Fractal

by Rachel J Mannino

“Why don’t you see if you like it, and if you don’t, then we’ll find something else.” She cut her egg into tiny pieces, surveying her brother over the bridge of her nose.

  Varick opened his mouth to protest, but Anna caught his eye with a heated glance. Silenced, he studied the table.

  The door chimed. “Yes?” Varick asked.

  “Ah, Varick. I’m here to see the Vadana.” Councilman Meroca’s voice boomed through the panel.

  Varick shot out of his chair, and it crashed to the floor behind him. He picked up the chair, and shoved it under the table with a hurried clink. “Apologies, Your Majesty.” He bowed his head to her, and jogged to the door.

  Anna tried to hide her surprise at Varick’s mad dash away from the table, reminding herself that she goaded him into sitting with her against his wishes. Meroca bowed into the room.

  “Pardon me, Your Majesty. I didn’t realize you were still having breakfast.” The councilman bristled when he spotted an empty plate at the table. His eyes flicked up to meet Varick’s with a glare.

  “Oh, no. We’re just finishing. You promised we would talk this morning anyway.” She folded her napkin and gave him her attention.

  “Yes, exactly, um, is there someone else you’re dining with?” His eyebrows shot up

  “I asked Varick to dine with us, since he hadn’t yet eaten.” Anna pulled herself up a bit taller and tilted her chin.

  “I tried to explain but…” He shrugged.

  Meroca nodded for a few moments, and then smiled. “It’s an old rule, Your Majesty.”

  She reveled for a moment, just a moment, in using some of the newfound power they afforded her in this society. “Exactly. It would have been very rude to not invite Varick to join us.” She invited the councilman to the table with a wave of her hand.

  He smiled and shifted his heavy girth. Varick hurried around to the other side of the table and tapped the control panel to get rid of the incriminating plate. The councilman rounded the table and dropped down in the chair Varick offered.

  “Your Majesty, I’m at your disposal. Ask of me what you will.” Meroca folded his hands.

  A dozen questions floated around in her head, and she had to decide which ones were the most important. “What exactly do you want me to do to save your people?”

  “Our people, Your Majesty,” Councilman Meroca rested on his elbows. “They need a strong leader. Since the crisis tore apart our world when you were a baby, our people have been scattered throughout the stars. Once we reverse the poisonous effects of the experiment that started the problem, we will need you to call everyone home.”

  “What exactly am I supposed to do to stop or reverse the effects of this experiment?” Worry settled in her chest

  “That…we do not know. We are on our way to see the last prophet, who lives just outside Dahrel’s solar system. He will give us more clear direction.” The councilman’s expression turned grave

  She gave him a hard stare. “So you just hope I’m going to be able to do what needs to be done?”

  “Yes. You are our leader, and if the prophet says you will reverse this terrible plague, then you will. We just need to continue forward until this comes to pass.” Meroca tapped the table with conviction.

  Anna wondered at his resolve, which was far stronger than her own. They had such blind faith in her.

  “How did all of you survive when the experiment went wrong?” She gulped down some of her coffee, letting its spicy warmth soothe her nerves

  “I was aboard a training ship, overseeing the academic instruction of our young soldiers when the incident occurred, and you and your parents escaped. Our soldiers, like Varick here, are trained on academy vessels from a very young age. Almost all of our armed vessels were deployed throughout the solar system at the point of crisis. Therefore, most of our armed forces are intact, though some remain unaccounted for. There is a temporary command station just outside the solar system, where we are headed now.” Meroca gestured toward the window and the expanse of space beyond

  “How many people survived?” Anna asked

  “It’s hard to say. Survival on Dahrel was pretty high. Almost 60% of the population there was saved, at least as far as we can tell. The population on Assis, the first planet we colonized, was not very high. It was the closest planet to the science station. Loren, our third colony, was much farther away, and we were able to evacuate less than half of the population. Overall, we estimate that we saved about one third of our population.” A moment of stunned silence followed his pronouncement.

  “Two thirds of your people died?” Hannah’s eyes widened in horror.

  The councilman nodded with a frown. Two-thirds of a planetary system gone in a matter of days. She swallowed hard.

  “There is something else I should tell you, Your Majesty.” Councilman Meroca’s soft words captured her attention. “There was one ship that evacuated all of the Council and their families. On their way out of the solar system to the emergency command center, the ship went through an asteroid field. We don’t know what happened to them. We haven’t heard from them since. I am the only councilman accounted for.”

  Anna took a deep breath.

  “You said the Council governs the planet. Without them, who makes and enforces the laws?” Hannah clasped her hands together, far more interested in the proceedings than Anna ever thought she would be

  “The Vadana is always the supreme ruler. She creates our laws. The Council makes recommendations to her for her approval, advises her from time to time. It is extremely rare for the Council to have enough of a majority to pass a law without the Vadana. Without the Council to guide her, it is just the Vadana.” Councilman Meroca gestured to her.

  She studied the tirwyn. Its leaves transformed into a sickly shade of gray. It chose that color well. “So then it is you and I who make decisions for everyone?”

  “Yes, Your Majesty. Until your brother comes of age, and then he will also be part of the decision making process. Hopefully, on a fully restored Dahrel.” Meroca smiled. “You can see why I am most glad for your company.”

  His gentle smile made her return the gesture. The worry that had a vice grip on her heart loosened, and she could breathe again.

  “Yes, I think I do.” Anna spread her hands out on the table.

  “Do you have any other questions, Your Majesty?” he asked.

  “No, I think you’ve answered all of my questions for now.”

  Except, of course, for the ones that really mattered. Her nerves jangled beneath her skin

  “Good. I would like to propose that perhaps you and I have daily meetings. I would like to instruct you on the training you would have received growing up as the future Vadana—lessons in the culture, history, and protocol of your people. Would that please you?” The councilman preened, shifting in his chair.

  “Yes. I think that would be very helpful.”

  “Good.” He clapped his hands together. “Perhaps we should have lessons for Lord Brendan as well?”

  “Yes, absolutely. Since Hannah is with us, maybe all three of us should take lessons together?” She gestured to them with a wave.

  Brendan and Hannah collectively groaned, but the councilman’s eyes danced with delight. “I would be honored to look after the lessons for all of you. Now, I suggest a tour of the ship. Varick, would you like to escort the Vadana? I’m sure you need to introduce her to the Captain and the crew on the bridge. I would be more than happy to take Lord Brendan and Hannah with me.” Meroca smiled at Hannah and Brendan

  ~ * ~

  Varick’s shoulders relaxed, pleased that he wouldn’t have to separate from the Vadana for her tour of the ship. The group sitting at the table rose and pushed away their chairs. Varick walked behind the Vadana as they proceeded out of the room to the central lift area, joined by Councilman Meroca’s guard and the other two who were waiting on Brendan and Hannah. They stopped at the two on the right designated for the Vadana’s use and the councilman’s.

  �
��We will take these two to the atrium”—the councilman pointed to the top of the ship— “and work our way down to the bridge.”

  “I will take the Vadana to the bridge first.” Varick ushered Anna into the lift and shut the door before the councilman changed his mind. He punched the code for the bridge, and the lift shot downward.

  “Are the soldiers on the bridge expecting me?”

  “No, Your Majesty. Should I call them?”

  He reached for the control panel, but Anna’s voice stopped him.

  “No, no. Let’s just go. They don’t need to…”

  As her voice trailed off, Varick faced her. His brows knit as he studied her flushed face and the way she gripped the side of the lift. “Are you all right?”

  “Yes, I’m fine. Why do you ask?” Anna pried her hands away. She sent him a sidelong glance, and then her eyes darted away. She tried to present a stoic and commanding front, but her shallow, quick breathing didn’t fool him at all. He paused the lift, and it stopped in mid-descent

  “There is no one who will harm you here. I will protect you, always. These soldiers have been waiting their whole lives for your return. You are their leader, and they will do anything for you.”

  “That is exactly what scares me the most.” She paced in the small steps between each glass wall. “I don’t even know what I’m doing here, let alone how to be a Vadana. I don’t know how to do anything you and the councilman want me to do.”

  She stopped and fixed her gaze on Varick, her eyes full of helpless frustration

  “Councilman Meroca will teach you everything you need to know. You heard him say so yourself.”

  “That doesn’t mean I’ll be able to do any of it well.” She slumped against the wall. “What if I’m a terrible ruler? You’re taking me to meet these men and women who have waited for me their whole lives. How can I look them in the eye and tell them I’m their ruler when I’m not even sure I can do it?”

  Anguish twisted her features. He took a step toward her, and wrapped both of her hands in his. They were like ice and trembled in his grasp. Giving them a gentle squeeze, he imparted all of the warmth and comfort he could offer. He stared into Anna’s very worried and anxious blue eyes.

  “Sometimes being the best is not required. Sometimes, it is simply that you try. That is what is required of you right now—that you try to give our people something to believe in. We’ve been adrift in this universe with little to hold us together. All they need right now is to see you, Your Majesty—confident, happy, and among your own people again.”

  Her expression lightened, and a flicker of triumph burned in his chest.

  “So…you’re telling me I just need to pretend I am good at this for a little while?”

  He smiled. “It’s gotten me pretty far.”

  “I really hope no one tries to kill me, then.”

  Varick silently applauded himself. He’d never been needed until now. He’d spent years searching for the Vadana, dreaming of a proud and commanding woman who would lead them home without a shred of fear. Yet, this strong, self-doubting, and humble woman was more real and compelling than he had ever imagined. The one moment he spent boosting her spirits filled him with intense satisfaction.

  Her shoulders relaxed. His gaze lingered on her lips. Gravity shifted and a forbidden thought entered his mind. An overpowering urge to touch her, to brush his lips over hers, seized him. Her beauty pulled him toward her as if she were a blue star, and he strayed so close he was being drawn into her orbit.

  He sucked in a breath. His eyes were locked on hers, and he drowned in their depths. Their hands radiated heat as if mere contact between them produced fire. Anna blushed, her eyes skittering away, releasing Varick from his trance.

  He let go and took a step back. Shuddering from the force of their encounter, he swallowed and cleared his throat.

  “No, Your Majesty. I’m certain that protecting you is the one thing I can do very well.” He leaned against the cool glass of the lift. “I’m also certain that any woman who can raise herself and her younger brother, come onto an alien vessel, and attempt to take on a new life as you have will make a very fine ruler.”

  A shadow of their connection passed between them as he glanced her way and met her gaze. She smiled and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”

  Varick couldn’t tear his gaze away from her. He pressed in the code for the lift to continue moving. They reached their destination, and the doors opened. He finally looked away as he stepped through

  Unlike the rest of the floors, the bridge was enclosed on the top. Blue lights lined and highlighted each of the hallways that stretched right and left.

  Two people, a man and a woman, stood in the middle of the hallway talking. They wore the crew’s uniforms, with dark-blue, V-neck shirts and black pants. The man had a single, thin black bar down the front of his shirt, the mark of an officer. The pair glanced up. They gawked at Anna before sinking to one knee with bowed heads.

  After introducing her to the two crewmen, he swept his Vadana past them and down the hall to the control room. He glanced out the semicircle of floor to ceiling windows looking out onto the expanse of space. They were hurtling past stars and planets, which appeared as hazy balls of light. A bank of workstations in front faced the windows, where officers now stood. Everyone appeared intent on their task, and didn’t notice their arrival.

  Varick announced her entrance with great pride. Everyone stopped their activities and sank to one knee, except one man, who rose from the chair in the center of the room. Fayn. How dare he not bow to his Vadana? He held his temper and his tongue in check.

  “Your Majesty.” Captain Fayn bowed his head. Captain Fayn ambled over to them

  “Your Majesty, this is Captain Fayn.” An undercurrent of annoyance rolled off Varick’s tongue, try as he might.

  “It’s a pleasure, Captain.” Anna extended her hand to him in that peculiar custom she favored.

  His gaze surveyed Her Majesty from head to toe, and she dropped her arm and stepped closer to him. He didn’t blame her. Fayn’s expression was cold and calculating.

  “I hope you enjoy your stay with us.” Captain Fayn stopped a foot from her.

  “Yes, I’m sure I will. When will we arrive at the prophet’s home?” her gaze roamed over the room as she smiled at everyone.

  “Sometime in the next week. Shouldn’t be too long, if there aren’t any unexpected surprises.” A wolfish grim spread over the captain’s face.

  “Very good.” She took another step toward Varick.

  “I hope you will transition well to being with your own people. Earth was such a…primitive world. I can’t even imagine living on a planet without intergalactic travel. We have had those capabilities for centuries. Dahrelians have a very different way of life than what you are used to.”

  Anna stiffened, and it set Varick’s teeth on edge. He would speak to the councilman about Fayn’s disrespectful attitude.

  “If there is anything you need, Your Majesty, I’m at your service.” Captain Fayn presented her with a small bow before he swung around to bark out a few orders.

  Verick grabbed Her Majesty by the elbow and steered her over to another bridge officer. Thus began the thirty or so introductions he made for her over the next few hours. She spoke to each member of the bridge crew for several minutes. Every one of them bowed to her several times. A few burst into tears. All of them were far more welcoming than Captain Fayn

  Afterward, Varick led her to the lift. As soon as the rest of the crew was out of sight, she slumped against the glass wall.

  Chapter Four

  “Would you like to see the training room next?” Varick’s finger hovered over the elevator’s control board.

  “No, no. Please, unless there is somewhere you can take me that is deserted, I would rather go to my room.” She wasn’t above begging, and she was exhausted. Her jaw hurt from so much talking, her tongue sat heavy in her mouth like a wad o
f wool.

  He chuckled. “I know where to go.” A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “There won’t be anyone there to meet, I promise.”

  “Good. I’ll hold you to that.” She massaged her shoulders.

  When they arrived at their destination, he made a sweeping gesture to invite her to step off the lift. As Anna strode out, she blinked. An atrium sprawled out in front her with plants of all colors arranged in a maze. Exotic scents filled the thick and heavy air. The only area not filled with plants was the circular bank of lifts. Large metal beams connected overhead into a solid point, but the walls were gone. A brilliant, blue star dangled above her

  She spun around in a slow circle. After a few minutes, she stopped and gazed at Varick, a glowing smile plastered across his face.

  “This is amazing.” She gestured to the room. “I’m… Wow, just…wow.”

  His smile brightened. He seemed thoroughly pleased with her reaction. “I’m glad you like it. It’s my favorite place on the ship.”

  “I can see why. Are we still inside the ship? It feels like we’re just floating.”

  “No, we’re still inside. The ceiling above you is metal, but it’s a metal that becomes transparent when heated. It’s called cromin. That blue star behind you is giving off enough heat to make the metal disappear. That’s why the councilman confiscated this space for growing plants, since it’s often engulfed in light. On most ships this would just be dead space.”

  Anna nodded as she wandered over to a bank of plants with waxy, green leaves the size of her arm. The bright-orange flowers puckered like clamshells, but they rippled beneath the petals as if something were inside. She reached out to touch it, but Varick was at her elbow. He closed his hand over hers and drew her away.

  “I wouldn’t, Your Majesty. Their petals are poisonous to the touch. It would kill you within hours. We wouldn’t even grow them onboard, but boiling down their roots makes a powerful antibiotic.”

  “Really? Poisonous petals?”

  He imparted a gentle squeeze and let her go. “Probably best not to touch any of the plants. I don’t even know half of them myself.”