CHAPTER ONE.

THE ARREST

BLACK COMBAT BOOTS strutted across the metal hallways as a brunette girl approached the hospital room, housing her grandmother. The older woman had fallen ill a few days ago and the she visited her each morning and each night, with news that she knew the woman would like. 

Today was no different. 

The doors opened upon her approach and she found her grandmother lying in her bed, reading a trashy magazine from before the world ended. Hearing her enter, the woman glanced up and smiled, "Athena, my little spider."

"Hi, Grandma," she smiled. Ever since she was young, Arachne Larson had called her daughter and granddaughter nicknames of spiders. It was their thing. Paying homage to her name, Athena supposed. 

"What does the Widow have for me today?" Arachne asked, sitting up straighter, anticipating the news she would receive.

"Ooh, you're gonna like it," Athena replied, sitting at the edge of her grandmother's bed. The older woman gripped her hand, "So, I was doing the usual and I overheard Diana Sydney talking with her husband."

Arachne nodded eagerly. She, like the rest of the Larson's, hated Diana Sydney. Arachne had been married to a former Chancellor, Jason Larson and Diana had been a potent advocator for his stepping down. She then went on to take his place, but since had been formally and dishonorably dismissed in favour of Thelonious Jaha. 

"And they were talking about their son, you know Greyson. He's got a drug problem, Grandma, a huge one too. Weed, meth, coke. He's doing it all," Athena said, "So I did a bit of investigating to find out who his dealer was—"

"Big Sam?" Arachne guessed. The man was famous for his illegal dealings, however, the Council would never put him away because he was never actually caught with drugs in his apartment. He was dealing out of some little hole in the Ark and only his close circle was able to get in. 

"No, some new guy called Scorpion. Stupid name if I'm being honest," Athena rolled her eyes, "I've got a Spider on him in case he stirs trouble, but he's not the best part. Sydney acquired the help of Dr. Han to help Greyson get over his addiction. And obviously, Dr Han has to report to Abby because she's Chief Medical Officer, but he hasn't. Meaning, he's probably on Sydney's payroll and therefore can lose his license, meaning..."

"He's the perfect target for our manipulation," Arachne smiled brightly. Athena nodded and the older woman patted her hand gently, "Well done, my dear. Excellent work."

"Thank you," Athena felt proud knowing she had her grandmother's approval. Since she was old enough to comprehend, she'd vied for her affections— not that she needed to, she was an only child like everyone else on the Ark— and did the most to get it. 

"I've taught you well," Arachne mused, "When I'm gone, this empire will be yours."

Arachne was on the verge of ninety, with a few budding medical problems. She had been of the first generation of children to be born on the Ark, and had been through everything, including the horrible Blight. During that time, she had created a band of criminals and created her empire. She stole, exploited and killed and had made herself into the woman today. 

Though her husband was Chancellor, she was the one who was ruling in the background. Though she loved Jason, he was weak and would've crumbled much sooner without her. 

Athena's mother, Artemis, had risen in the ranks of the guard to a Captain, two places below Commander and had decided to pass the empire off to her daughter when Arachne died. Athena was more than welcoming of it, excited to make something for herself. 

Her grandmother had taught her from a young age. By the time she was twelve, she was proficient in crawling through the vents, hand-to-hand combat, the art of manipulation and shooting a gun. 

"It won't be for another few years," Athena dismissed. Though she was excited to take over, she dreaded the day her grandmother died and was floated out to space. 

"It'll come in the blink of an eye," Arachne replied, "You are ready, anyway. More than."

Athena sighed gently. She had been prepared to take over for a while now. She had her own inner circle, containing only a few people she had grown up with and trusted immensely. The locals knew her well and respected her. The Council knew her well and respected her. She had an easy path of influence on everyone and anyone on the Ark because of both the work of her mother and her own. Athena just didn't feel ready. 

Arachne, sensing Athena's deflated mood, changed the subject. She pressed a key into the girl's hand, "I nicked this off Nurse Julie earlier. Get the medicine for John's mother and make sure the key goes back."

Athena smiled, thankful to be back at her usual job, "I'll see you tomorrow morning, Grandma."

"Goodnight, my Widow," Arachne said, pressing a kiss to her cheek. 

"Love you," Athena replied, standing. She exited the room and released a small sigh before walking through the Medical bay to the medicine storage. 

The Council claimed to have depleted resources and was unable to provide medicine for some who had severe conditions. However, the Larson women knew the truth. Abby, Artemis' best friend and Athena's godmother had told them that the labs were working on duplicating the formulas of the medicine they already had and had started to push it through with the public secretly. 

This was not even common knowledge amongst the Council otherwise Artemis would've known as well. She had taken over her mother's council position and sat alongside the legacies of the Ark. 

The young woman unlocked the door and slipped inside after making sure there was no one around. Closing the door behind her, she immediately rushed over to the cabinet, her eyes scanning the pills for the needed medication.

She grabbed it quickly before exiting, making sure to leave the room as she found it. Looking around the bay, she immediately found Nurse Julie with her fiery red hair. Athena weaved through the throng of people around the woman as she tended to a patient. 

Using the cover of the people around her and the sleight of hand she'd practised as a child, she seamlessly replaced the key as she walked past. 

Athena smiled to herself at the woman's unawareness. She exited the bay and made her way toward John's apartment. 

The girl knocked on a door and it was pulled open by a male with brown hair and equally brown eyes. She brushed past him and into his small apartment.

She held up the packet of pills.

"What's this?" he asked.

"The medicine for your mother John. Use it wisely," she advised.

"Did you steal this," Murphy said, she gave him a look, "Of course you did."

Athena had known John Murphy for most of his life. When they were young, he followed her like a lost puppy and even now as they were older, he still did. He was her third in command and someone she trusted with her life. "Thank you, Thena."

"I'll see you tomorrow, 0800, John," Athena said firmly, knowing his tendency to be late. She kissed him gently on the cheek and left. She skipped down the long hallway back before slipping into her own apartment.

Artemis sat at the table, looking over the schedules for the current shift work of the guards. Athena kissed the woman on the cheek and sat next to her, "Did you get the medicine for John's mother?"

"Of course, I did, Mom," Athena replied. 

Artemis looked at her, "Did anyone see you?"

"Don't think so, no," Athena replied. 

Artemis sighed in relief. Though she was well integrated in her mother's schemes, she tried to stay out of the limelight. With her job as Captain of the Guard and her place on the council, she couldn't afford anything bad happening to their family. 

Especially considering she had been in the running for Chancellor, in the last election. Thelonious Jaha had won, but everyone knew that Artemis should have.

The people hated him, to them Artemis would've been the best choice, she was caring and nice, Jaha had cracked down on laws, floating people left and right. 

"I know, Mom," Athena replied, "What time is it?" Her mother sighed before shaking her head.

"9:00."

"Perfect, I'm going to see Clarke," Athena said, getting up, her chair scraping against the metal floors

Clarke Griffin was four years younger than Athena, who was seventeen but they were still best friends. She was the daughter of Abby Lane, now Griffin, who was Artemis' best friend since childhood. The two were practically inseparable and their daughters were also, despite their age difference. Abby was a doctor and one of the best in the field. Athena had shadowed her for almost eight years now before she decided she'd much rather be a guard. 

So her mother had entered her into pre-officer training when she turned seventeen. Athena was practically soaring through her courses, with flying colours in combat and weaponry and was already on track for early admission to the training programme. 

Though Abby was sad to have lost her goddaughter as a future surgeon, her own daughter Clarke was on the way to becoming one.

Athena left her apartment and walked a few doors down before entering without knocking.

"Clarkey. You here?"

"My room," A voice called back.

Athena walked further into the apartment and found her friend sitting on her bed. She jumped onto it and the two girls bounced for a bit and Athena looked over Clarke's shoulder. Clarke was a medium-height girl with blonde hair and blue eyes. She often spent her time drawing which is what she was doing now. Athena stared at the drawing of the girl with her parents.

"So Clarkey how was your afternoon?" Athena asked.

"It was ok. Spent it in the library with Wells. You?" Wells was the Chancellor's son and Athena didn't really like him but she tolerated him for Clake. He was slightly stuck-up considering his father was the Chancellor. And because of that, he believed he was important. Of course, this was only the attitude of a child and Athena was sure it would disappear in a few years.

"Nothing much," Athena lied. Clarke wasn't aware of what the Larson women did and Athena wanted to keep it that way. She didn't want the younger girl to be an accessory to their crimes. The two girls chatted until Clake's mother Abby came in.

"Athena. You should get going curfew is soon," Abby said. She smiled at her, already knowing that the girl was staying over.

"Can I sleep over? I'm sure Mom won't mind," Athena asked sweetly as Clarke nodded. Abby sighed.

"I'll go tell her."

"Thanks, Abby," Athena shouted after the woman.

After Athena had spent the night at Clarke's she had to leave to get ready for school. She walked down the hallway but stopped seeing a small crowd around her apartment. She frowned, pushing through the people, to where a guard was arguing with her mother. "Mom?" As her voice rang through the hallway, the guards whipped toward her.

"Athena Larson, you're under arrest," one stated, gripping her upper arm tightly, and placing handcuffs around her wrists. Athena's eyes widened as he continued to speak, "You have the right to remain silent."

"On what grounds?" Athena spoke as she winced from the tightness of the cuffs.

"Multiple accounts of thievery and your fingerprints," the guard replied, beginning to push her forward.

"Who's given you these orders?" Artemis questioned. 

"Commander Shumway, ma'am," one replied. 

Artemis' jaw ticked. She desperately wished that Shumway could be discharged —preferably dishonourably— and Warren Barrett, a long-time friend, could take his place. He was much better and much more efficient in his work and was just above her in the ranks, sitting as Lieutenant Commander. 

Athena frowned as her mother stopped the guard, "I'd like a word with my daughter," she glared at him heavily before he sighed, stopping. Artemis pushed Athena to the side.

"Mom..."

Artemis shushed her, "It's fine, you're going to be fine."

"Mom I'm eighteen next month," Athena stressed. They both knew what that meant. The Ark's rules stated that anyone over the age of eighteen was to be floated if found guilty at their trial. Most were found guilty at their trial and barely anyone got off the hook. Jaha had no qualms about floating fellow council members let alone their children.

"Calm down, you'll be fine, I'll find a way out of this," Artemis promised as the guard told them that was enough and started to drag Athena away.