The Conclave / Another Life (A Clexa Story)

Chapter 3: Bandit Eyes

Clarkes POV

The last day I've found myself incredibly bored, with almost nothing to do. Sure I've been helping out around camp, but with Jasper getting better, I don't have to keep checking on him all of the time. Monty's working on reverse-engineering the bracelets, which is about the most interesting thing happening around here. The wall's built and Wells is on watch more often than not now. So I feel pretty useless.

I keep glancing at my stupid bracelet thing annoyed, all I've had is time, which means I've been doing a lot of thinking. Which I'm good at. All I do is think, being locked in a cell for over a year I've gotten used to being lost in my own head. Still, maybe I overthink things sometimes. All I've been able to do is actually process everything going on, everything we've been through. I had a year to grieve for my dad and I thought I was past it, but finding out it was mom's fault... that gaping pain in my chest just came rushing back.

Like a wound getting cut back open. I wish there was something I could do to make her feel the pain she put me through. To make her feel this gut-wrenching feeling, is that bad? It sounds awful, wanting to hurt another human being, but it's all I've been thinking about. Making her hurt, I still love her still... I'm pretty sure I do anyway. Continuing to poke and prod the metal contraption on my wrist I pause.

That might be too much. Glancing at the dropship where Monty is, I bite my lip. It wouldn't be for long though, it'd hurt her just long enough for us to communicate with the Ark. Without a second thought I start moving over to the metal deathtrap we call home, looking around for my favorite tech nerd. It doesn't actually take all that long to spot him in the back corner, with Octavia sitting next to him.

"Monty!" Quickly, I head over, startling him slightly. "Do you still need a bracelet thingy?"

"The wristband that transfers our vitals back to the ark?" He asks, smiling as he mocks me slightly, making me roll my eyes. Though I can't help but smile. "Why yes I do, I don't suppose you're looking to donate?"

"Actually as a matter of fact I am."

"You're not worried about your mom?" He asks, his features somewhat somber. My jaw clenches and Monty nods, understanding. "I'll take that as a no." He sighs. "Alright, put your hand on the table, this will hurt a bit."

"You think you can actually do it?" I trust Monty, if he thinks he can do this, then I'm sure he can, but that doesn't mean I'm not still worried about it.

"If I have a quiet workspace maybe." He deadpans.

"Sorry," I mutter. He does some tinkering with a couple of small tools, none of which I've actually used. They must be like jewelry tools or something. Then there's a small click as it opens. He smiles, slowly opening the hinges. I'll admit when the small glowing needles leave my skin my wrist feels like it's on fire, but the pain quickly subsides.

"Ha! Finally!" Monty yells victoriously, hopping out of his chair slightly. I can't help but grin at his reaction.

"Did it work?" Octavia asks, sliding up behind me, and nearly giving me a heart attack. I jump, smacking her arm, and she just sticks her tongue out at me.

"So far," Monty says, slowly tinkering with the device, seeming somewhat nervous.

"Hey, guys, what's going on?" Jasper asks, coming down the ladder.

"Monty got the bracelet thing to keep glowing," O says very professionally.

"Oh sick, so can we talk to the ark?" Jasper sounds super excited.

"No, I've still got to hardwire it into the dropship's mainframe, but that shouldn't take too long," Monty replies, seeming to still his nerves.

"How long are we talking here?" I wonder aloud.