Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
“BROKEN TRUST”
EPISODE 44 – THE VISIT
BY: LYSSA THORNE
FADE IN:
INT. NSS EURYANASSA
He opened the hanger door again and hovered the Euryanassa out. He closed the hanger door again.
He returned to the Euryanassa's cockpit.
SANNARO
NS135 Euryanassa to Alpha Centauri Flight Control, requesting permission to launch.
He sent a flight plan to the BST that he was flying to the Beta Centauri Space station. That would seemingly take him a few hours to fly.
BSTAC (V.O.)
Roger Euranassa. You have permission to launch, exit corridor 877935.0, copy.
SANNARO
Copy, Flight Control.
He hovered off the ground and angled toward space.
BSTAC (V.O.)
Have a nice flight, over.
Sannaro followed the vector into space and flew toward Beta Centauri until he saw a small satellite. He diverted to the satellite and found a gulley on the dark side. He put Euryanassa into synchronous orbital hover and locked all systems down. He gathered all his belongings into his bag and went to the shuttle in the cargo hold.
The shuttle was gone through with practiced precision so he was sure it was ready for flight. Then he exchanged his light Saili shirt for his normal maroon sweatshirt since he'd be returning to the cooler climes of the Astrisi. He went to the cockpit and pulled on the headset. He opened the Euryanassa's cargo hold from remote control and waited for depressurization sequence to finish.
Finally the door opened.
He hovered the shuttle out of Euryanassa and closed her cargo door again.
He put the tracking code into his own computer and the information showed that the Astrisi mother-ship was a few hours out of Alpha Centauri. He turned the shuttle around and flew to intercept the Urvasi.
After an hour of flight, Sannaro called the Urvasi.
SANNARO
Kumani long distance shuttle twenty-two to Urvasi, requesting permission to land.
COMSPEC (V.O.)
You're a bit out of your trade route, Kumani long distance shuttle twenty-two.
SANNARO
I'm here to visit my sister, Tanei.
COMSPEC (V.O.)
We'll have to forward you to Erm for permission, Ku-
SANNARO
Sannaro.
After a few minutes of silence, a gruff deep voice said through communications.
ERM
This is very unusual, Ku-Sannaro.
SANNARO
I know, but I was out this way to do an errand for an uncle and I'd like to visit my sister.
ERM
You've been calling her a lot lately.
SANNARO
I know, I've been discussing a problem of mine with her lately.
ERM
All right, I'll let you on board. You're cleared to land, lane 3.
SANNARO
Fa'arata, Ur-Erm.
Erm said nothing more, so he lined up the shuttle with lane 3 and brought the shuttle into the retrieval deck and landed her on the lift.
The lift lowered and he hovered the shuttle into the empty parking space just beyond the lift. He shut the shuttle down and opened the hatch.
A crew met the shuttle.
UR-VASH
So you're Ku-Sannaro?
SANNARO
I am, and you are?
UR-VASH
Ur-Vash.
SANNARO
Ki'iwa'alani, Ur-Vash.
The elevator door at the wall opened and Erm strode toward him.
SANNARO
Fa'arata, Erm.
ERM
I want you to know a few things before I let you go on, Ku-Sannaro. You're a visitor on a different Astrisi ship so mind your manners. My people aren't used to non-Astrisi people being around them like our Kumani brothers and sisters are.
SANNARO
I understand.
ERM
Remember, Urvasi matters stay on the this ship. I'll let you visit this ship until we've concluded our business in Centauri, then you go home. Is that clear?
SANNARO
Houk, it is.
ERM
I've called Tanei and she'll be arriving up here to guide you to her quarters.
SANNARO
May I meet her at the elevator? She's not very familiar with Flight Deck rules.
ERM
That sounds reasonable, Kumani Senior Vizha'e. Remember, my flight decks aren't yours.
SANNARO
I'm well aware of that even though one flight deck looks like the other. But I'll remember I'm not on the Kumani. She's on her way.
Erm threw him a confused look before he walked towards the elevator.
As they arrived at the elevator door, it swept open and Tanei stepped out.
TANEI
San, what a pleasant surprise!
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
Why are you here? You should be home.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I need to talk to you.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
Please, Sanna, I asked you to stay out of this.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I'm here. Would you let me come with you or will you embarrass us in front of Erm and give him reason to suspect your marital problems?
ERM
Why are you two just staring at each other?
TANEI
I was giving my brother a telepathic greeting. Let's go to my apartment, San. We have much to catch up on.
They reentered the elevator.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
You rat, you knew that would get to me.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Just your need to hide your situation worries me. Let's talk about this further when we're at your apartment.
The elevator chimed.
TANEI
Well this is my deck.
He followed her into the hallway.
It looked the same as any Astrisi hallway with the murals painted on it, but between the murals was the Urvasi symbol, a yellow segmented cross with a red star behind in counterpoint.
Erm stayed in the elevator and it went on.
They walked down the hall.
As they passed people, Sannaro felt their deep stares and that unsettled him. On the Kumani, hardly anyone took notice of their different skin tones any longer.
UR-CHEI
Who cut your ears?
Sannaro put his hands over his ears to feel if there was any blood on them, then sensed what the boy meant.
SANNARO
No one cut my ears. I have two points instead of one rounded one.
UR-CHEI
Did it hurt when someone stretched out your earlobes?
SANNARO
No one stretched my earlobes. It's supposed to be pointed.
TANEI
Run along, Chei. My foster brother just looks like this naturally.
UR-CHEI
He's your foster brother? When is he going to cut his hair? It's long.
TANEI
I think maybe you should read about Saili in the library database so you'll know the natural differences Saili have. Then next time you meet a Saili, you'll have all your answers.
UR-CHEI
So why does he speak Astrisi with the Kumani accent like you do?
TANEI
He's my foster brother, silly. He grew up in my mother and father's apartment on the Kumani. Now run along, my brother and I have things to discuss.
They walked on.
SANNARO
Well I do need to trim my hair. Since I've been gone from home, I haven't trimmed it.
TANEI
I noticed it was at your mid back now and wondered if you'd relaxed the Vizha'e hair length codes for men.
SANNARO
No they're still limited to lower neck shoulder length. I've just been disguising myself as an average New Saili away from the Kumani.
They walked into her apartment.
Sannaro was immediately drawn to the broken vase that was in the process of being pieced back together with ceramic glue.
The dream flooded back to him and he frowned.
SANNARO
So where's Viho?
TANEI
He's standing his rotation on the bridge piloting the Urvasi to Alpha Centauri. I made some pastries this morning, would you like some?
SANNARO
Sure, I love your pastries.
TANEI
Don't worry, I'll make sure it's chocolate.
SANNARO
Always my favorite.
TANEI
Houk, a real chocoholic you are.
SANNARO
That's me.
She came back with a chocolate doughnut and handed to him.
SANNARO
Smells delicious.
As he bit down on the pastry, the intercom announced they had arrived at Alpha Centauri.
The door swept open and Viho rushed into the living room.
TANEI
Uh, Viho, this is my foster brother Sannaro.
Sannaro inclined his head toward Viho.
VIHO
I thought I told you not to call anymore?
SANNARO
I didn't call. I'm here.
VIHO
Tanei, find something to do.
Tanei dropped her shoulders.
TANEI
I'll be at the cafeteria.
She quickly left the apartment.
SANNARO
Don't touch me, Viho, I'm an expert in hand-to-hand combat. I'll punch you through the wall.
VIHO
Right, Tanei told me you're Senior Vizha'e on the Kumani. So why are you here, Sannaro?
SANNARO
Tanei didn't tell me anything about your anger problems. You're upsetting her badly and it's bleeding to my telepathic senses. I've seen everything you've done to her.
VIHO
And how have you seen what I've been doing? This is the first time we've met since the Festival of Mating.
SANNARO
Mental thoughts are like a light wave that travels through space. If it's agitated and has a familiar mental signature, my telepathy can pick it up when I'm in an unconscious state.
VIHO
This is nonsense you're just making up.
SANNARO
Nui, it's very real. If you'll give me permission to mentally link with you, I can share what I've been receiving.
Viho stepped back.
VIHO
Not on your life, freak.
SANNARO
Freak? I'm not a freak, I'm Saili. Don't insult me, Viho. You can't smack me around like you do to Tanei. I'll call challenge on you and take you to the mats for everyone to see.
VIHO
Listen, I want you to butt out of my marriage and go home.
SANNARO
I will once I have your assurance you'll seek help for your anger control problem and stop beating on my sister.
VIHO
She's not your sister! You're not even related to her.
SANNARO
She's my foster parents' daughter. I sensed when Adara was pregnant with Tanei and told Zhad, Adara needed the pregnancy test. They were so happy to learn that Adara was pregnant again. I love Tanei as much as my natural sister and I won't tolerate you beating and humiliating her without benefit of self-defense! Can't you see that she's trying to please you?
VIHO
With what? This fausa?
Viho picked up the half repaired vase.
SANNARO
Put that down and don't damage it further. Adara made that vase for Tanei. She wants to repair it. It's precious to her.
VIHO
You sound just like her, no sense.
He still set the vase down carefully.
SANNARO
Women have sense, Viho. They just see the world in a different way, that many things are connected in a spiderweb of relativity in ways normal men don't see. Because you can't see it, that doesn't mean it's not a logic in its own right.
VIHO
You're not making sense. How can you call yourself a man?
SANNARO
Because I have the anatomy doesn't mean your idea of thought is the only way. I'm a telepath with more sensory input than a non-telepath and that makes me think differently, but it has nothing to do with me being a man.
VIHO
You make no sense.
SANNARO
Open your mind and see there's more to this universe than your own mind, Viho. Take counseling to control your temper and you'll see that your life will be much better.
Sannaro wandered over to another vase full of fresh cut flowers and took a deep sniff of a red rose.
SANNARO
Women can bring nice touches to a man's life, things we aren't always aware of or get too busy with our lives to pay attention to, like a cake brought home for dinner because she wanted to share it with the people she loves.
Sannaro held up the plate with the doughnut.
SANNARO
Cooking is Tanei's talent. She shares it to show her love.
VIHO
They're unneeded garbage. She's just trying to make me fat.
SANNARO
It's a shame you can't allow yourself to appreciate what she does for you.
VIHO
She's my wife and I'll do whatever I want with her. Now, I want you to leave my home and don't come back.
SANNARO
Someday your dirty secret's going to be discovered and you'll be humiliated in front of your whole ship, Viho. If you really do love Tanei, stop this charade and do something about your temper.
Viho inched toward the computer.
VIHO
Do I have to call the Protocol Enforcers to escort you from my home?
SANNARO
No, you've won for now, but this isn't over.
Sannaro put down his plate and left the apartment.
He went to the elevator and told it to go to the cafeteria.
When it opened, he walked into the cafeteria and scanned the people inside. He turned to the left and walked down the wall to a table in the corner.
Tanei was hunched over a cup of coffee.
Sannaro sat down across from her.
TANEI
From the look on your face, your talk with Viho didn't go well.
Sannaro ground his teeth.
TANEI
San, please go home. You being here isn't going to improve the situation.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
He's an abuser, Tanei. Do you really think they're the kind to change themselves? They're in denial there's anything wrong.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
I just need to try harder.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
You are trying and he's not softening, Tanei!
Tears swelled in her eyes.
TANEI
Just go home, San. Please?
Sannaro stood up and left the cafeteria.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
Where are you going?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I'm going to Erm.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
Nui, Sannaro, don't go to Erm!
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I've had enough, Tanei. If you won't do anything about it, I will. I can't endure your nightmare anymore.
He called the elevator.
Tanei rushed to catch up with him and grabbed his arm.
He whirled around.
She cringed.
SANNARO
Oh, Tanei, I'm not going to hurt you, but your anxiety's hurting me. I can't allow your feelings to hurt my own life and that's what it's doing. Either you help me help you or I'll do it on my own.
Tanei slumped her shoulders as Sannaro walked into the elevator alone and the doors closed.
Sannaro was about to reach his telepathy out to announce he wanted to talk before he remembered he was on the Urvasi. He didn't have permission to contact anyone by telepathy here.
He put up his shields and walked to the Urvasi Council room.
He stopped someone along the way.
SANNARO
Could you ask Erm if he would agree to a conversation with Ku-Sannaro at the council room?
URVASI MAN #1
I'll ask.
Urvasi Man #1 continued through the bulkhead that protected the bridge from invasion during forced boardings. At the moment, it was open as it would be in a non-threat situation.
Sannaro didn't dare enter into the heart of a ship not his own. That would've been considered a rude intrusion.
A short time later, Erm stepped through the bulkhead.
ERM
You asked to speak with me?
SANNARO
May we speak in the council room?
Erm nodded and stepped through the door.
Sannaro entered behind him and waited for Erm to settle at the head of the table.
Sannaro sat down in the chair to Erm's left.
ERM
So now you're willing to tell me why you've come here?
SANNARO
I'm concerned for my sister's safety. I fear Viho's temper's getting out of hand.
ERM
I tolerated when you insisted on intruding in the Council of Ships deliberations about joining the Terran Alliance, even though you were forbidden to attend. It was a stressful time for everyone that involved a difficult decision on all our parts. You have a tendency to push your way into business that isn't yours.
SANNARO
My telepathy-
ERM
Right, I know, you're Saili and Saili always want to be in everyone's business. Look, I know Viho has a bit of a temper, but I think you're overreacting. They're young and still getting settled into their marriage. The twins are young and things are just a little unsettled. That doesn't mean Viho's beating on your sister.
SANNARO
But Tanei's upset.
ERM
You're a husband, Sannaro. You know women get upset at times over nothing and they overreact. You can't allow yourself into their tizzies or it'll drive a man crazy. We're watching Viho and Tanei. We just need to give them some time and everything will work out. Don't be so impatient.
SANNARO
But-
ERM
I have things I need to do, business with Alpha Centauri I need to attend. You have a long journey back to the Kumani you have to prepare for. Feel free to restock your shuttle from our stores. Have a safe journey back home.
Erm stood up and walked out of the room.
Sannaro ground his teeth. He hated when people interrupted and wouldn't let him tell his side of an argument. He took a few deep breaths to ease his frustration and firmed his shields before he walked out of the council room. No one on this ship was going to listen to him so he had to act now.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
Sannaro concentrated on Tanei as he walked to the elevator.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Tanei, meet me back at the table in the corner. Would you please have a cheeseburger made for me and you have some lunch too so we can talk without being told to release the table.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
What's wrong, San?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Just please do as I ask and I'll tell you when we're together in the cafeteria.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
Okay.
He returned to the cafeteria and joined Tanei at the table again. Just as he asked, a steaming cheeseburger and french fries were on a tray waiting for him.
Tanei had Lavoka so Listi before her and she was distractedly twirling her long noodles around her fork.
Sannaro sat down and picked up his sandwich.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Talking to Erm wasn't much better than talking to Viho. He knows about Viho's temper, but he's not willing to do anything about it until it blows up in his face.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
So go home, San.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Oh, I'll go home, but you and the twins are going with me.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
What?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I'm not leaving you here to be bullied.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
But this is my marriage!
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
It's not going well, Tanei. Do you want you and the twins dead? Do you want him to kill your unborn child?
Tears came to Tanei's eyes.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
I'm pregnant again?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Houk, I sensed him almost right away.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
Him?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
This ship isn't going to intervene until things get way too dangerous and you or the twins end up in the hospital and the new baby's dead. I'm not going to let that happen.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
But that shuttle's so small. We won't fit into it comfortably for three, maybe four weeks.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I have another ship that's bigger and faster. We'll make it in two and a half weeks.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
What? How did you get a faster ship?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
It's my Uncle Devasru's ship. She's a space yacht and fast. She's hovering between Alpha and Beta Centauri, near a satellite waiting for my return.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
What your thinking is kidnapping, San!
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I know, but I don't want you dead, Tanei, you, the new baby or the twins!
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
You'll be punished by the Urvasi and Kumani.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I know, but I'll do it for your life. Come with me.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
How will I leave unnoticed?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I'll do that. I have tricks to make non-telepaths see what I want them to see.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
Like you did when the pirates hunted you and Cherna when the pirates boarded the Kumani?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Right.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
That happened just after you found out Adara was pregnant with me.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I fought to save you and Adara and I'm not going to stop now. Go pack up what you and the twins will need, then we'll take the twins to my shuttle. Once you're there, I'll say that I'm going back home. They'll let me leave, thinking I'm leaving alone. We'll go get the Euryanassa and leave for New Sailia.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
Why New Sailia?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I need to return Uncle Devasru's ship.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
Was he in on this?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
He didn't like the images I sent him about how Viho was beating on you. He told me how in good conscience could I not help you. I was going to endure the trip in that tiny shuttle, but he told me I needed a bigger ship and volunteered his own.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
Are you infecting your people with deviousness, San?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I guess I am.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
Okay, I'll go pack for us. Then Nu'alo and Na'iri will need to be picked up at preschool.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I'll go with you to suppress the sound your making and sense if Viho approaches.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
That would relieve me to know you're watching my back.
Sannaro picked up his napkin and wiped his mouth.
SANNARO
That was a good hamburger.
TANEI
Fa'arata, I made it myself for you.
He stood up and pecked her on the cheek.
SANNARO
You're such a great chef. Let's go.
Sannaro (PSI V.O.)
And that's the truth.
She smiled and followed him.
They entered the elevator and returned to her apartment's deck. A minute later, they entered her apartment. She pulled out some large leather bags and went into the twin's bedroom.
Sannaro extended a telepathic bubble around the room to dampen the sounds they were making with a proximity alarm added to sense Viho's approach. He helped clear out the drawers of clothing and baby care products into the bags. Once she was finished with that packing, Sannaro slung that bag over his shoulder and they moved into Tanei and Viho's room.
Sannaro just held the bag while Tanei put her clothes and other things she wanted to take inside. When she was done, she closed up the bag, looked around and sighed heavily.
TANEI
I really had so much hope in this marriage, San. In some ways, Viho reminds me of you, so intense and driven.
Sannaro hung his head.
TANEI
He was a pilot like you and he seemed so nice. But when the twins came, he- he changed. He became so angry. I tried to cheer him up with flowers and pastries. I thought that would make him happy. It just made him mad. I just don't understand.
SANNARO
We can talk about it on the way back to New Sailia. Let's get the twins.
TANEI
How will you go with me without being seen?
SANNARO
I'll make myself disappear. Everyone will think you're walking alone. Then once you have the twins and we're back at the apartment, I'll make you disappear and we'll go to the shuttle.
TANEI
How does it feel to disappear?
SANNARO
You really won't feel anything unless you're telepathy sensitive. Otherwise, there might be a slight tingling sensation, but that's about it. Mostly it'll be who's seeing us, or not seeing us who will get the most of the telepathic attention.
TANEI
And I thought it was just Cherna who got all the fun.
Sannaro enveloped himself in his telepathic stealth shield and moved down the hall right behind her, nearly in her footsteps. They went aft to the school complex and went to the pre-school room.
NIKA
Ah, Tanei, you're early.
TANEI
Houk, I was released early today. I don't have dinner duty.
She went over to a long pile carpet and picked up both children. She returned to Tanei and handed them over to her.
NIKA
Okay, here you go. Enjoy the rest of the day. They've been so good, today.
TANEI
Thank you, Nika.
Tanei perched one child on each hip and left the preschool.
Na'iri looked at Sannaro with large round eyes and reached a chubby arm out to him.
He tried to strengthen his bubble of stealth, but she cooed at him more. He'd been told by Gavasno that because infant minds were less mature and not fully formed, sense oriented modification wouldn't always work on them. He grinned at her and pressed his finger to his lips.
Na'iri squealed and bounced on Tanei's hip.
TANEI
Hush, Nai.
Nu'alo reached his hand up and patted Tanei on the shoulder. He grabbed a handful of her hair and tugged.
TANEI
Owe, Nua, stop that.
Sannaro looked around to see if anyone was around them. It was clear, so he picked up Nu'alo's hand and unwrapped Tanei's auburn hair from around his fingers.
TANEI (PSI V.O.)
Oh, that's better. Fa'arata, San.
They made it to the apartment with only a few people passing them. Sannaro was sure they accepted the false image he'd sent to them. They walked into the apartment.
SANNARO
Now, you'll be the one who will disappear and I'll be seen walking to my shuttle.
TANEI
What about the bags?
SANNARO
I can include them in the false image so I look like I'm walking with nothing on my shoulders and alone. You keep the twins with you and we should get to the shuttle unnoticed. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to make the twins sleep so they don't make any noise while we're going to the shuttle.
TANEI
Will that harm them?
SANNARO
No, I'll just make them think they're tired and they'll slip into sleep on their own. I'll just deepen it so very little will disturb them.
He caressed Nu'alo's fine auburn hair and entered the boys mind. He sent a sense of fatigue into the little mind.
Nu'alo yawned widely.
Sannaro guided Nu'alo into sleep and deepened it as if he'd been well into a good nap. He settled Nu'alo's head against her side then moved to Na'iri.
She cooed at him.
He caressed her dark hair and slipped into her mind.
Her thoughts were overcome with great curiosity. She looked deeply into his eyes with her large round green eyes.
He sent thoughts of fatigue into her mind.
She pushed the thoughts away and centered her attention on his face again.
He saw through her eyes his highly slanted dark eyes sparkling in her slightly blurred immature vision.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Oh, nui, girl, I've got a wife and you're a bit young for me.
Her mind flowed with question.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Uncle Sannaro. I'm going to help Chali stop crying.
Na'iri's thoughts turned sad and she saw an image of Viho.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Yes, that is sad. I need for you to sleep, sweetheart. Chali will be happier when you wake up.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Yes, that is sad. I need for you to sleep, sweetheart. Chali will be happier when you wake up.
He sent fatigue into her mind.
This time she yawned and allowed him to guide her into sleep.
TANEI
What took you so long?
SANNARO
Na'iri's a sensitive one and smart too. She wanted a little telepathic conversation before she'd allow me to make her sleep.
TANEI
But she doesn't know how to speak yet.
SANNARO
She's close to being ready. She spoke in images, but she understood what I was saying to her.
He expanded his shields to surround Tanei and the children, then altered the view to the false image.
SANNARO
Follow close behind me, almost in my footsteps as fast as you can. I'll keep my pace with yours. Let's go.
They walked out of the apartment again and went to the elevator.
Thankfully, few people were in the general quarters section in early afternoon. They reached the elevator without being seen.
They entered the empty elevator and Sannaro called for the Upper Flight Deck. He knew the flight deck wouldn't be so empty, so he prepared himself to have to send to a lot of people. He was going to have a bit of a headache after this, but it was worth it.
The door opened.
Sannaro walked out and turned right to follow the safety corridor up to his parked shuttle.
UR-VASH
Leaving?
SANNARO
Houk, my business here is finished.
UR-VASH
You're shuttle is refueled and ready to go. Erm said you'd be leaving soon.
SANNARO
He was right. Fa'arata for your hospitality.
Sannaro palmed the hatch release. The hatch opened and the ramp lowered. He walked up the ramp and took one last look at the flight deck to allow Tanei to slip past him before he closed the hatch.
SANNARO
Tell Erm it was nice talking to him again.
UR-VASH
Houk.
Sannaro rushed over to the closet and put Tanei's bags inside as Tanei settled the sleeping twins on the bunk and sat down on the edge.
Sannaro went to the cockpit, pulled on his headset and sat down. He did pre-flight checks and primed the engines.
SANNARO
Kumani long range shuttle twenty-two to Urvasi Flight tower, requesting permission to launch.
URVASI FLIGHT CONTROL (V.O.)
Houk, Kumani long range shuttle twenty-two, you are cleared for launch, lane 1. Please hover your shuttle onto the lift.
SANNARO
Copy, Flight Tower, hovering to the lift.
He pulled the power stick slowly toward him and the shuttle raised off the ground. He hovered the shuttle slowly forward onto the lift, then powered down again.
SANNARO
Ku-twenty-two to Tower, on lift and powered down.
URVASI FLIGHT CONTROL (V.O.)
Houk, Ku-twenty-two, engaging lift.
A loud clang was heard and he felt the shuttle begin to rise.
Once he heard another clang of the lift locking into the retrieval ramp, he powered the engines up again and flew out of the Urvasi, following lane one.
As he turned the shuttle to fly toward Alpha Centauri, he sensed Tanei's relief.
Sannaro flew the shuttle toward Centauri Seven for a little while before he diverted to the dark satellite where Euryanassa was hovering. He used the remote control code to make the Euryanassa's cargo door open and he flew the shuttle into her tight cargo hold.
The door closed and oxygen was cycled into the cargo hold again.
Sannaro shut down the shuttle's systems, then went aft to Tanei. He pulled out her bags and slung them over his shoulders again.
SANNARO
We've made it to Euryanassa. Now I'll jump her into hyper-drive and we'll start the trip to New Sailia.
He picked up Nu'alo and Tanei picked up Na'iri and they left the shuttle.
Tanei watched in wonder as they walked from the cargo hold into the living area of the larger ship.
He led her into the sleeping suite and laid Nu'alo into a crib that folded down from the wall.
Tanei came behind him and laid Na'iri beside her brother.
Sannaro put her bags into the closet and went fore to the cockpit.
Tanei followed him.
He pulled on the headphones and sat down in the pilots seat.
He entered the coordinates into the computer and flew the ship into position. He primed the hyper-drive, then engaged. They hopped away from the Centauris.
Tanei whooped and hugged Sannaro's shoulders.
SANNARO
NS135 Euryanassa to Beta Centauri Flight Control, requesting permission to enter hyperspace for New Sailia. Entering flight plan now.
BSTAC (V.O.)
Roger, NS135 Euryanassa, flight plan received. You have coordinates 553974.6, copy.
SANNARO
Copy, Beta Centauri Flight Control. Entering hyperspace at 553974.6, over.
TANEI
You're the best brother a girl can have.
SANNARO
Fa'arata, but now we have weeks of flight to endure. At least at Alpha Centauri, I bought a whole lot of milk. I'm afraid we'll have to live on water, but I have plenty of food.
TANEI
No doubt, quick prepare foods!
SANNARO
I'm a Vizha'e, not a chef. I cook some, but I don't want to be away from the cockpit for long.
TANEI
I'll dress them up somehow and make them more palatable. Now, what happened between you and my daughter?
SANNARO
Aw, come on, Tanei, I'm not as ignorant now as I used to be. Houk, she was very attracted to my telepathic contact, but I didn't probe deep enough to risk permanent link with her.
TANEI
You better not, Sannaro Damirateyak, you have enough females following you and having naughty thoughts about you.
Sannaro put his head in his hands to cover a blush.
SANNARO
It's not just girls who do that. You should have seen Danu when he realized he'd fallen in love with Varanani. I practically had to leap away from him when he almost stroked my ear! He's my friend, but I definitely didn't want that kind of attention from him. It's the telepathy! Most non-telepaths are attracted to it like a moth to a flame. At first she resisted my suggestion of fatigue and became interested in our telepathic link. I explained to her that I was doing this so you'd stop being sad and Yaro would stop getting mad. She decided to sleep to help me help you.
TANEI
She told you all that?
SANNARO
Houk, she did. Not with words, but with images. She's going to be a smart sensitive person when she's matured.
TANEI
How about Nu'alo?
SANNARO
He accepted my suggestion quickly because he did feel a little tired already.
TANEI
So Na'iri defied you for a while?
SANNARO
She did until I gave her my reasons why she should sleep. She already has her own mind.
TANEI
But she's so young.
SANNARO
Even the young already have their basic personalities, whether they're going to be accommodating, defiant or curious. Na'iri's curious and wants good reasons for her compliance. I'll get to know Nu'alo better when he's rested and feels ready to interact with me.
TANEI
People aren't simple with you, are they, San?
SANNARO
People are complicated, with a lot of thoughts and reactions. Even mentally disabled people are complicated in their own way. Life is very diverse and no one person is totally alike. That's why Saili sense different mental patterns in each person. It's a mental fingerprint. Everyone has one.
TANEI
Na'iri's right, you are interesting. You've changed a lot since you came back from your war on Sailia.
SANNARO
I have changed and I feel it's for the better. Although not all of it was a good experience.
TANEI
I wish I had paid more attention to you at the time, but I was a teenager too involved in my own problems and you were too busy with all the Saili on board driving you crazy and working with Gavasno to learn how to handle them all. Then Andoku and Ambrika came and you became so busy with your own family.
SANNARO
Before I knew it, you were at your mating festival and married to Viho.
Tanei shuddered and a sob tore from her lips. Tears streamed down her face.
TANEI
Why couldn't I have a marriage like you and Cherna have?
Sannaro stood up from his chair and hugged her.
SANNARO
I don't know, sis. Sometimes things come out right and sometimes they don't. I'm so sorry it didn't work out for you, but I was so concerned he'd kill you. I tried to explain to him how you were trying to make him feel better, he just told me I wasn't making any sense. Some men can be like that. He even questioned my masculinity because I said I understood you. He was just so narrow minded and insulting. That's when I decided he'd never understand anything beyond himself.
TANEI
He told you, you weren't a man because you understood me?
SANNARO
Houk, but my mind has nothing to do with the body I was born with. I am a man. Cherna tells me that sometimes I can be as insensitive as a man and then be as insightful as a woman. I am a telepath. My brain's wired differently than Astrisi because I'm Saili. That doesn't mean I'm not a man.
TANEI
Oh, that hurt you badly, didn't it?
Sannaro released her and sat down again.
SANNARO
Sometimes it's hard to be the only telepath in a non-telepathic culture with prejudices based on their five-sense perceptions. Even though I've grown up in that culture, my six senses showed me there was much more than everyone said there was. I'm in the center between the men's perceptions and the women's perceptions. I see beyond that to how thoughts relate to each other and cause thoughts and feelings no one ever voices, the personal fits of conscience that corrects a thought before one even decides to speak their response. My sensory world is so much broader than any Astrisi realizes. I see now that I'm very Saili, but their culture is so foreign to me. Even on New Sailia, I don't know how to respond to them en mass without feeling overwhelmed. I just want to run away and hide when they pull me to parades and dinner parties even though I understand they're trying to show their appreciation to me for helping to liberate them from the strict control of Sailia. Sometimes I think I don't make sense, even to myself.
TANEI
Oh, San, you're not that bad. Women like you because you're different than most men. You're so warm, sensitive and heroic. Sometimes I can't believe you're my brother.
SANNARO
I don't ask for this attention. I just want to live my life quietly and do what I have to do. I'd be bored if I couldn't fly Vizha'i and fight.
TANEI
Viho was jealous of you because you did fly Vizha'i.
SANNARO
I thought he probably was. When some people are redirected to the mother ship or shuttle service, they become resentful. I know if I would've been his Senior Vizha'e, I would've diverted him too because of his short temper. A Vizha'e has to have a steady head and not allow everything to become personal or they won't last long as a Vizha'e.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
Tanei stood up, went to a stack of mini-discs on the console and picked them up.
TANEI
You listen to Lifeblood? They're hard.
SANNARO
That's why I like them.
TANEI
You know their lead songwriter was a Vizha'e on the Furdusi who was permanently injured and retired? His lyrics are about blood and death.
SANNARO
Again, that's why I like to listen to them. Shared warrior mentality. They're not all blood and death, there's some soft ballads in the mix too.
TANEI
I never listened to them. I still like to listen to Kiki's work.
SANNARO
Kiki's music is nice, but a little too soft all the time for me.
TANEI
Terran Trials?
SANNARO
A human Earth band.
TANEI
Trospintotah?
SANNARO
New Saili rock. Vanrero got me into them.
TANEI
You're collection's eclectic.
SANNARO
Just like me.
Tanei chuckled and set the discs down.
SANNARO
Na'iri's awake.
TANEI
You can hear anything.
SANNARO
I sense her distress that she's the only one awake in a strange bed, wet and hungry.
TANEI
And the rest of us have to guess what's wrong!
She left the cockpit.
Sannaro chuckled as he checked his controls to make sure everything was running smoothly.
Tanei returned with Na'iri on her hip.
TANEI
I think this hotter atmosphere is making her uncomfortable.
SANNARO
Yes, the temperature is set for Saili. I'll turn it down a bit.
TANEI
I'll bet you just loved it.
SANNARO
It was a nice change.
TANEI
I'll bet you were so undressed, you would've only been decent for Cherna to see?
He blushed.
TANEI
I thought so.
SANNARO
Sometimes even a guy wants to get comfortable, you know!
TANEI
Aw, San, I'm just teasing!
SANNARO
You keep it up, I'll crank Lifeblood up and pound your ears out!
TANEI
Ooh, you do and I'll clout your ear!
SANNARO
You do and who will fly this ship?
TANEI
Oh, good point.
Sannaro chuckled and turned back to his control board.
(LATER)
The alarm sounded that warned him the Euryanassa was preparing to drop from hyper-drive and make final approach to New Sailia.
Sannaro returned to the cockpit from the common room floor where he'd been playing with the twins on a blanket.
Tanei joined him with both children on her hips.
TANEI
I've never seen New Sailia.
SANNARO
It's a nice planet that's suitable for Saili and human life, so it should be comfortable to you. Plenty of times, Cherna and Danu have come along with me, Varanani and the children to visit Uncle Devasru and Aunt Tsekani and they both said the colony was pleasant and accommodating to them.
TANEI
That's good. These Saili are so different than the ones I heard about that stayed on Sailia.
He disengaged the autopilot and took the controls again.
Sannaro reached his telepathy out to his uncle. It was still a bit far, but he managed a tenuous link.
Devasru pushed his telepathy out to relieve Sannaro of some of the work.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Uncle Devasru, I'm approaching New Sailia with Tanei and the twins with me. Please meet me at the spaceport.
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
So it was as bad as we thought?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Unfortunately.
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
I'll be there.
SANNARO
NS135 Euryanassa to New Sailia Flight Control, requesting permission to approach New Sailia, over.
Again he sent mental identification forward.
NEW SAILIA BST (V.O.)
Roger NS135 Euryanassa. You have permission to land. Please follow coordinates 557832.8. Welcome back, General.
TANEI
General?
SANNARO
The New Saili insisted.
TANEI
Isn't that a high rank among Humans?
SANNARO
Houk.
Sannaro blushed.
TANEI
Do I detect a little hero worship there? Ah, there's that tequila sunrise blush of yours!
SANNARO
Tanei, I'm trying to concentrate here! I want to land this craft without crashing it!
Tanei chuckled, then went over to pull down the infant safety seats at the aft of the cockpit to secure the twins. Once they were secure, she strapped herself into a full sized seat.
Sannaro felt the ship punch through the planet's atmosphere and felt the familiar pulling sensation of the gravity.
He adjusted his control stick with practiced ease and lowered the ship closer to the ground. He flew into the spaceport and cut to hover. He slowly lowered her to the ground. He released the hatch, pulled off his headset and began to pack everything up again.
Once he had his bag and one of Tanei's bags over his shoulders, he took Na'iri from Tanei's hands.
Tanei slung her other bag over her shoulder and picked up Nu'alo.
Together, they walked down the long ramp to the ground.
Uncle Devasru stood at the base of the ramp beside his hover car. He ducked inside and turned down the infant seats installed within the normal back seat of the car.
Tanei and Sannaro secured the twins while Devasru put their bags in the trunk.
Tanei pointed to the crowd across the tarmac.
TANEI
Is that your fan club?
Sannaro quickly sat inside the car on the front passenger side and buried his head in his hands.
TANEI
They are? Really, you have a fan club on New Sailia?
DEVASRU
Please, Tanei, don't make San melt into a puddle on the car's floor. He has a hard enough time coming here and facing my people's appreciation toward him.
She climbed into the back seat with her twins and they drove toward the gate guards.
TANEI
Is this for real? The sign says we're exiting the Sannaro Damirateyak Spaceport?
DEVASRU
It's real. I've asked my people not to name things after my nephew because of the discomfiture it causes him, but they say they're only trying to show their appreciation to him. It puts him in a fetal ball every time. He'll be better when we get to the house.
TANEI
He told me his people overwhelm him. I guess he wasn't over-exaggerating.
DEVASRU
No, he wasn't.
Shortly, they drove up to the house.
Sannaro uncurled himself and helped Tanei get the children in the house.
Devasru again carried the baggage.
Aunt Tsekani met them at the door. Her eyes widened when she saw the two humanoid children in their hands.
TSEKANI
Ah, they're adorable.
SANNARO
Aunt Tsekani, you remember my foster sister Tanei?
TSEKANI
Oh yes, but she was much smaller the last time I saw her. Come in and sit down, dear. I know it's been a long trip.
SANNARO
And the babies are Nu'alo and Na'iri.
DEVASRU
Do they need anything? Milk, baby food, diapers?
TANEI
No, they're fine right now.
DEVASRU
San, when you're ready, I want to know everything that happened at the Urvasi.
TSEKANI
It must have been dreadful for you to decide to take her and the children with you.
SANNARO
I'm afraid I'm a wanted man now.
DEVASRU
Please open your shields and share with us.
Sannaro sat down and put his head between his knees. He took several deep breaths to center himself. He finally opened his shields barely enough for him to send the memories of the last few months to his Aunt and Uncle.
DEVASRU
When will they ever learn to notice the danger signs?
SANNARO
But now I've committed a crime. I'm a kidnapper.
DEVASRU
You did what you had to do to protect your sister.
SANNARO
How long will it take for the Urvasi to come after me? They will ask for my arrest.
Sannaro wiped tears from his eyes and pinched his nose to drive them back.
TANEI
Why? You can stay here. They can't touch you on a colonized planet.
DEVASRU
That's not possible. New Sailia has an extradition law. We'd be obliged to hand San over to the Astrisi for trial.
SANNARO
No, I can't run away from my responsibilities. They'll only hurt Cherna, Andu and Ambri if I don't face up to what I've done. I'll just have to surrender when they come, face my trial and argue my case.
TSEKANI
How are you doing, Tanei? This must have been dreadful for you, too, and newly pregnant.
TANEI
It was very hard for me.
TSEKANI
I know you love Viho, but he's having trouble loving you. It's tragic.
TANEI
Yes, it is.
DEVASRU
Let's lay out a blanket and let the babies move around.
Devasru went to get a blanket. He returned and spread it out on the floor.
Tanei and Sannaro set each child on the floor.
Tanei brought out several toys and set them on the blanket.
Nu'alo and Na'iri scooted around the floor, playing with their toys.
DEVASRU
San, why don't you go to your room and sleep a while? You look like you haven't gotten decent sleep for weeks.
TANEI
He insisted on sleeping in the pilot's chair in the cockpit the whole trip.
TSEKANI
Now that isn't a place for proper sleep. Yes, you need to rest, Sannaro.
Sannaro nodded his head and slowly went to the bedroom they maintained for his visits. Even though he thought he wouldn't be able to sleep, he drifted off as soon as he touched the pillow.
INT. URVASI VIHO'S APARTMENT
Viho had been called back to the bridge again to fill out paperwork he'd forgotten to do when they arrived at Alpha Centauri.
Suddenly he noticed that the half repaired vase wasn't on the table any longer. The glue was gone, too.
He went over to the computer and called the cafeteria.
VIHO
Bako, is Tanei working?
BAKO
Nui, I saw her eating lunch with her brother a while ago. She said she wouldn't be working dinner tonight because she wanted to visit with him. They ate, then quickly left. It was weird, no one saw them talking, but they had their heads bent together while they ate as if they were talking. She really grew up with him around?
VIHO
Houk, he lived in her mother's house before she was born. He says he saw her birthing.
BAKO
That must have been some experience to have an alien living with you.
VIHO
Did Tanei say where they were going?
BAKO
Nui, they spoke to no one as they left.
VIHO
Fa'arata. Viho, out.
Viho called the preschool.
VIHO
Nika, have you seen Tanei after she dropped the kids off?
NIKA
Sure, she came by a little while ago and picked them up. She said she didn't have dinner duty tonight so she was picking the babies up early.
VIHO
Was her Saili foster brother with her?
NIKA
She was alone.
VIHO
Did she say where she was going?
NIKA
Nui, but she seemed a little nervous. Like she was worried someone would find her out.
VIHO
Fa'arata, Nika.
Viho hung up and went into his room. He opened her drawers and found some of her clothing missing.
He ran into the nursery and opened those drawers. They too looked like items were missing and the baby care products that stood on top of the dresser were gone.
VIHO
Nui! Luyaki Niyaroi! Come back with her, you ikata Saili!
A protocol officer rushed toward him.
P.E.
Viho, control yourself or I'll have to -
VIHO
Forget the skisla sound disruption! Find that ikata Saili! He took my mate!
P.E.
What? That Kumani Saili took Tanei?
VIHO
Find her, fausa!
Viho ran forward to the bridge and clambered down the stairs.
VIHO
Erm! That luyaki Saili took Tanei!
Erm whirled around from the communications station.
ERM
What?
VIHO
Did he leave yet?
TORL
A few minutes ago.
ERM
How could he leave with her? If she'd been with him, Flight Deck would've called me right away.
VIHO
She's gone, I tell you! Her clothes and both babies' stuff are gone! She picked both of them up from preschool about fifteen minutes ago!
ERM
Sound general alarm and have the PEs search this ship for Tanei. Torl, call BST and find out what flight plan Sannaro sent to hyper out.
TORL
Houk.
ERM
Don't worry, Viho. If he did somehow take Tanei, I'll make out a warrant for his arrest immediately.
TORL
Uh, Erm?
ERM
Out with it, man!
TORL
BST shows no flight plan for Kumani long range shuttle twenty-two.
ERM
Devious little Uta. He came prepared for defiance. Let's find that ikata and drag him back here.
VIHO
You told me you could handle the uta!
ERM
Viho, with me.
Erm entered his office below the stairs.
Viho bent over so he wouldn't hit his head on the sloped ceiling as he sat down in the guest chair.
Erm pushed around his desk and sat down.
ERM
I told you to watch your temper.
VIHO
But Tanei's so frustrating.
ERM
And your picking on her made that Saili brother of hers take notice.
VIHO
That Saili telepathy is fausa.
ERM
Hadah doesn't think so. I wouldn't have given the Saili so much from my ship, but I can't ignore the statistics about Sannaro that come from the Kumani. He's an unparalleled fighter who's a shameless wimp outside the cockpit, but he gets through to people. I think it's that insidious telepathy of his. Thankfully, when he came to talk to me, I shut him down by speaking to him as little as I could get away with. I could see it pissed him off, but I don't give a fausa. But I think this is the last time anyone's going to trust that little niyaroi now he's violated another ship like this.
VIHO
I want to ruin that little alien. Give him nowhere to turn for taking my family.
ERM
Patience, Viho. No one knows what hole the little rat's scampered into. It's going to take a while to run him out into the open. Now, why don't you go home and rest? I'll call you if we get any news.
Viho nodded numbly and stood up. He slipped out of the tight office and walked back up the stairs.
After a short walk, he was back home again, but the apartment was too quiet, no bratty kids crying, no Tanei scampering to feed their every whim.
His eyes filled with tears. He dashed them back, picked up one of those hated vases to throw at the wall. Suddenly he stopped and hugged the vase to his chest. He pulled his lips back in a scowl.
VIHO
I'll get you for destroying my family, Sannaro. Unparalleled fighter or not, I'll kill you, niyaroi.
FADE OUT.
THE END.