Chapter Text
“Welcome to Arkadia, Heda. Clarke, Miss Paxton, welcome back. I hope your trip went well.”
“Thank you, Chancellor Kane. My apologies for our delay. And thank you for agreeing to postpone the meeting for a few days.”
“Of course. And do not worry about the delay, we’re not too strict about punctuality. The Council members have only just settled into the meeting room.”
As the pleasantries between the Commander and the Chancellor dragged on, Doc joined the small group at the gates of Arkadia and hugged her daughter as if she hadn’t seen her in three months. Jules bit her lip to keep from pointing out that she had been in Polis as recently as last week, overseeing the establishment of the capital’s medical school, and simply shook the warm hand the doctor extended to her. Once her daughter was released from another parental bear hug, Doc politely greeted Lexa, not knowing where to stand. To prevent any additional awkwardness, Clarke caught her mother’s attention back.
“Can I talk to you before the meeting?”
“But we’re already running late…” Doc didn’t sugarcoat.
‘We’re not too strict about punctuality’, he said. My ass.
“It won’t take long.” Clarke insisted.
“Take as much time as you need.” The Chancellor, always keen to smooth things over, reassured. “In the meanwhile, I’ll lead Heda to the meeting room. You’re welcome to join us as well, Miss Paxton.”
“Jules’s fine.”
Why on Giratina’s name did they all insist on never calling her by her first name? ‘Miss Paxton’ was even worse than ‘Miss Jester’, at least ‘Jester’ was a title she was proud to wear. He nodded and led them to the wreck of the station. She took a quick glance at the camp, it looked better than the last time. Well, not really - it was still a bit of a mess, though perhaps a tad better organised -, but people looked better. Okay, that was not true either, they looked a little downcast, but they weren’t on their deathbeds.
“I apologize once again for our delay.”
Jules grabbed Lexa by the sleeve and forced her to slow down until they were out of earshot.
“Why do you keep apologizing?” She whispered. “Isn't it like power-play 101 to show up late just because you can?”
“It is an excuse to be disrespectful and rude. And I do not need to show … power-play at people I consider allies.”
“It doesn’t hurt to remind everyone who is the boss here.”
“I would not apologize if I had been held up by serious matters requiring my immediate attention, but I’m late because my jester took forever getting into the carriage. And I had to postpone the meeting because my jester managed to get herself kidnapped. A proper apology is the least I can do.”
“Hey, I didn’t ask to be kidnapped, if someone’s to blame, it’s Arkadia’s stupid guards!”
Her final words echoed off the corridor metal’s walls, earning her a couple glances. If the Chancellor had heard her, he was polite enough to pretend otherwise.
“You’re right, their eagerness to resort to violence will be addressed. But please, do not let your contempt for Sky People cloud your judgment.”
“I do not have contempt for Sky People!” Jules claimed in a low voice, which made her voice crackled.
She had contempt for Sky People.
“Would you make the same statement if we were visiting any other clan?”
“... Fine, I’ll behave.”
“Thank you.”
“We’re here, if you’d care to come in.” The Chancellor invited.
The meeting room looked like any other room on the Ark. Cold, grey, too bright. About fifteen chairs were arranged around a round table. A dozen people that Jules assumed to be the Council members stood up to welcome them. She recognized Harper of course, Saint Clair, head of the mechanical section, something Miller, chief of the military, a tall woman with brown eyes and black hair Jules didn’t know the name of but who was from Agro station and -
Knock knock.
She had to get out of here. Now. Her right foot froze, her left foot turned around, she would have fallen down if Lexa hadn’t grabbed her arm.
“Please I can face him today.” Jules’s whispered plea made its way through her tight throat.
“Lexa, let me introduce you to -”
“I have a request.” Lexa interrupted Kane. “Can anyone else fill his seat?”
His gaze alternated between the Commander and the man barely perceptible in the shadow of the back of the room. Taken aback, he lost his eloquence.
“Lex it’s okay, I’ll wait out-”
“Can anyone else fill his seat?” Lexa repeated, growing impatient.
“Commander.” The Chancellor regained his composure. “Let me introduce you to the head of cultural preservation department, Kifrin Paxt-”
“I know who he is. Please, can you indulge me with my request?”
It wasn’t a question, it was a disguised order whose apparent politeness did not deceive anyone. Indignation wasn't hard to decipher under Council members' astonished faces. Outraged whispers pierced Jules’s eardrums. A stern look from Lexa silenced them all. That was what a power-play looked like.
“Hum, well, Kifrin is also here as a representative of the Orchid station so-”
“I’m afraid I’ll have to insist.” Her assertive tone left no room for negotiation.
“It’s fine, Chancellor.” Kifrin finally spoke, out of respect for his daughter's wish - or out of fear of Lexa. “Anita Flood had been assisting me since the landing, I have complete trust in her. She can take my place, if that’s okay with you Commander.”
Lexa nodded.
“I will inform her immediately.”
“I appreciate it.”
He ran out of the room, without a look for Jules. Now that he was out of her sight, the reflection went back to sleep.
“Thanks. You didn’t have to do that.”
“I prefer your company to his.”
The Griffins' arrival cut their exchange short. Clarke addressed Jules with a concerned look, they had to cross paths with her father. Her lips stretched out in a smile that was meant to be reassuring. Doc approached her, Jules could swear she saw tears glistening in the corners of her eyes.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were attending the meeting, or I would have warned you.” She whispered for only her to hear as she headed toward her seat.
It brought her attention to the number of vacant seats. Someone will have to stand, and since she had no peculiar reason to be here, Jules assumed it should be her. As she went to the corner of the room hoping that landing against the wall would relieve the pressure on her feet, Lexa went out to enquire of her guards - who had been keeping an eye on their leader this whole time from a reasonable distance - to find an extra chair. Out of courtesy, the Commander gave her own seat to her jester. Out of gratitude, Jules didn’t take it. Out of respect for decorum more than for hierarchy, the entire assembly stood solid on their feet. The soldier finally came back, putting an end to this collective misery, and set up a seat around the table, forcing everyone to move closer because of lack of space.
“We should find a bigger table.” Miller senior complained.
“Where would we put it? This is the largest room available.” Farm woman countered.
“In the workshop?” An old guy looking like the Twelfth Doctor suggested.
“Impossible.” Saint Clair opposed. “We need space for the engines.”
“Then the most sensible thing to do would be to requisition part of the canteen.”
“Perhaps we could keep all of this in the back of our minds and discuss it later.”
Diplomatic Kane’s suggestion got ignored by everyone. At least, the ambassadors weren’t the only ones looking like a bunch of clowns during meetings.
“Don’t worry, Chancellor. It feels like home.”
Used to this nonsense that could last for half-an-hour during good days, Clarke was drawing on her sketchbook and Lexa was making last-minute corrections on her notes. Taking a look over her shoulder, Jules smirked. Funny how Lexa’s ‘political meetings’ notes were looking like a chart of Pokémons’ statistics. The jester moved in a more comfortable position and let her mind wander.
Lexa's powerful grip lifted Jules's head before it slammed against the table.
“What did I miss?”
“So, now that we’ve all agreed to tear down the back wall and have a bigger table built, maybe we can get started.”
“Nothing major.” Clarke replied on her right.
“Before we move on to the first topic, I don’t think we’ve all been properly introduced yet. I’m Marcus Kane, people of Arkadia have honored me with their trust and elected me Chancellor. Abby?”
“Abigail Griffin, head of the medical section.”
“My name is Harper McIntyre, I represent the 100.”
“Jacapo Sinclair, I’m the chief engineer.”
“I’m Kara Cooper, I used to live in the Farm Station. I'm the one who asked for this meeting, along with Mr Prawley. The matter of arable lands is urg-”
“Harisson Prawley, I teach hunting and fishing and supervise the food stock.”
“Anita Flood.” Jules didn’t dare to look at her. “I assist Kifrin Paxton with cultural preservation, and I also represent the Orchid Station located in the mountains.”
“Sergeant David Miller, chief Arkadia guard.”
“I’m Willa Beckers, I’m in charge of setting up the camp, assigning housing, and constructing new buildings.”
“Eric Jackson, I’ve been Doctor Griffin's assistant for many years, and I recently brought therapists and other professionals together to set up a mental health support system.”
“Hello, I’m Max Danvers, I’ve been elected by my fellow teachers to represent them and make sure our youth have access to a proper education.”
“And I’m Max’s son, Dereck, I’m a meteorologist and geologist.”
“I’m Clarke Griffin, Skaikru’s ambassador in Polis.”
“Jules, I’m the jester and I have no idea why I’m here.”
Her introduction raised a few eyebrows. All eyes turned to Lexa, who hadn't said a word yet because she wasn't used to having to introduce herself.
“Sorry. I am Lexa kom Trikru, successor of Draynok kom Ousekejon Kru, founder of the coalition uniting the thirteen clans, heir of -”
“Dude chill, no need to write out the entire resume, we all know who you are.”
What a waste of time - all this nonsense about politeness and social conventions… They would already be halfway through the meeting if they had skipped the introductions!
“Shall we begin then? Lexa, I think you wanted to speak first.”
“Yes, before getting down to business, I wanted to discuss with the Council the matter of Belomi Bleik. As you surely have noticed, he has been missing for the past two days and -”
“Really?”
“I didn’t notice…”
“Where is he supposed to work?”
“I thought we were supposed to talk about arable lands.”
“Who is Bellamy?”
Turned out there was no need to worry after all… The Chancellor tried to salvage the situation and stated that he had been informed.
“I am aware that Bellamy's status, given his involvement in unfortunate past events, is a matter that should not be taken recklessly. From my recent conversation with Clarke, I understood that Trikru villagers had offered to welcome him for an indefinite period, despite the order prohibiting him from leaving Arkadia. Is that correct?”
“It is. Having gathered various accounts and having personally witnessed his desire for redemption and integration within the village, I give my agreement in principle. Shall the Council agree as well, his request will be granted, subject to good behavior.”
“I see no objections to that. All in favour?”
Since the only people who cared about Bellamy's fate had already discussed it, everyone raised their hands, hoping to move on quickly.
“Perfect, he will be notified of the decision.” The Chancellor concluded. “Can we move on to the next topic?”
“Arab-”
“Yes Kara, arable lands.”
“According to our predictions, the -”
“I have received your report, and the matter has been discussed with the ambassadors of the clans involved.”
Cooper, about to rip the throat of the teenage girl who dares interrupt her once more, had to be physically restrained to her chair by her neighbors.
“The precarious state of agriculture in Arkadia has been recognized.” Clarke resumed, unaware that her life was currently at stake. “Yet, no neighboring clan is willing to cede land for us to grow our crops.”
Outcries of indignation rose from around the table.
“Our supplies will barely be enough to get us through the winter, and our current crops won’t even be enough to feed a third of the population!”
Two hadn’t sufficed to stop Cooper from standing up.
“I know, which is why -”
“We’ll starve to death in less than two years!”
“I heard you, and -”
“We need more space!”
“Enough!” The Commander called. “Your request had been heard, and denied. Trikru’s villages are surrounding Arkadia, I will not force any of my people to relocate.”
“Aren’t we supposed to be your people as well, or this whole thing is nothing more than a masquerade?”
“Hey, are you gonna shut up for a second so we can get a word in, or should we just get out of here right now and leave you to fight over two potatoes and three carrots?”
So much for behaving… But Kara Cooper was a very… unpleasant person.
“How dare you talk to me like that? Your presence here is not even required!”
“Yes it is, by me. Your complaints, on the other hand, are not.” Lexa dryly shut her up.
“Kara, please, let’s hear Clarke until the end before jumping to conclusion.” Kane requested.
“Thank you. Though denied, our request had been heard and understood, which is why other clans are offering a deal.”
Clarke placed a multi-page file in the center of the table.
“What is that?” Cooper spat.
“A comprehensive list of everything the other clans are willing to trade.”
“To trade for what?”
“Feel free to take a look.”
The Council members distributed the documents among themselves to read them with care. All but one, of course.
“So instead of being self-sufficient, we’ll be at the Grounders’ mercy. This is not an offer, this is holding us hostage.”
“Or a negotiation…” Clarke sighed, Cooper’s vindictiveness was getting to her nerves as well. “Skaikru is not the only clan who would benefit from the trade system.
“But the only one who would depend on it.”
To be fair, Cooper’s arguments weren’t senseless, but she exposed them with such aggression that any discussion felt pointless.
“Even if Trikru granted y- us more lands, one bad season could still ruin the crops and plunge Arkadia into famine.”
“Not to mention that Orchid Station is surrounded by mountains, so we would benefit greatly from trade with other clans.” Mrs Flood rightfully pointed out.
“Honestly, those trades seem more than fair.” Saint Clair said. “Look, this clan is offering enough clothes to keep us for the winter. All we would have to do is provide the main village with electricity. Most of the Ark’s solar panels are no longer in use, so I can put together a team that could install them in less than a week.”
Cooper opened her mouth to argue but Lexa didn’t give her a chance.
“It is no secret that other clans would benefit from Skaikru's technology, especially from the healing field. I know for a fact that most clan’s leaders would trade a year's worth of their products for the teaching of one Skaikru’s healer. Now, I also read your very detailed report, you need the Coalition as much as the Coalition needs you.”
“In the event of a war -”
“Which will not happen because you’re part of the Coalition now.”
Lexa smiled, yet her words hit with as much threat as a kick to the chest pushing you off the balcony of Polis’ tower. It wasn’t a threat, but a reminder to what Skaikru had agreed to. Cooper shut her mouth and sat back on her chair to finally take a look at the documents.
“As tempting as these offers may be -.” Doc said in a more measured tone. “- Kara’s concerns are not to be diminished. None of us are looking for conflict, and I have no doubt other clans will uphold their part of whatever deals we would agree on. But we have to look after our people and consider and take all possible scenarios into account. What will happen if the clans are no longer able to fulfill their part of the agreement?”
“I agree with Dr. Griffin; extreme weather conditions could reduce everyone’s harvests.” Dereck pointed to the sheet of paper he was reading. “The document even specifies that trade agreements will be honored ‘to the extent possible’. I assume this means that no clan leader will let their people go hungry in the event of a poor harvest, and that Arkadia would receive no food.”
“This clause also applies to the Skaikru. But I see your point, other clans don’t depend on you for their survival. ” Lexa conceded.
“Not to mention the message it would send.” Doc resumed. “Self-sufficiency isn't a whim, our people need to be self-reliant. It's not about our trust in the Grounders, it's about proving to ourselves that we belong here.”
“Abby is right.” The Chancellor spoke again. “Those trades are generous, but I’m afraid they might come across as condescending to our citizens. Our people may think you’re giving us charity and take offense.”
“I’m sure pride is something you can relate to.”
Even though the Commander managed to keep her unflappable demeanor, Jules noticed a slight twitch in Lexa’s eye. Abby’s jab had triggered her and the doctor's heavy, insistent gaze proved that the remark was neither tactless nor innocent. Her attitude toward her soon-to-be daughter-in-law was ambiguous at best; if she wasn’t showing open antagonism toward Lexa, she wasn’t welcoming her into the family either.
“Mom, it is not like that.” Clarke spoke up again with a firm tone, partly to ease the tension, but mainly because she had been the one speaking in the first place and kept getting cut off. “None of these treaties prohibits Arkadia from making use of its arable land. According to Kara's report -”
“It’s Mrs Cooper to you, kid.”
If they had been offered a drink, Jules would have made sure to poison hers…
“I assume you won’t mind calling me Ambassador Griffin, then.”
Jules, along with Harper and Miller Senior, snorted. Even Lexa had to hide her smile under a fake cough.
“According to Mrs Cooper’s report, Arkadia has enough land to build up an emergency stockpile if necessary. As for Orchid, I understand that you already have informal agreements with Boudalan, right?”
Anita Flood nodded and added that the station’s survivors had access to enough resources to provide for themselves, thanks to hunting and fishing. Living space, on the other hand, was the main concern. Stuck in the mountains, it was a challenge to comfortably settle.
“It goes without saying that any survivors from the Orchid station are welcome in Arkadia. But space will also be an issue in the near future, right Willa?”
“Yes, with the repeal of the one-child policy, there is no reason to believe that Arkadia’s population will not continue to grow. Furthermore, living in tents and in the wreckage of the Ark is not a sustainable solution in the long term, especially in winter. We need more infrastructure and therefore, more space to build on.”
“You’re free to go look for it.” All eyes turned to Lexa. “I will not give any clan land that belongs to another, but if your people find land that is left to be claimed, you are free to settle there and will be subject to the same rights and obligations as the rest of the Coalition. I will personally ensure that the best cartographers provide you with maps showing the current state of the borders.”
Which was a diplomatic way of saying that if anyone tried to cheat, she would find out.
“That will only serve to further divide us - divide and conquer!” Cooper, as open-minded as ever, claimed.
“Actually, it seems like a good idea.” Harper spoke up for the first time. “Some of the 100 - whom, as you know, I represent - have expressed a desire to settle outside Arkadia, at the dropship where we landed.”
“The camp is part of Skaikru’s lands, though.”
“Yes, but it shows that some people want to leave Arkadia. Maybe others would volunteer to look for other places.”
“But then we would be a collection of fragmented groups rather than a united nation!”
It would have been surprising if she hadn't found something to complain about…
“This proposal will have to be put to a vote, but it is not without merit.” Doc agreed, not caring about Cooper.
“That would solve the space issue.” Willa conceded.
“But create communication issues!”
“Then Orchid won’t be the only outsider, I’m in favor of this proposal.” Anita raised her hand.
“We don’t need more outsiders!”
“This would allow for better control of the ecosystem...” Harrison thought out loud.
“And for better control of our people by the Grounders!”
“My teams will handle the maintenance of the vehicles and communication equipment.” Saint Clair offered.
“Are you all out of your mind!?”
“And mine will ensure research teams’ safety.” Miller senior promised.
“It is our security that your team should ensure!”
“Volunteers should leave in the next few weeks, to be back before winter.” Dereck pulled out of nowhere a graphic showing the weather forecast for the coming months.
“Why are we already planning the expeditions!?”
“Do you want to eliminate your pain?”
“Not now Thelonius! You were not invited to this meeting.”
“Maybe other clans could help us? We can come up with trades as well.” Max suggested.
“Am I invisible or what?”
“It would reinforce our connections with the other clans, benefiting both Grounders and Skaikru.” Jackson said.
“Are you listening to me!?”
“Yep.” Jules finally replied to Cooper, reveling in the complete indifference shown toward her.
“Not you, troubadour!”
“Jester, but close enough.”
“It is settled then.” The Chancellor concluded while Cooper was fuming on her chair. “We will put this proposal to a vote, and we’ll come back to you, Lexa.”
“Take all the time you need. There is another topic I’d like to discuss, one I already submitted to all ambassadors. If your people agree to participate in the trade system, it goes without saying that communication will be the key to success. This responsibility would logically be incumbent upon the ambassador, but discussing the clan's specific matters during meetings in Polis seems pointless and time-consuming.”
Lexa refrained from adding that being pointless and time-consuming was already a regional sport during the meetings…
“My proposal, then, is this: to elect twelve ambassadors from each clan, designated to represent their people among the other allies of the Coalition. The ambassadors would reside in a village chosen by the clan leader, and of course, if this were to happen, Skaikru would welcome the other ambassadors to Arkadia. As a result, exchanges and communication between the different clans would be facilitated. Not only would this free up time to address contentious issues or those concerning the Coalition as a whole would be addressed in Polis with the current ambassadors, but also to discuss more ambitious projects that will ensure a bright future for all of us. And, if I have to be perfectly honest, this system would enable ambassadors and myself to have a personal life outside of political meetings.”
Jules’s eyes widened, she hadn’t expected Lexa to be so open about her desire for a private life outside of her duty.
“For so long, our ways enabled us to survive, but life should be about more than just surviving. Your people have taught me that. So let’s do more than just surviving together.”
It was a pretty inspiring excuse for wanting to sleep in on Sundays, but the speech had the desired effect. All Council members - apart from Cooper who sighed loudly but was ignored nonetheless - nodded with a solemn smile as if the Commander had told them that the key to victory was the power of friendship.
“I think this is an excellent idea, Lexa.” Kane spoke up. “We will hold elections and report the results to Clarke.”
“While we're on the subject, Skaikru will also have to elect a new ambassador to represent our people in Polis.”
A collective ‘Huh!?’ greeted the announcement from the soon-to-be former ambassador like they were in an old cartoon. Well, all but Doc, who was sulking in her seat. Her daughter must have told her the news earlier, and for some reason she wasn’t thrilled about it.
“I would like to take this opportunity to officially announce my resignation from my position as ambassador. Of course, since this announcement came as a surprise, I will continue to perform my duties until the new ambassador is elected, and I will remain available to assist them during the transition period to ensure a smooth handover.”
“Are you not coming back to Arkadia?” Miller Senior asked.
Another one who really paid attention…
“No, I will remain in Polis, but not as an ambassador.”
“Well…” Kane took over. “Surely, this is a well-considered decision.”
“It is.”
“We are all grateful for your hard work and dedication, elections will be held as soon as possible.”
Half of Arkadia’s residents had cried foul at every decision she made, but so be it.
“Thank you. I assume I owe the Council some explanations.”
She did not, but that would put an end to all the far-fetched theories and office gossip.
“I took the ambassador seat because of a lack of a better candidate at the time, but I no longer believe I am the best person for this position. I have no formal political training beyond what I've learned on the job, and like Mrs Cooper mentioned earlier, I may be too young. Also, I have no ambition to pursue a political career.”
She paused, weighing the pros and cons of revealing one of the main reasons behind her resignation.
“As you probably already know, Lexa and I are involved in a romantic relationship and if no one has raised any concerns about any con-”
“Objection, this is a conflict of loyalty!” Cooper yelled pointlessly because a) they were not in court and b) any potential conflict of loyalty would most likely be in Skaikru’s advantage.
“If no one has raised any concerns about any conflict of loyalty until today…” Clarke went on. “... my presence at the ambassadors' table could raise worries about Heda's neutrality toward her people.”
“Unfounded, but legitimate worries.” Lexa added.
“Similarly, I would understand any worries from your part on my abilities to fully represent our people. Finally, this is more of a personal preference, but with our wedding approaching, I would like to keep my personal life separate from my professional life, which isn’t possible if I continue to serve as ambassador. For all these reasons, I am therefore stepping down. Thank you for your understanding and attention.”
Another “Huh!?” rang out, because they still thought they were in a cartoon, although the reactions were more varied. Abby was still sulking on her seat - and now that Jules was thinking about it, the engagement was probably the news she was conflicted about -, Harper was silently congratulating Clarke, Cooper was about to blow a hole in the wall beside her screaming that it was ‘intolerable, outrageous, a shame!”, Miller Senior contemplated how little he did know, Mrs Flood was lamenting that the plight of Orchid’s survivors had barely been mentioned, the rest of the Council was complaining on how little progress had been made on their own issues, Lexa was looking at Clarke as if she had caught a shiny Chansey for her and Clarke was lurking at the door as if she desperately wanted to leave. As for Jules, while it was reassuring to realize that meetings at Polis weren’t the only ones that were a waste of time, she was getting sick and tired of listening to old and not-so-old people using way too many words just to sound important, and she wanted to go to sleep. The Chancellor finally spoke up.
“Congratulations are in order. I heard rumors about your engagement during the Kongeda Games, but I’ve been - falsely it seems - told it was a misunderstanding.”
“It was a misunderstanding.” Lexa confirmed. “Once I cleared up that very evening.”
“Oh, so when did the proposal take place, if I’m not being too nosy?”
“The night after the Kongeda Games.”
“The same night -”
“Yes, it all happened the same night, just go with it.” Jules stepped in because she wanted to go and the whole explanation would take another hour.
“... Right. Anyway, congratulations to the both of you.”
“Thanks.”
“As for what we talked about today, the proposals will be put to a vote by our people, and we will get back to you. I think we can wrap up today's meeting.” He didn't give anyone a chance to challenge or bring up the subject again. “Thank you all for coming.”
The Council members crawled out of the crowded room without asking for anything else, they weren’t too keen on spending another hour between these walls either. Even Cooper had dropped a passive-aggressiveness - lending more on the aggressive side - attitude for a grumpy expression, upset that no one had taken her objections seriously - objections that would undoubtedly have carried more weight if she hadn't spent her time screaming as if she were a little kid who'd had a pencil stolen.
Only seven people remained in the meeting room. Clarke was talking with the Chancellor and her mom about the upcoming elections, Lexa was discussing the behavior of his cowboys with Miller Senior and Harper had joined Jules at the door.
“Quite a meeting, right…”
“Yeah, we got ten of those a week at Polis… No wonder Lex wants to take it easy. Are all your meetings like that? Cooper is -”
“A real bitch.” Harper crudely said.
“I was gonna say ‘intense’, but yeah. Is she always like that?”
“When it comes to things that concern her, yes. When she gets worked up, not even Kane can shut her up, we just wait for her to calm down on her own.”
“Delightful… Are you still able to make yourself heard?”
Harper had been quiet during the meeting, Jules hoped she wasn’t getting crushed by those who screamed louder. She didn’t know the girl very well, but she liked her. She was nice and funny.
“It was hard at first, but I found a few tricks.” She confided.
Jules realized that, even though she hadn't said much, Harper had gotten her request across without a hitch.
“So, the 100 are moving back to the dropship camp?”
“This is the project. Some of us are having a hard time living with the same people who threw us behind in the Sky Box before using us as sacrificial lambs.”
“No need to preach to the choir, I got out at the first chance I got. So yeah, I can understand the need to escape.”
“It is not easy for some of us to live here. Like Monty, his mom is imprisoned here, it will do him some good to be outside of Arkadia.”
Harper fondly smiled at the mention of the boy, there was definitely something going on between them.
“Bellamy mentioned she was here…” Jules said with no point to convey.
“How is he, by the way? I heard you spent the weekend with him.”
And what a weekend it had been…
“Well, he kinda kidnapped me so I didn’t have any say in this. But he’s fine, he’ll be relieved to learn his request had been accepted and -”
“I’ve already sent a messenger.” Lexa jumped into the conversation.
“Good, did you get rid of the guards who beat me up for no reason?”
“They had a reason. Or so they say.”
Jules was curious to hear about it…
“They claim they arrested you because of your ban from Arkadia.”
“Which is strange because two people in this room were supposed to take care of that!” Jules called out to the two people in question.
Kane ignored her, but at least Clarke had the decency to give her an apologetic smile and joined them.
“I have a few things to talk about with Kane and my mom in the control room, will you be okay?”
Jules didn’t know who Clarke was talking to and if she should be offended or not. Lexa pulled her out of her dilemma and assured her fiancée that they would manage, before kissing her goodbye.
“What about my banishment?” Jules asked as the artist disappeared through the door.
“I’ll handle it, promise!”
“You already said that and -”
“Don’t bother.” Lexa cut her off. “David demoted the guards, they won’t be handling a weapon for a while.”
“That does sound like an excuse to me, Arkadia ban’s list has been lifted for a while now.” Harper told them.
“And the point of banishing someone is to keep them from going in, not out…”
“Anyway, I’m glad it is settled. I won't keep you any longer. Jules, Heda…”
“Actually Harper, I wanted to talk to you alone.”
“Hum, sure…”
She seemed flattered by the Commander's attention, and a little worried…
“Jules, you can go to the caf-”
“Oh, she’s part of the ‘alone’”
“Hey…” The jester complained half-heartedly.
“Do you want me to kick you out? I thought you were interested in the ‘rock’, as you call it.”
She was. Trikru’s ambassador had presented herself with this… thing a few days before their departure for Arkadia. Jules hadn't paid it much attention back then - the rock looked like a pile of granite twice her size - but seeing it harnessed to the Commander’s carriage had rekindled her curiosity.
“Please, proceed.”
“Trikru would like to make an offering to you.”
“To Skaikru?” Harper inquired, curious as to what it had to do with her.
“To the 100. It is a totem, the rock has been hollowed out. It is customary to place the personal belongings of warriors who lost their lives in battle inside it to burn them, and to pay a final tribute to those who have been lost.”
The symbolism of the gesture touched Jules - she, too, was one of the 100 - but she knew Grounder customs and had learned to live within that culture. She hoped the other delinquents wouldn’t feel insulted.
“Please, know that no offense will be taken if you choose to decline the offering.” Lexa resumed, concerned as well. “I apologize on Trikru’s behalf in case the totem comes up as an insult, I can assure there is no malicious intent behind this action.”
Harper swallowed before finally saying something.
“Thank you. I appreciate it, and I know others will too. It is a very delicate gesture.”
“I’m glad you’re taking it this way. The totem is still harnessed to the carriage, if you want I can ask for it to be moved to your new camp.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll round up the others and we’ll take care of it! It won’t take long!”
“The oth-? Do you want to have a ceremony now?” Jules understood.
“You, Octavia and Clarke are rarely in Arkadia, this is a perfect opportunity!”
“Octavia is here?”
“Let’s meet at the dropship in an hour! Don’t be late!”
“Wait Harper I -”
Too late, she was gone. The gift had the desired effect, at least that was something… even if Harper was a bit too eager to make good use out of it. Which was nice and all, a ceremony to honor the dead, yay… And she had a point, the number of times all of the 100 had gathered together in Arkadia could be counted on one hand - even Bellamy wasn’t that far away and could watch from a distance if he were told right away, but… It wasn't even noon yet, and Jules'd already been stuck in a never-ending meeting, she really didn't feel like going through that again. Also…
“Do you have any idea how to get to the dropship?” Lexa asked.
“Not the slightest.”
“Do you know where Klark went?”
“She said she was going to the control room.”
“Where is the control room?”
“I don’t even know what that is.”
“Good luck, I’ll be resting in the carriage if you need me.”
“No way, it’s your dumb rock that got me into this mess. If I have to crawl through tunnels before lunchtime, I’m dragging you along with me.”