Two weeks later

Tennyson dropped her bag heavily on her desk, startling Raven and Bellamy out of reading. Giving them a smirk, she plopped down in the seat and leaned forward, making them lean in as well.

"So," Bellamy asked. "What's got you smirking?"

"It's official," she replied, "We start training this afternoon. Mom and Kane got a space and volunteers."

Bellamy looked relieved as Raven just frowned. Noticing the frown, Ten said, "Don't give me that look, Rae. No excuses. All of us will be there this afternoon."

Raven just huffed and leaned back, crossing her arms, replied, "I don't see why we all have to be there. It's not like we can use it. Not unless one of us decides to go into the Guard."

"Yeah, tell that to your knee bouncing a million miles a second," she said, pointing out that Raven was bouncing her knee at this very moment.

Raven stopped and glared at Ten, "I'm fine, Ten. It helps me concentrate."

"Look, Rae, all of us are starting to have trouble concentrating," she said, earnestly. "Especially, you, me, Bell, and Murphy. Even Clarke is starting to have problems. If we don't get a handle on this now, it could cause problems later. You know this, so stop with the pouting. You can handle a couple of hours away from your machines."

"Fine," she huffed back and then decided to change the subject, "Did you do the homework?"

"Two months ago," she answered, frowning. "I don't see why we're stuck taking these stupid classes. I already know this crap and it's all useless anyway."

They both nodded in agreement as Bellamy said, "I know I love the ancient world, but what is the point of learning about the different types of government. We have a Chancellor and a Council. Strongest Alpha of the Blood is Chancellor. Council is made up of a mix between those with the Blood and heads of the departments. There haven't been any changes to our government since it was first instated nearly a hundred years ago."

"Which I think is total bullshit," Ten said adamantly. "It shouldn't matter if you're the strongest Alpha. The Chancellor should be the one best suited for the people, regardless."

"Or that certain career paths get better provisions," Bellamy said, anger flitting across his face.

Raven reached over and gave his hand a gentle squeeze in camaraderie, "Or the fact that Alphas are practically given immunity for any crimes they commit."

"Well, that will all change once we're eligible for the Council," Tennyson replied.

"Oh, you think you are just going to waltz right up to the Council and demand admittance," Bellamy smirked.

"There's twelve of us, Bellamy," Ten said, grinning. "And something tells me that we're going to be more powerful than the four on the Council. They'll have no choice but to submit to us."

Raven barked a laugh, "I like how you think, Ten. Between you and Clarke, the Ark isn't going to know what hit them."

"Nope," she said, leaning back and grinning like the Cheshire Cat. "They ain't seen nothin' yet."

After school, nine children waited in the hallway of the Education Wing for Callie and Kane to escort them to their first lesson in martial arts. The only two not accounted for were Charlotte and Octavia. Charlotte was considered too young and Octavia was a secret second child who needed to stay hidden.

When Callie and Kane arrived, they took a moment to take in the children. Their body language portrayed everything from excitement to annoyance to boredom, but each of them knew that if they didn't participate, it could spell trouble for them later. Taking control of the group, Kane explained to them the rules for allowing them this opportunity. They were not allowed to use the skills learned outside the room. If they were caught disobeying, they would be removed from the class and arrested. Length of stay would be determined by the severity of the incident, but ultimately, they wouldn't be allowed out until they would be reviewed at the age of eighteen. The adults knew that the children were special and that the Council paid closer attention to them than anyone else on the Ark. It was imperative that the children remain on the right side of the law until they were of age and would take over the Council. They knew this, and even though they would never readily admit it, were looking forward to what this younger generation would be able to accomplish.

Once Kane had gotten each of the children's agreement that they would abide by the rules set forth and follow the instructions of their teachers verbatim, did they finally leave the hallway and head towards a hanger that had been repurposed for their use. When they arrived, the children took a moment to take in the space. Thin mats had been found and placed in the center of the space. There were racks of what looks like weapons placed along one of the walls. Kane had gotten the machine shops to make practice weapons like staffs and swords. There were also weight machines and what looked like climbing apparatuses taking up another side of the space. Somehow, treadmills had been found and were also brought in.

Once they had taken it all in, their eyes were drawn to five individuals standing in front of the mats. These would be their teachers until such time as an end was called to their training. They were each proficient in a different style and had agreed to train the children for better provisions. Living on the Ark was all about survival. Everyone knew this and accepted it. At least until they could return to the ground in four generations.

Introductions were made and soon the children began after Callie and Kane left. It was probably the hardest three hours any of them had ever had to go through, but in the end, they all agreed that they felt better for having it. Even Raven, Jasper and Monty agreed that it was probably the best solution to their increased need for activity.

That night, each child fell into their beds exhausted but slept better than they had in months. Of course, waking up sore and in pain, each child mentally cursed Clarke and Tennyson for making them participate. It would take a couple of months before their bodies acclimated and when that happened, they were singing their praises. Clarke and Tennyson only shared a look and a smile as their pack grew stronger, both individually and together.