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Author's Notes: I'd like to thank the 51 people who are following this story and the 23 people who have Favorited it. Any form of review might make me write faster. :P
Chapter Five
[Day 2 – Camp Jaha]
Raven and Wick had spent the rest of the morning in Engineering working on building additional walkie talkies. They had the few that Raven built back at the drop ship but more were needed. Monty had never returned when he went for lunch so the couple ate together in their work space enjoying the alone time.
They were on their way to the conference room where she would give her speech about Clarke. Raven was a doer not a talker so she was a little nervous. Not allowing Wick to carry her even though he offered she was using her crutch. She figured a little use would help her lag heal without over doing it. Her leg hurt but she would never complain about it.
"Do you know what you're going to say?" he asked as the door to the room came into view.
"The best version of the truth I guess. Clarke is different from the girl they knew. They know why she didn't come back to camp but they don't understand what she has gone through. Clarke has saved all our loves over and over again. They need to know that everything she has done she did it for them." She replied. Clearly she had thought about this since last night.
Hearing what she said about Clarke made him realize just how strong Clarke was keeping so many alive under such horrible conditions. Looking down at his wrists that were still slightly bruised he admitted something to her. "I felt so helpless and angry when you were on that table. I tried" Raven stopped him quickly and grabbed his arm interrupting his sentence. "You saved us in the dam. You stayed with me. I couldn't ask for better." She replied looking deep into his eyes. He smiled ignoring the fact that was the first time he killed someone whiled defending Raven. Without letting her crutch fall she hugged him with one arm the best she could and whispered into this ear, "Lets get this over with so we can get back to… work."
Pulling away from the hug they were both grinning at each other. "You always have the best Ideas." He said to her with caring eyes. She smirked as she turned to continue walking towards their destination and said, "You wouldn't have said that a few weeks ago."
"Well everything you've come up with so far has worked out." He replied still watching her as they walked. "Exactly." She gave him a brief glance and smiled.
He pressed the button to open the door to the conference room and they both froze for a second. The room was at its comfortable capacity. Everyone from the original 100 besides Bellamy and Octavia where in the room which was standing room only at this point. There were benches built into three of the four walls but no one was sitting. Even a few people that weren't just rescued from Mount Weather were here interested in knowing the full story of Clarke.
Stepping inside they noticed the table was still set up with two chairs empty. "I see news travels fast." She said making her way to one of the chairs. Monty was in the front of the crowd with Harper at his side. He moved to pull out the chair for Raven and said, "We're worried about Clarke."
Several others voiced their agreement as she took her seat with Wick taking his next to her. He felt a little out of place not knowing almost everyone in the room but based on Raven's comfort he felt comfortable around these people. A soft sigh escaped from her as the pressure came off her leg allowing her to relax. "Clarke will be fine. She can take care of herself." She reassured everyone looking on.
Jasper was in the corner of the room wanting to know what had happened. He was quiet and didn't talk to everyone. Everyone realized he was going through some stuff emotionally and never tried to break him out of his silence. His mind was still clouded by loss and anger but he had to be here. He thought understanding Clarke would better explain her actions.
"Tell us what happened Raven." Harper spoke up as she took Monty's hand.
Raven looked to Wick for a little encouragement knowing that the beginning of the story was going to be hardest for everyone to hear as well as for her to tell. Wick took her hand and nodded. "First I have to tell you what happened to Finn after you guys got captured by the Mountain Men." Whispers and mumbles could be heard in the room questioning what had happened to Finn but no direction questions. They assumed he was killed in the Fire at the battle with grounders.
"Finn went a little crazy looking for Clarke. He thought she was captured by the grounders and tracked her down to a village called Tondc." She paused for a second trying to think of how to describe what happened next. "Things got out of hand and Finn killed a bunch of grounders." Comments though out the room could be heard about how Finn was a peacemaker not a killer.
"The grounder Commander heard about this and decided to bring her entire army here to kill us all. But Clarke made a deal with the Commander to work together and fight the Mountain Men."
"How?" someone interrupted Raven's story.
"She figured out how to cure the reapers and told the Commander about the grounder prisoners." Everyone seemed to understand how this made sense as Raven continued.
"The only thing stopping the truce was the grounders wanted Finn to be punished for his crimes." The assumption that the grounders killed Finn was unanimous with everyone.
Raven looked down at her hands as she continued the painful part of the story. "Clarke, Bellamy and I tried to save him. We took him out to the drop ship but we got surrounded by grounders." Small amounts of water were collecting in her eyes but anger held back the tears. "But he gave himself up. He couldn't live with what he had done." The room was almost silent.
Raven sniffed and readied herself for the next part of the story. "The grounders were going to kill him right in front of our camp. Torturing him to death for the lives that he had taken. Clarke knew what the grounders were planning so she pleaded for his release. But Lexa was set in her ways and wouldn't release him. She did however let Clarke say good bye." Pausing before dropping the hardest bit of information on the group wiped the unshed tears from her eyes. "That's when Clarke killed Finn."
Gasps could be heard and whispered oh my god's spread through out the room as no one expected that. Wick put his other hand on top of Ravens seeing the pain in her eyes. He didn't know the full history between Raven and Finn like the others in the room knew. She continued as the room quieted down. "I was furious at her for doing it. I didn't understand why she didn't just kill Lexa like I asked her too if she couldn't save him. But when we went to Tondc to burn the body I was accused of poisoning Lexa. Which I didn't!" she made the point strongly. "I was tied to a stake and being cut to death when Clarke proved I didn't do it. It was then I realized that she had actually saved Finn from a horrible death. I also know that killing him haunted her."
"But after that she was always around Lexa. Plotting and planning your rescue." She looked around the room at everyone. "That's when she sent Bellamy in to disable the acid fog. Later Mount Weather dropped a missile on Tondc attempting to kill her and Lexa. Clarke, Lexa and Lincoln killed the spotter who aimed the missile. He was taking shots at the survivors. The sniper wasn't wearing a hazmat suit and that was when Clarke knew you guys were being killed." She left out the part where Clarke and Lexa knew the missile was going to Tondc. Raven was told later that no one could find out because such knowledge would break the alliance of the 12 clans.
Memories of their friends being taken one by one for bone marrow extraction filled everyone's minds as Raven kept the story going. "As for the rest of the story I know as much as you. I almost died on that table and Abby was being killed. You'd have to ask Bellamy what they were thinking but I know Clarke had no other option but to irradiate the base." Raven and Clarke sometimes disagreed with but Raven respected Clarke for the hard decisions she had to make and for the fact she always put her friends first. Raven needed to make this point before anyone got the wrong Idea. "From the moment Clarke got to this camp all bloodied and beaten she had only one thing on her mind. Rescue you all. She wasn't reckless or stupid. She thought out every action she took and I know that killing the Mountain Men was the only and last option she had."
"What happened to the grounders?" someone asked.
"Ya, weren't they supposed to be our allies now?" someone else followed up.
Raven had to be honest with them, "I don't know what happened. Lexa is ruthless. She, like Clarke, would do anything for her people."
Wick could see that Raven was done talking so decided to get her out of there. "Alright, we need to get back to work." He said standing up making it clear that no follow up questions could be asked. With her hand still in his she stood up and gave him a slight smile. "Thanks Raven." Harper said as she put her hand on Raven's arm. Others in the room also thanked her.
"No problem." Raven said quietly as she and Wick walked to the exit. The noise in the room increased as everyone talked about what they had just heard. Amazed by the story of what had happened while they were in captivity. Most were looking forward to seeing Clarke again to thank her. No one knew when that day would be.
[Day 2 – Camp Jaha – Indoor Hallway]
Later that afternoon Kane searched out Bellamy after a conversation with Sinclair. "Bellamy. We need to talk." Kane said as he approached Bellamy in the hallway.
"What about?" he asked with curiosity.
Kane used his calming and persuading voice as he began. "Earlier today we told Sinclair to assign the kids to work details; but not to push anyone who wasn't ready. So far none of them have agreed to anything."
"So?" he replied understanding why no one wanted to work with the adults.
"We need to forget about the past and work together if we're going to survive. They still look to you as their leader. If you were to convince them that this is what needs to be done they'll listen." Kane pleaded.
Bellamy knew what Kane just said was totally true. Regardless of what has happened in the past this was their reality now. "I'll see what I can do."
"Thank you. Now another matter to discuss." He paused to collect this thought as Bellamy waited for the next topic. "I want you to lead the mission to search for the Ark station."
"Me?" Bellamy was confused as to why he would be chosen. He knew the relationship between him and Kane had changed since the Ark landed but this was unexpected.
Kane smiled as he began to explain his reasoning. "You've proven yourself to be capable of handling any situation you run into. You've survived in the forest for longer then any of us. You know how to protect yourself and the others under your command. I have a different mission to attend to and Abby is in no condition for this journey. That leaves you."
"And I'm in command?" he questioned making sure he understood what he was being asked.
"Yes. I'd offer you a position in the guard and promote you but I know you won't accept that." Kane told him.
"Damn right I wouldn't." He replied clearly making his point. After the way his family was treated on the Ark he would never put on a guards uniform again.
Kane shrugged with a smile saying, "So unofficially you work for me. That way you don't need to be assigned a work detail… I have one more suggestion for your mission... I want you to take Lincoln and Octavia with you."
"Why would they want to?" he questioned.
"For starters if you're going she'll want to go. Secondly I want them to go for the same reason I'm sending you; experience."
Thinking about it for a moment Bellamy knew it was a good Idea but wasn't sure if his sister would want to go looking for more Sky People. "I'll ask her." Was his only response.
"Bellamy!" Octavia shouted to her brother as she and Lincoln rounded a corner. They had just returned from their hunting trip and need to tell Kane they needed to go on the search. She walked right up to the two men as Lincoln followed and stayed in his usually position behind Octavia. Not knowing that Bellamy was now in charge of the mission she turned to Kane and told him with confidence, "Lincoln and I need to be on the search team for the Ark."
Kane smiled knowing he was right deciding to send the couple with Bellamy on the search.
"Why do you need to go?" Bellamy asked looking at Octavia then to Lincoln and back.
Lincoln stepped beside Octavia and answered Bellamy's question. "Depending on how far north the station is we could run into grounders from the Ice Nation. Having us there could ease any encounters."
"I'll assign you additional guards." Kane told Bellamy while Octavia noticed that Bellamy would be in charge of this mission. Lincoln spoke before anyone else could. "No. More would only make things worse. Stealth is our best option but if we do run into trouble a smaller group would cause fewer problems."
Kane nodded then addressed all three of them, "I'll leave the details up to you then. You'll leave first thing in the morning. Let me know before then who you want on your team."
"Alright." Bellamy nodded and Kane walked away.
Octavia turned to her brother and asked, "You're leading the mission?" She was happy to hear this because she wouldn't have to follow orders from some idiot guard.
He shrugged with a smirk, "What can I say; they finally recognize my leadership skills."
She punched him in the arm and questioned angrily, "You're not a guard again are you?"
"No. I'll never be on of them again." He assured her.
"Good." She was happy to hear this as well.
The three then went off to find a place to discuss plans for their mission tomorrow.
[Day 2 – The Forest]
Clarke had found a place in the forest that would be perfect for a fire and to spend the night. She had spent nights in the forest before and things seem pretty secure as long as you had a fire going. Struggling for a long time trying to get a fire started she was getting frustrated. When they were at the drop ship they had limited power and could use electricity to start a fire. She had taken limited Earth skills classes in school because more of her time was learning biology and medical training with her mother. She knew that certain rocks could be hit to make sparks to start a fire but she was unsure of what they looked like. She threw the sticks in her hand on the ground and sighed out of frustration.
She leaned back and looked up into the trees above her once again rethinking this self imposed exile. The movement caused the gun in her belt to rub against her back and she was suddenly struck with an Idea. Clearing the debris from the ground in from of her she found the flattest rock she could see and buried it level with the ground. Removing the gun from her belt she released the clip and removed one bullet. Pinching the bullet between two rocks she twisted and bent it until the casing separated. Pouring out the gun powder onto the rock she placed in the ground she level it off so it would burn and not explode. Atop the gun powder she placed the dried leaves and other flammable materials. Taking another rock in her hand she raised it above her head and slammed it down onto the rock with the gun powder on it. With a lucky first strike the gun powder ignited and the flames caught everything on fire. Grinning widely happy with her plan she put more sticks and leaves on the fire.
When the fire was large enough to support itself she took the knife from her boot and began to clean the fish. Removing the guts and scales was done quickly so she found a long stick and pushed it through the fish's body. Propping it up near the fire she waited for it to cook.
Having been focused for so long on the task of building a fire and then cleaning the fish she hadn't had much time to think about her problems. Now resting with her back against a tree waiting for her meal she began to think again. If she was going to survive out here she would need a hobby. Well maybe not a hobby but a plan or a goal to keep her mind occupied. It helped pass the time and it prevented her from driving herself crazy.
Ignoring the planning for her future she began the What If course of thinking. What if the Ark wasn't running out of air? Her father wouldn't have been floated and she wouldn't have been imprisoned. By now she would be working full time with her mother in the medical bay. Doing simple tasks of treating the sick and healing the injured; there weren't many major surgeries on the Ark. She could be spending time with her friends and dating. This brought the image of Lexa into her head so she stopped thinking and focused on her fish.
Not taking long too cook the fish looked done enough to eat. Blowing on the fish to cool it down she took a hold of it and cut a piece off with her knife. Throwing it into her mouth it was still pretty hot. But it was so good compared to the nuts and berries she had been eating. She knew her body needed this to keep her going. While she ate she continued to think about Lexa. She missed her after spending so much time with her. I wonder what she is doing now? She thought. Did she just go back to Polis and forget all about me?
Unable to answer he own questions regarding Lexa she put her mind to planning out her future. What would be her next course of action alone in the forest. She did this until she decided it was time to go to sleep and start fresh tomorrow.
[Day 2 – Grounder Camp – Lexa's Tent]
Lexa was more like a Commander today then yesterday. She had experience suppressing her emotions and hiding them and she put that skill to good use. She left her tent many times today to assure her troops that she was still the Commander they followed. She had visited with some of the freed prisoners and they all thanked her for rescuing them. Most were weak but already growing stronger with real food now in their systems. She met with all of the generals and informed them they would receive orders once Indra had returned from her scouting mission. She ate with the soldiers but didn't say much. That was normal for her.
It was now late in the day and Lexa wondered what was taking Indra so long. If she wasn't back soon more troops would be sent to investigate what had happened. Lexa sat on her throne and waited trying not to let her emotions take over again. The voices of the men outside got slightly louder indicating that something what happening. Before Lexa could get up to investigate Ryder's voice call out, "Indra has returned."
"Send her in." Lexa called back eager to hear the report.
Ryder pulled back the opening to the tent and followed Indra inside. Indra walked up to the Commander with a strong and quickened pace indicating something important had happened. Fearing the worst without even knowing what the worst could be Lexa quick stood and commanded an answer, "What happened?"
Knowing what she would ask before this conversation was over Indra decided to get the good news out of the way first. "The Mountain Men are dead. All of them but Emerson."
"Explain." Lexa was happy to hear this news. The greatest known threat to the grounders was finally gone but she wanted more details.
"The doors were open so we went inside. On level five we found hundreds dead from radiation burns. That was when Emerson attacked us. He escaped through the tunnels." She explained quick and to the point.
Lexa knew Emerson was dangerous and it wasn't the greatest news that he alive and clearly armed. The mention of the tunnels brought the reapers to her mind but she needed to ask something very important to her first. "What of Clarke and the Sky People?"
"There was no sign of them." Indra responded and Lexa visibly relaxed. The commotion outside had continued during their conversation and Lexa looked to Ryder silently ordering him to check things out. Standing near the door he just nodded in Indra's direction indicating to the Commander that she could answer the question.
"What is happening outside?" she demanded to know.
"During Emerson's escape we captured a reaper and brought him here." She explained and then took a deep breath before continuing. "I think we should bring him to the Sky People to cure him." Indra didn't like asking for help so this request was hard for her. But worth it if it lead to information about her husband.
Lexa could see that there was more of a reason Indra was asking this then just looking out for her people. "You know him." Lexa surmised. "He is my brother-in-law." She responded without further explanation needed. The Commander sat down on her throne again and began to think and strategize. Indra stood patiently allowing her Commander to plan.
This turned out perfectly for Lexa. She had an excuse to go to Camp Jaha and see Clarke. She knew that Clarke had lead her people to victory and was proud of her. It was also an opportunity to save even more of her people thus keeping the collation of the 12 clans strong. Even without knowing that Lexa knew about the missile hitting Tondc the death of so many high ranking representatives of the 12 clans weakened the collation. But saving the prisoners without any bloodshed helped counteract that tragedy and curing the reapers would be a great victory for the Commander. Having worked out everything in her mind the Commander stood and commanded Ryder, "Bring the generals."
He nodded and left the tent as Lexa approached Indra and said, "We'll leave at dawn."
Indra nodded in thanks as well as acknowledging the orders of her Commander.
The generals of the army stood around Lexa waiting for her to give them instructions.
"The Mountain Men are dead!" She began her speech with excitement and everyone cheered hearing the news. She continued, "I am disbanding the army. You were originally called together to defeat the Sky People but things change. With their help the Mountain Men at now dead but we still have another task ahead of us."
She looked at each of the generals as she gave out her next instructions emphasizing how important they were. "I need each of you to leave with me a small number of soldiers. They will only be required for an additional week. Then they can rejoin the bulk of your forces and return home. That is all."
"Yes Commander" they all said in unison.
When the generals left Lexa explained the beginning of her plan to Indra and Ryder who remained in the tent. At dawn She, Indra, Niko, and Ryder would leave for Camp Jaha on horseback. The rest of the force would follow on foot. Their advance arrival would allow the Commander to rework the grounders alliance with the Sky People. By the time the rest of the forces arrived at the camp Abby and Clarke could begin the process of healing the reaper they had in custody.
