Fears on Fire

Chapter Eight

I heard the small conversations between different delinquents outside of the blue tent. Most of the conversations consisted of yesterday's events. I took me awhile to digest everything, piece by piece. I was slowly understanding what was currently happening on the Ark. Clarke and I sat in a tent with computers and technology sitting in front of us. Jaha's face filled the screen of the computer as we listened to him speaking. I played with the hem of my blue sleeve. "We're doing everything we can to prepare here," I said, earning a nod from the men and women.

"We're gathering nuts and berries, curing meats, digging for roots, but the truth is, we'll freeze before we starve," Clarke added. "There's good news on that front. According to civil defense plans from before the war, there's an old emergency aid depot not far from the landing site," said Kane, joining the conversation.

My sister nodded in an understanding movement. "In addition to supplies, it could provide shelter for the hundred and for the citizens coming down from the Ark," Jaha informed, trying to give us hope. "And what makes you think it's intact?" I asked. "It was designed to withstand nuclear warfare," Kane answered. "Alright," Clarke sighed, "It's worth a shot."

"I think we can do it! If we've survived this long, there's no harm in trying," I encouraged, earning a small smile from Clarke. "Chancellor, I have to object. Project Exodus is under way," a women named Diana said, "The kids should sit tight in their camp until the first drop ship launches." I scoffed, rolling my eyes at the women's comment.

"Even if everything goes without a hitch, the hundred would die from exposure before relief arrives," countered Jaha, "I'd like to talk with Y/N and Clarke please, alone." The council members nodded their heads and left their Chancellor alone in the room. Clarke and I exchanged a look, neither of us wanted to talk to our mother after what happened to both of us. Jaha waited till the door fully closed before talking to my sister and I.

"We are all very proud of what you've done down there," Chancellor Jaha said. I smiled shyly at the man, continuing to play with the hem of my sleeve. "and Y/N," he resumed, "I am truly sorry about Cass and her mother, I know how close you were to the Orion's. I want you to know that we tried our best." I smiled once more, but I knew deep down what he was speaking was not truthful. "Your mother...." he trailed. "We don't want to talk to our mother," I said. "Please," Chancellor Jaha insisted, "It is time to forgive, let me schedule a time with your mother."

"Y/N and I know you both think that betraying my dad, killing him, was an unavoidable tragedy, but we don't see it that way, and we never will," said Clarke. "I know that you could've stopped Mary's death," I said, "We all know that you could've helped them, but you didn't want to. You never wanted to get involved, and you never will." The man rose his eyebrows, taken aback from our comments. The man cleared his throat and opened his mouth to speak. "So just tell us whose next and let someone who actually wants to talk with their parents have a turn," Clarke said, not giving Jaha a chance to respond. Clarke grabbed my hand and we left the tent.

****

The thick grey clouds kept the golden sun from the shining down on Earth this morning. The howl of the cold wind brushed up against the trees that surrounded camp. I could hear the slight chirp from the birds, which made the day a little more cheery. The ground was still damp from yesterdays rain storm. Some trees had fallen over as the storm progressed through the night. Multiple delinquents wandered around camp, unsure on what to do. I did see some kids standing at their posts like they were ordered to do. I walked around camp to make sure anyone needed assistance. Jasper and Monty stood at one of the tables, crushing nuts and different types of berries.

We were slowly running out of food and becoming desperate for different alternatives to help us through the winter. Two kids were struggling to lift up a far log that had fallen at the entrance of the camp. I rushed over to the two of them and helped them lift then large tree trunk off the ground. We walked over to the far side of the camp, tossing it to the side. "Thanks Y/N," the red headed girl said. I smiled, brushing the dirt off of my palms. "No problem," I replied and ushered them to continue cleaning the camp.