Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
“BROKEN TRUST”
EPISODE 45 – ARREST WARRANT
BY: LYSSA THORNE
FADE IN:
INT. URVASI COMMANDER'S OFFICE
Erm checked his messages and eagerly opened the message from the BSTAC with the records he requested attached.
He looked over the logs and found a mid-size yacht that stood out.
Erm returned to the BST report and looked for the owner of that New Sailia yacht.
The yacht was registered to a Devasru Masanateyak.
Erm stood up from his desk and went out to the communications station.
ERM
Torl, call Viho to the bridge.
TORL
Houk.
Shortly, Viho rushed down the stairs.
ERM
I know how Sannaro got out of Centauri unseen.
VIHO
How?
ERM
He had his Saili uncle's larger space yacht hidden away while he moved around the Centauris in the Astrisi shuttle. He's well away from here. Maybe almost back to the Kumani by now in that quicker ship. Call the Kumani right now, I want to talk to Hadah.
As soon as Hadah showed on the com screen, Erm grabbed the headset from Torl.
ERM
Hadah, you scoundrel, you'd better find Sannaro.
HADAH
What? San's visiting his uncle on New Sailia.
ERM
Oh? Then what is Kumani long range shuttle twenty-two doing visiting us at Alpha Centauri?
HADAH
Fausa. I told him to stay out of Tanei's problems.
ERM
Well, he didn't listen to you.
HADAH
I told him to visit his uncle to get his mind off of the nightmares he's been having from Tanei.
VIHO
You mean he was dreaming that Tanei and I were fighting?
HADAH
It was upsetting him greatly, but I told him to interfere would be violating Astrisi law.
ERM
Well he did. I want him found and arrested. And he came to Centauri in his uncle's yacht the Euryanassa. I want you to investigate his uncle's role in this.
HADAH
Of course.
ERM
I may press charges on the uncle, too. None of that soft spot stuff you pulled at the Council of Ships at Earth, either, Hadah. He's committed a serious crime this time.
HADAH
He's my friend, but I can't ignore this incident. I'll find him, arrest him and bring him personally to the Urvasi for trial.
ERM
You do that. We'll continue to look for him at Alpha Centauri. I don't know how he could have taken Tanei and the twins without us knowing it.
HADAH
You're underestimating San. His telepathy gives him the ability to send false images into people's minds so they only see what he wants them to see. It's only short range, though, like within the same room. He's done it before in defense of the Kumani against boarding pirates.
ERM
And you let him have position among you?
HADAH
When it's done for our benefit, it's an awesome defense. He's an unparalleled fighter. Doesn't all trained fighters or anyone, for that matter, have the potential to turn on their own people when they feel wronged?
ERM
Houk, they can.
HADAH
And Sannaro's no different. He's just more skilled because he's a warrior. I'll find him and hand him over for trial.
ERM
Fa'arata.
HADAH
I'll contact you again when I've found him. Hadah, out.
The screen went blank.
INT. KUMANI SANNARO'S APARTMENT
Hadah was deep in thought while he walked down the halls of the Kumani.
He stopped at a door and rang the bell.
Cherna was at the door when it swept open.
CHERNA
Oh, fausa, why do I get the feeling you're not here for a pleasant visit, Hadah?
HADAH
Maybe San's telepathy has rubbed off on you a bit?
CHERNA
Come in.
She stepped aside to give him room to enter.
He stepped in and sat down on their red couch.
HADAH
I wish I was coming for a nice little visit, Cheri, but it seems San didn't go to New Sailia like I'd told him to.
CHERNA
He went to Urvasi?
HADAH
Houk. I just got a call from Erm. San kidnapped Tanei and the twins today at Alpha Centauri.
Cherna dropped hard into Sannaro's favorite arm chair. She suddenly snickered.
CHERNA
That's my husband for you.
HADAH
You understand, San's in a lot of trouble right now?
CHERNA
When isn't he?
HADAH
No one knows where he is. We have to find him, arrest him and return him to the Urvasi for trial or we might have an intra-ship incident. Where do you think San would hide?
CHERNA
Hadah, did San show you the nightmare he had that day he went to talk to you?
HADAH
Nui, he was so upset, he seemed closed to me.
CHERNA
Oh, I wish I was a telepath so I could show it to you. It was terrifying.
Andoku stepped through his bedroom door.
ANDOKU
Chali, I'll help you.
CHERNA
Oh, Andu, it was terrible. I don't know if I want you to see it.
ANDOKU
But you want Hadah to see it and I'm a telepath, unless you want to channel it through Ambrika?
CHERNA
Oh, firebird, she's just ten. That would be worse.
ANDOKU
Please, chali, I'll only be your bridge.
CHERNA
Come here, Andu.
ANDOKU
Is it all right if I send Chali's thoughts into your mind, Hadah?
HADAH
Houk, Andu, you have my permission.
Andoku sat down beside Hadah and his eyes got that distant look in them Sannaro always had when he was concentrating on his telepathy.
IMAGES OF TANEI AND VIHO'S ARGUMENT
BACK TO CHERNA'S APARTMENT
He felt his muscles tighten as the images progressed to their end.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
HADAH
Nevertheless, San's committed a crime. He's kidnapped Tanei and the children and Viho's asking for San's arrest. I have no choice but to find him and arrest him.
ANDOKU
You're going to arrest Yaro?
HADAH
I'm sorry, Andu, I have to.
Cherna closed her eyes in deep concentration for a few minutes.
Finally she opened her eyes again.
CHERNA
I'm sure he'd go to New Sailia. Those people would do almost anything for him in gratitude for helping them escape the tyranny of the conservative Saili.
HADAH
So I should talk to Devasru?
CHERNA
I would.
ANDOKU
But, Cha, you're taking us right to him! You want him arrested?
CHERNA
Andu, I know this upsets you, but you have to believe I'm only doing what I think your Yaro would expect us to do. He's done wrong and I know he knows he's done wrong. He'd understand and agree with me about complying with Hadah. It'd be better than letting the Urvasi search for him as angry as they are at him.
ANDOKU
You're going to try him for a crime!
HADAH
Andu, I don't want to do this anymore than your Chali wants to, but we must uphold the laws your Yaro promised to uphold when he became a willing citizen of the Kumani.
CHERNA
Everything will be all right, Andu. Yaro will go back to the Urvasi and explain to them he was concerned about Aunt Tanei's life and they may be lenient toward him. We have to put our faith in Astrisi law that the right decision will be made.
HADAH
Besides, even if your Yaro's convicted, his crime isn't bad enough to warrant anything more than house arrest. He'll return home.
CHERNA
What about Tanei, Hadah? What will happen to her?
HADAH
I don't know. Our laws say that's Urvasi business. San can always plead her case during his trial and maybe sway the Urvasi Ship's Council, but I don't know if it'll make that much difference.
CHERNA
San thought the problem was bad enough for him to decide to kidnap Tanei.
Hadah stood up.
HADAH
Let's just do one step at a time, Cheri. Let's go to New Sailia first.
Cherna's eyes teared.
CHERNA
Oh, if I didn't love that man so much, I'd be mad at him for getting us into all these problems.
HADAH
He's always been as good at getting himself into trouble as he is at defending this ship from pirates.
CHERNA
And invaders.
HADAH
Unfortunately, heroes aren't always the kind to just blindly follow the rules. Fa'arata. I know that giving me a direction to find him was hard for you.
Hadah walked out of the apartment.
He returned to the bridge and walked down into the control well.
HADAH
Amida, cancel all ports for the time being and divert to New Sailia at best reasonable speed.
AMIDA
Houk.
DI'OK
What?
HADAH
I'm sorry, Di. This has to be done. San's gotten himself in trouble with the Urvasi and they're asking for his arrest. I'm sure we'll find him at New Sailia.
DI'OK
But!
HADAH
Di'ok, I understand he's your best friend and brother-by-marriage. It pains me to do this. If you need reassurance, you can be relieved from your position and go talk to Cherna. I've already talked to her.
DI'OK
What has he done?
HADAH
He was having nightmares about Tanei being abused by her mate Viho.
DI'OK
San told me about that before he left.
HADAH
Instead of going to New Sailia like I told him to, he went to the Urvasi. While he was there, he decided to kidnap Tanei and her twin son and daughter. Viho wants us to find San, arrest him and return him to the Urvasi to be put on trial.
DI'OK
I'm sure San's got a good reason to kidnap Tanei.
HADAH
I'm sure, too, Di'ok, but that's not for us to decide. If we don't want us and the Urvasi to come to blows about this, I have to find San and surrender him.
DI'OK
I understand.
HADAH
Good. Let's get going to New Sailia.
Hadah watched the main view screen swerve away from their destination of Arcturus and double back toward New Sailia.
Before he stepped into his office to do some paperwork, he patted Di'ok reassuringly on his arm.
Di'ok looked at him with worry shadowing his eyes.
HADAH
Things will be all right, Di'ok. San's a survivor. He'll live through this like he's lived through so many other situations.
Di'ok nodded, then returned his attention to his station.
Hadah went through the door to his office. He picked up a status report and began to read it.
INT. NEW SAILIA – DEVASRU'S HOUSE
Sannaro woke again feeling a lot better than he had before his nap.
Weak late afternoon sunlight streamed through the window.
He laid on the bed and thought how he missed Cherna's gentle loving touch. He needed to be back with Cherna soon or he was going to suffer mentally as all Saili did when they were away from their mate for too long.
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
San, the Kumani's approaching New Sailia.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Houk, ya sai bri.
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
You forgot which language to speak. Did you mean you were coming?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Oh, sorry for slipping into Astrisi. Yeah, that's what I meant.
When he came back into the living room, he found Nu'alo and Na'iri sprawled out on the floor deep in their own naps.
Tanei was on the couch with her legs curled underneath her. She was deeply intent on the reader in her hands. She looked up at him.
TANEI
Sleep better this time?
SANNARO
Houk, lying flat on a bed is always more restive. The Kumani's approaching New Sailia. I'm sure they're here to arrest me, Tanei.
TANEI
I won't be surprised. You've predicted so many pregnancies, I can't ignore you. I have been feeling a little queasy lately. If I am pregnant again, Viho could have killed him. Will you tell them I'm pregnant and the baby was at risk, San?
SANNARO
Of course I will.
The computer chimed that a call was coming in.
Devasru entered the living room and went over to the computer.
Sannaro followed him and stood behind his uncle as he opened the channel. Sure enough, it was Hadah with a really sour look on his face.
HADAH
Devasru, I can see San's with you. Are you aware San has a warrant for his arrest regarding the kidnapping of his foster sister Tanei and her twins?
DEVASRU
Yes, they're all in my care.
Hadah closed his eyes and sighed.
HADAH
So you are an accomplice?
SANNARO
Please let me take this, Uncle.
DEVASRU PSI V.O.
No, I'll start this and then I'll let you take over.
DEVASRU
I sent him on an errand at Alpha Centauri for me because he wanted to talk to Tanei about the horrid dreams he was having about her being beaten by her husband. I had no idea when I sent him he'd do anything more than talk to the man. It was a complete surprise when Sannaro returned with his sister and children with him, but we weren't going to deny them somewhere to stay.
HADAH
Why did you send him? Do you know the trouble he's in?
SANNARO
I just couldn't allow it to continue, Hadah. Tanei's with child again. If he continued to beat on her, the child was at risk of dying.
HADAH
Tanei's pregnant again?
SANNARO
Yes, I sensed it as soon as I met her on the Urvasi.
HADAH
Why didn't you tell Erm about that?
SANNARO
Erm wasn't listening to me. He was too afraid of my telepathy to speak with me for more than a few words.
HADAH
Did you talk to Viho?
SANNARO
Yes, he just called me a freak and told me to get out of his apartment.
HADAH
Anyway, I have a warrant for your arrest. What are you going to do?
SANNARO
It wouldn't do me any good to stay here and prolong the inevitable. The New Saili have extradition laws and when we agreed to become part of the Terran Alliance, we promised to follow terrestrial laws in disputes like this so I have no choice. I'll surrender myself to you to be handed to the Urvasi for trial.
HADAH
Will Tanei be with you?
SANNARO
What's your decision, sis?
TANEI
I want my father to give me the pregnancy test and examine me. I'll go with San to support his testimony.
HADAH
Okay, since neither of you are resisting your return to the Kumani, I won't get the New Saili officials involved. I'll accept Devasru's testimony at this time that he had no idea you'd commit this crime and only thought you were going to talk this through with Viho. Devasru, let me warn you, Erm, Commander of the Urvasi may still seek to press charges on you for being San's accomplice in this crime.
DEVASRU
I understand and accept the responsibility.
HADAH
Good. Please remain on New Sailia until I find out what Erm wants to do about you.
DEVASRU
All right.
HADAH
San, I'll let you fly shuttle twenty-two back to the Kumani, but if you try to run, we'll have no choice but to give chase and disable the shuttle for seizure.
SANNARO
I understand, Hadah. We'll be arriving at the Kumani in a half hour to forty-five minutes.
HADAH
We will await your arrival.
The screen went blank.
Sannaro sighed and turned around.
SANNARO
This is it.
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
At least you'll be with Cherna and your pain will ease.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I've been away from her a little too long.
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
Yes, even though you're trying to shield it from us, I can still sense your symptoms.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I wish humanoids could feel such a deep bond with their mates as we do. Then abuse like Tanei was subjected to would exist a lot less.
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
It probably would.
SANNARO
Now, we need to get going so we'll reach the Kumani within the agreed time.
Sannaro and Devasru replaced the bags in the hover car’s trunk before they helped Tanei put the sleeping twins into the car seats.
DEVASRU
Our thoughts will be with you, son. Let the Great Forger temper you with strength and courage to face this trial.
SANNARO
I will, uncle.
Tanei was already inside with the twins, so Sannaro climbed into the passenger side and Devasru took the controls.
Devasru hovered the car off the ground and flew toward the spaceport.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
EXT. NEW SAILIA SPACE PORT
When they arrived at the spaceport, they entered the tarmac and returned to the Euryanassa.
Sannaro went into the cargo hold and brought the shuttle out. He landed the small craft beside the Euryanassa and opened the hatch. He helped his uncle take the bags in and stow them away. Then Sannaro returned and helped Tanei carry one of the twins into the shuttle and secure them in harasses.
Sannaro returned to the ramp.
SANNARO
Bye, uncle. I hope there will be a next time I'll see you.
DEVASRU
I do to, Sannaro. May the Great Forger be with you.
SANNARO
Thanks.
Sannaro walked up the ramp and closed the hatch. He went into the cockpit, put on his headset and sat down.
SANNARO
Kumani long range shuttle twenty-two to New Sailia Flight Control, requesting permission to launch.
BSTNS
Roger, Kumani long range shuttle twenty-two, you're cleared for launch. Vector 557830.3, copy.
SANNARO
Copy, New Sailia Flight Control. Kumani long range shuttle twenty-two, out.
Sannaro raised the shuttle off the tarmac and angled it toward space. After several minutes, he felt the shuttle leap forward as it broke free from New Sailia's gravity.
In high synchronous orbit was the Kumani, waiting to take him to his judgment. He swallowed hard.
He felt Tanei's hand caress his shoulders.
TANEI
We'll be all right, San.
He nodded his head and worked past the lump in his throat.
SANNARO
Ku-twenty-two to Kumani, request permission to land.
FLIGHT CONTROL (V.O.)
Houk, twenty-two. Await Vizha'i escort and land in lane 2. Vizha'i will be primed and targeted.
SANNARO
Houk, Flight Tower. Will await Vizha'i escort and land in lane 2.
He watched two red and white streaks shoot over the Kumani's nose and turn toward him.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
White One and Green One to Shuttle Twenty-two. We will take delta position behind you. Don't stray from landing flight path or we'll be forced to shoot to disable your vehicle.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Please don't give me a reason to shoot.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I won't.
He guided the shuttle into landing lane 2 and set down on the lift. He waited for Cherna and Arcas to land their Vizha'i.
The lift clanged and they lowered through the floor.
Once the lift clanged into position on the floor of the maintenance deck, he hovered the shuttle over to the landing space and opened the hatch.
He pulled off the headset, put it on the control board and sighed. He stood up and went rear to the hatch. As he stepped onto the ramp, he held his hands up.
Arcas rushed up the ramp and took Sannaro's pistol belt from around his hips.
Hadah was behind Cherna.
HADAH
Sannaro Damirateyak, you're under arrest for the kidnapping of Tanei, Nu'alo and Na'iri of Urvasi.
SANNARO
I surrender myself willingly to the mercy of the Kumani.
Beyond Hadah, Zhad and Danu stood with moist eyes.
He stepped down from the ramp and held his arms out toward Hadah.
Hadah put energy shackles around Sannaro's wrists and locked them into place. He flinched when Hadah brought out a pair of ear shackles and clicked them into place over his ears.
Silence slammed down on his mind and he almost lost strength in his legs, but he firmed them and remained standing.
Zhad rushed up the ramp to Tanei in the hatch.
TANEI
He didn't hurt me, Yaro. He said I'm pregnant and he wanted to protect us.
ZHAD
I know, Tanei. I want to take you to the hospital for a full examination and pregnancy test so we can support Sannaro's claim.
TANEI
Don't be too hard on San. He was just trying to protect me.
HADAH
I have no doubt about that, Tanei. Arcas, please take San to his isolation room at the hospital.
TANEI
He didn't hurt me, Yaro. He said I'm pregnant and he wanted to protect us.
ZHAD
I know, Tanei. I want to take you to the hospital for a full examination and pregnancy test so we can support Sannaro's claim.
TANEI
Don't be too hard on San. He was just trying to protect me.
HADAH
I have no doubt about that, Tanei. Arcas, please take San to his isolation room at the hospital.
Sannaro hung his head. His eyes teared. He wiped his forearm across his face.
HADAH
I know this is going to be hard on you, San, but you broke the law. Now you'll have to face it.
He nodded and stepped toward his old friend and wing-mate.
ARCAS
Come on, San.
He swayed a little as he moved beside Arcas.
ARCAS
Do you need support, San?
SANNARO
Nui, I can make it.
ARCAS
We all believe you were just trying to protect your sister, but Erm insists we have to be tough with you.
He nodded.
They stepped into the elevator and he braced himself against the wall so when the elevator dropped below decks, he wouldn't fall to the floor from the control loss of his ears to balance him.
ARCAS
I'm glad you didn't put up a fight out there, San, Cherna definitely didn't want to fire on you and neither did I.
SANNARO
I had no intention to fight this.
The door opened again at the hospital and the people he'd grown up with most of his life watched solemnly as they passed to his special-made isolation room.
Arcas opened the door.
ARCAS
Someone will be by later to take the ear shackles off. I don't want to handle your ears. I've learned over the years those are some very sensitive appendages.
He took the energy shackles off Sannaro's wrists.
Sannaro stepped into the isolation room and watched with his jaw clenched as the door was closed and locked. He walked over to the hospital bed, curled up on it and cried with his hands clenched over the cold metal covering his ears.
Finally, he eased into quiet sobs.
The door opened and he felt Zhad's hand on his back.
ZHAD
I begged Hadah not to use the ear shackles, but he insisted.
Zhad released the clasps on the ear shackles and carefully removed them.
SANNARO
Can I please have Cherna?
ZHAD
Cherna will be by to visit you. I've done the examination on Tanei and you're right, she's pregnant again. There are several bruises on her in various places at different degrees of healing. Some were old enough to be placed before you came to Urvasi. I can prove that most of them couldn't have been made by you.
SANNARO
I didn't hurt her, Zhad!
ZHAD
I know, but I have to prove to the Urvasi you didn't touch her. Viho doesn't face criminal charges right now, you do.
SANNARO
You're my father! You know me.
ZHAD
Houk, I do know you wouldn't harm your sister, but I'm still Senior Physician on this ship and it's my responsibility to gather forensic evidence on the case against you. My work may be your defense. Why don't you get some sleep?
SANNARO
I need Cherna! Our marriage link has been distant for too long.
ZHAD
You've been gone longer from her before.
SANNARO
But the emotional strain! I need her, Zhad.
ZHAD
I'll go get her.
He walked out of the room and the door was locked behind him again.
He pulled his shirt off and flung it on the bed, then hugged his shoulders from the chill to his skin. He looked down at his arm and noticed his yellow skin was glowing.
He didn't know how he was holding back the emotions that threatened to drive him crazy.
The door opened again.
Cherna stepped in and the door closed again.
Sannaro rushed to her and took her in his arms.
She kissed him passionately.
SANNARO
Oh, firebird, I needed that.
CHERNA
If I didn't love you so much, I'd be mad at you.
While they were still linked from the intimacy he shared everything that happened on the Urvasi.
CHERNA
Viho called you a freak? That was cold.
SANNARO
And Erm barely talked to me. He wouldn't even listen to anything I had to say. The Urvasi is so much different than the Kumani. I had to take Tanei or nothing would've been done until it was too late. I had to protect Tanei and the child she carries.
CHERNA
Nu'alo and Na'iri are with Adara right now. They're such adorable little ones.
SANNARO
Houk, they are great kids. I'm afraid Na'iri's a bit infatuated with me right now.
CHERNA
You always have that effect on girls.
He touched the tip of her nose with his forefinger.
SANNARO
But you're the only woman for me.
Cherna put her head on his chest and caressed his stomach.
CHERNA
I wish they'd let you out of here.
SANNARO
I do too. I need mental contact right now and I'm being denied it. I promised I'd surrender myself unconditionally and that's what I've done.
CHERNA
I'll have a talk with Hadah about it. Now, I hate to leave you, lover, but I've got work to do. I'll visit later.
He reluctantly took his arm from around her back and watched sadly as she rearranged herself. She kissed him deeply before she stepped out of the room.
Sannaro rolled over on the bed and hugged his knees to his chest. It wasn't much comfort, but it was better than nothing.
INT. KUMANI ZHAD'S OFFICE
Hadah's thoughts were stormy while he walked through the hospital to visit Zhad.
Zhad met him at his office door and stood to the side to allow him to enter first.
Once he was sitting, Zhad sat down behind his desk.
ZHAD
Tanei is pregnant and the blood tests say the fetus is completely Astrisi. She has contusions in various stages of healing, some of them deep tissue damage, all inflicted before San arrived at the Urvasi. Most of them were in the shape of a male hand.
HADAH
Were there any bruises on her body? Her chest and stomach?
ZHAD
Houk, there were some bruising on the chest and stomach. Viho's been abusing her longer than when San picked it up in that dream.
HADAH
I'll bet the loss of that vase caused her to be more upset than usual and it bled to Sannaro.
ZHAD
What vase?
HADAH
Viho threw a vase at her. She blocked it with her arm and it crashed against the wall.
ZHAD
Ah, that explains the oval bruise on her left arm.
HADAH
The vase was made by Adara and she was very upset about its loss.
ZHAD
About San, Hadah, how long are you going to keep him in isolation?
HADAH
Erm asked me to keep him there until we arrived at Alpha Centauri to rendezvous with Urvasi.
ZHAD
That's a long time to be in isolation. San was very frantic when I left him. He begged me to bring Cherna.
HADAH
Is she with him now?
ZHAD
Houk, I had to allow her to visit. Their marriage link was strained from being away from each other for so long, I was concerned for San's mental state.
HADAH
That biological marriage link can be so inconvenient at times.
ZHAD
But it's hardwired into Saili physiology, Hadah. It even effects Cherna when they're separated for too long.
HADAH
I wish I could let him out, but Erm thinks I'm too soft on San. Even if I did let him out of isolation, Erm would want San to wear ear shackles so he can't do his mind-tricks to escape punishment.
ZHAD
San wouldn't escape! He's been cooperative since we arrived at New Sailia!
HADAH
I know, but we’re in a delicate situation right now, Zhad. If I seem to go to easy on San, Erm won't believe I'm working in the best interest of peace between our ships. He doesn't trust San's telepathy.
ZHAD
San's never abused his talents!
HADAH
I know, Zhad. You think I haven't admired him for that? Honor is a tangible thing with Sannaro, to the point where sometimes honor is considered above law. That's why he gets into so much trouble.
ZHAD
In this case, is it wrong?
HADAH
I don't know. Maybe it is, but that's not for us to decide. We need to settle this in a combined Ship's Council.
ZHAD
We don't fear San's telepathy here on the Kumani. We've seen how he's used it vigorously to protect us from harm. Please relax San's incarceration a little.
HADAH
How about if I put a locator anklet on him and let him go home? He'll still need to wear the ear shackles, but at least he'd have physical contact with his family.
ZHAD
Those conditions are still a bit harsher than I'd like, but if that would satisfy Erm while allowing San some freedom, I'll accept it.
The door chime sounded and Zhad opened an external speaker phone.
ZHAD
Houk?
CHERNA (V.O.)
It's Cherna. I was told Hadah's talking with you?
ZHAD
He is.
HADAH
Let her in.
Zhad pressed the button for the door to open.
Cherna was a little disheveled as if she'd just left Sannaro.
CHERNA
Hadah, please let San out of isolation. It's driving him crazy.
HADAH
We were just discussing that.
CHERNA
What San did, he did for Tanei's survival! Don't you trust him? He surrendered himself in good faith!
HADAH
I know that, Cherna. If you'd calm down, I'll explain what Zhad and I discussed.
She took a deep breath and put a hand through her honey-blond hair.
Hadah stood up and offered his chair to her.
CHERNA
That's okay, Hadah, just talk to me.
HADAH
I know that putting San in isolation is harsh, but the situation's delicate here. Erm wants me to be tough with San. If I relax too much, Erm could accuse me of not working towards the best interest of peace between our ships. That could escalate the problem and make Erm decide to attack the Kumani. I sure don't want war between sister ships.
CHERNA
But!
HADAH
Cherna, listen to me. I want to take San out of isolation, but I can't completely free him. So I've suggested that I'll put a locator anklet on him so he can go home, but he'll still have to wear ear shackles to satisfy Erm. Unfortunately, he'll be restricted from the flight decks. Is that acceptable?
Cherna swayed for a second as if she was having trouble absorbing what he said.
CHERNA
Oh, that would get San out of isolation.
HADAH
He wouldn't have his telepathy, but he'd have physical contact to help him deal with the mental isolation.
CHERNA
Okay, I can accept that.
HADAH
Good. I'm willing to release him as soon as possible.
CHERNA
Let me inform him first.
HADAH
You two couldn't be more in love.
CHERNA
He's my soul mate, Hadah.
ZHAD
If only more people could have soul matches.
HADAH
I think you found yours, Zhad. You were quite insistent on marrying Adara.
ZHAD
And your life with No'ama wasn't too bad either, Hadah. I'll go inform San.
After a few minutes, she returned.
CHERNA
He's asleep right now.
HADAH
Let's let him sleep for now. Zhad, when he's awake again, call me. I'll bring a locator anklet to put on him and you bring the ear shackles, then we'll let him free.
ZHAD
But knowing my son in crisis, he's probably sleeping in the most uncomfortable position imaginable, like in a fetal ball with his knees pressed into his chest.
Cherna snorted.
ZHAD
So he is?
CHERNA
Exactly.
ZHAD
I'll go wake him and get him dressed. Then we can get these shackles on him and get him a little more comfortable.
HADAH
Then I'll go get a location anklet and be right back.
ZHAD
Okay, let's go wake San up again, Cheri.
Zhad opened his desk and pulled out a silver box.
They walked out of Zhad's office.
Hadah walked to the elevator, while Zhad and Cherna walked to the isolation room.
They entered the isolation room and saw Sannaro on his side with his knees drawn up to his chest.
ZHAD
If he remains sleeping like that, he'll wake up with a back and neck ache.
CHERNA
I'll wake him.
Cherna walked to Sannaro's side and put a hand on his shoulder.
CHERNA PSI V.O.
San, wake up.
He shuddered in his sleep.
CHERNA
San, please wake up. You're going to hurt yourself, sleeping in this position.
She felt his mind stir at her summons and begin to climb out of unconsciousness.
CHERNA
He's waking now.
He stretched his legs out and groaned. He opened his eyes and sat up.
He hadn't cut his hair in weeks and it cascaded down his back like a shiny blue-black curtain. His dark highly slanted eyes were pools of pain that stood out in stark contrast to his shiny olive gold skin.
ZHAD
San, I'll let you wake a little more before I tell you what Hadah, Cherna and I've discussed.
SANNARO
Okay, what now?
ZHAD
We'll let you out of here on two conditions. We can put the locator anklet on you so you can live in house arrest but we have to keep the ear shackles on you.
SANNARO
All right, I'll wear the locator anklet. But why do I have to wear the ear shackles? I promise I won't escape.
ZHAD
It's Erm's conditions or he'll doubt our intentions to bring you to trial. I know it'll be hard on you, but we have to preserve the tenuous truce we've made with the Urvasi until you can be handed over for trial.
CHERNA
I'll help you through this. You know I will.
SANNARO
Oh well, I knew this would probably happen when I decided to take Tanei. I'll wear them to get out of this room.
He brushed his hair behind his ears to expose them.
Zhad stepped up to him and opened the silver box. He drew out the shackles again and carefully slipped them over Sannaro's ears.
Sannaro swayed, closed his eyes and groaned.
As their telepathic connection disappeared from her mind, Cherna cringed.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
The door opened and Hadah stepped in.
HADAH
Oh, the ear shackles are already in place. I've got the anklet.
Sannaro stretched out a leg to Hadah.
HADAH
You know I hate to do this, San, but I have to do it to placate Erm.
SANNARO
I know.
He stood up carefully and tried to walk casually to the door, but he was walking a bit stiffer than he usually did.
SANNARO
I'm glad you believe in me enough to give me this much freedom.
He walked out the door.
Cherna rushed to catch up with him and wrapped her arm around his.
SANNARO
You don't have to steady me. I'll be fine.
CHERNA
I don't want to steady you, I want our telepathic link. I hate being alone in my head anymore.
SANNARO
I want it too.
CHERNA
I hate ear shackles.
SANNARO
You hate them? They're not on your ears.
They stepped into the elevator and Sannaro braced himself against the wall again until the elevator stopped on their deck.
CHERNA
I hate them because they're on your ears.
SANNARO
And you can't stroke them?
She grinned at him impishly and looked at him sideways.
CHERNA
That too. I hate them because they hurt you and I don't like to see my husband hurting.
SANNARO
I brought it on myself.
CHERNA
For a good cause. If you thought Tanei's life was endangered, I believe you. You wouldn't subject yourself to this agony if you weren't justified it was for the best.
He turned to encircle her in his arms.
SANNARO
I never have to convince you.
CHERNA
Wing-mates in everything.
She kissed him.
He bent toward her to deepen the kiss.
Suddenly it felt like the floor fell out from under them.
She held him tighter and fought for balance as he was struggling with his own balance.
Sannaro's vertigo had extended to her through their touch.
SANNARO
I'd better go lay down.
CHERNA
This time, relax and don't sleep all balled up.
SANNARO
Ugh, I don't know what's worse, being in isolation or wearing these ear shackles.
He stumbled to their bedroom.
CHERNA
I need to go do some work on the Upper Flight Deck for a while. Call me if you need me. Unfortunately, I'm sure you know you're restricted from all fight decks.
SANNARO
I knew and it's no surprise, either. Would you tell me the important stuff later?
SANNARO
You're suspended from being the Senior Vizha'e for now, but I'll tell you everything anyway.
SANNARO
Fa'arata.
He sank down onto the bed and stretched out with his arm over his eyes.
She left the apartment to go back to work.
INT. KUMANI GYMNASIUM
Sannaro was using the weight machines in the gym.
Varanani came and sat at the machine next to the one he was using.
VARANANI
How are you doing?
SANNARO
Are you asking as a Psychiatrist or as my sister?
VARANANI
Both.
SANNARO
I hate these ear shackles, but I brought them on myself. I've got a headache that won't quit and I'm tired of being queasy.
VARANANI
All symptoms of the ear shackles. Now how to you feel?
SANNARO
How am I supposed to feel? I'm miserable, but I'm glad Tanei's safe.
VARANANI
You're being very cooperative. Hadah appreciates that.
SANNARO
How else should I be? I'm doing this for Tanei. Her baby has to be protected.
VARANANI
San, you're just talking about Tanei.
SANNARO
Everything's about Tanei.
VARANANI
I want you to talk about you.
SANNARO
Me, I'm sick to my stomach, sick at heart, whichever one, take your pick, upper or lower.
He laid down again and hefted the arm weight bar up.
He laid down again and hefted the arm weight bar up.
SANNARO
I've got too much time to think and not enough work to occupy my mind.
The klaxons rang.
Sannaro dropped the weights with a resounding clang.
DI'OK (V.O.)
Battle alert, battle alert, pirates attacking at coordinates 592615.2. All non-essential personnel, general quarters. All essential personnel, battle stations.
Sannaro leapt from the bench and ran for the door.
VARANANI
Wait, San, you can't scramble with the other pilots, you're suspended.
Sannaro cringed and stopped. He turned around to her, bent over and held his head.
She took hold of his arm.
VARANANI
Come with me.
She led him out of the gym and to her office at the hospital.
He sat down on her couch, bent forward with his hair curtaining his face. He felt the shutter of the ship.
SANNARO
This is maddening! My place is with my pilots!
He grasped his hands around the metal sheaths over his ears.
Varanani carefully withdrew his hands and redirected them to his lap.
SANNARO
They're all dull-brained humanoids! Why are they punishing me like this? Why would they allow a mean bastard like Viho to be free when I'm being driven insane from the quiet in my head?
VARANANI
Is Cherna a dull-brained humanoid?
Sannaro looked away and felt tears roll down his cheeks. He swiped them dry.
SANNARO
You know what I mean, Viho and Erm, they don't trust my telepathy, so they're depriving me of it and it's driving me crazy. Why doesn't someone deprive them of their sight for a week and see how they like it?
VARANANI
Because right now the law is on their side.
He stood up and paced the room.
SANNARO
The law. Does the law sanction a man who beats his wife?
VARANANI
No, not even Astrisi law condones beating someone without the benefit of self defense in the gym.
SANNARO
Then why is he allowed to go free and I'm not?
VARANANI
That's what you have to prove at your trial, San, that they're punishing the wrong man.
SANNARO
I know, but I wish Hadah would take these ear shackles off me. With the locator anklet, the PEs would know if I went up to the Upper Flight Deck anyway, so what does it matter if I have my telepathy to go stealth?
VARANANI
You're preaching to the choir, San. I'm your natural sister and Saili too. I understand your argument, but because the Astrisi aren't telepathic, they're worried you'll find a way to get around the location sensor.
SANNARO
Did you tell Hadah I couldn't get past the sensor unless I had some very fine electrician's tools? I'm no electrician, so even if I could get into the anklet, I wouldn't know what to tamper with to alter the location signal.
VARANANI
He knows, but we can't seem to convince Erm that you can't. You're right, he's afraid of telepathy. He doesn't understand it.
SANNARO
Telepathy isn't telekinesis! I can't alter inanimate objects, just minds with conscious thought!
VARANANI
I know that too. But Erm's holding Hadah's compliance over his head, San. If he wavers, Erm could declare war on us because you violated their ship.
Sannaro felt a change in the shaking of the ship.
SANNARO
The Vizha'i are landing again. I'm sure we'll stand down from alert soon.
DI'OK (V.O.)
Battle alert status is canceled, I repeat, battle alert status is canceled. Stand down from battle stations. General quarters is lifted.
VARANANI
You know the effects the fighters have on the stability of the ship.
SANNARO
I should. I've been around them most of my life.
VARANANI
And they're so much a part of you.
SANNARO
Yeah. I need my life back, Vara.
VARANANI
Let's hope there are no more pirate battles to further slow our progress to Alpha Centauri.
SANNARO
Houk. I need to have these ear shackles off.
VARANANI
You could always elect to go back in isolation so the ear shackles can be removed until we've rendezvoused with the Urvasi.
SANNARO
Oh, right, give me more time to think! No thanks, sis. At least when I can roam the ship, I have people to talk to and things to occupy my time.
VARANANI
That sounds reasonable. So now that general quarters is lifted, you can go anywhere you like within your restricted boundaries.
SANNARO
Getting my mind off the battle?
VARANANI
Well, you seemed to be confused about what you should do during the alert, I was only helping you out.
SANNARO
Thanks, I think.
VARANANI
And you also did some good emotional venting. I'm satisfied for now.
SANNARO
My sister the Psychiatrist.
VARANANI
That's right.
EXT. SANNARO.
INT. URVASI UPPER FLIGHT DECK
The shuttle stopped on the lift and was lowered into the Urvasi maintenance deck.
Kosi opened the hatch.
Sannaro and Hadah stood up.
Tanei hesitantly released the twins from their safety straps, picked them up and put one on each hip and exited the shuttle.
Sannaro almost scowled when he saw Viho meet her.
Tanei shied away from him and stepped closer to Hadah.
He reluctantly stepped down the ramp.
VIHO
Come to me, mate!
TANEI
I choose not to until the trial is finished!
VIHO
Your foster brother is a kidnapper!
ERM
Enough, Viho! So, you thought you could abuse our generosity of allowing you to see your sister, Sannaro?
He studied Erm carefully until he flinched uncomfortably. He had no telepathy with the ear shackles, yet the older man was still uncomfortable around him.
VIHO
Houk, Sannaro, how dare you come to my ship and kidnap my wife and children from me! You're going to pay now!
SANNARO
I did it for my sister's protection.
VIHO
Right, you've always been a criminal and your ship should have realized that a long time ago!
ERM
Viho, that's enough. Protocol Enforcers, please escort Sannaro to the council room.
Another shuttle parked beside the shuttle that transported Sannaro opened and the Kumani's ship council stepped down the ramp to join them just as Sannaro was led away, flanked by the P.E.s.
Adara and Zhad looked sadly at him as he was led to the elevator.
P.E. #1
Don't try anything, Saili.
SANNARO
I wouldn't want to.
P.E. #2
Not so sure of yourself with those ear shackles on, huh?
SANNARO
I'm cooperating. Don't mistake that for being defenseless.
Man #2 scowled.
SANNARO
Just warning you. I'm not going to fight you.
The elevator doors opened and they led him to the Council room. He went into the council room and was told to stand against the wall.
SANNARO
Since this room's only big enough for your own council, don't you think Erm should move to a larger room to accommodate two Ship's Councils?
P.E. #1
Bla'ua, Saili. That's not for you to decide.
SANNARO
My name's Sannaro. Please stop referring me by my race.
The Kumani council entered the room and stood behind the chairs occupied by the Urvasi council.
Erm walked up to the head of the table.
ERM
I realize this room's too small for two councils, so we'll reconvene in the gymnasium where we can seat everyone. Then we can start the trial against Sannaro.
SANNARO
We could have just gone to the gym and skipped this part.
P.E. #1
Don't get cocky, niyaroi.
SANNARO
Bastard? I'm not a bastard. I was born to two married parents who died. More appropriately, I'm an orphan.
P.E. #1
The fact that your translating to us means you don't know Astrisi as well as you think you do.
SANNARO
And I thought you weren't sure what the word meant in Basic, since I've just explained to you why it doesn't apply to me.
P.E. #1
Move, orphan.
SANNARO
I appreciate your correction.
P.E. #2 leaned toward P.E. #1.
P.E. #2
Fausa, this guy's short. I feel like I'm guarding a kid.
P.E. #1
Houk.
SANNARO
Remember, guys, I'm the Senior Vizha'e on the Kumani. Don't be fooled by my short stature.
The two men glared.
SANNARO
Just because my ears are shackled doesn't mean I can't hear you chattering behind me.
Hadah approached them.
HADAH
You know, guys, I can tell you're giving my pilot a hard time. For intra-ship relations, I'm asking you to stop criticizing him. He's as dangerous as he says he is and he's behaving himself. He's not entitled to your comments.
The men frowned, but the said nothing more.
Sannaro allowed the sullen men to guide him to the gym after the council left ahead of them.
The layout was almost the same as the Kumani with some differences.
He was led into the center of the gym on the central fighting mat, facing everyone.
He shifted his stance self-consciously to balance his weight since it looked like he'd have to stand throughout the proceedings.
Erm stood in front of everyone.
ERM
This trial is for Sannaro Dam, Dam-
HADAH
Damirateyak.
ERM
Right, of the Kumani. On behalf of Viho of Urvasi, I charge Sannaro with kidnapping his mate Tanei, his son Nu'alo and daughter Na'iri. On day two-hundred fifteen of the year Two-hundred eighty, After Exodus, at 1340 hours, Sannaro, in Long Range Shuttle Twenty-two called the Urvasi flight tower asking permission to approach and land on the Urvasi. I was informed about his request and asked him what his intentions were. He responded that he wanted to visit his sister Tanei, married into the Urvasi at the Festival of Ships in the year two-hundred-seventy-three, After Exodus, to Viho. I approved Sannaro's approach to the Urvasi and allowed him to land. After he spoke with Viho and me, he nefariously slipped Tanei and the children into his shuttle and took off. When Viho realized Tanei and the children were missing, we searched for Ku-twenty-two. We discovered the Alpha Centauri BST hadn't recorded Ku-twenty-two had been in the vicinity of Alpha Centauri and it's last known coordinates were at New Sailia weeks earlier. There was no record of Ku-twenty-two leaving New Sailia. Upon further investigation, I learned that a New Saili space yacht called the Eury-anassa was recorded visiting and leaving Alpha Centauri Seven a day before the Urvasi pulled into Alpha Centauri. Then, after Tanei was kidnapped, that same vessel the New Saili Eury-anassa registered flight plans to return to New Sailia. Further, the owner of the Eury-anassa is Sannaro's natural uncle Devasru! It's clear Sannaro approached the Urvasi with intent to kidnap his sister! He even had an alibi preconceived, using his uncle's craft!
Hadah stood up.
HADAH
Sannaro, are these accusations true?
SANNARO
My fellow Astrisi-
VIHO
He's not Astrisi! He's Saili!
HADAH
Erm, restrain your shipman. Sannaro's Astrisi because he married an Astrisi woman and pledged to protect and defend the Kumani from all attacks.
ERM
Viho, quiet and let him speak.
SANNARO
Houk, I am Saili, but I was raised on the Kumani to respect Astrisi culture and law.
The people began talking.
ZHAD
Let my son speak.
HADAH
Could we get beyond his past as a foster member of our ship and get on with the current incident? I thought the situation concerning his citizenship of the Kumani was resolved years ago.
UR-MAN #1
Only because you made us accept it but I can't understand why you'd allow an alien to live among you!
HADAH
Erm, is this trial going to resort to mudslinging between ships? The Kumani's not on trial for how we came about to accept Sannaro as a citizen.
ERM
Listen, he's right. The Kumani's not on trial for allowing Sannaro to live among them. Sannaro's trying to tell his side of the story why he kidnapped Tanei.
SANNARO
If only I could show each of you the images I received from my sister. She was being mercilessly beaten by Viho!
ERM
Those ear shackles are not coming off you! We don't want your filthy telepathy in our heads!
ADARA
Oh, this is enough! I won't take my son being so insulted! He's never harmed anyone with his telepathy!
The rest of the Kumani council stood up with Adara.
FADE OUT.
THE END.