Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
WARNING:
CONTENT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR GENERAL AUDIENCES DUE TO EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT.
“DESTROYER RECOMMISSIONED”
EPISODE 71 – CORRUPTION
BY: LYSSA THORNE
FADE IN:
The long flying car rose off the ground and flew to join the traffic of the bustling Human city.
SANNARO
So are we going to one of your father’s homes?
MARC
Yep, this is the home we lived in when we were in residence here. My father still keeps rooms for me, my brother and two sisters in case we want to visit.
SANNARO
We Astrisi would fit a dozen families into one of your father’s mansions that only one family occupies.
MARC
I’ve noticed. I agree it’s a whole lot of wasted space. That’s why I prefer to live on my own salary in smaller homes.
Soon they landed at a huge white brick three-story estate house with a long drive.
SANNARO
This is a huge house.
Marc led the walk up to the tall double doors.
The doors opened and a man in formal clothes stood at the side of the door.
Marc walked through.
MARC
Thanks, Trenton. I’ll take General Damirateyak to the guest room near my own room. Please call the personal physician and have him come with Alilat.
TRENTON
It will be done, Master Marcayo.
Marc walked up the biggest staircase Sannaro had ever seen. It was as wide as two hallways and the banister was of a highly polished redwood. He looked above him and saw a dizzying array of crystal spikes around more lights than he’d ever seen together that shined like stars.
SANNARO
This house is fancier than the house on Earth.
MARC
This is actually owned by my father. The other house is Centauri property that we’re given as long as he’s the representative of Alpha Centauri.
They stepped onto the second floor and Marc turned right to walk down a long hall. He opened an old-fashioned manual door into a fancy furnished room.
MARC
This will be yours. Not as nice furniture as you gave me when I was with the Kumani.
SANNARO
What do you mean? Your father is rich!
MARC
Rich, yes, but this is just normal Human made furniture, not the nice unique handmade the Astrisi make.
SANNARO
You’re just addicted to Astrisi craftsmanship!
MARC
Not going to deny it.
Sannaro went over to the bed and laid down.
SANNARO
Fausa, this feels so good to lay down. My side aches horribly.
MARC
I’m a bit sore, myself, but I’ll wait for the physician to come and guide him to you. You need attention more than I do.
SANNARO
But a Human physician can’t heal me without knowledge of Saili physiology.
MARC
I’m aware of that, San. Will Alilat do any good?
SANNARO
It would ease the pain.
MARC
So pain relief would be better than nothing.
SANNARO
I’ll grant you that.
MARC
Good.
Marc left the room.
Sannaro laid his head back on the pillow and covered his scabbed side with his hand. The gold was hard and smooth but he could still feel the gaping slice in his body under the scab.
The door opened and Marc led the man inside.
MARC
This is the Saili I mentioned. We can’t do much for him, but he says Alilat will ease his discomfort.
The doctor placed a bag down beside him.
DR. TUKATMET
As I was warned, so I brought Alilat for him.
SANNARO
Can these clothes be cut off? I can’t do much for the scab, but the clothes are a bit uncomfortable.
The doctor handed the Alilat to Sannaro, then gasped as he bent down to get a closer look at the scab.
TUKATMET
The clotting action of this wound is amazing! And this can’t come off unless it’s softened by a component of your own blood?
Sannaro swallowed the Alilat.
SANNARO
Yes, Cerlacticine is needed to soften the blood before it can be cleaned off.
TUKATMET
And can it be separated from your blood by centrifuge?
SANNARO
That’s usually how it’s rendered.
TUKATMET
Fascinating. Yes, I think if it would make you more comfortable to have your clothes removed. I can do that much for you.
The doctor pulled out scissors and began to carefully cut his clothes around the scab over his wound.
Marc gathered the rags and disposed of them.
MARC
Do you want me to find you some clothes, San?
SANNARO
No, moving that much would really hurt. I just want to lay here and relax.
MARC
Okay.
The doctor laid Sannaro back down and pulled the sheets over him.
Sannaro could already feel the pain recede.
SANNARO
(DROWSILY)
Thank you, Doctor.
TUKATMET
I wish I could do more, but at least you’re clearly feeling a bit better.
The doctor quietly slipped from his room.
Sannaro sensed the doctor was attending to Marc before he slipped into sleep.
(Later)
Sannaro felt poking on his stomach so he pushed back to consciousness. He opened his eyes to Danu’s concerned blue eyes.
SANNARO
Ki'iwa, you’re a wonderful sight.
DANU
Nice to see you too. We’re going to transport you to the Kumani so we can clean you up and heal you. Hadah and Jon are at the morgue having a look at Hadeon.
SANNARO
It was terrible, Danu. I bled on him. That’s how he died.
Danu’s eyes became unusually hard.
DANU
He’s dead. That’s all that matters.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I’m sad to see you so angry, brother.
DANU (PSI V.O.)
All of this hasn’t just been hard on you. It’s been hard on Vara, too. She’s had to help both of you cope. Sometimes she comes home at night and just cries in the bedroom. She tells me to tend to the kids and she’d join us shortly. I just want to cry with her, but I keep the tears back and make dinner.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I’m sorry it’s been so hard on you. I’ll make it up to you somehow, brother.
DANU (PSI V.O.)
Right now, just heal, brother. I’ve burdened you enough.
MARC
San, are you okay?
SANNARO
Danu was telling me that this situation has been so hard on Vara, she’s been crying every day. That makes me feel sad.
MARC
I can imagine. I’m sure it’s been hard on everyone that Hadeon just wouldn’t stop targeting us both until we were dead.
Hadah said as he entered the room with Jon following.
HADAH
Well, here we are, and Hadeon is quite thoroughly dead. We moved him into the shuttle. The morgue was nice enough to supply a coffin for transport.
SANNARO
He knifed me and I bled on him.
MARC
That blade was for me, Sannaro.
SANNARO
Sure, be sore that I took a knife for you. I was blind, remember?
MARC
Physically blind, but don’t you tell me you were completely impaired cause no man could move like you did if he was thoroughly blind.
SANNARO
Okay, I was using a telepathic aura sight and I didn’t want you to be stabbed!
JON
What’s going on between the two of you?
Sannaro felt his face heat up in a blush and saw that Marc was turning a deeper shade of blue.
SANNARO
Well, the suns were burning me and survival was so hard.
MARC
And it took all my Brocana skills to keep him from being claimed by the suns.
JON
So you were feeling very protective of Sannaro and because he was using his Saili skills to do more than expected, you felt anxious that he’d do something foolhardy to kill himself on your home planet.
MARC
I guess.
HADAH
I’m just glad the both of you made it to New San Francisco mostly intact. Now we can all go back to Earth and show the Alliance that bastard Brocana Pirate’s dead.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
They don’t have to know right now, Marc. Let’s just get to the Kumani to heal before we address the other issue.
Marc nodded.
SANNARO
I’ll be glad to be healed. This scab is making it almost impossible for my middle to bend.
DANU
I’ll begin transport.
Danu walked toward the door.
Danu returned with a hovering gurney and Jeremy. The two physicians took Sannaro by his shoulders and ankles and carried him onto the gurney.
Danu controlled the gurney to hover out of the room and down the grand stairs.
Sannaro watched the huge chandelier intently as he was lowered to the floor.
SANNARO
Danu, look above. It’s so beautiful.
DANU
It’s magnificent. I can’t even imagine how much human money it cost to make that or even power it.
Sannaro watched the gurney move beyond the door, out onto the lawn where the Astrisi shuttle was landed on the driveway. He was guided up the ramp and locked against the wall.
Danu sat down beside the gurney.
DANU
Want to talk, brother? Why are you so tense with Marc?
SANNARO
Sorry, Danu, this is a matter for Vara or Wanakaya.
DANU
So it’s a mental wound, not physical.
SANNARO
Houk, but I welcome you closing the gash in my side first.
DANU
That I can do.
Hadah sat on the bench beside Danu with Jeremy and Zhad beside him.
Jon and Marc were sitting on the other wall, deep in conversation that Sannaro didn’t feel like trying to overhear.
Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the simple white wood box at the rear of the hold.
HADAH
San, remember, Hadeon made his choice to target you until either he or you were dead. You survived. He won’t hurt you anymore.
SANNARO
It’s just that death by my blood is ugly.
HADAH
I won’t deny that. Bottom line, don’t stab a Saili and you won’t get acidic blood splashed on you.
MARC
That blade was for me.
SANNARO
You were on the ground in shock from being slashed across the stomach. I was defending my fallen wing-man. That’s what us Vizha'e are taught to do; protect your wing-man.
HADAH
That’s true, two can survive better than one.
JON
It’s over, and I am very glad it is.
MARC
He destroyed the mermaid fountain!
JON
Marcayo, statuary can be replaced. My first born son cannot be replaced.
MARC
It’s just that I loved that fountain.
JON
Then I’ll look for another close to the original, even if I have to have it special made just to ease your mind.
HADAH
We’re starting the landing approach to the Kumani.
Everyone went quiet to allow the pilot to clearly hear the landing instructions and soon they were lowered to the flight deck.
Sannaro was guided out first to be transported to the hospital because his wound was more serious.
Marc walked behind the gurney with Danu and Jeremy.
Hadah and Jon stayed behind to ensure Hadeon’s coffin was stored safely in a storage room.
When they arrived at the Hospital, Marc was placed in Tila’s care.
Danu and Jeremy guided Sannaro into a treatment room and laid Sannaro onto a treatment table.
Jeremy left the room to get the bottle of Cerlacticine.
Danu set out two metal bowls and bags of sponges.
Jeremy returned with a large bottle of clear fluid and carefully opened the bottle. He poured each bowl half full, then sealed the bottle again and closed it up in a cabinet.
He returned to the treatment table and pulled silver gloves on.
Danu pulled on another set of silver gloves and they both began to clean off the scab from Sannaro’s side.
Sannaro sighed as he felt his middle begin to move freer.
DANU
What a slice you have here. It sliced through a muscle then nicked your thirteenth rib. Thankfully, it stopped there before it sliced into your intestines.
JEREMY
It helped that Saili have two more floating ribs to protect our lower heart or this would’ve been worse.
DANU
Jere, can you knit the muscle as it is or do you want me to suture it first?
JEREMY
This is quite a long slice. Let’s suture it first.
Danu turned to get the suture kit.
Jeremy injected a local anesthetic into the muscle tissue, then stepped back to let Danu work.
SANNARO
Wow, this is so entertaining.
DANU
I never told you that medicine was always exciting, San.
JEREMY
You’re cold. I’ll lay a blanket on you except for where Danu’s working.
Jeremy pulled a blanket from a cabinet and spread it over Sannaro.
DANU
I’m still picking clothing fibers out of this wound. It looks like white muslin.
SANNARO
That’s what Brocana wear.
DANU
Where were your own clothes?
SANNARO
Hadeon stripped us after he kidnapped us from the Alpha Centauri Consulate on Earth then dumped us on Alpha Centauri Seven naked.
DANU
That explains your sunburned body.
Jeremy moved up to Sannaro’s face and held his hand over Sannaro’s eyes.
JEREMY
Oh good, I barely sense any damage. Did you keep your eyes closed?
SANNARO
Marc wouldn’t let me open them. When we finally reached a Brocana camp to ask for clothes, he tied a sash around my eyes to keep them protected from the suns. It was a challenge for me to have to function without my eyesight. I found my telepathy very useful to compensate.
JEREMY
That was the wisest choice.
SANNARO
I had no idea telepathy could compensate that much for blindness. It was like I didn’t need sight to get around.
JEREMY
I understand, Tsikakayu, I see into a body with my telepathy and I don’t even have to open the body to see it. Our telepathy is so very powerful that sight seems extraneous at times.
SANNARO
But I found if I used it too much, I tended to tire quicker.
JEREMY
I think we need to drop to our default senses regularly so we don’t totally exhaust ourselves.
Danu set down his tools.
DANU
The muscle is sutured.
Jeremy returned to Danu’s side to begin the healing.
Danu moved up to Sannaro’s head and looked at the angry orange skin.
DANU
Has this been medicated?
SANNARO
Houk, the Brocana gave us a sunburn salve. Marc spread it on my shoulders before he helped me into my clothes.
DANU
I can tell it’s been medicated. It’s beginning to heal already.
JEREMY
The muscle is knitted.
Danu returned to Sannaro’s side to suture his skin closed.
DANU
How are you holding up, Jere? Do you have the strength to heal the skin too or shall I use a hand held regenerator?
JEREMY
I’m tiring, but I think I can knit the skin before I’m exhausted.
Jeremy bent down and Sannaro felt his side itch as the skin knitted closed.
Sannaro willed some of his strength into Jeremy so he wouldn’t be as exhausted.
JEREMY
Thank you, Tsikakayu, but you should keep your strength for recovery. I can rest after I finish your healing and recover naturally. It’s done.
Jeremy dropped his arms heavily to his sides.
Danu arranged the blanket to cover Sannaro’s side.
DANU
You should rest.
SANNARO
I don’t know if I can.
DANU
Doctor’s orders. You had a slashing wound six meters long and one meter deep. Your body needs time to recover.
SANNARO
Okay, I’ll try.
Sooner than he thought, he fell asleep.
INT. PSYCHIATRIC OFFICE, KUMANI
The next day, Danu told him he was able to leave the hospital so he arranged for Marc and Amber to show up at Varanani’s office at the Hospital.
As he sat down beside his sister, he could sense Amber’s nervousness as she sat beside Marc.
Marc tried to act like this was just a casual chat, but his skin looked almost cyanotic.
VARANANI
Thank you for showing up. I must begin by telling you that I am Sannaro’s older sister, but we spent over ten years apart. I do have a PhD in Psychiatry from the University of Alveria. Because I'm too close to Sannaro, I will give this session to Wanakaya. She is a Saili doctor of Psychiatry.
Varanani left the room and she was soon replaced by a Saili woman of gold skin.
WANAKAYA
As Varanani said, I am Wanakaya. I have a doctorate in Psychiatry. I have been working with Sannaro for several months now and my colleague thought it wise for me to lead this session.
AMBER
I just wonder what this is about.
WANAKAYA
Mr. Daniels?
MARC
You can call me Marc.
WANAKAYA
Thank you, Marc. Would you like to begin?
MARC
I haven’t been entirely truthful to you, Amber.
AMBER
About what, Marcayo?
MARC
You know when I was raped on that traffic stop?
AMBER
That time was awful.
MARC
I really thought the treatment I received afterward ended the problem, but with all that Hadeon put us through.
Marc looked pleadingly toward Sannaro.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
SANNARO
I’m sorry, Marc. You have to do this.
AMBER
I’m losing you.
MARC
No! No, it’s not that.
AMBER
What is it, Marcayo?
MARC
I love you, Amber, I really do. It’s just that, I I have feelings for Sannaro. On that moon, he appeared to look like a Polynesian girl and lured the pirates out of their shuttle so we could take the shuttle to get off that moon.
Marc’s face was wet with tears.
MARC
He was so hot, I couldn’t stop thinking about. I’m so sorry, I’m sexually attracted to another man!
SANNARO
It was the only way I could think of to lure the pirates to the ground. I really didn’t mean to cause Marc this internal conflict. I’m sorry.
AMBER
You can make yourself appear to look like a girl?
SANNARO
It’s a telepathic trick I can do. Most of the time, I just usually make myself disappear by envisioning an empty hallway, but with the pirates hunting us and our shuttle destroyed, I needed to lure them to land to take them out so I thought a pretty girl would convince them.
AMBER
Can you let me see the form you took?
Sannaro blushed.
AMBER
I just want to understand this.
Sannaro took a few deep breaths to cool his face before he envisioned the image and projected it around him.
FADE TO HUMAN ASIAN FEMALE SANNARO
MARC
Yep, that's how he made himself look like to lure the pirates.
AMBER
Wow, you look like very pretty girl.
Sannaro saw Wanikaya blush.
WANAKAYA
I can see how a pirate would’ve found it difficult not to be lured by that form.
Human Asian Female Sannaro blushed then dropped the false image.
BACK TO MALE SAILI SANNARO
SANNARO
I should have remembered that Saili auras are very powerful and it makes an electrical field around them that causes some humanoids to be sexually stimulated. We were so or I was so fixated on fighting for our survival against Hadeon, I was too close to Marc several times and he reacted to my aura. I didn’t mean to upset him.
MARC
You weren’t the only one who was so fixated on survival, San. I fought just as hard for our survival and I’m sorry that it was my fault that Hadeon captured Cherna and raped her. I should have waited for you to return from your battle, but Captain Selik told me to stop stalling and bring someone to the Yorktown to be detained. That was before I realized that Captain Selik was colluding with Hadeon. I’m ashamed that I was used against you.
WANAKAYA
This is very complicated. Both of you were subjected to multiple acts of violence and had to depend on each other for survival.
MARC
We were so close to dying several times.
SANNARO
And Hadeon wouldn’t stop pursuing us until I was dead.
AMBER
I can see why you were attracted to Sannaro’s female image. I knew our relationship had become somewhat strained since the rape, Marc, but why didn’t you tell me this sooner? I thought I was losing you!
MARC
I don’t want to lose you, Amber, but these feelings I have are getting so crazy and seeing San well, in that female form and then having to spend a lot of time trapped on Hadeon’s ship and both of us were naked and emotions were so intense. I felt like I was losing control.
AMBER
I love you, Marcayo. I remained at your side after the rape. I know we can get through this, too.
Amber hugged Marc.
MARC (psi v.o.)
I won’t betray your confidence and tell her about your Saili family love. That’s your business.
SANNARO (psi v.o.)
But do you want to still be intimate with me?
MARC
Maybe I should just take this slowly and not jump into something I may regret.
SANNARO
I agree.
MARC
I never wanted to hurt you, Amber.
AMBER
I’ve been told some about this horrible situation and it sounded worse than the bad traffic stop. Both of you were so used and abused. And Sannaro?
SANNARO
Yes?
AMBER
I can understand why Marc thought your false image was hot. It was very alluring, but that’s what you were trying to achieve. I don’t fault you cause you did get Marc off that moon alive. I’ve heard a lot about you and I know Marc respects you a lot for helping him rescue Jon from the Zurans. You have saved Marc’s life so many times and I appreciate what you’ve done for Marc.
Sannaro blushed.
AMBER
And you’re so darned cute when you blush!
Sannaro buried his head in his hands.
ANIMATION OF SANNARO MELTING INTO A GOLD PUDDLE ON THE FLOOR
AMBER
Oh wow, that’s some talent, Sannaro!
Marc leaned against Amber, hooting with laughter.
SANNARO REAPPEARED IN THE CHAIR
WANAKAYA
Nice deflecting maneuver, visualizing yourself to look like you melted into a gold puddle.
SANNARO
I feel like it! You’re all embarrassing me!
WANAKAYA
Now, I think we need to allow Sannaro to cool down. He is very sensitive to embarrassment.
AMBER
Thank you for helping me understand why Marc has been pulling away from me, Sannaro. You are a good friend.
Sannaro nodded, not trusting that he could speak at that moment.
MARC (PSI V.O.)
Are we okay with each other now, San?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
We are. You’ve been honest with Amber.
MARC
You saved my marriage to Amber and I appreciate that.
SANNARO
You’re welcome. Our women are special people to take all the anxiety we put them through.
MARC
Right you are.
SANNARO
I need to do some relationship healing with my own mate. She’s literally been put through hell.
MARC
She has. Now we can show that stinking corpse to anyone who wants to be sure that bastard is dead so we can move on.
SANNARO
Houk, it’s time to move on.
Sannaro stood up.
Amber stood and pecked Sannaro on the cheek.
AMBER
You’re the best.
Marc stood and put his arm around Amber’s waist and they left the room together.
Varanani stepped into the room.
VARANANI
Sometimes I’m just amazed at how you get out of the bad situations you put yourself into, little brother.
SANNARO
I don’t mean to and you know it!
VARANANI
I know you don’t, but that Polynesian girl? Wow, Sanna, just wow, no wonder you set Marc off. They don’t know how powerful you are at projecting your images. You’re a true artist that few Saili can best.
SANNARO
I only learned how to do that to sneak around situations unseen! I didn’t know it wasn’t a normal ability Saili had!
VARANANI
I know you didn’t know this ability wasn’t common. Now, I do agree with you that you have some mending to do with Cherna. Go home, brother.
SANNARO
Houk, it’s time I went home.
He turned and walked from his sister’s office.
Sannaro went to the elevator and took it to the floor of his apartment. He walked in and was rushed by his family. He accepted their hugs.
ANDOKU
Adara-
AMBRIKA
Jeremy-
CHERNA
Whoa, whoa, whoa, children. Your father has just been released from the hospital after a serious wound! Slow it down!
Sannaro chuckled as he sat down in his favorite armchair.
SANNARO
Andu, what’s your news?
ANDOKU
Well, I don’t think it’s as nice as Ambri’s.
SANNARO
Adara is getting old, Andu. She’s been making pottery for several centuries.
ANDOKU
She says her old fingers are getting too sore to do justice to the clay so she says she thinks it’s time for me to take over.
SANNARO
I’m proud you have been chosen to be the senior potter. You’ve earned the privilege. Ambri?
AMBRIKA
Jeremy and I will be asking the council to tasra soon. I was waiting for you to be well enough to sit on the council.
SANNARO
Fa’arata, Ambri. You know how I’d vote anyway.
Ambrika hugged Sannaro shoulders.
AMBRIKA
You’re great, Ya.
CHERNA
Now that everyone elses news has been said, I think I’d like a nice warm hug from my own tasra.
Cherna grinned and sat down on Sannaro’s lap. She hugged his shoulders and gave him a passionate kiss.
SANNARO
That’s the homecoming I was looking forward to.
AMBRIKA
I’m going to go talk to Jeremy.
Ambrika grinned and rushed toward the door.
ANDOKU
I’ve got clay that’s ready to throw. I’m really glad you killed that unkafata so you can stay home for a while.
The door closed behind his older son.
CHERNA
You were doing your duty.
SANNARO
I wish Marc had waited until the battle had been finished.
CHERNA
You rescued me.
SANNARO
I didn’t do such a good job with it.
CHERNA
Do you always think you have to do everything by yourself?
SANNARO
Vara says I’ve always had that problem.
CHERNA
But you didn’t do it by yourself. You called on Hadah to back you up and he deployed the Vizha'i to distract the pirates. He boarded that ship in time to keep us from dying. I consider that a success.
Hadeon’s dead. We lived. We won.
SANNARO
Houk, Hadeon’s dead. We’re alive. We won.
CHERNA
Now it’s time to heal. We have a young woman who is beginning a new life with a young man she adores. Andu will go to his Us’uata os Tasra next year. We have so much to look forward to.
SANNARO
So much life ahead.
CHERNA
And grandchildren to spoil!
Sannaro chuckled.
CHERNA
The pain will fade with time and living, sweetheart. You’re my knight in shining armor, well, shining skin in this case. You rescued me, swept me off my feet, well, stumps and carried me to safety.
SANNARO
Quit that, woman!
CHERNA
Make me.
SANNARO
And you call me a scamp?
CHERNA
Who said I wasn’t a scamp, too? You are my man. Only you can truly know me.
SANNARO
I’m privileged.
CHERNA
You earned that privilege.
Sannaro found his eyes fill with tears.
Cherna kissed them from his cheeks.
CHERNA
You want to talk about it?
MONTAGE OF ALPHA CENTAURI 7
CHERNA
Fausa, you can actually see like that?
SANNARO
Not a lot. I can only see creatures with an electrical field around them. Anything else doesn’t show strongly or doesn’t show at all. It was so scary and Marc was coming at me lustily while my skin was burning off my bones and I didn’t dare open my eyes or they would’ve burned right out of my head.
Cherna hugged him tightly.
CHERNA
What a horrible experience.
SANNARO
It finally took me sacrificing myself to Hadeon’s blade and bleeding on him to finally kill him and end his unrelenting attacks. I never want to watch my blood eat through another person again.
CHERNA
It’s over, sweetheart. He’ll never hurt us again.
SANNARO
But Marcayo-
CHERNA
Marcayo is back with his wife, houk?
SANNARO
Houk, he’s decided to heal the rift he has with his wife.
CHERNA
Then consider that closed too. We’ll be all right, Sanna. We’ll just take one day at a time.
SANNARO
As much as I’d love to just stay here and cuddle with you all day, I’m sure there’s work for me to do in my office.
CHERNA
That infamous restlessness is setting in again. You’ve just been released from the hospital! Danu would allow you to rest for a day or two and Hadah would agree! Arcas and Tisa are topside. They’ll watch your flight decks while you heal.
SANNARO
I’ll get bored.
CHERNA
Well, Hadeon didn’t feed you regularly. I’ll dress and find out if the cafeteria has a nice thick steak for you, cooked just as you like it.
SANNARO
What is this magic you’re weaving on me?
CHERNA
It’s called feminine wiles.
SANNARO
A thousand pirates can pursue me with energy weapons and not conquer me! You come with those swinging hips and sky blue eyes and trap me every time!
CHERNA
Your ears are so pretty.
SANNARO
Okay, I surrender. Ask for that steak.
CHERNA
Good boy.
She chuckled as she walked alluringly from the room.
INT. EARTH – DAY
Sannaro set down the shuttle on the tarmac at Houston Spaceport and shut down the system. He nodded at Marc in the copilot’s chair before he pressed the button to release the airlock and extend the ramp. He stood and waited for Jon Daniels and Hadah to step out of the shuttle.
Marc grabbed the handles on the coffin, Sannaro grabbed the other handles and they lifted the box to walk it down the ramp.
They were met by a swarm of reporters.
Jon stepped up to the microphones.
JON
Greetings, Terran Alliance. I am Jonathan Daniels, Speaker of the Council of Representatives and Ambassador of Alpha Centauri. One week ago, I was informed by the Terrestrial Police of Alpha Centauri Seven that the body of Hadeon the Pirate was brought to New San Francisco by ADF Commander Marcayo Daniels and Aurum General Sannaro Damirateyak in Command of the Saili and New Saili Defense Force and Senior Fighter Pilot of the Astrisi Star-ship Kumani. Hadeon is wanted on dozens of Allied worlds for acts of terrorism and piracy. Several weeks ago, Hadeon took over the courthouse at Arcturus and wounded several people in the process of trying to assassinate Aurum General Damirateyak as he and his wife were attending their hearing to clear their names for killing Tristin Sarto, a known felon, in self defense. A feared predator is finally defeated and now many worlds on the rim of the Alliance can rest easier. Thank you.
A hearse drove up and Marc and Sannaro loaded the coffin into the car.
Jon stepped up to a limousine and the door was opened for him. Jon turned and waved for Marc and Sannaro to enter before him.
Sannaro followed Marc and stepped inside.
Hadah climbed in next and Jon climbed in last.
The door was closed and they were flown away from the spaceport.
MARC
I’m glad that’s over. Formal announcements are so boring.
JON
But necessary.
MARC
Doesn’t make it any less boring.
JON
I know, Marcayo. It’s completely all right that you don’t have the patience to be a diplomat.
MARC
Surprisingly enough, the ADF uses Marc for his diplomatic skills.
JON
I’m not surprised. He really did learn more than I thought he did when he was a child and found his place as a man. He’s made me proud.
Marc blushed.
HADAH
Well, I can, in a way, say the same for Sannaro. When I first met him, he was a badly burned child with nothing left but courage. He found staunch friends who taught him how to live with a culture he knew nothing about. My deceased wife and I took the budding pilot under our wing and taught him how to be an excellent pilot. He even impressed a Senior Pilot who was hard-set on breaking his indomitable spirit. Through all those hardships, Sannaro proved his worth and convinced everyone he was a great Defender. He’s made me proud and I know he’s made his foster father Zhad proud as well.
Sannaro blushed.
JON
They’re good men, Hadah.
HADAH
They sure are, Jon. Powerful and innovative when faced with tough situations.
SANNARO
And nearly faint with embarrassment.
Marc nodded in agreement.
HADAH
And amusingly humble.
JON
Decidedly.
The car stopped and the door was opened for them to step outside the Terran Alliance Council building.
Jon led the way inside.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
Sannaro feared they’d have to go through a detailed security checkpoint, but they were led through all the security quickly.
Jon walked them rapidly through the building to his office.
A knock sounded on Jon’s door.
Jon turned on his camera view to the hall.
VILLANOVA
Ambassador, Admiral Villanova requests to enter.
Jon glanced at his son.
Marc turned pale.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
This guy scares you.
MARC (PSI V.O.)
Admiral Villanova is my top commanding officer. He’s the Admiral of the whole ADF.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Would it mean anything if I told you I sense he wants to speak to you to apologize?
MARC (PSI V.O.)
Apologize to me?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
That’s right.
MARC
Father, it’s okay.
JON
Please enter, Admiral.
Jon unlocked his door at the computer.
A tall Hispanic man stepped into the room and saluted Jon.
VILLANOVA
Thank you for this audience, Ambassador.
Jon nodded.
The Admiral turned to Marc.
VILLANOVA
Commander Daniels, I’m here to apologize for the way you were treated by Captain Selik. I was shocked to learn that some members of the ADF were bought out by pirates so the pirates could establish a reign of terror through a cluster of outer Alliance colonies. They greatly obstructed your duties, attempted to murder you and handed you over to the pirates to be tortured. This is a sad day for the ADF and I’m sorry you were treated in this manner.
MARC
Thank you, Admiral Villanova.
VILLANOVA
And Aurum General Damirateyak, I am here to apologize to you as well. You were also treated poorly by the ADF. Captain Selik tried to prevent you from having due process of the law, attempted to murder you and handed you over to pirates to be tortured. It’s a sad day when a fellow Defender has to declare Diplomatic Immunity so he could remain able to show up in court to clear his name.
SANNARO
Thank you, Admiral.
VILLANOVA
The ADF is doing a thorough investigation to locate anyone within its ranks who have accepted any monies from a known pirate and discipline them. During this time, Commander Daniels will be reassigned to Earth and placed under a protective guard to prevent further attacks on his person until we are sure we have found all ADF personnel who have become corrupted by pirate influence.
MARC
I really don’t like the idea of having to live with a guard, but I understand your reasons.
VILLANOVA
I’ll tell the guards to try to be discreet, Commander.
Marc sighed.
SANNARO
You know I’d offer you a place on the Kumani if I could, but it wouldn’t put you near your job.
MARC
Generous offer, my friend, but you’re right, it wouldn’t be convenient to the ADF. I’ll just live with the guard. Sir, I have to warn you that I live with my cousin and his wife in my house and they could get a bit confused about Human situations cause they’re Brocana.
VILLANOVA
We’ll explain the situation to them, Commander.
Marc nodded.
JON
If it would be too hard on Zakoti and Lashanti, they can move to the consulate for a while, Marc.
MARC
I’ll consider that.
VILLANOVA
We just want to protect you while we do the investigation into corruption because we feel you’ve been targeted enough. I hope you understand why we won’t guard you, General Damirateyak. You have your own guard.
SANNARO
I do and they’re trained by me.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I trust my guard. Unfortunately, I don’t have the same trust for yours.
MARC (PSI V.O.)
I don’t blame you. But, as you’ve been telling me repeatedly, my life is here on Earth. Your life is with the Astrisi on the Kumani.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I can contact you periodically to ask how you’re doing, but I would be too far away to help you quickly in an emergency.
MARC (PSI V.O.)
I’m a big boy, San, you don’t have to run to my rescue every time I have a bad day.
VILLANOVA
Well, I need to be going, gentlemen.
JON
Thank you for stopping by, Admiral.
Jon stood and shook Villanova’s hand.
Villanova nodded to each person then left the room.
INT. SANNARO'S OFFICE, KUMANI
Sannaro sat in his office and worked on the backlog of reports that had stacked up during his chaotic attempts to stay out of Hadeon’s control and there was plenty to do.
The computer chimed.
He distractedly connected the line.
SANNARO
Sannaro. Why didn’t you contact me telepathically?
PARIK
It’s Parik, San. Council?
He popped up from his chair.
SANNARO
Aw fausa! Council! Be there in five minutes.
PARIK
No problem, San. I know a lot has been on your mind.
Sannaro rushed from his office and bounded down the stairs.
ARCAS
Late for council, San?
SANNARO
Grr.
ARCAS
Thought so.
Sannaro walked as fast as protocol allowed through the flight deck to the elevator. He pressed the button and shifted restlessly from foot to foot with impatience for the elevator to arrive.
SANNARO
Abazhara.
The elevator began to move down, then to the fore until it stopped and opened again.
Sannaro slipped through the opening doors, quickly walked down the hall and turned a right into the crowded council room. He slipped around the table and sat down in his chair.
PARIK
Nice of you to join us, O'aki'vizha'e.
Sannaro nodded as he blew his breath out to cool his face.
SANNARO
Now, I think first business we need to address is about Rana.
YETIN
Who is she again?
HADAH
The young woman who pushed San into the torpedo casing and launched him into space.
PIRLO
That caused San quite a spectacular panic attack.
Sannaro put his head in his hand.
ANDOKU
What she did to my Yaro was mean and uncalled for. It wasn’t his fault her tasra died in battle.
HADAH
True, Andu.
DANU
Grief can cause chemical imbalances that can make a person think irrationally. Vara counseled her and her findings were that Rana is suffering from deep grief and depression.
SANNARO
I actually feel sympathy for her.
KOSI
After she locked you into a missile and shot you into space?
SANNARO
Houk, I can’t forgive her for trying to hand me over to Hadeon again, but I understand grief.
HADAH
What do you think should be her punishment?
SANNARO
House arrest with grief counseling. Ama, would you take her on as a mother-ship pilot?
AMIDA
I already anticipated your request and looked at her performance records. She was a great bomber so she’s good at flying. I’ll take her on, but I’ll watch her like a scope.
SANNARO
Fa’arata, Ama. By the way, very nice flying to retrieve me.
AMIDA
My pleasure, dear. Both us old gals have a few surprises in us.
Everyone chuckled.
PARIK
Now, I think San’s youngest wants to ask us a request?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Are you ready to enter council?
AMBRIKA (PSI V.O.)
Already?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Your name was brought up.
AMBRIKA (PSI V.O.)
Uh, houk, we’re ready.
SANNARO
They're coming.
The door swept open and Ambrika entered with Jeremy quietly following.
AMBRIKA
Fa’arata for allowing me to speak before the council.
YETIN
Oh, not again. Is this an illness Zhad created?
Kiki smacked Yetin’s arm.
KIKI
Give it a rest, you old glassblower!
Ambrika put her hands on her hips.
KU'AN
Ho, ho, I’ve seen my Cherna like that and I know if you challenge her, she’ll hurt you!
AMBRIKA
Ki'ya!
KU'AN
Ki’hala! Anyway, I like the kid. He’s smarter than your Ya any day.
SANNARO
Ku'an!
KU'AN
I'm joking.
DANU
He’s a great surgeon. I approve.
SANNARO
I can personally vouch for that when he’s not talking constantly with Ambri.
BA'IA
I think he’s perfect for Ambri.
ANDOKU
Well, he is better than that other boy she crushed on.
AMBRIKA
Andu!
ANDOKU
Hey, I’m giving a compliment. I like him.
HADAH
Well, we can see there’s a consensus within Ambri’s family. Now for the rest of us.
KOSI
Surgeon, huh?
DANU
Telepathic, no-scalpel surgery with minimal recovery time. I’ve witnessed it several times.
KOSI
Even with Humans?
SANNARO
Houk, he healed Cherna and Marc Daniels while we were marooned on that moon and Marc had internal bleeding.
AMIDA
Impressive.
PARIK
Anyone has objections?
MORI
Well, he is another Saili but I’ve found that the Saili are useful people. I say houk.
PARIK
Any objections?
ALL
No objections.
PARIK
The vote has been taken. Ambrika and Jeremy are mated.
The two young lovers hugged each other tightly and kissed passionately.
Sannaro stood and hugged them both.
SANNARO
Welcome to the family, Jeremy.
AMBRIKA
Ya, we should invite Marc to come to our Us’uata! He needs some fun after everything he went through too.
SANNARO
Mind if Amber and Amaranta come too?
AMBRIKA
Oh, Ama has to! I talked to her a lot while we were flying from Earth to Alpha Centauri and back. I remembered meeting her years ago at an us’uata right after we joined the Alliance.
JEREMY
She was very nice.
SANNARO
So, Hadah, can I extend the invitation to Marc Daniels’ family to attend Ambri and Jeremy’s us’uata?
HADAH
I don’t see why we can’t. You have my permission, San.
Sannaro kissed Ambrika quickly on the cheek before he stepped out of the council room.
Ambrika rushed after him.
AMBRIKA
Ya, where are you going?
SANNARO
To a com to call Marc.
Ambrika
Use your head!
She pointed to her head and crossed her eyes.
SANNARO
But then I have to arrange transportation.
AMBRIKA
Oh, then go on! Always rushing around.
SANNARO
That's me!
Sannaro whirled around and waved as he walked down the hall.
(LATER)
A few hours later, Sannaro stood on the Upper Flight Deck and watched a personal shuttle lowered from the retrieval deck. Once the lift locked into the floor, the shuttle hovered over to the parking area and shut down. A few minutes later, the hatch opened and a ramp lowered.
Marc walked down the ramp with a smile on his face, followed by Amber and Amaranta.
Sannaro moved to greet them.
MARC
Thanks for inviting us, San. It’s great news that the council is allowing Ambri to marry Jeremy.
Marc held out his hand.
Sannaro grinned as he shook Marc’s hand.
SANNARO
Cheri and I are quite pleased. It just seems like yesterday that I was giving tiny Ambri baths and she’d soak me with tiny kicking feet. She’d just loved to splash.
MARC
Where does the time go?
SANNARO
Light speed, my friend, light speed. This will be your first pure Astrisi us’uata on the Kumani so it will be different than the one you attended after we joined the Alliance. As usual, we’ll supply each of you with translators so you can understand all that’s being said, since we speak Astrisi most of the time.
Sannaro handed them a small black box with a cordless ear bud.
Marc attached the box to his waistband, inserted the ear bud then turned the device on.
Amber and Amaranta repeated Marc’s actions.
Sannaro turned to walk them to the elevator. He pressed the call button.
Once the elevator arrived, they entered.
SANNARO
Tanzhe.
AMARANTA
Tanzhe looks so nice. It makes so many good foods. I couldn’t believe all the things Ambri showed me you have on this ship!
SANNARO
You think it looked nice before? You’ll be amazed now.
The elevator opened to a dazzling sight of colorful streamers draped on the walls and light globes that dangled from the ceiling. The buffet table was being finished with many foods. Part of the floor was cleared and a temporary stage was against the wall with instruments set up for the band. People were already entering and talking excitedly.
Hadah stepped up to Sannaro.
HADAH
Since this is your girl’s Us’uata os Tasra, I think it would be fitting if you and Cheri made the call to us’uata, San. Oh, and welcome back to the Kumani, Marc, Amber, Amaranta.
MARC
Fa’arata for inviting us, Hadah.
Amaranta waved.
AMARANTA
Oh, there’s Ambri! Hi, Ambri!
Ambrika rushed over to hug her.
AMBRIKA
Ama!
Sannaro chuckled as he reached out his telepathy to find Cherna.
MARC
Whoa! Careful with that aura, now, San.
SANNARO
I apologize, Marc. I was finding Cheri.
CHERNA
Well, I’m here.
Cherna stepped up and put her arm around Sannaro’s waist.
SANNARO
Hadah wants us to do the call to us’uata.
CHERNA
Fitting.
AMBER
Why are you so sensitive to Sannaro’s aura, Marc, and what is it?
MARC
When we were so close for so long, I began to notice that when San uses his telepathy, he gets this charged field around him. That’s his Saili aura intensified when he actively uses his telepathy.
AMBER
Oh, that’s why my skin can get tingly around him.
MARC
Yeah, after long close contact with him, I’ve become sensitive to his intensified aura.
AMBER
Oh.
Sannaro gave Cherna a quick kiss on the lips. He took her hand in his and they walked to the stage. They stepped up and stopped before the microphone.
SANNARO
Ki’iwa. We come together today because Cheri’s and my little girl has grown up and chosen a mate.
CHERNA
We’re so proud of her. She’s grown to be a wonderful young woman and her choice to ask Jeremy to tasra makes my heart fill with joy.
SANNARO
So, together, as always, we say –
SANNARO/CHERNA
Us'uata!
ALL
Us'uata!
The band behind them began to play a festive song.
Sannaro and Cherna stepped back into the crowd.
Marc stepped up to Sannaro with a glass of blue bubbly liquid.
MARC
Drink a toast to your girl’s marriage? Or are you staying sober tonight?
SANNARO
I guess I’ll indulge in one glass.
He took the glass from Marc.
MARC
Oh, I’m forgetting my manners.
He handed his glass to Sannaro then turned to take two more glasses and handed them to Cherna and Amber.
Marc took his glass back from Sannaro and raised it in the air.
MARC
A toast, to Cheri and San’s daughter’s marriage.
Amber raised the glass and clinked it to Marc’s.
MARC (PSI V.O.)
Oh, right, follow what we do, San.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Cheri, Marc says we should touch our glasses with his and Amber's to complete the ritual.
Sannaro and Cherna raised their glasses and touched them with Marc and Amber's.
MARC
To Ambri and Jeremy’s marriage, may it be long and happy.
AMBER
Here, here!
SANNARO/CHERNA
Here, here!
Sannaro drank and felt the heady rush of the alcohol.
SANNARO
Whoa, that first sip is a shock.
MARC
It's your girl's wedding. Can't you indulge a little?
SANNARO
I am indulging because it's my Little Rose's wedding.
MARC
You know we both chose flowers for both our girl's names?
SANNARO
Yeah, I called her that because of the pink gold color of her skin.
MARC
Well, Amaranta is just a pretty flower.
He glanced at a corner and saw a gold man with long silver hair. He walked over to stand beside the man.
SANNARO
How did you get here, Sikyatavo?
SIKYATAVO
I'm just a drunk man's hallucination.
SANNARO
I'm not that drunk.
SIKYATAVO
Yet. Okay, I wanted to see your little girl get married if you need a justification. I'm still a drunk man's hallucination.
Sannaro glanced at Ambrika who was talking animatedly with Amaranta. He looked back and the corner was empty.
Di'ok rushed to the corner and grabbed his arm.
DI'OK
Why are you hiding in a corner at your daughter's wedding?
SANNARO
I'm not, I was talking to someone.
DI'OK
Get your ass out here and be the father of the bride.
Sannaro glanced back at the corner before he lost himself in the alcohol, revelry and dancing. Another struggle was over and it was time to heal again.
SUPER: KELLIN
I cannot believe the obstinacy of that child! No more games, Tarek. The war is on.
SUPER: SIKYATAVO/TAREK
I'm confident he can handle the truth about himself. Be prepared for an ion storm. He'll be pissed as hell but I think it is time to stop the games. The war is on, Mother.
FADE OUT.
THE END.