Silent Moments: Book One (The 100)

Chapter 20

 Dax looked up, his face registering surprise and a hint of reluctance. The meat crew, a crucial part of our survival efforts, was a grim task, but necessary. It was clear from his expression that he wasn't expecting to be called upon for anything other than his current duties.

"Me? What for?" Dax asked, wiping his hands on his pants, a mix of confusion and curiosity in his eyes.

"You've got a call waiting from the Ark. Family wants to talk to you," I explained, trying to offer a reassuring smile despite the discomfort from my recent injury. It was important to maintain a sense of normalcy, even in these extraordinary circumstances.

His eyes widened, a mixture of hope and apprehension flooding his features. The opportunity to speak with family members from the Ark was a rare privilege, one that brought both joy and painful reminders of the life we had left behind.

"Really? I... I didn't think I'd get the chance," Dax stammered, a vulnerable edge to his voice.

"Yeah, really. You should go now. They're waiting," I urged, nodding towards the direction of the makeshift communication center Raven had set up.

Dax hesitated for a moment, glancing back at the skinned rabbit before setting it aside. He then looked at me with a grateful nod and hurried off towards the station, the prospect of reconnecting with his past giving his steps a newfound urgency.

Watching Dax leave, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. Though Clarke and I had the chance to speak with the Ark, the wounds from our family's past were too fresh, the betrayals too deep. For others like Dax, however, this was a lifeline, a momentary escape from the harsh realities of our new existence on the ground.

I turned away, feeling the weight of my own emotions and the responsibilities that lay ahead. There was much to be done, and healing, both physical and emotional, was a slow process. But in moments like these, when we could offer even a small respite to one another, it felt like we were taking a step towards something better, something resembling hope.

As Clarke left with Bellamy, I couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and relief. Frustration because I was stuck here, unable to contribute as I wanted to, and relief because Clarke and Bellamy were taking action, which might bring us closer to surviving the winter. Raven gave me a sympathetic look as she took a seat beside me. "Don't worry, Kegan, we'll take good care of you," she assured me with a smile. Finn, standing nearby, nodded in agreement, though his expression seemed a bit distant, likely still grappling with his own complicated emotions.

I settled back against my makeshift bed, the discomfort of my wound a constant reminder of my vulnerability. "Just don't let me miss out on all the fun," I half-joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Finn chuckled softly. "You? Miss out? Never," he said, though his eyes were still shadowed with concern.

Raven began fiddling with the bandage supplies, preparing to change my dressings. "So, any word on what they expect to find at this depot?" She asked, seeking to distract me from the pain and boredom.

"They're hoping for medical supplies, winter clothing, maybe some non-perishable food," I replied, her hands skillful and gentle as she worked on my wound. "If we're lucky, there might even be some tools or tech we can use."

"That would be a game-changer," I mused, picturing the possibilities. With adequate supplies and equipment, our chances of making it through the winter would significantly improve.

Finn, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. "Yeah, and it's not just about survival. Finding that depot could help unite the group, give everyone something to focus on."

I nodded, appreciating his insight. "Unity's something we desperately need," I agreed. "Especially after everything that's happened."

The conversation drifted then, to lighter topics, anecdotes from our past on the Ark, shared memories that brought occasional laughter and brief moments of respite from the harsh reality of our situation. As the day wore on, I found myself dozing off now and then, Raven and Finn's presence a comforting constant. Despite the challenges we faced, moments like these, surrounded by friends, offered a glimmer of hope, a reminder that we weren't just fighting for survival, but for the chance to rebuild something resembling a home.

As they left me to rest, my thoughts were troubled as I lay there, unable to find rest. The echoes of the Grounder's screams still rang in my ears, mingling with my own guilt and frustration. It was a harsh reminder of the brutal reality we were living in – a world where lines between right and wrong were constantly blurred, and survival often came at a steep moral cost. As I turned restlessly, I couldn't shake off the image of the Grounder, bound and helpless, subjected to our fear-driven wrath. He had saved Octavia, yet here we were, repaying his kindness with cruelty. It was a vicious cycle of violence and mistrust that seemed to only deepen the divide between us and the Grounders.