Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
“BROKEN TRUST”
EPISODE 46 – TRIAL
BY: LYSSA THORNE
FADE IN:
INT. URVASI GYM
Hadah rushed to the center of the floor with his arms up.
HADAH
Please, brother's and sisters, don't walk out. Erm, you're coming very close to insulting, not only Sannaro, but the Kumani as well. Will your prejudice toward Sannaro's telepathy drive us both to war?
SANNARO
Chali, Yaro, please be calm. I want to tell my reasons. If we fight, nothing will be resolved. What is the price of closing our minds? Will Tanei be torn between the loyalty to two warring ships? Will she go back to being beaten by Viho and her unborn child killed by an insensitive blow from his own father?
VIHO
Pregnant?!
ZHAD
That's right, pregnant. I gave her a pregnancy test. It's positive and the DNA is entirely Astrisi.
He held up his report above his head.
SANNARO
I kidnapped her away from Viho because I tried to talk him into seeking help for his uncontrolled temper. He told me he had the right to do anything he wanted with his wife and he wanted me to leave. When I tried to talk to Erm about the problem, he told me he knew Viho had some anger issues, but I was blowing it out of proportion. I knew as soon as I met with Tanei that she was pregnant.
ERM
How's that possible?
ZHAD
He's predicted four pregnancies before I was even told by the two women they were feeling the symptoms of pregnancy. Every one of them were accurate. He predicted the conception of my first daughter Ahdri, even Tanei's conception as well as both his own wife's pregnancies. He's told me he senses a pregnant woman because they have dual mental signatures, the mother's mind and the fetus' mind. You see, his telepathy has beneficial properties!
ERM
He used that same telepathy to shield Tanei from our view so he could sneak her onto his shuttle!
CHERNA
But you were so closed minded to his pleas for his sister's protection! If you would've listened to him, he wouldn't have thought reasoning with you was hopeless and he wouldn't have kidnapped Tanei!
UR-WOMAN #1
What are they saying, Erm? You knew about this abuse? This boy was only wanting to protect his sister from harm because he was afraid her baby would be killed?
ERM
I told him, it wasn't as bad as he was saying it was!
UR-WOMAN #1
Then why did he think his only option was to steal his sister away?
ZHAD
I have documentation of quite a few bruises in different stages of healing. They all predated when Sannaro claimed to have taken Tanei.
UR-MAN #1
And why should we believe you? You're her father.
ZHAD
And why didn't the Urvasi Senior Physician do this examination instead of me?
UR-DOCTOR
I wasn't aware Tanei had multiple bruising on her body. She was seen with a bruise on her face a few weeks before Sannaro showed up, but she told me it was because a vase fell from a high shelf and hit her on the face.
ZHAD
Did you examine her and measure the dimensions of the bruise?
UR-DOCTOR
She didn't want me to. She said she was fine.
ZHAD
Did you ever suspect abuse, Doctor?
UR-DOCTOR
I've talked to Viho about his temper and he assured me he was controlling it.
ZHAD
That facial bruise was measured by me and it was the shape and torque of a hand. Furthermore, she has bruises across her left breast, her stomach and her right inner thigh as well as a cylindrical bruise on her left arm where Sannaro reports Viho threw the vase at her. She blocked it with her left arm and it shattered against the wall. If you won't accept my son's testimony because he's Saili, I'll give you my report on Tanei's examination!
SANNARO
Please, stop arguing over me! I kidnapped Tanei and I'm willing to accept punishment for it, just don't make me wear these ear shackles! I'll accept the locator anklet and assure you I don't know how to tamper with it.
UR-ELECTRICIAN
I know for a fact that those locator anklets are nearly tamper-proof. There are alarms connected to the screws to inform the Protocol Enforcers that someone's tampering with the inside of the anklet. Even if they get into the anklet without tripping those wires, the locator sensor is sensitive to any modifications and will give alarm. This fausa about Sannaro being able to trick a remote P.E. into thinking he isn't tampering with the anklet is too outlandish. We made sure even Sannaro and any other Saili couldn't modify that anklet. The ear shackles are redundant.
ERM
There, he said it!Hadah, he's guilty be his own mouth. I want you to take his Senior Vizha'e sash right now.
HADAH
Sorry, Erm, I'm not prepared to do that. Our region of space has a lot more pirate attacks than yours does. Sannaro's the best Vizha'e the Astrisi's ever had and I need him for the Kumani's defense.
A cheer of agreement was voiced from the Kumani council.
SANNARO
As I said, I'll accept house arrest, living with the locator anklet for a year for my crime. I just ask that Tanei be given to the Kumani for protection from Viho!
This time the Urvasi council erupted in loud conversation.
The Urvasi Senior Physician slipped over to Zhad and was thumbing through his examination report.
UR-DOCTOR
Before a decision's made, I want to examine Tanei myself. If there is proof of abuse, I want to see it myself and conduct a pregnancy test of my own.
ZHAD
I approve of the motion.
VIHO
I don't! Don't you touch my wife!
UR-DOCTOR
This isn't your decision, Viho. Since there are counter allegations that you're an abusive mate, your honor comes into question now too.
Viho ran across the bleachers to where Tanei sat at the edge of the Kumani council and jerked her from her seat.
She tripped over the lower seat and slammed hard to the floor.
He dragged her across the floor toward the door.
Streaks of blood glistened across the floor.
VIHO
No, she's mine! I won't let this happen!
ZHAD
Oh, blessed Firebird! You've hurt her! Let her go!
ERM
Viho, let her go!
VIHO
No, old man. I trusted you to be on my side. You tell them to back off or, I swear, I'll kill her! She's mine! You hear me? She's mine!
ZHAD (PSI V.O.)
San, rush Viho!
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
He's too far from me to tackle him before he could hurt Tanei!
ZHAD (PSI V.O.)
Mind slap him!
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
In front of a room of psychic phobics?
ZHAD (PSI V.O.)
He hurt my baby!
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I understand your frustration but my hands are all but tied here! Ask if I can track her to get her away from Viho.
The rest of the council was equally paralyzed by Viho's threat.
Viho pulled her to the elevator, pushed a button, and the door closed.
ERM
PEs, after him!
Protocol Enforcers ran from every door of the gym and two more were waiting for another elevator to cycle to the gym.
(LATER)
An hour later, everything was still in turmoil and Sannaro was still standing on the mat.
SANNARO
Hadah, can I move? My muscles are getting sore here.
Hadah trotted up to him.
HADAH
Erm's so busy trying to find Viho, I think he's forgotten about you. Come have a seat with your family and I'll go see what Erm wants to do about you.
They walked over to where Zhad was comforting Adara and Cherna was watching everything with concerned eyes.
ZHAD
Hadah, have they rescued Tanei?
HADAH
I'm sorry, I haven't heard anything.
ADARA
Oh, she has to be rescued soon! She was so hurt and the baby!
Sannaro hugged Adara's shoulders.
SANNARO
I wish I could track that man. I'd find him real fast and get Tanei away from him.
HADAH
I'll suggest that to Erm, San. If his PEs haven't found Viho by now, he's well hidden.
ERM
You'd just love that, now wouldn't you, Hadah?
HADAH
What? Erm, I'm worried about Tanei! You see all the blood she trailed as she was dragged across the floor! Sannaro's a fully trained mental tracker, taught by the New Saili. His telepathic talents could be useful here and you're still scared that he'll do something bad to everyone! I didn't think you were so closed minded, you'd let a pregnant young woman suffer!
ERM
Okay, let's put it to vote.
He went out into the middle of the floor.
ERM
I call this council back to order.
People glared at him and chattered questions to one another.
ERM
Listen, I want to discuss something about Viho.
The Urvasi council reluctantly settled long after the Kumani council was sitting quietly.
ERM
In light of Viho's violent taking of Tanei, I'm compelled to drop all charges against Sannaro. I guess Sannaro was right about being concerned with Viho's behaviors and he was acting in Tanei's best interest.
The Kumani council cheered.
Sannaro grinned as he was buffeted by his family hugging him.
ERM
Release him from all restraints.
Hadah smiled broadly as he brought the keys and touched them to both sets of energy shackles and he pulled the shackles from around Sannaro's wrists and ankles. Zhad carefully slipped the ear shackles from Sannaro's ears.
Some people around him gasped.
UR-WOMAN #2
Oh, his ears are green and swollen!
UR-MAN #2
Oh, firebird, are those weeping blisters?
Erm walked over and looked at the ears in distaste.
HADAH
That's what happens when San's subjected to ear shackles for a long time.
ERM
Ew, that is quite disturbing.
Zhad pulled out a dermal regenerator and shined it on Sannaro's ears.
Sannaro sighed as the discomfort began to ease and his telepathy settled back to normal receptivity.
Erm went back out onto the floor.
ERM
Now, I'm sorry to say, the PEs can't seem to find Viho.
Angry talk erupted.
Erm raised his hands for silence.
UR-WOMAN #1
We have to find that poor girl!
UR-WOMAN #2
She's pregnant!
HADAH
The Saili have trackers who can track a felon using the homing in on certain mental signatures. Sannaro's one of those Saili trackers. He'll be able to find Viho wherever he's hiding and draw him out. This is one of Sannaro's useful skills. He can find Viho quicker and get Tanei away from him. Of course, we'll have to have permission from the Urvasi before Sannaro will move through your ship.
The Urvasi council spoke among themselves for a few minutes.
An elder finally stood up.
MONAN
This situation with Viho loosing control has us very upset. We fear for young Tanei's life as well as her unborn child. We'll allow Sannaro liberty of our ship to track down Viho and force his surrender. And you, Erm, will not move against Sannaro in any way. We're dismayed by your show of Saili prejudice. But I hope the Kumani will accept our deliberations toward Erm are an Urvasi matter.
HADAH
Erm's your business. San, you heard them. Do your job.
Sannaro leapt up from the seat and grinned.
SANNARO
May my mate Cherna help me? I need her to guard my back. She's the Assistant Senior Vizha'e and my wing-mate in everything.
MONAN
You have quite a team there in life and work, young man. You may take her as backup.
Cherna stood up and joined him. She kissed him and he pressed himself into her kiss.
UR-MAN #1
Wow, did you see how she leapt at him? Are they always like that?
HADAH
Houk, they're like two sides of a magnet. You can't keep them away from each other for long.
Sannaro pulled away from Cherna and pushed his telepathy out to quest for Viho's mental signature.
MONAN
What's he doing, standing around like that?
HADAH
He has to home in on Viho's mind. Once he has a fix, he'll approximate what area of the ship he's in and they'll move.
MONAN
So she's done this before with him?
HADAH
Oh, sure she has. Like they said, they're wing-mates in everything. They've been close friends since they were children, continual sparing partners. They're mates with two children, Senior and Assistant Senior Vizha'e. Marriage isn't even the beginning of their partnership.
MONAN
How can they be that involved with one another?
HADAH
As far as I can tell, San's telepathy makes them nearly one person in two bodies.
MONAN
Doesn't that have some drawbacks?
HADAH
Sure, if one gets hurt, the other feels it. Sometimes when one gets hurt, the other has to withdraw, but not every time. I've got plenty of talented Team-leaders who take up the slack. San's a training taskmaster so everyone's honed to their best performance.
SANNARO
He's two decks upward in the General Quarters section.
They trotted to the elevator and Sannaro pressed the up button.
The doors opened and they stepped inside.
SANNARO
Computer, General Quarters Deck four.
The doors closed and the elevator moved up.
They exited at the General Quarters floor and trotted down the hall.
CHERNA
Oh, the Urvasi symbols on the walls make the halls too bright.
He stopped at a T-intersection and pivoted on the balls of his feet in either direction. He sensed Viho was to the right, so he took the right turn and they continued on.
He stopped again to refresh his heading and frowned. He turned the next corner and they doubled back. He stopped at a door and they stepped through into somone's neatly furnished apartment.
He scanned all the rooms from the living room and sensed they were all empty.
They left the apartment and walked to the next apartment.
CHERNA
Are you all right? You seem puzzled.
SANNARO
He's around here somewhere, I can sense him. Let's keep looking.
They looked in each apartment until they were back where they started. He went back into an apartment and toward the slightly raised panel against an inner wall.
The panel swung open and Viho stepped out into the apartment.
VIHO
Fausa!
Viho slammed into Sannaro's chest.
Sannaro faded back with the blow, grabbed Viho's shirt, dropped to the floor and threw Viho over him.
Viho slapped the floor to cushion his fall and rolled back to his feet. He whirled around to face Sannaro.
Cherna stepped toward him.
VIHO
Get back, halkia, I'm not afraid to hurt you.
SANNARO
How dare you call my mate a bitch? You Urvasis have fowl mouths.
VIHO
Hah, if she's your mate, then she is a halkia, 'cause you're a dokha!
SANNARO
I'm not a dog!
Sannaro charged Viho with his right fist.
Viho blocked it and punched with his own right fist.
Sannaro blocked it and brought up his knee.
Viho undulated to avoid the knee and did a lower block.
Sannaro landed on his left foot and did a roundhouse kick with his right to Viho's side.
Viho blocked the kick with his right arm and pushed Sannaro into a spin.
As Sannaro was checking his spin, Viho leapt over the couch and dove for the wall.
Cherna rushed after him.
He opened the hatch and dove in.
Cherna bent to follow him.
SANNARO
Nui. Let him go for now. He didn't have Tanei with him.
CHERNA
We need to follow him!
Sannaro felt chills cross his face and shivers ran up and down his spine. He struggled to steady his suddenly weak legs.
CHERNA
I know about your claustrophobia, but you know I can send a star-scape into your mind to keep you calm! Let's go!
SANNARO
It's not that. Now that I know Viho's hidden Tanei away, I want to track Tanei.
CHERNA
Okay, that makes sense.
He sat down on the couch and drew in a few deep breaths.
She moved to his side and put her arm around his shoulders.
CHERNA
Are you all right?
SANNARO
I'm just still feeling some effects of being in those ear shackles for a week. My ears are healed, but my body's still lagging behind on realizing they're healed.
CHERNA
That was a pretty easy fight, too. Maybe you should do the tracking and let me do the fighting?
SANNARO
I can do it. I just need a little rest.
CHERNA
If you say so.
SANNARO
Please, Cheri, I started this and I want to finish it.
CHERNA
Only you can track him. I doubt the Urvasi PEs even thought to look through the access tunnels.
SANNARO
They should've thought about that. Cowards like to hide in holes.
CHERNA
Wait a minute. We've traveled through the access tunnels in the past!
SANNARO
And it was still cowardly.
CHERNA
But we defeated the pirates! Even you said we wouldn't have defeated the pirates if we hadn't taken the access tunnels!
SANNARO
True, at the time we were teens and didn't have the raw strength to face them head-on.
CHERNA
That's not cowardly! That's being clever.
SANNARO
Instead of taking all this time arguing, let's find Tanei.
CHERNA
You just don't want to go into the access tunnels!
SANNARO
All right! I don't want to go into the access tunnels!
CHERNA
You're right. We shouldn't be eating up time arguing.
SANNARO
Good, let's find Tanei.
He strode out of the apartment.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
INT. URVASI HALLWAYS
Sannaro stepped into the hallway as Cherna rushed to catch up with him. He took a few steps into the hall, then pushed his telepathy out to find Tanei's mental signature.
Sannaro returned to the elevator and called it.
The elevator dropped one level and opened again.
He stepped out and walked down the hall until he sensed he was parallel to Tanei's essence. Just as he was about to enter an apartment, he sensed she was moving, however awkwardly and slow. Either she was very injured and having difficulty moving herself, or Viho was dragging her along with difficulty.
He ran into an apartment. He did a quick scan.
It was empty. Still, she was moving along the section- in the access tunnels.
SANNARO
Fausa, not again.
He homed in closer on her mental signature and sensed she wasn't quite conscious. He changed from Tanei's signature to Viho's and sensed Viho was with her. So Viho was moving her.
CHERNA
We have to go in, San.
SANNARO
We have to go in.
He opened the hatch.
SANNARO
Start sending your star-scape.
As he bent down to crawl into the tight tunnel, he felt his breathing quicken and his chest tighten. His vision swam and he closed his eyes to steady his sight.
SANNARO'S PSYCHIC VISION
When he reopened his eyes, he saw the space-scape Cherna was projecting. He relaxed a little, enough for him to be in control of his limbs. He crawled forward.
Cherna crawled in behind him and closed the hatch.
Sannaro's sight adjusted to the near complete darkness with a green glow that emanated from the metal walls.
He crawled down the tunnel to an intersection. He pushed his telepathy out to find Tanei again.
She was still moving to his left.
He turned the tight corner left.
He picked up his pace a little.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Oh, I don't remember these tunnels being so tight!
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
That's what I was thinking. It's worse for me. My shoulders are broader than when I was thirteen.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
How is Viho doing this?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Through sheer stubbornness, I think. They're a few hundred meters ahead.
He sped up.
He began to see a dark blockage up ahead.
As he came closer, he saw Viho turn his head and his brown eyes glowed in surprise.
VIHO
How the hell? How are you finding me?!
SANNARO
Now what do you think about stupid telepathy? I can sense you anywhere, Viho. Surrender now.
Viho gave a strangled cry and rushed down the tunnel, leaving Tanei behind him.
Sannaro stopped at Tanei's inert form. He couldn't get beyond her form without hurting her further.
Sannaro turned Tanei toward him. He saw her face was smeared with blood. He touched her arm and did a scan of her body. He felt a throbbing from her nose. He scanned the infant inside her and he seemed strong and unaffected.
SANNARO
We need to get Tanei out of here and to the hospital.
CHERNA
But we shouldn't drag her anymore. It could injure her further.
SANNARO
I agree. Maybe I could be a litter for her and do a low crawl?
CHERNA
What if you have to go around a corner to get to a hatch?
SANNARO
We'll have to do the best we can. I'm sure I'm going to have some good bruises.
Sannaro laid flat on the floor.
Cherna climbed over him then pulled Tanei's inert form over him and laid her on top of him. Her head was laid at his knees and her feet hung over his shoulders.
He carefully dragged himself forward.
After crawling a few hundred meters on, Tanei groaned and pulled her head off Sannaro's legs.
TANEI
Oh, my head hurts! Why is it so dark?
CHERNA
Just lay back down, Tanei. We'll get you out of here and to the hospital.
TANEI
We're in the access tunnels?
CHERNA
Houk.
TANEI
Oh, blessed firebird, am I on top of Sannaro?
SANNARO
Hang on, Sis. You just relax and I'll get you out of here. You need to lay down and not risk further injury.
TANEI
But I'm laying on you, laying on my brother!
SANNARO
I'm just acting like a litter. Now relax. Your squirming is making it harder for me to drag myself along.
TANEI
Maybe I'd be more comfortable if I turned around at the next intersection and laid my head on your back instead of your knees?
SANNARO
That might be more comfortable for me, too.
When they came to the next intersection, Sannaro slipped out from under Tanei and struggled to get himself around the corner.
Tanei backed up past the corner, then turned behind him so she was facing him now.
He laid out on the floor again and she laid down on his back and curled her arms around his chest.
TANEI
This is more comfortable.
SANNARO
It certainly is.
He pulled himself further along the tunnel.
Cherna continued to bring up the rear.
Sannaro saw green light shining ahead of him like there was metal ahead.
SANNARO
I sense we're coming to a hatch.
CHERNA
Good. I'm getting tired of being cramped and blind.
TANEI
How can you see in here, San?
SANNARO
It's part telepathy and my eyes seem to see into the infrared. I can't imagine being blind in the dark like you are.
He came to the hatch and pushed it open.
BACK TO NORMAL VISION
Beyond was another apartment.
Sannaro dragged himself out onto the carpeted floor and collapsed flat.
CHERNA
For someone evolved from a burrower, you've lost your racial affinity for dark, tight places!
SANNARO
Oh, great, like I really need your teasing?
Tanei rolled off his back and laid on the carpet face-up.
TANEI
I probably look a mess and my face hurts terribly.
SANNARO
Just stay still, sis. We'll call for medical help.
He climbed to his feet and swayed a little. His head pinched with some pain. He pushed the pain away and walked out into the hall.
He looked at the number above the apartment door, then walked to the right down the hall until he came to an elevator.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Zhad, we have Tanei. Please tell the Urvasi Senior Physician to send an emergency crew to General Quarters level 5, apartment 14.
ZHAD (PSI V.O.)
Right away, San. Good work. Is Viho in custody?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Not yet. He escaped when we caught up with him and Tanei. I thought getting Tanei medical attention first was more important.
ZHAD (PSI V.O.)
Good call. I'm approaching the Senior Physician now.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
We'll be waiting.
Sannaro returned to the apartment. He sat down on the floor beside Tanei, leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes.
Cherna paced and stretched the kinks from her arms and legs.
The emergency crew rushed through the door.
Zhad was with the Senior Physician and they both bent over Tanei.
UR-DOCTOR
Didn't anyone ever tell any of you as children not to play in the access tunnels?
SANNARO
Don't blame me. Viho was avoiding the PEs by traveling through the access tunnels. Otherwise, I would've never entered them. I hate them.
ZHAD
I believe it, San is claustrophobic.
UR-DOCTOR
Then how does he endure being in the tight cockpit of a Vizha'i?
CHERNA
He can look out of the canopy and see space.
Ur-doctor shuddered.
UR-DOCTOR
Fausa, I'm afraid of open space. I'll stay inside a spaceship where I don't have to see it.
ZHAD
Ah, so you have Astrophobia? That's not a good condition for an Astrisi to have.
UR-DOCTOR
As long as I don't look out a portal, I'm fine. My sensors detect Tanei has a broken nose. I think we'll need to run her under a stronger x-ray sensor to make sure her facial bones aren't damaged as well. The fetus' vitals seem strong and steady. Let's get her on that gurney and transport her to the hospital.
ZHAD
And how are the two of you doing?
SANNARO
We're dirty to the skin, but all right.
CHERNA
San's been a bit off balance and easily tired, Zhad.
ZHAD
Those are aftereffects of the ear shackles. He's doing a lot of exertion so soon after being healed. Do you want to go back and rest for a while, San?
SANNARO
Nui, I'm going to find Viho and drag him into custody, even if he's kicking and screaming.
CHERNA
I'll stay with him and make sure he doesn't collapse.
SANNARO
If he does, I want you to call and have him brought to the hospital. You hear that, son? Don't try to stop her.
Sannaro reluctantly nodded.
Zhad followed the Urvasi Senior Physician and the gurney out of the apartment.
Sannaro stood up from the floor and rotated his shoulders a few times to release the tension of having to drag his weight and Tanei's for so long.
Cherna stepped behind him and gave his shoulders a massage.
He groaned and leaned against her.
CHERNA
Well, even though I can't convince you to rest a while, at least I can ease some of your soreness.
SANNARO
Fa'arata.
CHERNA
As much as that's so nice, we've got dust all over us and you're beginning to smell like a smelt.
SANNARO
Wait until we're finished with this. I'll wash that dust off you myself and have some fun about it too, woman.
CHERNA
That's nothing on what I'm going to do to you! So let's get this over with?
SANNARO
I can't imagine why a man would want to hurt or kill his own woman. They're so much nicer alive and in your arms.
CHERNA
Or stroking your ear.
She reached up and slid her finger down the outer edge of his lower point.
He shivered as raw electricity coursed through his body.
SANNARO
I thought you said to wait until Viho was captured?
CHERNA
But you know I can't resist stroking your ear and they've been in those evil ear shackles for so long.
SANNARO
But I need my ears to track down Viho. You're interrupting my sendings. After this is done, you can stroke my ears all you want.
CHERNA
I'll take you up on that.
SANNARO
Let's get going before I loose my nerve and throw you in this shower right now.
They left the apartment and went to the elevator again.
SANNARO
He went down another level.
The elevator opened out onto a wide unadorned hallway. He scanned the area again and turned left.
At another hallway, he swept the area again and continued straight.
They came to another intersection and he turned right.
Halfway down the hall, he stopped at a wide door. He faced it for a few minutes, concentrating on his senses. Viho was inside that room.
He tripped the door sensor and stepped into a room full of medium and large wooden crates.
As he wandered the rows, he felt Viho moving from one box to another. His flighty movements were getting on Sannaro's nerves.
One moment, Viho was on Sannaro's left, then right, then back into the room.
Cherna yelped.
He turned around and saw Viho with his arm around her and his hand pressed over her mouth.
VIHO
I hate you, niyaroi. I hate everything about you.
SANNARO
Give yourself up, Viho. There's nowhere you can hide, I won't sense.
VIHO
That's why I'm taking your woman. You back off and stop trying to follow me or I'll kill her.
SANNARO
I can't. I can't live without her.
VIHO
You're a sappy ikata. How can you call yourself a man?
SANNARO
And why do you think a man can't feel emotions and really love a woman in more than a sexual way? There's so much more to life than being angry and vindictive.
VIHO
Don't you see? Women are conniving bitches who try to confuse a man with stupid extraneous emotions. It clouds reasoning!
SANNARO
No it adds new dimensions to thought you obviously can't handle. They handle many things while we men concentrate on one thing. How else can they feed the children, wash their clothes and make lunches while they clean the house? They're so efficient with doing many things at one time. They're the other side of life that isn't so easy to categorize! They allow another person to enter their bodies and feed from them for nine months while they protect that life at all costs! Their body swells uncomfortably and they endure kicks and punches and needing to go to the restroom more often out of pure love. I've felt all this indirectly through that woman you're bruising with your rough arms. Open your mind and try to see the world through their eyes. Try and see why fresh cut flowers in a vase your mother shaped for you and steaming fresh pastries on the counter is their gentle offerings of love. When they just touch you, it can be as thrilling as being in bed with them. They're so gentle and yet strong inside.
VIHO
Fausa, you're so confusing!
Cherna jabbed her elbow deep into Viho's stomach, put her hands around his neck and rolled him over her shoulder to the floor.
As she stepped away from him, he grabbed her ankle and slipped it out from under her.
She yelped and fell to the floor.
As he was crawling over her. She kicked him in the jaw, then swung her foot to the floor and rolled into a crouch. She stood up in a defensive stance and slid away from him.
VIHO
Skisla halkia!
CHERNA
Nui, second class black belt. Come on, boy, I’m not done with your lesson.
Viho's eyes widened in alarm.
CHERNA
Never met a female martial arts master? That's why I like her guarding my back. She's as good as I am.
VIHO
That's all right, I was just stunned for a minute. I'm a first degree black belt.
He stood up and slipped into an offensive stance.
He rushed her and threw a left hook at her face.
She swept her left arm under his arm and batted it away. She circled back and grazed his side as he passed.
He turned back to her with hate in his eyes.
VIHO
That was a good move.
CHERNA
Fa'arata.
VIHO
Are there more women like you on your ship? All tough and sassy?
CHERNA
Our region of space is more dangerous because we're at the fringes of the Terran Alliance. Maybe the Urvasi's gotten soft, trading in the center of human territory?
VIHO
You'll pay for that remark, halkia.
CHERNA
Your words are bold and ill mannerly spoken. Didn't your mother discipline you on the mat for having such a fowl mouth?
VIHO
I beat her many years ago.
CHERNA
And her defeat only contributed to your vane ill manners, I see.
He charged her again with a left jab, a right jab and a right outside crescent kick.
Cherna blocked left, right then ducked and twirled low with her leg out in a low spin kick. It swept Viho's left leg out from under him.
Viho fell to the floor on his back. He flipped backward and was back on his feet. He grabbed a five meter diameter box and threw it at her.
She blocked the box with her left arm and yelped. She stumbled back, holding her arm.
Sannaro rushed in front of her in a defensive crouch.
She stumbled against a large crate and slid to the floor.
VIHO
So, now it's your turn again? No matter, I can defeat you as easily as I defeated your bitch.
SANNARO
Just try it.
He tore one of his sleeves and made it a headband over his ears.
VIHO
Oh, that's right, your ears are very sensitive. Let's see what happens when I box them a few times!
SANNARO
Like I said, you can try.
Viho charged with a right jab.
Sannaro moved his left arm to block it.
Viho pulled his arm in and hooked his left toward the side of Sannaro's head.
Sannaro ducked and crossed his right fist into Viho's face.
Viho stumbled backward, shaking his head.
VIHO
Skisla ikata!
SANNARO
Aw, I wouldn't dream of becoming intimate with you! I prefer my wife. She only hits me when we're sparing.
VIHO
Don't make me sick!
SANNARO
You're the one who's calling me names and using sexual innuendos! I'm really getting tired of your mouth. If you weren't speaking Astrisi, I'd think you were a human fowl-mouthed bully. Another behavior you've picked up from the humans?
VIHO
You think you're so great because you were chosen to be a Vizha'e and I wasn't.
SANNARO
Nui, I think that's one of your problems. That's why you're so angry.
VIHO
I should have been a Vizha'e!
SANNARO
Even I would've turned you down if you'd been in my school. You're a vindictive punk who likes fighting people of lesser skill than yourself because you always have to win! You should have been restrained years ago. That's not the kind of warriors I want to represent my ship to the humans.
VIHO
I'll beat the Kumani's Senior Vizha'e and prove I should be Vizha'e!
He charged Sannaro again with a left mid range whirlwind kick.
Sannaro did a lower block.
Viho spun around and jabbed with his left elbow.
Sannaro faded back to avoid the elbow and snapped a forward kick to Viho's side.
Viho woofed and stumbled sideways.
Viho picked up another box and threw it at Sannaro.
Sannaro flipped upside down, kicked the box over his head and into the wall. He landed on his feet again.
VIHO
Shit, how did you do that?
SANNARO
What? Make vegetable soup? I prefer to make it in a blender, not on a wall. Oh, the flip? That's easy. Do you play soccer? The high kick's a common move.
VIHO
Soccer?
SANNARO
Yeah, I'm a good mid-fielder on my team.
Cherna laughed from the wall.
VIHO
A stupid sport?
SANNARO
Hey, it taught me a move you've never seen before so it can't be all that stupid.
Viho flushed and attacked again with both fists flying.
SANNARO
You always want the offense! When do I get a turn?
Sannaro rapidly blocked each punch. He did a double block to bat Viho's arms away and double-punched Viho in the chest. He crossed double-knife hands across Viho's midriff, then he hooked his right foot behind Viho's knee and swept his feet out from under him.
Viho landed on a crate, flipped over and crashed to the floor. He stood up again with frightened respect in his eyes.
Sannaro leapt over the crate and pulled Viho off the floor, swung him around and pinned his arm behind his back with his forearm across Viho's throat.
SANNARO
I guess you're ready to surrender, Viho?
Viho struggled in Sannaro's grip. Sannaro pulled on the arm he held behind Viho's back.
VIHO
Damn, you're strong!
SANNARO
Oh, yeah, didn't you know Saili are stronger than Astrisi?
CHERNA
You'll never get out of that hold, Viho. San's grip's like having iron pipes wrapped around you. He could snap your arm like a twig if he wanted to.
Viho shivered in his hands.
SANNARO
I think he's surrendered.
Sannaro shuffled Viho along with him to the door.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
INT. URVASI HALLWAY
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Hadah, have Erm send PEs to Ships Stores, elevator door 8. I have Viho in custody.
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
Good work, San.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
And Cherna needs Zhad. She's got an injured shoulder.
By the time Sannaro shuffled Viho to the elevator door, it opened and they were surrounded by PEs.
Zhad and the senior doctor stepped out and went to Cherna.
UR-P.E.
Viho, we have orders from Iman to take you back to the Gym for trial.
CHERNA
Zhad, please bind my arm so I can go to the trial.
ZHAD
Your arm is seriously sprained. Are you sure you just want your arm bound? It must hurt badly.
CHERNA
I want the Urvasi Council to see what he did to me when we tried to capture him.
SANNARO
Zhad, look at her right foot too. It was yanked out from under her and she fell on her left shoulder.
ZHAD
I'll do that later, since she wants to attend the trial. I shouldn't take her boot off unless I'm ready to do treatment. However, I want you to keep weight off it from now until I do treat it, Cherna.
Zhad slung Cherna's good arm around his neck and helped her into the elevator.
Sannaro was the last to get into the elevator after the PEs guided Viho in at gunpoint.
The elevator closed.
The elevator moved aft and upwards a few levels before it stopped. It opened onto the gym again.
Sannaro stepped out and watched carefully as the PEs brought Viho out onto the floor.
He turned to Zhad who was helping Cherna to hop out of the elevator. He swept her up into his arms. He walked over to the Kumani council and lowered her onto a seat.
SANNARO
Fellow council members, I apologize for my filthy state and strong scent.
PARIK
It's all right, San. We know you've been busy chasing Viho.
Zhad came over to Cherna and put her arm in a sling.
Monan, the Urvasi's Senior Councilman stood up.
MONAN
Viho, you have shamed your whole ship in front of our Kumani brothers and sisters. You attacked your mate without challenge and had no intention of allowing her to defend herself because you didn't want her body medically examined for proof of your abuse to her person. We have allowed your behavior to go unpunished for too long. I'm sorry we didn't listen to Sannaro when he came and tried to warn us you were threatening your mate's life with your uncontrolled temper.
Erm definitely should've listened. Sannaro, I'm sorry you were only treated with prejudice and disdain. It seems we wouldn't have found Viho without your valuable tracking ability.
Sannaro inclined his head.
MONAN
We also see your mate has been injured from your search of Viho.
SANNARO
Her foot and shoulder were sprained in martial arts combat with Viho when he tried to capture her to force me to stop pursuing him.
MONAN
Viho, your lack of respect for anyone is very alarming.
VIHO
But he took my wife from me!
MONAN
You don't own another person. You show that person respect and love so they'll want to stay with you. You treated her no better than an object you owned. When she'd assert her individuality, you punished her.
VIHO
Is it any different than a child being punished by their parents? Is it any better than being dragged here for your personal life to become a spectacle for everyone to watch?
MONAN
At least when others are watching, a person's more likely to be conscious of what they do. You wanted no refereeing to make sure you stayed fair and you only made her suffer.
VIHO
My father made me suffer every time he brought me to this hated place and humiliated me in front of everyone!
MONAN
And you never learned to be humbled. You decided you had to win every time. No one can win every time, Viho. There's always someone better than you. Enough. I don't want to hear anymore of your sick justifications.
SANNARO
I know I'm just the Senior Vizha'e of the Kumani in this proceedings, but I want to suggest something.
MONAN
Your floor, Ku-Sannaro.
SANNARO
My sister's the first psychiatrist practicing among the Astrisi. She received her degree so she could council my father-in-law who has Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. He kidnapped Cherna and tried to force me to leave the Astrisi. I freed Cherna and asked my council to put Ku'an in house arrest, wearing the locator anklet and making him have to attend counseling sessions. My sister stepped up into the role and has been counseling Ku'an for several years now. Ku'an's no longer in the locator anklet and still functions as the Senior Fuel Specialist.
He pointed to Ku'an, sitting in the bleachers.
SANNARO
I suggest Viho be given the same treatment. Eventually with counseling and being allowed to remain a useful member of the Urvasi, he may learn new ways to express his anger and not be plagued by the experiences of the past.
MONAN
Would your sister council him over a communications channel?
SANNARO
She's under Zhad's command.
MONAN
Zhad?
ZHAD
It would be up to Varanani to decide if she wants to take Viho on as another client.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Sis, would you come over to the Urvasi? Your expertise is needed.
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
What's happening? You've been so distracted, I couldn't read anything from you.
FLASHBACK MONTAGE OF THE TRIAL AND TRACKING
BACK TO URVASI GYM
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
Wow, what a day you've had. They want me to council Viho?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
That's what they want you to decide.
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
I'll be there as soon as I can.
Varanani's thoughts became distracted by her arrangements for a flight.
ZHAD
San, are you talking to Vara?
SANNARO
Houk, she's on her way.
ERM
That's all? He just gets a distracted look on his face and he's talking to someone not even near him?
HADAH
That's an aspect of his telepathy. It's as easy for him as talking straight to us here. Of course, extreme distances are more of a strain. This is usually all the telepathy we see from him on a routine basis.
ERM
So how did you and Zhad know to tell us Sannaro wanted something from us?
HADAH
I've been in telepathic contact with San for years. His voice just pops into my head as if he were in front of me speaking. I just respond to him as if I were speaking directly to him and he answers me. It's quite amazing and proficient.
KI'EL
Houk, I hardly ever hear Sannaro routed through my board.
Hadah's communicator chimed. He took it in his hand and opened the call.
HADAH
Houk, I requested Varanani's presence on the Urvasi. Transport her over immediately.
Hadah returned his communicator to his belt.
HADAH
Unfortunately, the rest of the process can't be relayed telepathically. The shuttle pilots still need my authorization to launch a shuttle.
ERM
Or fortunately? I wouldn't want one person to have that much power.
SANNARO
I won't argue about that. I wouldn't want to co-opt all that power, either. I'm just one person and not even I can make the right decisions for the good of the Kumani all the time.
The elevator opened and Varanani stepped out.
ERM
She looks like a female version of Sannaro, but with longer hair.
HADAH
This is Varanani, Sannaro's natural sister. She has a Doctorate of Psychiatry from the University of Alveria. Vara, did San tell you what we want to ask you?
VARANANI
He did. You're discussing putting Viho into house arrest with psychiatric counseling for rehabilitation.
HADAH
That's right.
Varanani studied Viho for a minute.
VARANANI
He may be able to benefit from counseling on a regular basis. I could do it long distance, but it would be of limited usefulness. Do you have a resident psychiatrist?
MONAN
Nui.
VARANANI
My advice to you is that I'd do some counseling sessions with Viho for a limited time. During that time, I think it'd be wise to find someone among you who'd be willing to take courses in Psychiatry from the University of Alveria. Once that person's advanced enough in their studies, Viho's case will need to be turned over to that person here on the Urvasi for further treatment. Long distance counseling will only be temporarily effective.
MONAN
How about Tanei?
VARANANI
Tanei is an abused person who also needs counseling. I strongly suggest Tanei not remain anywhere near Viho to cause the abuse to be renewed so she can begin her own mental healing.
MONAN
Do you think it would be advisable for Tanei to live with her parents on the Kumani during Viho's rehabilitation?
VARANANI
That would suffice, but her treatment may take longer. I can't assure you this marriage can be tried again. That depends on the success of Viho's rehabilitation. Of course, Tanei may elect to not continue the marriage.
MONAN
We'll take your advice then and hand Tanei, Nu'alo and Na'iri to the Kumani for the foreseeable future.
SANNARO
Yes!
MONAN
Viho, we'll put you into house arrest with the locator anklet affixed to your ankle. You'll continue to do your duty on the bridge as pilot, but will be barred from all landings. Furthermore, you'll begin counseling with Varanani through long-range communication until we can have a psychiatrist from our members trained to continue your treatment. This ship's council is ended.
Sannaro jumped up from his seat.
SANNARO
Ha'iko!
The members of the Kumani crowded around him to congratulate him.
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
Well done, brother. You argued your case well and showed them telepathy can be beneficial. I think from now on you should be more careful about the battles you choose.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
It was still worth Tanei and the children's lives.
HADAH
My Kumani brothers and sisters, it's time to return to our ship and get back to our trade route.
The Kumani council cheered and filed toward the elevators.
Sannaro noticed Viho stood in the middle of the room looking very alone. Tears glistened on his face.
VIHO (PSI V.O.)
Now I wish I had those vases of flowers and those stupid pastries instead of the empty house I'll have from now on.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
You understand a bit too late, Viho.
Viho startled and looked at Sannaro.
VIHO (PSI V.O.)
You're good, Sannaro, Saili of the Kumani. You have a suave tongue. I did underestimate your stature, mentally and physically. Now I go to my punishment.
Viho looked down at the floor as he was led away with the Protocol Enforcers.
Sannaro picked up Cherna into his arms, her injured arm facing away from him.
She snuggled into his chest.
Then, he joined the rest of the Kumani Council to be transported back to the Kumani a free man.
INT. KUMANI HOSPITAL
Tanei took up a position as Chef in the Kumani cafeteria until she became too swollen with child to work.
Then she came to Zhad and told him she was in labor. She was moved to the hospital and began to birth her new son she decided to name Ta'iki.
Now, Sannaro joined the other well-wishers in Tanei's room to congratulate her on the birth.
He looked down at the small pink baby with dark brown hair and smiled. He sensed a feeling of recognition from Ta'iki, but the infant didn't know why.
SANNARO
Ki'iwa, Ta'iki, I'm your uncle Sannaro. You won't understand this for several months until you begin to understand language, but I'm so glad you're here.
Ta'iki weakly waved his tiny fist at Sannaro.
Sannaro extended his index finger and Ta'iki grabbed on to it.
SANNARO
Welcome to the family, Ta'iki.
CHERNA
You never could resist babies.
SANNARO
They're so fascinating how they start with very little knowledge, than rapidly learn their environment and how to do basic communication with their caregivers.
TANEI
Okay, San, are you going to pay attention to me or hog Ta'iki attention?
SANNARO
Well, he has my finger.
Cherna bent down and cooed at Ta'iki.
Ta'iki let go of Sannaro's finger and reached to try to grab Cherna's dangling hair.
Cherna held her hair back from his grip.
SANNARO
Nice job, sis. He looks fine and healthy.
TANEI
I don't know why, but a part of me still wishes Viho could have seen the birth of our child.
SANNARO
You know that's not possible at this time.
TANEI
I know. Vara's been helping me a lot. I know I'm still too dependent on Viho's abuse to have any proper perspective.
SANNARO
As you work with Vara, she'll help you find new ways to handle your feelings and have renewed self-confidence.
TANEI
I don't think Zhad understands how I fell so deeply into the abuse cycle when he raised me to be an assertive person, but Viho was so aggressive.
SANNARO
I saw how aggressive Viho was. He felt he had to win over everything he did or he was less than a man. Because he wasn't secure in his identity, he felt the only way he could maintain his low esteem was to bully people so he'd win all the time. It's a shame the Urvasi people didn't recognize the signs that Viho needed help years ago, before he even made it to adulthood. Now the Astrisi are beginning to understand the usefulness of psychiatry, maybe more people with problems will be recognized and helped before they cause too much strife to their ships.
TANEI
I hope so, too.
Hadah entered the room and stopped at Tanei's bedside.
HADAH
Congratulations, Tanei. The baby looks nice and healthy.
TANEI
Fa'arata, Hadah.
HADAH
Now that Erm has been relieved as Commander, I wonder who's taking his place? I guess they were too embarrassed by Erm's prejudicial response to Sannaro, they decided he'd been in the command position too long.
TANEI
I'd heard rumors in the cafeteria that some people were becoming unhappy with Erm's leadership. They thought he was too rigid for the new role the Astrisi had in the Terran Alliance, he was making commerce suffer. I think they were about ready to replace him anyway.
SANNARO
Our galaxy is changing fast since we agreed to join the Terran Alliance.
HADAH
We Astrisi are changing too and we need new leadership to help us shift into the new relationship we have with the humans. I think it was beneficial to me that I was newly elected to command when the ultimatum was given so I had no reference of how command was like before the new situation took effect. San, you really took yourself out on a limb this time. It's amazing you pulled yourself out of this problem.
SANNARO
I know. It scared me too. I never want to live in ear shackles for a week ever again.
TANEI
Your ears looked sickening.
HADAH
Houk, you grossed a few people out when they saw your ears straight from the ear shackles.
SANNARO
Can I hope that people will be more sympathetic toward me the next time they suggest those horrible devices?
HADAH
They'll probably forget. Don't push your luck, kid. You pushed it enough for now.
TANEI
Oh, but if he didn't, he wouldn't be my brother!
CHERNA
Or my husband!
Sannaro laughed and hugged both women. He was so glad he had understanding people around him who accepted him as he was. He promised to behave himself- until the next time something upset him enough to rile him up.
SUPER: KELLIN
Those Astrisi are stubborn! I almost had the Urvasi eating from my hand before he meddled and took out everyone in my control from command!
SUPER: TAREK/SIKYATAVO
He was brilliant at outwitting you! It was very enjoyable to see.
SUPER: KELLIN
Oh really? I'll get you back for this humiliation, child! Next time, I'll burn you both!
SUPER: TAREK/SIKYATAVO
You can try, Kellin, you can try.
FADE OUT.
THE END.