Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
“DESTROYER RECOMMISSIONED”
EPISODE 66 – BETRAYAL
BY: LYSSA THORNE
FADE IN:
INT. KUMANI HOSPITAL
Sannaro was glad to be laying in a hospital bed again with an IV dripping into his arm. His body still ached from the crash and the chase through the forest. He looked over at the next bed and saw that Cherna was deep in sleep, also being fed an IV.
The door swept open and Hadah quietly slipped in.
WARNING:
CONTENT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR GENERAL AUDIENCES DUE TO EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT.
HADAH
Ki'iwa, San.
SANNARO
Ki'iwa.
Sannaro thought the cannula in his nose made his voice sound a bit odd.
HADAH
How’s the lower heart doing?
SANNARO
As good as it can.
HADAH
What happened?
SANNARO
Our shuttle was shot down by pirates over a forested planet.
Hadah blew his breath out slowly through his lips.
SANNARO
Hadah, the odd thing is, how did Hadeon know I was on that shuttle?
HADAH
Your guess is as good as mine, and maybe even better than mine. All I know is that this pirate is the boldest I’ve seen since the invasion of Sailia.
SANNARO
You’re telling me? We saw how he was fighting the ADF Yorktown as well as the Kumani. Marc was annoyed that he couldn’t fly to the Yorktown. He had wanted to go there to get me to Arcturus for my trial. But Hadeon had his mother-ship between us and the Yorktown so since the Kumani was more accessible, he had to fly us back to the Kumani.
HADAH
I had to agree to keep a guard outside your room, cause Marc wanted to keep you detained. But I need to talk to him about that.
SANNARO
What’s wrong?
HADAH
Hadeon told me that if I don’t hand you over to him, he’ll keep attacking the Kumani until it’s destroyed.
SANNARO
I thought about handing myself over on the planet. He’s only after me.
HADAH
Nui, nui, nui, I am not handing you over to that sadistic pirate to be tortured to death. I’d be no friend if I did.
SANNARO
But as the Commander, if it would spare the Kumani-
HADAH
And if I give in to one demand from a pirate, what demand will they force me to comply with next? Pirates don’t stop until they get whatever they want! I won’t even give in to one demand by pirates, Sannaro. You’re the best damned Vizha'e in Astrisi history. If anything, I may need you back in the cockpit!
SANNARO
I can’t. My lower heart is damaged.
HADAH
And we Humanoids only have one heart so you still have an advantage over us! I may even have you take back the red sash.
SANNARO
That’s Arcas’ job. I gave it to him.
HADAH
And I’m the Commander of this ship. If I think that will help us to survive a situation, I have the privilege to make that decision and tell Marc that I refuse to hand you over to trial until this threat is neutralized.
SANNARO
Please, Hadah, I’m not that important.
HADAH
I disagree. You are that important, Sannaro Damirateyak. I need you back in the cockpit and that’s final.
SANNARO
But.
HADAH
No buts. I’m awarding you the red sash again.
SANNARO
Arcas is going to be sore.
HADAH
If he has an issue with my command, he knows where I am. In fact, I’ll go talk with Arcas now after Commander Daniels.
Hadah left the room.
Cherna sat up.
CHERNA
Did I hear that correctly?
SANNARO
Houk. You heard it correctly. Hadah is pushing me back into the Vizha'e corps. Arc is going to be resentful that I’m being forced to take the Senior Team-leader sash again.
CHERNA
That’s Hadah’s decision and his right.
SANNARO
I know. I was happy to just be the Senior Self-defense instructor for the rest of my life, Cheri.
CHERNA
I know you were, but you know Vizha'e can be recalled to duty at any time if they can still work a Vizha'i and the Commander thinks it’s necessary.
SANNARO
I thought you’d be upset about being recalled?
CHERNA
I would’ve been upset before the crash, but now I want you to destroy Hadeon for selling you to that viper. Don’t get me wrong, lover, Arcas is a great pilot, but I don’t think he can get the pilots to fly to their maximum ability like you can.
SANNARO
Are you speaking as a pilot’s training teacher?
CHERNA
Lazha and I have both seen some laxness on the flight deck that we know you would’ve never tolerated. We just kept our peace because neither of us can fly anymore and the pilots under Arcas have defended the ship adequately, but Hadeon has some exceptional pilots.
SANNARO
That pilot that had a lock on our shuttle for a few minutes was a very proficient pilot. I didn’t like telling Marc how to fly like I did, but I wasn’t sure he’d do the moves I telepathically knew would get that pilot into position to vape him.
CHERNA
And I know Marc’s a great pilot from the time we flew with him in the Zuran War. If he had to be coached by you, our current pilots will definitely need to be coached, too. I think Hadah knows that and that’s why he’s forcing the red sash on you again.
SANNARO
But my lower heart-
CHERNA
Is one heart more than we Astrisi have. I think Hadah’s right. You may not be able to fly like you once did, but we can’t either. You’ll have to relearn how much your body can handle in it’s current condition.
SANNARO
I don't-
CHERNA
Just explode him to fausa, Sannaro. For you, for me, for all of us.
Sannaro bowed his head and sighed.
SANNARO
Here I go again and everyone will get angry at me for messing everything up.
CHERNA
Hadah told you to take the sash. If they have a problem with it, just like Hadah said, they know where to find him.
Sannaro laid back down and snuggled deep into his blankets.
CHERNA
San?
SANNARO
I’m tired. I need to sleep more before Hadah makes Danu release me to go to the Flight Deck.
CHERNA
Please don’t distrust yourself. You can relearn how to fly even if everything changed after Sailia.
Sannaro felt his eyes tear. He swiped them off his face and pinched his nose to drive back the tears.
Cherna was suddenly beside him with her IV bag in her hand. She climbed into his bed beside him, hooked her I.V bag with his and took him into her arms.
CHERNA
Why didn’t you tell me that nearly blowing yourself up on Sailia left so much self-doubt, sweetheart? I would’ve helped you.
SANNARO
I didn’t know how much it effected me until now.
CHERNA
We can’t be perfect. We all make mistakes. Your father’s essence showed you how to fight that war by using the nature of a people you rarely ever experienced.
SANNARO
But, I don’t want to disappoint anyone especially the Tsitsutisga!
CHERNA
Has he been talking to you again?
SANNARO
Houk. What does he want from me? Can I even face what he’s preparing me for?
CHERNA
Only he knows.
SANNARO
I just don’t feel the same.
CHERNA
Because your back hurts? You teach hand-to-hand combat to kids in the gym every day. Whether you believe it or not, you’ve been retraining your own body to adjust to the differences you felt after the war to liberate Sailia. You’re stronger than you were right after the explosion. Give yourself a chance, Sannaro. Hadah told you the Kumani needs you to defend us from Hadeon. Trust him. Trust yourself.
SANNARO
I lost my ability to trust myself when I blew my own infiltration team up on Sailia.
CHERNA
You may be a telepath, but you don’t know everything. Ever heard that before?
Sannaro looked away from her and closed his eyes.
CHERNA
You didn’t know that the Humans had figured out we were going to plant explosives and they attacked the teams to keep us busy while the timers counted down. You said you warned the team to hit the dirt, but you were distracted by firing on your pursuers to give your team the chance to duck and you got caught in the explosion. Why don’t you begin to believe what you tell everyone else? You can’t know everything all the time! Even you get distracted, Sannaro!
SANNARO
So how can I be called the best?
CHERNA
Cause you’re better than everyone else. We’re only Human.
Sannaro chuckled and dried his eyes.
CHERNA
You’re the only trained Saili warrior to ever live. Why do you think Tsiakuba Hiamovi feared you?
SANNARO
Because Saili are supposed to be pacifists, but Gonkacha brought out more aggressive behaviors in the Saili and I became aggressive because I was teased mercilessly by my classmates then burned to an inch of hardening.
CHERNA
But you harnessed your aggression and turned it into a successful career. That, obviously, isn’t over yet. The Saili Warrior is needed again. Are you going to face it or are you going to let a person who tortured you finally go unpunished?
Sannaro felt his face heat up and infuse him with rage.
SANNARO
Cherna, I think you need to step out.
Cherna stood up and rushed through the door.
Sannaro brought up his shields and hoped his mind-slam wouldn’t kill him.
Varanani rushed into the room and held up her hands.
VARANANI
Throw it at me. I’ll disperse it safely.
Sannaro shouted his rage and pushed the energy at Varanani.
Varanani caught the energy then swept her arms out.
The energy crackled through the air, then exploded.
Sannaro raised his arms over his head to protect himself.
Once the room stopped shaking, Sannaro looked up again.
Varanani was breathing hard, slightly singed. She took a few deep breaths and relaxed.
VARANANI
Are you finished?
Sannaro nodded.
VARANANI
I see Cherna broke through your self-pity. Good. Now you can do something better with your feelings.
Sannaro flushed with anger then bowed his head.
SANNARO
I’m sorry, Vara.
VARANANI
Apologize to Hadah for trying to blow up his ship again and get your butt to the Upper Flight Deck, Senior Team-leader. You have pirates to defeat before they blow up this ship and take the people you love with it.
SANNARO
I need this drink of water taken out of my vein so I can get dressed.
VARANANI
Danu is sending in a tech to remove the IV. And I need to warn you, Commander Daniels isn’t very happy that Hadah is lifting your restrictions, but Hadah told him you’re needed for the defense of this ship more than to prove to Humans that you acted in self-defense. I’ll calm him down. You get to work.
Sannaro nodded.
A teen-aged boy walked in with supplies and worked to remove the needle from Sannaro’s arm.
SANNARO
Fa’arata, Le'yel.
The boy nodded then walked out again.
SANNARO
Can I be alone to get dressed?
VARANANI
You’re already sounding better, brother.
Varanani walked from the room.
After Sannaro dressed, Cherna met him in the hall. Sannaro picked her up and hugged her.
SANNARO
I’m sorry for getting angry.
CHERNA
I’m sorry for pushing you, but I needed to get you out of your misery.
SANNARO
And you were right to do it. I was feeling sorry for myself for what I lost on Sailia, but, like when I almost amputated my own leg, I needed to learn that it didn’t end my whole life and I have work to do. I’m really sorry I can be so stubborn at times.
MARC
So Hadah is really going to defy the ADF?
SANNARO
I’m sorry, Marcayo. Hadah says I have to return to the Vizha'e, but that doesn’t mean we won’t show for the trial, it just needs to be postponed for the sake of the Kumani’s survival.
MARC
This won’t look good to the Alliance.
CHERNA
I killed Tristin Sarto. San only hit her on the back. You can keep me under arrest. I’ll gladly accept that locator shackle on my arm and go home to care for my kids if you allow San to lead the fight like our leader has asked of him.
MARC
Hadah’s right. That lock on our tail had me panicked. I was glad you told me how to maneuver to get you in a good position to shoot that pirate.
SANNARO
We make a good piloting team.
MARC
We do, Sannaro Damirateyak, and you make one hell of a gorgeous woman! Now, get to your Commander.
DANU
One hell of a gorgeous woman?
Danu snickered then looked at Varanani.
DANU
Oh no you didn’t, Sannaro! Oh, that’s so hysterical!
SANNARO
It was survival! We had to get off that planet.
Sannaro sat Cherna on a chair and rushed to the elevator.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Please don’t be too hard on my mate, Marc.
MARC (PSI V.O.)
I won't. I’m still on your side. I’ll let your PE fit her with a locator bracelet and let her go home. In the meantime, can you ask Hadah to give me temporary accommodations?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I’m glad you’re still on my side. I still do value your friendship. I’ll ask Hadah for you.
INT. KUMANI BRIDGE
The elevator opened into a hallway with a heavy blast door raised into the bulkhead. He turned right and walked through the bulkhead onto a loft. He walked down the stairs and was met by Hadah.
HADAH
Have you been released from the hospital?
SANNARO
Danu took out my IV and let me walk out.
HADAH
Then you’re mine for now.
SANNARO
Oh, Hadah, I didn’t know you were that kind of guy.
HADAH
Rumor is flying faster than the Great Phoenix that you conjured a false image that made you look like a very pretty girl to lure pirates out of their shuttles?
SANNARO
I get the feeling this whole ship isn’t going to let me forget it for a long time.
HADAH
Probably not.
SANNARO
Oh well. What color am I wearing this time?
HADAH
You’re back with your red.
He picked up the folded red sash from his Command chair and handed it to Sannaro.
Sannaro reluctantly took it from Hadah’s hands. He unfolded it, then expertly swung it around his waist and tied it.
HADAH
Go to ships’ stores and get your flight suits. I need you topside soon. Get those pilots into the simulators and chase them till they sweat, San.
SANNARO
Oh, and Marc is asking can he be given temporary quarters until he can safely return to the Yorktown?
HADAH
I’ll have Di'ok take him to an open apartment and assign it to Marc.
SANNARO
He let me go, but Cherna told him if anyone had to remain under arrest, it was her cause she killed Tristin and I only hit her on the back. He’s going to ask for the PE to fit her with a locator shackle.
HADAH
Well, that’s an acceptable compromise. I’ll tell the PE to fit her with a locator.
Sannaro nodded then walked to the stairs.
INT. SANNARO'S APARTMENT
Sannaro hauled a nylon barrel bag stuffed full of Vizha'e equipment.
Cherna met him on a new pair of prostheses legs and hugged him.
He kissed her before he went to the bedroom and began to empty the bag.
Cherna held up the red panel flight suit.
CHERNA
Back with your old team.
Sannaro noticed the blinking bracelet around her left arm.
SANNARO
Houk. I’m sorry you had to trade your freedom for mine.
CHERNA
I am Vizha'e. My duty is to the survival of this ship and if it means loosing my freedom so you can be free to do your duty, I’ll be glad to do it.
SANNARO
You have such a big heart, Cherna.
CHERNA
I wish we could continue where this is going, lover, but Hadah needs you on the flight deck.
SANNARO
I wish too but Hadah wants me up there doing simulators very soon.
Sannaro dressed. He scooped up his helmet and clipped it onto his pistol belt and draped his gloves over the belt.
SANNARO
Well, back to war.
As he stepped out of the elevator, he resisted the urge to make himself telepathically disappear, but he knew he couldn’t keep his presence from his pilots, even if they were sore about the leadership change.
Arcas met him right outside the Senior Vizha'e office with his arms crossed.
ARCAS
Somehow I knew I’d see you here again.
SANNARO
I did not force this, Arcas. Hadah told me I had to take the sash. Now, I really apologize for this, but I need to run each team through the simulator against me soon. Would you please gather them together for a briefing, except for the standby team if they’re bottom-side.
ARCAS
So you’re just going to rush right in and take over?
SANNARO
I’m sorry, we don’t have much time.
Arcas flipped the ponytail bangs up a little.
ARCAS
Nice topknot.
Sannaro smoothed his hair down.
SANNARO
It’s easier to control when I’m teaching martial arts in the gym.
ARCAS
And I remember you once said you would never tie your hair back.
SANNARO
That’s when we were teens, Arc. Our kids are almost to their Us'uata os Tasra.
ARCAS
Don’t remind me! I’ll go round up the pilots.
Arcas bounded down the stairs.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
Just as Sannaro was about to enter the Senior Vizha'e’s office, Tisa climbed up the stairs and stopped at the top.
SANNARO
You sacrificed a lot to give me back the Team-leader position.
TISA
That battle was brutal, San. As I flew it, I thought repeatedly that if you had been leader, we would’ve had less losses.
She bowed her head for a few seconds before she looked at him again.
TISA
I told Hadah that we needed you to lead us again. Not that I don’t have faith in Arcas, it’s just that, you’re the best leader I’ve worked with and we need that precision again so I talked my team into agreeing with me to give you the Red Team-leader sash and I would step back to Team Second again.
SANNARO
I was happy to remain retired.
TISA
I know, but we need your training style. You bring out the best in every pilot.
SANNARO
I’m flattered.
TISA
I mean it. Now, I’ll go back downstairs to await your briefing, Senior Vizha'e.
Sannaro watched her go back down.
He went to the simulator control room and entered the data for the program he wanted to use to test the pilots until Arcas sent to him that the teams were assembled in the pilot’s lounge.
He stepped from the control room and walked down the stairs. He looked over all the faces that looked at him. He recognized a lot of them from his martial arts classes. A few were women who had come to the Kumani at mating so they were mostly unfamiliar to him.
SANNARO
Ki'iwa, Vizha'e. As many of you know, I’ve been commanded by Hadah to resume the red sash. Last battle was quite difficult and we had a half dozen casualties. That’s a bit steep. So I’m here to train all of you to your optimum ability.
The room erupted in conversation.
SANNARO
Bla'ua, I know the arguments. I’m a telepath. And about being a telepath, I need for all of you to be willing to be in close telepathic contact with me constantly. If you have objections to this, you can talk to Kosi or Amida for a transfer to shuttle or mother-ship pilots. Contrary to common fears, I’m not a telepathic voyeur. I don’t get any entertainment from wandering through your minds to dig up your deep dark secrets. That’s your business. I want you to give your all to piloting and nothing more. I will test each team for proficiency in the cockpit. That means, I’m going to come after each of you in the simulator like a murderous pirate so I can learn what you need to do to improve your piloting skills. The only team I won’t test today is the on call team who will get their test tomorrow. Maintenance activities will be continued if you’re not in the sim with me, but when I call the Team-leader to bring their team for testing, I want that team in the pilot’s lounge and ready to be tested in no less than five minutes. Everyone is released except for the team being tested first.
Sannaro turned around and went back up the stairs.
After many hours in the simulator, Sannaro dropped his arms heavily to his side.
Tisa poked her head into the control room.
TISA
You still alive in here?
SANNARO
Houk. Isn’t that about all the pilots I could test today?
Tisa stepped in and leaned against the control panel.
TISA
That’s about it. Purple will have to be tested tomorrow. So, how did we do, fearless leader?
SANNARO
I’m far from being fearless. Anyway, your team did the best, but there’s room for improvement. Arcas’ team didn’t do too bad. But since just about every team now has new colors cause of the high casualties, there’s a lot of training to do.
TISA
Are you okay, San?
SANNARO
Just a lot of people aren’t happy with me that I took the sash away from Arcas.
TISA
Like Arcas?
SANNARO
I didn’t want to take the sash away from him, but he thinks he’s a failure. I don’t think he’s a failure. It’s just that Hadeon has enticed the best pirate pilots to fly for him because he’s had a lot of successes lately.
TISA
Sounds like something pirates would do.
SANNARO
Oh, fausa, I haven’t felt this bad since I stood my first martial arts lesson with Edat!
TISA
He was quite a character, wasn’t he?
SANNARO
But he pushed a depressed boy to try to make himself better and see the good in every situation. I will always treasure my time with Edat.
TISA
San, why don’t you become a Vizha'e teacher? I’m sure Lazha and Cherna wouldn’t mind you joining them.
SANNARO
I’m too restless for lecturing in a school.
TISA
You’re the Martial Arts senior.
SANNARO
Houk, I can go to the gym and work out all day and not sit down until I get home. That’s why I was given my name.
TISA
I don’t understand.
SANNARO
In Saili, my name means lively. My mother named me that because she couldn’t get me to slow down. I was always arguing with my brother Devakio and the school bully Jake Arlington.
TISA
I remember you were always being told to sit still in class.
SANNARO
I didn’t mean to make anyone angry. I just always wanted to be out of the classroom doing something else besides listening all the time to someone’s lecture. Nui, I’m comfortable with being in the gym. Lazha and Cheri have always liked to lecture so I’ll leave it to them.
TISA
I’m sure you and Ki'el could share some stories about past lectures!
SANNARO
Houk, we could.
TISA
I’ll talk to Arcas about hassling you. He needs to remember the survival of the Kumani is more important than his hurt pride.
SANNARO
He’s not a failure, Tisa. Please tell him that.
TISA
I know. We just needed someone with more skill to defeat this current pirate leader. Now, you go see Danu to relieve your stressed muscles and I’ll handle Arcas.
Sannaro nodded then groaned as he stood up from the main simulator console.
INT. KUMANI HOSPITAL
Danu watched Sannaro walk down the hall and chuckled.
DANU
I can see your first day back as the Senior Vizha'e has exhausted you. Come on, I’ll give you the works.
Sannaro walked into the room and groaned as he took off his air tank and pistol belt, then stretched his jumpsuit over his shoulders.
DANU
Oh, you are sore.
SANNARO
Houk, I’ve been chasing pilots in the simulator all day.
DANU
How did they do?
SANNARO
There’s much room for improvement. We need to quickly train six completely new pilots.
Danu winced. He slipped liquid Catowsh into an injector and pressed it into Sannaro’s arm.
DANU
That should help.
Sannaro sighed as his muscles began to relax.
SANNARO
I remember all the times Zhad would give me these treatments.
DANU
Houk, but I understand why he wanted to retire. He’s developed arthritis from so many hours in surgery.
SANNARO
Mostly on me.
Danu chuckled as he massaged Sannaro’s shoulders.
DANU
Probably. I was honored when he chose me to be his successor.
SANNARO
He’s always been a great surgeon and a father.
DANU
Yes, he is. You’re tired. You should go home and get some sleep. You’re about to fall unconscious, brother. Get your butt home.
SANNARO
Fa’arata, Danu.
Sannaro dressed again and went home.
He walked into the apartment and immediately began to take off his air tank.
Cherna met him and helped him lower the square tank to the floor.
CHERNA
You’re radiating pain.
SANNARO
I’ve been in the simulator all day.
CHERNA
How did they do?
SANNARO
There’s definitely room for improvement and the six new colors, well, they’re really acting like new colors. I have to get them more comfortable in the cockpit quickly.
CHERNA
How are you doing in the cockpit?
SANNARO
You know I won’t get the whole feel until I’m truly in space, but my lower heart seems to be taking the stress of dog-fighting well enough. By the time I was done, I had a few people cussing me out in their minds. Tisa just laughed and said the Taskmaster was back with a vengeance. You know, Tisa is the one who recommended to Hadah that I be brought back?
CHERNA
She’s always been very practical. It doesn’t surprise me that she went around Arcas, straight to Hadah.
SANNARO
She told me his pride is getting in the way of survival.
CHERNA
Arcas has always been a bit prideful. He just needs to realize that Hadeon likes more skilled pilots than he can defend us against and accept that we need more skilled training than he gives.
Sannaro rushed into the bedroom to disguise his discomfort.
CHERNA
What’s eating at you?
Sannaro pulled off his pistol belt and laid it in a lock box.
SANNARO
You know I get uncomfortable when people start bragging about how good I am and how everyone needs to realize how good I am.
CHERNA
You need to realize how good you are, Sannaro.
SANNARO
I do admit I’m a bit of a taskmaster when it comes to training. I know when someone’s not giving one-hundred percent and I have told them to quit being lazy.
CHERNA
That’s right, your telepathy tells you when they’re not completely committed to learning how to be the best pilot they can be. That’s what makes you so good. It’s harder to fool you. Arcas tends to take people’s word that they’re being honest. We need you to tell those lazy pilots to do their best or this sleazy pirate is going to hand us our asses! Now, I can see you’re about to drop where you stand so you better get to bed.
Sannaro pulled the stretchy fabric over his shoulders, pushed it down to the floor and stepped out. As he bent over to pick up the spacesuit, his back twinged and he grunted in pain.
Cherna reached down and picked the suit up. She deposited the suit into the laundry chute.
CHERNA
You just get to bed. Did you see Danu for Catowsh?
SANNARO
Just came from seeing him.
She sat down beside him and kneaded the knot in his back.
He groaned and tensed up for a few seconds before he relaxed into her ministrations. He began to lean toward the bed.
CHERNA
You silly, go ahead and lay down if you’re that exhausted and I’ll massage your back.
Sannaro fell to the bed and laid down on his stomach.
Cherna explored his back and released a few more knots.
CHERNA
I think that’s about all your knotted muscles.
When she received no reply, she gently drew back his hair and chuckled softly when she saw he was already asleep. She kissed him gently on the cheek, then draped an extra blanket over him and left the room.
(LATER)
Sannaro opened his eyes and sat up. The spare blanket Cherna kept in the linen closet fell around his waist. He looked beside him and saw Cherna curled up beside him. He looked at the clock and saw that the alarm was set to go off in five minutes. Another day was about to begin and he was still a little sore. He shivered and stood up to dress.
Cherna stirred on the bed and sat up.
CHERNA
What time is it?
SANNARO
Five minutes till oh eight hundred.
CHERNA
You’re still a bit sore.
SANNARO
Yeah, but I have a lot more training to do today and I don’t think Hadeon is going to give us too much of a reprieve since I’m sure Hadah has firmly said he’s not giving me up to a sleazy pirate. I’ll just take a few Catowsh pills and I should be okay.
CHERNA
You fell asleep on me while I was massaging your back.
Sannaro sat down to pull his boots on and gave her a quick kiss.
SANNARO
That’s cause you gave me such a great massage, I couldn’t help but be relaxed.
CHERNA
Not to mention the high dosage of Catowsh Danu injected you with?
SANNARO
Fausa, shoot down my nice little compliment and I was just trying to be nice!
Cherna stood behind him and embraced his shoulders.
CHERNA
Well, I can’t fault you for trying to be nice.
SANNARO
Okay, then.
He stood up and clipped his pistol belt around his waist, then tied his sash over it.
Cherna jumped down from the bed and hefted the air tank, then jumped back up to hand it to him.
He slipped it onto his back and clipped the strap across his chest.
SANNARO
I wish you could be up there helping me with training.
CHERNA
I know, lover, but Marc has restricted me from the Upper Flight Bay so Lazha has to teach my class and hers.
Sannaro kissed her again.
CHERNA
You staying for some breakfast?
SANNARO
Nui, there too much to do.
CHERNA
Don’t starve yourself.
SANNARO
You know I have to watch my weight when I’m flying Vizha'i.
CHERNA
I know, all that metal in you does make you a bit heavier than a humanoid, but you still need your energy.
SANNARO
I’ll grab something quick and eat it on the way. Is that good enough?
CHERNA
What? A peanut butter and jelly sandwich?
SANNARO
Okay, I’ll be a good boy and eat breakfast at the table.
Cherna strapped on her prostheses and walked to the kitchen to cook breakfast.
Sannaro went to the dinette.
Ambrika walked out of her bedroom and went into the kitchen to see what her mother was doing.
AMBRIKA
Aw, scrambled eggs, sausages and pancakes, again?
SANNARO
Be glad you have it.
AMBRIKA
It’s the same every day, Ya!
SANNARO
You could grab a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and I can take you to the simulator first.
AMBRIKA
Uh huh, not a chance, I’ll stay here and eat breakfast. You’re impossible to catch in a sim!
SANNARO
I’ll let you off from being the first trained today, but that doesn’t mean I won’t snatch you sometime today.
AMBRIKA
I know, Senior Team-leader.
SANNARO
Besides, I have to put Purple team through the test as soon as I get up there.
AMBRIKA
Lucky them.
Cherna placed the plates in front of them.
SANNARO
Let’s be good and eat our breakfast.
Sannaro picked up his fork and took a bite.
AMBRIKA
Everyone on the flight decks are scared of you, but you’re more afraid of Chali!
SANNARO
You’ll understand when you have a marriage link with someone.
He finished his breakfast and placed the dirty plate in the sink. He kissed Cherna then moved toward the door.
SANNARO
See you on the flight deck, Ambri.
AMBRIKA
Houk, Taskmaster.
SANNARO
That’s me!
He left the apartment for the elevator.
Just as Sannaro exited the elevator, he saw one of the junior pilot bombers who had been very frustrated with him yesterday wave at him to come to her Vizha'i.
Sannaro walked through the safety lanes to the farthest flight line and stopped beside the bomber.
SANNARO
What’s wrong, Rana?
She turned to him from a missile attached to the belly of her ship.
RANA
Just a requisition.
Sannaro took the hand held computer from her hand and began to look over the document. When he felt electricity surge through his hand, he gasped in pain and glared at her. He forced his screaming tendons to release the machine and it clattered to the deck.
RANA
Hadah should have just given you to the pirates. It would’ve saved us a lot of grief.
She slammed her fist deep into his stomach.
His breath was violently expelled as his damaged lungs and lower heart cramped painfully. His vision dimmed as he felt himself being lowered quietly to the deck.
INT. KUMANI BRIDGE
Hadah sat in his command chair and read a report on a hand held reader. He hoped Sannaro was doing all right on the Flight Deck. He thought about the short man with olive golden yellow skin, blue-black hair and eyes.
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
San, how’s it going up there?
He waited for a minute.
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
San, you there?
AMIDA
Hadah, that pirate ship is launching an attack again.
HADAH
Fausa, Di'ok, call an alert.
DI'OK
Battle alert, battle alert! Pirate attack at coordinates 29377.6. All nonessential personnel, general quarters. Essential personnel, report to battle stations.
Just as Hadah placed down his reader, he sensed Di'ok became more tense than he usually was during an alert. Hadah stood up and went to the aft communications station.
HADAH
Di?
DI'OK
I don’t get it. Arc just reported that San hasn’t shown for the alert.
HADAH
That’s not at all like San.
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
San, report. Where are you? Didn’t you hear the alert?
DI'OK
I don’t like the look on your face at all.
HADAH
Sannaro never fails to respond to a mental communication.
DI'OK
Damn straight, he doesn’t. All fighters except for White B team and Red 1 are engaging the pirates.
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
Varanani?
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
I sense your worry. I’m trying to sense him, but I’m afraid San’s the mental tracker. I have no talent for finding people.
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
I know. Do you sense him at all?
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
I should, but I can’t!
AMIDA
What the fausa?
Hadah rushed to the fore and stopped beside the puzzled mother-ship pilot.
AMIDA
A yellow team bomber dropped a missile.
HADAH
Just dropped it? Didn’t launch it?
AMIDA
Look, it just fired, but it’s firing slowly. What is that bomber doing?
HADAH
I don’t like this. Nui, I don’t like this at all. Ami, fly her a little closer to that odd behaving bomber.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Hadah, help me! Iachi’awei, please help me!
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
Where are you?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
It’s so dark! Everything is so close! I need to get out! I have to get out!
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
San, calm down. I want to help you, but you need to find out where you are. Concentrate and use your telepathy to scan beyond the walls.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Oh, this is bad, this is so bad!
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
Where are you?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
In space! I’m in an ikata missile casing! The only thing I have is my oxygen tank and flight suit to keep me alive!
AMIDA
Hadah, a pirate shuttle is trying to tractor the missile!
HADAH
Nui, don’t let them get that missile! Ami, fly the Kumani through the whole damned fight if you have to!
AMIDA
It’s a missile! It could explode.
HADAH
It’s an unarmed missile. Why else would a pirate shuttle tractor it? Sannaro is in that missile! Block anyone who tries to get to it!
AMIDA
You’re asking me much for getting this big lady through a tiny hole, but here goes. Di, honey, warn the ship that I’m going to do some wild flying.
DI'OK
Passing on the message, Ami. Attention, everyone grab hand holds or sit down immediately. Preparing to engage in extreme maneuvers!
Hadah grabbed the edge of Amida’s control panel.
HADAH
Go!
Amida’s fingers danced over the keyboard.
Hadah could feel the ship accelerate under his feet.
Suddenly it listed to port and made a tight turn.
Hadah gripped the panel tighter.
HADAH
That’s it.
DI'OK
Arc is asking what the fausa we’re doing!
HADAH
Tell Arc I found San and he’s inside a missile casing.
DI'OK
He said, please tell me you’re kidding. I told him, we’re not.
AMIDA
Engaging tractor. Snagged it right from that Zhecore! I’m sure he was soiling his pants! Pulling it into the fore cargo hold!
HADAH
Nice work!
DI'OK
Medical team to forward cargo hold, stat!Oh, fausa, San’s in a panic. PE team, report to forward cargo hold. Try not to let San tear anything or anyone apart, please?
HADAH
San’s a juggernaut when he’s panicked!
END ACT 2
ACT 3
INT. KUMANI PROTOCOL ENFORCERS OFFICE
Cherna rushed into the Protocol Enforcer’s office in a full run. The PE were gearing up to go forward.
PIRLO
What are you doing here, Cherna?
CHERNA
Let me go with you. I have to go. I can calm him!
Pirlo grabbed her arm and held it before her face.
PIRLO
You’re also under house arrest.
Cherna couldn’t stop the tears from flowing down her face. She pulled her arm from his grip.
CHERNA
He’s my mate, for Iachi’awei’s sake!
PIRLO
We need to get to the forward cargo bay. Okay, Cheri, I’ll bend the rules this time. I really would rather not have to seriously hurt San to get him to calm down.
Pirlo called for the elevator to take them to the forward cargo bay.
INT. KUMANI FORWARD CARGO BAY
Less than a minute, the door swept open to a vast three story room that tapered to a point far ahead. The cone of the room shimmered with a containment field as the massive doors slowly met in the center. Beyond the containment field was a missile, bathed in the blinding glow of a tractor beam.
The elevator door opened again. Danu, Varanani and a medical team stepped out.
DANU
Fausa, not good.
Cherna reached out to the mind she was more familiar with than her own and cringed. She stumbled back.
VARANANI
Cheri, don’t do that. Wait until he’s freed.
The huge cargo doors clanged and locked.
The containment shield dropped and Stevedores rushed from the shadows to break open the seal to the missile. They backed up when the lid began to groan.
A massive boom shook the room and the lid launched into the air.
Sannaro sprang up, his legs apart and his arms raised above his head.
The missile cover clattered to the deck several hundred meters away.
Sannaro shrieked like a glowing yellow demon. His blue-black hair crackled and swirled around his head. His chest glowed with an intense light like a star.
Varanani gasped and raised her own arms above her head.
Energy danced and sizzled around the siblings.
VARANANI
Everyone get back! Sannaro is using his latent telekinesis!
CHERNA
San, it’s me, Cherna! Please, calm down.
SANNARO
(SPEAKING STANDARD)
No, you will not have me!
CHERNA
San, I’m speaking Astrisi! We just want you to calm down. Please don’t throw anything. We want to help you. Vara and Danu are here to help you feel better.
Pirlo stepped toward the light.
PIRLO
Take aim. Wait for me to tell you to fire.
Cherna grabbed his arm.
CHERNA
Nui, you could explode the energy in here and fry San and Vara’s mind!
Sannaro, please listen to me! You’re safe! You’re in the forward cargo hold of the Kumani! Please, disperse the energy and let me comfort you!
Sannaro shook his head violently then looked around as if he had just awoken from a nightmare. He looked at Danu, then Varanani who still had her arms above her head. Her knee-length blue-black hair billowed behind her. Then his dark eyes settled on Cherna and his eyes lit up with recognition. He dropped his arms quickly and the energy dispersed with a crack. His eyes filled with tears and he collapsed into a ball on the deck.
Cherna rushed to Sannaro and hugged his shoulders.
Sannaro buried his head in her chest, with gut-wrenching sobs.
PIRLO
San, please disarm yourself.
Sannaro released the holster strap around his thigh, then unclipped the pistol belt and threw it across the floor.
PIRLO
Fa’arata, San.
SANNARO
Iachi’awei, I did it again! I didn’t mean to bring out my telekinesis! I don’t like that damned talent! I almost hurt all of you.
CHERNA
I know, lover, I know you hated to see it come out the first time. But you didn’t throw anything. You stayed in control. You’ll be all right now.
PIRLO
Who put you in a missile, San?
SANNARO
Rana! Oh, Iachi’awei, she said, Hadah should have just given me to the pirates and saved everyone grief!
PIRLO
Okay. Danu, you think you can handle the rest?
DANU
Houk, Pirlo. San’s calm. I’ll be transporting him to the hospital as soon as I get him on the gurney.
Pirlo nodded and waved for his PE team to return to the elevator.
Cherna moved to untangle herself from Sannaro’s arms, but he held on with his inhuman strength.
CHERNA
Danu, San won’t release me.
DANU
Okay, we’ll transport you both.
CHERNA
Sanna, we need to go to the hospital. Can you stand us up so we can lay on the gurney? Danu is taking you to a safe place.
Sannaro stood up with barely a grunt.
Cherna wrapped her prostheses around his waist and remained in his arms.
He sat on the gurney then laid down.
Cherna laid her head on his chest.
Sannaro continued to sob as they traveled to the hospital and they were both placed in Sannaro’s isolation room.
Cherna heard the lock slip into place, but she didn’t mind.
DANU
San, can you let Cheri go so I can examine you? My readings will be confused if they pick up Cheri’s vitals too.
Cherna combed her fingers through his wild hair then brushed her fingers down his strong jaw line.
CHERNA
I’ll stay beside you. I promise.
He grabbed her hand and pressed it against his lips before he dropped his other arm.
Cherna stood up and sat down at the bedside with her hand still in Sannaro's hand.
Danu waved the sensor over Sannaro’s body then read it.
DANU
I’m not surprised that your vitals are through the roof, but I don’t see any injuries. I’ll give you a sedative and you need to get some rest.
SANNARO
I’m so sorry, Vara.
VARANANI
No need to apologize, San. You didn’t hurt anyone.
SANNARO
But I almost did hurt people.
VARANANI
Almost is the key word.
SANNARO
You’re a great sister.
VARANANI
And you’re a great brother.
Danu returned with the injector and pressed it into his neck.
DANU
You get some sleep, my friend.
CHERNA
I’ll stay with you, San.
SANNARO
I would like that very much.
He closed his eyes and his body relaxed into sleep.
(LATER)
Sannaro woke again to find that Arcas was standing above him, looking at the wall with his mind stormy.
SANNARO
Ki’iwa, Arc.
Arcas startled and looked down.
ARCAS
Sorry.
SANNARO
About what?
ARCAS
For being a big ass again. You’d think I would’ve learned long ago not to doubt Hadah. He’s always seemed to know the best for this ship and I could only think about how mad I was that he took my sash.
SANNARO
You’re not a failure, Arc.
ARCAS
Just not the best.
SANNARO
I never wanted to be. People just keep grabbing me and telling me that I have to help them with their problems.
ARCAS
And this bastard is being really vicious about grabbing you to kill you, cause you’re the best trainer of the Astrisi.
SANNARO
Did the PE arrest Rana?
ARCAS
Houk. San, I’m sorry that Rana attacked you and stuffed you in a missile casing. That was horrible. It’s just that, her Us’uata os Tasra was the last Us’uata os Huen and her mate was one of the six who died.
SANNARO
I wasn’t on the Kumani when he was killed! I was marooned on a moon!
ARCAS
I know. But you know how grief can make a person not think straight.
SANNARO
That doesn’t excuse what she did to me.
ARCAS
Nui, it doesn’t. I just wanted you to know the motivation for her behavior. The decision has to be made by the council about what judgment they want to make on her. When Di'ok told me you were in that slow moving missile, I begged him for it to be a cruel joke. He said it wasn’t and my heart sank. Amida did some top flying in a gigantic ship to pull you into the forward cargo bay. It was glorious. I’ll never say again that mother-ship pilots don’t do anything.
SANNARO
I’d like to see it.
START FLASHBACK
INT./EXT. ARCAS' P.O.V. ARCAS' VIZHA'I - SPACE
Arcas thought back to that time and Sannaro was suddenly inside Arcas’ Vizha'i in battle.
Arcas looked to the starboard and saw the massive Kumani accelerate and make a tight turn that looked almost impossible to do with a thirty story, three-kilometer long vessel.
ARCAS
What the fausa are you doing, Kumani?
DI'OK (V.O.)
Sannaro is in that slow moving missile casing! Hadah has commanded Amida to intercept the missile!
ARCAS
You’ve got to be ikata kidding! Please tell me you’re pulling a cruel joke on me.
DI'OK (V.O.)
Nui, I’m not.
ARCAS
Fausa! All Vizha'i, make way for the Kumani! Let her through!
PILOT (V.O.)
Iachi’awei, she’s so huge!
ERON (V.O.)
The pirates are scattering.
DI'OK (V.O.)
Ha'iko, Amida has the missile in tractor! It’s being pulled in.
ARCAS
Okay, let’s get these pirates in retreat.
TISA (V.O.)
They’re pulling back.
ARCAS
Let’s begin landing teams.
BACK TO SANNARO'S HOSPITAL ROOM
Sannaro was released from Arcas’ inner sight and he was back in his hospital bed.
SANNARO
Wow, that was a sight to see. I wish I hadn’t been inside that missile the size of a coffin.
ARCAS
I do too. I heard you went berserk.
SANNARO
I did.
ARCAS
Can you really throw things with your mind?
SANNARO
I don’t like when that happens. It only happens when I’m under extreme stress.
ARCAS
You’ve done it before?
SANNARO
Houk, that’s how I killed Baltazaur.
ARCAS
Oh, Iachi’awei! I wondered how he ended up as raw meat on the floor. Why didn’t you tell us about this?
SANNARO
I don’t like it. I hate when I do that. I thought I would never be pushed that far again. An electrical stunner was shot at me and electrocuted me; then I was whipped with a cat-o'-nine-tails; razor sharp barbs rose from the floor and sliced my foot. I was in so much pain and with Altarian just fatally shot, I lost control.
ARCAS
I remember you were a bloody mess when you came back. When we landed and I saw you carried out of the shuttle, your body was wrapped in bandages from neck to foot.
Sannaro shivered and buried his head.
SANNARO
I hate my telekinesis! I fear my telekinesis!
He felt Arcas’ hand on his back.
ARCAS
Easy, San. I’m not going to get mad at you. Do you want me to get Danu?
SANNARO
Nui. I’m calm now.
ARCAS
I can truly say that I think I would’ve gone berserk with mindless panic too if I had been stuffed into a missile casing and launched into space to be handed over to pirates. That’s so unimaginably cruel. I’m glad Ami snagged you and pulled you back in.
SANNARO
Fa’arata for your understanding, Arc.
ARCAS
You rest up a little and I’ll see you on the Flight Deck again.
Sannaro nodded and laid back down.
Cherna looked up from her bed.
CHERNA
Fa’arata, my friend.
Arcas nodded before he stepped out.
INT. KUMANI UPPER FLIGHT DECK
Sannaro felt tired with weak muscles as his Vizha'i was lowered to the maintenance deck. He was glad the pulley system would do the rest of the work for him. He just had to wait until he was pulled into his parking.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
What’s up, boss?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Something’s wrong.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
What?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Give me a minute.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Houk.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Nui! Marc, don’t take my soul mate!
SANNARO
Fausa, I just got back on duty a day ago. Would Hadeon skisla give us a break?
ARCAS (V.O.)
He's really pissed at you, San.
His ears felt an irritating itch. He pulled his helmet off and extended his telepathy.
He popped his canopy and leapt to the deck while his Vizha'i was still being pulled along the flight lane.
Everyone swung around in shock to stare at his safety violation.
SANNARO
Nui, don’t do this!
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
San, I’m sorry. I couldn’t stop him. He was commanded to return to the Yorktown. He said he had to take someone in for the death of Tristin Sarto or we would be accused by the ADF for holding an ADF Officer against his will!
Sannaro ran full speed to the central structure of refuel and rearm area, pulled open the hatch and flew up the tight circular stairs.
Metei rushed up behind him and grabbed his arm just as he began to turn the hatch release bar at the top of the stairs.
METEI
What are you doing, Sannaro?
SANNARO
Stopping Marcayo!
METEI
You're skisla rachi! That's the retrieval ramp! There's no oxygen on the other side of that hatch!
The deck shuttered from Marc's launch.
Sannaro slid down to the floor.
SANNARO
I'm too late. She's gone.
METEI
San, I can see you’re very upset. Can I help you go to a safe zone so you can work out your distress?
Sannaro nodded.
Metei helped him climb back to his feet.
Sannaro allowed the senior mechanic to guide him through the tear blurred maintenance deck.
SANNARO
Can you take me to the elevator, Metei?
METEI
Sure.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Hadah, why didn’t he wait for me?
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
He was recalled, San. If I hadn’t let him fly, the Alliance could have accused us of detaining an ADF Officer against his will. I need the ADF to help us in this matter. I’m sorry.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Marcayo knows if we’re separated, I get sick! Is he trying to hand us to Hadeon? Maybe that’s why Hadeon knew I was on that shuttle?
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
San, be reasonable. If Marc was working with Hadeon, why would he have risked his own death? He would’ve had someone else transport you.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Sanna, help me!
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Cheri, where are you?
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
We need help! The pirate ship tractored us! Marc and I are prisoners of Hadeon! It’s horrible! Please help us!
Metei stopped him.
SANNARO
Houk. Oh Iachi’awi Ushi, I can’t do this anymore.
METEI
What can’t you do, San?
SANNARO
Hadeon took Cherna.
METEI
Oh, I’m so sorry, San!
Sannaro shuffled into the elevator.
The door closed.
Sannaro collapsed to the floor, wracked with sobs.
The door opened to Danu and Varanani standing him up to take him to his isolation room at the hospital.
Fade out.
THE END.