Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
“FESTIVAL OF SHIPS”
EPISODE 24 - HEARING
BY: LYSSA THORNE
FADE IN:
INT. FESTIVAL HOSPITAL - DAY
Sannaro awoke to the rustling of fabric.
When he came to full consciousness, he saw Zhad over him taking down the tent.
ZHAD
Welcome back.
Sannaro gingerly felt his face. He could feel his high cheekbones and his lips were smooth again. He sighed with relief. Sannaro sat up.
ZHAD
It’s all normal.
SANNARO
How long have I been asleep?
ZHAD
A few hours. It’s mid-afternoon now.
Zhad folded the device into its storage case.
SANNARO
That’s a while.
ZHAD
Don’t worry, activities always go on well after dark and some people never sleep the whole week.
SANNARO
Really, do you stay awake?
ZHAD
Oh, nui, I only lose sleep over studying for an exam.
SANNARO
You haven’t been in school for fifteen years.
ZHAD
That answers your question! Actually, I do have to take refresher courses to learn new medical procedures. Why don’t you go and have some fun before you turn in for the night?
SANNARO
I'll try.
ZHAD
Are you afraid of cultural retaliation?
SANNARO
Should I not?
ZHAD
I don’t know if they'd retaliate or not.
ENTER Lazha.
LAZHA
They're asking for a hearing. And I was told by Chi'on to take Sannaro into custody and to bring him to the central tent.
ZHAD
Are you really going to do that?
LAZHA
I must, Zhad, to preserve peace in this camp. The Wokolo people are angry and demanding a hearing in a Council of Ships.
SANNARO
Then I will go peacefully. I was the one who was attacked.
LAZHA
That’s not what they are saying.
SANNARO
Then I’ll have to say my side of the story.
Sannaro joined her at the door.
LAZHA
Is he ready to be released yet?
ZHAD
I was in the process of releasing him.
LAZHA
Come, Sannaro.
When they entered the central tent, all the chairs were taken and the canvas walls were lined with people standing.
On the dais, the eleven commanders and their council seniors were seated. They watched like hawks as Lazha led Sannaro through the grumbling crowd to the dais.
The boys who had surrounded Sannaro and Danu were sitting in chairs set up at the right of the dais.
Sannaro was led to the left of the dais where Danu was already growling at some people that he had the right to be there since he was involved in the conflict, but when they saw Sannaro and Lazha approaching, they suddenly disappeared into the crowd.
As soon as Sannaro sat down, Lazha climbed the platform and sat down beside Parik
just as Parik stood up to the podium.
PARIK
Since this disagreement involves a young man from my ship, I turn over speaker-ship to Aleus the senior councilman of the Basuto.
A man with graying dark hair stood up and took Parik’s place.
ALEUS
A fight broke out in the Wokolo camp earlier today. It involved four of Wokolo’s young men and two young men from the Kumani. We’ll hear each side testify and also have medical reports and hear from witnesses. First to be heard will be one spokesman for the four young Wokolos.
Unsurprisingly, Teru came forward.
TERU
We were only trying to be friendly when that metal boy, without warning, grabbed me and flipped me over his hip onto Muro! Then when my friends tried to defend me, he attacked them! He hurt my neck, dislocated Muro’s shoulder, bruised Enmi’s jaw and caused internal bleeding in Raki! That guy’s an animal!
At that moment, Sannaro’s senses received a mental summons.
He swung his head around to the crowd of Kumani people and was given a wink and a grin from Edat, the Kumani’s hand-to-hand combat instructor.
Sannaro rolled his eyes at Edat’s audacity.
Beside him was Cherna who had a worried look on her face.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I’ll be all right.
ALEUS
Now one from the two Kumanis will speak.
Before Sannaro could stand up, Danu did.
DANU
Sannaro, Sannaro’s mate Cherna and I were looking through the stalls in the Wokolo camp. Cherna left us to look at some fabrics when we were surrounded by those four boys. The boy who just spoke was calling Sannaro danunka.
Danu stumbled uncomfortably over Danunka, his own name that he hates.
DANU (CONT.)
And being real rude with him. Sannaro didn’t want to cause a fight, but when the boy who just spoke flicked Sannaro’s ear with his finger contemptuously, Sannaro flew into a rage. Now, whether he meant to challenge Sannaro, that’s exactly what he did. Saili ears are so sensitive, he caused Sannaro’s ear injury that brought on mild vertigo and nausea.
ALEUS
Protocol Enforcer Wo-Shiko, speak.
Shiko stood up from the front row and faced the commanders.
SHIKO
I was on watch. As soon as I rounded the corner of the walkway, I heard the sounds of a fight. I ran to the scene and found that the Kumanis were the only ones left standing and the Saili boy was still tense in a fighting stance.
ALEUS
Dr. Mibu, speak about the conditions of the Wokolos.
Mibu, Wokolo’s senior doctor rose.
MIBU
Teru’s neck was moderately wrenched. Muro’s left shoulder was dislocated with mild muscle damage. Enmi had a bruised lower mandible. Raki was considered the worst injured with a ruptured spleen. Healing time for all four in healing tents was two hours and twenty minutes.
ALEUS
Dr. Zhad, report on the Kumanis.
ZHAD
Danu’s report about Sannaro’s ear was correct. I did find a bruise on Sannaro’s left ear, the shape of a human finger. Saili ears are sensitive to the touch. A flick can cause noticeable damage to the Saili ear, resulting in vertigo and nausea. But that was the least of his injuries after Teru’s father attacked Sannaro causing bruises and contusions on Sannaro’s face, groin and foot.
CHI'ON
Unro is not in question, here!
ZHAD
Why isn’t it when my son was attacked with a siche?
ALEUS
No, it isn't. Limit your report to the incident in question.
ZHAD
I have nothing further to report.
ALEUS
The Council of Ships will decide. If Sannaro's to be disciplined by his shipmates in accordance to Chi'on’s request, say houk. If no punishment should be chosen, say nui. We’ll announce by successions of huens. Parik and Lazha of Kumani?
They whispered to each other for a second.
PARIK
Nui.
ALEUS
Monan and Erm of Urvasi, what is your vote?
MONAN
Nui.
ALEUS
Orisa and Zhama of Mopani?
ZHAMA
Nui.
ALEUS
Charis and Kito of Binzhuru?
CHARIS
Nui.
ALEUS
Elam and Ba'id of Horozhu?
BA'ID
Nui!
ALEUS
Dena and Cu'al of Intoku?
DENA
Ho – strike that. Nui.
ALEUS
Arvad and Dusti of Vukutis?
DUSTI
Nui!
ALEUS
Lokri and Fildes of Furdusi?
LOKRI
Houk!
DUSTI
Nui!
ALEUS
Soi! Osni and Unla of Uzhume?
FILDES
I say he should be punished!
UNLA
Bla'ua, it’s my turn! Nui!
ALEUS
Control yourselves! Modi and Polred of Muluku.
POLRED
Houk!
FILDES
Fa'arata!
ALEUS
Ris and Chi'on of Wokolo?
RIS
Nui, I know the boys involved and they would force the fight anytime with anyone.
ALEUS
Only Anlin and I remain and I say nui. Ten say nui and two say houk. No punishment will be given.
DANU
I knew they’d decide for you! Now we can put this behind us and enjoy the festival.
SANNARO
I hope so.
ALEUS
I only have one thing to say about this incident. We’re in agreement that Sannaro was attacked first, but he didn’t announce challenge in a proper manner.
SANNARO
I was angry! I did tell him never to touch my ears! They were going to fight me anyway, so I defended myself.
ALEUS
How did you know they’d attack you?
SANNARO
My telepathy-
ALEUS
Your telepathy has no validity as an excuse here.
CH'ION
Wait, Aleus, I know the boys in question. They would attack Sannaro for even yelling at them. They’ve done it before on my ship. I accept Sannaro’s explanation as justification for self-defense. We’ve ruled on this case, so let’s move on.
ALEUS
All right, now, for the hearing on
Unro.
ZHAD
Unro attacked Sannaro with this Siche.
Zhad walked up to the dais and handed the weapon over to Aleus.
Aleus held up the two-sided throwing knife. It glinted with a solid covering of gold over one blade.
ZHAD
The gold you see on that blade is Sannaro’s dried blood from his brow. No one else can claim having yellow blood, but Sannaro.
ALEUS
We’re well aware of that Zhad.
MIBU
All the medical personnel from several ships saw that attack. Unro attacked without calling challenge.
UNRO
You traitor! You’re the head doctor of the Wokolo yet you side with the Kumanis?
MIBU
I know you, Unro. You allow your boy to rage through our ship unchecked and uncontrolled because you’re just like him. You shouldn’t have attacked the Saili boy and you most definitely shouldn’t have had a siche at the Festival of Ships!
CHI'ON
Obviously, the senior members of my ship are in agreement with Mibu because no one has spoken in Unro’s defense so I move for the Council to call this issue already settled within my ship.
ALEUS
Agreed. This concludes the special Council of Ships.
As the crowd was leaving, Chi'on stepped down from the dais along with Lazha and both came over to Danu and Sannaro.
CHI'ON
I hope you understand why all of this was done, young man?
SANNARO
I have an idea.
LAZHA
Because if no public hearing had been done, a misunderstanding between ships could have resulted.
CHI'ON
I have some very vengeful people on my ship. You were attacked by one of my worst, but they’ve never disobeyed a council decision especially concerning a disagreement with a sister ship. All of this was, in fact, to protect you.
SANNARO
I understand.
LAZHA
Danu, you defended Sannaro very well.
DANU
Fa’arata. Since the fight was about unique Saili physiology, I felt I had to explain it to those who wouldn’t understand.
CHI'ON
I hope this hearing will defuse the situation.
Exit Chi'on.
LAZHA
That was the most peaceful Council of Ships I’ve ever been involved in.
DANU
But some were arguing about their decisions!
LAZHA
Not as bad as they usually do.
SANNARO
I’d hate to see a normal council.
LAZHA
Now, if we’re lucky and nothing more comes up, I can enjoy the festival. Ki'el's been begging for me to go dancing with him and I want to see Kahea’s choice for a mate. Most of all, I want to spend some time with her before she leaves.
Just then, Di'ok came running up with a strawberry blond girl in tow.
DI'OK
Hey, guys, while you were fighting with those Wokolo babies, I was out getting mated! This is Sha'ya. She’s a weaver. Sha'ya, this is Danu, Sannaro, Lazha Kumani’s commander and behind her is Cherna, San’s mate.
SHAYA
Pleased to meet you.
She whispered something to Di'ok.
DI'OK
Houk, he’s short.
LAZHA
Di'ok! Don’t be so callous! Have a care about Sannaro’s feelings.
SANNARO
It’s all right, Lazha. He’s just stating the obvious.
CHERNA
Well, my dear brother could be more tactful about it.
SHAYA
I’m so sorry I caused Di'ok to get in trouble!
CHERNA
It wasn’t you, Sha'ya. Di'ok does well enough without anyone else.
SHAYA
I’m sorry I messed up your lunch. My mother says I sass way too much.
DI'OK
He was being bubuka anyway.
SANNARO
You want sassy people? You've come to the right crowd.
Then Sha'ya's smile blossomed.
LAZHA
What a beautiful smile!
SHAYA
Fa'arata!
DI'OK
Let’s go, Sha'ya. See you later, guys!
They rushed away hand-in-hand.
Cherna snuggled up against Sannaro’s side contentedly.
Sannaro wrapped his arm around her.
Zhad entered the group.
ZHAD
That was Di'ok with his new mate?
LAZHA
Houk, Zhad. Isn’t she cute?
ZHAD
Too shy. No confidence.
SANNARO
She sure showed confidence when she threw Uzh-Koran on our table!
ZHAD
San, let me take one more look at your face before I let you go.
Zhad took hold of Sannaro’s jaw, poked at Sannaro’s cheeks and looked into his eyes.
Zhad snorted in dismay, searched his pockets until he found a square device and held it before Sannaro’s left eye.
A small screen lit up Zhad’s face.
He did the same with the other eye.
ZHAD
Do you have to have blue-black irises?
SANNARO
You say that every time you have to look into my eyes!
ZHAD
That’s why I carry a retinal scanner on me at all times anymore! You’re released from my care.
Zhad returned the device to his pocket.
LAZHA
You may go now. Ki'el is standing at the tent flap impatiently.
Exit Lazha
ZHAD
Danu, I want to borrow you a while.
DANU
Houk, Zhad.
Exit Zhad and Danu.
SANNARO
I want to go see how Adara is doing.
Cherna kissed Sannaro passionately.
Sannaro pulled her against him and stroked her back.
SANNARO
We’re alone in the central tent and you’re getting frisky?
CHERNA
It would’ve been our Mating Festival!
SANNARO
You’ve been talking to Adara.
Cherna caressed Sannaro's buttocks.
SANNARO
Cherna, we’re in a public place!
CHERNA
You still have too much Worlder modesty. And besides, I think I need to examine you personally to make sure everything is healed.
SANNARO
You’re hopeless.
CHERNA
I know a very nice lake.
She caressed his high cheekbone with a finger.
SANNARO
Lead on, love.
They stepped outside and turned right, then around the corner between the central tent and the hospital.
Suddenly, his senses were slammed with violent emotions.
WOKOLO BULLY #1
There he is!
SANNARO
Cherna, leave and go find Lazha!
CHERNA
I won’t leave, San.
He pushed her away from him as he sent his urgency into her mind before he broke into a run.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
Several boys ran to intercept him, but he read their thoughts on where they were heading, then used that knowledge to avoid them similar to what he did in a space battle.
Soon he passed into the Kumani camp.
Instead of breaking off their pursuit, the boys spread out, acting as if they were browsing through the stalls.
Sannaro slipped between the vegetable stall and Dorma’s painting stall, greeting Dorma as he passed.
She returned it, puzzled, but soon a potential buyer stole her attention.
Then he greeted Mori who was manning the metal arts stall that was back-to-back from Dorma’s stall. Mori gave Sannaro a strange look as Sannaro scanned the area for the Wokolo boys.
MORI (PSI V.O.)
What in nova is he doing?
One of the hunters one stall down and across the path honestly became interested in an intricately carved music box at Kratis’ woodworking stall.
Sannaro scampered across and ducked between the weavers’ collective stall and Yetin’s glass stall.
Yetin growled as Sannaro slipped by.
He came out beside Tekla’s garment stall, sprinted past the two remaining stalls then went between the chemistry expo and Communications renovation expo tents.
Beyond those, he lost himself in a maze of parked shuttle crafts. He felt the mind of a boy following him so he zigzagged through the shuttles for a while, then ducked under one and pulled himself up, hooking his feet into the module support chassis between hover jets. He stayed there for about ten minutes to make sure no one was near enough to find him. He lowered himself to the ground as his tight sore muscles protested. Then he wearily sat down on a landing pod.
LAZHA
Sannaro!
ZHAD
Sannaro!
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
San, where are you?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I don’t know. Somewhere in the parked shuttles behind our camp, maybe toward the Basuto camp.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
All right. Stay there, tasra, we’re coming.
As he waited, he propped his head on his hand, then quickly moved it away when he felt a wetness and looked at his hand. Tears glistened on his hand in the waning light. He was crying.
He looked up, sensing the approach of Cherna, Lazha, Parik and Zhad stop around him.
The stresses of the day washed over him like a tidal wave and he broke out in sobs.
Cherna squatted down and took him in her arms.
Chi'on joined them.
CHI'ON
Lazha, is Sannaro all right?
LAZHA
He is. He’s just tired and upset. That pack from your ship hunted him hard from what my people are saying. Six of my crafters said they saw San sneaking through their stalls looking tense.
CHI'ON
I apologize. The boys involved have bought themselves a flight back to the ship. I’ll tell my people that any more threatening Sannaro will be met with severe disciplining.
LAZHA
Fa’arata, Chi'on.
ZHAD
San, are you all right?
SANNARO
Houk. I'm tired.
ZHAD
Let’s get you to the Hospital tent.
SANNARO
I’m all right. They couldn’t catch me.
ZHAD
I want you with me.
SANNARO
I just want to go to Adara’s stall.
Sannaro stood up and walked back to camp inside a circle of protection by Lazha, Chi'on, Cherna and Zhad.
He felt the Wokolo people sober when they saw their commander protecting Sannaro through the Kumani camp.
They took their children by their hands and led them back to their stalls.
Some of them were upset that their fellow unruly brothers had caused their profits to suffer because of the fight with the Kumani boys.
Sannaro gasped at the sudden sharp emotions of anger and resentment toward his fellow shipmates.
CHERNA
San, are you all right?
SANNARO
I felt deep resentment from someone in the Wokolo camp.
ZHAD
Toward you?
SANNARO
Nui, toward his shipmates, he’s very sad. It was shocking.
CHI'ON
Who?
SANNARO
I don’t know. All I felt was his angry resentment. It was a surface thought I picked up unwillingly.
ZHAD
Sannaro doesn’t go any further. He’s severely disciplined if he does.
CHI'ON
That’s a wise rule to govern the only full-working telepath among non-telepaths.
When they walked up to Adara's stall, she was reaching over the counter for a vase Di'ok was trying to put over Tanei’s head.
Tanei was giggling while Sha'ya stood by, her face ashen as she pleaded with Di'ok not to do it.
When he saw Sannaro and Cherna, he replaced the vase onto the table.
DI'OK
Are you all right, San?
SANNARO
They couldn’t catch me if they had
Vizha'i!
DI'OK
But you look like they gave a good try. You look exhausted.
SANNARO
I am. Chali, why don’t you let me man your stall so you and Zhad can have some fun? Then I can rest, watching your stall.
ADARA
You’ve been through hell tonight, San. You should go up to the ship and rest.
SANNARO
I’m not going to hide on ship and give them an opportunity to say they chased me away! I will stay here in camp and they can watch me!
ZHAD
That’s the right attitude!
ADARA
Zhad!
ZHAD
He can’t lose face against them, Adara! If he goes back to the ship, they’ll surely say he’s running from them. He’s a true Vizha'e to say he’s not backing down from them.
ADARA
I guess you’re right.
Adara joined him from around the counter.
ZHAD
Now, we’re going to enjoy ourselves. Where to first, my love?
ENT. Varanani
VARANANI
Why were you crying?
SANNARO
Vara!
Sannaro rushed around the stall to give her a hug.
SANNARO
I’ve just been having trouble with some boys who’re trying very hard to fight me. I thought you were still on Kumani.
VARANANI
I was until I felt your fear so I asked a pilot shuttling passengers if I could come down.
SANNARO
If I’d known you were coming, I would’ve relieved Adara from her stall later so I could take you around the festival!
VARANANI
That’s all right. I just wanted to help you.
DI'OK
I’ll watch the stall. Me and Sha'ya are tired anyway. We’ve had a full day. You take your sister around the Festival.
SANNARO
Are you sure, Di'ok?
BA'IA
If he’s not, then I’ll keep him honest.
SHAYA
That’s all right, Ba'ia. He has me, now.
BA'IA
And a good influence you’ll be on him.
SANNARO
I’m glad mother-in-law approves of her son’s mate.
BA'IA
I’m glad son-in-law approves of mother-in-law.
SANNARO
This is getting confusing!
Sannaro, Varanani and Cherna walked away from Adara's stall.
VARANANI
When we were landing, I saw a large circle of stalls around larger tents in the middle.
SANNARO
Each ship has a wedge of the circle as their own camp to set up stalls and cots.
VARANANI
Why is the Wokolo the last?
SANNARO
Because it is the newest. It broke off from the Furdusi one hundred years ago whereas the Kumani was the flagship of the six ships involved in the exodus of the Astrisi from their home planet before it was destroyed by their expanding sun.
VARANANI
I smell food.
SANNARO
Houk, I haven’t eaten since this morning after shuttle detail.
CHERNA
Even that was ruined by that bubuka Koran so let’s eat.
Cherna put her hand on his stomach.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Stop groping me in front of my sister!
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Since Varanani knows we’re mated and intimate, I don’t see why you should be concerned about it!
Sannaro blushed.
VARANANI
I don’t mind, San. She really is devoted to you.
They passed the dance square that was more crowded than it had been earlier and walked into the cafeteria tent.
SANNARO
I’m getting the buffet again.
CHERNA
Make that two.
VARANANI
Three.
SANNARO
Okay, we’re all having the buffet.
As they were waiting in line, Lazha approached them.
LAZHA
I’m glad to see you here,
Varanani.
VARANANI
Thank you, Lazha.
LAZHA
Can I have San for a special short mission?
CHERNA
Will he be long?. We were just going to eat dinner.
LAZHA
It shouldn’t.
CHERNA
Do you want me to get you a plate?
SANNARO
Sure, Cheri.
Sannaro followed Lazha.
LAZHA
What a day this is being, San! I have someone I want you to talk to. Tisa’s been asked to tasra, but he doesn’t want to stay with his ship. He’s asking to join the Kumani. I want your impression of him before he sees our council tomorrow morning.
SANNARO
All right, tell me what his name is, visualize what he looks like and I’ll search him out and have a few words with him.
LAZHA
Fa’arata.
Lazha imagined the face Tisa had described to her.
Sannaro nodded then slipped off.
He strolled through the Kumani camp first. He passed Di'ok still watching Ahdri, Tanei and Adara’s pottery and went toward the large exposition tents at the rear of the circle.
He wandered through the noisy metal works and Fuel Storage Renovation Demonstration, then down the middle aisle.
Suddenly, he felt the same strong disillusionment he had earlier and followed those feelings to a young man who fit Lazha’s description.
He had light sandy-blond hair cut in a bowl shape. He was average height for Astrisi, lean and nicely muscled. He wore a blue-green bloused shirt and dark blue pants tucked into black boots. At that moment, he was admiring the glass sculptures in Yetin’s stall.
Sannaro walked rapidly through the crowd and stopped beside him.
SANNARO
Ki'iwa'alani, Ikku. I’m Sannaro.
IKKU
Ki'iwa'alani, Sannaro.
SANNARO
I’m Tisa’s Team-leader.
IKKU
Ah, I guess you’ve been told?
SANNARO
Houk, I have.
IKKU
I guess you know I’ve asked Tisa to tasra, but I know what you’re here for - to find out why I want to deny the Wokolo and join the Kumani. Who sent you, the council?
SANNARO
Nui.
IKKU
Then who?
SANNARO
A friend who cares for Tisa.
IKKU
Oh you.
SANNARO
It may be me.
IKKU
Stop being elusive, Sannaro!
SANNARO
My commander wants me to-
IKKU
Check me out to see if I am worthy to live on your ship?
SANNARO
Houk.
IKKU
I guess I can’t blame her. My people have been giving you such a hard time today and it’s an unusual request.
SANNARO
So what do you do?
IKKU
I’m an armament specialist.
SANNARO
Ah, that is good job. Fighter or ship?
IKKU
Ship.
SANNARO
Lazha will be glad to hear that.
IKKU
If I’m accepted.
SANNARO
If you’re accepted. Why do you want to leave your ship?
IKKU
You’ve met the Wokolos. They have no control, they’re crazy troublemakers. I want a nice ship. Tisa’s too fine a woman to live with those animals.
SANNARO
Tisa’s strong. There has to be more.
IKKU
What are you, a telepath? Of course you are. You’re Saili.
So why do you want me to tell you when you can just pick it out of my head?
SANNARO
Because it’s impolite to pry into someone else's mind. If you want me to know, you’ll tell me.
IKKU
If you have to know, I was accused of starting a fire in the port side ship’s laser to get revenge on my senior.
SANNARO
For what?
IKKU
My senior never liked me!
Ikku clenched his fists as he walked slowly down the line of stalls.
Sannaro followed.
IKKU
Several times he threatened to kill me, but then one day we were to the fore checking the port side laser. He attacked me. While we fought, we bumped into the auxiliary control panel. He grabbed my shirt and hurled me around, then threw me out the door. I slammed into the bulkhead and was suddenly blasted by an explosion caused by the laser discharging and exploding! My senior was killed instantly. I was tried for his death. I was lucky that some of my partners admitted my senior had publicly hated me and said that he’d try to kill me any chance he could. After the remains of the laser were investigated, it was decided, while we were fighting, we hit the button for testing the laser’s volatility strength. Without it being prepared for the test, it exploded the refraction chamber. Even though they decided it wasn’t my fault, I’ve been treated like a worlder since. I want a new start. Am I asking too much?
SANNARO
Nui. If they decided you weren’t to blame for it and yet they treat you cruelly, you’re not asking for much to ask to join the Kumani. I’ll support your acceptance when the council convenes.
IKKU
Fa’arata, Sannaro. I’m glad you’ll be on my side. It gives me a little more confidence.
SANNARO
I’ll only be one person, an adopted worlder and alien on top of that, too. There are many more you’ll have to convince and I’m sure they’ll talk to Chi'on about the trial. But I hope they do accept you. I don’t want to lose Tisa!
IKKU
She’s that good?
SANNARO
One of the best I’ve got!
IKKU
She’s lucky to have you as her Team-leader.
SANNARO
Come back with me, Ikku. You’ll need somewhere to stay.
IKKU
You’re treating me like I’m already approved!
SANNARO
Nui, I’m being nice to someone who has had a rough time. I sure can sympathize with that.
IKKU
Like you haven’t had a rough day too?
SANNARO
Hiding in a shuttle's support structure isn’t something I do every day.
IKKU
You look like you’re almost asleep on your feet.
SANNARO
Here we are.
Sannaro pointed toward the pottery stall and went behind it.
ADARA
There you are, Sannaro. I was concerned about you being out there.
SANNARO
This is Ikku, Tisa’s intended. I’ve invited him to stay with us for the night until the Council.
LAZHA (PSI V.O.)
San, did you find Ikku?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I found him, Lazha. He has some valid concerns about remaining with the Wokolo. A while ago, Ikku had trouble with his Ships Armament Senior who disliked him. He had a struggle with the Senior that resulted in the misfire of a laser canon that killed the Senior. Ikku was acquitted of the charges on him, but he still gets a lot of grief from those who won’t let the matter drop. That’s why he’s asking to come to the Kumani.
LAZHA (PSI V.O.)
What’s your opinion about his request?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I’ve learned nothing to suggest he’s not being truthful. He suggests you talk to Chi'on about the incident.
LAZHA (PSI V.O.)
I can talk to Chi'on tonight. You sound tired.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
It hasn’t been an ordinary day.
LAZHA (PSI V.O.)
People need to stop chasing you.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I would’ve liked for my first day to have been happy and festive instead of a test of my skills for alluding capture.
LAZHA (PSI V.O.)
Get some sleep, San.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I will as soon as we’re finished.
LAZHA (PSI V.O.)
Then, I’m going to leave you alone now. See you tomorrow.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Naila’ahina, Lazha.
IKKU
Does he sleep upright?
AHDRI
He’s talking to someone.
ADARA
Who was that, San?
SANNARO
It was Lazha. She was asking if I found Ikku. I told her I had. Ikku, I also told Lazha brief details of your fight with your Senior. She says she’ll talk to Chi'on about it tonight.
IKKU
I hope this works, Sannaro. You’ve been very kind to me.
SANNARO
You can call me San. Acts of kindness can have many rewards. I wouldn’t be alive today if it hadn’t been for Adara’s kindness.
Sannaro hugged Adara's shoulders.
SANNARO
Now, I really need to sleep before I do nod off sitting upright.
He laid down on a mattress on the ground and was already drifting off as he snuggled under a thick quilt.
ADARA
Ahdri, go to the cafeteria tent and tell Cherna, San’s asleep back here.
AHDRI
Houk, Chali.
He heard her stand up and rush out of the tent before he was completely asleep.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
INT. KUMANI FESTIVAL CAMP – DAY
Sannaro felt something he vaguely remembered feeling before. It was something warm shining on his face like someone had turned on a very strong light.
He was just about ready to command the computer to turn off the light again when his awakening mind told him that was no light bulb, but sunlight.
He sat up and squinted at the sun of Gasbaja as it rose over the horizon. He looked down at the mattress and found Cherna curled up beside him on one side and Ahdri on the other.
On another mat was Adara, Zhad and Tanei.
Ikku was already at the front of the stall watching the sunrise.
Sannaro rose to join him.
SANNARO
This is the first time in a long time I think it very appropriate to say good morning.
IKKU
How was it like to live under a sun all the time?
SANNARO
Funny, you never think about it until you don’t have it. For six years of my life, I lived under the sun of Regalis and never once paid much attention to it as I went about the common boring activities of going to school and avoiding the town bully. Then all that violently changed, leaving me on a spaceship living with people I didn’t understand, while I went through many operations to restore my severely burned skin. I didn’t even know my natural sister had survived the destruction of our town and had been living with my uncle on Sailia until I stowed down to Belvas three years ago, was caught by the Saili and taken from the Astrisi. For several months, I lived with my uncle and his family as well as my older sister until a Saili social worker tried to kill me for being different so I was allowed to return to the Astrisi. It really is a shame many people take something as simple as a sunrise for granted.
IKKU
It is. I have rarely experienced a sunrise. I can never take it for granted. It is quite glorious.
SANNARO
About my sister, I wonder where she is?
Varanani walked across the aisle.
VARANANI
I’m here. I was at Ba'ia’s tent talking with Di'ok’s new wife Sha'ya half the night. She’s a nice girl.
SANNARO
I like her too.
Sannaro closed his eyes and enjoyed the warmth.
SANNARO
This sunrise is lovely and it feels good too.
Just as Sannaro opened his eyes again, he saw a glint of bright red hair from the corner of his eye and looked that way.
Lazha was approaching Adara’s stall.
LAZHA
Good morning. We’ll be starting the review board in about forty-five minutes so do what you need to do now then meet us in the central tent.
SANNARO
Houk.
IKKU
Lazha. I’m grateful for Sannaro’s hospitality and kindness. I hope my request will be granted.
LAZHA
If Sannaro believes in you, I trust his judgment. I’m glad he offered you shelter for the night.
Lazha walked back toward the central area.
Shortly, Sannaro, Varanani, Cherna and Ikku left for the eating tent, promising to bring back trays for Adara, Zhad, Ahdri and Tanei.
IKKU
So you’re Vizha'e also, Cherna?
CHERNA
Houk, it’s interesting having two Vizha'e in the house, but sometimes when we have shuttle duty together it really makes landings nice.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
You owe me for falling asleep after you promised me some personal time, boy!
He flipped his hair across his face to cover his blush before he continued to listen to the external conversation.
IKKU
You’re acting like you’ve already lived together. Yet you both look like this should be your mating festival.
SANNARO
That’s a complicated story, Ikku. Cherna’s actually the born member of the Kumani. Since I was considered an adopted Astrisi, Cherna asked the Council to allow her to choose me as her tasra three years ago.
IKKU
Wow, you both were young!
SANNARO
It's because I wanted to stay with the Astrisi and the Saili were trying to force me back to Sailia. So the ruling stopped the relocation.
IKKU
So your Council has faced a similar request before?
SANNARO
Twice. Adara’s a widow who asked to take her husband’s unmarried best friend as tasra rather than face another Festival.
IKKU
Your ship has had some interesting times!
CHERNA
We’ll have eight buffet trays.
They were handed the trays and moved on to the buffet table.
Once they returned to Adara’s stall, they sat down in a circle on the mats they’d used to sleep and ate their breakfast with Adara, Ahdri and Tanei.
IKKU
Varanani, you’re Sannaro’s sister?
VARANANI
I’ve recently joined my brother after living on Belvas. San rescued me right before the invaders attacked Belvas and the Astrisi fought them off.
IKKU
Then you were lucky he was there and he is a fighter pilot.
VARANANI
I am. I’m lucky to know he’s alive. For ten years we were separated; I with our Uncle and Sannaro with the Astrisi, but if Adara hadn’t taken San for medical treatment right away, he would’ve died.
SANNARO
We need to finish up and get to the central tent.
ADARA
Fa’arata, San. Di'ok, would you watch Ahdri and Tanei while we’re at council?
DI'OK
Sure, Sha'ya and I can watch them.
ADARA
Fa'arata.
AHDRI
It’s an open council?
ADARA
It is.
AHDRI
Ha'iko! I want go!
Tanei pulled on Adara’s dress.
TANEI
Me too?
ADARA
Not this time, Tanei. Ahdri, you stay with San, Cherna or Varanani since Zhad and I have to sit with the council. If I hear you wandered away, I’ll take you to the mats. Is that clear?
AHDRI
Houk, Chali!
Zhad walked up to Sannaro.
ZHAD
You are quite strong but that’s a lot of trays. Can I take some from you so they don’t fall?
SANNARO
Sure, Ya.
Zhad took half the stack from Sannaro.
Ahdri walked along beside Cherna as they left for the central tent with Sannaro and
Zhad balancing the empty trays in their hands.
Before they entered, both men ran into the cafeteria tent to return the trays. When they returned, they entered the central tent.
Zhad and Adara joined the council on the dais and sat down beside Ba'ia.
Ikku approached the council.
IKKU
Council of the Kumani, please hear my request. I have asked for Tisa’s armband, but I am not happy on my home ship Wokolo. Several years ago, I had an argument with my armament senior that resulted in a misfire of the forward port laser. I survived the explosion, but my senior did not. Even though I was acquitted for his death, the people on the Wokolo still treat me as an outsider. I would like to request that I live on my mate’s ship instead of my born ship. I would like to begin again without prejudice.
PARIK
We have heard your request Ikku. So that we can make an informed decision, may this council call on Wo-Chi'on so that he may relate his view of your situation?
IKKU
Houk, I ask that Chi'on speak.
Chi'on approached the council.
CHI'ON
I had been aware that Tomso was not fond of Ikku. I had given him a few talks about resolving his issues with Ikku. Tomso was a very stubborn man. He told me he wasn’t the problem, but Ikku was. I found this hard to believe because I have never found Ikku to be overly argumentative. On the day of the dispute, I had a similar talk with Tomso and he had told me the only way to resolve the problem was for either Ikku or him to die. Next I knew, I was given a report that there was an explosion in the forward port laser room. I followed the fire suppression crew to the room, found Ikku pressed against the wall, breathing heavily and Tomso was not there. I had to restrain Ikku when he attempted to reenter the blaze to find Tomso and bring him out. He told me Tomso had fought with him and Tomso had hurled him into the wall right before the laser exploded. Once the fire was suppressed, we did find Tomso’s body severely burned. In council, we argued about if Ikku should be punished for the death, but several of us had known Tomso had a violent temper and we believed Tomso would want to kill Ikku on the grounds of personal dislike so we ruled Ikku should not be punished. Even with the ruling, those who preferred Tomso over Ikku were reported by the Protocol Enforcers to give Ikku hassle. We asked that they leave Ikku alone, but we continued to get Protocol Enforcer reports about people hassling Ikku. Because of our continued problem with our residents, it is my opinion that Ikku would be happier if he began a new life on the Kumani.
PARIK
Fa’arata, Chi'on. Now I ask that all who are not members of this council step outside.
TRELL
Nui! Ikku should have been punished for Tomso’s death! Ikku has problems with authority. He always has. He killed Tomso because he clearly hated Tomso.
PARIK
I apologize, resident of the Wokolo, but we are not here to reverse decisions made by your own Council. We’re here to decide whether Ikku should be allowed to join the Kumani.
MOVO
That’s fausa! The Kumani couldn’t possibly want to accept a member who has authority problems!
SANNARO
What’s fausa? Is your people chasing me for over an hour through the parked shuttles to retaliate against me for fighting some of your children after one of them caused injury to my ear! And since I’ve met Ikku he’s been only polite and appreciative of our hospitality.
TRELL
You don’t know Ikku like we do!
CHI'ON
That’s enough, Trell and Movo. Everyone knows the two of you have always been Tomso’s friends. If Kreena and Moss were still alive to see how you’ve treated their son, they would’ve called you to the mats, just like I’m about ready to do. I’m losing patience with the behaviors some of you have shown at this Festival of Ships. If I have to take the lot of you to the mats to get you to be civil, I will. Council of Kumani, you’ve just seen a little of the hassle Ikku has been subjected to since Tomso’s death. I don’t blame Ikku for wanting to leave.
PARIK
Again, I ask that all who are not members of this council step outside so we may discuss this testimony and render a decision.
Sannaro, Cherna, Ahdri, Tisa and Ikku left the tent. Since the dance square was near, they spent the time with dancing and listening to the musicians perform.
ADARA (PSI V.O.)
San?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Houk, Chali?
ADARA (PSI V.O.)
The Council is ready for you to return.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I’ll pass the message.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Tisa, the Council is ready to announce their decision.
TISA (PSI V.O.)
Ikku and I are returning!
CHERNA
What’s happening, San?
SANNARO
Council’s ready to announce their decision.
AHDRI
I thought council would be interesting, but it’s so boring - everyone’s just talk, talk, talk.
SANNARO
And Chali said if you wander from me, she’ll take you to the mats. So, are you coming?
AHDRI
I’ll come.
Once they were at the tent flap, Tisa and Ikku were already waiting for them and they entered together.
Parik nodded his head at them and stood up. Parik picked up the armbands and held them parallel for about an anxious minute.
PARIK (CONT.)
Ikku has been accepted as a resident of the Kumani.
He brought the armbands together and tied them.
Tisa whooped and jumped into Ikku’s arms.
They walked from the tent.
SANNARO
I guess we can celebrate Ikku and Tisa’s mating along with Danu’s birthday!
AHDRI
That was still boring.
SANNARO
Now the boring stuff is over and we can get back to the fun.
As soon as they dropped Ahdri off with Adara, Cherna pulled Sannaro through the camp, past the shuttles. They walked over the undisturbed grass toward a hill.
As soon as they topped the hill, Sannaro stopped to admire the scene. There was a small lake nestled at the base of the hill, surrounded by dark brown trees covered in gray-green leaves.
Cherna giggled and pulled him down the hill.
They sat down at the lakeside.
She reached over and pecked Sannaro on the cheek.
CHERNA
You’re such a sweetheart, you know that?
SANNARO
Tisa needed my help.
He pulled off his boots, rolled up his flight-suit legs and dropped his feet into the cool water. He closed his eyes happily as the water lapped against his ankles.
She stroked his ear. He arched his back, his nerves electrified with her desire.
CHERNA
Now I finally have you to myself.
SANNARO
Do what you want with me, woman.
She put her arm around his back and shoved him into the water.
Sannaro righted himself and flung his wet hair to his back.
SANNARO
Fausa, that’s cold!
CHERNA
That’s for falling asleep on me! But I’m willing to warm you up a bit!
He waded over to her, took her in his arms and kissed her passionately, then rushed backward.
Cherna slipped from his grasp and plunged under the water. She stood up, sputtering.
SANNARO
That’s for throwing me into the lake!
Cherna closed the gap between them, then took the neck of his flight-suit, stretched it over his shoulders and pulled it down to his waist. She caressed his hairless chest and stomach then pressed her body against his.
He pushed them off into deeper water and pulled her flight-suit down to her waist.
Soon, both flight-suits were thrown onto the shore. They enjoyed some intimacy as they floated in the water.
CHERNA
Oh, that was an experience!
SANNARO
I’m getting cold. Let’s get dressed.
CHERNA
You get cold too easily.
She splashed water onto his chest. He gasped and pulled his stomach in as the water rolled down him.
SANNARO
My native planet doesn’t get below 100 degrees! Humanoid temperatures are cool to Saili.
Cherna reluctantly pulled away from him.
They waded to shore and dressed again.
As they walked over the hill, they found Varanani lounged on the grass.
VARANANI
This is a beautiful world.
SANNARO
Oh fausa, did you just sense what we were doing?
VARANANI
San, we Saili know when someone is having sex with each other. It’s natural. You were told you should treat this as your mating festival and that’s what you were doing. Though I thought it was nicely erotic to fornicate in a lake.
SANNARO
Oh, Iachi’awei!
VARANANI
We’re naturally telepathic. I know you haven’t been around your family much, but I’ve learned as I became an adult that Saili know a lot about inner feelings that most Humanoids barely understand. I just hope I can find a partner I would find as much pleasure in touching as you have with Cherna. Why is Danu treated so differently than the rest? He’s quite a pleasant guy.
Sannaro and Cherna sat beside Varanani.
SANNARO
Danu was born here at the festival so most Astrisi perceive him as a worlder even though he’s lived his whole life as an Astrisi on board the Kumani.
VARANANI
But many think he’s the model of an Astrisi gentleman with incredible talent.
CHERNA
I’ve always liked Danu. I felt bad for how the others teased him about where he was born. We all know his name is Danunka but no one calls him that because he would fly into rages and beat people up when they called him that, so he goes by Danu.
SANNARO
I told him I didn’t mind he was born on a planet because I was born on Regalis. Since I said that, he’s been a close friend of mine. He even left the Us’uata os Huen a decade back to throw my first Astrisi birthday party for me on his own birthday on board the Kumani. I was restricted from landing but because I let slip that my birthday had recently passed he shared his birthday with me. It’s still a fond memory I hold dear.
VARANANI
Why did his parents call him that, anyway?
SANNARO
Houk, why did Tila and Retal name him that?
CHERNA
From what I was told, Tila was at a loss for what to call him and everyone around her kept calling him danunka or world-born so I guess she gave up naming him anything else. He chose to shorten it to Danu to make it sound like a normal Astrisi name, but he’s always painfully aware he’s world-born.
SANNARO
I’m world-born too. It’s not so bad.
CHERNA
That’s why Danu is so close to you, you don’t mind his history cause it's more pleasant than anything you’ve experienced.
VARANANI
He sympathizes with you.
SANNARO
I love that guy. He, Di'ok and Cherna made my life with the Astrisi pleasant.
VARANANI
I overheard that many are going to give Danu a birthday party this afternoon because he wants you to attend before you stand watch tomorrow.
SANNARO
It’s like last Us’uata os Huen, Danu has to have me by his side during celebrations, even if he has to inconvenience himself for me to attend. Well, now I have plenty of free time before the party, let’s take you on that tour of the Us’uata.
Sannaro, Varanani and Cherna stood to walk with him back to camp.
FADE OUT.
THE END.