Before she entered her rooms, she sent a guard to bring Miller, Harper, and Monroe. The common room was still empty, and there was silence throughout this time. A few moments after the door closed, Murphy came to check that it was her.

"Well?" he asked.

"It worked. He's pissed off again. I told him that if I find any more of those chips, there won't be a trial."

"You probably should skip it anyway. It's not like he was going to give any of us one."

Clarke shrugged. "Miller, Harper, and Monroe should be here in a few minutes. You want to join us?"

"To talk about how to cut off the chips for good?"

"Yeah."

"Nope. I told you already, either drug all of them, or whisper it to them when they're asleep."

"OK. How's Raven?"

"Ready to get to work. If she made notes any faster, something would catch on fire."

Clark laughed.

Murphy grinned. He felt proud of himself. It was the first real laugh he remembered hearing from Clarke. "Unless you need me, I'm gonna make sure Raven stays in bed."

"Good luck."

Clarke waited several more minutes for her Skaikru lieutenants to arrive. They sat at the table together, and Clarke explained what she learned. "So we need to say these words, but I don't want them to hear them," she finished.

"You have a plan, right?" Monroe asked.

"I have ideas," Clarke answered.

"Let's hear them," Miller said.

"I drugged Jaha and said it while he was out, but he's just one. I'm not sure how we'd drug all of them. We can try when they're all asleep, but I'm not sure how that would work."

"We could tell them the truth," Harper suggested.

"A.L.I.E. worries me, though."

"She's not here, is she?"

"Not for long," Clarke said nervously.

"There aren't any more chips, and A.L.I.E. won't be around much longer, so I think we should just talk to them," Miller said.

"What if they don't agree?" Monroe asked.

"What if they do?" Miller countered.

Clarke rubbed her temples while she thought about it. The other options would still be available later. She raised her head. "Gather them tomorrow after supper. I'll come up and talk to them. Maybe Raven can come, too."

"That might help," Harper said. "She was one of them, right?"

"Right," Clarke answered. "Thanks, guys. I'll see you tomorrow, unless there's something you need from me."

"What's going to happen to us, Clarke?" Monroe asked.

"I don't know yet. Heda hasn't decided."

"Everyone's kinda worried," Miller said. "If they had something to do, it would help ease their minds."

"I'll talk to her tonight," Clarke promised.

"Thanks," he answered, and stood up. Harper and Monroe did the same. "We'll see you tomorrow night, right?"

"Right," Clarke answered.

When they were gone, she put her head in her hands. It felt like things were beginning to go too fast, almost out of control, like the drop ship as it rattled and bounced through Earth's atmosphere. There was so much in play, and so much at stake. One misstep could destroy everything she had left.

Clarke heard the door open but didn't move. She knew it was Ontari; anyone else would have been announced by the guards. Ontari didn't speak. She sat in the chair beside Clarke and tentatively rubbed her shoulder.

"I'm OK," Clarke said, although it was muffled.

Ontari squeezed Clarke's shoulder and put her hand on the table. She waited for Clarke to speak. It didn't take long. "I talked to some of my people tonight. They're scared because they still don't know what's going to happen."

"They are safe."

"I know, but they don't. They need something to do, a way to contribute."

"What can they do?"

Clarke sighed. "Not much. I mean, they had jobs in Arkadia, but I don't know what they were. You won't let them go back there."

"Skaikru is no longer welcome in Trikru lands."

"I know. I understand. If we're going to stay in Polis, it can't be as your guests. They want to earn their keep."

"Tell me what their jobs were in Arkadia. Tell me what they wish to do."

"So we won't be a kru."

"I do not know, Klark. There are many who would banish all of you. I still believe we can learn much from you."

"What about Farm Station? It's in Azgeda lands."

"That is a discussion you must have with Haihefa Roan. If he is amenable, I will permit it."

"I wish he was here."

"As do I."

Clarke stared at the table.

"Have Murphy take you to the inn for supper."

"What about you?"

"I wish to speak with Raven, and we will play chess after. Tomorrow we can speak of what happens next."

"OK," Clarke said after a few seconds. "I'll get Murphy."

100 – 100 – 100

Murphy stepped into the hall when Clarke summoned him. "What's up?"

"Ontari said you should take me to the inn for supper so she can talk to Raven."

"You'll have to buy."

"No problem."

"Ready when you are," Murphy said.

"Lead the way," Clarke answered.