To the guest reviewer: thank you and I hope you enjoy the rest of this story. Samdagger.
Chapter 19
On the Ark
Two months later, there were 15 prisoners in Granary station, waiting to go down. They'd had one scare when one of the boys tried to escape and go find his parents, but the others stopped him. They talked him down and mentioned that his parents might be floated if he was discovered with them. After that, everyone was settled into the Granary station and were waiting for the time they could go to the ground.
Colonel Byrne and Kane had found four more of Jaha's people and they'd been floated. During their interrogation, they'd all said they'd been scared that they'd be left out of the chain of command and so they stayed hidden.
The dropship and the exodus ship were ready and Wick had made sure that they couldn't be stolen. Kane was trying to remember who else of the hundred he could try to get to remember the other life. Someone who could help them and the only name he could come up with was Finn Collins. Jasper was out because of Maya and the others were either already on the ground or not those he knew well. Most of them had died before they'd met up with the hundred again. He checked to see where Finn was. He'd been arrested only three months before they went down last time so he should still be free. He was. He was currently listed as living in Mecha station.
Kane waited until he could talk to Hunter about him. He debated whether or not to talk to Clarke or Raven, but they were on the ground and he needed help up on the Ark. Kane wanted help with the hundred still on the Ark. Who went on the ship? When were they imprisoned? He'd looked through the list of kids to be arrested in the future and had picked out six of them. There was one thing he could do for one of them. He would make sure that Charlotte's parents weren't arrested. He'd go to them when he'd made sure that they weren't going to make an illegal still again. If he thought they were, he'd have to figure out a way to destroy it without them being arrested. Clarke had told her how Charlotte's death played heavily on her mind. She was the one who accused Murphy of Wells' murder. Because of that, Murphy was almost hung. It was only when Charlotte confessed that he was let go, but Murphy didn't think she should live when they were all for hanging him for the crime. Charlotte eventually committed suicide and Murphy was banished. When Murphy came back, he brought haemorragic fever to the camp which killed several of them and Murphy murdered the two boys who had placed the noose around his neck. A minimum of three people died of the fever, Wells, Charlotte and the two boys. Seven dead all because of one act and its subsequent actions.
No, he'd make sure that Charlotte's parents were left alone. Maybe he'd have Hunter or Finn watch them. He wondered what Finn's recall word or phrase would be. He'd start with the most obvious - Tondc. It was the site of his mass murder spree, after all.
Kane asked Hunter to watch Finn's movements. He wanted to know where he could meet with Finn without it looking suspicious. Hunter watched him for several days before she found a pattern. Every Thursday Finn would go to the library. She didn't know why he went there, but every Thursday morning he went there after his classes.
Kane set out on Thursday morning and entered the library just after the last classes of the morning were over. He looked through the books and was actually looking at them and not just looking busy. He found a section on DIY, gardening and survival. He'd have to remember to take those books with them when they went down. A sound behind him had him turning around.
"Sorry, Chancellor, I didn't know you were here. It's usually empty in the mornings."
"That's fine, Finn, I'm just looking at the books we'll need when we go to the ground," Kane said, gesturing to the books.
"I've been reading some of the survival books, Chancellor. Since Raven broke up with me, I've been wondering what I really want to do, and then you made the announcement that we'd be going to the ground sometime in the next few months, so I came here looking for things that could help us survive down there," Finn said.
"Have you found any good books among them?"
"Yes, Sir." Finn reached around Kane and grabbed a survival book off the shelf. "This one has trap making in it as well as hunting techniques and how to make your own spears, bows, arrows and an ancient hunting weapon called an atlatl."
"Really? Then we're definately taking that one with us!"
"Is there something I can do for you, Sir?" Finn said, wondering why Kane was really there. Kane hesitated and then gestured for them to sit at one of the tables.
"When we go down there we need to find a place to live. Right now, there are people already living on the ground, descendants of survivors of the war. Their main city is called Polis." He stopped to see if that name meant anything to Finn. When Finn showed no reaction he carried on. "One of their main villages is where the first four have been staying. It's called Tondc." Finn reared back as memories assailed him.
"Clarke!" he said out loud.
"Clarke's on the ground with Raven."
"She's okay?"
"Yes, she is. Finn, there's a lot I need to tell you about what happened after you died and none of it's nice." Finn visibly swallowed.
"Okay," Finn said.
"Not here. Meet me in Orchid station tonight." Finn nodded and Kane gave him precise instructions on where he'd meet him. Finn nodded once more.
"Don't tell anyone, Finn. Our lives depend on it. I'm not sure we've caught ALL of Jaha's people."
"I'll see you tonight," Finn said, getting up and leaving the room rather abruptly. Kane wondered why he'd gone so quickly, but he'd find out that night.
xxx-xxx-xxx-xxx-xxx
When Finn got to Orchid station, Kane and an unknown girl were there to meet him. They led him to one of the other rooms and sat down.
"Finn Collins, this is Hunter Kenney, Orchid Station. She's also helping me out."
"You weren't one of the hundred, were you?" he asked, trying to place her.
"No. I was in Mecha though. I'd just started my work experience when I was shoved into a seat and told to stay there. Once on the ground, and Orchid station was found, I knew that many of the people I knew, including my mom, were dead. I remember some of it." Finn turned to Kane.
"What happened after I died?"
"After you died, your body was taken to Tondc to be burned with your victims. It was the Trikru way. Clarke got us a peace pact with the Commander - who is the leader of all the grounders."
"She did?" Finn burst out.
"Yes. There's a lot to tell you both, so please let me do that and then you can ask questions," Kane said to the pair of them. They both nodded and Kane proceeded to tell them both exactly what happened right up to the end. Finn was stunned to discover all that had happened and all within a year of landing. Hunter wasn't in much better condition even though she had lived through most of it. Finn turned to Hunter.
"You said you went to the ground with the others. When did you die?"
"Not long before the others, actually. It was during the seige on Polis. I was trying to hide from those chipped nutters and suddenly they turned from asking me to take one to giving me the choice of take it or die. I wouldn't take the chip - I saw what it did to the others - so they killed me."
"Do you know who?" Hunter shook her head.
"No, it was an Arker and a grounder, that's all I know. I was too busy trying to escape to take notice of who it actually was."
"So what now, Kane?" Finn asked.
"Clarke's the leader on the ground and will be the leader when we all go down. Farm station along with most of the others will stay here. We've got a dropship which we'll fill with the prisoners and anyone else we can fit aboard if there's still room. We've got two exodus ships built as well and we're converting one of the smaller stations into a suitable craft to take everyone else plus some cargo down. I'm not leaving anyone up here."
"And what do you need me for?"
"I need you to help me figure out who went down last time and who needs to go down on the dropship this time. Several people are already down there, along with some of those due to be floated on their 18th birthdays. I don't know which kids got arrested last time so I need your help with it."
"Do I get to go down on the dropship?" Finn asked.
"Maybe. Hunter will be going down on it if possible. I think we've found all the places we can find and with those kids going on the ship, she won't be needed up here. She can help those on the ground though."
"I think I'd like to go down and help protect Clarke," Finn said.
"Finn, Clarke doesn't love you. She's with the Commander now. You can't interfere with that, no matter how you feel about her."
"I know, but I can't turn off these feelings just like that, Kane. That's why I left the library so fast. I know that I'm still in love with her."
"I think it may be better for you to stay here for now, Finn. The Commander would kill you if you try to interfere with either Clarke's leadership or their relationship," Kane told him. Finn looked at him for a couple of seconds before he looked away and reluctantly nodded his head.
"Okay, Saturday morning I'll meet you here again at 10am. I'll get the list I made and we can go over it and add to it. Hunter will be keeping an eye on the kids from the prison. I'm hoping that it'll only be a month or less before the dropship is sent down." Both kids nodded and Kane nodded in return. They all left the station and went back to their own quarters to sleep.
xxx-xxx-xxx-xxx-xxx
On the ground
It was now mid March and the ground was no longer covered in snow and the sun came out more times than the rain and howling winds. It would be another week before the Commander went down to Tondc, she had to wait for the sun to dry most of the mud. Hidden potholes had often unseated a rider and broken the horse's leg as well. The horse was killed then and the meat used for food. Her own horse was one of her favourites she'd had over the years and she didn't want anything to happen to him.
Clarke and Sol were discussing where to put the Arkers when they came down.
"Clarke, over winter I've been looking at some of the Trikru maps and I think I MAY have found a place for them."
"Where?" asked Clarke.
"On the border with the Broadleaf clan, there's a disputed valley. It's approximately 36 miles long and six miles wide, that's roughly 200 miles just in that valley!"
"Why is it disputed?"
"Originally, before the clans were formed, there were a lot of settlements and each protected their own, but once the clans were formed, the first Commander of those newly formed clans decreed that no-one was allowed to invade another's lands. If they did, then they could be subject to invasion from others and wiped out. That valley sits right on the border. Broadleaf thought the valley was Trikru territory and Trikru thought the valley was Broadleaf territory. Because of that first edict, neither side goes into that valley and they still think it belongs to the other. That valley is basically unclaimed land!" Clarke's eyes went wide as she thought it through.
"Who have you talked to about this?"
"Chief Anya. She was the one who showed me the maps and we've talked about it's history and a little about the valley itself."
"Is it easy to get to?"
"That depends. Apparently there was an undiscovered cave system under that valley and sometime just after the war, the whole valley collapsed into it. According to Anya, that valley now has 70ft sheer cliffs on both sides and a huge waterfall at the top end of the valley. The water runs through a river right down the middle of the valley and the only way in or out is at the lower end where it meets the land that slopes down to it."
"Woah, 70 feet of sheer cliff face!?" Clarke was amazed at the valley's potential.
"What's to stop the Arkers from leaving the valley?"
"The agreement they have with the Commander. You'll have to negotiate that. I've got some ideas, but you're the leader."
"In that case, you're coming with me. Anything else you discussed with Anya about it?"
"She asked me the same question and I said that the Arkers would be so arrogant that they'd probably build a barrier across the lower end to keep the clans out. I said she could build another barrier a few feet out - to keep them in. If the Arkers build theirs first, then they can't complain about the Trikru/Broadleaf barrier."
"Where does the border go from? I assume that the river's the border."
"Yeah. Each side needs to be on friendly terms to build a barrier that stretches over the river, otherwise the Arkers will think that they can go down the river and still be in their territory. You need to set firm boundaries with the Commander, Clarke. This is very important. If we're allowed to use that valley for the Arkers, they have to abide by the boundary rules."
"Mom may try to get more land, but with Kane and dad there, I think they can keep her in line. With Kane floating Jaha and his people, there shouldn't be many more like that up there."
"Just remember, mob rules when it wants to. If they think they'd be better off with taking more land, then they could cause a huge problem." Clarke nodded.
"Then we'd better find a way to scout some of those islands as well. Any who don't want to live by Clan rules can live on one of those islands and deal with it, though they may think it's paradise."
"Dad used to say 'there's no such thing as paradise. One thing wrong and it isn't paradise, it's less than ideal'.
"Wise man," Clarke said.
"Eh, he had his moments," Sol said, nonchalantly while shrugging her shoulders before she grinned. Clarke grinned back.
"Have you scouted this valley yet?"
"No, I only found the valley on a map over winter. I'll have to wait until the weather and ground gets a bit better before going to scout it. If we can scout it before the Commander gets here, we can only scout it from the top of the valley on the Trikru side. We'll take binoculars with us and check out what it's really like. Anya described pines, oaks, beech, silver birch and aspens as well as an abundance of wildlife. It must be a haven for animals if no-one goes into the valley!"
"Hell, yeah!" Clarke agreed. "So we have food, water and trees for firewood. All we need to do is find shelter for them."
"As long as the Commander agrees," Sol cautioned.
"I'll talk to her when she comes down. When she came down last time, she said she'd try for the first weeks of spring once the grounds firmed up. I'm hoping it's within the next two weeks!"
"Missing your girlfriend?" Sol asked gently.
"Like you wouldn't believe. I'm hoping to go back to Polis with her as our ambassador when the others come down. Kane can be the Chancellor."
"If the clans see you are the leader, then won't they find it suspicious if you're in Polis and someone else is in charge of the Arkers?"
"Yes, but we can pass that off as our way of doing things. The Chancellor would only be a ceremonial caretaker role and not the true leader. We have to impress on the Arkers that no matter who's the Chancellor, I'm still the one who decides what to do!"
"If you're the leader, then the Chancellor role is appointed by you and therefore no elections to find another one is needed. In fact, if you couch it in those terms, any election or change of Chancellor would be illegal and therefore you would have the right to determine their fate."
"You mean kill them?" asked Clarke.
"Yeah. Raven told me what happened once farm station rejoined the others. Pike became Chancellor in a legal election and once he was in charge, he threw all your hard work out the window. That cannot be allowed to happen, Clarke. Not here, not now."
"I know and I'm counting on you and Raven and the others who know to keep them straight."
"Yeah, about that, I won't be joining the Arkers in the valley, Clarke. Like you, I've found my place in this world and it's with the Trikru. I want to join their clan."
"You'd leave us?"
"I was never part of your people, Clarke. I'm not one of the hundred and I've never been part of the Ark because of the need to keep Erin hidden. Like I told Raven, I'm out of step with both groups, but I've made a home in Tondc. Anya and Indra have both expressed their wish for the four of us to join them. I will be. Jake will be where your mother is, Raven… I'm not sure about. She'd rather play with technology, but the clans don't really do that and Rory, well Rory's sort of dating Nyko so I don't know where she'll want to live."
"She's dating Nyko? Does Octavia know? Does Bellamy?"
"Octavia does, not sure about Bellamy. If he does know, I'm sure he's talked to Rory about it but she's never said anything to me about it."
"Okay, getting back to the valley, I want you to lead a team to scout it as soon as possible. Take the Ilana and go see what it's like. If you find it viable, then we can negotiate with the Commander about it, if not, then we can turn our attention to the islands."
"Okay, sounds good to me, Clarke. Anything else?"
"Not right now, but if we get permission from the Commander to use the Ilana, then I think Raven's going to go hunt out a few more for us to use."
"Giving one to the Arkers?"
"Not likely! They need to get used to living on the ground - without all the technology they're used to."
"We may have to limit how many we use though, too much technology in the wrong hands will make some people greedy. If we can show that it's the person using it and not the technology itself that decides if it's used for good or evil, then I think we should, but they still see all technology as evil. Most of the Trikru won't even get in the Ilana and would rather walk or ride to their destination - even if that means days on a horse instead of hours in relative comfort," Sol told Clarke.
"Technology always was a double-edged sword, wasn't it?"
"Advancement comes at a cost, we all know that, Clarke. If we want technology, we have to be willing to pay the price."
"And what's the price in this instance?
"Exile, most likely, or build a barrier to keep them in that valley. Let's face it, that valley would make an excellent prison. 70 foot sheer walls and a huge waterfall on three sides makes it easier to police."
"I know, I was wondering if they see it like that?"
"Kane may figure it out along with a few of the guards, but most would see a more defensible position if the enemy could only enter the valley by one access point."
"Yeah, as long as they don't look up and figure out that a group of people standing on the edge at the top would rain down a whole load of missiles on them while keeping out of range of most Trikru weapons!
"They'd use their rifles, Clarke."
"Maybe the clans would do better to wait until they've used up all their bullets and then it would be a more equal fight."
"Let's wait until we see the valley and have the Commander's permission before we start to find things that could go wrong!"
xxx-xxx-xxx-xxx-xxx
Four days later, Clarke, Monty, Raven, Sol and Jake were talking about planting some crops for themselves. Sol pointed out that the Arkers would be coming down well before the harvest was in and they wouldn't be living near them. If any of the kids already down or in prison wanted to live with their parents, they'd go wherever the adults were put. Jake nodded but also pointed out that any crops not used by them could be used by Tondc. Raven tried to be devil's advocate by saying that they may not want the Trikru eating the crops they planted and would want to travel back to where the crops had been planted to harvest them. Monty offered to go with them to scout out the valley and see if there was a good place for them to plant their crops. Clarke agreed. She'd told those she trusted and those she knew could keep their mouths shut about the valley and any other land or island they'd decided to put the dissident Arkers.
The next day, Chief Anya gave permission for Sol to lead a few of the most trusted of the ones who came down with Clarke to check out the valley. Atom and Murphy had volunteered to go along with Monroe and Erin. Sol grabbed a couple of pairs of binoculars and they set off in the Ilana. Josalie had come as a guide. She still didn't like riding in the thing, but it was quicker.
Once there, Sol and the others walked to the edge of the valley.
"That's huge!" Monroe exclaimed.
"It should be big enough for the Arkers. We just have to make sure that it's got enough game, farmland, trees, water and places to build. With all this land, it shouldn't be a problem. The only thing I could find wrong with it is if there's a load of predators in there," Sol said. She handed one of the binoculars to Atom and had him check near the waterfall and she looked through the other at the far cliff face. She didn't see anything so she checked for animals moving around.
"I can see some deer from up here," Erin said, pointing them out. Sol nodded and kept looking for others. Murphy was scanning for caves or areas of escape. He lay down on the edge and had Monroe hold his ankles while he put his head and shoulders over the edge, checking for paths up the wall. Erin was looking for anything else she could see. She wasn't taught anything about the ground so she had no idea what she should be looking for so she was looking to see what there was. Water, trees and animals were abundant. The river had to be at least 8 feet across. They didn't know how deep it was but she swore she could see animals moving in it.
"Alright, what have you found? Atom you start," said Sol once everyone had gathered away from the edge.
"That waterfall falls into a deep pool, no doubt almost a century of falling into the same place has gouged a pit out. I didn't see anything in the pool but it's around 15 or 16 feet across and almost a perfect circle so there may be something living in it. The rock looks slippery with some kind of greenery stuck to it." Sol nodded and moved on to Murphy.
"I'd need to go into the valley to check properly, but from what I've seen, there's no way any of the Arkers could climb out by the sides of the valley. Some of the kids may try it, but I think they'll look at the steep cliffs and think again. So far, it seems unscaleable."
"I've seen loads of trees, animals and water. We need to check further down the valley but I think so far, the river seems to be about 8 feet across. They'd need bridges over it to use the other side. I can't see them walking down to the other end and then crossing and then walking all the way back up!" Erin said.
"Monroe, you see anything?"
"Lots of different trees, squirrels, rabbits, deer, boar and some kind of wild goat - I think. Either way, there's a lot of prey animals for them to hunt, lots of trees for them to use and some farmland, but probably not enough. I'd also like to go further along the cliff to check it further down."
"We'll go another 500 feet and check again, if it still looks good, we'll check every mile or so until we reach the other end." they nodded and for the rest of the day, they checked out each mile of the valley.
Sol was looking at the bottom end of the valley. They were standing beside the river at the mouth of the valley. They knew they didn't have permission to enter the valley, so they just looked from where they were. Sol was mentally measuring the mouth of the valley to see if building a barrier was feasible. It was slightly narrower right where the valley ended and she could see the Arkers building their barrier right across the narrow point. The Commander's people would need to build a barrier about ten feet further out to stop them from trying to take any more land and to confine them. The clan barrier would be on Trikru and Broadleaf territory so the Arkers had no say in the building of it. Sol smiled to herself. If the Arkers built a barrier, then so could the clans. The Arkers needed to be contained until they could be trusted to stay on their own lands.
They made it back to Tondc before nightfall and Monroe and Sol went to see Anya about it all. They told her their findings and what they expected the Arkers to do. Anya said she'd write to the Commander about it all. Monroe was dismissed and Sol stayed to talk with Anya some more.
"Is it narrow enough to build the barrier?"
"Yes. If they build theirs first, they'll do so across the narrowest point, it's the best way to patrol the area. You can build one around ten foot further out, it would be slightly bigger, but it would stop them from leaving when they want to. I'm assuming they'd want to be left alone so I'll advise them to use the section of open lands for both farmland and building their village. They'll need a bridge to cross the river, but they can build it themselves. Let them figure it out, it may keep them busy enough to behave - or at least to stay in the valley!"
"Good. Do you think if we left them alone that they'd stay in the valley?"
"No, not one bit. If there was no clan presence, they'd go out and take things from clan lands first. I wouldn't put it past them to chop down all the trees around the lower end of the valley before they were caught. You'd know they did it, but they think they are entitled to any land they want and to do anything they want to the land. They were told and taught that the Earth was theirs, it made them arrogant."
"We'll have to watch them," Anya said.
"Yes. If you say they are there to help and guide them and teach them how to do things without technology, they'll think you're spying on them, just waiting for a chance to pick them off. They're paranoid, Chief. We'll just have to wait and see."
"We'll have to put scouts and watchers along the valley for the first few months to make sure they stay there."
"We'll wait until the Commander comes down. We need her permission and Broadleaf to leave them and us alone." Anya nodded and Sol was dismissed.
She went back to the Ilana and took the others back to Orchard Park.
"Sol!" Octavia called, going towards her with Lincoln in tow.
"Hey, Octavia, what can I do for you?"
"Clarke said you're going to become Trikru and live at Tondc, is that right?"
"It is, I just need the Commander's permission along with Chief Anya's."
"Good, I'll be moving there once we get the others down," Octavia said. Sol looked at Lincoln.
"I don't remember the other time, but Raven's told us enough to know what happened. Your mom is dating Nyko so I think she'll be staying there as well, but what about your brother? From what I heard, he did some really bad things last time."
"I know, but this time things are different. We didn't come down in the dropship, we didn't have a war with the grounders and we didn't burn their warriors in a ring of fire, let alone be captured by the maunon. This time he'll either live in the valley or if he can behave himself, he can live in Tondc with us. He'll have to remember that mom and I are our own people and don't need him to tell us what to do."
"Probably a good job he doesn't remember," Sol said, shrugging.
"This time, I'm choosing Lincoln and no-one will take him from me this time, I'll kill them!"
"If another Pike happens, I'll kill them myself!" Sol said. "This is a brand new start for all of us. None of us know what it's like to live on the ground so we cannot say we know better. Once those mountain men are dealt with, no-one can say those with technology are better, either," Sol said.
"So, are you going to train as a warrior?" Octavia asked.
"Already am. All four of us have been training."
"Mom's been training with weapons?"
"Watch out for her knifework, Octavia, it's wicked good!"
"Mom!?"
"I think she was born in the wrong place too," Sol said, smiling at Octavia before she moved off to put Ilana away.
xxx-xxx-xxx-xxx-xxx
In the end, they did plant some crops and those from farm station had a new-found sense of responsibility they never had on the Ark. Up there it was just doing the same things all the time. There was no variation in temperature or weather conditions and they didn't have to contend with animals trying to eat the crops. They were actually having fun learning new ways and tried and tested methods of coping with it all.
The Commander had come down a week after they'd surveyed the valley and Clarke was currently in negotiations with her. Basically that meant the Commander and Clarke were shacking up and all other talks would have to wait until the following day.
The next day, Sol and Clarke talked about the valley to the Commander.
"Commander, I took four others to scout the valley out from Trikru territory. So far it looks good for a place to put those from the Ark. We found an abundance of trees, prey animals and the river looks clear from the top of the cliff. Erin swore she saw fish or some other animals in there even from that height. Bridges will have to be made, but as I said to Anya, if they learn how to do it themselves, they'll stay out of trouble. It's better to keep them busy."
"What about predators?" asked the Commander.
"We didn't see signs of them from the top, but I think that valley needs to be explored thoroughly before we put anyone in there."
"When are they coming down?"
"Within the next six weeks, Commander. The air supply won't last much longer than that."
"I've spoken to both the Broadleaf heda and Ambassador and they are willing to abide by my decision. Since neither of us thinks we own that valley, it will not detract from the land we currently inhabit. You may use it for your people. The Yujleda, though, do want to make sure that your people do not trespass onto their lands and have agreed in principle to building a barrier at the end of the valley ON OUR LANDS. We must express to those from the Ark, that our barrier will be on both Trikru and Broadleaf territories and NOT encroach on their valley!"
"I agree," Clarke said.
"Are you naming the valley and their clan with a new name?" asked the Commander, curiously.
"If we leave it to the Arkers, they'd probably call it something along the same lines as Arkadia! I don't want that!" Clarke replied.
"Maybe if we keep referring to it as the Sunken Valley, it will become the name for it. If we say that the clans all call it the Sunken Valley, it will show them that it already has a name," Sol suggested, shrugging.
"Sunken Valley… I like that. It had absolutely nothing to do with being on the Ark and if the Commander 'cedes' that valley to them, they'll know it was because she wanted them to have a place to live and on their own grounds," Clarke said, pondering on how to sell it to their old people.
"Hell, if we have a document drawn up with the Commander's signature and seal on it, ceding the land to the Arkers, then we can reinforce the name of the valley too as it will be named in the document," Sol said, rubbing her brow as she thought.
"That's good!" Clarke said, enthusiastically. The Commander looked between the two of them.
"When are you going to become Trikru?" she asked Sol.
"After we've got them down and into the valley," she replied.
"Why wait?"
"Because if I'm still technically Skaikru, then I'll have a little more influence over them. If I'm Trikru, they can reject anything I say because I turned my back on them."
"What about Erin?" asked Clarke.
"It's her choice to make, though I think she'll want to stay with me in Tondc. Octavia's going to be there and they are best friends."
"What if she wants to live in the valley?"
"She can, but I won't like it. She was locked up twice and they still have a distrust of former prisoners. She'll have a tough time in the valley, but I've no doubt she'll find her place among them if she does stay with them."
"What of the others from the other life?" Lexa asked Clarke.
"That's harder to know. On the one hand, they know what the Arkers are going to be like, and on the other, they are known people. Monty's going to have to choose between his mother and Harper. Harper's already said she doesn't want to live with them again, twice was enough. I think she'll be going to Tondc as well. Monroe has expressed a desire not to live with the Arkers either, but she may well want to live in Polis, Commander. Those of us who've been there and told her about it have noticed her being more distant lately. She's thinking about her future and I think she'll also become Trikru later on."
"Why Polis?"
"She's only known Arkadia and the grounders, Commander, and she wants to see your people as they truly are. She's been told of the market places in Polis and the farming set up you have and she's very interested in both. It will show her that your people aren't always warriors, but normal, ordinary people just getting on with their lives. Lives that are just like her own. Worry, fear, joy, excitement, friendship. She worries about it all, but seeing your people go through the same things will help her to find her place in this world."
"Anyone else?"
"Not at the moment. Sol said she's going to contact the Ark in her weekly talk later on. Is there anything we can give them to indicate where they'll live or do you want the document drawn up first? It'll give me the position of leader if the document is worded right."
"That's not a bad idea," Sol said. "I suggest you get that documentation first, naming you as heda of them all. That way you'll appoint someone to be caretaker of them in your stead. No more elections to find the next crooked leader! Anyone who decided they'd make a better leader would be in violation of your rights as the actual leader and by clan law, you could have them removed and charged with treason. It would stop anyone who was one of Jaha's people who Kane didn't catch."
"Yeah, that's what I was thinking. So this document needs to say that I'm the leader of the Arkers, that I appoint a deputy, and that the name of the valley has already been decided and it will appear on all documentation regarding the valley," Clarke reiterated. Sol and the Commander nodded.
"Good. Now when can I become the Skaikru ambassador?"
"When your people come down. You can even tell them that you'll be taking the role because you already know our ways and what people mean and not what they say," Lexa told her.
"Oh, that's good!" Clarke said excitedly.
"Anything else?"
"I'd like to go to Dupont Circle each morning, starting around mid may, Commander. We've found some spotlights which we can use to simulate the sun. With it, I hope to align the mirrors so that on the day we need the sun to shine on that keypad, it will. I worry that if we leave it too late, then we won't be able to open it for another year and according to Raven, it will be too late if ALIE sets those reactors off again."
"That's fine, but don't go alone, Sol."
"I won't, Josalie has already volunteered to guide me there and help me set up whatever I need - as long as she doesn't have to go inside just yet."
"Will she have anything to do while you're there?" asked Clarke.
"At first, she'll be holding the spotlight in the correct position while I move the mirrors. It'll take much longer than the few minutes the sun would be shining on them. After the first few days though, it should just be a matter of checking if any of the mirrors need moving. That should only take a few minutes, but I'll still be taking the spotlight and using it, just in case."
"I agree. When is it supposed to happen?"
"Around 20 - 22 June, Commander, that's the first month of Summer."
"The Summer Solstice?" the Commander asked.
"Yes." The Commander was silent for a few minutes.
"We have a ceremony in Polis on those days that I must attend. Most of those in Polis will be there. I'll have Indra attend you on those days so that if you manage to get inside the bunker, you'll have at least one Triku representative with you." Sol nodded.
"Right now, the only people who know are myself, Raven, Rory, Jake, Octavia and Clarke. No-one else from the Ark needs to know, Commander and I'd rather keep it that way."
"I agree. Once the Summer Solstice celebrations are over, I will come back down here to see what progress you've made."
"You don't have to come if we've made none, Commander," Sol said and then immediately u-turned on that statement. "Nevermind, you'll be coming down for Clarke and using the bunker as an excuse," Sol said. Lexa smirked but said nothing.
"Alright, I'm going to check in with Rory and Nyko before I radio up to the Ark. I'll tell them we're still searching but we may have a place for them to go. I won't give any details until the document is signed by both of you."
"Very well," Lexa said, "I'll talk to you tomorrow about everything else." Sol knew of a dismissal when she heard one and left Clarke with her beloved.