelve,"

"That was only games,"

"My father has been murdered, Lexa. My sister is on the run from the DoJ and whoever else. All it takes is one hit to the head. One."

"Oh, ai hodnes, I apologise,"

"I don't want to let you down, but I can't, Lexa, I just can't,"

"It's fine, I understand more fully now,"

"Thank you. I will be waiting for you. Please, don't take any chances?"
"On my honour,"

Heda and Aden were preparing to meet the challenge together, Heda and her brother, her protege, the one who will take up the challenge should she fail to defend her claim. This was not new to either of them, Lexa had been challenged before, twice in fact. And their father was challenged as well, several times, but Aden would be too young to recall. And there were other challenges, sometimes warriors who had a genuine beef would challenge each other or on occasion a worker would get pissed with their supervisor, Indra had been challenged a few times.

This would be the first time Aden had attended Lexa prepare for such a challenge completely free of fear. He had seen Quint fight, had fought him himself and he knew that there was no chance he posed any threat to his sister. This process was normally a sombre event, on the occasions when Heda had been called on to serve justice, it was always a heavy responsibility, but not so today.

Lexa hadn't mentioned it, but Aden suspected that she was just going to humiliate the guy, let him tap out and then have them driven into Polis and dumped at the railway station. She was not cruel, that guy was a dick but he didn't deserve to die. Brother and sister were dressed in their warrior regimentals, he applied Heda's war paint and then she applied his. They walked out together.

Lexa had trained between five and seven and then soaked in a hot bath, she was ready. Quint and a half a dozen men were being held, awaiting her arrival. Hundreds of Trikru formed a circle around the pit, the elderly and injured were seated, most were standing around, they all shouted loudly when they saw her,

"Heda! Heda! Heda! Heda!"

The noise would have put the fear into Quint and his cronies which was part of the reason they did it.

Lexa scanned the crowd, she had been hoping Clarke would change her mind, but she wasn't here.

"Good luck, Heda,"

"Thank you, Aden,"

Lexa let her eyes fall over Quint and his merry band of idiots,

"Quint?"

"I challenge you for the leadership of Trikru, Lexa!"

"You are not Trikru yourself. What makes you think my people will follow you?"
"They won't have to - they can follow Queen Nia when I hand your dead body over to her."

"You're Nia's lap dog? Hilarious. Challenge accepted."

Tristan and Ross released him. He stepped forward, into the pit, rubbing his hands together, hundreds of warriors booed him; low, long and loud. He was rattled but he fought hard to maintain his composure. Like Aden and Lexa were familiar with Quint's fighting prowess, he knew theirs. He knew that he would have to be at the very top of his game, and he would need Lexa to be having a truly awful day for him to best her and he knew she was as distracted now as he could ever hope to find her.

He was not a complete fool, he knew he wasn't going to win, or at least he would have to be extremely lucky to win. But he wasn't doing this for himself, as much as he would like to smash her face in, conceited little bitch that she was, he was doing it for his real boss, the Queen of Azgeda.

"Choose your weapon, Quint,"

"Good luck, Heda," Lexa looked around, Clarke's apprehensive face was smiling at her. She came!

Lexa didn't have to see Quint grabbing a sword off the rack and charging at her, she could hear him, and even if she couldn't hear him she knew that it would be just the kind of shameful move he would pull. Rather than wasting time turning to face him she dropped low and swept his legs out from under him. She briefly considered beating him without a weapon at all but she had promised Clarke that she would take no chances so she grabbed a sword while Quint was finding his feet.

He chose the sword because he thought that the application of brute strength with a sharp blade was his best hope of inflicting injury but his theory was flawed because force could be easily redirected. Quint was huge and strong, no doubt, but his bulk limited his capacity for agility and endurance, something he should have understood a long time ago, had he taken his training more seriously.

Lexa wanted to find a balance between keeping her word to Clarke and not taking chances but she also needed to put Quint in his place without causing genuine harm. Her original plan had been to let the big man wear himself out but Clarke was right, she could trip over at any moment, hit her head on a rock and sustain a dangerous injury. She had to take him out, well not out… just down.

Rather keeping on the back foot, Lexa deflected and moved forward, the crowd noticed her change from defence to attack and cheered, she blocked out the noise and pushed forward. She had time between each attack to inflict nicks, he was on the back foot forced to defend time and time again, she cut his thigh, his forearm, his upper arm, even his cheek.

It was embarrassing and he was getting pissed. He didn't expect to win, no one expected him to win, but one good hit would salvage some of his pride, but that was proving less and less likely, she was too quick and stronger than she looked. But not as strong as him. He opened himself up, invited her to take a swing and was hoping to step into her space but she was always two steps ahead of him.

She made to accept his invitation and then suddenly side stepped and when he moved forward she was at his back, she planted her foot in his ass and pushed hard, with the momentum he was already creating and her push - he went flying, his sword skidding across the sand. Lexa passed her sword to someone in the crowd and leapt on Quint's back, she got her knee in his back and took him in a submission hold.

"Tap out," she demanded.

He struggled defiantly, Lexa tightened her hold,

"Tap Out!"

He groaned, resisting his fate and squirmed again.

"TAP OUT. Quint!" Lexa's tight on him was now so tight that it was obvious even to him that he had no other option.

"Mercy," he growled, slapping his hand on the sand.

Lexa released immediately and as expected, he hoped to catch her off guard with a spiteful elbow to the head, but she knew that he was feckless and unscrupulous - she anticipated the move and responded with a sharp, swift fist to the temple that dropped him like the sack of skrit he was.

When she stood, Ross and Penn stepped forward and dragged his worthless body out of the pit.

"Now." She turned and stared into the eyes of each of Quint's henchmen, "Who is next?"

The eyes of each dropped to the ground, they spread their legs, placed their hands behind their back, it was the traditional stance of a Trikru warrior usually to Heda or one's Fos, but it may be employed to any warrior as a sign of respect up the chain of command, never down. No one was stepping forward.

"I see. You are only willing to fight in a group."

Lexa stepped back and took a pair of fighting sticks, she turned back to them and twirled the sticks quickly, simultaneously in both hands, it appeared impressive, half of the crowd oohed and the other half aahed. She looked fearsome,

"Bring it."

The cowards glanced at each other, the only chance they had of gaining a shred of credibility was to beat her and the only chance they had to beat her was five on one. In unspoken agreement, one stepped forward and Lexa bolted over and struck him in the knee, he went down clutching at his leg, unable to get back up.

The others immediately dropped all pretence of fighting or winning - the reality was that they were going to be carted out of Trikru and forced to find employment elsewhere. Employment depended upon having their bodies intact.

They dropped to their knee and bowed their head, the ultimate signal of submission.

"Gustus?"

"Heda?"

"Supervise these cowards as they pack their belongings and remove them from the compound."

"Sha, Heda,"

"Trikru, take a good look at these faces, these cowards are henceforth banned from the compound. Don't mistake my generosity on this point for weakness, if you are found here again, you will be eliminated."

Gustus stepped forward and bellowed,

"Heda has answered the challenge. Is there anyone else who doubts her authority?"

Waves of Trikru warriors took a knee and a silence was like a healing balm over the whole community. Heda stood tall looking around at her people, the people she had survived to care for, to provide for. She saw the top of Aden's brown haired head and right next to him a blonde curly head of hair. Clarke was kneeling to Lexa. She must have felt Lexa's eyes on her, she looked up and the look that passed between them was love.

Twenty four hours on, Raven was waking up again after a completely successful knee reconstruction, so far no further signs of infection. This time Anya was at her bedside when she opened her eyes,

"Hey,"

"Heya, how are you feeling,"

"Meh,"

"Water?"

"Please,"

Anya dripped the water into Raven's mouth with the straw as she had seen Clarke do.

"Clarke said the surgery went well, no hiccups, no complications. Speaking of," She pulled out her cell phone and jiggled it at Raven, and sent off a succinct text, presumably to alert the good doctor that her sister had come out of the anesthetic.

Raven stuck her hand out of the sheet,

"Don't let me go," tears ran out of eyes and down her cheeks, Anya took her hand,

"I got you babe, what's wrong? Are you in pain?"

"Just emotional,"

"Yeah, been a pretty chaotic period. Just rest now, there is nothing for you to worry about,"

"NASA? DoJ?"

"The Fleimkepa has eyes and ears on them, they know you are here but so far they have proven reluctant to make contact."

"Flamekeeper? Like a lighthouse?"

"Sort of, just rest, babe,"

Anya just realised that their conversation may have been drug affected which wasn't a bad thing, because perhaps information about her location being known may likely have been TMI. Raven appeared to be nodding off just as Clarke came in,

"How is she?" she asked Anya,

"Emotional, confused,"

"Pain?"

"Nuh uh,"

"Confused, huh?"

"Is that bad?"

"Normal for most people. We'll keep an eye on her,"

"I can stay though, right?"

"Always, Ahn,"

Clarke squeezed her shoulder and went to the other side of the bed. Anya leaned back, but did not relinquish the hand of the one who had said 'don't let me go'. Clarke checked her sister's vitals, all good, the wound was clean, dry and healing well, the gash on her head was mended with six stitches and would one day be only a small scar. She fast tracked the last of the saline IV bag so she could replace it while she was here, running another line of antibiotics just to be sure.

"She is going to be okay, isn't she?"

"Absolutely. Physiotherapy is going to hurt like a bitch but she will be fine. So will you. You both need plenty of rest, good food and an opportunity to reconnect. You can't just tell Raven to relax, her relaxed speed would leave the rest of us dizzy, you are going to have to do it with her."

"Okay, not my strong suit, but I get it,"

"For example, it would help if you didn't get out of bed before her in the morning, wake up together slowly, notice things like what you hear, what you see, how you feel before you check what time it is and what is on agenda for the day. If you aren't there she will start a project and by lunch time you will have a smart hut on wheels and she will have damaged her knee.

Raven's had the most stressful year of her life, since Dad died actually, she has clocked up a lot of stress and tension miles and she could use a genuine reset." Clarke didn't say, 'and so could you,' but she meant it. The only way to get Anya to slow down was to tie the benefits to Raven and vice versa.

When you are ready to get up, you need to make a plan around her knee. I will show you both the technique but if you are both not mindful a twinge or a pull could be a disaster.

If this knee doesn't set right, if her leg doesn't heal correctly she could end up with problems: chronic pain, restricted movement, unnecessary pressure on her ankle and hip. She needs you Anya, she isn't comfortable with vulnerability, but if she thinks it will put your mind at ease for her to rest, she will be more motivated to be patient,"

"You sound like a real doctor, Clarke,"

"I should hope so with the amount of times I have operated on people."

Knock, knock,

"Fos? Can I come in?"

"Tris, come in. Thank you for coming, how are you?"

"I am fine, how are you? How is Raven? Is she going to be okay?"

"Sha, Tris, she will be just fine,"

Lexa's phone pinged the moment Titus confirmed news of Raven's escape a whisper on facebook exploded - apparently someone on board the Ark messaged their sister who mentioned it to a friend on facebook and someone saw the feed and boom!

He had also been keeping a close eye on the closed and private communications of one or two very senior figures who were heavily invested in the outcome of this 'Raven Reyes takes on the establishment' scenario. Ideally Reyes would have been nabbed and locked down at the soonest opportunity and a lid screwed down tight over the whole mess, from Jaha's elimination of the Griffin fellow, to Reyes' putting Jaha out of action. And those scrolls would never have seen the light of day.

Lexa received the message and passed it to Clarke and Anya, it was just about to break on all channels that Raven escaped the Ark in a pod. She thought about all the agencies that had service men and women in Polis, along the highway between there and here and decided it was time to have that discussion with her team.

Titus, Lexa, Aden, Anya, Tris, Indra, Gustus, Luna and a couple of other faces met to discuss how to mitigate the police, military and various other agency forces sitting in their driveway, business as usual was just not. Tris was a year younger than Aden, and due to his being next in line to manage Trikru, he was much further ahead in his training and development than she was.

But they were best friends, Lincoln frequently took Tris when they were going away for something particular and likewise Anya would take Aden if she was going to be teaching Tris something new. Not always, but often. And they had similar interests always off together playing hide and seek, swimming, hunting, pulling pranks, making cubbies.

Until recently that is, when they had entered puberty, it became a bit awkward for them, and they became more interested in politics and strategy than cubbies and games. Aden was being groomed for leadership and Anya became a little distracted with the whole Raven being pursued by powerful government agencies. Tris wasn't clued in on all the details, she knew something was going on, and it had been difficult to accept being out of the loop, a little left behind.

But now she was being brought into the fold, into a meeting with Heda, the Fleimkepa, and all the Generals, including her Fos. She was grateful, this was a big opportunity for her, a sign of them recognising her development and her trustworthiness. It was also nice to back side by side with Aden, their training had often mirrored that of the other, keeping them in close contact. She had missed him, but they had to accept their fate - his fate required an application to leadership and her fate required her to accept that he did share her romantic feelings.

Anya had noticed a change in her mood around the time when her seken and Aden began spending less time together, she had approached her about it. Tris had been fairly forthcoming about her feelings for her best friend and her fears that he did not return them, there were also feelings about her physical development. Tris was uncomfortable adjusting to her menstrual cycle and her growing breasts, she felt that the changes got in the way of her life. She had to change the way she used the bow and bleeding out in the field was inconvenient.

Anya could relate to her seken's upsets, she comforted her as best she could, spent extra time with her, tried to distract her from the emptiness and loneliness she was feeling without Aden being constantly at her side. She was pleased with the patience and perseverance her seken displayed in coping with her personal challenges and was glad to have gained Heda's permission to bring her into the Kru.

Titus tried his level best not to say 'I told you so,' regardless, everyone heard the message, Lexa took this opportunity to reaffirm her commitment to Clarke and Raven, she admitted that it had made things challenging for Trikru, but it is what is and it will be dealt with.

"Not only has Raven provided a substantial gift to Trikru, these are two highly skilled individuals, one a trauma surgeon and the other, well she is simply brilliant - Anya?"

"Raven is highly intelligent, she is a mechanical engineer, highly skilled with machines and tech and an aptitude for defense and a sharp strategic mind skilled at identifying problems, creating solutions and enacting solid plans."

"Well, of course you two would say that," said Luna, who having just arrived at Trikru had yet to meet either of the women in question.

"I don't know what I would say to you all had Anya and I fallen in love with a pair of sisters who worked in a shoe store, but luckily we don't need to have that conversation. I also know that having Raven here brings us an intense level of scrutiny and a substantial risk that we would all rather Trikru was not exposed to, but it is done. Now I need us to find a way to minimise our exposure."

"We could have a shut down?" suggested Titus.

"Would that make them suspicious? More likely to make contact?"

"If they approach during a shutdown, it could ignite a confrontation?'

"Yeah, they don't understand our ways,"

"We could hide them?"

"Them?"

"If they can't get to Raven, they might try getting to Clarke?"

"Can anyone explain why they have not made contact - they haven't so much as knocked to ask if she is here? They haven't even called Clarke or her Mother to ask after Raven," it had been stumping Lexa for days, clearly they suspected she was here, or close by, but so far, nothing.

"I can't explain it, either, Heda, it's confusing?" replied Titus, shaking his head.

"Anyone? A guess?"
"They are either about to make contact, or they want us to think they are,"

"What if we made contact with them?"

"Could they be watching and listening to us already?"

"Hmm. If they are, they're not hearing anything they don't already know," surmised Lexa.
"Are we sure about that?"

"I am almost certain," said Anya.

"Perhaps they don't know that."

"In the meantime there is no real harm, its uncomfortable, sure,"

"We are supposed to be under the radar not in the cross hairs,"

"Let's make a plan in case they do make contact,"

"Anya, please make a plan to evacuate Raven, and Clarke,"

"Sha, Heda,"

"Anything else?"

"Hiya Anya. Raven, how are you feeling?"

"Heda,"

"Hey Lexa, I'm on the mend, thank you,"

"You wanted to see me?"

"Yes. Heda, I would like to become Trikru, permanently. Is that possible?"

"Possibly,"

"I know you're in a mess because of me, but that's not why. When I first heard about prepping, I thought it was odd. I thought the government would make sure the people are okay, have what they need. But between what I have learned here, the purpose of the Ark, the way they treated my father and me, and hundreds, thousands of others - I want to contribute to what you're doing here. All that, and because Anya - "

Raven put her hand out to Anya who took it,

"is my home. I want you and Aden, and Tris to be my family too,"
"You must contribute to our community and obey your Heda, at all times."

"I will,"

"Welcome to Trikru,"

"Is that it? Are we married now?"
There was a ripple of laughter,

"Talk to Anya about that,"

Clarke, Aden and Tris had been hanging out when they heard Lexa being summoned to the Healer's Hut, so they thought they would come down and suss out the action.

"Whoop!" Aden pumped his fist when Lexa told them, and put his arm around Clarke,

"Half way, no pressure or anything," he grinned to her.

She hugged him back and kissed the top of his head,

"Getting there, Ade, getting there,"

"Hey that Titus bloke, is he any good at selling real estate?" asked Raven.

"What real estate?" asked Lexa.

"My apartment,"

"You want to sell your apartment?" asked Anya.

"My life out there is over, babe, even if I don't get arrested and sent to prison. I don't want that, I have everything I need in here."

"What about Mom? And me?" asked Clarke.

"You still have a choice, they don't know your name, your face. I can't just get on a red eye and go to NYC without thinking I am going to get nabbed by the CIA or whoever's goons,"

"I guess,"

"But in here? I can contribute. Queen Nia - I mean, did you get all the lasers set up?"

"We haven't got around to it yet," said Anya.

"See? They need me. BTW, Lex - ah Heda, I have a gift for you that is going to blow your ti - ah mind! Where is my satchel? My leather satchel? Don't tell me - "

"We have it," Clarke replied.

"Anyway, after the shut, I will show it to you, Heda."

"So I should ask Titus to put your condo on the market?"

"Yes please, the furniture can be given to charity or whatever,"

"You know what," Clarke looked ill, "He can sell mine, too,"

All the adults in the room said

"Ooh Nooo!"

"OH you want Raven, but you don't want me?" Clarke felt genuinely hurt.

"It's not that, ai hodnes, of course. Raven has thought this through, she is doing this of her own free choice, you are reacting emotionally and may regret it," Lexa said, worried.

"Raven?" Clarke asked.

"I don't think it's a big deal either way. You were here for a month, now three months and look at you, sleeping better, strong, fit and happy, in love. If you sell and regret just buy again, you have enough resources for that. And if you don't sell now, you can always sell later. Or my personal favourite, put it on the market and see how much you get offered and then decide."

"You should both get offered more by selling together, if that helps?" added Lexa.

"Okay, ask Titus if he will put mine on the market as well, please,"

"Okay, I have some things to take care of, see you for dinner? Aden would you come with me?"

"Yes, Heda," Shark followed his master out, trotting proudly by his side.

"You need me, Heda?" asked Anya,"

"I could certainly use you,"

"And me?" asked Tris hopefully.

"You got it."

Clarke and Raven looked at each other,

"Are you going to tell me off?"

"You are a free person, Ray. I was going to say how much I love you, how much you have grown up recently too, not about all this," Clarke sort of waved her hands around, "I mean with me, with Anya. You are a really wonderful human being and I am honoured to call you my sister,"

"Oh, stop!"

"I will in a moment. Trikru and Anya are lucky to have you, as have the Griffins been all these years. I am not ready to let you go, not yet, so maybe I will follow you into Trikru, if they will have me. I just don't feel quite as certain about it as you appear to be,"

"I feel certain about Anya. I would follow her anywhere and that's as simple or as complicated as it is. At first it was attraction, and the sex, but I think it was when you told me to pull my head in, remember? I stopped behaving in stupid ways and it left some space open, a bit of space for her to come out, a bit of space for different sides of me. Once that happened, I just knew.

But I couldn't say anything because of the whole Dad thing, the NASA thing and then the Ark, you know. At the start, before it all blew up, I was just getting information on what happened to Dad, I kept thinking, I will be back with her in a week or two, but it kept getting bigger and bigger. I was driven to finish that, but I was never tempted to take a short cut so I could see her sooner and part of that was about not wanting to take home something that was less than everything I could achieve, for her. I want to be the best I can be."

"Naw, Ray. She has got you wrapped around her little finger,"

"Do you like her?"

"Oh absolutely. I really like her and I totally love her for you. You are both such a good match."

"And you?"

"Yeah, same. Any uncertainty I feel is nothing to do with Lexa. She is, well, she is perfect for me. Kind and gentle, but strong, smart and funny, sort of low key but intense at the same time. Like once she gives her word about something, that's final. And she doesn't have to run around saying 'I love you' all the time because she does love, it's in her manner, her intention, her thoughtfulness. Yeah, anybody would be lucky to have her."

"Even you?"

"Even me."

"Then what is it?"

"Tsk. I've seen almost everything you have. They killed our father, they didn't investigate his death, they would kill you too given half a chance. And your right about the Hard Launch Ark - like who will be going up there? All one percenters! Even though I know that to be true it feels so weird saying it, like I am a traitor.

I was groomed for that world, out there, the condo, the OR, Morning Joe and the day spa. That's where I fit, even though I know now that it's all fake. I feel so confused. They call me princess, here, some of the fencing crew - and they're right. I am a princess. I mean yes, I worked hard to get where I am but I also had every advantage. I mean can you hear Mom? She is going to flip out!"

"I understand, and again, I don't think it's that big of a deal. Be Trikru or don't, either way you still have Lexa, and she will take you now, next year or in five years. And if you come and you're unhappy, just buy another condo - or hell the same one and go back to Polis GH! Or NYC, whatever."

"But what do you think I should do?"

"Literally, flip a coin."

"Raven, I can't decide my future on a heads or tails."

"Let me show you what Mickey told me, get something, there that lid. Come here, hold this, shiny side up is Trikru, matte side up is Polis. Just close your eyes, touch one side then the other, imagine, shiny is Trikru, matte is Polis, dwell and then when you're ready flip it - but don't say anything, just look at the result and seek your feeling - is that the result you wanted?"

"You going to read my Tarot cards after this,"

"Shh, close your eyes, dwell,"

Clarke took a deep breath, she rubbed the tips of her fingers over first the Trikru side and then the Polis side and back again, then after a moment, she flipped it into the air and they both watched it fall to the floor. It went under the bed a little, so Raven couldn't see,

"Polis," said Clarke,

"Good, decision made,"

"I guess,"

"Did you want it to land on Trikru?'

"A little bit,"

"Then there's your answer. You want Trikru."

"I do, but Mom is going to kill me, and I don't think I am going to be able to stop her."

"You leave Momma Abby to me, Clarke, if this is what you want, just do it, like I say, you can always go back. Or you can think about it for as long as you need."

"Have you thought about marrying Anya?"

"We were never going to get married, remember? You and me - forever!"
"Yeah, well we got the matching condos, that was the start,"

"Like you said, we were groomed for that world, but I don't think it ever made us all that happy. I worked as a mechanic. You got the job, the money and the condo but you can't sleep, you're lonely -"

"I never said I was lonely. And I love my job,"

"You don't have to tell me you are lonely, I am your sister, I know these things. And yes, you love your job, but somehow I think you would love it better if you just did it three days a week."

"Hmm," said Clarke, thinking it over.

"Think about Mom, she isn't happy, she hasn't been happy for years. I think she is just in a deep rut, but she is surrounded by other people doing the same thing. They were all told; get an education, get a good job, work hard, buy a house, have a baby, have a holiday, but none of them are truly happy.

They don't understand you, who is happy in her job and doesn't want a promotion, because they were told a promotion will make you happy and more money is better. And you moved from NY to Polis, which I actually think was a good move for you, but again it doesn't make sense to them, it goes against the grain."

"Against the grain," contemplated Clarke, with interest.

"What?"

"I think you're' right, Raven. Polis suits me better than NY. I am in the right job, but a few changes could make all the difference and I didn't realise it but as much as I liked that condo it wasn't quite the right fit."

"There you go!"

"I think Lexa is the right fit, but I'm not sure about Trikru,"

"That's the beauty of it, Clarkey, it doesn't have to be. Do 3 months, then go and live in a share-house in Polis with some nurses, work three days a week and come back here for long weekends."

"Hmm, you might be right. And so no marriage?"

"I am as committed to Anya now as I will ever be. We belong together, and we belong to each other, that's all I need."

"Oh boy, you got it bad,"

"Don't care who knows it. You?"

"I am thinking about it. Again, nothing to do with Lexa, if I was going to marry anyone, it is her for sure. Aden wants me to marry her because he wants me to be his family, but not just me, he said he gets you and Anya too, and he doesn't even mind if we are all girls."

"Really, he wants us?"

"Even Mom!"

"Wow, did you check him for concussion?"

"Good point. He was saying he wants a family, and he wants us, he doesn't want Lexa to be alone if something happens to him. He also might have mentioned that it would be nice if we had a baby so he could be an uncle."

"Hmm, well you can't become Trikru because I am and you can't marry Lexa for Aden. Something will come to you Clarkey, just keep plodding along, you're doing good, real good."

"Thanks Ray, how's the knee?"

"When can I start walking?"

"Two more days, ish. How are you coping?"

"Not bad, actually, I think I have needed the rest. I don't like being separate from everyone though."

Chapter Thirteen

As busy as things were inside the compound they were just as busy - if not chaotic - on the outside too, and not just in the driveway but in the city and across the nation. Fifty odd years of increasing economic disparity and social pressure which had been worsening to a point of real frustration and pain appeared to be coming to a head in the streets of midtown USA across lines of class, race, sexuality and gender, the poverty and the violence.

It was all the tinder apparently ignited by a David taking on Goliath in the form of Raven Reyes taking on Jaha, everyday people sick of the injustice at the hands of the establishment. There were a range of political actions; people unwilling to refrain from or attempt to hide low level crimes of illegal parking, theft, drugs and sex in public to provoke police interest so they could resist.

Widespread looting, property damage, general violence, people stopped turning up to work and children stopped going to school. All levels of the establishment - local, state and federal were attempting to encourage and enforce social order and compliance but the people were no longer willing to support a system that doesn't support them. Police tried cracking down but that didn't last long as they either could not or would not apply the level of force it would have taken in order to achieve compliance.

Titus and Lexa came to believe that the reason the authorities were reluctant to make contact, in the search for Raven Reyes was because they already had their hands full with social disruption. They were afraid that if they made a move to apprehend the 'people's martyr' they might actually bite off more than they could chew in terms of testing the resolve of the masses.

"Hey Mom, it's me, Raven," doing her best naughty school girl impression,

"Oh, Raven, bahaha" even Abby had to laugh at Raven's relying on the old familiar family joke,

"I have been so worried about you. Where are you? How are you?"

"I've dinged up my knee pretty bad but other than I am Aok. How about you, Mom?"

"I don't know what to say, I am basically living in my office, Aunty Cece has moved in here with me, NYC GH has had to hire security that, uggh! Nevermind, tell me about you? I haven't seen you since you and Clarke came when Dad died?"

Raven wanted to say 'when Dad was murdered', but she bit her tongue.

"What did you think of my scrolls?"

"Oh well, I suppose you uncovered what happened to Dad, so that was amazing but it, well it has caused a certain amount of upset,"

"Can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs,"

"No, I suppose not. Raven, we are different, you and I,"

Oh, here we go, thought Raven.

"I make a fuss about all the wrong things. I either speak up too loudly or in the wrong places or not at all - in being silent I let your father down, I let you and Clarke down. It should have been me that fought to find out what happened to his body, but instead I took the money, blood money, and buried an empty box because I didn't want to make trouble."

"Mom, come one, don't do this to yourself,"

"Those scrolls were incredible, Raven, I will never be able to thank you enough and Jake - "

Here, Abby burst into tears, Aunty Cece came on the line,

"Hey, kiddo,"

"Hey, Aunty, so good to hear your voice,"

"Thanks, you too, your Mother just needs a minute,"

"Yeah, its okay,"

"How are you doing? Where are you - you probably can't say, I think the lines are bugged,"

"All of our lines will be bugged forever, sorry about that,"

"It'll be worth it to expose what they did to Jake, and what they tried to do to you, oh, here,"

"Ray?"

"Yeah, Mom,"

"He, he would be so proud of you. I am too. No matter what comes, okay?"
"Okay Mom. Hey, did you ever think about selling the house?"

"Yes, I did why?"

"Well, if you can bear to part with it, I think now would be a good time,"

"Is this, do you know something?"
"No, it's totally your choice, I just thought downsizing might suit you, diversify your assets, give yourself some options for the future."

"Is this some sort of code?"

"All information has layers, Mom, contemplate the first and see what comes to mind. But you have to make your own choices."

"Okay, I will think it over,"

"Thanks Mom, for what you said. I did it for him, you know, he didn't deserve that. He was a man of dignity, they should have listened to him, valued his knowledge and experience. You know, I saw Jaha put Dad's watch into his own pocket and it made me so mad, Clarke should have that watch."

"Wherever you are, Raven, I want you to be safe, forget about watches, I will buy you each the exact same watch and then you will both have a little token, but please, lay low, don't give them any more chances, to, to take you, away from us," she broke down again.

"Okay Mom, I promise. One more thing, those women you met at Dad's funeral? The ones Clarke and I liked so much - don't say any names, but you should know that they are the real deal for both of us. Your kids hit pay dirt in the love department, Mom, so don't give blondie a hard time, okay? Got to go, love you, Mom, bye."

Raven hung up super fast before Abby could reply and she knew her Mother would be both frustrated and laughing because it was a move Raven had been pulling on all of them since she was a kid.

It had taken Raven a long time to trust that she was never going to get a hiding in the Griffin household, she was never going to be sent away, or miss a meal. She frequently got a lecture or even grounded but she was never yelled at or spoken to with disrespect and when she spoke they listened. That was probably the most shocking thing of all, the most difficult thing to come to accept, that they liked her, she came up with clever observations and made interesting points. But even when she was just hanging around in her pyjamas, on the couch with her headphones blasting, they were always happy to see her.

Middle class people were different to Raven's people, they didn't really treat Clarke and Raven like children, more like small people, they accepted that children need to develop but Clarke and Raven were never offered the children's menu at a restaurant, they could pick whatever they wanted. And Abby and Jake would ask her things like, how were her subjects going at school, they didn't mean what kind of grades was she making, they meant was it what she had anticipated and how did she feel about that?

And then they would say, I am going to Officeworks today, do you need anything? Raven nearly fell over. Or I am ordering groceries, is there anything you fancy? Jake came into her room one afternoon with his laptop and asked her advice about the specs for a replacement model. And then he took her advice! He actually made a $4000 purchase based on her opinion.

Where Raven came from kids were the unfortunate mishap of a past relationship, a burden who made getting a job necessary and keeping it impossible. She was fed often but not always, medical attention was only when nobody else on the street could fix it and dentistry was never, clothes were a Christmas present. She learned not to ask for things because she wouldn't get them anyway so why sit through the bitching and moaning her Mother did because she felt bad about having to say no.

Raven became friends with Clarke because they both liked to do school work at recess and lunch time, Clarke would finish her work and then draw and Raven would do the extra sheets the teacher got into the habit of giving her so that she wouldn't interrupt the class. Then in about the third grade Clarke asked Raven why she sometimes had no food and Raven explained that they didn't have money, Clarke opened up her purse and gave Raven everything that was in it and every day after that everything Clarke brought to school was packed in pairs, one for her and one for Raven.

Raven started getting school dinners too, the teacher just told her one day that it was taken care of and that she should eat whatever she wanted and if she needed anything else pencils, books or anything to let the teacher know. Abby had told her years later that Clarke was distressed that Raven was hungry and wanted to help so they did, it was so easy to help, one phone call and a monthly bill school dinners bill, it was nothing to them and they were happy to help.

They always chose to partner up for projects and Clarke's house was way more comfortable to work out of, there was always power, food, heating/cooling and supplies, whatever they needed. Plus her parents were nice, would ask what they were working on, did they need anything, Jake would help sometimes and Abby would take sheets to work and use the photocopier.

They used to drive her home, but it must have appeared so bleak to be dropping a child off to a home where someone may or may not have been waiting, where there may or may not be power, food. They often used to say,

"Raven, we're having chicken, would you like me to call and ask your Mother if you can stay?"

The dinners turned into overnight, which became weekends, one day when it was nearing bedtime Abby took her upstairs and said,

"We like having you stay with us so much we thought you might like your own room, you can still sleep with Clarke, but just in case you need your own space, this room is yours. I put some clothes, pyjamas and things in the drawers but maybe on the weekend I could take you and Clarke to pick out your own things, what do you think?"

"Am I going to live here now?" Raven had asked.

"Well, nobody needs to make any decisions in a hurry, in the meantime when your home, your home and when you're here you're here. But if at any time you want to go home, you just ask me or Jake and we will take you straight home. And if ever you're at home and you feel like you would like to come back, you just call us and we will come and get you. How does that sound?"

"I don't have a phone."

"No? We will put that on the list for the weekend,"

And they did. Clarke got anything she asked for, within reason of course, and she never asked for anything too extravagant. Clarke would ask for art supplies and because they knew Raven would not ask they just took her to the game store or the electricals and noticed what she gravitated toward. It was the greatest day in living memory when she got her very own gaming console, not only that but Jake played with her and not to be the daggy dad, although he kind of was, but he was interested in both the tech and the kid.

In highschool Jake saw them handwriting everything and thought that it would be more efficient and a good skill to develop, so he bought them both laptops. Raven said one would be better than another so he dropped the one he was holding and picked up the other without batting an eye. By this time Raven almost never went home, with the Griffins she was genuinely part of their family, she went to the doctor, the dentist, they signed her up for drivers ed and took her out on the weekends, there was nothing they wouldn't do for her.

And Clarke and Raven went from being friends to BFFs to sisters. Actually both preferred company to being alone so that was nice, and someone to sit with in the back seat of the car, someone to do homework with, they did everything together! High school, college, postgrad, workforce, their apartment in NYC, the move to Polis and now apparently the move to Trikru. Raven was all set, but it appeared Clarke needed more time, and that was just fine, she didn't feel that it was necessary that they had to keep doing things together just because they always had.

This was a decision Clarke needed to make for herself and Raven loved and supported her either way. After their heart to heart, Clarke decided to make up for her missed training session this morning, she still carried the bag Aden gave her everywhere she went, she topped off her water and headed for the obstacle course. There was no one around, or so she thought, she preferred to be alone sometimes, particularly if she had things she needed to think over.

The first lap she took slowly she still had her sweater on, just stretching into it, when she got back to the start she pulled off her outer layers, put them in a pile with her bag and tied her hair back, getting serious now, she ginned to herself. She began running, it was still amazing to her that something she had hated so much at first she had grown to enjoy, the information Aden had given her regarding aerodynamic forces on the human body had really helped her.

A couple of laps in Clarke was in the zone, her breathing was laboured but it was even and she was using it to help hoist her body under and over barriers, swinging her body through tight gaps and leaping to catch ropes that were hanging from branches to swing over muddy trenches and so on. She got a bit of a fright when she got back to the start and saw a woman had arrived and was watching her.

"Hiya," Clarke called out the Trikru greeting.

"Hiya, so yu laik the won emo kom Klark,"

"Sha, I am Clarke, although my Trigedasleng is still pretty limited,"

"English will do for now. My name is Luna,"

"Ah, the famous Luna, I am so pleased to finally meet you," Clarke took the forearm that was offered to her by the striking woman.

Luna was closing in on six foot tall, her skin was flawless porcelain and her hair was a gorgeous flaming red, she was easily likeable, with a friendly smile.

"You know of me?" she asked, but the look she gave Clarke communicated that expected nothing less.

"Luna, the mermaid of Trikru waters, so the legend goes,"

"Fair assessment," she had a cheeky smile,

"Have you just arrived? Lexa has been expecting you for some days, I understand?"

"Sha, I took a job on the way back, good money and good intelligence for Heda,"

"Cool, did you come to do the obstacle course?"

"I came to meet you."

"I am flattered, unless you want to punch me or something?"

"Just checking you out,"

"Oh?"

"I mean, Trikru is gaining attention because of you and your sister, I wanted to see what you were all about," she was an obvious, upfront and blunt sort of person, possibly in your face too, but Clarke was still figuring her out. "Now that I have seen you, checking you out is definitely not off the agenda,"

"Oh, well, I mean, yes, we have caused a disturbance, sorry if that's inconvenient,"

She shrugged, clearly giving Clarke her full attention, "I am at the service of Heda. I can see why she is making such a grand stand for you though, she is one lucky lady,"

Oh good, thought Clarke, who had been wondering if she would have to say something.

"They say you are a doctor, is that true,"

"Sha, trauma surgeon at Polis General,"

"Valuable skill,"

"You have valuable skills, as well."

"Ah well, I speak water. I keep tabs on all the water within Trikru, past, present and future. I monitor how much and the quality for our varied uses of the various water sources; human consumption, livestock, recreational activities and the animals that depend on it, including those who live outside it and those who live in it."

"I already want to learn more,"

"I would be happy to teach you anything you want to know. Do you like to swim?"

"Yeah, I do, is it not a bit cold for that just now?"

"Only getting in and out," she grinned a very obvious sort of, knowing sort of grin. Oh, she was a terrible flirt, Clarke realised, not as in a bad flirt, but a determined flirt. Luna was playing with her! And the moment she realised, all her trepidation fell away.

"I was going to watch you do a few more laps before going up to see Echo, but if you have finished do you fancy coming along?"

"Sure, I am fascinated by her pack. Oh wait, which way is Echo's place?"

"West, why?"

"Sorry, I am a city girl, can you point?"

Luna grinned at her again, then she approached, turned her around so that her back was against Luna's front. She ran the back of her fingers down the inside of Clarke's right arm and when she reached her wrist she pushed out, raising Clarke's arm out and straight up above her head,

"The sun rises in the East," she said, very slowly, then she pushed Clarke's right hand to match and as she pushed it down she said,

"And sets in the West," she stepped back. Clarke realised that Luna had made her right arm rise and her left set, as it were.

"Now find the sun,"

Clarke turned, "It's there," she pointed.

"Is it rising or setting?"

"Setting,"

"The sun rises in the East" she patted Clarke's right shoulder, "and sets in the West," she repeated patting Clarke's left shoulder,

"So which way would you need to stand in order to make the saying true?"

Clarke worked it out, holding her arms out and turned until her left was pointing at the setting sun,

"Correct," and then she touched Clarke's forehead, "North," and patted her tushy, "South.

"Really? Is that always true?"

"Always," this time when she smiled she winked.

"If you are having me on, you might end up with an unnecessary tonsillectomy,"

"I swear, but I have no idea what this has to do with Echo's place,"

"I am not allowed to go near the North fence,"

"Ah," Clarke knew Luna understood the implications of her statement. "Well, if you are satisfied, would you like to come to see Echo?"

"I would," they set off together, "So where have you been? Area wise I mean,"

"I had a number of things to do, some personal, some for Heda, one of which was to follow the western river - "

"Wait, that's the one over there?"

"Correct, Clarke. To follow it all the way to its source, monitoring the quality of the water all the way along. It's a big job because the lands through which it runs are private and I must get permission,"

"And do people let you?"

"I am quite charming, Clarke, people frequently ask me to have a cup of coffee or more,"

"Yes, I believe that,"

They both laughed and enjoyed their walk together, Clarke was feeling like she might have met someone who could become a real friend.

Echo was pleased to see them and the pack clearly knew Luna well, they stopped to allow Echo to approach them and she shook both their forearms. They stood and chatted while the pack sussed out the situation, yapping, nicking and bouncing around, when Echo was ready she led the way back and they sat on the logs around the fire and Echo brought out her bottle again the same delicious but potent drink.

Clarke enjoyed listening to the two of them chat away. Echo talked about her pack as though a Mother would talk about her kids at the school gate, this one did this and that one went there, and another was crook and so on and Luna listened like she knew them all intimately. Luna talked of her journey, she told little stories of things that happened and people she met, she told the story of the western river; it was like this here but then it changed, parts of it were well, other parts needed attention.

She had camped out much of the way, making a little fire, with permission and sleeping on the banks, waking with the sun, collecting her samples and them going on her way to the next juncture. Time must have got away because Clarke's radio crackled,

"Copy Clarke,"

"Copy Heda,"

"Everything okay?"

"Yes, I am with the pack,"

"Want me to come in the vehicle?"

Clarke raised her eyebrows at the other two who both nodded, Luna mimed chugging on a bottle,

"Can you bring some wine?"

There was a little laughter at Lexa's end, "Sha, see you soon."

An hour later there were eight or ten people at Echo's fireside, all the usual faces, including Raven who demanded she be brought in the back of the ute - she wasn't missing a party, bung knee or no! There was no wine after all but a range of stronger beverages, mostly homebrews, they brought some food as well, and they all sat around sipping, munching and chatting and Clarke realised that right now, in this moment, with these people she felt happy.

It was the sort of happiness that she and Raven had earlier discussed, like a deep contentment. She wasn't a child, she didn't expect to be happy all the time, but it was rare for Clarke to actually realise these moments of happiness, and when she did it was nearly always when she was with Lexa, and or Aden and or Raven. Her dad would have loved this, a campfire, a pack of wolves, a good brew, interesting chat with good people.

Clarke loved that Lexa would always sit by her, it was nice to be chosen like that. She couldn't imagine wanting anyone else the way she wanted Lexa, she was everything, her friend, her companion, her lover and in many ways a wife. But not quite. She certainly did everything now, that she would do if she were Clarke's wife, if they were to marry there wasn't anything she would do extra, or cease doing. And Clarke thought she didn't care so why was she thinking about it?

The more she thought about it, the more she came back to the idea of being chosen, and not for her because, as she had said, Lexa was always choosing her, but it was a way for Clarke to choose Lexa. Publicly, permanently. This must have been the way her parents felt about each other, she realised. Yes, friends and lovers but there was something more, a sense of love, family - contentment. It was right in that moment that Clarke knew that she was going to ask Lexa to marry her, to be her wife and she knew that it was right. Exactly, perfectly, right.

"Take me home, and make love to me, gorgeous?" she whispered in Lexa's ear.

"Always,"

They beat a quiet retreat, nodding to those around them so as not to disturb their conversations, Lexa put her coat over Clarke's shoulders and her arm around her as they walked,

"Everything okay?"

"Everything is very, very excellent, ai hodnes," replied Clarke, using the term of endearment that Lexa always used for her.

"I am glad, anything particular?"

"Yes, in fact, but tonight is not for talking - tonight is for other things,"

"That is very excellent."

That night Clarke made love to Lexa, taking her time to worship and adore her, there was no spot of skin left unkissed, unloved, no soft words left unspoken. Clarke poured all of her attention, her love, her appreciation and gratitude into words and actions, it was also for Clarke a kind of celebration of her new found certainty, her commitment to Lexa.

They slept wrapped up in each other and the following morning was one of the few times that Clarke woke first, she was in no hurry to extricate herself from Lexa's arms.

"Mmmmm, good morning, ai hodnes," murmured Lexa, stretching a little, but reluctant to lose her hold on her lover.

"I love you, I don't say it all the time, but I don't want you to ever wonder,"

"I know, Clarke. Everything okay?"

"Absolutely,"

"Not that I am complaining,"

"You better not be, that was some of my best work, last night!"

Clarke rolled over the top of Lexa and began wrestling with her, neither really had the conviction and it all ended up in cuddles.

As soon as Lexa was out the door, Clarke whipped out her laptop, she looked up the web site of one of the two jewelry stores in Polis, she began scanning the images of rings. Clarke didn't know exactly what she wanted, but she had some ideas, something simple but not necessarily plain, hard wearing, sort of androgynous. It didn't have to be a wedding ring per say but it would be nice to be something that reflected that this was not just a dress ring, she assumed that a gold ring would not be hardy enough to survive Lexa's physical lifestyle without incurring constant damage.

The first site she just happened to open had, amongst many others, an image of a ring she quite liked for Lexa; a brushed tungsten titanium carbide ring, 4mm in width, featuring slightly raised, rounded polished edges with a unique brushed gold centre layer. Clarke knew that she would be unable to travel to Polis herself to make the purchase, she checked her watch, it was still too early for the store to be open, so Clarke pocketed her credit card and sat waiting. She would have to ask Indra who was going to town next and ask them to pick it up for her.

Later that evening, Clarke knocked on Aden's hut,

"Aden? It's Clarke, you busy?"

"Come on in, Clarke,"

"Hey, got time for a chat?"

"Sure,"

Clarke pulled the box out of her pocket, opened it and showed it to Aden,

"I want to ask Lexa to marry me."

The joy on Aden's face was unmistakable,

"Oh Clarke, that's just so awesome,"

"There is only the two of you, I wanted to make sure that you approve,"

"Of course I approve! You will be my sister, for real,"

"And you will be my bro,"

They shared a wonderful hug, it was warm and strong, it felt like family.

"So, what's the deal with Trikru marriages and weddings?"

"The couple or triad ask Heda's permission, if she agrees, they state their intention before the clan and there is a celebration."

"Triad?"

"Yeah, sometimes a couple will take on a third or three people will present together,"

"Is that common?"

"It's not rare,"

"Okay, so no legal requirement?"

"That is Trikru formal,"

"I mean you don't register that in town,"

"I doubt it, we don't need their permission or sanction for things that are our business,"

"So that's it?"

"Ordinarily, but you will be marrying Heda, Clarke and that's a big deal,"

"What sort of big deal?"

"The Fleimkepa will have to agree and he will marry you and it will be a big celebration - huge! All the Trikru will come from everywhere to attend, all our workers and associates, it will be massive."

"Titus will never agree,"

"Yes, he will,"

"He doesn't like me,"

"Titus only likes Heda. And maybe me," he grinned again, obviously very happy.

"He will agree, Clarke, for a start it's already done, you and Raven are already here, Raven is Trikru now, our exposure is complete. Secondly, his commitment is to Trikru and to Lexa as Heda, and she is a very good Heda, she hasn't done anything to lose his loyalty. And third, he might prefer she marry a Trikru person, but she has been alone for a long time, she is clearly picky,"

Aden grinned, and punched her in the arm, "And she waited for you, Clarke,"

"Thank you, Aden."

"I am happy, and I am happy for you and Lexa, really, really happy."

They hugged again.

Anya moved to a larger hut and Raven moved in with her when she was released from the Healer's Hut. Lexa insisted Anya take two weeks to rest and recuperate, to be with Raven and to assist her recover from her injury, Anya argued but Lexa employed her Heda face and Anya accepted her fate.

They followed Clarke's advice, waking up together, staying in bed for an hour, something neither of them had ever done. They got into a little morning routine; Anya would make Raven coffee and jump into the shower, then she take a chair into the shower and carry Raven into the bathroom. Anya was extremely strict regarding Raven's movement of her injured leg, when a movement was going to happen they planned it, and Anya's strength, both physical and emotional, was necessary to Raven and so appreciated.

Raven did not like to be dependent, nor restricted and she was almost always in pain, it bothered her in her sleep and that made her feel grumpy. Nyko came for an hour every morning and afternoon to put Raven through her rehabbing and Anya used that time to work out. Clarke came everyday to check the wound and to hangout, Luna came by frequently to provide some entertainment, Aden and Tris came every single day, he set up her PS4 and they played games. Lincoln once brought a pair of tiny piglets for Raven's entertainment.

As the days wore on, the pain, the boredom, the frustration was beginning to erode her patience and endurance. Her shortness of temper was a problem in itself but it also made her feel insecure in her relationship; rather than enjoying a honeymoon period Anya was now attached to her side, bringing her food, passing her drinks, taking her to the bathroom. Unused to being sidelined from essential activities she became one cranky patient, sister, friend and lover.

Anya made sure that Raven had everything she needed, clothing that was easy to put on and take off, comfortable to wear for her injured knee. When she had to pop out for a short spell she made sure that Raven had a laptop, games, books and puzzles, and she was never gone long, bringing back delicious snacks or other treats.

But Raven was not coping well, she was less and less happy, she was in pain, not sleeping well and her moods swung rapidly as she tried to take on more than was appropriate or refused to participate at all. Nyko tried to reason with her, to encourage her, to scold, bribe and humour her but struggled to achieve a continuity of service, which was potentially a problem for her recovery.

Of course he spoke with Clarke about it, who spoke to Raven who promptly told her where to go and Anya also tried to encourage her to participate in her rehab but Raven was in a mood. She wanted it fixed yesterday, she wanted her autonomy back, her privacy, her physicality and she wanted to get out there, with other people, to get back to work. But as so often happens in life, Raven's actual behaviour was running counter to her objective.

Anya was happy, not to see Raven struggling, of course, but her greatest personal hopes of finding a compatible partner had finally been realised. She understood Raven's injury to be a short term hiccup and she was prepared to do anything and everything in her power to see Raven recover as quickly and as fully as possible. Just having Raven back on the planet, let alone in her hut, was the greatest gift ever, lugging her from the bed to the porch was nothing at all.

She truly believed that with support, Raven would accept her situation, commit to the therapy and eventually completely recover her previous physicality, so her patience with Raven's vulnerability, mood swings and temper was everything one could wish for; gentle, enduring, calm, encouraging and not without a sense of humour.

"Aaargh, I can't, fucken! Screw this! Put me down, down, now."

"Sorry, babe, here,"

Anya would have liked nothing more than to follow Raven's first instruction immediately but that would have meant sitting her on the floor which would have hurt way worse and caused further damage. Her closest alternative was to sweep her off her feet literally and carry her back to a chair.

"Aaargh! Can you please! Just give me five minutes, please,"

"Okay, sure,"

Anya stepped out of their hut, she walked 10 or fifteen metres and began pacing, her feelings were blowing up, Raven's feelings were blowing up - they both knew this was going to be a challenge but phew the intensity is, extra. Raven is in there crying, she always sends Anya away when she is hurting.

"Grrr Grrr," Raven's muted shouting could be heard outside. Anya felt like punching things, she wanted to go in there and help, or just be there, but she knew if she went in Raven would zero her personal experience, minimise it, hide it.

The sound of smashed glass or similar caused Anya to revisit her decision, she bounded up the few steps and into the hut, Raven was standing, again, without support, the remains of a glass of water spread out at her feet.

"Babe?"

"Don't Babe me, Babe,"

Now they are both standing there crying and Anya has no idea how Raven is standing so long, so well balanced on one leg. She doesn't know whether to help, offer help, or what.

"Are you going to make me ask?" bitched Raven.

"Like I could make you do anything,"

"I need help,"

"Then communicate with me,"

"Fine, I will beg, please carry me to the bed,"

"Of course,"

Anya walked through the puddles and glass and puddles of glass, swooped Raven up gently, carried her to and laid her on the bed. She sat on the side of the bed, her breathing ragged not because carrying Raven was a challenge, but due to the strong emotion. They were both struggling.

"I am not leaving, Raven. So this can be as pleasant or unpleasant as it needs to be, but at the end of the day it's still going to be the two of us."

"Oh I'm fucking sorry. What? I'm just supposed to suck it up? I know, pass me the dust pan and broom and I will clean up my own fucking mess,"

"This is a mess, I get it. You, me, the floor, but can we just be kind to each other? I could really use it, and I know you could, too."

"I will put it on the list."

"Thank you. Now, are you still thirsty?"

No response.

"Okay, well I will just get a glass and put it here,"

No response.

"When we first chose each other, you were really aggressive and crazy in bed and …"

"Oh here we go -"

"And then you changed, you sort of got quieter, softer, and that was nice too,"

No response.

"Then you had shit to do, you lost your Dad, joined NASA, went to space, became a whistleblower,"

No response.

"Now you're injured and in pain, and you hate being vulnerable. It's easier to reject me before I can reject you,"

"You know what I hate? I hate being psychoanalysed."

"For my own sanity, I have to reinterpret your language because when you need me you tell me to go, when you're in pain you say you're fine, when you need help you tell me to fuck off."

"If it's too hard, Anya, don't feel bad,"

"What I hear you say is, 'don't leave me',"

No response.

By the time Anya began sweeping up the glass Raven was crying quietly into her pillow, but the time she was finished Raven was almost sobbing. Anya climbed carefully in behind her a held her, she might have cried a little too,

"Please don't leave me, I promise I will do better,"

"Thanks babe, I'm here,"

"I know I get aggressive, abusive, It's no excuse but I am just really triggered at the movement. I am wide open and it's killing me. I don't want my girlfriend to have to take me to the toilet."

"We'll just get someone else to help you then,"

"I don't want anyone else,"

"Okay, that works too,"

"I can't stand it; the pain, the loss of autonomy, the boredom, the vulnerability. My emotions are so strained all the freaking time,"

"Yet you have time to be bored? Maybe you need a distraction?"

"I would if I could - "

"Not sex, babe, I meant something else."

"What?"

"You said you would help with the North fence, lasers and stuff?"

"Oh that would be cool,"

"Yeah?"

"Totally. Shame I can't walk,"

"Do you need to? I mean you could plan it all out, we could take you out on the back of a ute, you could boss us all around…"

"Can I have a pointer?"

"Sure. What's a pointer?"

"Like a long cane I can use to point things out to people but also hit them when I get annoyed."

"Yes to the first and no to the second,"

"I'm sorry, babe, I really am,"

"I know, I know, together is better than alone right?"

"I will keep fighting,"

"Me too."

Chapter Fourteen

Raven was already in the room as the others gathered, she couldn't bear for people to see her limping and in pain, it was humiliating. Even as a student Raven had become used to being the most clever person in a room, not always but frequently, she would listen to the discussion and quickly identify the objective, her mind would light up with possibilities and prospects, alternative strategies and additional outcomes.

People more than twice her age and considerably more experience could be challenged, even silenced by her insightful interjections and it became a source of personal, academic and professional power for her. At NASA, Raven had no desire for raising her own profile, in fact to do so would have undermined her objective, hence her strategy to make her move through Jackie Sinclair which purchased for her his good will, his alliance and access to information and resources well above her personal security clearance level.

But Raven's objectives and allegiance had changed. The landscape had changed, no longer driven by her own personal purpose, no longer in a workplace setting with nuanced political impediments - the new landscape Raven was faced with was almost military. An unfamiliar terrain didn't hamper Raven's efforts too much, where her strong point was strategy and technology and Anya's strengths were hand to hand combat and an intimate knowledge of the country.

Raven and Anya waited for the room to fill with members of the Kru, when Lexa arrived she said,

"I told you I had a gift for you, Heda. Here it is."

She slid a large yellow envelope across the table, Lexa took it up. It was unsealed and contained more than a dozen A3 sized photographic images copied onto paper, the images which made them slightly out of focus, a tad blurry. Lexa looked at one and then another,

"What am I looking at, exactly?" Heda asked.

"They are labelled, lay them down," advised Raven.

Lexa did as she was bid and Raven leaned forward to help slot them into place, swallowing her pain and overlapping the pages a little to line up images correctly,

"This, Heda, is thermal infrared satellite imagery mapping the whole of the property to your North."

"Queen Nia?"

"That's the one. From the Ark I could, if I was covert, access all sorts of stuff, but this is one I thought you would enjoy,"

"Right. Can you walk me through it?"

"I will presume you do not mean to mock me."

"Raven, I apologise,"

"Teasing you, Heda. Let's begin, Anya?"

Anya placed a small flat black disc into Raven's outstretched palm, Raven switched in on and a laser flowed out of a small gap and made a red dot on whatever the laser landed on. Her very own laser pointer! She used it to effect,

"The light patches typically indicate heat, so here and here," a little red dot landed on first one spot and then another, Raven begins to describe, in minute detail, the layout of Nia's property resources and people. Including reverberations of the most frequent routes of traffic in and around the property which tells the story of how the property was frequently used.

"I presume you have a suggestion for the use of such information?" Lexa asked Raven,

"Heda," began Anya, "We have an idea. The Queen is frequently troubling our northern border; damaging the fence line, crossing over, pilfering resources and assaulting our warriors."

"We have access to a large number of security lasers and cameras," Raven tagged into the conversation, "We could set them up strategically to both surveil movement deep into her property to meet future challenges as they arise, but also we could develop a strategy to hit her where it hurts."

"Whether you should ever choose to make a such strike is at your discretion, Heda, but having such information and a plan provides you with the option," said Anya.

"It sounds like you have thought of a plan?" asked Lexa.

Raven took a laser disc and its mate, a receiver, out and showed it to those gathered,

"This component sends out an invisible laser signal, and this one receives it. If the laser signal is broken between the pair, an alert will be triggered within the system and I will be notified electronically."

"You mean if someone passes through it?" asked Indra.

"It acts like a virtual trip wire, but it could be tripped by a person, an animal, a falling branch…"

"How can we know what it is? How is this helpful?" Indra was struggling to keep up.

"Through small cameras set up along the route. The alert will notify me and I can check the camera, if it is no a security concern, I can reset the laser remotely, if there is, then you guys do what you do,"

"Sha, one of the scouts will be notified to check in person." added Anya.

"I'm not quite grasping the significance of the advantage," said Lexa, certain that Anya and Raven would not have asked for this meeting unless they were convinced they had something of value.

"We suggest that these be placed on Nia's property for an internal perspective of people traffic rather than within Trikru looking out. Trikru is always responding to the gut punch and repairing fences, but this way we can see them coming and have the opportunity to redirect them," explained Raven.

"Redirect them?"

"Observation and detection are not the only weapons at our disposal. With the drones in our arsenal we have the ability to create chaos, as big or small as you like, anywhere on their property which they will need to at least assess, if not address. Imagine a simulated explosion at the far North of their property, all of their workers have to check it out, while they are busy looking over there we can buy ourselves the time and opportunity to light a fire, let loose their animals loads of things."

"We can create simulated explosions, fires, bombs, gun fire sounds, anything we want, anywhere we like on their property, whenever we like and - " Raven looks at Anya who picks up the ball and completes the sentence.

"Simulated or real."

"What?"

"Just saying, if we got information warriors were approaching our border, we would be alerted. We could watch them, and if you, Heda, felt it appropriate we could ignite a small or medium sized fire at the other end of their property. Their progress would necessarily be halted, diverted, at least until that fire is out."

Lexa looked at Indra whose eyebrows were raised,

"You could make them search for a fake fire anywhere on their property,"

"Or a real fire, bingo. Potentially we could simulate the sound of an explosion and set off a smoke bomb, or a real explosion."

"No actual harm?"
"No actual harm, just chaos."

"We also have the capacity to install lighting powerful enough to temporarily blind, trip wires, electrical wires that give a shock when touched, explosive wires - these can be weak but frightening or powerful, we have the potential to deploy gas grenades and make all of their warriors fall asleep at the Northern fence, among other things."

They all stood around the table looking at each other.

"I want to find a particular person over there," said Lexa.

"I could get some facial recognition software installed?" answered Raven.

"Can you get a tracker onto her coat or something so we can follow her around?" asked Lexa.

"Hm, I don't see why not."

"Could we get body cameras and audio on some of her warriors?"

"I don't see why not."

"How illegal is that?"

"Illegal."

"Hmm. Indra, thoughts?"

"I like the idea of being able to see them coming and to redirect them - no harm, but I imagine we only get so many shots before they catch on,"

"True, they might not know who or what, but you are right," agrees Raven.

"It's sounds like fun to make them all fall asleep, but it's only going to get us attention we don't want, and with the Feds sitting in our driveway it might be just the in they are looking for,"

"Good point, any other comments?" Lexa asks the room at large.

Indra takes a deep breath and looks around the table,

"This is all well and good, genuinely no issues with what we have discussed however, I am just wondering how this fits with that," she gestured in the direction of the main gates, the implication being NASA and DoJ.

"I think we should discuss it," said Raven, not without out touch of bravado masking her concern.

"Okay," said Lexa, "However, it may be beneficial to have Titus involved?"

"Let's take fifteen minutes and come back," announces Anya, and the group dispersed.

When they returned Titus was on speaker phone prepared to provide the group with an intelligence update of the combined groups posing a shadowy threat over Trikru thanks to the shenanigans of one Raven Reyes. The result of this update left them all with a little more information but no more actual knowledge; there were no fewer tinted armoured vehicles around Trikru land and Polis but actual initial contact remains merely a tease.

"So we have established that they are watching, but how closely? Are they recording? Are they counting and identifying workers?" asked Lincoln.

"We have to assume they are doing everything," said Lexa.

"Are we also assuming they have tracked Raven to Trikru? There is no other reason for them to be here, right?" Aden asked.

"Correct," said Titus, snapping out the T sound, judgement dripping out over the line.

A few eyebrows raised and smiles pulled at the sides of mouths at the idea of Titus restraining himself from giving them all a good telling off - Heda included.

"Given we know why they might be interested in Raven, what might be their reasons for not simply pursuing those?" Indra posed the real question.

"Public pressure," offered Clarke.

"Trikru. They don't know what we have or how much of it?" Anya added.

"I think they could easily justify wiping us off the map by positioning the narrative as Trikru being something akin to Jonestown. If regular people knew what we had, and how much, they would easily justify an intervention," said Titus, authoritatively.

"And do we have a strategy for when they do come?"

"Ah that's simple," said Raven, with determination, "I will be going with them. I don't want to create any more difficulties,"

"No," said Clarke and Anya together, they caught each other's eye and were glad for an ally,

"Raven, if you go with them they will never, let you go. Ever." Clarke began, getting worked up.

"She is right," said Anya.

"We don't know that," said Titus.

"Julian Assange, Natalie Edwards, Seth Rich, Ross Boyert - " began Clarke.

"We don't know that," interjected Titus, again.

"Edward Snowden, Howard Wilkinson, Chelsea Manning - " she insisted.

"It doesn't prove anything," insisted Tirus.

"Actually it's a convincing precedent for what the government does when people spill their secrets."

"Even if that were true, what Raven says is correct, she should go, relieve Trikru of the burden and - "

"Okay, Titus," interrupted Lexa, "We are all clear on your position, noted. We are going to hang around and talk things over, I will call you back when we come to a firm decision. Thank you, Ticha."

The Fleimkepa clicked off without another word. Turning to the rest Heda said,

"A discussion is going to be had which is unlikely to satisfy everyone and it goes without saying that as Heda my word is final. We certainly have the capacity to comfortably conceal a person or persons both with the compound and outside of it, long term, if needs be.

Raven opened her mouth but Lexa put up her hand, and she said firmly,

"Your offer to sacrifice yourself has been noted and soundly rejected, Raven, thank you."

"Thank you Heda," said Anya, her head bowed probably to hide her emotion.

"Yes, thank you, Heda," said Clarke who had to restrain herself from hugging her partner, she could not bear to be parted from her sister again, not knowing she would be unlikely to return. If the authorities got hold of her now, Raven could face torture, a long imprisonnment without good or even fair conditions, with the deck stacked against her her would be 'forced' to sign a plea deal, serve some hideously long sentence and her body found having died by 'suicide'.

"Indra?" asked Lexa.

"Your judgement is fair, Heda, we would not have this discussion for any other Trikru,"

"Well said. Anyone else? Anything? Okay, we have an understanding and Raven, you will fall in line, am I clear?"

"Yes, Heda."

"Trikru has numerous strategies, resources and contingencies in place for just such a predicament or scenario, so rest easy, everyone."

"Now back to our first discussion about employing tech to even the odds in our long running conflict with the Queen. I am keen to secure a position which minimises the impact of Azgeda's attacks and maximises our capacity to predict such events, so Anya and Raven, please develop a detailed strategy and keep me updated."

As the meeting broke, Lexa asked Raven to hang back, when they were alone she said,

"How is your knee?"

"Painful."

"You are not wearing your brace?"

"It's too tight,"

"Do you need additional medical attention? Titus can arrange for someone to come in and take a look, a second opinion?"

"No, it's just more painful than I had expected."

"I understand you are resistant to your therapy?"

"Hell yes, I am resistant. Sorry."

"And touchy and bad tempered?"

"Apparently," Raven replied, rather more subdued after her little outburst.

"What about water therapy? Has Anya taken you to the river?"

"She offered."

"I require you to get in the river three times by the end of the week,"

Raven's eyes went round but she bit her tongue,

"Yes, Heda."

"And I require you to complete your therapy every single day before you play with any of these toys,"

"Yes, Heda."

"If, at any time, you need a professional of any type, Raven, we will have one brought in."

"Yes, Heda. Thank you."

"You may go,"

Raven remained seated, and it took Lexa a full moment to realise that the woman was incapable of rising from her seat without assistance.

"I beg your pardon, should I call Anya?"

"Sha, Heda. Mochoff."

"You are my people now, Raven," Lexa said as she left the room.

"Can you take me camping?"

"You want to sleep outdoors?"

"Well, in a tent, out of doors."

"Within the compound?"

"Yes, it has to be Trikru land. We don't have to go far, just away from everyone. I want to be alone with you. We can take a horse, catch our dinner, build a fire and pitch a tent,"

"Okay, I will speak to the trio,"

"Thank you. I am really excited,"

"Want to go somewhere you haven't been before?"

"Totally, surprise me,"

Two days later they set off early on horses and headed west, they rode side by side when they could with Lexa talking Clarke through the country. They stopped for a picnic lunch and a little making out, then riding on for another hour to a spot Lexa had in mind for their campsite. They worked together to unpack and unsaddle their horses and let them wander and rest and drink from the nearby river.

They set up the tent together and prepared their bedding. They wandered around the area, finding firewood and kindling and then Lexa revealed what she had intended they were to catch for their dinner - lizard! Iguana to be specific. Clarke was a little put off, but when challenged she could honestly admit that Lexa had never provided Clarke with a meal that was not delicious.

They hunted together, with Lexa pushing Clarke to show what she had learned, and with approximately 50 hunts under her belt, Clarke was not too shabby in the primary elements of the hunt. She had achieved great skill in the silent walking, she had not previously tracked a lizard, not purposely, but she used her other developed knowledge, skills and experience to make an educated guess as to its likely habitat.

Clarke proved that she could use the primary hand signals to communicate silently but what really impressed Lexa was her complete confidence to take an arrow from her quiver and take a pot shot at a medium sized iguana who was lazily peeking out at them from a low lying branch of a large green tree. She missed the first shot but got it with the second, and Lexa followed up with a smart shot with a throwing knife to prevent it running off, she stepped forward and cut its throat to ensure the beast was quickly put out of its misery.

It was a beautiful 4 foot long male, a light shade of green fading into yellow, which Lexa explained indicated that the lizard was moving from midlife to late life, but certainly not elderly. There was a row of narrow spines running down the length of his back back which Lexa carefully avoided when she picked up the body, one hand at his neck and the other at the base of his tail.

She observed as Clarke used her hunting knife to make an incision along the underside from end to end, the guts were carefully extracted and left well clear of their camp. Clarke further impressed Lexa by trussing the hind legs and then the front legs and threaded a long sturdy stick through and carried it back to camp on her shoulder.

Lexa hung back a little and watched Clarke walk ahead of her. When she had first met Clarke more than a year ago, Clarke was a chubby, vivacious, if not perennially tired doctor with no fitness or strength to speak of. She had her areas of expertise; the body and health, illnesses and injuries, medicines and surgery, day spas and take out, dressing up and dancing, friendship and family.

Then she had that period of stress when her father was murdered and after Raven went to Florida, her sleeping got even worse, she lost her hustle. It was no surprise, as she has mentioned it was the most difficult period of her life; grieving, alone, her father having been murdered to say nothing of what Raven was up to. But Clarke's welfare was of great concern for Lexa, her physical and mental health seemed to be suffering, she appeared to be at risk of spiralling into some kind of depression or some other form of compromised level of function.

Clarke came to Trikru and began to recover, fresh and healthy food replaced take away, regular hours replaced oppressively long hours and shift work, physical exercise and self defence to bring about fitness and strength. There were also many opportunities for socialisation and friendship, it just happened naturally, a function and feature of communal living, it didn't have to be a planned event, requiring dressing up and travelling to a destination.

Clarke frequently hung out with Gaia, Luna, Lincoln, once a week or so she went to visit Echo, she spent time with Aden, with Tris and if Anya was free she would happily hang out with her. But there were many other people as well, sometimes she would pass someone, a conversation would strike up. It might become protracted and perhaps they would wander to the common area to sit at the tables, they might have a cup of tea and it was not uncommon for a kitchen hand to bring over a huge bowl of peas to shell while they talked.

And Lexa was right now staring at the rear end of a woman who looked vastly improved; healthy, strong, happy, self confident and super sexy.

"Oi," Clarke had suddenly twigged that she was walking alone, a quick look over her shoulder revealed Lexa ogling her well toned ass, not that Clarke minded, at all. She felt good; strong, vibrant, sassy, she assumed she looked good because she always had, except for the excess weight which had never held back admirers and she was definitely not carrying that atm. She knew that without looking in a mirror - of which, in their hut was only a small round mirror above the bathroom basin, she hadn't used a mirror in a very long time and she didn't even miss it!

"I was just looking at you, Clarke,"

"Like what you see?"

"Very much,"

"How much?"

"Without end,"

"Is that so? Maybe you could tell me about it in detail while you pour us a glass of wine and we get this little guy over the flames?"

"I like the way you walk,"

"My walk?"

"I liked it the first time I met you and when you came back to release Aden from hospital. You have this confident bounce, I know you know what I mean,"

"Lol, I do! What else,"

"Your blonde hair, it's all fresh and shiny and light. Your eyes, of course, I am sure everybody loves the blue of your eyes, just not as much as me,"

Lexa opened the wine while she watched Clarke prepare the fire and try to get the lizard propped over the top of the flames,

"But I find it very attractive that you are healthy and happy, fit and strong, capable."

"Do you know which are the things I find attractive in you?"

"You like my delts. My abs. My smile makes you get the swooping feeling in your stomach."

"Not shy at all, are you?"

"Are those my choices? Low self esteem or conceited?"

"Oh babe, come on? I am teasing you,"

"And I. Am teasing. You."

"Hey, how do I do this?" asked Clarke, indicating the lizard on a stake.

"Hmm, you've got the right idea." Lexa moved to assist, "Either we build two A frames or we can bring some rocks over. You choose, I am at your mercy,"

"Oh see, that's very sexy. Whatever is easier, I want to sit and enjoy now, enough work."

"Okay, you sit, here is your wine, I will quickly put the A frames together,"

Clarke watched as Lexa quickly found four similar sized sticks about 1 metre in length, she used some twine from her backpack to secure first one pair in a lopsided X, and then the second pair. She basically just stood them up on a slight incline and laid the stake across the top, which served to stabilise them, it wouldn't hold up in a strong wind, but that wasn't a problem tonight. The sun was just beginning to set, the long shadows closing in, the odd star or two burning brightly against the last of the sun's rays, and the pair sat together enjoying their wine and alone time.

"I do love your arms, they make me feel so protected and even a little bit dominated which is something I have never thought I would like. Maybe because you never try to dominate me? You are the perfect blend of strong and gentle, competent and caring. Ever since we first started dating you have been so sweet to me, on our first date I was horrendous and you were so kind."

"You know I liked you from the moment you denied Aden a recovery coke?" said Lexa.

"You know I liked you then, too?"

"No? Really?"
"Well, you were super hot, and you seemed really nice to your kid brother which was a good start,"

"I liked you in those pale blue scrubs, I tried to come up with the perfect illness that would bring us in to contact again, something that wasn't gross or humiliating or require surgery,"

"What did you come up with?"

"Still thinking…"

"Marriage."

"What?"

"The perfect condition to bring us together."

"I guess."

It was not as Clarke imagined it, but she still hadn't planned a speech so she just went with it. She stretched out her leg and fossicked around in her pocket until she felt it, hooking her index finger she clawed it out.

"I was never a big fan of marriage, until I met you. And just so you know, that even if you don't say yes, I am never leaving."

She balanced her mug on the ground and held out the ring,

"Lexa, will you marry me?"

Clarke held up the ring and watched Lexa's beautiful face as she cycled through the emotions, having been caught completely off guard; shock, disbelief, hesitant and finally joy.

"Sha, Sha, Clarke, of course. I hod yu in, so much."

They kissed, it was like sealing the promise between them,

"I love you too. Let's see if this fits."

Clarke had ordered a half size smaller than her own knowing Lexa was thinner and taller, hoping it would all work out magically somehow and the fit was actually pretty good.

"We can get it adjusted, if needed."

"It's really beautiful. It's perfect, Clarke, thank you."

"Thank you. There has just been something so right between us all along, you have always felt like family to me. And now, well, I could not be happier."

"I am shocked. I thought we had decided that - "

"That talk with Raven really helped clarify a few things for me,"

"Can I know what?"

Lexa got up to grab the bottle and turn their dinner and when she sat back down, she sat behind Clarke, wrapping her arms and legs around her.

"She is selling her condo and becoming Trikru, I wanted to follow suit but I was unsure. You know, I have such strong feelings for you, I had just got Raven back, it felt like such a big move, I felt torn. I said I felt like I was raised for condos and day spas and she said they didn't appear to be making me happy. I said that I loved my job and she said she thought I would love it more if I just did it three days a week. I think she is right.

In all my indecision the only thing I was certain about was you. And I want us to be permanent, I mean, I want it to be all messy and entangled, so that if you ever leave me or we split up I want it to be a hideous mess. I hope we never remember who bought what or who owned what so we have to fight over every single vase and book and throw cushion, because it's the only way I will ever be able to let you go. If you are too civilised and kind I will just live secretly in your ceiling and watch you through a spy hole."

"Ooookaaay."

"I am going to start signing things when we get home, all your books and stuff,"

"So what your saying is - "

"I want to inextricably mixed up with you forever,"

"That sounds better,"

"You can't pretend that you never had a clue that I was a freak,"

"True. And you do realise you're marrying Heda?"

"Aden said Titus has to agree and it will be huge,"

"You told Aden?"

"I asked for his blessing. Fyi, he is thrilled."

"So you will become Trikru?"

"I am not quite there yet. Is it necessary?"

"Kind of."

"Can I still work?"

"Of course,"

"Okay, I'm in."

"Just like that?"

"Just like that."

"You must really love me,"

"I do. Do you feel loved?"

"I do."

"Will Titus agree?"

"He will. He will make you work for it though."

"I will knock his socks off,"

"I'm actually not hating this,"

"Even though it's cold?"

"It's only cold getting in,"

"I love it when you are soft like this,"

"This is soft?"

"For you it is. I can get close to you,"

"I know I have been a bitch,"

"You have been in pain,"

"I just like my independence,"

"I know, it's been hard,"

"That Heda sure knows how to get her own way,"

"She cares about you,"

Well, she was right. Clarke was right. You were right."

"It's not about being right,"

"Mhm!"

"Heda does this for all of us,"

"Really?"

"You think Clarke just rolls out of bed and does laps of the obstacle course?"

"No,"

"You think Aden loves secreting himself away doing his school work?"

"No. What about you?"

"Me? I'd be a physically dependent alcoholic, pissing myself, unable to work if it weren't for Heda."

"Really?"

"Really."

"People think it must be nice to be the boss, but it's a big responsibility. She described Trikru to me once as an organism that she needs to keep balanced. She said the land and the supplies and things were the easy part, it was people, individuals that were the challenge."

"If it's hard enough to keep ourselves balanced it must be hard for her to keep hundreds balanced,"
"Indeed,"

Raven and Anya had been swimming breaststroke slowly up and down the widest part of the river as they chatted. There was something about the water that was calming for Raven, it also helped that if she lost her balance she would have to stand up which would be painful, so it was sort of an external mood stabiliser.

"Is that true about being an alcoholic?"

"Sha. I was drinking every night until I passed out, waking tired and cranky. Taking risks, abusing my team, I had begun getting into fights and being very, very ugly. I knew it was a problem, but I was unable to stop or change. My thinking had become all backwards; I was thinking I was defending my pride until Heda showed me how it was impossible to have any pride to be acting the way I was."

"It cut me deeply that my second was forced to address me on account of my behaviour, I knew then that my so-called pride was actually shame."

"I begged her to send me away, a fresh start, but she refused. She told me to stay and clean up my mess. I had to lead people who had seen me piss myself, I had to be served by people I had insulted, it humbled me and motivated me to stop drinking. I had to make amends and win back people's friendship, their trust, their loyalty."

"Lexa told me that was one of the hardest things she ever had to do, confront me about my drinking. And she did it with such kindness and love, but it would be a mistake to think that was weakness. She is strong, Heda, and she gets her strength by knowing that we need it."

"You really love her."

"Sha. There is nothing I would not do for her."

"Do you think Indra has a story like that? Like a weakness Heda helped her overcome?"

"You think Indra infallible?"

"Well, logically I know she is human, but she is just so damn perfect!"

"No. Indra is not perfect. She struggles as do we all. But that is her story."

"This is the right choice for me, to be Trikru."

"I am glad you have found a home,"

"You are my home. That's the feeling that resonates most when I think of you."

"And when I think of you I think Ain,"

"Mine?"

Anya swam ahead and turned to meet Raven, she scooped her up in the water and spun around,

"You are my person, in all the world. Mine to love, to comfort, to provide for,"

Raven put her arms around Anya's neck and snuggled up,

"I am very lucky, because you could have your pick of women and you chose me,"

"Raven, you have an amazing light inside of you, an energy. I want to clear the path for it,"

"That's pretty fucking romantic, babe,"

"Yet it makes you uncomfortable?"

"If anyone suggested I was not clever I would blast them, but when you say it, I want to run away,"

"Please don't run away, I want you to stay right here, next to me,"

"Don't let me go. Ever,"

'See, and back to soft' Anya thought but didn't dare say. She loved these moments, but she had to take them on Raven's terms, lest she become all prickly and defensive. She loved Raven, and she liked getting to know her, learning the things that made her soft and hard, the things that made her happy, turned her on and made her feel safe.

One thing she knew for sure was that as much as Raven liked to think of Anya as home, she was terrified it would be taken away and Anya was determined to never, ever let that happen.

"Oh, Oh, Lex,"

"Uh, Clarke, oh, sha,"

"Deeper, please, oh,"

"I'm close, keep going,"

"Oh please, fuck me, oh, oh,"

"Uh, Ah, Sha!"

"Christ! Yes, kiss me,"

Lexa came first and the shock waves just pounded her body again and again as she pushed her tongue into Clarke's mouth, only to feel her come moments later, withdrew her fingers, well most of her hand actually, and pressed Clarke against her chest as she fell back.

Clarke was heavy against Lexa, still breathing hard as she came down, Lexa holding her firmly, rubbing one hand up and down her spine. Her body still pulsing, fingers still wet, she was both exhausted and energised; she was ready either way; if Clarke fell asleep or wanted to go again.

"Lexa, how is this possible?"

"What?"

"The sex!"

"The sex?"

"Yes, the sex. I've never had such good sex, not even close,"

"I think it's the connection?"

"It had better not just be you,"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you feel it too, so I must be doing something right!"

"Hm, not bad,"

"Oh the bloody cheek! You're such a liar!"

"Just teasing, it's the connection. Maybe it's like this for everyone who finds their 'one'"

"Yeah. Cos the connection, I mean we sort of knew it early on, didn't we?"

"I don't know that I knew, exactly, but my feelings were so strong. Like our first date was a bit of a mess but it didn't bother me, at all. I just wanted to see more and more of you, tired and cranky or otherwise. I am not sure I would have been so obliging if I had felt less strongly."

"Can you hold me tighter, there is nothing I love more than you holding me,"

"I love you so much. Thank you for asking me to marry you, it's really special."

"Surprised?"

"Completely,"

"I got the idea at Echo's. You are always choosing me, seeking me out, sitting by me - everyone gets to see you choosing me. This way, everyone gets to see that I choose you too, that you mean something to me, more than just a girlfriend,"

"It's really something, it's amazing, to be chosen by the one you want most in all the world."

"Yes it is, and I love you so, so much. I hope I don't have to give up medicine, but if I do, I think this is the only situation that would make that bearable,"

"You don't have to give up anything,, Clarke; not the condo, not living there, not work - nothing. In all the conversations we have had about this, we have never once had a conversation about me giving up Aden or Trikru or me moving to the city, so I don't know why we ever have to have the other."

"Yeah, you're right,"

"Hey, let's go swimming?"

"What about your warriors?"

"They will see us moving and fan out ahead to make sure it's safe,"

"Yeah but they will see us naked,"

"Wear a shirt, I can assure you, the last thing they want to see is us fooling around,"

"It's going to be cold,"

"Then stay close,"

"Okay, that's something I can do,"

Chapter Fifteen

"Copy, Heda?"

"Raven?"

"Yeah, Sorry to break up your, well whatever it is you're doing. But we have movement."

"Sha, heading back,"

"We nearly got two full days - can't complain about that!" said Clarke, turning to pack.

"Thank you for understanding,"

"Hey, this is us now! I'm excited!"

"About the Queen?"

"No us, silly,"

"Good, I'll get the horses,"

An hour later they were making their way swiftly back to the common area, where two were waiting to take their horses, Lexa and Clarke headed straight for the hut which now served as Raven's office.

"Phew, Raven!" exclaimed Clarke.

"What?" her sister replied without moving her eyeballs from the screen.

"How did you get all this done?"

"Lackeys,"

'Hey!" said Anya, with mock offence.

"What do we have?" asked Heda, slicing through the camaraderie authoritatively, which would have been more convincing if she didn't stop to pull Aden's head to her shoulder and kiss his temple.

"Two pieces of news; first, all of the government stiffs have pulled out of our driveway and off the highway, Titus is checking his contacts as to their presence in Polis."

"Do we know why?"

"Not yet. Second, here, Heda," said Raven, pointing out several white moving streaks, "It takes a minute to get your eye in, but what you are watching is about twenty of the Queen's pawns moving stealthily toward your northern border."

"Chess reference," said Aden quietly.

"Sha," said Raven, giving him twin raised eyebrows, confirming their shared joke.

"Where are they exactly?"

Raven spun in her chair and grabbed a long stick,

"About here," she pointed to a physical map pinned to her wall, "And Heda, you might like this - "

Raven pointed to another monitor where she had facial recognition scanning faces

"So far I have identified these handsome mugs,"

Heda grabbed her radio,

"Copy Echo?"

A whole thirty seconds passed in silence before,

"Copy Heda,"

"Please come to the Common area stat, take the western track,"

"Sha Heda,"

"With permission, Heda, I would like to configure our radio channels so that Trikru communications, like the one we just had, are private,"

"They aren't private?" asked Lexa, shocked.

"The Queen would have got past your defences by now, at least I would have, if I were her,"

"Sha Raven, please make that a priority,"

Anya leaned in to the first monitor, "Is that? Could that be Quint?"

They all leaned in, Raven fiddled with her keyboard,

"You know Heda, I could take photos of all their people and store them for moments just like this,"

"Bit big brother," said Indra, just joining them.

"Fair call," said Raven, like she expected the push back, "So what's your call, Heda?"

"My options?" Lexa asked as she watched the bodies approaching.

"Dependent upon your objective, of course, but we could simply turn them around with a fire or explosion simulation, we could put them to sleep and put a few discreet audio and cams on them and send them home, you could simply meet them with 100 warriors and scare the crap out of them."

"Indra and Anya take fifty warriors each, approach one from the west and one from the east but make no contact. I want Echo to see if her partner is among them, we have never had an opportunity like this before."

"Sha Heda," Indra and Anya left, preparing to call their teams.

"Can I go too, Heda?"

"Sha, Aden,"

Aden jumped up and followed the two senior warriors out the door.

"You will let him fight?" asked Clarke.

"Sha, he is skilled enough, it is not his first time,"

Clarke said nothing more but she was aware that when she was fourteen years old, she and Raven had not been allowed to go to the mall unattended, even if they were dropped off and picked up!

Lexa looked amazed at what Raven had been able to achieve in such a short time, the advantage she now had over her old foe. It gave her more options than she had ever had before and suddenly her choices were many, the potential to do great harm was within her grasp and that was what she worried about more than anything.

Her objective had always been to repel the Queen's forces in the short term and to outlast her in the long term. But now, she apparently had the capacity to cause damage, and according to Raven, devastation even. She didn't want to play her aces and show more than was strictly necessary, she just needed to win each conflict in a way that left her adversary frustrated and considering calling it quits.

"Raven, I am a little overwhelmed by all this tech. I want to know if Echo's partner is there and if we can give her the opportunity to come over to our side, then I can make my decision."

"Options, huh? Heda, we can win this battle with the Queen, it doesn't have to be today, and it can be on your terms. As you say, let's get Echo's opinion, deal with this situation and then over the coming days we can develop a strategy that you are comfortable with."

"Thank you, Raven,"

"Someone say Echo?" said the woman from the bottom of the steps, her four seconds inspecting the area for danger.

"Mochof, Echo, kom op raun. Dula op yu ai op Ontari?"

"Chit?" Echo was obviously amazed at the tech in front of her, she peered at the white shapes, trying desperately to make her over out amongst the crowd.

"Ai nou fig raun krei,"

Raven couldn't comprehend the trigedasleng, but she understood the sentiment,

"Here," she leaned in front of her, pointing to a screen which had isolated a half dozen faces,

Echo scanned them quickly,

"She's not there," and then returned to the first screen, checking and checking again, the faces were not clear but their body mass, their comparative heights and their body movements were discernible.

"No, Heda, she's not here,"

Lexa grabbed her radio as she stepped outside,

"Copy Team One and Team two, greet our guests with a stern warning that another infringement will incur a much stiffer penalty,"

"Sha, Heda," "Copy Heda,"

Raven and Clarke looked at each other, Raven spoke,

"Um, excuse me, Heda? But you don't think the Queen will be deterred by that warning?"

"No, she will see it as the invitation it is and when she does we will be prepared,"

"Copy that, Heda!" Raven was grinning, in her element.

"Echo, share a meal with us?"

"Mochof, Heda,"

Lexa took Echo aside to talk about the new tech, to assure her of the promise to provide sanctuary for Ontari and her determination to put an end to these conflicts with the Queen once and for all.

Clarke headed over to the Healer's Hut to prepare for what could be an influx of injured warriors, although at nearly five to one, probably not, but it wouldn't hurt to be prepared. She and Nyko had developed an easy friendship and a good working relationship, he was in charge of some things and she others. Not that they had ever really discussed it, but in the areas where he had knowledge she took her cue from him, and vice versa.

She had learned quite a bit about the plants, the traditional medicines that Nyko knew so well. She knew many of them by sight and their medicinal properties, she was learning how to treat them, how to mix them, how to apply them. She urged him to document his knowledge in a reference volume for the generations that came after, he was reluctant until Clarke started.

She sketched a detailed image of the plant so that others could identify it at a distance, then a smaller image of the flower or the leaf in colour, then an even smaller one if necessary of the specific part of the sample or the extract. Each sample received it's own double page spaced entry and Clarke went so far as to pencil in suggested headings in an effort to capture total information.

What family or classification of plant it belonged to. When, where and how to grow it. Which parts are of value and for which purpose and how best extract those parts. How to store, prepare and use them. Doses, desired effects and dangers, signs and symptoms. Possible delivery methods and preparations; tea, decoction, oil, inhalant, salve, lotion, dried or evaporated mass.

Clarke didn't have a lot of spare time but she always felt time with Nyko was well spent, both personally and professionally. In fact there were a number of really interesting people with in Trikru, people with whom she could see herself becoming friendly with and learning from; Luna, Echo, Anya, Lincoln, she wouldn't even mind getting know Indra more if she could get that unapproachable stick out of - anyway.

Clarke felt like she was settling into life at Trikru and thinking less and less about life in Polis, infact her relationship with Lexa was now the centre of her life. She never thought she would be one of those women but here she was! In the just over a year she had been seeing Lexa she had put her condo up for sale, moved to Trikru, stopped working and proposed. But she really couldn't feel all that bad, at the end of the day - she was happy! Genuinely happy. Happier than living alone in a gorgeous condo, not sleeping and working like an addict.

The warriors came back like conquering heroes, laughing, joking, high fiving, reliving the insults served and how much they must have burned. Indra and Anya reported to Heda, apparently there was some major shit talked, a little pushing and shoving, some muscle flexing before the big event. Then, seeing they were outnumbered and out flanked, the enemy turned tail and went home to the Queen.

Heda put on drinks for her warriors and there was a bit of an impromptu party, with Raven's ability to watch the border without actual bodies it turned into quite the shindig. There was a Trikru style BBQ - which is wild boar with chutney instead of sausages and sauce, green salad with goats cheese instead of potato salad. There was music, a live instrumental jam featuring acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, saxophone, keyboard, there were some drums - not a whole kit, but…

The sound they made all mixed up was great, out of synch, loud and crazy. There was some dancing, big group dancing, some one on one dancing, some sort of folksy dancing, made up waltzing dancing and a little bit of sexy one on one dancing. Some of the warriors finally got some dutch courage and pointed out Heda's gold ring, worn on a significant finger! They began jibing her about it, when she didn't deny it they asked her outright and when she acknowledged they celebrated enthusiastically.

They hoisted Heda above their heads and passed her around and when she demanded they let her down they picked up Clarke and began carting her around too. They chanted Heda! and Mrs Heda! When they were finally released from the masses, everyone else demanded to see the ring and congratulated them and when they realised it was Clarke who proposed they were amazed and demanded to know the full details.

- 12 hours later -

"Copy, Heda,"

"Copy, Raven?"

"Permission to initiate project "Clap Back'?"

"Clap Back? You just made that up."

"Sha, Heda, I did,"

"Permission granted. Indra, Anya, Aden, Tris to the Bird's Nest please."

"Oi, Bird's Nest?" protested Raven, to the sound of varied snickers on radio chatter.

The core leadership group met outside of Raven's office, and one or two hangers on, including Clarke, Nyko, Luna and Echo was on her way with the pack. Raven and Anya, with a little input from Indra, had come up with several strategies and Lexa was now going to set the agenda and coordinate an assault on the Queen of the North.

"Two groups Heda, one on the western border 40 warriors, and one on the North, had to say maybe 80 warriors.

"First, I want Echo to check for Ontari."

"Sha, Heda,"

"Echo ste coming Heda, ai op em nau," called Luna.

"Send her straight in," replies Heda.

"The Western group is splitting, Heda," observed Raven, watching the monitors closely.

"Show me?" said Lexa, peering into the screens that Raven could interpret so easily and she could barely see.

"Heda? Yu don gaf gon ai op ai?"

"Echo look emo odon, na yu ai op Ontari,"

Echo came into the room and began searching the screens that Heda and Raven were also watching.

"The Northern group is splitting, Heda,"

"Skrit, find a system to help Echo search,"

"Sha,"

Heda went down the stairs to speak to Indra and Anya,

"The western group has split and the northern has now also split, so each choose a deputy,"

"Lincoln," said Indra.

"Luna," said Anya.

"Excellent, have Aden ride with Lincoln. Be ready,"

"Heda, we have Ontari!" cried Raven.

Lexa moved straight up the steps and into the room, "How sure?"

"Quite sure, just running the facial rec, now,"

"Show ai, Echo,"

Echo pointed and Lexa got right up to the screen,

"Ha na yu tell?" she asked, barely making out the white streaks.

"Echo, is this her?" asked Raven, pushing her chair back to give the woman room to check,

"Sha, that's Ontari, Heda,"
"Good, come. Raven, can you walk?"

"Sha, Heda,"

Raven followed the other two out leaning heavily on her cane and doing her best to both keep up and not draw attention to herself. The three gathered with the others at the bottom of the steps.

"Ontari is one of the Queen's warriors in the Northern most group on the Western border. I want them gassed with the sleep gas, can you do that, Raven?"

"Sha,"

"Anya, you know how to attach the cameras and audio Raven spoke of?"

"Sha, Heda."

"You take that group, check the screen, identify Ontari and bring her back unharmed. Attach cameras and audio to two or three bodies, the ones with the most scarred faces, they will be the Queen's most trusted. Truss them up and throw them back over the border."

"Sha Heda."

"Indra and Lincoln go and break the left leg of everyone at the Northern border."

"Both hit the western most group, when it is contained, have one move to the second group,"

"Sha, Heda,"

"Luna follow Anya's group at a distance, when they have Ontari safely, break the legs of the remaining group and toss them back over too,"

"Sha, Heda,"

"Good luck, now go,"

"Anya?" called Raven, "here is Ontari," she said handing her a printout, "And your team will need gas masks,"

"Sha, Raven, mochof,"

The four warriors and Aden left the common area and Indra took charge of organising the waiting warriors, dividing them into groups, assigning them to a leader.

Anya took a team of ten and travelled on horses, Luna a team of twenty, also on horseback. Indra took fifty warriors on the trays of two flatbed trucks, whilst Lincoln's team left heading East, to be picked up by the returning trucks and taken to meet Indra's team on a slightly different route, making it easier for them to change targets after the first assault.

Lexa and Raven watched the progress on screen from her office. Raven commentated events;

"I am sending the drone containing sleep gas now," she said, manipulating a controller that looked a lot like a PS4 or Xbox controller.

"This really is incredible, Raven, the tech, that we have it, that we can use it. You have contributed so much to Trikru and I am grateful, truly. But I want to be clear, even without all that, I'd still want you here. And you make my Fos happy."

"Does dating your Fos make me your boss?"

"Ha! You couldn't handle being my boss! Now, talk me through it,"

"Okay, so you can follow the drone here," she said pointing to a screen, "track the distance manually here," pointing to the bottom of the screen where there was a distance legend, "and refer to this map."

"Now we can track Indra, Anya, Lincoln and Luna on this monitor, you can toggle from one to the other, here try it."

"How do I know which one is which?"

"Well, we know because we know where you sent them, look,"

Raven went through the details, it was a lot for Lexa to take in. She comprehended the general concept but she was going to need some practice identifying the individual sources of data and pulling it together to explain what's happening on the ground.

"They have her, Ontari," announced Raven, after thirty odd minutes of observation.

"How can you tell,"

"We know approximately what area to expect to see her, there are like ten horizontal bodies and ten vertical -

"Can you clean this up for a better visual?"

"Yep, but not today, I have upgrades to install but I haven't had a minute to take it off line - "

"Sorry, I know you have been working day and night,"

"And loving every minute of it, okay here she comes, ten minutes tops, and there goes Luna's team,"

"I am going to bring Echo to meet Ontari, call me for anything,"

"You got it, Heda,"

- an hour later -

"Clarke, how is your patient?"

"Everything appears fine, just waiting for her to wake up,"

"Do you know when?"

"I'm a doctor, not a psychic,"

"I apologise, ai hodnes,"

"You don't need to apologise, I'm kidding you,"

"I'm just… for Echo, you know?"

"I understand, I am sure it won't be much longer,"

"Heda! Doctor Clarke!" Nyko called, "She's awake,"

After a quick grin the women followed Nyko back into the room, where Echo was sitting by the bed with two of her pack at her feet.

"Ontari, calm down, it's not what you think,"

"The Queen - "

"You don't have to go back,"

"Okay, let's everyone just calm down," said Clarke.

"Ontari, this is Doctor Clarke and this, this is Heda Lexa,"

"You can't keep us here," said Ontari, looking a cross between angry and scared.

"Us?" asked Lexa.

"How many of us did you get?"

"Okay, let me explain this. We took you, deliberately, specifically. Echo has been concerned,"

"Just me?"

"Why don't we let Echo and Ontari spend some time together? I will just check your vitals," interjected Clarke, getting busy with charts, fluid bags and mini torches for checking iris responses.

Hours later Echo finally leaves the room to find Heda,

"Thank you Heda, you have done so much for me,"

"You're welcome, Echo, how is Ontari feeling?"

"She is sleeping now, but she is really upset,"

"You did tell her we did this to set her free, not to hold her captive?"

"Sha Heda, but she is fearful, she thinks this is a trap of some kind,"

"And you? Is she pleased to see you?"

"She doesn't trust me."

"I am sorry. How should we move forward?"

"Heda, I just need more time?"

"Sha, if Clarke says she can leave the Healer's Hut, you can take her back with the pack. Have some time together,"

"Thank you, Heda,"
"Just, please don't let her wander the property, alone, we have much here that the Queen would - "

"Ai swear, Heda, on my honour,"

"I know, I trust you, anything you need, you come to me, okay?"

"Sha,"

"Heda, I saw two of Quint's guys, they were part of Ontari's group," said Anya.

"No Quint?" asked Lexa.

"No, I double checked and then rode down to Luna's group and checked them as well."

"Well, I am not surprised at all. I called it months ago. I might ask Ontari about him though,"

"Raven says she needs to turn the systems off to make the upgrades you requested,"

"I prefer to wait until things are settled with Ontari, I don't want the system down if she decides to jump the fence,"

"Good call,"

- two days later -

"Echo? Ontari?" Lexa called, probably unnecessary given the noise the pack were making.

"Heda?" Echo peeked out the door, at their unexpected guest.

"Hiya, Echo, I wanted to come and see how you and Ontari are?"

"Mochof. Drink?"

"Sure,"

Echo went inside, the pack were frollicking around some following their alpha, the others stayed in what was ostensibly their front yard, Lexa began building the fire for something to do. She piled the kindling at the base, stacked the twigs and larger sticks in a teepee fashion and brought some smaller logs to the side ready to place over the top of a well burning fire.

Echo was inside for several minutes, and finally came out with a bottle and three glasses.

"Ste Ontari inside?"

"Sha."

"She doesn't gaf in gon ai op ai?"

"Heda - "

"She ste fir in o angry?"

Echo didn't respond right away, she stood and walk away and walked back, poked at the fire a little,

"Ontari is unwell,"

"From the gas?"

"No. The Queen. You know how messed up I was when I first came,"

"Mhm."

"She is suspicious, paranoid,"

"Beja, tell em ai would like bilaik gon em,"

Echo appeared reluctant, like she was making up her mind whether to comply,

"Echo, beja." Lexa's tone of voice was not one of asking, it was firm but not unkind.

"Sha, Heda."

Echo kicked her feet up the wide steps and slowly pushed her way through the door. Lexa waited a good five minutes before Echo reappeared tugging Ontari's hand.

"Nice to see you, Ontari, thank you for coming out to see me. How are you feeling?"

"Heda." Ontari was closed and defensive, angry almost.

Echo basically walked Ontari over to the log, indicated by a hand on the shoulder for her to sit and handed her a glass.

"You appear unhappy, is there anything I can do for you?"

"Let me go," she now appeared more vulnerable than angry.

"You are not a prisoner here,"

"I can go?" Ontari's mood was fluctuating.

"I ask only that you do not act in haste,"

"Haste?"
"Echo has waited everyday for two years for a chance to see you."

When Ontari didn't respond, Lexa tucked her glass into a tuft of glass and stood, she paced behind the log she had been sitting on. As one human being to another, her heart went out to Ontari, as it had to Echo, she had no problem providing them both with medical and other supplies and driving them wherever they needed to go. But a crisis is rarely a good time to make decisions, it's more a time suited to hunkering down, sleeping, eating comfort food, letting skrit process.

How to reassure Ontari?

"You are welcome here Ontari, recover from the gas, spend some time with Echo. If there is anything you need - "

"You want information," said Ontari, trying to figure out the reason for this apparent kindness.

"I also want you to feel safe and to recover."

"If you do not wish to remain here, allow me to apologise for my interference, I can offer you supplies and have someone take you home or into town."

"Is this a trick?"

"No trick. You're not a prisoner. Echo is not a prisoner, if you wish to go together, you may,"

Ontari stood up and began pacing, she was becoming confused, agitated.

"I don't understand," she said.

Lexa tried to slow the conversation down, give time for Ontari to process, after a few minutes she said

"Ontari, it is my understanding that when Echo was beaten very badly you put her over our fence. We found her and cared for her. Why did you do that if you thought me, and my people, such monsters?"

Ontari didn't respond.

"Ontari?"

"I was desperate, Echo was in a bad way,"

"Yes, she was. You care about her?"

No response.

"I care about Echo, too. We found her by the fence, where you left her, I guess. You were right, she was close to death. The injuries, blood loss, but hypothermia as well. She was in the Healer's Hut for two weeks, she was unconscious and asleep most of the time.

When she woke up she was a bit like you are now, Ontari. Scared. Angry. Defensive. Suspicious. It took time for me to earn her trust. For her to earn mine."

"And this is where you drill me for information."

"I do have a question."

"I knew it."

"One of my workers hopped the fence, Quint. Did he turn up at Azgeda?"

"And if I refuse to answer?"

"What do you think I am going to do?"

"I am sure you have a range of options,"

"Options I have. Choices I have. I choose not to exercise those options."

"Well, I am going to head back. Perhaps you would like to come for dinner tomorrow, at the common area? See how you feel. Take care."

Chapter Sixteen *Trigger warning - rape depcited

Raven was awake early. She had recently gotten into the habit of waking up slowly, opening her eyes, a gentle stretch, usually a bit of a kiss and cuddle, which she had really come to enjoy. Anya stretched out beside her and as she relaxed she turned and wrapped Raven up in a gentle body hug.

"Hey, babe, you sleep okay?"

"Mmm. You?"

"Real good. Doctor Clarke sure gave us some good advice about waking up together, mornings are my new favourite time of the day,"

"I do not want you thinking about my sister when we are in our special zone,"

"Special zone?"

"Yeah, when you are thinking about going down on me,"

"You a mind reader?"

"Wishful thinker,"

"Wish away, babe," Anya began kissing her way down Raven's body for a delightful start to yet another awesome day, together.

Clarke woke to an empty bed, which wasn't all that unusual, Lexa was an early riser, an extremely early riser. It was nothing for her to roll out of bed silently at 4am and go into the office where she would research, review contracts, assess safety plans, seeking out revenue raising opportunities.

She would have a telephone conversation with Titus, meet with Indra and Anya to discuss new business and to review current business. Lexa would break for breakfast with Aden at six or seven and find Clarke for a coffee wherever she was working out or training. Often Lexa worked out and trained with Gustus or Luna, sometimes Indra or Anya from time to time but her training was far more varied than Clarke's. Lexa pushed herself hard physically and mentally; fitness, strength, endurance, in the water and on land, hand to hand weapons and firearms.

Clarke was fitter and stronger than she had ever been but she had nothing on a Trikru warrior, let alone Heda. The blonde hauled herself out of bed and pulled on her training gear, she grabbed her back pack that she had prepared the night before, still mindful of Aden's advice to her from days past. Clarke jogged over to the obstacle course and placed her bag under a tree, she made her first lap slowly, warming up, after the second lap she tossed her zippy top over her bag and picked up the pace.

It was so much easier for her now, she had lost her 'puppy fat', where she wasn't lean she was strong, certainly not Trikru strong but if anybody followed her from the hospital to the car park they would find themselves with more resistance than they had banked on. And she was skilled now, certainly, again she still had not managed to fight off or actually beat a Trikru warrior yet but she was no longer the literal push over that she was when she arrived.

And Clarke who had never particularly minded being heavy, and definitely not enough to do anything about it was genuinely enjoying her new more physical lifestyle. It had taken trying to impress Lexa, and then Indra to light a fire under her normally inactive ass, not working 80 hours a week, living with other fitness fanatics and next door to a training track didn't hurt.

The third and fourth cycle around the obstacle course and Clarke was deep into her routine, she was breathing hard, blood was pounding in her ears. Once or twice Clarke could have sworn there was someone nearby but when she checked there was no one there, trick of the mind she was convinced.

"Priiin...cess" she heard, low and from a distance. And then again,

"Prin-cess?" closer and a different voice.

Clarke turned on the spot and headed back, that's Quint she thought immediately, he and his were really the only one who consistently called her that. Lexa had predicted he would go to Queen Nia for work, to peddle Trikru information for cash and favours. She slowed her pace to conserve energy but kept running, she wanted to be away from these fuckers asap.

"Princess, where you hidin'?"

"High-ness,"

She shouldn't show fear but she certainly felt it, this was predatory behaviour 101, play with your food before you eat it type stuff.

"I can smell your fear, Princess,"

This voice was close. And then, there he was; Quint standing on a log in the centre of the obstacle course, hands outstretched at his waist like he was thinking 'and now, the moment we've all been waiting for'. Clarke had no hope of continuing on her path without offering herself to him on a platter, she darted out of the course and into the tree line but as she did another body stepped forward.

"At least you're not so fat now, what a little tub of lard you were before Indra sorted you out, huh?"

An Azgedan warrior grabbed each of her arms and a third was at her back, they frog marched her over toward their leader, Quint who was enjoying his moment, too much - King of the junior playground.

She didn't know how many were in his pack but they were lurking around her, some just out of sight.

"Now, Princess, you have been a pain in my arse since you got here. Bought your way in, sucking the boss' dick, getting privileges you haven't earned…" Quint was settling into his sermon.

"Heda Lexa took the Queen's favourite bodyguard, Ontari. Queen Nia is pissed."

"I will be sure to pass on the message,"

"No need. Taking you to Azgeda will be all the message Lexa needs."

Fear chilled through her system. Thoughts of Costia, a faceless young woman with long dark braids - her imagination was working hard, a cartoonish vision of heads rolling and braids flying - as grotesque as it was, it was also terrifying. Clarke was almost paralysed with fear.

"Any grievance you have, you can take up with Heda," Clarke said, trying to sound unaffected.

"Oh, we are taking it up with her. Through you." replied Quint.

"Why talk to Heda when we can talk to the one that leads her by the cock," added another.

"You have certainly got a fascination with cocks and dicks. If you like Heda so much why don't you just get on your knees like the rest of us?" Clarke couldn't resist, she barely knew what she was saying, but saying nothing wouldn't win her any points.

Crack! Quint slapped her so hard that she literally saw stars and heard bells ringing in her ear.

"Tie her up," he growled but Clarke didn't hear it, she did feel her arms wrenched roughly behind her back and her hands were being bound.

"Haha, that shut her up," laughed one of Quint's cheerleaders. Clarke recognised one or two but there were some new faces she hadn't seen before.

"Lets get her back to Azgeda,"

"Get her into the tree line. First, I want to give the princess a gift," answered Quint.

"Woohoo," a few men sort of cheered and dragged her into the greenery. Clarke knew what Quint meant, he was going to rape her, and then they were all probably going to pile on, luckily for them they were dragging her because she doubted her legs would have worked at all.

Quint was enjoying himself and she could just make out the bulge of his erection. It wasn't attraction to her that made him hard, it was this situation; Quint in a position of power, five or six to one, skilled versus unskilled, yes it was power that he enjoyed. The more she cried, begged and struggled the more satisfaction he would earn but she wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

"Quint, Heda will be coming for me, you know that," fear made her desperate.

Crack, crack! This time he slapped her twice, right left, his palm was the size of her whole cheek. The contact was so hard, the fact that she could taste blood was no surprise, it would be a surprise if she hadn't sustained a cracked cheek bone or jaw.

Either way, it was effective - Clarke would not have to be reminded not to speak again. It wasn't only the powerful slaps that kept her from protesting, it was the thought that her crying and begging would contribute to his enjoyment of the situation and she definitely wanted to avoid that.

"Careful, Princess, or you will find your pretty white knee caps stained green." Quint grinned.

"She'd be used to that," a minion inserted.

"Oh I am going to enjoy this so much," Quint stepped forward, he licked his thumb and went to touch her nipple with it but Clarke stepped back to avoid the contact. Two or three bodies were suddenly much closer behind her than she had any idea of, they grabbed and held her up to Quint, pushing her forward into Quint who rubbed his crotch against her.

"I love the smell of fear,"

He started fussing around the front of her pants, trying to untie the belt, the button of her pants. He finally made some headway and jagged the zipper roughly and then he yanked the whole lot down hard and fast, it hurt as it tore against her skin.

"Not quite so chatty now, are you?" He began working on his own fastenings.

Oh God, this is actually going to happen, thought Clarke, there will be no last minute intervention, the tears pricked at her eyelids and she closed her eyes. She began to pretend that she was anywhere but here, she actually could feel herself dissociating.

"I guess Heda is good for some things, but not for protecting her woman and not for giving you this,"

If she could have seen it, she would have been disgusted. It was a fair size, a slight kink to the left from the halfway mark, but it was just the absolute grossness of the whole situation. That you would see forcing your penis inside someone as a punishment for perceived wrongs - truly bizarre. He pushed up against her while the three continued to hold her still, he tried to kiss her and sniffed at her neck, it was hideous, grinding himself against her.

Next thing, Clarke was vaguely aware of Lexa on her knees holding Clarke's body to her own,

"Ai hodnes, can you hear me? I've got you now, I am going to pick you up, okay?" She lifted Clarke easily and gently.

"Frag em op and find Clarke's guards." she said firmly over her shoulder.

Clarke must have fainted a second time as Lexa carried Clarke bridal style through the lightly forested area, Ryder draped his coat over Clarke so she could be taken through the common area which was the most direct route. Someone ran ahead to give Nyko warning, while Indra and Lincoln and about twenty other warriors brought up the rear, with five of Quint's boys and the big man himself, being forced to walk with his pants half down and his dick hanging out.

There would be no wondering what had gone on as the Trikru watched Heda carry her lover through to the medical hut, followed by one of the most troublesome workers they had put up with in the compound for some time. This offence would incur tribal justice for sure. Raping anyone was one of the worst crimes in Trikru but to rape Heda's woman - that spoke to more than sexual agression, that was a personal attack, as good as a challenge. But that challenge had already been won, between these two particular foes.

There would just be justice, she would cut Quint down in front of all of Trikru, and then his men one by one until they were all dead and then she take the fight to Nia, who surely sent them. Again. No question, Quint had forfeited his life according to tribal justice; once for returning to Trikru, once for attempted rape, once for attacking Hea's family.

Corporal punishment was common but capital punishment was not unheard of. Tribal Justice is common in Prepper clans, especially large ones, and ones bordering places like Polis, whose police jurisdiction features a long tradition of observing Trikru independence and self governance. Trikru had always run a tight ship, their workers were well paid and looked after, there were no drugs, forced labour or abuse of undocked workers. The Trikru Foundation was a charity that gave regularly and generously to many local programs and their business activities provided business within Polis.

Nyko opened the doors for Heda to bring Clarke through and laid her on the cot, all the other footsteps stopped outside of the hut but one set. One footstep coinciding with a click followed by a softer step and slight drag. It was Raven,

"What the fuck…" she began but one look from Heda silenced her immediately.

It was Raven who sounded the alarm. She and Anya had just just finished making love when her pager beeped, she checked the message, threw on some clothes and had Anya help her to get to her office asap. The monitors revealed what she suspected - more of the Queen's men, but when she saw them stealthing up on a lone figure at the obstacle course, she sent for Heda, stat.

All the senior warriors heard the call and responded with all due haste, bolting across the compound towards the obstacle course. They were easily able to surround the group and restrain the perpetrators before any further harm could come to Doctor Clarke, Lexa had eyes only for her love. All the Trikru warriors could not help but notice that Clarke's pants were still at her knees and that gave them all hope that they had responded in time to stave off that particular heinous attack.

She leaned on the back of a chair, raising her foot from the floor to relieve the weight on her knee and watched Lexa lay an unconscious Clarke gently on the cot, Nyko removed the coat and began assessing injuries. All Raven could see was that Clarke's pants were down to her knees, not all the way down, it looks as though Lexa caught them in time. Thank god. Raven slumped in the chair.

Nyko moved methodically over Clarke's body; her face, her head, he detected the obvious trauma to her face, he checked inside her mouth, there were superficial cuts on the indieds of her cheeks.. Moving down he opened her shirt and checked her front and back, again, no blood, no cuts or abrasions, no contusions. He gently peeled her pants down and Lexa went to take off Clarke's boots, so he could he do the necessary checks and confirmed that no penetration had actually occurred.

He covered her with a sheet, which Lexa covered with a blanket, she had been running, a sudden cessation of exercise would cause her to feel quite cold. Plus it would be comforting.

Lexa approached Raven and briefly explained what happened.

"Thank god you got there in time. Are you handing their asses over to the Polis PD?"

"No,"

"Wtf L-Heda?"

"They will face Trikru justice, Raven, and my wrath. Forty eight hours from now."

Raven wasn't quite sure what Trikru justice entailed but she had heard some things, and Lexa, well if looks could kill, maybe that's all she needed to feel Clarke had been avenged. She wondered where Anya was but given the state of things and now Lexa standing vigil with Clarke, it was probably all hands on deck out there. It was nice for Raven to see how gentle Lexa was with Clarke, not that she had ever doubted it, but it was reassuring to watch.

Knock sounded and the door opened a sliver,

"Heda?"

"Aden, come in,"

Aden looked like he had lost about five years, suddenly appearing young and vulnerable,

"Is Clarke okay?"

Lexa put her arm out and Aden went to her side and tucked himself under her wing, she held him to her providing that mix of tenderness and strength Clarke had described to Raven in a past discussion.

"Did you hear?"

"Quint."

"Sha, Aden. Quint and seven accomplices tried to rape Clarke. Luckily Raven's tech alerted her and we were able to get to her before more harm was done,"

"Is she sleeping?"

"I think she fainted, she will wake shortly,"

"Are you going to give them Trikru Justice, Heda?"

"What do you think?"

It was not the sassy retort it might appear, but a serious question of a Heda to her protege.

"It qualifies multiple times; Quint is back at Trikru, rape and an attack on the Heda's family,"

"Correct. How do you feel about it?"

"It is fair, it is just.'

"Hmm, fair and just are not feelings. Is important to be in touch with your feelings, but it can be difficult. I feel enraged by what they did to Clarke, I never want one of my people to feel so afraid. But it is not by my anger that I mete out this sentence, but my responsibility to ensure justice is done. Aden, would you help me with my preparations when the time comes?"

"Sha, Heda. Is there anything I can do for you now?"

"I must go down to the holding cells, would you wait with Clarke until I return?"

"What do I say if she wakes up?"

"Comfort her, tell her that you are glad she is safe now, maybe listen, offer her some water,"

"Okay,"

Lexa and Raven shared a stern look and a nod as Lexa passed out of the room. Aden sat looking at Clarke, he loved her like a sister and although he felt unqualified to support her in many ways; child to adult, male to female, lack of knowledge and experience to one he felt was imminently qualified in many areas - he did however feel ready to try to meet any challenge in supporting and defending her.

Aden had liked Costia too, she had also been like a sister to him, but he had been too young to be included in their shenanigans and his father often kept him home. She was a sister in the sense that she was always hanging around with Lexa and in and out of the house, she was sweet to him, joking and laughing, she would play with him sometimes and bring him surprise gifts. Just small things, often from nature, cool sticks, flowers, weird shaped stones, but sometimes cakes fresh from the ovens still so hot he could barely hold it.

But Clarke was special. He knew when she first came to the compound that she was meant to be family. He saw the way his sister just melted around her girlfriend, she could be like a rock with everyone but not with Clarke, she melted into a puddle like ice in summer. And he liked the way that must have felt for Lexa, to have someone she could be soft with, someone who wouldn't take advantage of her vulnerability. And someone who didn't love her because she was Heda, for the things she could do and provide.

But most of all he loved Clarke for the way she was with him, she treated him like a person, not a kid. She enjoyed his company, she welcomed him when he showed up, made room for him next to her on their couch and wherever else they were and if she hadn't seen him in a while she would seek him out. Sometimes she brought a cup of tea to his hut and they would just hangout, she had drawn him some neat pictures to hang on his walls which he treasured. Yes, Clarke was family.

He really liked Raven too, she knew all sorts of weird and interesting stuff, she swore and said inappropriate things, Anya and Lexa would give her a look and she would tone it down for a minute or two. She knew all about engines, weapons, tech and she never just saw things for what they were but for their potential. And she played this game all the time like 'imagine if'; so if they were on the ATVs she would say imagine if this hovered or one day when they sat looking out over the river and she unfurled her hand and said,

"imagine if our thoughts materialised, like if I wanted to give you a flower right now, I thought about it and it materialised… right there,"

"How do you even think of this stuff?"

"Don't you ever imagine things?"

"Well, I thought imagining was for kids and we should try to grow out of it."

"Now where's the fun in that? You need to think it before you can make it."

"What do you mean?"

"Everything. Food; ingredients don't just land on a plate in exciting combinations, someone had to imagine it, gather the ingredients, prepare them, arrange them,"

"Yeah but thats food,"

"It's everything dude, baseball, art, technology, none of it just is, someone had to dream it, think it out, use someone else's product or raw materials - or their ideas,"

"Oh Raven, your brain is hurting my head."

"Okay, well you just need to remember that we are human beings, not machines, we have to overeat, skinnydip, drive too fast, paint stuff, get heartbroken, it's how our imaginations get inspired. That, and you are one of the best people I know."

"I am?"

"You really are."

Quint and his peers had been taken straight down into the underground cells, they had been searched and stripped of most of their clothing, left in just their long pants and a tee shirt. No one had questioned or harassed them in any way, they had been stripped of all personal belongings; phones, wallets and so forth. Heda's only stipulation was that the prisoners were given no smoking tobacco, which she knew for certain Quint enjoyed.

Lexa met with Indra and Anya and ran the events past them both, they both agreed that Trikru justice was entirely appropriate.

"Where the hell are Clarke's guards?"

"Shot dead."

"No. Who?"

"Boysie and Reggie,"

"I will notify their families this afternoon,"

"Sha, Heda." "Heda,"

They accompanied Heda down the steps, she spoke to Quint directly, ignoring all of the other prisoners, which was actually only Quint's crew,

"Quint, you squandered the gift I afforded you in letting you leave Trikru with your life. I believe at that time I advised you not to mistake my generosity for weakness, but I accept the invitation to demonstrate my commitment to justice.

You returned to Trikru knowing full well that it would cost you your life. You murdered two of my warriors. You came to intimidate and threaten Clarke, to rape her and abduct her. You will face tribal justice by my hand in 48 hours."

Quint just grinned at Heda, hoping for a chance to get into a bit of a verbal slanging match, he knew coming over that if Heda caught him he would face this exact fate. He was not given a chance, Heda stepped back and addressed the rest of the captives,

"The rest of you will also face tribal justice for the same offences."

His cronies had clearly failed to arrive at the same conclusion as Quint or else they felt there was some opportunity for collective bargaining as they expressed their horror at the prospect of having their lives cut short for what they perceived as an inconsequential crime and a crime that wasn't even actually committed. Lexa appeared not to have heard their chorussed pleas as she turned and left as calmly as she had entered.

Anya and Indra followed her up the steps,

"Have Raven get an audio bug in there asap. It never occurred to me until I said it out loud; they didn't just happen to come across Clarke, she works out there at the same place and the same time everyday. The Queen took Costia from me, and now she is trying to take Clarke. Tell me I am being paranoid?"

"No, Heda, your assessment is convincing,"

"Sha, I agree,"

"Even with all Raven's tech it's not enough. I am ready to take the war to Nia."

"Sha, Heda," "Sha,"

"Have guards posted along the northern border, every 50 metres, shoot to kill,"

"Heda," "Sha,"

"Anya warn Echo, Ontari and the pack to stay clear of the area, I will speak to them myself of the events. And have them surveilled discreetly with view to protection, but also just in case I have misjudged Ontari. Advise them I will head up and see them this evening."

"Sha, Heda,"

She turned and made for the Healer's Hut where Clarke was just coming to. Aden and Raven could see the bright red marks on her cheeks that were beginning to bruise, a dark grey patch shadowing under each cheek bone. Clarke felt the pain on both sides of her head, from temple to chin, the pain and the swift reminder of how she incurred it slowed her otherwise panicked return to consciousness.

"You're safe, Clarke, you fainted. Would you like some water?" Aden offered.

"Am I alright?" her speech was hampered by her stiff jaw.

"I think so. Should I get Nyko?"

"No," she tried to shake her head but stopped her attempt immediately. "Where is Lexa?"
"She went to announce their sentence, she will be back any minute,"

"Hey, Sis," Raven thought it was time she confirmed her presence in the room, she limped across to Clarke's bedside, with her knee brace and cane limiting her pain and keeping her fairly straight. She put one hand across Aden's back and leaned her hip against the bed so that her other hand was free to take Clarke's.

"How are you feeling?" she asked.

"Did he, did…?" Clarked could not articulate her fear.

"No, no, Lexa and co. go there in time. What do you remember?"

Clarke thought back, her memory was crystal clear, too clear. The sound of those voices was almost audible, echoing out from all sides, pressing in on her, the fear rising within her. Raven and Aden witnessed Clarke consider the answer to Raven's question, her eyes became unfocussed and her head turned toward the wall.

The fear of hearing those voices call out to her rose up within her, she could almost feel her veins turning to ice as a result. Clarke wasn't aware that she had just dissociated, Raven and Aden weren't quite sure what was going on but it was concerning, Clarke was suddenly not present, unresponsive to their words and touch. When Lexa entered the room, Raven held her hand up to warn Lexa to approach with caution.

Lexa saw the signal and looked carefully at Clarke, she was zoned out, she hadn't even registered Lexa's presence. Lexa didn't hesitate,

"Clarke?" Lexa sort of wormed her between Raven and Aden, getting right up into Clarke's space,

"Ai hodnes? Hey, babe?"

"Lexa!" Clarke snapped out of her funk,

"Hey, I am here," Clarke burst into tears and buried herself inside Lexa's arms.

Raven and Aden backed up and left the room, giving the partners some privacy, giving Clarke a chance to begin processing the horrible violence that had been perpetrated upon her just hours prior.

"Lex," Clarke sobbed, clawing at Lexa, trying to get ever closer.

"I'm right here," Lexa climbed onto the cot, pulling Clarke down with her, holding her tightly.

"You're okay. They are locked up,"

"There were so many of them, I thought... I was so scared," her speech was distorted, she was in pain and shivering from cold and shock.

"I know, I am sorry, I wish we had got to you sooner,"

"Thank you for coming, I was all alone,"

"You're not alone anymore, ai hodnes. I will always come for you."

Clarke sobbed until she was all cried out, Lexa held her, brushing her hair back, kissing her forehead frequently, their bodies were pressed together from head to foot. An hour later Nyko brought in a tray for the both of them food and drinks, he wanted to talk to Clarke, find out how she was and what she might need in terms of an anti anxiety treatment or a sedative of some kind.

"I need some ice, my face is sore," she spoke with difficulty, the bruises were beginning to show.

"Sha, Clarke," he left to get it.

Lexa tried to encourage Clarke to eat or drink but Clarke would have none of it. Lexa picked at some food herself, and watched as Nyko administered some pain relief and handed over two parcels of ice wrapped in tea towels, Clarke could barely speak and totally was unable to eat.

"What do you need, Clarke?"

"I want to go home," Clarke began crying again.

"Okay, right now?"

"Yeah, I want a bath, I am all sweaty and gross,"

"Okay. Can I come? I don't want to be away from you."

"I'd like that. A lot."

Lexa piled up the dishes on the tray to drop off at the kitchen on the way past.

"Can you leave those?"

"I don't mind dropping them off, we are passing right by,"

"No, I thought we could go the back way,"

"The back way?"

"I don't want people to see me,"

"Why is that?"

"It's just, I don't want my personal business out there,"

"Okay. We can go around the back,"

Lexa ran the bath while Clarke took off the clothes she felt like burning. She felt tears running down her cheeks before she even realised that she was crying.

"Been an awful morning, ai hodnes. Let's just get through it, minute by minute if we have to. Come, the bath is ready,"

"Are you coming in?"

"I'd like to, I just wasn't sure if you'd like some time to yourself,"

"Please come in and hold me,"

Lexa stripped and climbed in behind Clarke,

"Can I wash your hair,"

"Twice please, I want that beast's stench out of every cell,"

"Want to talk about it?"

Clarke took some time before responding. Lexa continued to massage Clarke's scalp with a thick shampoo lather, pressing with her fingers tips and then scratching with her nails, she could literally feel Clarkes shoulder muscles slacken against her chest.

"In some ways nothing really happened to me. I wasn't raped. I was slapped a few times - he hits hard. But… I was more frightened, you know?"

"Yeah?"

"I was running. I was in my - " Clarke choked. Her emotions were getting the better of her attempt to suppress them, it's like they were leaking out, with force, around the sides of other things, like her memories and feelings. Just oozing out and she couldn't stop them. Her cheeks and jaw hurt worse than she thought possible.

Lexa didn't say a word, just continued to wash Clarke's hair, in the same hopefully soothing patterns, just adding a few drops of water as the shampoo began to dry out. The silence stretched out between them but it wasn't uncomfortable, it was safe, it was warm, patient, accepting.

Finally when Clarke was able to speak again, she said,

"They surrounded me, calling out from their hidey holes. They meant to frighten me. And they did."

Lexa rinsed and lathered up again, she started all over again, gentle, firm, repetitive, comforting. She still didn't comment, just listening, providing a safe space for Clarke to process.

"It was like a movie; I was alone, there was a group of them, in the woods, calling out, taunting me."

Lexa kept washing, her own emotions seesawing from rage to incredible sadness and all the stations in between.

"I was like the girl in the story, running with no hope of ever getting away. There were too many - "

Clarke pushed her body backwards into Lexa's and for the first time Lexa stopped washing and slid her arms around under Clarkes and held her, kissed her temple.

"It just got to a point, you know, when I just gave up - " the crying burst out of Clarke, waiting for no permission for expression, it finally secured its own freedom in the form of a heart wrenching howl, almost a wailing. Finally, when she could speak again, she said,

"I just thought I was about to be gang raped by those fuckers, I went somewhere in my mind. It's just stupid because nothing happened yet I don't feel relieved."

Clarke finally stopped talking and Lexa rinsed her hair.

"Ai hodnes, would you allow me to braid your hair?"

"You want to braid my hair? Today?"

"Sha. I feel like being close to you."

"You haven't said anything about, you know, the other thing?"

"Is there something you would like to hear?"

"No, you just haven't said anything. At all."

"I have feelings, of course I do. But right now, you are the priority, your safety, your comfort,"

"I am okay, although I wouldn't mind the cold packs for my face,"

"Okay. But your emotions, they might come and go. Sad, relieved, angry, safe, unsafe. I just really want to be here for you,"

"Maybe we could be here for each other?"

"Well. I feel angry. Rageful really. That Quint would come on to Trikru lands for this purpose - "

"What?" Clarke was surprised.

"What?" Lexa realised too late what she had said.
"I thought it was a coincidence, that they found me by chance. You think he deliberately planned this, to seek me out?" A whole new angle was unfolding in Clarke's mind.

"Actually, I don't know that." Lexa backtracked immediately.

"But you think that."

"I am probably wrong,"

"No, Lexa. No. This is your area of expertise. You know Quint. And you know Nia. In your professional opinion Quint came over the fence for me."

No Lexa either didn't respond or took too long to respond.

"I am right, Lexa, aren't I?"

"And this is what I mean about this time being for you - you don't need me to go sticking my big feet in my mouth and making this about something else,"

"It is about something else and that makes me both more and less frightened at the same time."

"How so?"

"Well I am less scared knowing that this wasn't some random attack but more scared knowing the Queen is after me. Sent Quint after me. It's like Costia. Isn't it?"

"I think so,"

"Thank you,"

"For?"

"Being honest with me."

"I am going to take care of this, Clarke,"

"I don't mean to doubt you, Lexa, but - "

"You don't need to worry about it, ai hodnes. I just want you to focus on you, what you need. I can assign more warriors, anything you need."

"What happened to the warriors I had?"

"Murdered."

"Oh my god, Lexa."

"I know, ai hodnes, I know."

"Did Nyko give you a sedative?"

"Sha Clarke, shall I prepare it?"

"Please." She fell asleep with an ice pack on each cheek and Lexa tucked around her.

Chapter Seventeen

"Heda, how is Clarke?"

"Thank you, Ticha, she is resting,"

"I am glad to hear it. I have news."

"Go ahead,"

"All of the government agents outside of Trikru have gone. To my sources they have also evaporated from Polis."

"Really? Any idea why?"

"None. There is a flurry of activity, not just regarding Reyes. The social disruption is huge all over the US, there is violence and chaos, police are now regularly stationed at hospitals and many stores and services have ceased functioning. It's almost impossible to get fuel."

"Wow. I don't know how to respond."

"Thank the gods we don't have to!"

"True that, Ticha,"

"Also the President hasn't been seen in a week, other government officials, both sides are literally disappearing. They can't meet quorum at the House or the Senate,"

"Some kind of coordinated event?"

"I don't think so. Many projects have been abandoned, government and private, all overseas assets are being recalled in unprecedented numbers, including all US defence force troops. Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Black ops There are loads of communications pinging urgently but I can't quite get a fix on the issue - whatever it is, it's huge!"

"There is something else. Jaha has been cut off."

"Explain?"

"No one on the ground will take his calls, he has been frozen out across the board,"

"Do you know why"

"It would be an educated guess at best; decision makers have chosen a side; Reyes over Jaha."

"Why would that be?"

"Again, I am guessing but Raven is easy, she isn't trouble unless it's brought to her doorstep and then she proves to be more trouble than anyone can handle. Jaha? He is trouble; a long term commitment, demanding and entitled. He probably has inside knowledge of the activities of specific individuals, the Director of NASA, at the very least. He wants to get into the top echelons but he never will, plus he has been publicly burned.

If ever they were considering cutting Jaha loose, now would be the time. His word is mud, they don't even have to silence him, they will divert him with a nice job offer, if he makes trouble he will face a murder charge, at the very least. Besides, they have turned their attention to something else."

"Please keep observing, I need to know Raven is safe."

"I have had a thought. There are several unprecedented events occurring simultaneously and I have one theory that links them - it's a theory only."

"Go ahead, Ticha,"

"Projects cancelled, troops recalled, government officials abandoning their posts and the government apparently abandoning their pursuit of a dangerous 'terrorist' on the loose, Raven Reyes. Smells like government failure to me - total abandonment."

"Phew, Ticha, I just got a shiver down my spine. I know you are not one to jump to conclusions or to be dramatic. What do you propose?"

"I think we should prepare for a shutdown."

"I agree, please recall our people. There is something else,"

"Okay. What is it?"

"Clarke proposed,"

"Proposed?"

"And I said yes,"

"Congratulations, Heda,"

"Well done, Fleimkepa, are you okay?"

"Mhm,"

"She is going to ask your permission,"

"As per tradition,"

"I want you to grant it,"

"Sha, Heda,"

"Mochof,"

"I have done my due diligence, Heda, it's not ideal, but I have no genuine objection to the girl,"

"The girl? Okay, Titus,"

"I will have the prenuptial agreements prepared,"

"No,"

"No?"

"No."

"Lexa, this is not negotiable,"

"You are right. I wont sign one and I won't ask Clarke to, either,"

"Lexa, this is bigger than you and Clarke. Think of Aden, think of all the people who depend on Trikru - and this is not about not providing for her, but it's about providing for her in away that does not compromise generations of - "

"Fleimkepa, tread carefully,"

"Okay, have it your way. One more thing, I have an offer on the apartments, one buyer has offered ten percent above listing price if they can secure both apartments."

"That's great. I think. Thank you, I will advise both Clarke and Raven and get back to you."

"Echo? Ontari? Koo-eee?"

"Heda?"

"Hiya Ontari, how are you?"

"I'm doing better, thank you,"

"Good, I am glad. Echo around?"
"Echo is out just now but I don't expect her to be long,"

"No problem," Lexa grabbed up her hand held, "Copy, Echo?"

"Copy, Heda?"

"I'm at your hut, can you stop by?"

"Ai laik ona ai edei,"

"Mochof,"

"Can I offer you a drink?"

"I'd love one,"

"Sure,"

Ontari returned indoors and Lexa began to clear the fire pit and rebuild the fire for next use. The pack announced their alpha's arrival some minutes before Echo turned up.

"Heda, e's great gon ai op yu,"

"Mochof, Echo, always good gon ai op yu,"

"Ontari?" enquired Echo.

"Getting drinks,"

"Everything okay?"

"Something has kom op up,"

"About Ontari?"

"Not specifically,"

"Phew,"

"Echo, you can trust me."

"Of course, Heda, and you have my loyalty. I am just nervous."

"Of course,"

"What are you talking about?" A suspicious Ontari returned with three mugs.

"I come bearing news," began Lexa, "Quint and seven others hopped the fence this morning. They headed directly to the obstacle course where they found Clarke working out, they surrounded her, attacked her. If we had been slower to respond she would have been raped,"

"Is she okay?"

"Shocked and frightened, she has bruising around her face, they slapped her around quite a bit."

"You think I knew about this?"

"I didn't assume that, Ontari. My reason for coming was to alert you both to the event, we have them locked up and Trikru justice will be served. I don't know whether to expect more, but I am sure your pack will keep you safe. Just be aware, perhaps steer clear of the boundary."

"Sha, Heda," Echo was unfailingly obliging to her Heda, perhaps it was gratitude for saving her life, perhaps it was giving her the opportunity to live in peace with her pack, perhaps it was honouring her word to find a way to rescue Ontari.

Above all Lexa had been unfailingly kind, she led with clear prepping objectives, no schemes, no theft, no abuse of workers, no payback and no revenge. Echo was not surprised that Ontari was as mixed up as she was - she couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, she was agitated, angry, fearful - she couldn't bear human contact, at least she would allow the pack to comfort her.

Echo was exactly the same when she arrived; the mind games, the gas lighting, the abuse, the fucked up reward and punishment, the scarification to prove your loyalty to the Queen. The parameters at Azgeda just kept moving; the hoops kept getting smaller, the competition against fellow Azgedan's, the endless need to prove loyalty, the tension, the fear just kept getting ratcheted up and up and up.

"So that's it?" Ontari's tone was accusatory, but Lexa allowed her leniency.

"What more, Ontari?" she asked, hoping this would develop into an opportunity for a conversation.

"You think I knew about it?"

"Did you?"

"Maybe,"

"What did they say when you questioned them?"

"I didn't,"

"You didn't question them?"

"I did not,"

"Did you beat them? Tortue them?"

"They are unharmed."

"Can I see them?"

"You wish to verify the truth of my claim or you wish to communicate with them?"

"Maybe both,"

"You may,"

"Now?"

"Let us walk down together,"

Lexa was truly hoping that Raven already had the opportunity to have an audio bug established in the cells, it would be very interesting to hear anything Ontari might have to say.

Ontari was shocked that Heda allowed her to enter the cells, to even know where they were, there were no parameters or trades. She actually thought that she would not return from the cells, that she would find herself locked away. It was confusing for Ontari when Heda opened the door and let her go down unaccompanied. What could Heda have to gain by such behaviour? She didn't know but was determined to find out.

Ontari didn't speak to Quint; she simply went down, looked at each of the prisoners, observed that they were unharmed and left. Quint was a bottom of the food chain loser, signalled in countless ways; he was not part of Trikru's preferred warriors established by the fact that they were let go, he advertised Trikru information for sale, so clearly the guy had no integrity and the Queen clearly saw him as disposable, sending him on an obvious suicide mission.

"Satisfied, Ontari?"

"You were true to your word," Ontari made the warriors stance, momentary submission.

"I always am."

"I might head back,"

"Of course, but I invite you to stay, have a meal with us tonight?"

"To what end, Heda?"

"I am hoping that you will choose to make Trikru your home,"

"Again, to what end?"

"Echo's happiness is important. You are a powerful warrior, I am keen to spar with you,"

"You want to spar?"

"When you feel well enough."

"Aarrgghh!"

"Clarke, you're okay."

Clarke had bolted upright with some violence, Lexa was up beside her, probably stirred by the preceding disturbance, both movement and vocal. Lexa ran one hand up and down Clarke's back,

"Bad dreams?"

"Mhm,"

"Water?"

"Please, and a painkiller."

When Clarke finished the water she snuggled into to Lexa's body,

"You're always so warm,"

"Show me how to hold you,"

"This way for comfort,"

"Take what you need, ai hodnes,"

"Stroke my hair?"

"Like this?"

"Mhm, thats nice,"

"Did you speak to the warrior's families?"

"Yes, it helps to be able to give them justice,"

"I'm sorry the hard stuff falls to you,"

"Thank you, Clarke, it's not always easy,"

"I am going to help you, like Aden helps you. To share the burden,"

"You don't have to do that,"

"I want to. I am going to be your wife, Heda's wife. We can do things together, and with Aden,"

"I never expected that, it sounds too good to be true,"

"Really?"

"Really. To have someone to share things with would be a relief."

Clarke snuggled in a little more.

The next day Clarke was sad, angry, relieved and angry again, she became easily frustrated and impatient within herself, the vulnerability that was apparently evident within her that made her a target for this kind of harassment and attack and her inability to defend herself. She was needy and sooky, reluctant to let Lexa too far from her sights, but Raven, Anya, Aden or Luna were acceptable temporary substitutions.

Physically she was sore, her face and jaw especially, the bruises were a dark purple reaching from under each eye to the corners of her mouth. She took a pair of general pain relief pills every four hours which enabled her to eat, sleep and speak. Just to make sure that bruises were the worst of it, and it was a good training opportunity, Clarke had Nyko break out the x-ray machine which confirmed that there were in fact no cracks in the bone.

Those around her supported her, they kept her company, diverted her from the source of her distress, Heda tried to convince her that even the most experienced warriors would have struggled to defend themselves against eight prepared and skilled assailants, laying secretly in the dark for an ambush. The trouble was that Clarke's fear of further danger was not entirely unfounded, it appeared that the Queen really did want to capture Clarke.

The contradiction between being in such danger yet remaining unharmed really bothered Clarke; had she simply sustained an injury she could justify her feelings, but as it was she couldn't. If it had been anyone else she would never have suspected that the feelings didn't match the event, for anyone else they seemed perfectly in line. But for some reason applied to herself, she reassessed with a more demanding yardstick, she didn't know why. Clarke couldn't understand why. She was all jumbled up.

"Clarke? Are you unwell?"

"I am fine, I just feel restless, can't sleep,"

"Then come to me, ai hodnes, not away, if you can?"

"I didn't want to wake you,"

"I will never regret be woken by you, for anything, ever,"

"You always were a sop,"

"You pretend you don't like it, but you do,"

"It's true,"

"I just want to be near you,"

"Oh come here then. You know what I like?"
"Tell me,"

"I like you being on top, I like to feel your weight, your strength,"

Lexa knows exactly what Clarke likes, she moved over the top of Clarke and settled onto her slowly, propped on her elbows, pressing down firmly, making sure Clarke got an eye full of her guns. Clarke opened her arms and legs, making plenty of room for her lover and then closing herself around Lexa's body, maximising the amount of skin contact between them.

Lexa's kisses always take Clarke's breath away, sometimes soft and slow, other times hard and frantic, but always hot. The feel of Lexa pushing down, her hot breath on Clarke's neck, her tongue tracing lines, she just got lost in the feel of Lexa and when Lexa went near Clarke's ears the sensations made her crazy. The pleasure was so intense, it hit Clarke in strange places; play biting her lobes she felt the base of her spine and putting her tongue inside her ear made the tops of her feet all pins and needles. It made her squirm and both want to stop immediately and never ever stop, it must be like when she grazed Lexa's nipples with her teeth - that made her all squirmy too.

"Lexa, can we… umm, wait,"

Lexa stopped, she leaned away to give Clarke some space, but not so much as to create distance between, either physical or emotional,

"I'm sorry,"

"I am just happy to be here, anything you want is good for me,"

"Mmm, I want to, I just,"

"You don't have to explain, I'm honestly so happy to be here,"

"Naw. Me too, babe, thanks for loving me so well."

- later -

"How are you feeling?"

"Intense. I feel like I am searching frantically for peace in the gaps of the chaos."

"That's a rather cogent explanation,"

"I'm not just a pretty face."

"Are you sure you want to observe tribal justice, it can be brutal?"

"No. But I will. I'm more of the 'hand them to the police' culture and I get that you're not. I'm trying not to be all judgy about that, intellectually I am beginning to understand more and more why preppers might doubt the system, but emotionally, I am still attached to that value system. I am doing my best but - "

"I don't mean to pressure you, I was just thinking it might provide closure, but it's totally your call,"

"I am determined to do it because I want to support you, as Heda. I feel like if I don't' participate it is totally undermining your claim to justice and my claim as your future wife."

"You don't have to consider anything but your own feelings, Clarke,"

"No, I do. I appreciate you want to protect me, but I have thought this through, I will be there."

"Okay, ai hodnes,"

In ancient times the sentence for tribal justice was death by a thousand cuts, but given that so few of the guilty parties ever made it even halfway through the sentence before dying it became a bit of a moot point. He sounded formidable though - death by 1000 cuts!

Over time it had morphed into an offer to those affected by the offence to seek retribution through a cut of the blade on the body of the guilty party and or a whipping, depending. Rapists were always castrated before the whipping, their testicles removed swiftly by a hot blade before all, so there was that, too. Then Heda would cut their throat or put a sword through their heart.

Heda and Aden were preparing to serve justice. It was not new to either of them, Lexa had served both corporal and capital punishment and Aden had witnessed it, but today would be the first time that they would work together to both administer justice. They had discussed the plan in some detail, Aden would administer the corporal punishment of each prior to those who wished to cut the accused and then Lexa would end the lives of Quint and six of the seven others.

Neither considered this an act of vengeance, nor did they take any pleasure in the task, but saw it as a responsibility they were obliged to administer in the interest of their community. Both were pensive, dressing in their warrior regimentals, Aden applied Heda's war paint and then she applied his. At eleven fifty, Indra and Gustus dragged Quint through the crowd and hitched him to the post while Heda and Aden went down into the cells to address the remaining convicts.

"We have ten minutes. Here is my offer; I will allow one of you to live, the one who provides the most valuable information. Tell me everything you know about Quint's behaviour here at Trikru,"

Two guys were so loyal to Quint that they chose to go to death without uttering a word, Heda wasted no time on them. The other five were extremely keen to secure an extension of their life, and their comprehensive stories lined up pretty well, it was not rehearsed, Heda could be certain, because the cells were bugged. Rolling the stories together sounded much as follows;

"Quint was working on a retainer for Queen Nia, he had been stirring up trouble between people, destabilising Trikru, with the view of challenging Heda for Leadership so that the Queen could access the property."

"He had been searching all areas of the property for hidden resources and feeding information back, the Queen has a map of the Trikru property which is updated by hand according to information as it becomes available. She is plotting continued border breaches as distractions for simultaneous raids on supplies, she was particularly keen to secure the new weapons that Trikru had just procured."

Heda was surprised to hear that Quint was aware of new supplies having been brought into the compound, so she asked,

"What new weapons?"

"The new military weapons."

"We cross over to the Queens property regularly, early in the mornings, but it's not over the North border because that's heavily guarded, but instead there is a weak spot in the Western fence," this was described in detail and Heda knew the area and would have it assessed and improved in short order.

Of all the information, this appeared to be as much as any of them knew, they were either unwilling to say or genuinely didn't know anything more, for instance about the medical and tech supplies or their origin. None of the four were able to say where on Trikru property the weapons were or how Quint initially became aware of them.

This indicated to Heda the possibility of a secondary mole at Trikru. Anyone standing in the warehouse that night could have either deliberately or inadvertently disclosed the receipt of the goods, but so far only the weapons had been mentioned, no medical or tech supplies. She was inclined to believe that they didn't know about them, nor did Quint. Therefore it was unlikely that the information came from her trusted crew, which was a relief, but still Titus would need to know everything.

She asked each of them two final questions, the first; how did Quint find out about a weapons stash and the second; what are the details of the Queen's plans. Three claimed not to know and two appeared to be spilling their guts but Lexa was sceptical - different details, only one of the four knew these details? Unlikely, it is more believable that they were lying to save their life.

"What do you think?" Heda asked the young man at her side, when they exited the cells.

He was her protege. He had long been educated in the principles of prepping and knew more than most about all areas of preparing for end times; resources, the land, plants and animals, self defence and defense of the property, the legal and financial angles. But more recently she had been slowly exposing him to the more complex intricacies of leadership, tradition and community.

"They don't know anything we don't already know, except how Quint knew about the new weapons. We should let the taller one live, he seems the most well balanced, the one most likely able to make a productive life for himself."

"And will you be able to administer corporal justice today?"

"Sha, Heda, I am ready, I won't let you down."

"You could never,"

Two hundred Trikru formed a circle around the tree, it was a solemn occasion for all. No one liked Quint, not because he wasn't Trikru but he was a bastard; not a good worker, a distraction and a bully. But none of that mattered a jot in the face of his assault against Heda and upon Doctor Clarke, for this, they demanded justice. The Trikru citizens relied on Heda to provide the basics of life including ensuring safety, liberty and justice - it was a delicate balance, she needed them and they needed her.

Heda squared her shoulders,

"Come, let us do our duty,"

Aden likewise squared his shoulders and followed his Heda to the pit.

Heda took her place between Anya and Clarke, Aden stood next to his intended sister in law, drawing strength from the idea that the unpleasant task that lay before him, he did on her behalf. Clarke was as white as a sheet, except for her blackened cheeks, she looked like she would rather be anywhere else but she stood firm, her eyes fixed on a spot in the distance, above Quint's head.

Anya had asked her several times if she was okay, assured her that she need not attend but Clarke was determined, not because she wanted revenge, nor even to see justice done, it was because she was Lexa's partner, she would be Heda's wife at some point in the near future. If Lexa and Aden had to do their duty, then Clarke would find it within herself to do hers, which in some regards was surely the easier of the three.

Quint had leered at her while he was being bound to the post, Clarke wasn't looking at him but Anya noticed and almost growled in anger. Indra must have noticed and whacked Quint over the head pretty hard, it made him keep his head down for a few minutes at least, but he was afraid and needed some distraction from having his testicals removed followed by his imminent death.

It was beyond him to bear the discomfort with dignity, he made to call out to Clarke,

"Princess - " was as far as he got before Gustus kicked him in the side of the knee so hard he was immediately silenced and worked to keep his body upright and the pressure off his now injured leg. Raven made a muffled sound that she imagined she might have made had she incurred such an injury, well she had a much worse injury actually, she didn't need to imagine at all.

When Indra and Gustus stepped away, Heda stepped forward,

"Quint you are guilty of entering Trikru lands without permission. You murdered two of my warriors. You restrained my fiance with the intent to rape her. The penalty for rape is castration, for attacking my people you will bear fifty lashes and the penalty for an attack on the family of Heda is capital punishment. Any last words?"

"Marrying Doctor Clarke will be your undoing, Lexa."

"Thank you, for that," said Lexa, grasping the handle of her hunting knife.

She nodded at Nyko who stepped forward, undid Quint's trousers and let them fall to the dirt, he went to the fire and grabbed the blade that was red hot and returned. Quint was twisting like an eel on the pole and screaming in terror, but Nyko made fast work of it, grabbing the testciles and slicing them off in a second. Quint screamed in agony.

"Aden," Heda said quietly and watched as her brother slid his coat off his shoulders, he folded it and placed it on the table, next to the whip. Either Quint's nerves had got the better of him again or he had mustered a tiny bit of courage from somewhere,

"Don't tell me, I am going to be practice whipped by a child? Oh, somebody get him a stool."

Aden didn't respond to Quint, Lexa observed that he was focussed on the task at hand, methodical in his approach, he picked up the whip and walked around behind Quint. He unfurled the coil, measured the distance and height with his eyes and found the right position for his feet, Lincoln had practiced and practiced this with him.

Trikru had used the same stockwhip for generations, a single-tailed leather whip with a long lash and a short handle, Aden unfurled it, he was ready and looked at Heda for the final permission. When she gave him the smallest nod he began. Fifty lashes was no small feat; Aden was five foot 2 inches to Quint's six foot even and his Fos had schooled him on the qualities of an appropriate flagellation.

It was a discipline on both ends, by the giver and the receiver. If the purpose of the act was about justice, part penalty and part deterrent, then the application of the punishment needed to be administered in a manner conducive to justice. It needed to be orderly, measured, firm but not harsh. Aden had been practising on trees, five lots of ten strokes, all landing with the same intensity and within the same area of 'the back', between the shoulder blades, below the neck and above the waist.

Aden began, he was nervous, but he pushed it to the back and raised his arm. After the first three lashes Quint laughed out loud and Aden felt panic rise up within him, he squeezed his eyes shut and examined his movements. No, everything was just as he practiced, the distance, height, the strength required, no, he was right, he pushed on.

Lincoln and Lexa had both warned him about this, about taunts from the person being whipped, from people in the crowd, he must hold his ground, he raised his arm again and continued. Quint did not laugh again and Aden got through his first set, thinking four ten's to go. After which he stepped back, wound the whip into a coil and replaced it on the table.

Lexa stepped forward, slid her blade out of it's scabbard at her hip and offered the blade to Clarke who shook her head, she was observing the justice, she didn't need to participate,

"Haha, Princess, you will never be Trikru!" Quint roared.

Clarke grabbed the blade and walked directly to Quint and drew a cut on his chest, about four inches long, 1 centimeter deep, he didn't shout out but grimaced at the pain. Several Trikru women stepped forward and took the knife placing cuts on his body, while Quint may not have attempted to rape them, his actions still impacted upon them as women, made them feel less safe in general and they were within their right to seek retribution.

"The Queen of Azgeda is coming for you," Quint said to Lexa with a grin.

He was scared, she could tell, but doing his best to appear courageous. She moved forward and cut his throat from ear to ear without so much as a deep breath of hesitation. The crowd was silent, a silent witness to justice. Heda stepped back, Indra and Gustus untied the dead body and dragged him away.

One by one the seven other captives were brought forward; Nyko castrated them, Aden whipped each of them, fifty lashes each, no one cut them before Heda cut the throats of six and Indra and Gustus dragged them over to the pyre. Afterwards the bodies were burned, nobody said any touching words over the bodies, nobody stood vigil, spared a thought for their souls or said a quiet prayer. Unlike the two warriors who were murdered.

Nyko treated the wounds on the back of the seventh offender, later he was provided with a small amount of food, water and cash, he was driven into Polis and dropped shoeless at the railway. Gustus made it plain that if he was ever seen in or near Trikru or Azgeda land again his life would be forfeit.

Lexa spoke loudly, "Trikru, may I have your attention please?" People hushed.

"Thank you for trusting me to see that justice is served,"

There was a cheer from the crowd.

"Thank you Aden for your service today,"

Another cheer.

"Enough is enough. For many years we have allowed Queen Nia to breach our borders, to pry into our affairs, to steal our resources and to harm our workers. No more."

Passionate cheering from Anya, Raven, Aden and Lincoln included. Indra and Gustus surely celebrated on the inside, being far too professional to show such enthusiasm outwardly.

"I fully intend to resolve the issues between Trikru and Azgeda. Permanently. So let us celebrate tonight and tomorrow we get to work. Let's drink - To Justice!"

"Justice!"

"To Aden!"

"Aden!"

"To Family!"

"Trikru!"

Once again, there was a long afternoon of socialising, drinking, eating, playing music, dancing, fighting and playing games. Aden got more attention than he was used to, he may have consumed a few furtive but not entirely concealed alcoholic beverages. It was a long afternoon and for some couples, and one or two triads, a long night as well, the night had a pre war feel to it, Heda's speech had set the agenda, stoked the fire in their heart, motivated them for war.

Aden went to wash and change his clothes which were splattered with the blood of eight different men, Lincoln followed because he knew Lexa could not.

"Seken?"

"Fos, how'd I do?"

"You tell me?"

"It was professional, just like we practised."

"Yes it was. How is your arm?"

"Sore," the young man shrugged, struggling a little emotionally.

"Aden? Leadership is not for the faint hearted, huh?"

"Nope. But I did my duty,"

"You did. I am proud of you, seken."

"Thank you for training me to do it, Fos,"

"Of course."

Clarke was not in the mood for celebrating, she took herself off to the pit to train. Ontari noticed her go and followed, she had seen the woman suffer through the punishment and now she was going to express her frustration in the pit. She steered well clear of the obstacle course instead sticking with some of the routines Indra regularly put her through. With every loss coming back to haunt her, she felt anger and humiliation but she was more determined to continue, she intended to increase the intensity of her training with her Fos.

Indra was satisfied with her second overall, not that she thought an expression of approval was necessary - they had lost all but the last vestiges of vexation between them, not that they would ever be bosom friends, but they were able to enact their roles without too much friction. The student had arrived in Trikru unfit, puffed up and a somewhat attitudinal butterball, too weak to wield anything heavier than a scalpel. But she had found the willingness to submit herself to discipline and exertion to begin the warrior's journey.

Fitness, strength, balance and agility, self defence, hand to hand, staff, sword, dagger, archery and firearms - Clarke had been introduced to all of these and could wield each at the most elementary level, showing more natural proficiency with some than others. But until most recently success in fighting had proven elusive. The unfortunate assault appears to have incited a renewed determination for skill development and passionate resolve for winning, if the match at least some part thereof.

Ontari took a pair fighting sticks in each hand and held out a pair to Clarke, it was an offer to train with her. Clarke took the sticks, she took one in each hand and adopted the traditional fighting stance, Ontari copied her and they bowed their heads to each other, a sign of respect. They began slowly, getting a feel for each other's strengths and weaknesses, sussing each other out.

Before long Clarke was filled with frustration which was bordering on anger, Ontari was far too skilled and powerful, she was easily able to anticipate Clarke's movements. Clarke was fighting with the crazed intention of putting her down, despite the echo of pain like a cloud surrounding her head, but the harder she tried the easier it seemed for Ontari to flick her away like she was a bug, Clarke was on her ass more frequently and landing harder every time, her frustration drove her to endless new approaches in both attack and defence but Indra always had the better of her.

She had fought Anya, Lexa, Aden, Lincoln, Luna and any others hanging around the pit on any given day and she never really came close to winning a genuine point. She didn't really expect to win a match but a point? Her constant lack of success only added to her other upsets, deep and chaotic, desperate and flailing. But in her temporary state of self absorption Clarke didn't consider that it was these very same people she was working so hard to pummel into the ground, were actually the ones and the very same loving her and keeping her from falling apart altogether.

Lexa had hoped that with time and support Clarke would recover from the effects of the assault; disturbed sleep, hypervigilance, avoidance of touch, losing focus mid conversation, quickness to upset or anger (mostly aimed at herself). She had the idea that Clarke and Ontari should work out together, they were both suffering, experiencing similar emotions, and now as she stood in the shadows watching those very same two people sparring, she grinned.

Ontari took pity on her opponent, Clarke needed significant development in her core strength so they put their weapons aside and began weight training together to strengthen core abdominal and back muscles and the muscles around the pelvis. As they trained Ontari began thinking about what Clarke needed to develop now, next and later, which helped her plan future lessons, and that brought her around to thinking about Heda's offer to let her train Trikru warriors.

Chapter Eighteen

"Really? Ten percent?" Clarke was shocked.

"Don't feel obligated, Clarke. Neither of us need the money so badly that you need to feel pressured to make a decision," Raven was impressed but her life 'out there' was over. She had learned alot from Anya about prepping, perhaps not with a focus on canned goods but she was beginning to consider the prospect of end times as a very real possibility."

Clarke knew Raven well and she trusted beyond any and all doubt that Raven had Clarke's best interest at heart. Raven was not saying 'don't sell' only 'don't regret' selling, and she wouldn't. Raven was right, she had money, she had options.

"I am ready. I will speak to Titus, I need to talk to him anyway," responded Clarke,

"Okay, then we need to talk about what to do with your assets,"

"Okay? So you are really okay with me selling my condo?"

"Aren't you? You just said - "

"No, I am. I am just making sure we are on the same page."

"This has to be your decision, Clarkey,"

"It is, but you know I value your opinion. And what about my assets?"

"I've been applying some prepper principles to the management of my own, we can talk about it in detail whenever you are ready,"

"Thank you, Ray,"

"Always, sis,"

"Titus? It's Clarke Griffin, how are you?"

"I am well thank you. I understand you had some trouble, how are you?"

"Thank you, I was shaken but unharmed, luckily,"

"Heda applied Trikru Justice,"

"Yep."

"You don't approve?"

"It's just foreign to me. I told Lexa that I certainly don't require that sort of intervention, but it's her call, this is her community,"

"Not yours?"

"I am working on it."

"I understand. Did Lexa mention the offer on your apartments? The buyer will pay 10% over and above listing price if they can secure both, and they are hoping for a thirty day settlement,"

"Acceptable. We are both ready to sell. And thank you for your help, Titus."

"It's a pleasure to assist you, Clarke. Raven has given specific instructions as to how to prepare her proceeds, what are your instructions?"

"Um, what are you doing for her?"

"20% cash, 20% bonds, 20% tradable resources and 40% precious metals."

"Sounds fine, ah Titus, where would these 'tradable resources' be stored?"

"She has taken care of that herself,"

"Okay, I am sure she will take care of mine, too. Titus, there is one more thing. I proposed to Lexa,"

"So I understand, congratulations,"

"Thank you. I'm not up on all Trikru customs, but I understand I need to gain your permission?"

"I would prefer to speak to you face to face,"

"Please? I could not stand the suspense."

"I understand. Clearly, Lexa cares for you. I have no reason to deny your wish or desire to withhold consent. However there is the issue of the prenuptial agreement."

"A prenup? Did Lexa ask for one?"

"No. She has refused to consider the concept. And she has forbidden me to raise it with you."

"But you are raising it?"

"I must. My two primary objectives are now brought into conflict with each other."

"How so?"

"I am loyal to Heda and responsible for the wellbeing of Trikru, its survival and ultimate integrity."

"Right. And Lexa not signing a prenup compromises Trikru."

"Correct."

"I don't want Lexa's money,"

"I believe you, Clarke. But that does not help me protect Trikru."

"What do you suggest?"

"I am not opposed to you being provided for in the event of a separation, only that it must be in a way that does not compromise Trikru lands or businesses,"

"That sounds fair, Titus, but to be honest, this is not my strong suit."

"There is a way to protect both Trikru and you, but without it I cannot permit this marriage,"

"Let me speak to Lexa,"

The following morning Heda called a meeting of her closest and most senior advisors to disclose the facts as Titus had early revealed them to her, then she shared with them his theory and their plan to recall all of their people and shut down Trikru in preparation for a nation wide disaster.

"I want a plan to take down Azgeda so that by the time of the shut, the threat that they pose is completely eliminated."

This request ignited the passion of Trikru Strategist Raven Reyes who had been creating a map table with painted chess pieces and other signifiers to tell the story of her brilliant idea to dominate the Queen to the North.

"Okay, Heda, this is my idea, stage one; let's cut their net, then four hours later we cut their comms, then four hours after that we cut their power - without power they have no fuel, no refrigeration, no lighting among other things. They will be reduced to using generators, which we can also take out.

Stage two; let's kidnap Prince Roan and hold him hostage until she agrees to your terms."

"Why the four hour intervals?"

"Take it all at once and it will take them ages to figure out what the issue is. Take it out in intervals, they will pick up the pattern which will help them unlock the puzzle."

"Excuse me?" an unsure voice from a crack in the door.

"Ontari?" asked Lexa?
"You are planning a move against the Queen?" asked the nervous outsider.

"Sha, would you like to come in?" Anya was closest to the door and leaned back to push it open.

"I may have been listening." Ontari said, eyes glued to her feet.

"Best you come in then," Lexa waved her in, feeling no apprehension, only joy at Ontari's presence.

"It wont work," said the former Azgedan.

"Which?" asked Raven, ready to defend her plan.

"Stage two. The Queen doesn't care about Roan, at all. At all." she repeated.

"But Stage one is okay?" said Raven.

"It will frustrate her, and if you can draw it out it will cause resentment with the workers,"

"Do you have a suggestion?" asked Anya.

"I do. This is your gift, Heda."

"Thank you in advance, Ontari," Lexa replied.

"Implement stage one with one small addition, get a listening device into the throne room,"

"Can you show me where that is?" asked Raven, knowing the exact location of the map of the palace, she sifted through a few pages and passed it across the table.

Ontari looked it over, assessing the knowledge Trikru had already accumulated,

"Here," she said, fingering a large room on the ground floor, "The throne is under these windows, three metres from the wall, getting a bug under, over or behind that throne will give you information."

"Information?"

"Heda, you don't need to get your hands dirty. Roan will make an excellent neighbour provided with a chance to take his Mother's throne and the workers will remove her for you, if you play this right,"

"Keep talking, Ontari,"

"When Roan says things you like, reward him. When the Queen says things you don't, punish her."

"Oh, Heda, I like her. Can we keep her?" Raven had her fingers interlaced like an urgent prayer.

"I haven't received the RSVP yet, so," Lexa shrugs and grins, "It's out of my hands,"

"There was no date!" defends Ontari smiling, then she remembered herself, "I will leave you to it,"

"Thank you, Ontari," called a number of voices.

The first phase of the plan was agreed upon easily and Raven got to work with the tiny bee drone, equipped for audio and visual relaying capacity. Raven drove it using a PS5 controller, the visual experience made Anya feel queasy so she watched a dot move slowly across a different monitor.

Aden was also flat chat, being the right hand of Heda and it when it wasn't scary as hell it was electrifying. He had been exposed to the theory for years, the principles of prepping, how to identify problems, evaluate options and make decisions, Heda was trusting him with more responsibility of greater significance than ever before and he was working hard to prove his abilities. It wasn't to make his sister proud, she was already proud and he knew that - it was to fulfill his duty as a Trikru and to make a name for himself as an outstanding warrior and a shrewd leader.

- later -

"Why do we have no internet, Paul?" said Queen Nia in a measured voice, like she was restraining a great rage.

"Your Royal Highness, I have not yet been able to identify the cause,"

"I want this fixed, now."

"Yes, my Queen, I will get to work,"

"Yet you are still here and I have no net."

Paul could be heard scurrying out of the long room.

"She sounds like one nasty bitch," said Raven.

"I've met her several times and she is as nasty as they come,"

"Were you scared of her?"

"No. But her behaviour is so unnecessary. Lexa can overpower almost everyone but she doesn't walk around ready to smash people all day long. She enjoys her life, her relationships with people."

- four hours later -

"Janet, why do we have no communications?" said Nia, her irritation barely concealed. Two 'essential' services down within hours of each other, surely this could not be a coincidence.

"Yes, my Queen. The handheld radios are still in use while we work to identify the problem,"

"Keep me informed,"

"Yes, your Highness,"

"Okay, let's kill the handhelds?" said Raven, already punching keys.

"How can we do that?"

"Interference!"

"Will that affect our own comms?"

"You have no faith in me at all, do you, babe?"

"That's not true, babe. Okay, let's do it."

- four hours later -

"No power! Get everybody in here, now!"

"Yes, your majesty,"

"The generators are running and we are still looking for the cause,"

"Let's zero the generators," said Raven, excitedly.

"How would we do that without going over the fence?" asked Anya.

"My favourite. We blow them up!"

"Oh, that sounds extreme,"

"I know what I am doing, babe,"

"I think we need Heda in here,"

"You call her but I am getting started,"

"Copy, Heda?"
"Got you, Anya,"

"Please report to the Bird's Nest asap,"

"On my way,"

"This is not a Bird's Nest! That's the worst name ever!"

"Oh I don't know. A beautiful, powerful blackbird, wielding immense power for justice,"

"Hmm, keep talking,"

"I now have one team seeking to address the lost internet, one for the lost communications and now the power - No! Someone is fucking with us. And I want to know who."

"Who would do that?"

"I just asked you,"

"The Feds?"

"I thought they had cleared out of the area?"

"They have,"

"You are just guessing, get out of my sight,"

"Could this be internal?"

"You think one of my workers is sabotaging Azgeda? Is this more guessing?"

"It could be Trikru?"

"Lexa Woods? She has never attacked me, she doesn't have the stones."

"No, but she does have something else,"

"What?"

"Ontari."

"Ontari would never betray me."

"She might if she were tortured,"

"No, Lexa doesn't do that,"

"She never kept prisoners before either,"

"Ontario wears my scars, she is loyal to me,"

"None of you have a fucking clue what is going on here, everybody out. I want everybody working on finding out who is behind this, right fucking now!"

"She just said that in the same tone of voice she asks for her breakfast!"

"The Queen only has one tone - extreme bitch." replied Anya laughing.

"What's going on?" Lexa was up the steps in a jiffy.

"Raven is setting fire to their generators,"

"You little dobber,"

"Where are we at?"

"The bee drone is behind the throne, so we can hear everything being said."

"They are aware that their net, comms and power are down,"

"I've sent three explosive drones - "

"Explosions?"

"Controlled, proportional explosions, targeting the generators only."

"Okay," said Lexa, shrugging as if she didn't have a care in the world.

"Okay?" "Okay?" said Anya and Raven, both as shocked as the other.

"What? We went over this, the three of us. I was very clear about my objectives and expectations. If Raven's assessment leads her to several controlled proportional explosions - I trust her judgement."

"Thank you, Heda. At least someone trusts me," said Raven, giving Anya some serious evil eye.

"Hm, I do trust you, but I also have insurance." interjected Lexa.

"Insurance?"

"Trikru Justice."

"Holy shit, Heda, you would kill me?"

"No, Raven, of course not."

"Phew!"

"However, knowing that I would subject you to a public spanking will help you make good choices,"

"Oh Heda, I knew you would be dirty talker,"

"Raven, please!" Anya was dying of embarrassment.

"Okay, ladies, listen to this,"

"What?"

"Wait for it,"

A muffled explosion could be heard over the speakers, and then the sounds of dismayed reactions, a flurry of voices, chairs scraping backward and dishevelled movement. But within moments a second explosion could be heard and then a third.

"Find out and report back immediately!" screamed the Queen.

Raven, Anya and Lexa looked at each other with grins on their faces and Raven held up her hand.

"What?" asked Lexa,

"High five, of course," said Raven, Anya and Lexa both rolled their eyes only a little before meeting her hand in a three way high five.

"Mother, let me reach out to Trikru?"

"Fine. Find out if they are having the same trouble. Ask Lexa if you can see Ontari,"

"Yes, Mother."

"I will have Indra and Gustus pick him up," said Lexa, heading back out.

"Prince Roan, Welcome back to Trikru,"

"Thank you Lexa, please it's just Roan. I'm no more a Prince than you are,"

"True,"

"Obviously, not in front of my Mother… she is rather particular about these things,"

"Obviously. Can I offer you lunch? Coffee, beer, something stronger?"

"A beer would be great, thank you,"

"Not at all, come Roan,"

"It's been a long time since you have come to pay us a visit. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"We've been experiencing some difficulties today, our power is out, no internet. I was wondering if you were having any issues?"

"No, as you see, we are all good here.'

"And you wouldn't know anything about our three exploding generators?"

"We've had no exploding generators, Roan,"

"I asked if you knew anything?"

"Well. Now that you mention it. I did hear something about it."

"Heard something?"
"Some workers reported hearing several explosions,"

"Internet and electricity work outside of boundary lines, but not within."

"Hmm. Sounds like a pickle,"

"You are not doing a very good job at convincing me,"

"It's not my job to convince you, Roan, however during our long acquaintance, we have endured a… a series of ongoing, rather challenging circumstances. Not loss of internet or power, certainly no exploding generators which I understand must be terribly inconvenient, but more in the matter of damaged fences, stolen resources, harassed workers."

"I know, of course. It's just - I hope you know that I have never, ever supported any such venture."

"Your reluctance has never mitigated our misfortune,"

"I'm afraid it is out of my hands,"

"Yes, well." Lexa held out her hand, showing her ring, "I am engaged to be married,"

"A lovely ring, congratulations,"

"Yes it is. Thank you. I am sorry about your internet. Your power. Your generators. But your Mother took from me my first partner, Roan, and has sanctioned the attempt on my current."

"Oh Lexa, I am so sorry. Is she, is she alright, Clarke?"

"She was frightened of course, but then again, that was the point,"

"But other than that?"

"Largely unharmed. But I can not allow it to stand, you understand, Roan?"

"I certainly see your point."

"I now have sufficient impetus to force a point of my own."

"What is your point?"

"Your Mother murdered my lover,"

"I am sorry, Lexa, genuinely,"

"I will be perfectly frank with you, Roan, I blame myself. I am heartily disgusted and ashamed of myself. I never sought tribal justice for Costia. I waited for evidence, then I hid behind a false hope for peace."

Lexa stood and began pacing, her abject despair obvious, her rage perfectly discernable, although not uncontrolled,

"I was young, I was scared, too concerned with not jumping to conclusions, waiting for evidence, keeping the peace. It's a weakness for which I cannot forgive myself. Weak I may have been, but I am not so feckless as to allow it to happen a second time."

"Of course not. No one would expect you to."

"Except the Queen of Azgeda, apparently."

"Apparently. It's out of my hands, Lexa, believe me, if there was anything I could do…"

"There is. You can inherit Azgeda as is, or watch it destroyed inch by inch."

"Destroyed?"

"Things will become increasingly uncomfortable. I am going to appropriate everything not nailed down in Azgeda and destroy everything else. I will raze Azgeda to the ground, with or without your workers on it. And when everything is burned to a crisp I will take the topsoil and every single tree and stump."

Roan was looking at Lexa like he hardly recognised her. He had always liked her for the dozen or so times he had met her over the years, she had been clever and friendly and had never shown a hint of aggression or malice of any shade at all. Now she appeared positively possessed, vengeful, vindictive and perhaps a little unhinged.

"Believe me when I tell you, Roan, if you want to assume leadership with anything of value, you will find a way to dispense with your Mother, asap." Lexa could feel it within herself, she was beginning to lose her self control, her temper, to say she was getting worked up was to put it far too mildly.

"You want me to murder my Mother?"
"I said dispense. You condone her murdering and raping my partners but are outraged by the suggestion of someone replacing your Mother?" Lexa's voice was beyond raised, she could feel the pulse in her neck was bulging, which happened sometimes after an extremely punishing workout.

"I never condoned it - "

"You sat by and allowed it to happen!" She screamed in his face, slamming her fist into the wall. "And I will take her for everything she has and you can stand by and let that happen as well."

"To what end, Lexa?"

"I live peaceably with all of my other neighbours, we are friendly and cooperative. I am done with Nia. I will make a treaty with the next head of Azgeda that will be peaceable, friendly and cooperative or I will burn them down as well.

"That's it?"

"What did you expect?"

"I thought you must be after money or revenge or…"

"Don't measure me by your own yardstick, although I expect Azgeda to make amends to Clarke."

"What sort of amends?"

"The next head of Azgeda will know what is right, when the time comes."

As Roan was leaving, he stuttered in his walk, he turned back and forward a couple of times,

"Lexa, I was wondering about Ontari?" he asked tentatively.

"What about her?"

"Is she here? Can I see her?"

"I will negotiate with the next head of Azgeda." Lexa turned to Indra and said, "See Roan safely back to Azgeda and secure Trikru's boundaries,"

"Sha, Heda," replied Indra, all business and keen to see the back of her enemy.

Clarke came hurrying over to Lexa as soon as Roan was out of sight.

"Lexa, are you alright?"

"Not really. Are you?"

"Better than you by the looks. Let me see your hand," Clarke held out her hand.

"It's fine"

"I didn't ask for a diagnosis," Clarke was getting a tone in her voice, one that Lexa thought best not to trifle with, she turned over her hand for inspection.

"Nothing broken but could use some ice,"
"Yes, Doctor Clarke," Lexa forced through a little joke, trying to ease the tension.

"What was said?" asked Clarke, wiping away the blood from the cracked skin around the knuckles.

"That he doesn't know anything or have any power,"

"And you said?"

"That I will wipe Azgeda off the face of the Earth and that if he hopes to inherit anything of value he should challenge his Mother for leadership,"

"What was his response?"

"If they had working internet, I am sure he would be looking up 2 bed apartments for rent in Polis. He is not a fighter, I do have some sympathy,"

"Are you having second thoughts?"

"Not one."

"You don't have to do this, and you don't have to do it for me,"

"I do have to do this, end of. Please, Clarke."

"Okay, fine, no problem, you have my full support, my darling. First let me wrap this hand, next lunch, followed by justified and measured violence."

"What's news?" Lexa asked Raven.

"The Queen and Prince Roan are going at it hammer and tongs," Raven responded.

"What are they saying?"

"He is saying that you have threatened to destroy Azgeda unless a new treaty is signed with a new Leader, and she is telling him that you can both get… well, you know, fucked."

"Do the spot fires Raven, two diagonal corners and when they get them out, go the other two,"

"Ohh, Heda, you are so sexy when you are angry,"

"Every time the Queen says anything derogatory destroy an out building,"

"This is the best job I have ever had,"

"Make sure you eat and sleep, Raven, and do not neglect your physical therapy,"

"Sha Heda, will do."

"Copy Indra?"

"Sha Heda?"

"Where are you?"

"Training at the fighting pit,"

"I will come to you,"

"You are better now than ten years ago,"

"It's not like you to flatter, Heda,"

"Then perhaps it's not flattery,"
"Hmh,"

"I look forward to seeing what Ontari can bring to our training,"

"Has she agreed to become Trikru?"

"Not yet, but I am hopeful. Speaking of Azgeda, Raven is preparing to start two fires on their property followed by a short break and then two more. This might be a good training exercise?"

"Indeed, Heda,"

"Thank you. Do you think I am doing the right thing?"

"Patience and forgiveness haven't worked, Heda,"

"True that,"

"It's unfamiliar for you to be on the front foot like this, it's a good training exercise."

Chapter Nineteen

"Echo? Ontari? Kooee!"

"Heda! Good gon ai op yu,"

"Good gon ai op yu, ste Ontari hir?"

"Coming, drink?"

"Bit am, Echo, bit am,"

Ontari backed out of the front door and when she turned Lexa noticed she had the bottle tucked under one arm and three tin mugs in her hands.

"Good to see you, Ontari,"

"Heda," Ontari bowed her head, perhaps to offset her rather dour greeting, which on its own could be mistaken for rudeness. Lexa was inclined to give Ontari plenty of leeway, she had employed the same strategy with Echo and that had turned out well.

"Have you had any trouble from Azgeda?"

"Nothing at all, we have stayed clear of the fence as you requested," replied Echo.

"Okay, well, please do be careful. I have authorised the use of some strong armed tactics and anticipate retaliation at any time. There are other accommodations that can be made available to you,"

"Thank you Heda," replied Echo trying to engage Ontari in some non verbal communication, but Ontari looked preoccupied with her own thoughts.

"Also we are starting a series of fires on Azgeda, so please do take all due caution,"

"Sha, Heda," Echo sucked her index finger and held it up to get a feel for the wind.

"Roan was here earlier to ask if we had been having any problems with the power and such, I lost my temper and said that I would lay waste to Azgeda until the Queen has been deposed,"

"Is that how you hurt your hand?" asked Ontari.

"Punched a wall. Roan asked to see you, I said I would discuss it with the next leader of Azgeda."

"What does that mean?"

"Actually, I don't know. I just didn't want to give him an inch,"

"Why are you telling me?"

"I don't want to be accused of having secrets or of sabotaging your chance to return to Azgeda,"

"I thought you didn't want me to go back?"

"I don't, but it has to be your choice."

Lexa saw Ontari mulling over her last comment, she drained her glass and handed it out for a refill,

"I see you have erected some training equipment, how is it going with Clarke?"

"She is a keen student,"

"Yes, I found her so as well. Indra has done well, but perhaps this new lease of determination can have an impact,"

"How so?"

"When Clarke first came to Trikru she couldn't run at all and barely had the strength to wave a training staff so she has made great gains, but she continues to be disappointed that she hasn't yet won a point in the training pit."

"And you, Heda, what do you want for her?"

"I want her to be safe and happy, Ontari. Thanks for the drinks, I must get back,"

"We will be on guard, Heda,"

"Good, don't hesitate to call on me, or Anya for anything. Take care."

"Fire? That fucking little bitch! Where is it? How big?"

"There are two, one - "

"Two! For Christ's sake! Where?"

"One is here and the other there, this one should be manageable but this one is being carried east by a medium wind,"

"Who have we got to send?"

"With the number of warriors not available for duty due to broken legs - "

"I will kill that little bitch. I will snatch her lover, now. And her baby brother! She will learn not to mess with me."

"Do it, Raven, destroy every single out building."

"You got it, Heda,"

"Copy, Clarke?"

"Copy, Heda?

"Location, please?"

"Training pit,"

"On my way?"

"Copy Aden?"

"Heda?"
"Location, please?"
Obstacle course,"

"Heda - come back," Raven yelled at the top of her lungs.

Lexa did an about face and marched quickly back to the Bird's Nest.

"What's happened, Raven?"

"She heard you! The Queen is listening to us!"

"How do you know?"
"She just replied to someone "Ha! She is gathering her chicks", wait - is it possible she just heard me say that?"

"She now has them searching for a mole or a bug. She is listening to us, and she knows we are listening to her,"

"You haven't had time to upgrade the handhelds?"
"I am good Heda but I can't work miracles,"

"Of course, hold up,"

"Copy Clarke and Aden, please report to the Bird's Nest, asap,
"Copy that Heda", "Copy Heda,"

"If I worked for the Queen, Lexa, she would have ordered my head already for not fixing the radio channels,"

"Yes, well, I hope someone ends me if I ever become a tyrant!"

"I can't see that happening in this lifetime, all talk of ending someone should directed over the fence,"

"True that. Where is Anya?"

"I sent her to bed, she was up all night watching the screens while I slept,"

"Okay, well when things are settled, we won't need to be so fixated on the screens,"

"Lexa?"

"Oh hey, how are you, ai hodnes?" Lexa kissed Clarke's temple.

"Whew, I am bushed, but I am getting better," Clarke laughed and flexed her muscles.

"Hey, Heda, Clarke!" Aden came racing up to them, he put his arm around their waists

and poked his head between their shoulders.

"I have some not so good news. The Queen has just made a direct threat regarding the pair of you."

"Oh," replied Clarke, the information signalled danger, of course, but the circumstances were so entirely new to her, she didn't quite know how to go about assessing the danger further.

Aden on the other hand, took the news like water off a duck's back,

"Okay," he replied, with a shrug of his shoulder.

"I need to consult with Indra and Anya, both of whom are indisposed at present, but for the meantime, I would ask that you both go no further than the common area, the pit only if there are other people, trusted people, Lincol, Luna. Please don't go up to see the pack, Clarke."

"Of course. Is there anything else I can do?"

"Yes, you can get a bit of a bag together - "

"A bag?"

"Precautionary only, just incase we need to conceal you for a day or two,"

"It'll be great Clarke, we can stay in a bunker, like we talked about,"

"Is that what you mean, Lexa?"
"That's one possibility, but hopefully it won't come to that,"

"Also, they are able to hear our walkie talkie communications, so if you would both refrain from communicating, it will just put one more barrier between you both and her."

"Okay."

"I know this is not what you signed up for, Clarke,"

"No one signed up for the Queen's reign of terror,"

"You're not upset?"

"Only a little. I know you will do your best to protect us,"

"Of course, I give you my word, Clarke, I will leave no stone unturned,"

"I know, lets just take all the precautions, as you mentioned and see what happens,"

"Sha, ai hodnes. What about you, Aden, how do you feel?"

"I am fine, Lexa, honestly"

"Raven has started two fires in Azgeda, I want to go and take a look. I am sorry you can't see it, Aden, it would be an ideal training opportunity."

"Perhaps I could sit with Raven for a while?"

"Good idea. And you, Clarke?"

"I might have a shower and then help out in the kitchen,"

"Okay. I am very sorry,"

"It's fine, Lexa, please do not worry."

Raven was laughing aloud when Aden climbed the stairs to the Bird's Nest, he was surprised to find her alone,

"Raven?"

"Aden! Oh are you in for some entertainment,"

"What's going on?"

"Come and see. I have started a fire here and here, the Queen is going out of her mind. They don't have enough able bodied warriors to fight both fires, so they are moving the cattle and horses."

"Anyone who is not able to stand on two feet and hold a hose will be thrown out onto the highway!"

Screamed the Queen,

"Your Highness, please, they were injured carrying out your orders,"

"And they failed! Now I have to pay for them until they get back on their feet? Not only can they not help, they are a burden!"
"We have a fire on two fronts, your Majesty, let's focus on that, for now,"

"How many people are attending to the southern fire?"

"Thirty, it's all we can spare until we get the animals into the western pens,"

"Surely thirty people can manage?"

"It's no small fire, your highness and the wind - "

"I don't want to hear it!"

"That's unbelievable!"

"Which part?"

"Heda is out on the fence line right now and we don't even have a fire! Yet the Queen is still sitting on her throne barking at people,"

"Yeah, she is a piece of work,"

"Can you show me on a map where the fires are?"

"I can do better than that. Toggle this screen back and forward like so, now this screen is thermal imaging, it shows us heat signatures. The more red, the more heat. The bottom of the screen here displays both the gps coords and the scale, you can take that and apply it to this."

Raven points to a large map on the wall, "You show me where the fire is,"

Aden refers to the screen again and back to the map legend several times and finally points it out,

"Spot on, Aden, now,"

She toggles a few more screens where she can clearly see Azgedan workers running across the landscape, Aden can see white streaks shuttering across the monitor,

"Whats this?"

"Azgedan warriors, see the NSEW in the corner here, that indicates which direction they are coming from and going to, check the gps coords again for a map location, but on this monitor, toggle along, and here we can see the outline of buildings. They are running NE between the cattle shed and the main house, approximately,"

"Wow, Raven this is amazing. Can Anya read this as well as you?"

"Nah, I am especially talented - read experienced. They more you play, they better you get, try it,"

"The fire is out of control and yet you come back here? How does that help?"

"Your Majesty, the wind - "

"Fine, the wind. Get back out there and get some water on it!"

Disgruntled mumbling workers could be heard bitching about their circumstances as they left the hall.

"This is perfect," said Raven, "all we need is mass walk out!"

"You think that might happen?"

"I don't know much about revolutions, but I think a necessary ingredient is dissatisfied workers,"

"At least they would be safe, what about the animals?"

"They're fine, you can check that here,"

Raven kept Azgeda on the hop for 48 hours - the workers were exhausted, there were no outbuildings left and hardly a patch of ground that had not been scorched, right up to the main house. The animals had been corralled into a small field and whilst they may have been uncomfortable, they were safe. And workers had been 'disappearing' during the night. It was only a surprise that they had held on as long as they had, rather than show any concern the Queen ranted and raved that if she ever saw them again she would kill them. Given they had fought multiple fires, in the dark - Raven thought she could have at least looked for them, at the very least.

The ones who remained were no longer eating as much shit as they had, they were challenging the Queen, referring more and more to Roan for direction and Nia just became a screaming lunatic. At least Roan was out there with them, on the ground, moving resources, dragging hoses, moving animals, he said please and thank you, he asked their opinion at times, he never threatened them and he stood up for them to his Mother.

Raven loved the infighting, she would have been happy to eat popcorn and listen to them bicker all day long, but something caught her interest. A conversation between Nia and Roan, her ordering him to take a team and get revenge on Trikru, Roan flat out refused.

"Mother, the warriors are exhausted,"

"They are hardly warriors then are they?"

"They need a good meal, a hot shower and a decent sleep,"

"And where do you propose they do that? Their sleeping huts have been destroyed."

"There are rooms here they can bunk in for the mean time,"

"In here? In our home, Roan?"

"Mother we have lost everything. It's just as Lexa said - as long as you hold on to power she is going to take everything, and she has."

"You think I am going to turn tail and run away from that little bitch? You don't know me at all."

"Of course not, I know you better than that. That's why I have to do this,"

"Well? What?"

Raven heard the sound of the heavy throne room doors, a number of people walked through, the steps were getting louder, which indicated they were approaching the throne.

"I'm waiting, Roan, what's this big idea of yours?"

That was the last full sentence she got out of her mouth as Raven heard struggle, if she had to guess she thought it was several workers grabbing the Queen, her outraged shrieks could be heard, but someone, who had grown a pair, told her in no uncertain terms to shut up.

Roan made a speech about how unhappy they had all been for years, how they had lived in near poverty, were treated poorly - used, abused, whipped and scarred. The Queen required increasing displays of allegiance to her but yet she showed no allegiance to her workers, they were overworked, underpaid and underappreciated.

"I am sorry it's come to this Mother, but there is only the main house left, if I don't depose you, Lexa will come for that too. You have left me no choice."

The Queen was apparently struggling for her life, there was screaming, struggle and then silence. After several moments there was mass movement, and someone called out,

"The Queen is dead. Long live the King. Long Live the King. Long Live the King."

The mass movement, Raven guessed, was up to thirty or so people taking the knee.

"Please take the Queen's body outside, away from the house,"

"Absolutely your Highness," the changed mood was immediately discernible in the voices.

"There is no need for any more of that, I am just Roan."

"Absolutely Roan, Chris, give me a hand with her,"

"Copy Heda, Bird's Nest asap,"

"Copy that,"

Raven got a camera drone in the air and flew it at top speed to the back door of the Azgeda main house, she had to be sure the Queen really was dead.

Minutes later, Lexa came bolting up the stairs,

"What is it?"

"Roan just killed the Queen!"

"What? Can I see?"

"No, but you can hear, rewind this here, no, no, this one, yep," Raven's hands were full trying to get a visual on the Queen's body but she was still too far out.

Lexa rewound the audio, Raven directed,

"More, more, yep, that's enough,"

Lexa listened to the whole thing, while Raven got the drone into position, she had to get close enough to identify the body but not close enough to be spotted by any of the people milling about.

"That's her body," Raven pointed to a blurry image.

"That's not definitive,"

"Wait, I can run her face through facial recog."

It took a couple of minutes before Lexa was staring at the hideous face of the former Queen of Azgeda. She needn't have been quite so ugly, if she had been a nicer person; her eyes would not have been so callous and cold, her mouth not so pinched and ready to sneer. But she had made her choices.

"Excellent work, Raven. The Queen is dead and we lost not one warrior! That is down to you, your tech and your ability to use it wisely and well. Thank you."

"Hey, you are my people now,"

"I am going to press Roan and his people for a treaty right this moment,"

"Are you sure?"

"I am. I will take tobacco, alcohol and provisions to celebrate the signing, they will sign."

"If you do it in the throne room, I will be able to hear!"

"Once it is done, you can recall all your resources for another campaign,"

"Aye Aye, Heda, I need to secure our comms stat."

"Get a rest first, Raven."

"Sha, Heda."

Lexa, Gustus, Aden, Indra and Anya fronted a regiment of over one hundred armed warriors, they walked with purpose through Trikru, hopped the fence and walked through the ash toward the great house. Roan and his remaining warriors walked out to meet them, Lexa was correct, Roan was only too pleased to sign the Trikru-Azgeda Treaty.

"How did you know?" asked Roan.

"Magic," grinned Lexa, she was not giving away her capabilities.

She stepped back to spoke loudly so all could hear,

"I have come to recognise Roan's authority as the King of Azgeda. In addition, I have prepared a treaty to be signed between myself, Heda Lexa of Trikru and King Roan of Azgeda; an agreement to live in peace and friendship.

That the signing of this treaty marks the end of the ongoing hostilities between Trikru and Azgeda, there will be no further recrimination from either side.

The borders between our properties will remain as they have always been, as demarcated by the fence line, the upkeep and maintenance of such will be shared equally between the parties.

We will each keep to ourselves, not crossing the border without due notice and authorisation of the other, for any reason.

Neither party will spy, steal, damage or undermine the work, buildings, resources, workers, flora or fauna of the other.

Personal reparations will be made by Azgeda to the family of Costia kom Yujleda, Echo kom Trikru, Ontari kom Azgeda and Doctor Clarke kom Polis for the threats and abuses they have been subjected to.

Roan, are you willing to sign?"

"You have razed Azgeda to the ground and now you want a truce, protecting Trikru from any chance of our retaliation?" an Azgedan warrior called out.

"Silence." called Roan, "My Mother has persecuted Heda Lexa and the Trikru for years, generations. She wanted the land. She persecuted Lexa's father, Heda Roman, for years. She murdered Lexa's partner Costia. I could not count the number of times the Queen Nia breached the boundaries, damaged fences, assaulted workers, damaged and stolen flora and fauna, stealing and killing poultry and other livestock.

She has paid, bribed and blackmailed Trikru workers for information about their resources and location of stockpiles. This has gone on for as long as I can remember. And in all that time, this is the first time that Trikru and Heda Lexa has sought retribution of any kind. So as devastating as Trikru revenge is - it is also fair, generous even.

I am happy to sign the Treaty, honoured and I pledge to live by it's terms. I swear before all present that all of my warriors will also abide by both the terms of the Treaty and it's spirit - to live in peace and friendship."

Lexa and Roan both signed, as well as a half a dozen of their closest advisors witnessed the accord.

"As a sign of good will, we have brought provisions," announced Lexa, and her warriors brought forward bags of food (staples and luxury items), water, alcohol, tea and coffee, long life and powdered milk, first aid supplies, tobacco, personal hygiene products and blankets.

"We are willing and able to deliver cattle and horse feed and water for your animals this afternoon, if that would be helpful?"

"That would be appreciated, thank you, Heda. I am relieved to be no longer living in conflict,"

"Me too, Prince Roan,"

"Ah, we are doing away with all that crap - my Mother was never a Queen and even if I had ever been a Prince I would be ashamed to retain those links, after all.

"So just Roan?"

"Just Roan! I look forward to starting again, you know?"

"Why is that?"

"Insurance!" Roan grinned, "The out buildings were in the worst condition, the workers lived in squalid conditions, too hot in summer and too cold in winter, inadequate sanitation. This way we can build proper modern buildings, look after our workers better, run the place as a business rather than a slave camp.

People have been asking for years, why can Trikru run at a profit, have sound buildings, pay their workers well and yet Azgeda can't save a dime despite all the shortcuts. The answer is my Mother - she has been squirrelling away money and assets for years! So whilst I will be starting over, it won't really be such a hardship, but without the push you gave me, I would never have stood up to her.

There is one final thing, Lexa, and I am sorry if this causes you pain. We have Costia's remains, in a chest. Would you like them returned to you?"

"I would, thank you,"

"What sort of amends would you like me to make those you indicated?"
"The most basic thing is you have to assure them of their freedom - Ontari is traumatised, as was Echo when she first came to us. Pay them what they are owed, return their belongings, assure them of your willingness to free them."

"Certainly,"

"Costia's family, I believe, are now at Yujleda. Return Costia's body to them, make amends. Costia's murder cost them their daughter's life, their relationship with me, and ultimately they lost their conectons here at Trikru and had to leave. I am sure when you meet them, you will find a way to make amends.

"Regarding Clarke, again it's about her safety. Perhaps you may get to know her over time and find a way to make amends in a very real and personal way,"

"How do you propose I get to know her over time?"

"I am sure we will become friends, Roan. You might invite me for a meal, I might invite you for a BBQ - oh I am getting married soon, if you're good, you may be invited!"
"Nothing would make me happier to be friends with you, Lexa,"

"Me too. Now, we are going to leave you all to rest and recover, someone will come with food for the animals as I mentioned, Take care, Roan."

Lexa was thrilled with the win! She was not so entirely naive to presume that generations of warfare had actually ended - she liked Roan and she wanted to trust him, but she could not afford to risk the lives of her people on hope. She fully intended to have Raven keep a very close eye, and ear, on her new ally. In the meantime - it was time to celebrate!

Lexa made a heroic speech before all of Trikru declaring the death of the Queen of Azgeda which received a resounding cheer from all the warriors and declaring the ratification of a new peace treaty between Trikru and Azgeda which also received a celebratory cheer! As relieved and as happy as Lexa felt she could not help but recall the price the Queen Nia had extracted from them in murdering Costia. Lexa would never fail to remember her first love, and she would never forgive herself for not acting more decisively.

But she would not dampen the celebration her warriors had earned - the violent loss of Costia was far from the only loss Trikru had suffered at the hands of Azgeda over the long years of conflict.

They had been making out for twenty minutes and Clarke had to force herself to slow it down before she lost the will to raise the already contentious issue.

"Gorgeous?" breathed Clarke, trying to straighten herself out a little.

"Sha, ai hodnes," equally disturbed by their amorous behaviour.

"We need to discuss the prenup,"

"Tsk! Titus!"
"Sha, my love. I think it's a good idea."

"You do?"
"Of course, Trikru provides for a lot of people. That purpose, those resources should be protected."

"You said you wanted to be all mixed up,"

"Well, yeah, but not - between you and me is enough. I have no desire to expose Trikru to any disturbance, even the hint of compromise is unacceptable and honestly, unnecessary."

"That sounds like, Titus,"

"He spoke, I listened. He made sense."

"He always makes sense."

"I have no problem with it, between you and me, Raven and Titus, I am confident we can negotiate something appropriate, that protects you, me and Trikru."

"He will give his permission, Clarke, with or without the prenup,"

"I have never wanted your money, anyone's money to be honest. As long as I have you, I don't care,"

Clarke hoisted herself up to straddle Lexa, she kissed her neck, behind her ear.

"But if you chuck me out, I am going to want half of every single book and cd you own,"

"You are planning a break up that will never happen, Clarke, I will never let you go,"

"I think we should have confirmation sex,"

"Excellent idea,"

"Do you know what that is?"

"No idea."

There was a brief period of rest before the returning Trikru began pouring through the gates. They brought with them stories, evidence of chaos; unusual law enforcement practices, broken public transport systems, shortage of actual physical cash as evidenced by people trying to purchase fuel and other essentials with their rings and watches.

Raven secured the radio systems and persisted with her physiotherapy and between wearing her knee brace and the frequent use of a walking stick she could get around pretty easily, a small limp and the occasional day of pain, mostly when it was cold or if she was over tired.

Her relationship with Anya was stronger than ever. Despite their close bond they did tend to bicker frequently, but it never went further than that, a petty argument was over in moments, both completely free of resentment. They were quite independent people, still learning how to be together with minimum friction, but there was no doubting their love and commitment to each other.

Aden was preparing to graduate from high school and to graduate from being a second - he would be a fully fledged warrior in his own right, quite young but more competent than most. With Lexa's permission and in Lincoln's company, Aden had been going over the fence to observe Roan's rebuilding of Azgeda, he was fascinated to learn why some areas were better than others for one purpose or another, which buildings were being constructed, with what features and functions.

Roan had landed on his feet, as he had suggested to Lexa, money wasn't really a problem, and Azgeda wasn't out of action long. He rewarded his old crew and hired a new crew, paying them all better wages, treated them better and provided them with better conditions. He was able to set the place up as a business with employees and a focus on prepping rather than some weird fake royal household, with scared servants and scarred serfs.

He made an appointment to visit with Echo and Ontari, who requested Lexa attend also with warriors on hand in case it was a trick or a trap. Roan seemed a bit surprised to see fifty warriors in war paint lined up behind the pack's hut, out of range of hearing but on the spot should there be any trouble. He didn't mention it however, the truth of, particularly Ontari's trauma was pretty obvious and he had great compassion for both of the former Azgedans.

Roan made them a full and frank apology for the working conditions and the terror and abuse they were subjected to, for so many years. He acknowledged that they had been underpaid, lived in substandard accommodations and supplied with minimal rations, and considering the injuries they both sustained, neither were provided with appropriate treatment or insurance. He gave them both the equivalent of the pay they should have received had they been paid properly the whole time, plus interest, and he guaranteed their freedom.

Echo cried when he left and Ontari looked like she didn't know what to think. Lexa watched them both for a few moments, both had scarred hands and faces, she knew Echo for certain carried horrific scars on her body, and suspected Ontari did as well. This money could never make up for that, but perhaps their freedom might. The freedom to choose, they could become Trikru or leave altogether, perhaps they could take a holiday or relocate to Yujleda or one of the other tribes - Floukru was popular, by the ocean.

"Heda, I want to thank you for all you have done for me, and for Ontari. He would never have come if you hadn't made him."

"Maybe that is right, I don't know him very well yet, but I think he is sincere, he seems to want to clear the wreckage he inherited from his Mother, to make amends. I admire that. I am still hopeful, Ontari, that you will choose to stay with us, but I am glad that you have resources now to make a genuine choice. You are both free, to go wherever you want, you can go on holiday or relocate."

"Is the training job you offered me still available?"

"It is,"

"Echo and I will talk this evening and I will have an answer for you tomorrow,"

"Take your time, there is no pressure, that job will always be available to you, Ontari,"

"You don't know me though, how can you trust me?"

"I am a fairly trusting kind of person, I trust Echo and she vouches for you. The little I do know of you, I like. And if it turns out that either of us has made a terrible mistake, we can simply end our agreement, you will be paid what you are owed and taken to Polis or wherever you want to go,"

"Okay."

Clarke, Lexa, Titus and Raven quickly came to terms regarding the prenuptial agreement which specified that Clarke would be paid in cash, barter items and precious metals in lieu of property, business assets, stock or shares. Clarke would get a set amount per year, if they remained married for five years she would get the equivalent of 1 million US dollars, if they were married ten years she would get 5 million and so on. Plus 1 million per child - Titus wanted to cover all the bases!

Raven read the paperwork thoroughly, saw no reason as to why Clarke should not sign it if she felt inclined so Clarke signed and they turned their minds to the wedding. It needed to be held prior to the shut down for the sake of supplies and guests and given that was happening fairly soon, they needed to get a move on.

Clarke was not all that interested in the romantic aspects of a wedding, not hers or anyone else's; thoughts of dresses, flowers, lighting and music were all so far down on the list, they didn't bear any real consideration. Food on the other hand - well that was definitely worth deeper contemplation. Titus would make Clarke a Trikru citizen on the morning of, they would be married in the afternoon.

Two other items needed to be broached, firstly Clarke needed to invite her Mother and Aunty Cece, the other thing that warranted serious consideration was Clarke's genuine need for a larger permanent home. She didn't need a McMansion, or even a four bedroom two bathroom home, but certainly something bigger than a hut for their permanent home. Lexa had zero concerns regarding the request and promised that she would have one constructed for Clarke as a wedding present.

It turns out that Abby was not keen about the wedding itself, she had doubts about Lexa, about 'this prepper community' as she insisted on referring to it, about the impact this would have on Clarke's career. But luckily for Clarke, Raven was more than happy to run interference for her sister, she insisted that Lexa was a very good person, who loved Clarke indisputably and that Clarke's medical licence was still valid. Abby was determined not to be convinced.

Titus and Gaia had much to attend to, not one to delegate easily partly because he was used to working alone but also because he wanted things done a particular way and had trouble trusting anyone to secure outcomes as successfully as he did himself. But Gaia managed to convince him that these circumstances provided unique learning opportunities and when she linked this argument with the concept of better outcomes for Heda and Trikru he could not deny her.

Together they investigated and tracked the political and social collapse of the United States and prepared to meet adversity and insulate their community to the best of their ability. Aden had just successfully graduated highschool and completed his warrior training, a momentous occasion for a young man - he would be presented to Trikru and Heda as a full fledged warrior in a ceremony.

There was a wedding to organise; wedding dresses, rings and other paraphernalia. He was gratified that Clarke was not demanding or pretentious, in fact she almost bordered on the disinterested as far as dresses, jewelry and ceremony - the least demanding bride he had ever heard of. He was glad for Lexa's sake, it demonstrated that her bride was genuine in her desire for his protege rather than her position or resources.

Aden would be Lexa's attendant and Raven would be Clarke's attendant and they were both far more excited about the wedding than either Lexa or Clarke, at least as far as entertainment. They planned a range of celebrations throughout the evening and the night with musicians, singers, roving acrobats, glow jugglers, magicians, fire breathers, fireworks and slapstick clowns. Titus could not bring himself to say no to Aden and given that Raven and Aden were determined to plan it all, he really didn't care to object.

Finally, Titus couldn't fault Clarke for wanting a home bigger than a hut and again, she wanted something bigger with more storage but she had no grand plans or expensive demands. In fact when asked specifically the only two requests she had was more storage and something that was not ostentatious, something that blended in with the Trikru habitat. He actually thought it was admirable and could see her, despite her reluctance, blending into Trikru herself.

If Lexa wanted to marry this girl, Titus could find no real reason to impede her choice or her decision, and if that girl wanted accommodation that was bigger than a hut, well - who was he to argue? In fact he was beginning to think that Lexa having her own children would be a good thing for her and Trikru - something he had never thought was going to happen. He always assumed that Aden would be the next Heda, and speaking of, he could only imagine the cash he would soon be passing over for Aden's education would only be as valuable and profitable as Lexa's has proven to be.

Whilst Titus was working flat out to keep ahead and abreast of all these changes, despite having a surprisingly industrious Gaia at his elbow, there was something else bubbling away in his mind. The Fleimkepa had been intrigued when the state troopers, the federal agents, the CIA operatives, the NASA spies and the DoJ freaks had all packed up as one and turned tail, never to return. It didn't make sense and he was forced to admit that Clarke had been right when she had insisted that Raven was in grave danger just being a name on their list.

All they had to do was attach the word terrorist to her list of crimes, even if it had been disingenuous the world would have virtually cheered the army mowing down the front gates of Trikru. But they didn't, and that was curious. Titus thought decisions about who was deemed a terrorist and was not, had less to do with the who and the what and more to do with the agenda of the elite. Focussing on terrorists like Snowden, Assange and Reyes was always more about generating public fear and justifying overt and covert surveillance, control and violence against the many by the few.

If this was true, why did they give Raven a pass, if indeed that's what was happening. She was an easy target, a great example, it ran counter narrative to let such a great opportunity slide and/or allow such a threat to go unmanaged. Keeping an ear to his sources, Titus could only presume that something much bigger was on the horizon, something so big, so important, so pressing that they had to walk away, when she was practically in their grasp. What could be more important to the government than expressing their power?

A bigger threat than letting Raven publically 'pants' them? He couldn't imagine it. But his imagination was all he had because everything else was radio silent, literally. It's as though the top brass were asleep on the job and that was filtering down at quick clips. President Trump had not been seen in public for ten days, no tweets, no sound bites, no cheesy grinned thumbs ups from the back seat of a security vehicle.

Not only that but there was a serious absence of other faces and voices; there was no Musk, Bezos, Gates, Zuckerberg - an absolute absence. Heads of big banks, top government officials and mega corps first went quiet then went silent. The stock exchange had been fluctuating in response to who knows what precisely or generally, could be the power vacuum, the shortage of cash, the skyrocketing interest rates and the even higher inflation rates, the massive unemployment, the civil unrest.

Titus raised the facts with Gaia and Lexa and then shared his suspicion that the two events were related and together they came up with a primary plan and a secondary strategy. Thoughts of end times crossed their minds but how likely was their life's work would come to pass in their lifetime?

Suspicion, worse case scenario, anticipation - all deeply coded within the metaphorical dna of a prepper. The stock market hiccups and everyone freaks out, but then it recovers and everybody grins at their eagerness to panic. But don't panic and be prepared to lose it all, waiting for MSNBC, FNC or CNN to announce trouble was to be far too late to respond. There were only a few at the top who were ahead of the game, in a position to steer the play and win, they always win.

They come out of every disaster with more; more money, more property, more stocks and shares, more power and influence. The top ten percent are usually pretty close to the source and can nearly always minimise their losses or can reap back their losses fairly quickly when the chaos settles. The middle class are usually the hardest hit, living to the limit of their income or to the limit of their credit, but when bonuses are cancelled and jobs are lost, interest rates rise they quickly exhaust their savings and lose their houses.

The lifestyle of the lower working class and underclasses generally don't change all that much, many of them are living so precariously as it is, often only one paycheck away from unemployment and/or homelessness. Even in good times, these are the Americans who are only one health crisis away from complete and intergenerational catastrophe. It is these folks, with no savings, no safety net, and for whom the government has no care, no plan, no pretence at a long term agenda - these folks who must contend with exorbitant health insurance costs, college loans, casualisation of the workforce…

It is not coincidence that some never win and some never lose, given that system it is hardly surprising that some people are sceptical and opt to live off the grid. They might appear crazy to those people who were born and raised within the system, even those who have been and are being screwed by it will defend it and laugh at preppers, unable to see the painful but liberating truth.

The truth is hard to see after all, especially with concepts like manufactured consent employed across the board and perpetrated against the masses, when the government lies incessantly to your face and those lies are perpetrated by the media and modelled to us by the upper and middle classes. When questioning the truth gets you shamed as un american and standing up for yourself gets you labelled as a terrorist. It's easy to think that the novel 1984 is a dystopian story rather than your lived experience, no one wants to believe that.

Anyway, Titus and Lexa know better than to wait for MSNBC to announce there is a problem - if they hope to safeguard their resources they need to have an ear much closer to the top of the chain. Luckily Titus had at least two reliable resources that, combined with his and Lexa's proactivity, their combined experience, knowledge and education has enabled them to keep Trikru ahead of the curve.

Lexa didn't know anyone else who owned property or housing, except for Clarke and Raven, and it appears that providence had a hand in the timing of their having exited the property market. That only left Abby, and a quiet word in Raven's ear could hopefully save her from losing her life's work as it appeared tens of millions would in the coming months and years.

As the days and weeks passed, a workforce of hundreds, and growing, were hard at work on a number of projects occurring simultaneously; Clarke's house, Raven's perimeter security, completing the final shutdown objective and Heda's wedding and the celebration itself was going to be epic!

Aurora Blake, a Polis based architect with a master builder's certificate who specialised in small space design had been engaged for the project, she designed the structure, oversaw clearing of the land, grading and site preparation, foundation digging prior to construction being commenced. In the meantime there were three distinct teams working to cut and process the floorboards, to measure, cut and mount the wall frame and to design and build specific house furniture.

The building comprised a combination of high performance tech and old school Trikru know how. For example a combination of specialty windows that change from clear to opaque with the touch of a button, second gen thin-film solar cells that can also work at night to provide the house with power and the timber was all Trikru timber and was being cut to spec on the property.

Downstairs was far easier to design and build than the upstairs. The lower level specs indicated a mud room off the entrance, nothing more than a kitchenette with a small dining area, a sitting room with a fireplace and an art room for Clarke. The simplicity provided ample scope for creative storage solutions. Upstairs however need to accommodate the ensuite above the mud room, a master suite with two walk-in robes over the sitting room and an additional small room... a nursery? Maybe.

The Fleimkepa was not the only person who was busy, Raven's perimeter security project was both comprehensive and top of the line, less necessary now that conflict with Azgeda had completely dissolved and the feds had permanently backed out of the driveway, apparently permanently. All fencing was provided with electronic and communicative tension wires where when a certain pressure is recorded, it is simultaneously communicated to Raven's mainframe, in addition laser security was set up as well as a host of cameras in likely high traffic areas.

Several people were also trained to use the technology both out in the field and the computers and monitors in the Bird's Nest. Lexa, Aden, Anya, Tris, Indra, Luna, Gustus and Lincoln were all trained to respond to a range of alarms and could send warriors to check various areas of the property.

Indra was responsible for coordinating the changes within the compound, the shutdown necessarily brought many more people onto the property requiring the restocking all of the treehouses and bunkers, harvesting all of the plants going out of season, moving the cattle from one set of paddocks to other paddocks on a higher plane with fresh greenery. Land and water needs to be prepped before it is used for a number of purposes be it for growing, livestock or other uses.

When the land requires rehabbing the edibles are harvested and the animals are moved and the land is rehabbed, fertilized, top soil can be added, its watered and rested, encouraged to recover easily and well from degradation and damage. The wide range of animals; sheep and alpacas, goats, horses, beef and dairy cattle, pigs, rabbits and a range of fowl; chickens, roosters, guinea fowl, wildfowl and grouse, there were also ducks, swans and geese.

Trikru had a strict policy about providing a good life for all on the land, animals and people alike, so whilst animals were milked, sheared, their eggs were collected and they were ultimately killed for food, their treatment went far beyond preventing pain and suffering and included as necessary the guarantee that all animals had ample opportunity to express their natural behaviour in an enriching environment and a good quality of life.

As Trikru prepared for maximum capacity population and a huge wedding, there were many tasks; completion of projects, making ready accommodations, preparation of food that could be stored for any length of time without refrigeration making sure all signage was in place communicating which patches of land might be prohibited from using or which gates needed to left closed or open and so on.

Trikru had a long tradition of investing in and putting by luxury goods; cash, precious metals, jewels, watches, jewellry. There are consumable luxury goods as well; tea, coffee, saffron, illicit drugs, cannabis, honey, cheeses treated with wax and alcohol including wines, champagne, vodka, whiskey, brandy, cognac, port and rum. Lexa had ordered that some of those be made available for the wedding, in addition, Polis suppliers had been put on notice to expect some unusual orders, both in substance and quantity.