Clarke, Wells, and Raven were walking down the halls of the Ark the next week one afternoon. Raven and Monty had finally finished all the necessary paperwork they needed to get Octavia into the Orphan Ward. Clarke found herself nervous because this was the first time they were taking such an overt action against the Council and Exodus Charter. She kept thinking that something would go wrong because everything had been going perfectly so far.
Trying not to sound nervous, Clarke looked over at Wells and said, "Hey, thanks for helping us with this, Wells."
He nodded and gave her a smile, "You don't have to keep thanking me, Clarke. I'm happy to help. I mean, it's not her fault and she shouldn't have to continue to live her life as she has been. I think we're far enough from the past that we can start living a little instead of just surviving. Don't you think?"
"You're not wrong, Junior," Raven said, smirking at him. "Unfortunately, the Ark isn't so agreeable. More things are starting to break often. There's already talk of jettisoning the older portions in order to relieve the stress on the life support systems in the Engineering Lab."
They both looked at her in shock, but it was Clarke that said, "As long as it's not one of the populated areas, I guess that makes sense. I know Dad will be conscientious enough to push for non-vital sections."
"Papa G and Sinclair are both pushing that agenda," she replied. "So, you don't have to worry about that. I'm just pointing out the fact that we're barely surviving, so what's the harm in letting someone out to live while we still can."
"Okay, now you're just bumming us out, Rae," the blonde pouted. "Wells, have you decided on an apprenticeship yet?"
Wells was surprised by the laugh that escaped his lips and replied, "Clarke, we have a year and a half to decide on a program. I haven't even thought about anything, yet, except, maybe engineering. Dad was an engineer before he became Chancellor and I remember all the fun we had making things together when I was little. I really miss those days sometimes."
"That was before your mom, you know…," Raven said trailing off at the end, looking at him sadly.
He nodded and replied dejectedly, "Yeah, before he became interested in furthering his political career."
"Well, if you ever want to come hang out with the important people," Raven said, primping her hair and removing nonexistent dust from her jacket, "just say the word and I'll get you into a lab."
Clarke groaned and Wells laughed, "Yeah. Alright. I'll remember that. Now, shouldn't their place be around here somewhere?"
"Um, yeah," Clarke replied as she looked around.
She noticed that they were in section B-17 of Factory Station and began looking at the door numbers. She hated to admit to herself, but she'd hardly ever come this way. Not because she didn't like visiting the Blakes, but it was all the looks she got as she walked down the hallways. It made her wish that she didn't live in Alpha or that her parents were who they were. Talking with Wells and Raven had erased the feeling of being watched, but now that they were nearing their destination, she was well aware of the eyes. She chanced a look around as they neared their place and waited until the hall was finally clear before she knocked and sent out a mind call to Bellamy and Octavia.
It seemed like hours before the door finally opened, increasing her nerves to a high pitch. Bellamy opened the door slightly, making sure that it was only them and then opened it up just enough for them to squeeze through. Raven and Clarke went straight to Octavia and gave her hugs before they turned their attention to Aurora, their mother. Aurora looked frightened and sad at the same time, but there was also a sense of relief. They hugged the older woman as well while Wells stayed close to the door, unsure of his welcome.
"Is everything all set up," Bellamy asked, nervously.
Clarke turned his attention to him and nodded, "Yeah. The paperwork is solid and her picture is plastered to the appropriate items. Raven, I think you have something for her, right?"
"Got it right here, Princess," Raven replied, reaching into her bag. She pulled out a plastic card and held it out to Octavia. "Here you go, O. One legit ID proclaiming you as Octavia Marie Essex."
Octavia took the ID tentatively and turned it over, "So, this is what everyone carries around with them?"
"Yep. This is the real deal and if you lose it, it's a pain in the ass to get a new one. As in, you get sent to holding until they can verify your identity."
"So, don't lose it."
"Yeah. Even if you do, everything will still hold up and you'll get a new one, but you don't want any undue attention brought to you. Some of these guards can be real assholes."
Octavia nodded and shoved the ID in her back jeans pocket, "So, what now?"
They all looked at each other, but it was Aurora that spoke up, her voice choked with emotion, "Now, sweetheart, it's time for you to go."
Looking at her mother, tears sprung from Octavia's eyes and she hugged her mother fiercely, "I'll be back to visit. I promise."
"I know, baby," Aurora said. "But it's okay if you can't. I am so proud of you and I know you'll do great things."
Octavia pulled back and looked at her in alarm, "Why are you talking like that, Mom? This keeps us all safe. I'll still be able to see you and Bellamy. I'm just…just moving out. Yeah. That's how we'll look at this. You know, like in the old days where people went to school and lived in those dorms or whatever. And, and visit on holidays."
Aurora let out a wet chuckle and pulled her close again, "That's a great way of looking at it. We'll be fine, so go. Go out there and learn. And live. You deserve this, sweetheart."
Octavia took a shuddering breath and inhaled deeply, taking in her mother's scent. Pulling away finally, she nodded and looked at everyone. Clarke and Raven were arm in arm, teary-eyed and giving sad smiles. Bellamy had his arms crossed over his chest and tried to look stoic, but she could see how emotional he really was. Wells just looked uncomfortable. Like he was intruding on a very private moment.
Stepping further away from her mom, she bent and picked up the bag that held her meager belongings and smiled, trying to put on a brave face, "Let's do this. I'm ready."
"Are you sure, O," Bellamy asked worriedly. "We can put this off if you need some more time."
"No, big brother," she said, shaking her head. "If I don't do this now, I never will. I've got this. We've got this. And it's not like we won't see each other every day."
"You're right," he said nodding and stepping away from the door. "I guess, I'll see you tomorrow."
Octavia walked up to him and wrapped her arms around him. He stood frozen for a moment and then hugged her tightly. To ease the tension, Octavia shoved him and laughed, "Ugh, now I've got brother cooties. Gross."
That made everyone laugh, which is what she wanted. When the laughter had died down, they took their leave. Once she was down the hall, Octavia stopped for a moment and looked back over her shoulder. Neither Bellamy or her mother were watching, but she knew that they were right behind the door to their home.
Wells stopped and saw her looking. Taking a chance, he walked back to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder in comfort. Surprised, she looked over at him but gave him a small smile at his gesture. With a squeeze, Wells let go and they started walking again.
The time spent walking to Aero Station where the Orphan Ward was located, was spent in silence. No one really wanted to talk, each nervous about possibly getting caught. Their nervousness ramped up when they neared it. Their steps faltered and with an unspoken accord, they moved off to an alcove.
Looking at each other, nervous trepidation in their eyes, it was Wells who finally broke the silence, "We've got this, guys. The paperwork is legit for a forgery. She's got the necessary documents and ID. This won't be a problem."
A shot of fear ran through Clarke and she looked at Raven, panicking, "We did get the couple's death certificates, right?"
Raven looked at her wide-eyed and opened the folder that held documents. She quickly flipped through the papers until she came to what they needed. Smiling up at Clarke, she said, "Yeah. We got them. I don't know how, but we do. Including, their arrest records with execution stamped big and proud."
Clarke and Octavia relaxed slightly as Clarke said, "That was probably Ten's doing. It's like her brain sees all these possible problems and then covers all the bases. She's helped me so much with past problems."
"Yeah," Wells chimed in, "You're really lucky to have her. She makes a good Second."
Clarke nodded and then turned serious, "Okay. If we're gonna do this, we gotta do it now. The anticipation is killing me."
"Agreed," Octavia said. "If I wait any longer, my legs won't be able to hold me up. I'm that nervous."
Everyone took a collective breath, squaring their shoulders and headed back out. Raven handed the folder to Wells since he was going to act like the one escorting Octavia. Clarke and Raven acting as moral support.
Approaching the door, Wells reached out, pressed the intercom before looking back at everyone one more time.
Static ensued and then a female voice said, "Can I help you?"
Wells cleared his throat and as authoritatively as he could he said, "Yes, Ma'am. This is Wells Jaha and I have a new resident for the Ward."
There was a long enough pause that made them share a look before a buzzer sounded and the door opened automatically. Stepping through the door, they were assaulted by quiet murmuring coming from a second door. Scanning the room, they saw a middle-aged woman sitting behind a desk looking at them pensively.
"Mr. Jaha, new residents are usually escorted by the guard. Is there a reason why none are present?"
"Yes, Ma'am," he replied smoothly, stepping closer to the desk. "My father, the Chancellor, felt that I should begin taking some minor responsibility in regards to learning the government side of the Ark. I'm due to begin my apprenticeship in a little over a year and he felt that this would be good practice, Ma'am."
She sighed heavily before she straightened in her seat, "Do you have the appropriate paperwork."
He nodded, "Of course," and held out the folder to her.
She took it and began skimming the papers, occasionally huffing in annoyance. When she got to one, she looked up sharply regarding the four of them before returning to perusing the documents.
Finally, she laid the folder down to look at them, "Everything seems to be in order. Now, which one of you is Octavia Essex?"
Octavia stepped forward nervously and replied, "Um, I am."
"You've been homeschooled since you were five," she asked.
"Yes, Ma'am. Never seen the inside of a classroom. My parents weren't big on letting me leave our quarters."
"They were executed. Is that correct?"
"Yes, Ma'am. Stealing with intent to distribute is what I heard."
She narrowed her eyes and asked a little harshly, "And you had no knowledge of this?"
Octavia shook her head, "No, Ma'am. We kinda stayed outta each others' way. Honestly, I think they only had me to get the extra rations."
The woman's eyes scanned her and she grunted, "You do seem to be underweight. Very well. If you'll follow me, we'll get you situated. Tomorrow morning at 0700, one of the caretakers will go over the rules with you. You'll be enrolled in the appropriate classes and begin the day after tomorrow."
"Yes, Ma'am. Thank you," she said, and everybody visibly relaxed. "Um, would you mind if I said goodbye first."
She narrowed her eyes and nodded mutely. She was already standing by the doors and they could see she was already showing impatience. They quickly hugged each other and whispered that they'd see each other soon. When they were done, Octavia took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She straightened her shoulders, jutted her chin out, and with one last nod, walked towards the woman. Sparing one last glance to them, she disappeared behind the door.
Raven seemed to deflate as she said, "Well, that went smooth."
Clarke and Wells nodded, "Yeah it did. Let's get outta here and head to the Pit."
The Pit, as they called it was what they had just recently decided to call their training/meeting room. Since Wells was such close friends with Clarke, he was allowed to hang out with them.
"Yeah, the gang is going to want to know how it all went," Raven said, nodding.
"You guys go ahead," Wells said. "I've still got some homework to finish. Clarke, we're still on for chess tomorrow after school, right?"
Clarke nodded as they exited the Ward, "Oh, yeah. I'm gonna beat your ass this time."
He laughed as they headed back towards familiar territory, "You wish. You haven't beaten me in five years."
"Then it's about time I knocked you off your throne, Jaha," she snarked back.
"We'll see. We'll see," is all that he said.
Raven slung her arm around Clarke's shoulder, bringing her into a hug and thought to her, She'll be fine, Clarke. She's tough.
Clarke nodded and laid her head on Raven's as they continued walking, Yeah, she is. She's got this.
As they walked away, Octavia was taking in her new surroundings. She placed her meager belongings in the locker they provided and sat tentatively on her bed. She closed her eyes as tears began to threaten and took a shuddering breath.
I've got this, she said to herself. You've got black blood. You've got your pack. You're not alone. You're strong. You're tough. This is the beginning of your life.
Opening her eyes, the tears gone, she smiled. Her life was just beginning and she couldn't wait to conquer it. No more hiding. Her family was safe. She laid back on the bed, her head pillowed by her arms and stared at the ceiling. Life was calling and she was finally answering.
