Chapter 11
"Congratulations"
image [https://i.imgur.com/gcxKC1K.png]
05/26/2368
Bunker BP-25
Aryah sat on a bench in a hallway, engulfed in a state of shock. Her gaze was fixed unseeingly, nervously chewing on her thumbnail. The world around her seemed frozen, wrapped in a deafening silence broken only by the constant ringing in her ears. People moved slowly past her, as if time itself was crawling frame-by-frame.
Suddenly, a distant, distorted voice began calling her name, but Aryah didn't react. It took several attempts before she finally turned her head toward the sound's source, breaking her trance. It was her father insistently calling out to her. "Come on Ary!" he urged.
Aryah rose from the bench, shuffling toward her father on unsteady feet, her face an expressionless mask. Ekhrem greeted her with a warm smile, enveloping her in an emotional embrace. She remained impassive, no hint of facial expression. Her father placed a supportive arm around her back and guided her toward a large metal door. From the other side, a growing murmur could be heard, a buzz increasing in intensity with each step they took. Ekhrem pressed a button and the door slid open, revealing a crashing wave of deafening applause that hit Aryah like an invisible wall.
The young woman blinked repeatedly, overwhelmed by the thunderous welcome. Her father ushered her inside, where a crowd cheered and clapped enthusiastically. Aryah looked around, dazed by the euphoric sounds and electrifying atmosphere surrounding her.
Aryah had entered an immense balcony opening up before her eyes. The vast chamber was the product of decades of modifications made by the bunker's very population. The President's office and Council chambers had become too small to accommodate everyone interested in witnessing the BP-25 government's key sessions. So multiple rooms on different levels had been joined to create this grand cylindrical auditorium.
Tiered circular seating lined the rising balconies that offered prime vantage points overlooking the ground-level main balcony where the President and Councilors were seated. It was there that Aryah had just been presented as the new interim Councilor for the next eight months until new elections could be held.
A crowd of over two hundred bunker inhabitants, the most politically engaged of the total thousands living in the BP-25, cheered and applauded excitedly at Aryah Velsen's introduction. The clapping echoed thunderously off the auditorium's reinforced concrete and metal walls, enveloping the young woman in a deafening cacophony.
Aryah blinked rapidly, overwhelmed by the grand scale of the event and the crowd's euphoria. She looked around, mouth slightly agape in surprise, trying to process the magnitude of what was happening. She had gone from a simple Hydrolife technician to a recognized figure throughout the bunker, introduced as the first ever person selected for Council who had never previously expressed interest in politics. They held high expectations for her, someone so young with fresh perspectives from a family line that had contributed greatly to BP-25 society since its origins.
Despite the nerves flooding her, Aryah struggled to maintain a friendly, confident demeanor. She took a deep breath, attempting to steady her racing heart, and managed a small smile as she acknowledged the applause with a slight wave, recognizing familiar faces like her friends Tessa and Matt grinning proudly in the front rows, her brother Nake standing beside them beaming at his sister.
President Hook rose from his seat at the center balcony's lectern and raised his hands, calling for silence. The crowd gradually quieted until an expectant hush fell over the chamber. The bunker's highest authority cleared his throat and began speaking in a solemn tone.
—Residents of our glorious BP-25, we have gathered today to celebrate another momentous occasion in the history of our home, the birthplace of tomorrow's civilization. After the lamentable loss of Councilor Alsadh, we have sought the ideal person to take his place on an interim basis until the next general elections —
Hook paused, sweeping his gaze across the multitude before continuing.
—After an exhaustive evaluation and deliberation process of many candidates, we have found the perfect individual for the role...the young Aryah Velsen —
A murmur of approval rippled through the auditorium as the President gestured for Aryah to join him. The young woman approached the lectern on trembling legs, feeling hundreds of eyes locked on her.
—Aryah has proven herself a woman of great intelligence, compassion, and commitment to the core values of our BP-25," Hook went on. "Her dedication to ensuring clean, pure water for all through her work at Hydrolife, her service to the community demonstrating herself a valued peer and selfless individual from a lineage of wise advisors and contributors to our society's politics. To add, she excelled academically throughout her schooling, making her the ideal choice to represent a large sector of our populace on the Council. Her expertise in purification processes lends vital perspective on the unsung but crucial tasks that keep our bunker functioning. We know her youthful energy will reinvigorate our development and connection with BP-25's youngest residents. All for the prosperous greater good of our community! —
The President extracted a golden brooch from his suit pocket and, with a broad smile, affixed it to Aryah's chest. —By the power vested in me, I hereby appoint you interim Councilor of Bunker BP-25 until the next calling of elections, the new Counselor Aryah Velsen! —
A thunderous roar of applause exploded through the chamber, causing the very structure to tremble. Aryah blinked, still dazed by events, but managed a nervous smile and raised a hand to acknowledge the cheering crowd. Hook stepped aside from the lectern, gesturing for her to give a brief address. Inwardly, Aryah felt stage fright trying to choke her, but in a strange state of exhilaration she blinked it away, squared her shoulders, and stepped up to the lectern. Clearing her throat, she leaned into the microphone, searching for the right words.
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—Um, hello, how are y’all? — she began with a nervous titter. A few laughed self-consciously. —Residents of the BP-25, I am deeply honored and yet utterly terrified by the trust the Council has placed in me — she continued, voice quavering. —But I know that if I was chosen, it is because you believe I am capable, and I will do everything in my power to advise President Hook to the best of my abilities for the good of us all! —
The crowd began cheering her on at those words. —I promise to dedicate myself fully and work tirelessly toward a brighter future for us all. Together, we will overcome any challenges that may arise and build a tomorrow worthy of repopulating the surface! —
Her words were met with another thunderous round of applause and cheers. Aryah smiled and waved to the crowd, recognizing Tessa, Matt and her brother Nake's familiar, beaming faces.
Suddenly, everything seemed to slow down. The applause became a distant echo and the world around her blurred. A ringing invaded her ears and time sped up. In the blink of an eye she found herself kneeling before a toilet, violently vomiting up the contents of her breakfast from hours before. She gasped for breath, body wracked by heaving as she struggled to regain composure.
A soft knock on the door startled her. —Ary? Are you alright? — Tessa's concerned voice filtered through the single restroom door.
Aryah wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and shakily rose to her feet. Opening the door, she saw her friend's worried expression.
—I'm fine — she lied, forcing a smile. —Just...nerves, I guess —
Tessa eyed her skeptically but chose not to press further. Instead, she offered a comforting embrace. —It will all work out, you'll see — she murmured reassuringly.
Aryah gave a weak nod, wishing she could believe those words.
image [https://i.imgur.com/gcxKC1K.png]
Later That Day
Level 3 Medical Wards
Aryah made her way toward the bunker's medical ward facilities. As she walked the corridors, several doctors and staff who recognized her greeted her effusively with congratulations on her new appointment.
—Congratulations!—
—What an honor!—
—You'll do great!—
—You're so lovely, Velsen!—
Aryah forced tight smiles and nodded appreciatively at the compliments, even the more bizarre ones. Yet each congratulatory remark only heightened the sense of unease flooding her. She was now a recognizable public figure throughout the BP-25, and that made her more nervous than pleased.
Eventually, she reached the main reception desk of the medical wards where a middle-aged woman was reviewing some reports. Seeing Aryah approach, the woman looked up, her eyes brightening with recognition.
—Councilor Velsen! What a pleasure to have you here — she gushed with a wide smile. —Allow me to congratulate you on your appointment. We staff are all so proud to see one of our own assigned workers rise so far —
Aryah nodded, awkwardly acknowledging the praise with a gesture. —Thank you, thank you. I'm...very honored — she replied, uncertain what else to say.
After a brief silence, Aryah cleared her throat. —I've come to visit my mother Nynah...Velsen. Would it be possible...? —
—Of course! — The woman quickly looked up some records on her terminal. —Oh, it seems your mother has been moved to a new room. Let me give you the directions...—
Aryah listened carefully as the receptionist explained how to reach her mother's new accommodations. Feeling grateful, she bid her farewell and, after a brief trek through a labyrinth of corridors, arrived at the door to the new room. Taking a deep breath to steel herself, she rapped softly before entering.
Upon crossing the threshold, her gaze fell on her mother Nynah's frail form inside a glass-enclosed ward, tubes connecting her to monitoring equipment beside the bed. Despite her wretched state, Nynah's face lit up with a warm smile at seeing her daughter.
—Ary, my lil’ sweetie peanut — she greeted, voice weak but jovial. —I'm so glad to see you—
Nynah regarded Aryah with tired but loving eyes. After a brief chat about how she was feeling that day, Nynah gestured toward the chair beside her bed behind the glass partition.
—Sit down, dear. Tell me, how have you been doing?— she asked, voice strained.
Aryah took the proffered seat and swallowed hard, unsure how to broach the topic. Finally, she decided to be direct. —Mom...the Council has appointed me interim Councilor —
Nynah's eyes widened in surprise before softening into a proud smile. —Oh Aryah...your father told me early this morning, and everyone has been buzzing about it...but I wanted to hear it from your own lips — A sudden coughing fit shook her, doubling her over.
—Mom? Are you okay? — Aryah pressed a hand against the glass, helpless.
—I'm alright, sweetheart. Don't worry.— Nynah drew a shuddering breath and looked at her daughter with watery eyes. —I'm so proud of you. I knew you had a bright future ahead —
Aryah felt a lump in her throat seeing her mother's condition. The once vibrant woman now appeared frail and wasted by some unknown illness plaguing her with constant fevers and occasional hemorrhaging. The transmission vector was highly hazardous through easy fluid contact.
—Oh mom...— Aryah tried to embrace her through the separating structure. —I love you so much...I wish I could do something to help you —
Nynah shook her head slowly. —The doctors say more people are falling ill each day. They speak of a potential cure, but the sickness is spreading rapidly in certain bunker sectors, they sound desperate with the Council's inaction — Her voice cracked and her eyes filled with tears. —I'm scared, Aryah. Scared I won't get to see you, your father, your brother again — Tears began streaming down both women's cheeks.
—Don't say that, mom. You're going to be fine, I know it. And now that I'm on the Council, I'll do everything in my power to make sure things turn out alright. I'll speak to President Hook directly, push for more resources devoted to medical research and quarantine efforts. I won't rest until you recover, I promise you —
Nynah nodded weakly, allowing the tears to flow freely. For the next few minutes, mother and daughter remained embracing through the divide, finding solace in each other's presence as they grappled with fear of the unknown.
Finally, Aryah pulled back and wiped her tears away. —Don't worry, mom. I'm going to fix this. As the new Councilor, I'll make finding a cure for this illness the top priority. I won't rest until every family in the bunker is safe —
A glimmer of hope shone in Nynah's weary eyes as she smiled faintly. —I know you will, dear. I know you will —
image [https://i.imgur.com/gcxKC1K.png]
Later That Night
Velsen House
Night had fallen, while everyone else slept peacefully. Aryah tossed and turned, tangled in her sheets, softly whimpering with involuntary motions. She thrashed amidst the twisted bedding, skin slicked with cold sweat, trapped in the clutches of a nightmare. In her mind's eye, she stood before the Council chamber, all eyes boring into her. President Hook looked upon her with a furrowed brow, shaking his head in disappointment.
—You have failed us, Councilor Velsen — he bellowed in a deep voice. —Your decisions have doomed our people! — Distant screams of agony could be heard.
Suddenly, the Council chamber's doors burst open, revealing an enraged mob surging toward her. Familiar faces, friends and neighbors, looked upon her with hatred and scorn.
—Out! Out with the fucking bitch! — they screamed, pointing accusingly. —You are unfit to be Councilor!—, —You have destroyed our lives! —
Aryah tried to explain herself, but her voice drowned in a sea of jeering. Desperately, she searched the crowd for her mother, but instead found the chilling sight of Nynah on her deathbed, violently coughing up gouts of black blood gushing from every orifice.
—You abandoned me, Aryah — her mother gurgled, voice choked.—You did nothing to save me...you abandoned me! —
Aryah awoke with a start, sitting bolt upright in bed, heart pounding a frantic staccato. She looked around the darkened room in disorientation until realizing it had all been a terrible nightmare. She was alone in her bedroom, surrounded by silence and shadows. The fears she had tried to repress during the day rose up, overwhelming her with a wave of anguish.
Tears began streaming down her cheeks, flowing unrestrained with no one to witness her anguish or offer comfort. She collapsed back onto the bed, curling into a fetal ball and clutching her chest as silent sobs wracked her body.
image [https://i.imgur.com/gcxKC1K.png]
2024 © LJ Kauffmann