Wednesday, 1/10/2149
I set up Raven outside, under the clear blue sky, so everyone may gather and listen to Chancellor Jaha's hopeful words as they echo through the screen and speakers.
"My friends, this is a historic Unity Day. Every year, we mark the moment our ancestors of the twelve stations joined to form the Ark, but this is the last time we do so while aboard her. Next year, on the ground. For ninety-seven years, we have eked out an existence, hoping that someday our descendants would return to Earth. To our sons and daughters on Earth listening to this message, we will see you soon. The first Exodus ship will launch in under sixty hours, carrying you the reinforcements that you need, so stay strong. Help is on the way. We have seen the true soul of our people. But enough from me. You are all here for the pageant anyway, right? Without further ado, I present the story of us." Jaha moves to the side and the camera changes to a little girl.
"Long ago when the Earth was on fire, through space all alone. Then one day, Mir floated by Shenzhen, and they realised life would be better together. The other stations saw this, and they wanted to be together, too. When all the stations were formed, they called themselves the Ark" The little girl continues telling the story, but I move away from the screen and towards Bellamy.
"Having fun?" he asks me with a drink in his hand, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
I laugh, feeling Bellamy's warmth beside me as we watch the campfire crackle and dance under the bright sun. His smile is infectious, and I can't help but smile back. "I'm always having fun when you're around," I reply, nudging him playfully. He laughs.
"I was almost born on Unity Day, do you know that?" he shakes his head dramatically. "My mother didn't want me to feel left out because everyone was celebrating Unity Day instead of my birthday. So, she persuaded Abby to induce her labour so I could have my own unique day to celebrate, just for me."
"Orella, want a cup of unity juice? I promise it's a different batch from what we drank on your birthday." Jasper hands me the cup, and I take a slow sip.
My face contorts in a fake grimace, and Jasper's expression drops in disappointment. I can't help but chuckle. "Just kidding! I like this one better. Good work, boys!" Jasper and Monty light up, exchanging triumphant glances and high-fives their own hands, proudly sharing the news that I approve of their moonshine.
Bellamy and I share a glance, shaking our heads with amusement. He grins; "Those two are so bizarre."
"So true," I reply with a warm smile, my gaze sweeping over the camp ablaze with the colours of a setting sun. Amidst the flickering shadows, Octavia's gesture drew my attention, beckoning me to her side across the bustling campsite.
"I'll be right back," I tell Bellamy as I make my way over to Octavia.
"On the Spirit of Unity Day, I have something to tell you, but you can't get upset or tell anyone, especially my brother, okay?" I nod, and she leans in closer, her voice dropping to a hush whisper. "I've made friends with a Grounder. His name is Lincoln, and we're planning to set up a peace talk with his unit leader." The words tumble out of her mouth at breakneck speed, leaving me momentarily stunned.
"I've had Wells diligently working on a peace treaty. I understand your caution about involving others, but to make this endeavour a success, I require two allies: Lilly and Wells," I declare with a hint of excitement in my voice.
"Why Lilly?" she asks, her curiosity piques as she tries to unravel my enigmatic strategy.
"Because she's been eavesdropping on us. If we exclude her, there's a risk she might tell everything to your brother, despite your cautionary words." Lilly emerges from her concealed vantage point, positioning herself between us with an eager expression fixed on Octavia.
"You can come, but you must listen to our every instruction, understood?" I emphasise. Lilly nods eagerly, hugging both of us tightly before dashing off towards our tent.
"Love you, Mum," she shouts over her shoulder, her laughter trailing behind her as she dashes towards our cozy tent, the vibrant colours of the setting sun casting a magical glow over the campsite.
My heart swells with pride at her fearless spirit, the wind carrying her joyful giggles to where I stand, a grin spreading across my face as I watch her disappear into the embrace of our temporary home.
"When did that happen?" Octavia asks; I assume she's referring to Lilly calling me mum.
"a couple of days ago she had a nightmare and called out to me in her sleep and it just stuck, Will's trying it out too while I think it might take a little longer for Charlotte to come around to the idea, she's still having nightmares about her parents being floated," A wave of melancholy passes over us as we silently acknowledge the weight of our shared burdens.
"I'm going to get Wells and my backpack; I have to tell your brother something, so he doesn't come looking for me, but I'll rendezvous with you near the marked tree." Octavia slips away from camp while I return to Bellamy.
"Lilly has left camp; I need to find her," I assert, detecting his immediate concern flicker across his expression.
"Is she okay? What happened?" Bellamy begins to stand, but I place a reassuring hand on his arm.
"I drove her away by refusing her moonshine. I must fix this alone. I'll be fine." Reluctantly, Bellamy settles back down.
With unyielding resolve, I locate Wells, pulling him aside and whisper, "Follow me. I'll explain everything soon." He nods in silent compliance as we cautiously navigate the camp, Lilly joining us as she catches up while we head towards the designated tree.
wells ask where we are going and Octavia tells us about a cave Lincoln uses; "I've been there before," I say.
Octavia looks at me, surprised, "I found it while running from the yellow fog; Lilly, Charlotte and Will took a nap in there while we waited for the fog to dissipate" Wells then questions who Lincoln is and what we are doing.
"We're going to meet with Lincoln's unit leader?" the last bit I question.
"Lincoln is a part of a warrior and scout unit, he's been one of the ones watching the 100", Octavia answers. Wells seems to be taking in this information easily while Lilly looks a little freaked out.
"I pee in those woods" I try not to laugh at her worries.
"I really doubt the scouts were sent to watch little girls pee in the woods Lilly, but I'll ask if that makes you feel better" She makes an annoyed face at me and grumbles at me but lets it go.
we walk for what feels like hours but eventually make it to Lincoln's cave, he's already inside when we arrive.
"This is your leader," he asks looking surprised for some reason.
"I am Orella Ward, this is my daughter, Lilly Ward, she's a Warrior apprentice, and this is Wells Jaha, he's our future ambassador" Wells looks at me surprised, as I have not told him this yet.
"I am Lincoln Kom Trikru."
"Tree clan?" I pretend to guess, and he nods, surprised.
"What do you call us?"
"Skaikru," he says, and Lilly looks at me, surprised.
"That sounds just like your other name," Lincoln asks about it and Lilly says.
"Oh, on the ark, our old home in space, she was known as the skai champion" Lincoln turns to face me so fast I worry he might give himself whiplash.
"Our heda, commander will want to meet you but for now we must meet with my unit leader" I nod.
together the five of us start our journey with Lincoln and Octavia leading us.
We reach the meeting place, standing at the edge of two vast expanses of land that were once divided by a mighty river, now a dry bed connecting them. The concrete bridge stretching across the gap seemed to defy gravity, daring us to cross.
We wait with bated breath for what feels like an eternity until a thundering sound signals the arrival of the grounders. Four figures emerge, perched atop colossal horses that seem to dwarf everything in their path. The riders are armed to the teeth, their weapons glinting menacingly in the sunlight.
"I was told there were to be no weapons," Lincoln says looking at me apologetically but I just smirk.
"Looks like we both broke that rule," I say as I bring out my spikes, strapping them to my waist so everyone can see them, "I will walk alone but Wells and Lilly stay at least 5 steps behind me, Octavia will you be staying here with Lincoln," she says yes and I nod.
The fearless leader, a woman of unrivalled determination, gracefully dismounts her horse and strides confidently towards the heart of the ancient stone bridge. Intrigued by her boldness, I quickly follow suit, matching her swift pace. My eyes remain fixed on the cobblestones beneath my feet until we finally converge in the centre, standing mere inches apart. That's when I lift my head, revealing my face, our gazes locking in a silent yet powerful exchange.
Completely shocked Anya says nothing, "It has been a long-time onya, how have you been."
She lingers in silence for a heartbeat longer, then boldly presses forward, catching everyone off guard as she envelops me in a spontaneous embrace. The warmth of her hug radiates through me, momentarily capturing the attention of onlookers. As quickly as the moment began, she abruptly withdraws, a flicker of realisation in her eyes as she regains composure.
"How are you here, how are you alive" she questions me.
"I was reborn in space as a Skaikru. How much do you remember?" I ask.
"Your death the day Skaikru came down, up until my death" She remains vague about her death, but I understand it is hard to think of my own past death.
"I am here as the leader of the 100 children from the sky to meet Linkoln Kom Trikru's unit leader to talk about peace between our people," Anya nods in understanding.
"This is Lilly Ward, my daughter and my seken, while this is Wells Jaha, my ambassador." I wave the two of them up next to me.
"She must show much promise if you have taken her as your seken," Onya remarks, her sharp gaze analysing Lilly with unapologetic scrutiny. I watch as Lilly, under Onya's critical eye, instinctively adjusts her posture, standing taller and more confident.
"Sha almost as much as you did," Onya gives me a fake glare but I just smirk.
"Well's Father is the leader of the rest of Skaikru who was still in space" Onya's neutral face turns sour but doesn't say anything.
"Is Leksa, Heda in this life? Does she remember?" Onya nods, I continue pleased, "Good, we have much to discuss then; will you set a meeting between us onya?"
She thinks about it for a moment before nodding, "5 days' time, I will come to collect you from your camp, keep Linkoln with you".
"Sha, for now, it seems I have a lot to explain to my people", I say with a sigh, and Onya smirks at me this time.
"I remember your secretiveness from my childhood, have fun" She then turns and walks back toward her horse.
"Ride safe, Onya," she nods.
"Leidon, nomon" she says in a teasing way.
I stride confidently off the bridge towards Octavia and Lincoln, with a perplexed Wells and Lilly hesitantly following in my wake.
"I have never seen Anya hug anyone. Do you two know each other?" Lincoln asks, his voice curious.
"We did, in another life," I reply, a hint of mystery in my tone. Octavia and Lincoln exchange surprised glances.
"You remember, how I don't remember you at all," Octavia voices out as we make our way back to Lincoln's cave. The glow of the setting sun illuminates our path back, casting long shadows across the rugged terrain. As we walk, they bombard me with more questions, the air crackling with anticipation and intrigue.