Clarke gathered Chancellor Kane, Councilors Sinclair, Abby, and Bellamy to hear what Lexa had to tell them.

"Thank you for coming." Clarke said. "This is not going to be easy, and will need confirmation."

"Before I shut ALIE down, she tried to convince me not to," Lexa began. "She told me that there were nuclear power plants around the world that were all melting down and would go critical in 6 months bringing what we call Praimfaya."

"It was the storm of radiation caused by the nuclear war." Clarke explained.

Sinclair spoke up. "Are the meltdowns in progress or is there a chance to stabilize them?"

"Not according to her. She believed it was too late. That the City of Light was the only way to save humanity." Lexa explained.

Sinclair jumped in again. "Well, it seems like first we need to confirm what is happening and the time frame."

"I agree that it needs to be confirmed." Kane said, "Do you really think we could stop multiple meltdowns?"

"Anything we managed to stop would mean less radiation." Sinclair commented.

Clarke spoke up, "for now we should keep it quiet but it won't be like it was on the Ark. The people have a right to know once we know what we are facing."

Lexa glared at Clarke. "No. The coalition will descend into chaos. Only those who need to know will be told."

Kane addressed Lexa, "with all due respect, Heda, we each have to make that decision for our own people."

Lexa looked coldly at Kane, "once you tell your people I will be forced to tell mine, lest they find out from Skaikru. Our alliance has lead to many contacts between our peoples."

"Then we keep the circle tight and will warn you before we tell our people. But we will have to tell everyone at some point." Kane said.

"Agreed. Preferably after we have a solution." Lexa said.

"If we can't stop the meltdowns, what sort of solution could there be?" Bellamy asked.

"Riding it out in Mount Weather for starters, and any other bunkers we could build or find. We should find out how many people Mount Weather can sustain." Sinclair answered.

"Do so careful, they may lock themselves in if they suspect that others will try to take the mountain from them," Lexa advised.

"Agreed, we need to also look for solutions that don't leave us fighting each other for survival." Abby added.

"Thank you, Heda for sharing this information with us first. We will do everything we can to see that we can save as many as possible." Kane said. "Was there anything else you needed to tell us?"

"No. But I need to be apprised of any developments."

"Of course, Heda, you will know what we do." Kane assured her.

They rose and Lexa and Clarke went to leave.

"Clarke, would you mind staying?" Kane asked. "we have some council business to discuss."

Clarke stopped. "I wouldn't mind at all."

Once Lexa was gone, they sat back down.

"We should decide who to tell now," Kane said.

"All the engineers and scientists, would be my thought. We will need a lot of brainpower on this." Sinclair suggested.

"I would like to add Dr. Jackson to that list. Radiation poisoning will be a problem even before Praimfaya hits and we will need to get ready."

"I have no objection to that list for starters. I'd like Raven and Monty on the list. They always come up with unconventional solutions." Bellamy added.

"I agree with Bellamy." Clarke said.

"No objections here," Sinclair commented.

Kane looked to Abby who nodded her agreement.

"Then it is agreed. Sinclair, do what you can to confirm there is a problem then hold a meeting with those people to look for solutions." Kane concluded.

"Now onto other council business." Kane lead the meeting.

When it was finished, Clarke went looking for Lexa and found her in their tent.

"I'm sorry I suggested we tell everyone."

Lexa smiled at her, "don't be, you were saying what you thought would be right for your people. And I know the truth is what your father died for."

Clarke sadly nodded then took a deep breath. "But you are right, the coalition and stability are too important. Especially when we don't yet have a plan."

"Do you think there is any option beyond taking Mount Weather?"

Clarke looked shocked, like it hadn't occurred to her. "We didn't save them just to turn around and kill them."

"Even if it would be what was best for our people?"

"There has to be another way." Clarke said, naively.

"We shall see." Lexa said coldly.

"Well how did your ancestors survive?"

"I don't know."

"What about the spirits of the Commanders before you?"

"That's not exactly how it works, but I can meditate and ask them."

"Now seems like a good time for that." Clarke suggested.

"Very well," Lexa said as she sat down on the floor cross-legged.

Clarke sat at the small table and began to sketch.

After a few hours, Lexa opened her eyes. "There is a large bunker under the temple in Polis and a small bunker on an island north of the Dead Zone. On the island there is also a lab that was Bekka Pramheda's. Nightblood protects against radiation, but won't save you from Praimfaya. She couldn't make Nightblood on Earth, so she went to space to make it. To get into the large bunker, we will need a key, but the Commanders don't know where one is."

Clarke just stared at the wealth of information Lexa just shared.

Lexa smiled coyly, "now do you understand when I talk about my spirit living on?"

"I'm starting to, but I like this Commander as she is."

Clarke stood and offered Lexa a hand up, which she took.

"Well, sounds like we have the beginnings of a plan." Clarke said with relief.

"Clarke, it is a large bunker, but not large enough for everyone."

"It's a start." Clarke said hopefully.

"We shall see what your scientists come up with. In the mean time I should go back to Polis. Will you join me?"

"I feel like I should stay with my people for now." Clarke said with disappointment.

"I understand, that's the same reason I need to return to Polis." Lexa pulled Clarke close and kissed her.

Clarke kissed her back and let her hands wander on Lexa's back. Lexa cupped Clarke's cheek in her hand. When they pulled away to catch their breath, Lexa smiled at her. "I don't have to leave right this minute."

"Good," Clarke said as she pushed her backwards into the bed.

The women continued to kiss and their hands wandered each others bodies. The need between them grew and soon clothes were discarded and they made love with each other intense passion, knowing it would be the last time for a while.

When they finished, they snuggled into each other's arms and rested, eventually falling asleep.

In the morning they said brief goodbyes and Lexa headed for the capitol.

Clarke joined Sinclair at the meeting briefing the team on what was coming. She shared what Lexa had learned about the bunker in Polis that needed a key, as well as the Lab of Bekka Pramheda and the protection of Nightblood.

Jaha shared what he knew about the lab and volunteered to research the Bunker in Polis, after all, someone had to have built it and likely filled it with people before the war. He explained that it had to have been a non-governmental bunker or the Ark would have considered it for a site for the 100.

Monty came up with the idea of converting the Station into a shelter, and Sinclair pointed out it might work to do the same with Mecha and Farm Stations. The problem would be the amount of water they would need, only one station would have a hydro-generator.

They estimated 5 years for radiation levels to be survivable. That meant alpha station could hold 500 or so people and Farm and Mecha no more than 100, assuming they could get enough preserved food. Clarke assured them Lexa would help stock the stations so long as they made room for Grounders too.

It was decided a team should go to the Island to see if there was a way to make Nightblood, or reverse engineer it. Many more people could take shelter if it was only to survive Praimfaya, and then leave afterwards.

They began repairs on Alpha Station and Clarke headed to Polis to update Lexa.

Clarke arrived and was escorted to the throne room. Clarke's heart skipped a beat when she saw Lexa.

"It is good to see you, Heda." Clarke bowed.

"We are honored by your presence, Pesheda." Lexa greeted her.

Lexa rose, and went to her. "Come, let us talk in private." Lexa lead her to the Commander's chambers and once alone turned and kissed her.

When the lovers parted they smiled at each other. "I missed you." Clarke said.

"We are together now. What news do you bring?"

"We have a plan to save at least 700 people, plus whatever Mount Weather and the bunker here can save. We are going to convert the Skaikru stations into shelters and we are working on making people into Nightbloods."

Lexa stopped her. "You can't tell people that. If anyone can be a Nightblood, how would the Commander be chosen? My people will question everything."

"But we could save hundreds of more people if all we have to do is survive Praimfaya, the biggest challenge is surviving through the elevated radiation. It's very different surviving in a shelter or bunker for a week than it is for 5 years."

Lexa thought for a long moment. "If it can save my people, we will learn new ways."

"Either way, we will need stockpiles of food and lots of stored water."

"I have already begun having my people prepare provisions."

"Good, is there any more business we need to discuss?" Clarke smiled.

"Nothing comes to mind." Lexa said as she reached around Clarke and pulled her in close.

Clarke gazed into Lexa's eyes and softly said, "I love you, Lexa."

"And I love you, Clarke." Lexa leaned in and kissed her.

Clarke fell into the kiss and melted into Lexa's arms.

In the morning they woke to the crackle of Clarke's radio.

"Clarke, do you read me?" Kane's voice came over the radio.

Clarke rolled over and grabbed the radio to answer. "Yes Kane, I hear you. Lexa is here with me."

"Good. There are two things we need to discuss."

"Go ahead." Clarke said.

"First the research team at the island requested Lexa come in for some samples." Kane said.

Lexa nodded her agreement and Clarke relayed the agreement. "We will head there as soon as we are able to. What's the second thing?"

"We need more hands on this project, meaning we need to tell more people what they are working towards."

Lexa reached for the radio. "If that happens it will be time for me to tell the ambassadors and I won't be able to leave Polis."

Kane thought for a moment. "We can delay a few days and give you time to get back. So long as once you are, we can tell our people. You will have to tell Roan soon anyway, we will need safe access to Farm Station."

"Very well, we will inform you when we are back to Polis." Lexa said into the radio.

"Thank you Heda." Kane said. Lexa did not bother replying.

Clarke sighed, "guess that means it's time to get out of bed."

"Not just yet," Lexa said as she pulled Clarke into a kiss.

A few hours later and they were departing Polis with a small entourage. They road swiftly, but didn't press the horses too hard.

After the two day trip they reached the Lake and Miller met them with the boat and Lexa told her people to set camp and wait there. Clarke looked at Lexa with curiosity but didn't say anything until they were on the boat away from shore. "Why did you leave your entourage behind?"

"They can't know we are considering making others into Nightbloods. Not yet anyway. Even my most trusted people cannot know because they would doubt my sanity." Lexa explained.

"We are doing the right thing to save our people." Clarke assured her.

"I hope so." Lexa said solemnly.

When Clarke and Lexa entered the lab they saw the rocket Raven had discovered, and all the high-tech equipment. When Abby spotted them she rushed over and gave Clarke a big hug. "It's so good to see you," she said softly.

Lexa waited patiently for the embrace to end. Clarke finally ended it, saying, "mom, we can't stay long, Lexa has to get back and start telling the leaders of the clans."

"Of course, thank you for coming, Lexa."

"You are welcome, Abby." Lexa said.

"So, I need some blood samples, and if you are willing, some bone marrow."

"We have a theory that your bone marrow might work on us the way our bone marrow works for the mountain men."

Lexa considered, "there are so few Nightbloods, we could never donate enough to help a substantial amount of people."

"Well what we discovered at Mount Weather was that once treated, the person's bone marrow becomes like ours and they can donate. Mount Weather is almost entirely able to walk the ground now because they donated to each other. If it works like that each person who receives the treatment would be asked to donate enough marrow for two more people. The growth would be exponential and we could have enough that more people could be treated than we could keep up with on the extractions."

"What's the catch?" Clarke asked knowing her mom was leaving something out.

"Well we can see if blood is black, but won't really know if it will help against radiation until we test it. We can test blood samples reaction, but it's not the same thing, eventually we would need human trials. We would have to expose someone to enough radiation to kill a normal person to see if it really works."

"That is a lot supposition." Lexa observed, "but yes you can take the samples you need."

Abby and Jackson prepped Lexa and we're about to sedate her when she stopped them. "I need to stay conscious."

"Lexa, this will hurt a lot, let us sedate you to make it easier." Abby urged her.

"No. The past Commanders are unhappy with what I am doing, I need to be able to wake up." Lexa explained. "Proceed with out sedation."

"Alright," Abby didn't understand but knew better than to question Lexa further.

Clarke stood near the head of the table and held Lexa's hand as they took blood samples then began the extraction.

Lexa winced, but showed amazing control as they drilled into her and got the samples.

Abby bandaged her up and said they got what they needed.

Clarke looked at her mom with concern. "Who are you going to test it on?"

"We don't know yet." Abby said candidly, "First we will compare irradiated Nightblood and regular blood. To see if there is any point in human trials."

Clarke nodded.

"Why don't you two head up to the mansion to rest up while we do some testing."

Miller lead the women up to the mansion and showed them around.

Clarke smiled when she saw the shower and whispered in Lexa's ear "you are in for a treat."

Once Miller finished the tour, the women headed for the bedroom. Clarke began undressing and smiled over her shoulder at Lexa as she turned the shower on and set the temperature. Lexa followed suit and soon the women were naked. Clarke took Lexa's hand and lead her into the shower.

They both relaxed into the warmth of the cascading water and rising steam. Clarke grabbed the soap and began washing Lexa. Soon Clarke was shampooing Lexa's hair and massaging her scalp. In turn Lexa did the same for Clarke. Then her hands began to linger and explore her lover's body.

When they were finished, they toweled each other off and headed to bed. Clarke changed the dressing on Lexa's extraction site and the women huddled together under the covers.

After a few hours of blissful sleep, Raven opened the door to their room. "Clarke, wake up, Nightblood is definitely more resistant to radiation."

Clarke sat up holding the covers around her. "You really haven't heard of knocking have you?

"I have, it just wastes time." Raven said. "Abby said the blood tests were very promising. Now the problem is making it. We either go to space and make Becca's original serum or we have to test the bone marrow injection."

"How much of the serum can we make?" Clarke asked.

"Lots, but not enough for everyone. But it wouldn't take as much time. And we don't have to extract it, but a lot can go wrong with a hundred-year-old rocket and we have no fuel here." Raven answered.

"We should do both," Lexa said.

"I agree, get the fuel from Arkadia and have them check to see if Mecha has any."

"On it, I'll leave it to you to figure out who we test the bone marrow on." Raven said before she left.

"I'm sorry about Raven." Clarke offered an apology.

"Don't be. She has fire in her."

"We should probably head back to the lab." Clarke got out of bed and Lexa followed suit. The pair dressed and headed out.

They were making their way through the forest when an arrow struck a tree just behind Lexa's head. Women dove for cover, Lexa pulled a handgun from its holster and one of her swords from its sheath.

Clarke pulled out her handgun. "Do you see them?"

Lexa shook her head no.

A voice in the distance spoke in Trig, "come out, Heda, and we will let your Skaikru mistress live."

There was laughing from three or four others.

Lexa yelled back in Trig. "You come out and lay down your weapons and I will make your deaths swift."

A second voice in Trig joked. "She does still speak our language." It was followed by more laughter.

"We should take them alive if we can. We need test subjects." Clarke suggested.

"My priority is your safety, but I will try." Lexa answered. She heard a branch snap not far from them and as if guided by the sound alone Lexa fired into the trees and a man yelled out and fell. A volley of arrows flew but Lexa had already moved for cover.

"She even uses Skaikru weapons. She is no Heda." One yelled in Trig.

The assailants began moving to flank the women. Clarke saw movement in the distance, and made out a bow poking out from behind a tree. She aimed and when the man moved to fire she shot, aiming low. He took the bulletin in the abdomen and fell to his knees. Clarke quickly moved for different cover, but lost sight of Lexa. She heard sounds of a fight and a man groan and fall to the ground. Then another gunshot then Clarke saw a man fleeing. She aimed and fired, shooting him in the leg.

Clarke radioed for help as Lexa disarmed the survivors. They had taken three alive, one of them barely so. Lexa began questioning the one she ascertained was the leader. Clarke applied bandages and pressure to the abdominal wound, trying to keep the man alive.

Help arrived and they took the prisoners to the Lab. They injected one of the healthier men with Lexa's bone marrow and then began surgery on the abdominal wound.

When Abby finished she approached Clarke and Lexa. "Well, he will likely never walk again, but he is stable."

"He tried to kill me and Clarke, he won't live past his usefulness." Lexa said coldly.

"What happened, aren't you their Commander?" Abby asked.

"There are those who see my alliance with Skaikru and relationship with Clarke as treachery." Lexa explained.

"Some people will always fear and hate what is different. You are strong to not let that guide your choices." Abby said reassuringly.

"Now what?" Clarke asked.

Abby out lined the plan. "Now we wait to see if Lexa's bone marrow turns someone into a Nightblood. And then test it in the radiation chamber. If that works then we test if his bone marrow can create another night blood and test again."

Lexa spent more time questioning the leader of the assassination attempt but got nothing more.

Eventually it was time to test the artificial Nightblood, and they all stood around as they irradiated the man to horrific results. The man died in agony and convulsions.

They were all defeated, but Jackson and Abby poured over the results and came up with a new approach, unfortunately it required fresh bone marrow. Lexa agreed and they preformed another extraction.

When it came time to inject the leader, Abby hesitated. "What have we become?"

Clarke stood with her and took the needle. "We are trying to save thousands of people, we are doing what has to be done." Clarke hesitated, then injected herself.

"There is always a choice. It will work this time, I trust you Mom." Clarke said. "We have to try to stay the good guys."

"No, I won't let you die in that chamber." Abby went for the radiation chamber grabbing an IV stand on the way, but Lexa made it there first, despite being weakened.

"Clarke is a wise leader and is willing to die for humanity, you must honor that choice."

"Like hell I do." Abby said as she moved to take a swing at the machine. Lexa easily grabbed the metal rod and spun Abby around subduing her in what seemed like one fluid move.

"Do not fight this, you are depending on me for the safety of all people and should Clarke die today, she will die a hero." Lexa said firmly, then whispered into Abby's ear, "she inspires others to greatness, let her."

Abby stopped struggling and nodded her submission.

Lexa let her go and looked at Clarke. Who mouthed the words thank you.

The wait was interminable, but finally it was time. Jackson suggested they do the bone marrow extraction first before it was irradiated so they did. Looking at it under the microscope it appeared identical to Lexa's, so they proceeded. Clarke got in the chamber and Abby stood on one side and Lexa on the other.

Lexa spoke first. "You are very brave Clarke, and I love you."

"I love you too, look after my people if I don't make it." Clarke said.

"Your people are my people, now." Lexa assured her.

Clarke looked to Abby, "just remember, this isn't the first time you've sent me into radiation hoping I would survive," Clarke tried to joke.

"May we meet again." Abby leaned down and kissed her forehead while squeezing her hand.

Clarke let go of both of their hands. And put her hands at her side. "May we meet again."

The women stepped back slightly and Jackson closed the chamber.

Clarke looked to Jackson and nodded for him to proceed.

As the radiation increased Clarke was doing well, but eventually it started to burn and marks appeared on her skin. Jackson turned it off and Abby ordered him to open it and he stopped her saying it wasn't safe yet. Clarke winced in pain but didn't get any worse as the last man did.

When it was finally clear, they opened the chamber and Clarke reached out for Lexa who held her tightly.

"That was amazing," Jackson said. "We now have a baseline for what is tolerable and what is survivable. And it's way beyond anything we would have expected. Not quite Praimfaya levels, but close."

"Will she get better though?" Raven asked.

"She will," Lexa said confidently. "Nightblood has two ways it deals with radiation. It increases resistance and allows metabolization."

"How do you know that?" Abby asked.

"The spirit of Bekka Pramheda."

"Wait, is that Becca Franco?" Raven asked.

Lexa nodded. "She is how I knew about this lab and the protection of Nightblood."

Clarke quietly asked for water and Lexa helped her up. Jackson got her the water and she drank quickly.

"So, I hate to ask, but who is next? We have to use the sample from Clarke quickly."

"I'll go," Raven said. "What can I say? Clarke inspired me."

Jackson injected Raven and they waited, Clarke started feeling a bit better and they tested Raven's blood then bone marrow.

"We won't turn it up quite as high. Just to the point right before Clarke experienced symptoms." Jackson explained. "That is what the radiation levels should be at 1 month after Praimfaya."

People said their potential goodbyes and they began the test. Raven left the chamber with what looked like a slight sunburn. After that they began treatments of everyone present and radioed Arkadia they were coming back with a solution.

Lexa said she had to head back to Polis to assemble the ambassadors also leaders of the clans. Clarke decided to go to Arkadia to assist in the treatments and then take them to Mount Weather. Before they left, Lexa executed the would-be assassins.

When Lexa returned to Polis, Indra warned her of a growing movement against Skaikru that started after the executions in Azgeda. Roan was unpopular among his people and had to executed multiple war chiefs who refused to support him.

Lexa called for a summit of the coalition, for the ambassadors and leaders of each clan.

Meanwhile, Clarke and Abby got Jackson set up to turn Skaikru into Nightbloods, then went with a few volunteers to Mount Weather to teach them the procedure and warn them about Praimfaya. From the President they learned Mount Weather could support 800 people if it was for one month, but only 400 for an extended period and they would need help with food stocks beforehand. It was agreed most of Skaikru would join them as it would be safer for everyone than trying to live with one of the clans. Once Mount Weather was handled, Clarke left for Polis with a security detail.

The summit began before Clarke arrived.

Lexa began by explaining the grave threat that faced all mankind. She explained of the bunker and Stations that were to be used for shelter, but that without Nightblood, the ground would be deadly for 5 years. She told them that the spirit of Bekka Pramheda had guided them all to the gift of Nightblood.

There were murmurs and calls of blasphemy which Titus silenced, saying that the will of the First Commander was to be honored and obeyed.

The question inevitable came up if there was enough room for everyone.

Lexa was honest, that there may not be. One of the bunkers had not yet been opened. There were calls to take Mount Weather and the Stations for themselves. And Lexa said their treaties would be honored, for now. The stations needed repair and Skaikru or mountain men were needed to run the tech which clean the air and water.

There were rumblings, but no one directly challenged Lexa. Lexa ordered her people to start collecting extra preserved food and to help and protect Skaikru and the repairs they made to the Stations.

On the second day of the summit, Clarke arrived and was invited to answer questions from the clans.

"Pesheda honors us with her presence and brings news from Arkadia," Lexa said in introduction.

"Repairs to Alpha Station at Arkadia are near completely," she began, "it will be tight, but can shelter 1000 people for the one month needed to survive Praimfaya. Repairs to Mecha Station are underway and when complete will shelter 900 for one month. We have yet to assess damage at Farm Station but will have a team headed there as soon as we have approval from King Roan."

Roan stepped forward. "You have it, Pesheda. If it is repairable how many will it hold?"

"Thank you, King Roan. We will send word immediately." She nodded and one of the guards left to radio Arkadia. "It will hold 1200 for one month if all systems are repairable."

"And what of Mount Weather?" One of the ambassadors asked.

Clarke looked to Lexa who nodded. Clarke looked back to the Ambassador. "800, their oxygen processing systems are in bad need of repair. If we have time we will try to increase that number by repairing or replacing the systems."

"And the bunker here in Polis?" Another ambassador asked.

"We are looking into that as well. We have no estimated yet but we are hopeful that it was designed for 1000 or more."

Roan spoke. "If we include Mount Weather and Skaikru, that leaves only 350 survivors for each clan or group."

"And that is with the Nightblood solution. If we are trying to survive for the five years it would take to be survivable without Nightblood, the number drops to about 100 per clan, depending on the condition of the Polis bunker." Clarke responded.

There were murmurs that Mount Weather should be taken.

Lexa spoke up, "Mount Weather is cooperating with us and trying to take it by force would jeopardize the safety it could provide. If the doors cannot seal it does no one any good. We have hard choices ahead, but we are working to ensure as many survive Praimfaya as possible. Time is now our enemy. You must decide which of your people are to receive the Nightblood treatment. Send them to Arkadia and Skaikru will treat them. Know that no clan's weapons will be allowed inside the wall, and any aggression towards Skaikru will be an attack on an ally of the coalition. We are all in this together and together we will rise from the ashes."

Indra began a chant of "Heda" which took hold and soon the room was filled with what sounded like a war cry. Lexa raised her hand, "now go, rally your people, prepare as much food as you can. Praimfaya is coming."

The chamber began clearing but Roan and Indra stayed behind along with Titus and the Commander's guards, and of course Clarke.

"Azgeda will not stand for sheltering others while our own burn in Praimfaya."

"If you want Skaikru to seal the Station, you will." Lexa said coldly.

"Do not misunderstand, it's my people who won't stand for it." Roan tried to explain.

"You are King, make them." Lexa said.

"I will try, but when it comes time to close the doors, blood will be spilled, and I suspect that is true at every location."

Indra joined the conversation, "much as we may hate it, King Roan is right."

Clarke nodded. "We will face that problem soon, right now we just have to make room for as many as possible. It is possible that Nightblood may protect those outside the bunker, we just don't know for sure."

"Always the optimist, Pesheda." Roan said. Before turning and heading out.

Indra lingered, "Heda, have you begun considering which clans will stay with each other. The chance for violence once locked away is great, especially if we are over crowded. Each location will need a strong leader."

"Once we know what Farm Station and the bunker here can hold, we will begin those tasks."

"Understood, Heda." Indra said before leaving.

Lexa and Clarke looked at each other and simultaneously sighed in relief.

"That went better than expected." Lexa said.

"Well, we were able to put some numbers to it and show them how important it is to make everyone possible a Nightblood."

"Let's hope this bunker is bigger than we think."

"I'm hopeful we will find out soon. There isn't a lock Monty can't crack." Clarke said.

"Well for now our business is done, will you retire with me?" Lexa smiled at Clarke.

"Yes, Heda." Clarke said with her own smile.

Later that evening they got news Monty had unlocked the bunker and the women rushed down to inspect.

Jaha and Monty greeted them in the control room.

"Welcome to the salvation of the human race." Jaha said.

"How many?" Lexa went straight to the point.

"We are still checking systems, but if everything is operational the bunker can support upwards of 3000. But I'd recommend not going to that extreme, over crowding would be difficulty to say the least."

"That's more than we had hoped for. That means we can save 500 per clan and all of Skaikru and the mountain men." Clarke said in excitement.

Lexa didn't look as excited. "That's still only a fraction of each Clan. What about Becca's lab. It is underground."

Jaha thought for a moment. "It wasn't designed to protect from radiation, but it might help Nightbloods survive Praimfaya."

"How many could it hold?" Lexa asked.

"Well, since people would only be there a few days, as many as you could cram in. maybe two or three thousand. And if you are looking for just placed to survive Praimfaya, there is the Aid Depot and the decoy bunker that would likely survive. That's another 5000 or so." Jaha speculated.

"That's nearly every one." Clarke said.

"It could turn into a very gruesome scene if the Nightblood doesn't protect them." Jaha pointed out.

"But they will die anyway. This gives them a chance." Clarke argued. "Besides, it should help keep people from fighting over space at other shelters."

Lexa thought and nodded her agreement.

"Then we have a gruesome task ahead of us, the decoy bunker is full of skeletons."

"Give us directions and my people can handle that. We are not so squeamish." Lexa said and Jaha wrote down directions.

"Time will be a problem, to make that many Nightbloods we will have to ask Mount Weather for help. They have doctors who can do the procedure too." Clarke commented.

"Then do so." Lexa directed.

"Yes, Heda." Clarke said deferentially before she went to radio them.

Lexa looked to Jaha, "finish your assessment and get me a final number."

"Yes, Commander."

Later in the Commander's Chambers, Clarke arrived. Lexa was staring out at the city from the balcony.

Clarke came up behind her and stood there for a moment. "Is something wrong, Lexa?"

"Yes, we are saving the mountain men at the expense of my people."

"We will be saving thousands of your people," Clarke tried to console her.

"You aren't leaving anyone out to die. All of Skaikru will survive."

"You know your people mean so much to me, that's not fair."

"None of this is fair, Clarke."

"So what, we should share the pain and determine survival by percentage of the population?"

"I'm not suggesting that, but how am I to go before the clans and tell them they have to each pick 500 of their people to survive, 400 to only have a chance and the rest to die." Lexa looked at Clarke over her shoulder, clearly distraught.

"Just think of all the people we are saving, not the ones we are loosing."

Lexa turned to her, "that's the problem, Clarke, I'm thinking of the mountain men, and yes, some of Skaikru. There are those of your people who hate us, yet we are letting them live at the expense of my people."

"There are those of your people who hate us yet we are building shelter for them. We have to move past the us versus them mentally if we are going to survive."

"Those words are easily said when all your people are safe." Lexa said almost accusatorial.

"What do you want me to do, oust the mountain men from their home and sentence hundreds of my people to death?" Clarke was getting distraught.

"Thinking like that is what I face. Would it be so wrong to take Mount Weather? Wouldn't you do it if it was the only way to save your people?"

"I would," Clarke said honestly. "But that would only save an additional 33 people per clan and you still face impossible decisions."

Something occurred to Clarke. "Floukru is small. They only have about 100 people. That's even more spaces for others."

"Those impossible decisions remain, Clarke. Every space taken by Mount Weather is a person who I am sentencing to death."

"What about honor? We stood together and offered them a deal. We took the Wallaces lives so their people would live."

"And that is why I haven't already marched on Mount Weather." Lexa said.

"They are defenseless now. We promised them and we need their help to make as many Nightbloods as possible. Don't let us descend into violence at the end of the world." Clarke pleaded.

"I haven't made any decisions, yet, but I have to answer to my people either way."

"You are the Commander, you don't have to answer to anyone." Clarke said.

"I didn't, before I met you. I was strong and supported. I was ruthless and my people followed me for it. But now, they see you and they see me as weak for loving you."

"Love doesn't make you weak, it makes you strong."

"That is not how my people see it." Lexa said. "And now more than ever I need to be strong for my people."

"Are you saying what I think you are?" Clarke said with a tremble in her voice.

"I will not betray you or your people, but I don't know that we can continue to be what we have been."

Clarke started to cry, "this can't be happening. The world is about to end and you are breaking up with me? We have been so happy and together we are about to save thousands of lives."

Lexa grabbed Clarke's hands. "I will always cherish what we have had, but now my people need a leader who isn't blinded by love."

"No." Clarke said. "You don't get to just decide to end this. Not when I know you love me."

"Clarke, don't make this harder than it has to be."

"I'll call off the repairs to the Stations. Skaikru will lock ourselves in Mount Weather and let you all burn." Clarke threatened in desperation.

"No you won't, Clarke, you would never be so vindictive."

"Please don't leave me." Clarke begged.

"Don't leave me, please don't leave me," she muttered over and over again.

Lexa shook Clarke, "wake up, Clarke, you are having a bad dream."

Clarke opened her eyes and gasped for breath, tears running down her cheeks. She threw her arms around Lexa and pulled her in close. "It was so real. Please don't leave me."

"I'm not going anywhere," Lexa reassured her.

"Do I make you weak?" Clarke asked, sobbing.

"Yes, but you also make me strong. I could not have done what we have done with out you."

"What about Mount Weather, every spot they take is one person you have to ask to die?" Clarke looked into Lexa's eyes pleading for her to be honest.

"Clarke, we made promises when they surrendered. I intend to honor that."

"But will your people, as Praimfaya comes closer, won't it weaken you as a leader?"

"You let me worry about that." Lexa tried to calm her. Lexa held Clarke tightly and Clarke leaned into the embrace.

Finally Clarke was calm, soothed by Lexa's touch.

"I'm scared," Clarke uttered.

"So am I. This is a foe we cannot simply fight and defeat. But we are doing a good job of out thinking it."

"What if we save all these people just to emerge and starve because there are no animals left?"

"We will have the farms at Arkadia, Mount Weather and the bunker here in Polis and stores of food." Lexa said.

"It won't be enough. Maybe it will be better to die in Praimfaya than to starve or end up killing each other over food."

"We don't know what will be left after Praimfaya, all we can do is try to survive it."

Clarke was about to ask another question and Lexa interrupted. "Enough worrying about things you can't control." Lexa leaned in and kissed Clarke, hoping to interrupt her racing thoughts.

It seemed to work as Clarke kissed her back, full of need. Soon the women were practical tearing their clothes of in a desperate need to be close to each other.

Hours later, as Clarke huddled into Lexa's embrace, she felt at peace. Lexa softly brushed a few stray hairs from Clarke's face and smiled at her. Clarke smiled back, eventually falling asleep in her lover's arms.

The next morning, they radioed Arkadia and Bellamy answered. "It's good to hear you Clarke."

"I'm here with Lexa. We are looking for an update on the repairs and the Nightblood treatments."

"Alpha Station is done we're just testing a few seals. Mecha is coming along nicely and the team at Farm Station reports that all the scrubbers are functional, it's just a race against time to get it sealed. Reports are King Roan has laborers there to help with heavy lifting and it is making a difference. As for the treatments, especially with the help of the team from Mount Weather, it is mostly going good. There are about one in ten patients that get the treatment and don't come back for the extraction, but we have more than enough marrow we decided to scrap the rocket idea. Oh, and we have had very few Louwoda Kliron Kru come for treatment. The ones that have said they are being banished for blasphemy."

Lexa took the radio. "I will speak to their ambassador to find out what their plans are. The shelters will only have enough provisions for Nightbloods to shelter for a month."

"I know," Bellamy said sadly.

Clarke took the radio, "anything else to report?"

"Our first crop of soybeans should be ready to harvest before Praimfaya, so that is good."

"Hunting is going good from the reports we have." Clarke updated Bellamy.

"Hannah Green has been lobbying to start crops at Alpha Station and the Polis bunker now to help with food after Praimfaya."

"That's a good idea. It has my vote, will you pass that along to the council?"

"I will," Bellamy said.

Lexa took the radio, "she can start at the Polis bunker right away. No need for a vote here."

"Thank you, I'll let her know. I think that's all on my end."

Clarke and Lexa exchanged a glance and Lexa handed the radio back to Clarke. "That's all from us too. Stay safe."

"You too, Arkadia out."

Lexa went to the door and opened it. She told one of the guards to find the Louwoda Kliron Kru Ambassador and have them meet her in the throne room. Clarke and Lexa got dressed in formal wear, and full war paint and went to the throne room to wait. Titus joined them along with full guards.

The Ambassador was escorted in. "You summoned me, Heda?" He said as he bowed.

"Yes, why does Louwoda Kliron Kru defy my commands?"

"We do not, as a clan defy you, Heda. But many among us would rather die in Praimfaya than see a world where everyone is a Nightblood and there will never be a true Commander again. It is a matter of faith and each individual must choose for themselves."

Lexa nodded. "Knowing Nightblood is essential to survival, how will your clan choose it's survivors?"

"Those who take the treatment number less than 100. Louwoda Kliron Kru will gift our remaining spots to the other clans for equal distribution."

"This is acceptable."

Clarke was about to protest and sending it Lexa raised her hand to silence Clarke.

"We honor Louwoda Kliron Kru's faith, and will remember you. Let your people know that any who do become Nightbloods, are welcome to come to Polis in advance of Praimfaya."

"Thank you, Heda" the ambassador said. "With that settled, may I take my leave of Polis to be with my people?"

"Yes, you have served them well, Ambassador." Lexa said.

The ambassador bowed and left.

Once he was gone Clarke moved in front of Lexa. "how can you let a whole clan just die?"

"Their sacrifice means more people of other clans will survive and I won't force them to go against their faith. I told you many would not accept artificial Nightblood, at least they are doing so peaceful."

Clarke's irritation faded. "You are wise, Heda."

"Have we any other business, Titus?"

"Yes, Heda, we do." Titus said and looked at Clarke. "we caught another would be assassin last night."

Clarke returned to her spot by Lexa's side.

"Was this one more talkative than the last."

"All he will say is 'Death to Skaikru, death to the last Commander.'" Titus said.

"Execute him." Lexa simply said.

"Yes, Heda." Titus said and gestured for the a guard to make it happen. "We also have some citizens who seek an audience."

"I will see them," Lexa looked to Clarke, "you should go, this may take some time."

"Yes, Heda." Clarke said before standing and taking her leave, escorted by her own guards.

Later that evening, Lexa returned to her chambers to find Clarke sketching the city from the balcony.

Lexa came over and kissed Clarke on the top of her head and put her hands on Clarke's shoulders.

"That did take a while, anything I should know about?" Clarke asked, not looking up from her sketch.

"Even knowing Praimfaya is coming, people still bicker and argue over trivial matters. No, nothing important was discussed." Lexa began massaging Clarke's shoulders.

"Maybe it's good to deal with something other than the end of the world, every once in a while. There is only so much we can do." Clarke commented as she leaned back into Lexa's touch.

"That's what I have you for," Lexa whispered into Clarke's ear.

"Is it wrong that I'm so happy at the end of the world?"

"You aren't happy about that, but why deny yourself the joy that comes from love, you have had enough pain from it, Clarke."

"That is not how you used to talk." Clarke observed.

"What can I say, Clarke, you've changed me."

"We have changed each other. And for the better. If we didn't have this peace, none of our preparations would be possible."

Lexa's hands started to wander and Clarke tilted her head back to look up at Lexa. Lexa leaned down and kissed Clarke. The women kissed for several moments before Clarke rose and lead Lexa to bed.

The next few weeks past uneventfully. Mecha Station was finished and all engineering and mechanical resources were focused on Farm Station. Several underground parking garages were identified as viable options for Nightbloods to avoid Praimfaya. The Farmers among Skaikru got crops started at Alpha Station and the Polis bunker and harvest at the joint farm with Trikru was set for a month before Praimfaya was expected.

The Ambassadors were apprised of the final numbers and assigned spaces in the various shelters.

Unrest started to spread as Praimfaya grew closer. Lexa began a tour to calm the people. With Clarke by her side, Lexa reassured the people that Bekka Pramheda would protect them. With two weeks to go, Lexa and Clarke oversaw the final repairs to Farm Station and that each shelter had the appropriate provisions.

Finally, they were on their way back to Polis. Lexa and Clarke road side by side in the middle of the procession of guards and attendants. It was in the rocky pass between Arkadia and Polis that something did not seem right. Lexa watched the ridge line carefully and spotted the archers about to strike. "Get down," she yelled as she dismounted and used her horse for cover. Arrows began to fly and Clarke dismounted next to Lexa. The guards returned fire with the automatic rifles Skaikru had trained them with. Archers began falling, but so did Lexa's guards. "Move forward." Lexa ordered and they advanced through the valley, giving as good as they got. And as if nature had decided that was enough, the clouds opened up and the black rain began to fall. The archers began screaming out in pain and running for cover. The horses were in distress, but Lexa's entourage had all been turned to Nightbloods.

"There are caves ahead, get the horses to them." Lexa ordered as Clarke began to check the wounded. "Clarke, leave them, it's not safe. The rain could stop at any moment."

"I have to try, they were attacked because of me." Clarke screamed out.

Lexa stood over Clarke and as she checked the wounded, Lexa watched for further attack. Clarke helped who could be, and Lexa collected the guns of the fallen and they began to move towards the caves, then they heard the sound of automatic gunfire and then silence. The remaining injured guards took up defensive position outside the caves. Then they saw muzzle flashes and the women dove for cover. The archers had taken the guards weapons and we're holding the caves.

Clarke looked to Lexa in desperation. "Without the horses we won't make it back to Polis in time and Arkadia is too far back."

"Then we take them back." Lexa threw Clarke a rifle.

The gunfight that ensued was drawn out until the attackers no longer had ammunition and switched back to bow and arrow. That was when Lexa struck. She charged the caves with an automatic weapon in each hand, mowing all of the attackers down, only to find the horses had been killed.

She left the cave to find all of her guards had died in the fight, despite Clarke's best efforts. Lexa quickly reloaded and gathered all the ammunition she could along with rations and handed Clarke a heavy bag.

Clarke was covered in Nightblood from trying to save the guards but it was quickly washing away in the rain. "Clarke, we have to move, now."

"And go where?" Clarke said, defeated.

"We will figure it out. Get on the radio and see if anyone can read us. Maybe the Rover can get us? But we have to get on the move there may be more of them."

Clarke began to follow Lexa as she pulled out her radio. "This is Clarke, we have been attacked, does anyone read me?" the radio was silent except for some static. She repeated the message and still nothing. "Raven said the radios may become useless as the radiation increased."

"Then we are on our own. We can probably make it to Mount Weather."

"They started a hard seal two days ago, in fear that they might be ousted from their bunker." Clarke said.

"The garage outside the mountain then?"

"Maybe, but it's probably over full and we don't know if it will be safe."

"Come up with a better option." Lexa said as she started to head north towards Mount Weather.

"The arts supply store." Clarke said sadly.

"What?" Lexa said in confusion.

"A bunker for a small family that Finn found."

"That sounds like our best option." Lexa said. "Lead the way."

The women marched as fast as they could. The rain turned to ash and the sky turned red. They could see the smoke rising above the trees as they arrived. They quickly got their gear and supplies inside to discover the smell of a rotting corpse.

"We have to get that body out of here." Lexa said as she went over and wrapped it in the shower curtain and hauled it to the ladder. "help me lift," Lexa told Clarke.

Lexa climbed the ladder while Clarke lifted and together they got the corpse out. They closed the hatch and Clarke found and powered the generator. Merciful it began to vent the smell. Clarke found bleach and began cleaning the floor and started crying.

Lexa went to her and put a hand on her shoulder. "This is not how it ends for us."

"It's not that. Finn killed that man because he was looking for me and the man had my father's watch. And this is also where Finn and I had sex, the only time we did. It used to be a safe place for me and he ruined that."

Above them they could hear the roar of Praimfaya Lexa pulled Clarke away from cleaning and wrapped her arms around her.

"Just be present with me for this moment. There is nothing else, no past and no future, just now. You are with the woman you love, who loves you more than anything, at the end of the world, it's just us."

Clarke held onto her tightly as the world burned. to vent the smell. Clarke found bleach and began cleaning the floor and started crying.

Lexa went to her and put a hand on her shoulder. "This is not how it ends for us."

"It's not that. Finn killed that man because he was looking for me and the man had my father's watch. And this is also where Finn and I had sex, the only time we did. It used to be a safe place for me and he ruined that."

Above them they could hear the roar of Praimfaya Lexa pulled Clarke away from cleaning and wrapped her arms around her.

"Just be present with me for this moment. There is nothing else, no past and no future, just now. You are with the woman you love, who loves you more than anything, at the end of the world, it's just us."

Clarke held onto her tightly as the world burned.