Project Iphigenia (Bellarke)

Chapter 1

"This has gotten out of hand, Abby. One time is an isolated incident to be aware of, watch, but usually is soothed or dissolves away. But five? Great, stars..." Thelonious Jaha's voice was rough, and his eyes traveled around the Medical Bay with sadness and regret. The newly appointed Chancellor wrung his hands, looking to one of his most trusted friends helplessly.

"I have redefined my opinion of luck at each incident." Abby agreed dryly, "The first time, it was lucky we discovered the plan before it happened. The second, that we stopped it only moments into it. The third time, I thought we had evaded disaster when there was only a man who lost a tooth. The fourth time it was that no one had to stay overnight here, just minor scratches. But this time?" She had the same tone of desperation, shaking her head as everyone flitted around, tending to burns and scars and injuries of the men and women, "This time, I consider it lucky these people are still alive."

She met Jaha's gaze with a deep frown, "Next time we won't be lucky." There was a certainty in her voice, a certainty that Jaha knew deep down to be true. He nodded gravely, licking his lips as he considered his next words with caution.

"Next time, I fear you are right. We will lose people. It will not just be an incident, but a rebellion, or dare I say, a mutiny." His voice was so quiet that Abby almost didn't hear it. She understood the need for scrutiny; no one wanted to incite panic among the people on the Ark, not before this could be taken care of.

Jake Griffin jogged into the Medical Bay, an emotionless expression planted on his face.

"The damage?" Jaha asked softly, wincing.

"Fixable." Jake said, and both his wife and Jaha relaxed. He led them outside to a place where few people walked, but despite this, no one talked until they made it back to the Griffin's residence.

"Clarke is with Wells at your place." Jake said, using the keypad to unlock the door, "I figured that this was a talk we didn't need children to hear. They are well occupied with ice cream and chess." He said, breaking into a small smile.

Jaha seemed disturbed though, shaking his head. "Wells could have been in that area. It's a common route he takes home from school. If he'd just been a little early..." His hands shook, and he couldn't even finish his second.

"But he wasn't." Abby was quick to comfort him.

"And Abby says the injuries just need time to heal, but no one is really that bad off, right?" Jake said, looking to her for confirmation.

"Yes, of course."

"The area that was damaged in the explosion is far more minor than we thought. Two families need to relocate while we fix it, but other than that, it shouldn't take much more energy."

"The energy to fix the underlying problem though..."

Jake and Abby exchanged glances. Both realized that their friend could not be soothed, no matter their words. But neither denied the problem at hand. Jake did what any sensible friend would do; he got a strong drink for the three of them. Jaha hardly glanced at it.

"I feel as though I have already failed, and I've hardly led our people for more than a six months." Jaha said brokenly, "Perhaps it's a sign I should stand down..."

"Nonsense!" Abby's voice was firm, "It's not you. Diana may have had these problems too, had the timing matched up. The unrest I think has been brewing for ages." She said.

"If you can't fix this, you might be right." Jake said, and Abby sent him a hard glare, "But, we know you will, of course." He added at his wife's look.

"I've been talking with Diana. I did just after I heard." Jaha admitted, taking a swig of his drink.

"Do you trust her?" Abby's voice was suspicious, "You did, after all, take her job."