It's the End of the World as We Know it (Silent Moments Series: Book 4)

Chapter 3

 Raven's voice was a mix of instruction and caution as she handed over the blueprint for the hydro generator. "And don't forget it's filled with hydrazine that combined with oxygen can make water, so go slow," she explained, emphasizing the need for careful handling.

Monty, with a light-hearted chuckle, replied, "And the hydrazine could go boom, I know. Raven, I got this. Don't you have a ship to fix?"

Bellamy, focused on the practicalities, updated us on our power reserves. "Battery's full. If we're lucky, we won't have to stop to recharge."

Holding up Roan's seal, I offered a final piece of advice. "Even luckier if Roan's seal will work like it's supposed to. If you get in trouble, just show this," I said, recognizing the potential value of our alignment with the King.

"Got it, thanks. Load up!" Bellamy ordered, then hesitated for a moment. "You could still come with us."

But I was resolute. "No, I can't. Arkadia is just plan B, it doesn't help the Grounders. I'm not stopping until we have a solution that saves everyone," I told him firmly.

Bellamy nodded, understanding but resolute in his own mission. "We save who we can save today," he said.

Our exchange was brief, but meaningful. As he climbed into the rover, we exchanged nods – a silent acknowledgment of the gravity of our separate paths.

Turning my attention back to Raven, I needed to check on her progress with the ship. "Alright, let's go!" I called out, determined to keep moving forward.

Raven was in full command mode, directing the scant volunteers with precision. "We've got a lot of work to get ready for winter. Sector four, crack in the outer wall we need to patch up. Start by repairing the damaged panels. Sector five we need to get that tree out of the hole and seal it up. Any questions? Ok, go!" Her voice was firm, her leadership undeniable.

Approaching her, I asked, "You ok?" There hadn't been much time to talk after everything that had happened.

Her frustration was evident as she snapped back. "There was so much to do and I got a total of five volunteers to help me fix the ship?"

"It's a start," I sighed, trying to offer some encouragement.

Raven's stress was palpable. "I can't run this repair alone, Kegan. Even if I had complete mobility. Even if Sinclair was still alive. Who the hell am I giving orders. I'm-I'm not the chief."

"And I'm not the Chancellor, but here we are. For what it's worth, there's nobody I trust to do this more than you. As soon as Bellamy gets back with that machine, we go public with everything and get you the help that you need," I reassured her.

Jaha's sudden appearance interrupted our conversation. "Am I interrupting?" he asked, somewhat sheepishly.

Raven's reaction to him was immediate and hostile. "What do you want?" she snapped.

Jaha, undeterred, offered his expertise. "I was an engineer before I was Chancellor. I supervised the redesign of sector five," he said, trying to make his case.

Raven's anger boiled over as she confronted him with his past actions. "And how many people died in Sector five from the Culling when you sucked the air out of their lungs?"

Jaha's response was calm, yet chilling. "Forty-two. Would you like to know their names?"

The tension between them was palpable. Raven, unable to contain her fury, decided to walk away – a decision that was probably best for everyone involved.

"Raven, wait. We could use the help," I called after her, aware of the complexity of the situation but also the necessity of Jaha's expertise.

Raven's retort was a stark reminder of Jaha's actions under A.L.I.E.'s influence. "You do know he made me cut my wrists to force Abby to take the chip, right?"