Second Chances - Resurrection

Chapter 16

"Mom, I will not tell them to follow Jaha. It's their choice and they have made it. After all most of them are adults and the ones who are not of age according to your standards have had to grow up fast to survive. They have earned the right to have their opinions and decisions respected."

I couldn't believe after everything she is still pushing me to rejoin with the Ark. We have more important things to discuss like how they are getting down.

"Dad tell me about the Ark and how it will break apart if it was to be launched back to earth. I want to know if you can use the Ark to bring everyone back to earth."

I don't know who was more stunned, him or the rest of the council. Jaha looked like he was going to choke on his tongue.

"Well sweetie, yes the Ark can be launched back to earth the problem is we don't know which pieces will survive and which will explode." My dad informs me. I looked over at Raven.

"Do you think you can pull up the schematic of the Ark and broadcast it for Raven and me to view?"

"Sure, Sinclair is working on it now. Why? I didn't know you knew so much about the engineering aspect of the Ark." He said with a confused look on his face.

"I don't but I do know how things break apart and with the trajectory, we may be able to pinpoint which sections will survive and land closer to us. Between Raven, Sinclair, you, and me we should be able to get you all down and in the general vicinity of where we are."

"Got it, Clarke," Raven says.

"Give us a minute Dad." He nods. Raven puts us on mute.

"What are you thinking?"

I point at Alpha station. I think if they leave at the right time, they could land really close to us. Alpha station will survive, Farm station with where it's placed will end up in or near Azgega, Factory station will end up over by Blue Cliffs area which will not survive, Mecha station will land near Alpha station, I don't think anything else will survive or land close enough to us to be of use. I can talk with Anya about Farm station landing in Azgeda. She may be able to get Lexa to help get our people out of the Ice Nation without casualties. What do you think Raven?"

"I don't disagree. With how the station is sitting and put together, I think that is the best we can hope for. Alpha, Farm, and Mecha stations will need to house not only the people but also the things we can't replace. If your right, then they will need to make room for the components in the other sections. We may not need them to survive but just in case it would be nice to have them." She started pointing out the pieces from an engineering and mechanic view.

After we were done, we started going over everything with my dad and Sinclair. They agreed with the assessment but Jaha didn't. As usual, he piped up and claimed I couldn't possibly understand what I was talking about.

"Actually Jaha, what she is saying is accurate. Farm would land far north; Factory would land farther to the southeast and if we time it correctly both Alpha and Mecha would land close to each other because they are more solidly connected than the other pieces. We could time it so we would land close to them." My dad nodded his head in agreement.

"Well, I will let you two be the deciding factor on what you wish to do, but this plan is the only one I can see working. It's also the best way to get everyone to earth with the least amount of casualties. Let me know if I need to negotiate safe passage for Farm station. Please do so before you must leave, or they land there. Ice nation isn't known for being welcoming."

As they talk amongst themselves, I noticed other people in the room watching me. It's interesting how people behave when they think they're not being watched. I could see the shock and the fear on their faces, but I also saw respect. I didn't get much time to dwell on it before my dad requested me to negotiate on their behalf.

"Of course, safe passage will be available as soon as you land. Please stay in the stations with the doors shut. We will come to get you, but it would be safer for everyone if you all waited for one of us to collect you. We will deliver you to the stations closest to us. Also, do remember we will not be rejoining you but you're always welcome with us. Let me know when you plan to leave. I need to go so I can make the necessary arrangements. I love you, mom, and dad. May we meet again." I said and Raven cut the video and put it on mute.

"You are to arrest her on-site," Jaha said

"No, that child as you call her is helping to save our lives. She had an idea and a plan to get everyone down to earth which is more than you can say." Sinclair said.

"You will not be arresting my daughter Jaha." My dad chimed in.

"Clarke needs to return to our people Jake, but that will never happen if you try to arrest her Jaha. You have heard those kids. They think the sun rises and sets on her." My mom said.

"She is not in command and will divide our people. An example needs to be made." Jaha insisted.

"Thelonious, our people are already divided. Our children have told us they are staying with her. They have told us the grounders respect her. They call her a princess which the grounders have adopted. I don't think that nickname started out as a compliment, but she has taken the mantel of command whether you like it or not. She will be surrounded by grounders and they will protect her as she is their ally. They may not do so for us without her help. Right now, she is buying our lives and safety. She is in command and is the one with the power, it's time you realize this. Your own son has told you he will not return to the Ark. Look around you, do you really think these people will leave their children and stay with us. I'm not, I will stay with Clarke because she is my daughter, and she has earned the respect of not only her own but those who could be called enemy. Could you have done the same?" My dad stated.

"I'll start getting the Ark ready for re-entry. The rest of this can be decided on the ground." Sinclair said.

"Jake you can't be serious. We are safer with the rest of our people."

"No Abby, I don't think we are. I think we are safer with Clarke. Look at what she has done. Would any of us be able to do the same? I don't think so. I choose to trust my daughter and you should too."

There was nothing after that. Raven left the link open just in case we may get lucky again, but I doubt they realized we didn't break the connection. It was interesting to see how people landed on this subject. I realized my actions spoke louder than my words.

"Well Princess, I suggest you get going. You have negotiations to make and we have room to make for the people who will be moving in with us." She started laughing. I giggled as I left the dropship. I guess some people can surprise you. My biggest surprise is my mother siding with Jaha, although not entirely. The last time she pulled for me but was mostly on Kane's side. As he wanted piece after the needless death it worked in my favor some of the time but even then, it took Kane to point out I was in charge even though I stated it in front of everyone. Sometimes we're blind to what is right in front of us.