This Is What You Were Born For

[Marcus Kane]

Marcus left the chamber were they had been tallying the votes, and walked toward the rooms that Bellamy had been using as his own. His thick boots left muted thuds on the hard flooring as he moved down the hall. As per his normal his clothing and appearance was neat and clean, even in these times of limited everything. Marcus Kane would never appear anything but in full control of himself.

Things had been hard in the city since Pike had taken over, but the rebellion had come to Pike's death. Marcus regretted a lot, but mostly he regretted that Bellamy had to be the one to do it. It had not been long ago that Octavia had returned after warning a grounder village about Pike's men coming. When she did, Pike had her locked up, and his supporters took action by breaking her from prison and sending her out of the gates for the 'grounders she loved to much' to have her. Marcus had hoped they would keep her alive, but it had been a few days later when her coat turned up with blood, along with some of the scouts Pike sent out.

That was where it began, but this is where it ended. Marcus knocked on the door, but pushed it open as well. "We need to speak," he told Bellamy, watching his face to see what was going on in his head. Loosing so many people . . . he knew it was hard, but he needed to know what the people voted for.

[Bellamy Blake]

Tag: Marcus Kane

whatever

THE HELL WE WANT

Everything was a blur. Pike was dead. Octavia could very well be dead. He wasn't sure how to process any of it. Hell, he wasn't even sure he could. Certainly not his sister's death. There was still a sliver of hope that she was alive. He hadn't mourned her yet. He wouldn't until there was a body. He hoped that after this, he could search for her. That the kill order would be lifted and either the Grounders would tell him straight up what happened to her, or he would find her . . . alive. That was the next step. His next priority. But right now . . . he just needed a second to breathe. Pike's death had not been intentional, but Bellamy had been the one to commit it. The Grounders had demanded Pike's body but it was not something he was willing to give. Charles was still an Arker, still one of their own.

Bellamy just stood in front of the mirror in his bathroom, his head lowered to the sink. He had washed the blood off his hands . . . though it would never truly come off. Pike had been a friend, a supportive figure when Bellamy had lost Gena and had practically broken down. And now, he was one more life on Bellamy's conscience. Just like Octavia may be. And her death, was not something he would ever be able to recover from. A knock on the door pulled him out of his thoughts and he stepped out of the small room, to see Marcus let himself in. He just stared at him in returned, numbed to everything that was happening, not quite certain how to react. He just knew he couldn't break down. Especially not in front of Kane. "What is it?" He asked, aware that the older male would want to get straight down to business, and he wasn't going to waste his time. After all, Kane was most likely the next Chancellor.

[Marcus Kane]

Marcus took a moment to look over Bellamy's face before he spoke again/ He knew that what had been done so far wasn't easy, but what was to come would only make that harder for Bellamy. He had come to see him as a son, and in that time he had gotten to know him better. Bellamy didn't want the responsibility of leading anyone, but he would step up and do what had to be done to protect the people around him. He didn't shy away from getting blood on his hands, but nor did he seek it out. He had come a long way from the boy who shot the chancellor, to the man before him today. Marcus was very proud of that change.

"We are still counting votes, but by this point we know who will win. Even if every single vote left was for someone else, the others are already amounting to Over 69% of the population." Meaning they knew who was chancellor now, not couldn't officially let it out until all the votes were counted to be fair. Marcus walked over to the window and looked out for a moment, before looking back at Bellamy. "When Abby and I were doing what was best for this city, we thought joining the grounders were bring peace. When Pike did it, he thought beating them down would do it. It seems everyone has different ideas of what is best."

Turning to face Bellamy full on, Marcus folded his hands behind his back. "Yet there seems to be someone the people still trusts after the mistakes that have been made. On both my and Pikes parts." Marcus's head tilted up slightly in pride, and because while giving Pike the pin had been hard, telling Bellamy he would have it was good. He had faith that Bellamy wouldn't take them down the same road as Pike had. That Bellamy could lead them to peace if he didn't like hate rule him. "I came to give you the news now, so you can have time to adjust to it. Because tonight, once the votes are counted, you will not be a guardsmen, but the new chancellor of Arkcdia."

[Bellamy Blake]

Tag: Marcus Kane

whatever

THE HELL WE WANT

Bellamy listened attentively to Marcus' words, regarding the votes. Was he telling him because Bellamy had been in a close position to the late Chancellor? He didn't question the motives for Kane revealing this, nor did he interrupt the man. Marcus would be Chancellor and so perhaps he was offering him a courtesy by telling him ahead of time. It was no surprise. Had Pike not gained that group of zealous followers -- including Bellamy -- then Marcus would have won. He would have been Chancellor a long time ago. And then, Pike may have still been alive. The guilt over what Bellamy had done weighed on him, far more than he cared to admit. Charles wasn't the villain. He was merely doing what he thought was best for their people. And he had died because of it.

Remaining focused on Kane's words, Bellamy numbed these thoughts so he wouldn't drown in them and could continue to listen to what the man had to say. It was true, that the conflicting methods of acheiving peace had been what caused such civil unrest. Bellamy had been in disagreement to both in certain aspects. He never thought joining the coalition and submitting to Lexa was a good idea. But he had also voiced his disagreement to Pike when it came to certain situations. It had left the younger male conflicted, but clearly choosing a side until he was forced to oppose him.

Not because Pike went against the Grounders, but because he had gone against the Arkers. That, was not something Bellamy could get behind. Kane continued to speak about how someone still held the trust of the people. It was odd, because it almost sounded like Kane wasn't talking about himself. Bellamy looked at him, curiosity striking though his expression remained unchanged. Who was it then? It wasn't Clarke that was for damn sure. And probably not Abby, though he supposed that was always a possibility. No. It had to be Kane. Perhaps Bellamy was just over analyzing.

When Marcus turned to look at him, that was when he revealed the words. It left Bellamy in a state of shock. His eyes slightly widened at this news. Him, the next Chancellor. It took several moments for this to even register in his mind, unable to fully accept it. No. He couldn't. He slightly shook his head, lowering his gaze to look at his hands that had killed so many people. Hundreds of people. "I killed the last Chancellor." And he had shot the first Chancellor. There was a fairly grim pattern when it came to Bellamy and Chancellors. But that wasn't the point. The point was . . . he was not worthy of this role. He didn't want that responsibility. He had told Clarke that people died when she was in charge, but the truth was, they died when Bellamy was in charge as well. Because he failed to protect them.

The harder he tried, the harder he failed and he couldn't bare to have any more blood on his conscience. How much would there be before he drowned in it? Slowly, Bellamy raised his gaze to meet Kane's once more. "I can't accept that position." His voice was determined, an underlying tone of defeat and emotion. "I won't," he added on, slightly shaking his head at the mere notion. "It's yours." Because he was the logical choice. The fear of holding this position made Bellamy turn away from Marcus, his back facing the older male as he tried to gather himself, though felt everything crumbling beneath him. If he did this, he would fail . . . and more people would die. How could they trust him after everything he'd done? After everything he'd let happen? After everyone he'd let die. "I won't do this," he said in a low voice, barely audible but perhaps still heard. He couldn't accept this. He wouldn't.

[Marcus Kane]

He could see the change in Bellamy's face. "I killed the last Chancellor." Marcus was aware that Bellamy had shot one chancellor, blatantly disobeyed the next, and in self defense killed the third. It did not however, cancel him out from being the next Chancellor. "I can't accept that position." Which was his choice, but that was why Marcus was here. He wanted Bellamy to accept. "I won't," Bellamy seemed to be on the edge of panic at the idea, and Marcus stepped forward. "It's yours." Bellamy however turned away from him, and Marcus grew still.

"I won't do this," He said softly, and Marcus nodded his head. "The choice is yours," He told the man he thought of like a son, "I however, think you would make a damn fine Chacellor, and one I'd be proud to serve . . . if you'd have me." If he managed to keep his emotions in check, and not lash out. This was where they were different. Marcus was logical, and Bellamy went with his gut. "The people of this city have had to endure a lot from it's leaders. One former chancellor tried to leave thousands to die in space. Another left them to find . . . . whatever is in Jaha's head right now. Abby and I kept things from them, Pike led them to the edge of a war that would have gotten everyone killed . . . . They need someone better, Bellamy."

Marcus walked to stand beside him, so he could see his face. "When you landed here, you stepped up. You had your own reasons, but look at the histories, everyone always does. What matters is that you were not willing to loose one life, while every other leader has been willing to sacrifice the few in favor of the many. That is what the people want. They need someone they know is going to protect them, and not let pride, or hate get in their way."

"They trust you. They have always followed you. They followed you to me, they followed you to Pike . . . . stop leading them to other people, and just lead them."

[Bellamy Blake]

Tag: Marcus Kane

whatever

THE HELL WE WANT

The choice is yours. That was what Marcus had said. And yet, Bellamy somehow feel like he didn't have a choice. There were a lot of things about the situation on the ground that left them without a choice. He felt it wasn't so easy to deny this . . . which was why he was so uneasy about this. Why he felt like it wasn't something he could so easily walk away from. To hear Marcus tell him though, that he believed he would make a good Chancellor . . . caused Bellamy to pause. He couldn't deny that he felt honor in that statement, knowing Marcus wouldn't have said it unless he meant it. But, it also left the younger male knowing he was undeserving of it. Such confidence. Faith.

No. He had failed his people time and time again. He had failed them on the Ark with the culling, he had failed the delinquents, and he failed them now at Arkadia. He could only imagine the damage that would be done if he was the one responsible for them as Chancellor. The position brought forth responsibilities that Bellamy felt inadequate to fufill; incapable of carrying out. But right now, all he could do was listen, processing Kane's words despite his disagreement with them. He was someone in between them. Someone to balance the past Chancellor's. Someone who the people would support and rally behind. That . . . just didn't seem right. Bellamy saw himself as an enforcer, not a leader. They shouldn't trust him. He had been given that chance and failed them time and time again. "I swore to protect our people that were sent down on the dropship. But more than half of them died." Parents who had expected to see their children . . . were forever deprived of that opportunity.

"So many people have died, because of me." He was getting emotional, and it was harder to avoid Kane's gaze as he stood right in front of him. Bellamy felt his eyes welling with tears, though he dare not let them spill. Not yet. But he was only so strong. Everything was starting to surface. Losing the delinquents, the Culling, what he did at Mount Weather, Gena . . . just, everything. "You're right. They do need someone better. Someone who hasn't failed them so many times already." He was already bathing in so much blood; drowning in it. But his last words, spoken with so much conviction. Kane truly believed that he would be a good Chancellor? That he could lead them? No. How could he think that especially after what happened with Pike.

"What if I only lead them to more death," he said in a low voice, quietly thinking out loud as he turned his head away, closing his eyes, squeezing them tightly shut for a brief moment as he attempted to collect himself. The actions were enough to stop that damned tear. Slowly opening them once more, he looked at Marcus again. "Who's the next person in line?" He asked, assuming it was Kane, but also needing to know right now. Kane spoke of how he would be proud to serve him . . . and the entire thought seemed so, different. Different than how their dynamic had always been. He knew though, that if he were ever to be in such a position, he would heavily rely on Kane. But . . . Marcus was surely a better choice as Chancellor. Far better than Bellamy could ever even hope to be.

[Marcus Kane]

Bellamy was struggling with the knowledge that people trusted him, and wanted him to be their leaders. He was struggling with the knowledge that he was worth this. "I swore to protect our people that were sent down on the dropship. But more than half of them died." But how many would be died if Bellamy had not kept them a live? "You're right. They do need someone better. Someone who hasn't failed them so many times already." Marcus said nothing, because that was not what he meant, and Bellamy damn well knew it. He was trying to find reasons to say no. Trying to find a reason to make Marcus see his self loathing and agree with it. As Pike had agreed with it, and used it to control Bellamy. "What if I only lead them to more death," That sounded more promising, because Bellamy was thinking of what ifs. Marcus wanted him to keep thinking on that. Moving toward this. "Who's the next person in line?" Marcus was.

"There are a few names, but with almost 70% of the population voting for one person, and more votes still needing to be counted . . . it's not going to be a close race, Bellamy. The people want someone that makes them feel safe, and someone they can trust." And Marcus was someone that many didn't. The ones who had followed Pike didn't trust Marcus, and thought him the worst thing that could happen to anyone.

Marcus folded his arms, and wanted Bellamy's face. His eyes moved down and off tot he side as he spoke. "One of the first men I ever arrested and executed as a guardsmen was my father." Marcus forced his eyes up to Bellamy's, but he knew that this wasn't something he spoke of often and because of that his face wasn't as stoic as he normally was. "I didn't agree with sending 100 kids to the ground, but I packed them on a ship and sent them down. I killed 320 innocent people in the culling. I have made mistakes Bellamy. Everyone has. What makes you a man, what makes you a leader is that you own up to them, and you try to do better. There is no perfect leaders. Only the ones who knows the cost of mistakes, and who seek to not make the same ones again."

"Every leader has always done what they thought was the best for their people. They need someone who's idea of the best is keeping them all alive . . . not just the as many as they can." Which is what Bellamy had done for so long. "I have faith in you, son," No, that wasn't right. "Sir," Marcus corrected.

[Bellamy Blake]

Tag: Marcus Kane

whatever

THE HELL WE WANT

A few names. Was that true, or was it just Kane's name in addition to Bellamy's? Hell, Bellamy didn't even know how his name got on there. Was it just a fluke? Then again, over 70% was more than a fluke . . . and the votes were still coming in. The entire thing was nervewracking, but not in a suspensful waiting to win type of way. More the fear of getting the majority, which he had. Bellamy remained quiet, not quite sure what to say in this moment. They trusted him. That in itself was surprising to him.

They trusted him given what he had done in the past, and even present. After killing Pike, the people still trusted him. It was Marcus' next words that forced Bellamy to meet his gaze, surprised by them. He had arrested and floated his father. He couldn't even imagine how difficult that must have been . . . but it also showed Marcus' unwavering loyalty to the law. At least on the Ark. Things were different down here. The laws were altered for the Ground and even then, he had continue to fight for what he believed in rather than follow a Chancellor he disagreed with.

Still, the younger male remained silent. He listened to Kane's words rather than attempt to respond, the weight of them was there. Strong. Heavy. The burden of being a leader. Owning up to what they did, and learning from it he supposed. Moving forward. Bellamy turned away from Marcus, unable to look at him as another tear fell. He spoke of his disagreement sending the delinquents . . . another surprise. The culling, which, Bellamy wished he could exempt Marcus from blaming himself because that was really his own fault.

But he couldn't. The blood of nearly a thousand people was on Bellamy. But . . . Marcus had faith in him. The words tugged at Bellamy's heart. He couldn't describe the emotions that were there. He sniffed, trying to compose himself though to no avail. Marcus spoke of what was best for their people, what their people needed . . . and that was when it hit Bellamy. What the people needed. He would be, whatever they needed him to be. A leader. A motivator. An infiltrator. A warrior. A hunter. An enforcer. Right now . . . they needed a Chancellor.

Since the moment Octavia was born, Bellamy had lived for another. For others. Not for himself. Why should this be any different? He was what the people needed him to be. That was his role in life he supposed. He swallowed back the emotion, Kane's words having peirced his heart, mind, and what was left of his soul. He had faith in him. Bellamy had derived a lot of his confidence as a leader from Clarke . . . but for the past several months, Kane had been the one who had faith in him.

The one that Bellamy could be inspired by. He was the one who had tried to help him up until the very last moment, and the one who offered to now. "Don't call me that," Bellamy finally spoke in a low voice. Still turned away from Kane, his words were only half a joke . . . because Sir, didn't suit him. Especially coming from a figure like Marcus. Bellamy kept his back turned to him, clenching his jaw, making sure that no more tears spilled from his eyes. Slowly, he turned to face him as he spoke.

"I never knew my father." Bellamy never spoke of his father because there was nothing to tell. But Marcus had offered him a truth, a part of his past that was no doubt emotional. Bellamy wanted to do the same. "But these past few months, I've known what it is to have one." Because that, was what Marcus was to Bellamy. A father figure. A role model. An inspiration. Even hearing Marcus refer to him as son, touched him.

Bellamy was not worthy to be anyone's son, to hold this title after he had gotten his mother floated. But Kane still called it to him and despite how undeserving the younger male knew he was . . . he couldn't deny how much he wanted that. To be someone that could be loved. Octavia was most likely dead, and he would never recover from that. He hadn't even allowed himself to properly mourn her.

"I'll do this, but only if you're by my side." Bellay extended his hand to Marcus, having approached him, and hoped he understood his words. That he wasn't doing this to be his superior. He was doing this with Marcus. "Together." The last time he had trusted someone to do something together, she had betrayed him. Left him. Walked away despite his pleading.

On more than one occasion. To allow himself to be this emotinally vulnerable and dependant on another, terrified him. And yet . . . he felt a security in Marcus. Because with all they had been through, Marcus still came through. He had still shown his unwillingness to hurt Bellamy, physically or emotionally. And it was why Bellamy could now extend his arm to him, and say these words with sincerity and lacking doubt.

[Marcus Kane]

"Don't call me that," Bellamy told him, and Marcus inhaled slowly, tilting his head back and getting ready to find new words to say in effort to help Bellamy see that this was something good, and that he was worthy of this. "I never knew my father." That was the last thing Marcus expected to hear as Bellamy finally looked at him. He stood there silently watching, knowing that it wasn't easy for a son to speak of these things. "But these past few months, I've known what it is to have one." The weight of these words were not missed on Marcus. He too had come to see Bellamy as a son, and knowing that it was two ways made his chest expand slightly as he stood a little taller from the pride of knowing them. "Then count me among the proudest of fathers, for the man you are today." He told him, wanting to make sure that Bellamy knew he felt the same.

"I'll do this, but only if you're by my side." Bellamy extended his hand toward Marcus, and Marcus didn't move at first. Bellamy had just spend weeks following Pike, so knowing that Bellamy still trusted Marcus' council was enough to give Marcus pause. He knew that Bellamy had struggled after Clarke left, and he had just been forced to kill the other person he ahd trusted to help him. Now he was asking for Marcus' help. After a second he lifted his arm up to take shake Bellamy's. "Together." With a nod, Marcus agreed. "I have served three chancellors--" Sidney, Jaha, Griffin. "--and I an honored to serve you." Marcus told him, lifting his free hand up to squzze Bellam'y arm before both his hands dropped.

"You are doing the right thing, Bellamy. You have always broken protocol because you wanted to keep everyone safe. Now there is no reason too. You can decided how best to do it." Pardoning people, and making peace, were the two things Marcus wanted to help him do first. Yet he knew there was one thing he needed to do before he did anything else. "Indra still trust me. . . . I hope. I would like to try to contact her. See if she help us find out if Octavia is out there." Because Marcus knew that weighted on Bellamy, and he knew that if she was alive, then she could help them handle this since she knew more of what is happening out there then they did. Once they knew for sure if she was alive or not, then Bellamy could move forward as chancellor.

Marcus had not exactly asked Bellamy if he could; but at the same time he was waiting for permission. Bellamy was chancellor now. Marcus would respect that.

[Bellamy Blake]

Tag: Marcus Kane

whatever

THE HELL WE WANT

Bellamy once again felt his heart swell with pride upon hearing that he would be among the proudest of fathers. Bellamy didn't deserve that. He didn't deserve the love of a parent after how he had practically killed his mother. He may as well pushed the button himself with what he caused to happen. To have Marcus' affection now, as a father did a son . . . no. Bellamy was undeserving. But he didn't vocalize those feelings of no self worth. He knew Kane would disagree. He supposed he would have to prove he was worthy for this role, more so being the son of heart than the Chancellor . . . though the two were somewhat related now. Bellamy gave a short nod to Kane when he took his arm. He was agreeing to serve him, though Bellamy was also too aware that he didn't want the others to serve him.

He wanted to govern collectively. Not necessarily letting the people decide, but allowing a group of informed individuals to help make decisions. A group that he noticed was distinctly lacking ever since they landed on the ground. Kane spoke of not having to break protocol anymore . . . which, he supposed was a good thing. He knew that with the idea of a council, he would even go against the vote if it meant saving his people. There were some things that he would forever remain defiant about. When Octavia came up, he felt his heart ache at the thought of losing her . . . yet he had hope. Though hope could be dangerous, it was all he could hold on to. If Octavia truly was dead, then Bellamy knew he would be unfit to maintain this role.

There was no way he would be able to function if Octavia was gone. So he had to believe that she wasn't. He had to believe that she was out there, somewhere. But right now, he felt a sudden confidence. Perhaps from Marcus agreeing to work with him, and suggesting a plan to find his sister. "We'll address the grounders first thing in the morning." Because no one was out there right now. It was night, and everyone was unwinding from what happened. "I'm not giving them Pike's body." Like they had done with Finn. "He belongs with his people." Buried, with the others. "In exchange, we'll release the Grounders." It was a huge risk in terms of their defenses, but Bellamy knew they couldn't keep them locked up. Besides, hopefully they were too sick to see anything when coming in.

They could always blindfold them when taking them out. "Contact Indra," he encouraged rather than ordered. "If she doesn't know where she is . . . I'm going out there tomorrow to find her myself." Bellamy wasn't going to wait any longer. And he wasn't going to just sit here, letting her remain in danger. "And, we need to form a council." Because that would avoid anything from turning into a dictator ship. Despite him being the Chancellor, Bellamy firmly believed in empowering the people. It was why he had inspired them to fight. Why he believed they were capable. Why they were strong. And his position now, changed nothing about that.n

[Marcus Kane]

"We'll address the grounders first thing in the morning." Marcus nodded his head, knowing that Bellamy would need to have a firm plan before he started making moves. Unlike Pike who became chancellor and started killing people withing the hour. Speaking of Pike, Bellamy said he would not be giving away the body, and Marcus could under stand that. He didn't know how it would go over, but he was willing to stand by Bellamy and see how it went. "In exchange, we'll release the Grounders." Another solid plan. "Then I will try to get a message for Nyko to meet them at the gates so they can move to his care. Abby can send the medicines . . . . " He didn't know about that. "The medicines that I have been sneaking them." While he trusted Bellamy not to hurt her, he was still going to make sure that everyone knew they were only following his orders so that any stray followers of Pike only came after him.

" . . . I'm going out there tomorrow to find her myself." marcus didn't agree. As chancellor he needed to protect himself better. Loosing two so close together would cause havoc in the city. Marcus refrained from saying anything until the time came. With any luck, the girl would be alive and turned over right away. It would go along way into showing the people--and her brother--that they were more then killers. Not that it would suddenly change Bellamy's mind, but it might help him think more then only see hae.

"And, we need to form a council." Marcus looked surprised for a moment, because they had not had one in so long. "You are going to bring the council back?" He asked, but already knew the answer. It made him proud that Bellamy was trying to fill himself with different minds all around him, rather then how Pike . . . and how he and Abby did, by only filing it with like minds. "I think that is a good idea. It's been too long since he were more democratic rather then autocratic. Not since the crash."

[Bellamy Blake]

Tag: Marcus Kane

whatever

THE HELL WE WANT

Bellamy looked at Marcus, and he couldn't say he was entirely surprised to hear that Marcus had been sneaking them medication. It made sense, as to why the Grounders hadn't died or grown progressively weaker in the cages. But at the same time, there was some logic to Pike's plan. Bellamy wouldn't condemn Marcus and Abby for what they did. This was the time for a fresh start, not to punish past deeds. "Doctor Griffin should check them tonight," Bellamy began to say. "We can't spare a lot of the medicine." He didn't exactly want to see them dead, yet at the same time . . they had taken a massive hit in terms of resources and supplies when Mount Weather was destroyed.

"Unless it's absolutely necessary, we need to keep as much as we can for our people." If the Grounders could survive without it, even if it just took a little longer to heal, then they wouldn't need it. Not unless it was a life or death situation. Which was why if Abby did a check up on each of them, she would have a better idea. Even consulting with Nyko could help set a plan for them, that could use their medicines sparingly. The Arkers were Bellamy's top priority and while he wasn't going to shoot down the Grounders . . . he wasn't going to give them all their medicine either. He figured he would realize soon enough when checking the inventory how much medicine they had been given.

Bellamy almost felt a wave of relief wash over him, though showed no outward sign of it, when Marcus first question the return of the council, and then expressed how it was a good idea. How it had been too long since they embraced a more democratic form of government. "The people should have a say. Not just in who they elect, but in policies as well." Bellamy knew he could veto the laws, but he didn't want it to become that. "We all need to work together. And a council to represent the people will help us do that. I could use your help in forming one." Because Marcus had a better understanding of this than Bellamy. He wanted different reprsentatives from each field and area of expertise. It would make the most sense to allow for diverse perspectives from all angles.

[Marcus Kane]

Marcus didn't comment on the medicine, but he could understand the logic. Especially if the blockade was still going on. They needed to conserve everything. He hoped however that Bellamy would help them find a way out of this, and that with Pike's death the grounders would go back to Polis and and they could work on peace again. Though a peace that better fit their people, then the one he had tried to give them. "The people should have a say. Not just in who they elect, but in policies as well." Bellamy was talking about the council and Marcus agreed. It was how things had been done.

"We all need to work together. And a council to represent the people will help us do that. I could use your help in forming one." Marcus smiled at that, one of the first one he had given in a while. Bellamy wasn't asking for his help in a real question; but it was so close that Marcus was feeling pride in Bellamy doing it. "On the Ark the council was the head of each position. Chief doctor, Chief engineer, I was the head of the guard, so I was also there. You would need to think of which potions you want on the council. Which ones you need reports from. Farmers. Doctors. Jaha, before he found the light, filled his council with people who did not always agree with him--myself included. He wanted to be able to hear all sides. It was a sound idea. We still made many mistakes, but we didn't make them blindly. Instead we did them with our eyes wide open." Here it would be harder. Here they had out side forces to think of, but if Octavia was alive she could go along way in curving it. "What of Lincoln? Would you ask him to stay, and help us understand what we face outside the walls? Or will he leave as well?"

[Bellamy Blake]

Tag: Marcus Kane

whatever

THE HELL WE WANT

Bellamy liked that idea. Chiefs of each field. It made the most sense. It would allow them to delegate within those groups, and set a person responsible for each section. It would be too much for a single person to govern . . . and the last thing that Bellamy wanted was to lose focus. "I think that's a good idea," he agreed, already knowing a few names. "I would need to talk to them individually first." Abby, Sinclair . . . those were just a few names that came to mind. He knew that they may be wary of him right now, after having so closely followed Pike. Bellamy still couldn't disagree with all the man's policies. But, he did want to enforce a strong change from what Charles had set out to do. This wasn't about war; this was about protecting the Arkers.

"I don't know how they'd feel about this." More specifically, about him, and he ensured that Marcus knew that his tone suggested the underlying meaning of his words. "You were Vice Chancellor on the Ark," Bellamy stated. "How do you feel about reclaiming that title?" Because if Marcus wasn't going to be Chancellor, then he damn well deserved to be the next highest ranking official . . . which was the Vice Chancellor. Bellamy was also going to give everyone a choice. He would not force anyone into this, just as he didn't force those into doing something against their will. If this was going to work, it had to be based upon free will. Not intimidation and threads to control people and force them to do what he wanted them to. The question of Lincoln however, started causing those previous emotions to resurface.

He clenched his jaw, looking away from Marcus for a moment. He knew that in all this, he had lost a brother. And he had lost a sister. "The choice is his," Bellamy began to say. "He won't stay for me." And Bellamy was well aware that he deserved that. He didn't deserve Lincoln's understanding. Bellamy did what he needed to in order to protect the Arkers . . . and Lincoln, like Octavia, opposed the methods. As drastic as they seemed to be. "Octavia wanted to leave," Bellamy revealed, unsure of how much of a secret that was.

"If . . ." He paused, closing his eyes for a brief moment before opening them again to continue. "When, we find her. She may still want to." And unsure of how she felt about him, he had to let her go. "I won't try to stop her or Lincoln if that's not what they want." They both may want to get out of here, just as Octavia had before everything had happened. Bellamy hadn't been worth staying for when it came to Clarke . . . and though Octavia had chosen him time and time again, he knew he couldnt' expect her to this time around.