Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
“DESTROYER RECOMMISSIONED”
EPISODE 65 – HUNTED
BY: LYSSA THORNE
WARNING:
CONTENT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR GENERAL AUDIENCES DUE TO EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT.
FADE IN:
INT. KUMANI HOSPITAL ROOM
Upon entering, Marc Daniels first noticed that Sannaro looked extremely tired with green circles under his haunted dark eyes. His usually shiny gold skin was looking sallow, almost the color of butter. But what bothered him the most, was that his hair that was usually like a straight, shiny midnight blue curtain to his shoulders was neglected just beyond his shoulder blades, dry and wispy. He didn’t even have it swept back behind his ears that pointed twice upwards with another point at the lobe. He clung to Cherna’s hand so tightly, he was surprised the Humanoid woman wasn’t gasping in pain from the inhuman Saili strength Sannaro could draw upon.
MARC
Hi, San. First, I want to say I’m sorry for everything that happened to you.
Sannaro nodded.
MARC
You know I have to ask you some questions.
Sannaro nodded again.
MARC
First, who kidnapped you from the Astrisi?
SANNARO
A pirate named Hadeon. He sent pirates with telepathic ability to shield their intent from me. They approached me as official spaceport workers. Before I realized they intended to hurt me, I was knocked out.
MARC
Then if Hadeon kidnapped you, how did you end up with Tristin Sarto?
SANNARO
I was auctioned off. Tristin won the bid.
MARC
He auctioned you off to your enemies?
CHERNA
I was taken too so our marriage link withdrawal sickness wouldn’t get in the way of their plans to torture him. The whole thing was barbaric.
MARC
What happened after Tristin Sarto won the bid?
SANNARO
Dale Turner asked her if she would take him too because he wanted to hurt me for defeating him on Sailia. So we were taken to Tristin’s shuttle and she had her pilots take off.
MARC
What happened after that?
SANNARO
Cherna was locked in a cage without her prostheses and I sat on the floor against her cage bars until Tristin told me to approach her. She kneed me in the groin. Then she raped me, but while she did it, Cherna told me to steal a hairpin from Tristin so Cherna could pick the lock on her cage.
MARC
Okay, how did she rape you?
SANNARO
Oral and hand manipulation while I was moderately paralyzed from the energy shackles.
Marc nodded gravely.
SANNARO
Dale was so disgusted by what Tristin did to me, he asked to be taken back to the planet where the auction happened. Tristin told him that he was her property and that he would get his chance for revenge on me when she felt like allowing him. During their argument, Cherna picked the lock on her cage. Tristin told Dale told him to go beat me up. I made a ridiculous remark to make her move toward me. Cherna sprang out of the cage, grabbed Tristin’s neck and kicked her stumps into her stomach. They dropped to the floor. I double-fisted Tristin on the back and Cherna snapped her neck. We rushed to the cockpit, attacked the pilots and commandeered the shuttle to return to the Kumani. I collapsed soon after I landed the shuttle. Doctors Danu, Aureliana, Kinetiko and Jeremy had to work on me to balance my body’s chemistry because they found the shackles I wore had needles that injected me with a Saili mild sedative and my adrenaline rush to escape crashed my body.
MARC
So, are you admitting to me that Cherna committed the murder of Tristin Sarto and you both murdered two men on the shuttle?
SANNARO
We killed them in self-defense.
MARC
Cherna?
CHERNA
I killed Tristin Sarto and her pilots in self-defense because they were hurting my husband and I wanted them to stop.
MARC
Okay, I’ll put that in my report. You'll both have to sign the confession.
SANNARO
Are you going to arrest us?
MARC
Unfortunately, I have to arrest both of you, but I’m not taking you out of medical care. San, if you grip Cherna’s hand any tighter, you’re going to break her fingers. Clearly, both of you can’t endure being separated at this time, so I’ll have to transport you both and keep you detained together with medical oversight.
CHERNA
But it was self-defense!
MARC
I’ve heard your plea, but it’s not my job to judge you. I will put it in my report that you plead self-defense.
SANNARO
Sh, Cherna, Marc is only here to ask us what happened. We’ll be okay.
CHERNA
But why do we have to be arrested?
MARC
Because you’ve both admitted to a crime and I have to detain you to face justice.
CHERNA
But Tristin raped my husband and I saw it all!
MARC
And rape is a crime, but she can’t testify now, so a jury has to hear your case and render a decision.
SANNARO
Please, no ear shackles?
MARC
No ear shackles will be put on your ears, but I can’t promise you won’t be placed in telepathic isolation.
Sannaro nodded heavily.
MARC
Well, I need to go make that report. Hang in there, both of you.
As soon as the door swept closed, Marc locked eyes with Varanani’s feral glare.
MARC
I’m sorry, I’m just doing my job.
VARANANI
I’m being harsh on you. Of course, you’re doing your job.
MARC
But he’s your brother and you’re rightly protective of him.
VARANANI
I thought I saw my brother die before me.
MARC
Yes, you did. You must have been overjoyed to discover he survived.
VARANANI
He shouldn’t be treated like this.
MARC
Would you please explain further?
VARANANI
He shouldn’t be raped, Marcayo!
MARC
No, he shouldn’t. No one should be raped.
VARANANI
He killed in self-defense.
MARC
And as I told Sannaro and Cherna, it’s not my job to judge them. It’s my job to report their testimonial. They both admitted they murdered people so they have to go through trial. If it was up to me, personally? I wouldn’t be putting them through being arrested and I’d cry with them, but I’ve got a job to do, Dr. Damirateyak. I can cry for them later and hope with all my heart they are acquitted because I believe their plea of self-defense! Does that make you feel better?
VARANANI
Yes, Commander. Daniels, it does make me feel better.
MARC
May I be released to make my report?
VARANANI
You can go.
As Marc strode down the hall, he saw Danu slip out of the shadows and embrace Varanani. He was relieved when the elevator doors swept closed so he could have a few seconds of solitude.
INT. KUMANI HOSPITAL ROOM
Sannaro slowly pulled off the hospital gown to dress in black pants, a dark blue sweatshirt and his firm black landing boots.
Cherna was curled in a chair in the corner in a solid red pantsuit.
JEREMY (PSI V.O.)
I’m sorry to intrude, Tsikakayu.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
It’s okay, Jeremy, go ahead.
JEREMY (PSI V.O.)
I’ve been told that I’ll accompany you to Arcturus to monitor your medical condition. Commander Daniels wants to fly out soon.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I’m dressing.
JEREMY (PSI V.O.)
I understand your reluctance to do this, Tsikakayu.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
No, it’s ADF policy. We have to convince the judicial system that we felt we had to kill that woman to save ourselves.
JEREMY (PSI V.O.)
It’s no less painful.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
No, it’s not.
Sannaro finished dressing.
SANNARO
Cheri, we’re being called to the shuttle.
CHERNA
I know I shouldn’t be angry for being arrested, but haven’t we been through enough?
SANNARO
We have to convince the ADF that we were justified in killing Tristin and her guards. You don’t believe they’ll listen to us?
CHERNA
I’m just afraid.
Sannaro walked over to hug her.
SANNARO
I don’t blame you for being afraid. I am too, but we’ve worked so hard to convince our people not to avoid planetary law and take situations into their own hands.
CHERNA
I understand.
They heard a knock on the door. Marc called through the door.
MARC (V.O.)
Are the two of you ready to go?
SANNARO
Akla.
The door swept open.
Marc and Jeremy stepped into the room.
Cherna stood up on her prostheses and walked over to stand protectively beside Sannaro.
MARC
You’re dressed quite dark today, San.
SANNARO
It kind of fits my mood.
Sannaro picked up a thick black band, gathered his bangs in his hands and looped the band around his bangs into a ponytail down the back of his head. The rest of his hair laid free down his back.
MARC
I thought you never wanted to draw your hair back with anything other than your ears.
SANNARO
People change.
They walked in silence through the ship to Marc’s shuttle. As soon as they were up the ramp, Marc pressed the button to lock up the shuttle.
MARC
Okay, let’s get going. Pilots, fly us out.
SANNARO
So you’re my guard.
Sannaro sat down on a flight bench and harnessed himself.
Cherna and Jeremy sat on either side of him and also locked their harnesses.
MARC
I’m your guard so you’ll be treated with respect. After all, you are the General of the Saili Defense Force.
DALE
Oh god is he ever. It’s unbelievable what the Saili will do for that guy.
SANNARO
It’s about time someone remembered my rank.
MARC
I understand you’re stressed, San. Can I please remind you that I’m actually on your side?
Sannaro glared at Marc.
Marc returned a steady gaze with his three colored eyes.
DALE
This is going to be a pleasant ride.
SANNARO
I can sense that. I am a Saili telepath.
MARC
You told Cherna I’m only doing my job and to be patient with me. Now, I ask you to do the same.
SANNARO
You’re right. I guess I’m a bit scared, too.
MARC
That’s totally understandable.
Marc sat on another couch near Dale as the shuttle was raised up into the launch deck. Shortly, they launched into space.
Sannaro was absorbed in his own thoughts until the shuttle suddenly listed violently to port.
Sannaro automatically braced himself against the buffeting.
MARC
Mediato, what was that?
MEDIATO
We’re under attack, Commander.
MARC
Who?
MEDIATO
No designation, so I’m guessing pirates.
The shuttle bucked again.
SANNARO
Fausa, we’re taking a beating.
MARC
I’m coming forward.
Marc stood up and gripped the walls to steady his walk to the cockpit.
JEREMY
Tsikakayu, is it that bad?
SANNARO
Brace yourself. No matter what happens, have confidence in the people around you. Marc has many years experience with space battles. He was under my command during the Zuran War.
Jeremy nodded.
Sannaro heard a massive screech and grabbed for an overhead handhold that lowered from the ceiling. He stood up, flopped on the couch on the other side of Jeremy and harnessed himself again.
SANNARO
Cherna, brace Jeremy.
CHERNA
Houk.
Cherna moved to the seat Sannaro had occupied and harnessed herself.
Sannaro pressed against Jeremy’s side as he felt the gravity in the shuttle fluctuate wildly from light to heavy.
The shuttle shuddered hard enough for Sannaro to feel his bones rattle before it plunged into a free fall.
DALE
Right, protect the Saili, but not me.
SANNARO
Jeremy is a non-combatant but, more importantly, he’s a surgeon! We’ll need him to treat injuries if we survive this!
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
They’re out of control, San!
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I sense Marc is taking helm. He’s stronger than the Humans. Maybe he can wrestle it under control.
Sannaro felt the shuttle’s nose grudgingly pitch upward.
Now if the brakes would engage, maybe Marc could make this a controlled crash.
Sannaro finally felt the brakes fire, but they seemed to be sputtering.
SANNARO
Ball up and wrap your arms around your legs!
As soon as Sannaro curled into a ball, he felt the shuttle hit hard ground.
The shuttle shrieked as it skidded over the ground sideways then slammed to a stop against something large.
Sannaro groaned as he uncurled himself.
The air was hard to breath through the debris mixed with the scent of smoke and blood both iron based and gold based.
Across the darkness, Sannaro saw an alarming sight of twisted metal a few meters from their feet. There was only a pool of crimson blood near where Dale had sat.
Sannaro looked away as he released his harness and carefully stood up.
SANNARO
Jeremy?
JEREMY
My body’s hurting more than I’ve ever felt and I have a small laceration that is already clotting.
SANNARO
Not badly injured?
JEREMY
No, it's minor.
SANNARO
Good. Cheri?
CHERNA
Fausa, one of my prostheses snapped, but I’m pretty much bruised.
SANNARO
Marcayo?
He rushed over to the hatch and hit the emergency release.
The door blew open.
SANNARO
Cheri, dump your prostheses and climb on my back.
Cherna sighed as she released the straps, then leapt onto Sannaro’s back and hugged his neck. She braced her thighs around his waist.
SANNARO
Owe, fausa, that hurt!
CHERNA
You have a slice on your shoulder. Do you want me to get down?
SANNARO
Nui, I'll carry you. We need to get out of here.
He carefully went into the cockpit.
All three men lay unconscious over the control board.
Jeremy rushed forward and Sannaro sensed Jeremy was using his telepathic talent to scan each man’s bodies.
JEREMY
Commander Daniels is injured. The other two are dead.
SANNARO
Is he injured badly?
JEREMY
Yes, but we have to get him out of here first.
Sannaro snapped his head to look up as strong hate-filled the air above them.
SANNARO
Pirates are doing sweeps to find us. Let’s pick up Marc, carry him out of here and find a place to hide long enough to treat his injuries.
Jeremy nodded and released Marc’s harness.
Sannaro grabbed Marc’s shoulders and pulled him out of the seat.
Jeremy picked up Marc’s legs and they carefully stepped over the debris to the door.
EXT. UNKNOWN FORRESTED PLANET -DAY
There was quite a drop to the ground, so Sannaro carefully laid Marc on the deck and leapt to the ground. He grabbed Marc’s arms again.
Jeremy leapt to the ground and grabbed Marc’s legs. They pulled Marc from the wreckage and began to travel across the rocky ground to a cluster of trees in the near distance.
In the relative safety of the trees, they laid Marc on the ground.
Sannaro took up a guard position as Jeremy telepathically worked on Marc’s injuries.
JEREMY (PSI V.O.)
Ugh, Humanoids have so little metal content, it’s hard to work on them!
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Can you help Marc?
JEREMY (PSI V.O.)
He has some internal bleeding from striking his chest on the control panel. I’m working on manipulating the iron in his blood, but their blood only has traces of iron so it’s taking more concentration for me to move it.
Jeremy was concentrating silently for a few minutes more.
JEREMY (PSI V.O.)
Okay, the bleeding is controlled. I’m working on knitting the tear closed, but this is so hard!
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Keep trying, Jeremy. Brocana are the most proficient at surviving in the wild. We need him.
Jeremy nodded almost imperceptibly.
Several minutes later, Jeremy sat down hard on the ground and put his head between his legs.
JEREMY (PSI V.O.)
It’s done.
Marc groaned as he sat up.
MARC
By the Suns, I feel like I was thrown into a blender!
SANNARO
Easy, Marc, Jeremy had to telepathically heal you.
MARC
How bad?
SANNARO
You had internal bleeding in your chest.
Marc’s eyes widened in alarm.
JEREMY
I put the blood back where it belongs and knitted the tear.
MARC
With just telepathy?
JEREMY
That’s my Saili talent. I can do surgery with my mind.
MARC
Well, that’s one hell of a talent, Dr. Jeremy.
Jeremy blushed bright orange.
SANNARO
I hate to break up the celebration but the pirates are doing sweeps all over this planet to find where we crashed.
MARC
Where’s Cherna, Mediato and Grant?
CHERNA
I’m on San’s back. My prostheses broke in the crash. Oh, and Jeremy, San has a wicked gash across his shoulder. You should look at it.
SANNARO
I was ignoring it in the rush to get out of the shuttle.
Sannaro sat down before Jeremy.
Cherna climbed off Sannaro’s back and sat on the ground.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
Jeremy scanned the wound.
JEREMY
You have some muscle damage.
Sannaro felt the itching sensation of the wound knitting. He resisted the urge to squirm.
Jeremy pulled a Cerlacticine wipe out of his field pack and softened the scab on
Sannaro’s shoulder to wash it off. He peeled Sannaro's shirt from his skin.
JEREMY
Your shirt is going to be stiff but I unstuck it from your shoulder.
SANNARO
And Mediato and Grant didn’t survive the crash.
MARC
Two good men lost.
SANNARO
I’m sorry, Marc.
MARC
How the hell did Hadeon know I was transporting you?
SANNARO
I’m a telepath but I don’t know everything!
CHERNA
How do you know Hadeon attacked you to get to San?
Marc slammed his fist into the ground then used it to climb to his feet.
MARC
Let’s get going. We need to give them a moving target.
SANNARO
Marc, I don’t know how the pirates knew I was on that shuttle.
MARC
I’m willing to accept you don’t know everything, Sannaro. I was just angry that I lost my piloting team. They were good men. Now, I don’t know about you, but if those pirates get their hands on an ADF special investigator, who are they going to want to rip apart first, you or me?
SANNARO
I don’t even want to imagine that.
MARC
Okay, then I want to say I’m sorry for accusing you of knowing who told the pirates and let's just work together to survive this.
SANNARO
Thank you for apologizing. I’m glad we have a Brocana who knows more about surviving in the wild.
MARC
You’re complimenting me on being a wild alien?
SANNARO
Surprising, houk? We’re so used to getting hassled for being alien that when our talents are needed, we’re shocked.
MARC
I am a little.
SANNARO
You’re thirsty. We need to find some water.
Sannaro squatted down and raised Cherna up onto his back again as he extended his telepathy to find an animal.
SANNARO'S PSYCHIC VISION
He sensed a simple mind and impressed the feeling of thirst on it.
The animal thought about the nearest source of water and changed directions to take a drink.
BACK TO SANNARO
SANNARO
Follow me.
Sannaro led the group behind the animal.
MARC
What are you doing?
SANNARO
Finding water.
MARC
How?
SANNARO
By asking an animal to tell me where the water is.
MARC
You can talk to animals?
SANNARO
Well, no, they don’t talk like we do, but I can make them think about drinking and then follow them to the water.
MARC
Okay, that does make sense. So I’m learning about another useful Saili skill. And you said I was the only one who can survive in the wild?
SANNARO
Nui, but you are the most experienced. I just have a handy ability to ask the locals for directions.
CHERNA
A man who has the courage to ask for directions!
Sannaro gave her an annoyed look before he stopped the group at the edge of the foliage.
SANNARO
Wait a minute. I want to let our guide get a drink before we approach the stream.
MARC
Payback for giving directions?
SANNARO
You could say that. We can go on now.
They tentatively walked beyond the foliage.
Marc rushed over to the bank, dropped to his knees and greedily drank the water cupped in his hands.
MARC
Wow, I was more thirsty than I thought.
JEREMY
Injured bodies need their water replenished after healing. How are you holding up, Tsikakayu?
SANNARO
I’m sore from the crash.
Cherna leapt from Sannaro’s back to the ground.
CHERNA
Of course, I’m not helping any. Owe.
She pressed her hand into her back.
Jeremy squatted before Cherna and scanned her.
JEREMY
Your back is injured. I’ll try to repair the damage the best I can.
He concentrated again.
SANNARO
Jeremy, aren’t you still exhausted from healing Marc’s and my wounds?
JEREMY
Yes, but Cherna’s injury isn’t as bad as Commander. Daniels’ or yours. I’m just knitting a torn muscle.
Sannaro squatted down and took a drink.
SANNARO
So I strongly suggest you drink too so you can keep up your strength.
Soon after, Cherna and Jeremy joined them to drink.
Marc studied the skies for the sweeping shuttles.
MARC
Soon we’re going to need food and shelter. I’ve heard Jeremy call you Tsikakayu several times, now. That’s a new word to me that was never explained when we last met on Sailia. What does it mean, San?
SANNARO
It’s Saili for Great Defender or the equivalent of a General in your military.
MARC
Wow, that would be a very distinguished title.
SANNARO
I’m still getting used to being called the title.
MARC
Well, after all you’ve done for your people, they think you earned it.
SANNARO
I know. I’m just a bit self-conscious about it.
Marc chuckled then studied the skies for the sweeping shuttles.
MARC
Soon we’re going to need food and shelter.
He squatted down to splash water on his face then he pulled the black one meter wide band from his hair and wrapped it around his wrist. He used his fingers to comb his hair out before he drew his bangs together and pulled the band around his bangs again.
SANNARO
Marcayo, why has our friendship become strained in the last decade?
MARC
You’re the telepath, my friend.
SANNARO
As I keep reminding people, I may be a telepath, but I don’t know every luyaki thing!
MARC
But I don’t get as much information from people as you do.
SANNARO
And I don’t take advantage of people because I know more.
MARC
Okay, I’ll give you that.
SANNARO
Why do you fear me, Marcayo?
MARC
Because you’re so damned good at what you do. I don’t know how you come to some of the conclusions you make. It’s like you see so much more than the rest of us. You’re so unpredictable. Maybe that makes me a bit uncomfortable at times, but I don’t mean to seem distrustful. I actually trust your observations more than most men I know.
SANNARO
Yet you’ve arrested me several times when you’ve distrusted my admissions!
MARC
It’s my job, Sannaro. If I think someone has violated the law, I have to detain them until I discover the facts to exonerate or seek a sentence. I’m not allowed to render judgment like you are allowed to in your culture. But I completely believe you acted in self-defense with Tristin Sarto. I just don’t have the power to judge you!
SANNARO
You’re right that we live in very different cultures.
MARC
I can understand, Sannaro. My native people, the Brocana, are a lot like the Astrisi. They have the more personal ways of carrying out justice, but I chose to live in the Human world so I have to follow Human rules. Maybe I kind of envy you the freedom you have and it makes me a bit moody toward you.
SANNARO
Okay, I’ll accept that.
MARC
We need to move out soon. I don’t want to stay too long in any place.
SANNARO
I totally agree.
CHERNA
Well, I hope the two of you have finally laid your tension between each other to rest. It’s been unresolved for long enough.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Stubborn, proud men!
Sannaro chuckled as he took her hand and pulled her into the air.
Cherna acrobatically swung onto his back and wrapped her arms around his neck again.
SANNARO
Sorry we frustrate you so much, love.
MARC
What?
SANNARO
Cheri called us stubborn, proud men in her thoughts.
JEREMY
They can be.
SANNARO
Oh?
JEREMY
Just making an observation.
SANNARO
Okay, Doctor, what conclusions have you come to?
JEREMY
You’re both headstrong and independent guys. You get on each others nerves at times, but you respect each other for what you both have achieved in your lives.
MARC
That about sizes us both up.
They grouped together and moved back into the forest for cover.
Marc looked close at the ground to see where the animal tracks were to find the safest route through the tangled brush, while avoiding the open areas to the best of their ability.
As they traveled, they heard the shuttles screaming above their heads.
He heard his stomach grumble and reached out to find a non-predator. He sent his feelings of hunger to it.
SANNARO
Follow me. I’m asking an animal to find safe food. I’m ravenous.
MARC
And you said I was the expert at wilderness survival? If anyone is an expert, it’s you, San.
SANNARO
I didn’t say I was inept, just that you’ve spent more time living in the wild than I have. Years earlier, I was marooned on a planet along with Andu. We had this huge predator hunting us. His claws were 3 meters long and covered in bacteria. We were both ravaged so we got fevered. We had to live for a few days on that planet and I used my telepathy to find food and water, so I have some experience. Just that you have more experience than I do.
He stopped the group and crouched down.
The group followed his lead.
A few minutes later, Sannaro approached a bush with pink berries dotting its canopy.
Sannaro snapped off a berry and carefully munched on it.
SANNARO
Huh, it tastes like cantaloupe.
He took more until his hand was full and handed them to Cherna.
They each ate until they were full.
MARC
Thanks for the meal, San. Now we need to find shelter. It’s getting dark.
Marc’s voice was drowned out by an intense shrill.
Sannaro grabbed his ears and squatted to the ground. Jeremy was beside him in a crouch, whimpering with his hands over his own ears.
MARC
I hear it now, but just barely.
CHERNA
Your ears aren’t as sensitive as a Saili and mine are less sensitive than the Brocana.
MARC
San, does the sound intensify then fade a little?
Sannaro nodded his head.
MARC
Is it synchronizing with the sweeps of the shuttles?
SANNARO
Houk, it does!
MARC
Okay, I think the pirates are using a sonic attack that only hurts you Saili. When I wore an ADF pistol belt, we always had earplugs in a pouch but I don’t wear one anymore as an Investigator.
CHERNA
Marc, your pilots wore them.
MARC
Damn, and you guys didn’t think to grab their belts cause you were in a hurry to get me out?
Sannaro nodded.
MARC
We need those belts. I’ll go back to the shuttle and grab Mediato and Grant’s pistol belts. Cherna, you’ll have to stand guard over San and Jeremy until I get back.
Cherna nodded.
MARC
San, can you give me a rough direction toward the shuttle?
Sannaro nodded then concentrated to sense an animal that was near the wreckage. He pointed toward that animal.
MARC
Okay, you stay here and I’ll return as quickly as I can.
Marc plunged into the forest back toward where they had come.
Marc wove his way through the forest and thought about their situation.
Marc went near the stream where they’d stopped to drink, but he stayed under the trees to make it harder for the pirates to see from above.
He traveled a while longer until he smelled the acrid stench of the wreckage, mixed with the sickly smell of decay.
INT. SHUTTLE CRASH - DAY
He climbed back through the blown hatch and picked his way carefully over the debris back to the cockpit. He cringed and held his nose.
He gagged as he released the clips on the pistol belts and pulled the strong woven belts from their bloating bodies. He draped both belts over his shoulders and rushed out of the cockpit.
Marc climbed as quickly as he could safely go over the debris back outside into the forest.
He stopped and gasped sweet clear air for a minute before he checked both pistols to see if they were in workable shape. Marc sighed in relief, both only had a few dings but intact. He returned them to his shoulders and traveled back through the forest to rejoin the others.
EXT. UNKNOWN FORRESTED PLANET - DAY
Sannaro tried to resist laying his forehead on the cool ground to distract himself from the horrible noise, but he didn’t want to leave Cherna to guard over them on her own since she was standing on the stumps of her thighs. He forced himself to sit down.
CHERNA
Easy, lover. Don’t push yourself.
SANNARO
It’s not right for you to stand guard alone. Aren’t you starting to ache?
CHERNA
Why should I complain about my discomfort when you’re being driven mad with incessant noise?
SANNARO
Sit.
Cherna walked over to him and sat down.
He nestled his face into her hair.
CHERNA
I can even feel how much pain you’re in from the noise.
SANNARO
It is unrelenting. Maybe I should give myself up to the pirates. I’m making everyone miserable.
CHERNA
Don’t you talk like that, Sannaro Damirateyak!
SANNARO
He’s only after me.
CHERNA
And if he gets you, who will he go for next? Sannaro, this has to stop! And what about me? You are a part of me I can’t live without!
SANNARO
But people continuously hunt me! I wasn’t asked to be the skisla Tsikakayu! This ikata voice keeps telling me in my head that I’m getting closer but what am I getting skisla close to?
CHERNA
Has he told you?
SANNARO
Nui, he keeps showing up as a Saili I met during the civil war and keeps telling me I’m getting closer, but he never tells me anything more than I wish you would remember my true name! I knew him as Sikyatavo, but he says that’s not his true name! How do I remember his name when I never met him before? Why does he show himself as the Tsitsutisga? Can’t he just tell me is skisla name?
Cherna put her arms round his shoulders.
He laid his head against her chest and cried angry sobs.
SANNARO
Would the skisla pirates turn off this rachi noise?
JEREMY
And I can’t heal this. I don’t like to will harm on people but I just want to kill the person who won’t turn this maddening noise off.
SANNARO
You could go into their bodies and rip instead of heal.
JEREMY
I’ve thought about that, Tsikakayu, but every time I do, it makes me want to vomit. Don’t ask that of me, please. I don’t think I could live with myself if I did.
SANNARO
That would be ghastly.
Marc rejoined them with the pistol belts over his shoulders.
MARC
How about ear plugs?
SANNARO
Houk!
MARC
Better yet, the pistols are still in good enough shape to be fired.
Marc pulled out the bag of earplugs and handed a pair to Sannaro and Jeremy.
Sannaro pushed them into his ears and sighed in relief as the noise became more bearable.
SANNARO
A lot better. I can think again.
CHERNA
Now, are you still thinking of handing yourself over to the pirates?
MARC
You are not going to hand yourself over to the pirates, Sannaro. I don’t care what they do to us to get to you, but I will not let them take you. Am I clear?
Sannaro nodded.
CHERNA
Where is the Kumani?
SANNARO'S ASTRAL SIGHT
Hadah was standing on the Bridge of the Kumani watching a heavy battle displayed on the main screen.
BACK TO SANNARO
SANNARO
Hadah’s occupied with a battle of his own. The pirates are keeping the Kumani busy.
MARC
And the ADF?
SANNARO
Fighting off an attack as well.
MARC
So we’re on our own for now.
SANNARO
We need to get off this planet.
MARC
We're kind of short on options right now. Our shuttle is well beyond workable condition and the searching pirates are greatly limiting our choices.
SANNARO
Then, we use the pirate's nature against them. Pirates value two things above all, money and sex.
MARC
What? I don't know if I like how this thought is going.
CHERNA
Me?
SANNARO
Nui, I wouldn't subject you to what I'm thinking and I need you to do something else. Anyway, the pirates know you as my wife so it wouldn’t work with you. We need something unexpected.
MARC
I'm not following you who have the advantage of a telepathic connection.
JEREMY
It's a wild idea, but I think you could actually pull it off.
MARC
Could you please explain it to me in words?
Cherna snorted in laughter.
Sannaro concentrated.
SANNARO'S ASTRAL VISION
Astral Sannaro shifts shape to make him look like a shapely woman with the yellow-pink skin tone of an Earth Pacific Islander. She batted her eyelashes and combed her hand through her long blue-black hair.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
BACK TO NORMAL VISION
Marc's eyes widened wildly.
MARC
Oh my god, you look hot.
SANNARO
All I have to do is stand in a clearing with this image in rather skimpy clothes and I'm sure a pirate will be enticed to land. I lure him to a hidden place and while he's distracted, Cherna and Marc come out of hiding and shoot him.
JEREMY
What if he invites others to join the party?
SANNARO
We'll just have more targets to shoot. Then we'll have a shuttle and can fly off this planet to return to either the Kumani or Arcturus whichever Marc prefers since I'm assuming Cherna and I are still under arrest.
MARC
Thank you for remembering that. I agree with Jeremy, it's a wild plan, and I'm a bit shocked that you would think of something like this so soon after Tristin raped you, but I do think it would work with a high chance of success.
SANNARO
The memory still hurts, but we need to get off this planet and I have the skills to send false images into other’s minds. It’s not that hard to send an image of an empty area or make me look like a gnarled tree stump or even just change my gender.
ASTRAL VISION
Astral Sannaro changed his image to a tree then changed the image of himself as a girl.
BACK TO NORMAL VISION
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Wow, you do look like a very pretty girl, San.
Sannaro blushed bright orange.
SANNARO
Cherna told me I make a very pretty girl.
JEREMY
Oh, if I could just tell this to Ambri!
SANNARO
Nui, if you do, I’ll-
Cherna grabbed his arm and climbed onto his back.
CHERNA
Later, dear. We need to find that nice hiding place for your romantic party!
MARC
This is going to be memorable.
Sannaro snorted self-consciously and walked on through the forest.
MARC
Well it will! And crazy thing is, you don’t have to modify yourself all that much to make the false image!
Sannaro shot Marc a dirty look.
MARC
Face-wise, at least.
SANNARO
Don’t dig yourself deeper, my friend.
MARC
It’s a good plan, San. Just a bit unconventional.
SANNARO
Houk, I guess it is a bit funny that I’m going to disguise myself as a girl to lure pirates out of their shuttles.
Sannaro stumbled as his senses tumbled into darkness.
Cherna tightened her arms around his shoulders.
CHERNA
Whoa!
Sannaro recovered his footing.
SANNARO
Sorry, my senses fell into darkness.
MARC
Darkness? As in a cave?
SANNARO
I think so.
MARC
Guide us to it. Can you find out if it’s occupied?
SANNARO
I don’t like caves.
MARC
But caves are good for hiding.
SANNARO
I know they are. I’ll just have to control my claustrophobia.
MARC
That’s right. I forgot your claustrophobia toward dark, tight places. However, if we did this outside, it may be seen easier from the skies and we may lure more than we can handle.
SANNARO
I can see your reasons. Okay, I’ll see if it’s unoccupied. It’s empty.
MARC
Okay, would you guide us there? I can do a visual check to see if the reason the cave isn’t in use could be potentially harmful to us too.
Sannaro guided them to the dark maw and stopped with a shiver.
MARC
Thanks, buddy.
Marc slapped Sannaro’s shoulder before he pulled out a light from his pistol belt and cautiously moved into the darkness.
MARC (PSI V.O.)
I see signs of a cave in, but the structure seems to be strong enough for our temporary needs.
Sannaro took a deep breath before he stepped into the cave.
Inside, he immediately saw some large boulders that littered the floor and a large pillar had fallen at a slant so it seemed to be propping the ceiling up quite firmly.
MARC
We have some good hiding places. Cherna and I can hide behind boulders until you lure the pirate inside. I saw a sizable clearing a short ways back that you can use to wave them down.
SANNARO
Well, wish me luck. I’m just going to go out and-
CHERNA
Look pretty and sexy?
Sannaro blushed.
As soon as he got beyond the darkness, he created the false image of himself as the Human Polynesian girl in skimpy rags with black hair sweeping down to the thighs.
BEGIN FEMALE SANNARO
She took a deep breath before she stepped into the clearing and began to wave her arms above her head when she heard a shuttle begin a sweep above her.
The shuttle circled around and lowered to the ground. A tall dark man with tan skin walked down the ramp.
FEMALE SANNARO
Hi. Uh, I’m so glad someone finally came to this planet! It’s been forever since I saw another person.
The man sized up what he saw with amusement in his eyes.
Female Sannaro covered her discomfort by running her hands through her hair.
GARVIN
How long have you been marooned here?
FEMALE SANNARO
I don’t know. Maybe a few years? You know, it’s been kind of lonely.
Female Sannaro cocked her head and fluttered her eyelashes like Cherna did to him when she was in a flirty mood.
The man chuckled.
GARVIN
Have you seen others around?
FEMALE SANNARO
Others? I haven’t seen anything other than small animals.
GARVIN
I’m looking for two yellow Saili guys and a Human guy and girl. Have you seen them?
FEMALE SANNARO
I really haven’t seen anyone else but you.
Female Sannaro stepped toward the pirate and thrust out her chest as he drew a line down the pirate’s chest.
FEMALE SANNARO
It’s just me and I’m lonely.
The man shook his head and looked down at Female Sannaro’s chest. As he was about to reach, Female Sannaro grabbed the pirate’s hand and pulled him toward the cave.
FEMALE SANNARO
Come on, silly! My cave is close by.
Female Sannaro ran with the image of the girl’s hair flying alluringly behind her.
The pirate’s interest was increasing as Female Sannaro pulled him into the cave.
Female Sannaro stepped into the clear area then dropped to the sand with legs spread.
The man chuckled and moved to undo his pants.
FEMALE SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Now!
Marc and Cherna leapt up and shot the pirate.
His eyes widened as he dropped to the ground.
PIRATE
Garvin, where did you go?
FEMALE SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Duck down again.
Female Sannaro jumped back to her feet and rushed from the cave to meet the second pirate. She stopped a short ways from the other man with her breathing exaggeratedly heavy.
FEMALE SANNARO
Hi!
PIRATE
You’re not who we’re looking for. Where’s Garvin?
FEMALE SANNARO
Back at my cave. I’m afraid my ceiling isn’t very secure and a rock hit his head. Look, I just wanted a rescue, okay? I’ve been here forever and I’m just lonely!
Female Sannaro grabbed the other man’s hand and pulled him to the cave.
As soon as they entered, the man pulled his hand away and rushed to his fallen comrade’s side.
FEMALE SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Now!
Female Sannaro sent an enhanced image to both with where the pirate was standing.
Marc and Cherna popped up and shot him.
The man looked furious as he went for his weapon.
Female Sannaro drew in a mind-slap and pushed it into the pirate’s head.
He cried out and held his head.
Marc and Cherna shot again and the man fell to the ground on top of Garvin.
BACK TO SANNARO
SANNARO
Let’s get out of here before more pirates come to investigate.
They ran to the clearing and climbed up the ramp of the first of two shuttles.
INT. PIRATE SHUTTLE
Marc climbed into the pilot’s seat.
MARC
San, be my gunner.
Sannaro climbed into the copilot's seat and studied the control panel quickly.
Marc started the engine, hovered the shuttle off the ground and rose into the sky at a steep angle.
MARC
Brace yourselves. We’re going to make a run for it.
Cherna and Jeremy sat on the bare floor and braced themselves against the wall as well as they could.
SANNARO
Marc, they’re on to us.
MARC
Do your job, gunner.
SANNARO
I’d rather be the pilot, but I understand why I’m the gunner.
Sannaro fired at the pursuers.
MARC
Listen, Sannaro, beside my partner, Jim Meyers, you’re the best gunner in the Terran Alliance.
SANNARO
I’d rather be pulling eight G solo.
MARC
You can pull eight G and not black out?
SANNARO
Yep, up to ten G, then I black out. That’s why I fly solo. I know a humanoid can only take six G before they black out. I don’t want to kill a wing-man.
MARC
Damn!
SANNARO
Marc, 3 degrees starboard!
Marc adjusted their heading.
MARC
What are you pulling?
SANNARO
Pitch four degrees upward! Just do it!
Marc huffed in frustration, but followed Sannaro’s order.
SANNARO
Fausa, inverted loop, now!
MARC
Cherna, Jeremy, grab the base of our chairs. Preparing for an inverted loop!
Cherna and Jeremy scooted across the floor as quickly as they could and wrapped their arms and legs around the base of their chairs.
MARC
Beginning the loop.
The shuttle flipped over and begin a deep plunge back into the atmosphere.
JEREMY
Oh, this is crazy!
MARC
San, take the controls. Approaching six G. Pull us out.
Marc hunched into his chair, unconscious.
JEREMY
I think I’m going to be sick!
CHERNA
Ew, please don't!
SANNARO
Please try to hold it. I don’t want that stuff flying through the air.
Cherna passed out.
Sannaro took over the controls to level the shuttle out behind their pursuer and opened fire.
The pirate shuttle that had been on their tail for the last few minutes exploded into a fireball.
Sannaro increased speed toward the edge of the planet’s atmosphere again.
Marc raised his head again.
MARC
Are we clear?
SANNARO
For the moment.
MARC
Taking back controls.
Sannaro reluctantly returned to the gunner controls.
MARC
Okay, I see the Yorktown on scope. I’m going for it.
Sannaro sighed in resignation.
JEREMY
Can we let go now?
MARC
You can let go now.
Sannaro continued to shoot pursuers, but at least, now they were less skilled than the pilot who almost got them.
MARC
No! Damn it, Hadeon is pressing in on the Yorktown!
Sannaro looked at the scope and saw the pirate ship’s blip was nearly covering the Yorktown’s blip. He looked out the canopy and saw the pirate ship was eclipsing the Yorktown. Sannaro reached out with his telepathy to scan around the Kumani.
SANNARO
Kumani is easier to get to.
MARC
That must please you no end.
(BEAT)
Sorry, that was uncalled for. Okay, changing heading to meet with the Kumani.
They continued to fly for a few minutes as Sannaro continued to explode pirates along the way until they saw the silver body of the Kumani appear before them.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Hadah, this is Sannaro. We’re in a pirate shuttle. We want to request to land.
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
Again? San, this is getting a habit with you. What happened to your ADF shuttle? Never mind, okay, if you can get to us, same protocol. Land yourself and if you stray from landing protocol, we’ll fire on you.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Arcas, I’m in a pirate shuttle. We’ll wobble to identify ourselves.
SANNARO
Marc wobble the shuttle to identify ourselves to the Vizha'e.
Marc wobbled the controls.
Jeremy grabbed the base of Marc’s chair and groaned.
JEREMY
My stomach is really not happy with all this.
SANNARO
Sorry, Jeremy, this is space warfare. It’s not kind on the internal balance.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Okay, I saw the wobble. I’m coming to escort you, but if you act in any way suspicious, I will fire on you, my friend.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Understood.
A Vizha'i with a green, yellow, red rhomboid tail broke from the fight and flew toward them.
SANNARO
That’s Arcas. He’s coming to escort us.
MARC
Nice seeing you again, Arc. Commander Marcayo Daniels, piloting. Lead me in, please.
ARCAS
I’ll repeat what I told San telepathically. You do anything suspicious and I will fire on you.
MARC
Roger that, Green leader.
Sannaro sat back and watched as Arcas wove in and out of the threats and Marc followed.
SANNARO
Arcas is still good. I trained him.
MARC
I can see. He still reflects your flying style.
A few minutes later, Arcas came to a hover.
ARCAS
Okay, go land. If you stray from landing protocol, I’ll fire.
MARC
Roger, Arc, approaching the Kumani. See you in the Upper Flight Bay.
SANNARO
Protocol is to line up with lane 2, land on the lift and power down. Once on the maintenance deck, hover over to the nearest parking space and land. Immediately shut down all systems and open the hatch to allow Vizha'e to board armed and ready to fire.
Marc lined the shuttle with lane two and flew the shuttle into the retrieval deck. He settled the shuttle on the lighted rectangle.
The clang sounded and they were lowered into the maintenance bay.
As soon as they were locked, Marc hovered the shuttle and set it down in a parking area.
Sannaro palmed the hatch release button and telepathically watched Arcas gather a team outside the shuttle, pulled his weapon from its holster and enter the shuttle.
Sannaro turned in his chair.
SANNARO
Nice to see you again, Arcas.
ARCAS
Smart ass, you did it again. Okay, medical, come in.
Danu rushed in and checked everybody.
DANU
They’re dehydrated and exhausted. Let’s get them to the hospital, give them fluids and rest.
JEREMY
I healed everyone of some injuries. Marc was the worst with internal bleeding.
SANNARO
Including yourself.
JEREMY
I thought you hadn’t noticed.
SANNARO
I notice a lot, young man.
DANU
Okay, I’ll check to make sure all the injuries are completely healed.
Sannaro accepted Danu’s help to stand and walked out of the shuttle to a hover gurney.
DANU
How is your lower heart functioning?
SANNARO
As well as it always does anymore.
DANU
I still want oxygen on you.
Danu laid him down and fitted a mask over Sannaro’s nose and mouth.
Close to his gurney, Cherna was laid on her own gurney.
DANU
I’m going to keep both of you in the same room since I don’t know how your emotional states have changed since before you left.
Hadah rushed up to them.
HADAH
What the hell happened this time?
SANNARO
Marc’s shuttle was shot down and we were marooned for awhile. I’ll fill you in soon, Hadah.
DANU
I need to get these guys hydrated again, Hadah.
HADAH
I’ll come by later.
The gurneys were guided to the elevator so they could be placed in hospital rooms to recover.
FADE OUT.
THE END.