Since Day One

Part 78.

We all had taken a seat at the food filled table, Clarke and I one one side and Russell with his wife on the other while classical music played in the background. It's such a peaceful environment yet I'm so nervous.

"You must be starving." Russell said kindly as he fed his dog.

"I'm fine actually." Clarke smiled, "Delilahs family has been taking good care of us. Thank you for that."

"It's rude not to eat when you're a guest at someone's home Clarke. I'm sure your friend would agree." Russels wife said as she picked up a fruit from her plate and ate it.

I can't even imagine how nervous I looked so immediately planted a smile on my face and looked at the woman, "Of course, thank you, it looks amazing."

They both smiled at us. Clarke and I gave each other a quick nervous glance before picking up the same vegetable off a tray.

Clarke's eyes lit up , "Oh my god, it's really good."

"We like our simple pleasures here."Russell said softly.

"We don't like finding strangers in our home." The woman said bluntly, and just when I thought I couldn't get even more nervous, why would Clarke even want me here in the first place if I'm an even more nervous wreck than her.

"Oh,  sorry about that, but we were running from a swarm. Trust me, it's not the way that we wanted to be introduced. Like your founders on Eligius III, we're looking to start over, do better." Clarke said calmly, honestly she's great at this whole persuading thing

"Yes I would hope so, considering you destroyed the planet of your birth." The woman added, it's official, she's a lot more intimidating than her husband.

"Actually I was born in space, she was born on earth." Clarke signaled at me.

I simply nodded and smiled without a word to say.

"But I take your point, look. Here's the truth. Without your help, we won't survive here. You know it. I know it. Our ancestors did destroy the earth, but they're you're ancestors too."

I saw Russell glance at his wife at Clarke's words. Neither of them said anything until she spoke."How many people have you killed Clarke? Or should we call you Wanheda."

My smile immediately faded and Clarke's face fell, Jordan. I could tell Clarke was at a loss for words so I have to come up with something.

"Our friend Jordan likes to talk huh. Yes we have all done some horrible things we regret to survive and keep our loved ones safe. Most of us hate ourselves for it, trust me I know. But that's why we're here, for a new beginning to do good in a new home. That's why we are sitting here to negotiate a possibility for peace between our people." I say as confidently and as respectful as I possibly can be.

"Well, You sure have a way with words Bela., I'll give you that." Russell's wife said unimpressed.

"Well I've only had over a 100 years of expierence." I said as I raised an eyebrow and picked up a bread.

"ah yes, but you spent 125 years asleep." She corrects.

"Had a lot of time to reflect." I said quickly as I put the bread in my mouth.

"You see I'm having trouble understanding who really is in charge of your people, a commander who I understand is a child, blodreina, the reason for your last war, Clarke who we've  invited here today, or you, Bela who seems to be doing all the talking and the only person who's making me somewhat rethink my decision about letting your people die outside this shield."

I tried to hide the smile that wanted to creep up on my face "Well, Wonkru makes decisions together."

"You're people, from what I've heard, aren't the best kind of people." She challenged.