Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
“INSURRECTION”
EPISODE 34 – CIVIL WAR
BY: LYSSA THORNE
FADE IN:
INT. SAILIA REHABILITATION CENTER
Gavasno landed the borrowed hover car outside the gates of a heavily guarded building with steel bars on every window.
Gavasno climbed out and quietly closed the door.
He slipped around the perimeter fence until he found some loose wires in the fencing and slipped through. He cautiously scanned the watchtower to discover how many guards were on watch. At least two guards were watching the area.
When he sensed the minimum were watching, Gavasno concentrated on forming an image of grass in his mind, then rushed across the lawn.
GUARD VISION
Both guards’ eyes had glanced his way, but each time, their minds saw him as just grass.
BACK TO GAVASNO
As he huddled at the wall of the building, he was heartened to see the two guards who had come with Sannaro and Verano exited the building to go back to the hover car.
Gavasno slipped through the open door before it closed.
He stopped outside the door closest to Sannaro’s mental signature and slipped through.
Sannaro was staring at the ceiling as if something of great interest was there, but all Gavasno could see was a dull white ceiling. Sannaro had a wired helmet on his head. He was bound spread-eagle on the bed with his clothes in tatters and streaked with gold blood.
Gavasno took off the strange helmet and laid it on the table beside Sannaro’s head.
Gavasno released Sannaro's hands.
GAVASNO
San? San, it’s Gavasno.
SANNARO
Why doesn’t anybody like me?
GAVASNO
What do you mean?
Tears slid down Sannaro’s face.
SANNARO
Nobody likes me.
GAVASNO
I do.
Gavasno helped Sannaro to sit up, but he responded like a rag doll.
GAVASNO
What did he do to you?
SANNARO
Oh, he gave me a big shock then shot me with hallucinnamon.
Sannaro’s head lolled to the side as Gavasno took the shackles off his ears.
GAVASNO
Do you mean hallucinogen?
SANNARO
I think that’s it.
Gavasno shook his head.
GAVASNO
Sorry, San, this is going to hurt.
He amassed a moderate mind slap and thrust it into Sannaro’s mind.
Sannaro yelped and grabbed his head.
SANNARO
Oh, fausa! That hurt like hell.
GAVASNO
Sorry, I need you sober so we can get out of here before your next treatment.
Sannaro’s eyes teared up again.
Sannaro nodded and wiped his face.
Sannaro winced as he squared his shoulders and his blue-black eyes turned hard again.
Gavasno was satisfied that Sannaro was ready so he scanned the hall outside to make sure no one was there before they slipped through.
GAVASNO
It’s all right, San. There are people who do like you as you are. Those people are waiting for you in the Progressive Camp.
GAVASNO (PSI V.O.)
When I came in, I saw a delivery truck parked around the side of the docks. Let’s go for that and fly out of here.
SANNARO
Sounds like a good enough plan for now.
They cautiously walked down the hall.
They found a door that had a sign on it that said hospital personnel only and entered.
Beyond a small storage room, was the delivery dock.
The truck Gavasno spotted earlier was still there.
Sannaro grinned impishly then stumbled over to the driver. When Sannaro threw his arm over the man’s shoulders and leaned heavily on him, the copper-skinned man swung his head around in surprise.
SANNARO
Hi ya, there. Can I bum a ride from you, man?
His gold eyes widened. He tried to pull away from Sannaro and was about to call warning when Sannaro buried his fist into the man’s midsection.
He dropped hard to the floor.
They climbed into the truck.
GAVASNO (PSI V.O.)
He could have sent a warning, Sannaro.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Haven’t you noticed when you physically touch a strange Saili, they're shocked momentarily by the mental link?
Sannaro started the engine up.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
He was so paralyzed by my familiarity with him, he couldn’t even think until I rearranged his guts.
Gavasno snorted and shook his head.
GAVASNO
Let’s go.
SANNARO
Hang on, this is going to get a bit wild.
Sannaro rose the truck off the ground and floored the accelerator.
The guards were waving their arms for Sannaro to stop, but his grin became wider the closer they came to the gate.
Just before Gavasno was sure they would slam into it, Sannaro pulled the nose of the hover truck up and they sailed over the top of the gate.
The guards in the towers were now shooting at them.
Sannaro expertly avoided most of the volleys, but some still hit.
SANNARO
Fausa, this is far from being a Vizha'i.
A guard sling a large gun onto his shoulder and fired.
GAVASNO
San, they’re bringing out the heavier weapons!
SANNARO
That’s one big ikata shell!
The rear of the truck tore apart and they went spinning tail over nose.
After several terrifying minutes, the cab of the truck ended its tumbling on a large boulder.
Sannaro moaned as he held his head.
Gavasno massaged his neck.
SANNARO
Oh, that was the worst crash I’ve done since I slammed my Vizha'i into the crash-wall during the Zuran War.
GAVASNO
This didn’t go as well as I imagined.
SANNARO
They were well prepared for that kind of escape.
Sannaro climbed through the ruined windshield then offered Gavasno a hand.
Once the two were perched on top of the wreckage, Gavasno noticed his right leg was bleeding from a moderate gash.
SANNARO
Wait.
Sannaro tore the remains of his shirt off then tore it into strips to tourniquet Gavasno’s leg. Sannaro used the rest of the strips to make a crude bandage.
GAVASNO
Your clothes are shrinking by the minute.
SANNARO
Clothes are nothing compared to you bleeding to your hardening.
GAVASNO
You learned a lot from Zhad.
SANNARO
Of course.
Sannaro wobbled as his feet touched the ground.
He helped Gavasno slide down beside him.
Gavasno grabbed Sannaro’s arm to steady him.
GAVASNO
Careful there, San. We need to get away from this wreck before Verano’s guards come to check out the crash.
Gavasno took one step- his leg failed and he fell hard to the ground.
Sannaro stepped over to him and pulled him off the ground andswung Gavasno’s arm around his shoulders.
GAVASNO
Maybe the drugs in your system kept you more relaxed so you didn’t get hurt in the crash?
SANNARO
Lado always told me if you were going to crash, the best thing was to relax and let it happen, then you can deal with it after everything comes to a stop.
GAVASNO
Who's Lado?
SANNARO
He was my flight instructor. He almost got his leg amputated too, but unlike me who had a clean slice, his leg was crushed and mangled. It’s a real ugly sight when he’s in shorts.
GAVASNO
Have you seen him in shorts?
SANNARO
No, he’s too self conscious. I saw it in his mind.
Sannaro's breath became ragged as he struggled to a rock and lowered Gavasno onto it. He fanned himself with his hand.
GAVASNO
You’re not use to the heat of Sailia.
SANNARO
I hate methane. I feel like I can’t catch my breath.
GAVASNO
So why didn’t Zhad notice your upper lungs were underdeveloped?
SANNARO
Zhad hardly knew what a fully formed Saili lung looked like. Since I didn’t seem to have any trouble breathing, I guess he thought the burns in my lungs weren’t very severe. How could he have known my upper lungs processed the methane and my lower lungs processed the oxygen?
GAVASNO
Good point. As an oxygen-breathing humanoid, it probably didn’t occur to him.
Sannaro dropped to his knees and closed his eyes.
SANNARO
We’re not going to get away from here.
GAVASNO
I’m sorry, San, it wasn’t a good rescue.
SANNARO
They're coming.
Sannaro struggled to his feet and crouched with his knees bent and his fists balled.
Six guards topped the hill with guns raised.
Sannaro bellowed and rushed them. He grabbed a gun out of one guard’s hands and thrust his own weapon into his abdomen. Sannaro raised his left leg and swept the feet out from under a second guard.
The other guards shook off their shock and a third guard cracked the barrel of his weapon across Sannaro’s face.
Sannaro dropped to his knees and clutched his bloody nose. A big wheezing sob tore from his lips. He swayed then crumpled to the ground.
Gavasno knew he couldn’t fight with a broken leg, so he raised his arms.
The guards grabbed his arms, twisted them behind Gavasno’s back and locked handcuffs to his wrists. Then they locked ear shackles in place.
Sannaro was similarly restrained except that his ankles were also shackled. Then two of the guards raised Sannaro off the ground by his wrists and legs and carried him to a truck parked at the base of the hill.
The second two guards picked Gavasno up in his sitting position and carried him down to the truck.
They dumped Sannaro onto the floor, but Gavasno was placed carefully on a bench that was bolted to the side of the truck.
Sannaro’s nose and face were turning green. His nose was broken.
The rear doors closed and Gavasno heard the engine start. The truck turn around to the Rehabilitation Center.
Pain exploded in Sannaro's his head the moment he awakened. He wanted to touch his agonized face, but his hands wouldn’t move. He opened his eyes and looked to his right hand.
It was fettered to the edge of a bed again.
Verano stepped into the room with a big grin on his face.
Sannaro strained his shackles in the hope they would break so he could wipe that grin off his face.
VERANO
I knew you would try something like that. If anything, you are consistent, Sannaro.
Sannaro scowled then moaned when pain exploded from his nose.
VERANO
Oh, I wouldn’t do that again. Your nose is quite broken. It is too bad I will have to delay further treatments until it’s healed.
SANNARO
In that case, I’d rather have the pain of a broken nose to have my mind intact.
Verano pulled out a mobile cell rejuvenator.
VERANO
By the time this day is done, you will be ready for more treatments.
SANNARO
Please, no more treatments!
Sannaro strained the shackles until he felt like his wrists and ankles were going to snap before he reluctantly relaxed again.
VERANO
Are you done? If you continue to fight the restraints, I will have to call the guards to hold you down while I am healing your face.
Verano put the regenerator into his pocket and went to the table with the shock helmet.
Sannaro tried to shy away from the horrible machine, but Verano grabbed the tip of his nose. As Sannaro arched his body from the agony and shrieked in anger, Verano put the device on his head and pulled the chinstraps tight.
VERANO
Now, you will let me heal your nose or you will be shocked until you acquiesce.
Sannaro stared at the white ceiling.
VERANO
That's better.
Verano grabbed his nose, reset the septum then wiped his face with a Cerlacticine wipe. Verano turned on the regenerator and waved it over the bridge of Sannaro’s nose.
Abimanyu entered and stopped at Verano’s side.
ABIMANYA
Grand Akuba Hiamovi's on the video phone. He wants Gavasno and Sannaro to be transported to the Grand Akuba’s estate.
VERANO
That insufferable- I am not letting them go. I have scores to settle with these two Deviants!
ABIMANYU
But Doctor Verano, it is the Grand Akuba!
VERANO
I don’t care if it’s a desiccated corpse!
SANNARO
He cares nothing about the elder. He only cares about what he wants!
Verano swept around the console and flipped a switch.
Sannaro shook wildly as the electricity coursed through his body. He screamed in increased pain from his partially healed nose.
The wide-eyed technician took a few steps back toward the door as the electricity stopped flowing through Sannaro.
Sannaro fell heavily back onto the bed and struggled to stay conscious.
ABIMANYU
I’ll tell Grand Akuba Hiamovi that you are not finished with the prisoners yet.
EXIT Abimanyu.
SANNARO
Do you think someone so sure he’s everyone’s grandfather's going to let you defy him?
VERANO
You have no respect for the Akuba, either, so don’t lecture me, putura.
SANNARO
The Astrisi still taught me to respect your senior whether you like him or not. My senior fighter pilot hated me, but he gave me the best training anyone could give me.
Verano moved back to Sannaro’s side, took Sannaro’s jaw in a vice grip then turned on the regenerator again.
Sannaro felt like his jaw was going to snap when Verano finally pulled back.
VERANO
Your nose is healed. You had better get some sleep before the next treatment.
Verano picked up a Cerlacticine wipe to wash Sannaro’s face further then swept out the door.
INT. SAILIA HIAMOVI'S ESTATE
Gavasno was wearing hand and ear shackles a he was led through Hiamovi’s estate by four guards.
He was led into a room where Hiamovi was awaiting him.
HIAMOVI
Gavasno, I am very disappointed with you.
GAVASNO
The feeling is mutual, Grand Akuba.
HIAMOVI
Oh?
The guards stepped between them, but they shifted to Gavasno’s side.
HIAMOVI
How have I disappointed you?
GAVASNO
Why won’t you see that Verano's abusing the law and the rights of the people you have promised to protect as the Grand Akuba?
HIAMOVI
Now I have a question for you. Why is an upstanding police officer like yourself aiding the very criminals you sought to prevent from antisocial behavior to commit violence against their own people?
GAVASNO
They may be antisocial, but they are not criminal. Even a Deviant is entitled to be treated with dignity. I tried to work with the Deviants to help them understand Saili culture so they could understand how to behave! Verano took my students who were making some strides, kidnapped them to experiment on their minds and destroy their individuality!
HIAMOVI
How long did you work with your students?
GAVASNO
Some of them I spent years teaching!
HIAMOVI
That’s the point. You spent years and they still had not conformed. I would call that a failure, Gavasno.
GAVASNO
Just because they didn’t conform on your time?
HIAMOVI
When patience does not win suitable results, something more is needed. That is where Verano comes in. You should have been working with Verano, not against him, and you should have not sought him for arrest when he was only making up for your failures. Deviants give up their rights when they refuse to conform. Then Verano steps in to insure their conformation. Now, Gavasno, you are a Deviant. I hereby strip you of your rank within the Police Department. You will be returned to Verano for whatever treatments he sees suitable.
NO! You don’t understand! Verano's a cruel man! You’re letting a monster destroy your own people and you won’t even see it!
HIAMOVI
Be quiet! Do not speak your disrespectful words again.
Gavasno was dragged out of the room.
INT. SAILIA REHABILITATION CENTER
Sannaro woke with a desperate feeling of dread as the door swept open. He sighed in relief when he saw it was just a technician, but the man oddly went straight to his side and removed the shock helmet.
SANNARO
Sikyatavo?
SIKYATAVO
I’m getting you out of here.
SANNARO
Thank you. Where's Gavasno?
SIKYATAVO
He’s been taken to Hiamovi for disciplining. He shouldn’t have tried breaking you out of here without me.
Sikyatavo unlocked Sannaro’s hands, feet and ears.
Sikyatavo lowered a shoulder bag to the floor. He pulled out new clothes, a long copper-colored wig and a contact case.
SIKYATAVO
Take those rags off.
Sannaro took off the remains of his leggings then began to dress in the new clothes. His new clothes were a russet-colored tunic, silver leggings and a white lab coat.
SIKYATAVO
I’m sorry to have to hurt your hair.
Sikyatavo drew Sannaro’s blue-black hair into a ponytail at the base of his neck, then the wig was pulled onto his head.
The hair of the wig brushed his wrists.
Sikyatavo helped Sannaro place the silver-green contact lenses onto his eyes.
SIKYATAVO
You look like a proper Saili.
Sikyatavo went to the door.
SANNARO
You’re just going to have me walk through this place?
SIKYATAVO
Verano's prepared for a violent escape. The guards know I work here so they won’t look twice about me walking out of here with a colleague. They’ll think we’re leaving for dinner.
As Sannaro followed Sikyatavo through the halls, he shuddered from the keening noises and screams of despair that came through the locked doors.
They were given nods of greeting as they walked through the front doors out to his private hover car.
Sannaro climbed in beside Sikyatavo.
Sikyatavo started the hover car.
The gate guards opened the gates and Sikyatavo waved as they passed.
The gate closed behind them.
SANNARO
Why didn’t they recognize that I was a new person they'd never seen before?
SIKYATAVO
You should know by now, Verano's very temperamental. Everyone's used to seeing new techs come and go so no one ever asks when they see a new face.
SANNARO
And here I thought the Rehabilitation Center would have tough security.
SIKYATAVO
Only if you act like you’re an escaping patient. That’s why Gavasno should have waited for me.
SANNARO
We need to find Gavasno and free him.
SIKYATAVO
We will.
Sannaro was about to take the wig off, but Sikyatavo stopped him with a hand on his forearm.
SIKYATAVO
Leave your disguise on for now.
SANNARO
My scalp is itching and my headache is worsening.
SIKYATAVO
I'm aware of your discomfort, but the longer you can keep your disguise we’ll have a better chance to get to our new camp.
Sikyatavo parked the hover car under an overhang in a cliff and turned the vehicle off.
Sannaro reluctantly climbed out. He snatched the wig off his head, threw it to the ground then freed his hair.
Several people separated from the darkness of the cave and strode toward them.
Sannaro walked over to a boulder and sat down.
Sannaro bowed his head and forced himself to stay conscious. He heard the footstep become faster and felt his uncle pull a new air mask over his nose. He drew in a long breath. He became lightheaded and felt himself swaying.
His uncle grabbed his shoulders to steady him.
The humming sound of a sensor flew around him like an insect, then he was pulled off the rock and carried by two people into the cave, but Sannaro was too exhausted to care.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
INT. SAILIA NEW PROGRESSIVE CAMP
Sannaro couldn’t get his body to move.
Just as he became able to move, he felt hands holding him down.
Sannaro swept his arms up to break the holds on his chest then he struck the heel of his hand upwards to push away whoever was binding him.
DEVASRU
Sannaro, wake up! It’s Uncle Devasru!
He cautiously opened his eyes and saw his uncle above him. He was massaging his back and elbows.
SANNARO
I’m sorry, Uncle Devasru, I had a bad dream I was still in the Rehab Center being tied down again.
DEVASRU
I understand. You're one strong boy.
KINETIKO
He responded well to my treatments.
AURELIANA
You should have seen it when he was in my care on Belvas, just after his first encounter with Verano. The chemicals injected into him caused him to forget how to speak Basic. He was throwing my orderlies around the room yelling at them in Astrisi because Dr. Zhad wasn’t at my hospital. I consider it a good sign when he’s not attacking someone.
Sannaro flipped his hair in front of his face.
DEVASRU
I was there for that one, too! It was then I decided to call the Kumani to bring Zhad before we attempted further treatments.
Meturato stepped into the light from farther into the cave and stopped by Devasru.
METURATO
Look, everyone’s getting nervous. Are we going to attack Hiamovi’s Estate?
SANNARO
No, not Hiamovi’s Estate.
METURATO
What?
ENTER Danylko.
DANYLKO
I just came from casing Hiamovi. San, do you know Gavasno's been taken back to the Rehab Center?
SANNARO
It doesn’t surprise me. That’s where we’re going- to the Rehab Center. We must free Gavasno and those patients held there. I know firsthand that Verano's torturing those people there. Gavasno's not going to go through what Verano's put me through.
SIKYATAVO
I told you, Verano's prepared his guards for violence.
SANNARO
In case a prisoner breaks out but is he prepared for a large group to break in? That Rehab Center is located in a valley with high hills surrounding it. We could attack with laser rifles from the hilltops to take out the tower guards then overrun the front gates. If we want to tell Hiamovi, we won’t stand for the mistreatment of Deviants and Gonkacha, we must take the Rehab Center out and free all the patients.
SIKYATAVO
Wait, Sannaro. Some of those patients aren’t ambulatory and some are even infantile.
SANNARO
Those are the very people we need to save.
KINETIKO
Is it a good idea to target Verano?
SANNARO
It is essential to target Verano! If we take out Verano, I think Hiamovi will capitulate because he’ll have no one to advise him.
DEVASRU
Are you sure?
Sannaro sat up and swung his legs off the table.
SANNARO
When I was dragged in front of Hiamovi and handed over to Verano, Verano told Hiamovi, he thought if they had me, the rest of the Deviants would fall apart and surrender. Hiamovi said he hoped so because all the fighting was becoming disconcerting. I think he’s keeping the fight because Verano's telling him it's his only option. If we take out Verano, Hiamovi’s doubts will crash down on him.
SIKYATAVO
I hope you’re right.
DANYLKO
What side are you on, Sikyatavo?
SANNARO
Stop, Danylko. He wouldn’t have freed me from the Rehabilitation Center if he wasn’t on our side. I appreciate his skepticism. What I’m planning's a big move for us. He's only concerned about the prisoners who've been there for a while.
Danylko whirled toward Sannaro with his eyes wide.
METURATO
Maybe we could take over the Rehab Center and not try to move the prisoners if some are unable to move on their own?
SANNARO
That’s a very good suggestion,
Meturato.
SIKYATAVO
If we do win the Rehab center, what if Hiamovi’s troops lay siege on us like we're planning to do with the Rehab Center?
SANNARO
We’ll have Verano as leverage!
SIKYATAVO
I’ll take your word for it. I’m just a Medical Technician not a strategist.
INT. SAILIA REHABILITATION CENTER
Gavasno held his head in his hands and wished the ear shackles were off as the guards drove him to the Rehabilitation Center.
As the center came into view, Gavasno’s hearts sank.
The front gates opened and they drove the hover car through.
Verano met them inside.
VERANO
Take him into a treatment room. Well, Gavasno, it seems they’ve abandoned you.
GAVASNO
Don't get your hopes up. The other Deviant's aren't going to let you keep me.
VERANO
What are they going to do, Gavasno, come out and whine at my doorstep?
GAVASNO
Don't underestimate us, Verano.
Abimanyu burst through the door.
ABIMANYU
Dr. Verano, Sannaro's missing!
VERANO
That's not possible!
ABIMANYU
I've come from Sannaro's room and he is not there!
Verano ran from the room.
The guards proceeded to strap Gavasno onto the bed.
Gavasno laid back and grinned.
INT. SAILIA REHABILITATION CENTER SANNARO'S ROOM
Verano rushed to the room that had contained Sannaro. He fingered the open shackle and held up the shock helmet. He almost threw it, but instead he set it on the table.
VERANO
How could he have gotten out of here? Find him and bring him to me!
EXIT ORDERLY.
VERENO (PSI V.O.)
Guard, did anyone leave the compound?
GUARD (PSI V.O.)
I didn't see any one suspicious.
VERANO (PSI V.O.)
Did anyone leave the compound?
GUARD (PSI V.O.)
I did see Sikyatavo leave for dinner. Come to think of it, I haven't seen him since.
VERANO (PSI V.O.)
Did he leave with someone?
GUARD (PSI V.O.)
He was with another tech- a new guy.
VERANO (PSI V.O.)
What did he look like?
GUARD (PSI V.O.)
He had Aurum skin, copper hair and green eyes.
VERANO (PSI V.O.)
Gate guard!
GATE GUARD (PSI V.O.)
Yes, Dr. Verano?
VERANO (PSI V.O.)
Do not allow Sikyatavo back into the compound! If he does, alert me!
GATE GUARD (PSI V.O.)
Yes, Dr. Verano.
Verano stomped out of the room and returned to Gavasno's room.
Verano stormed back in with his face livid orange and went around to a similar wired helmet that Sannaro had worn when Gavasno found him.
GAVASNO
Don’t do this, Verano.
Verano slapped Gavasno’s face with the back of his hand.
VERANO
You Deviants sicken me.
He grabbed Gavasno’s jaw before he was able to recover from the surprise attack. Verano jammed the helmet onto Gavasno’s head then secured it. He rushed around the bed and flipped a switch.
Gavasno lost control of his body as it became live with coursing electricity.
VERANO
That was two settings higher than the one I gave Sannaro! I'm going to make you wish you could bring Sannaro back yourself!
GAVASNO
Never!
When the electricity turned off, Gavasno’s body dropped heavily to the bed.
VERANO
You’re a Tracker. If you track down Sannaro for me, I’ll end your torture.
GAVASNO
Throw yourself into a lava flow!
VERANO
If that’s your answer, I think I’ll leave you so you can think very carefully about it for the night. I’ll leave you with a taste of tomorrow.
He gave the dial a slight move then the raw energy ravaged Gavasno’s senses with more intensity.
Gavasno arched his shaking body and screamed.
INT. SAILIA NEW DEVIANT CAMP
Devasru and Sannaro walked across the compound.
Devasru entered into a smaller cave.
Sannaro hesitated at the entrance.
Devasru returned to him.
DEVASRU
Sannaro I understand your fear, but there's something in here I think you need to see.
SANNARO
Can't you just tell me?
DEVASRU
I think it will make a bigger impact if you see it yourself.
Sannaro shuddered, but entered the cave.
In the center of the large room was a huge cache of laser weapons.
DEVASRU
Is this enough for a large offensive on the Rehab Center?
Sannaro opened one of the crates.
The whole crate was full of laser rifles.
Sannaro picked one up and began examining it. He opened the refraction chamber and looked at the Centaurian Gelstone in the chamber that was full-sized and new.
SANNARO
Impressive. Where did you get them?
DEVASRU
Ambassador Eradano ordered them from a colleague he knew on Belvas.
SANNARO
How did he get them here?
DEVASRU
I know you’re not going to like this, but we had to have them brought by pirates.
Sannaro jerked his head up and scowled.
DEVASRU
I knew that was going to make you mad, but there was no other way we could get them here.
SANNARO
I won't use them.
Sannaro threw the gun down and strode down the hall.
Devasru rushed after him.
DEVASRU
San, I understand that you hate Pirates, but are you going to leave those prisoners and Gavasno in the rehabilitation center just because you hate where the weapons came from?
SANNARO
You paid those killers for your petty little war?
DEVASRU
You think this war is petty? Then you can go back to your safe spaceship and let us continue our petty little war without you!
SANNARO
I'm sorry, Uncle Devasru, it's not a petty war. You don't understand the pain I've been through with pirates.
DEVASRU
No, I can't, but I do know what these people have been through. If you’re tired of people telling you how to behave, can't you understand how these people feel?
SANNARO
Yes.
DEVASRU
Okay then, can you overlook this? We need those weapons. Gavasno's counting on us!
Sannaro squatted down and held his hands over his head.
DEVASRU
Easy, son, there's no need to panic.
They came out into the sunlight again.
Devasru stood Sannaro up and guided him out of the cave.
They came out into the sunlight again.
DEVASRU
I'm pressing you too hard.
SANNARO
I do want to rescue Gavasno.
DEVASRU
I'm sorry I upset you. I do remember years ago when we crashed because of the Pirates, it was a very terrifying experience, but that was the only way we could get these weapons.
SANNARO
Your right, Uncle Devasru, I'm being too critical. I'll use the weapons. Gather up the fighters and bring them to the clearing. I'll begin teaching them how to fire rifles.
DEVASRU
Thank you, San.
Devasru ran to the main cave.
Sannaro chuckled to himself as he watched the Saili practice on targets. Teaching them how to fire a weapon was a lot easier than teaching them self-defense. Maybe this offensive on the Rehabilitation Center would be easier than engaging the Saili soldiers in direct combat.
Sannaro called everyone together inside the main cavern for a final briefing.
SANNARO
Sikyatavo, Danylko, Meturato and I'll lead a team. Each team will be transported separately and set up on a side of the compound to attack the lookout posts.
Sikyatavo blew his breath out heavily.
SANNARO
I know you can do this. You’re more courageous than you think.
SIKYATAVO
It’s not that, it’s just that- I’m just a medical technician, not a fighter.
SANNARO
Many of those people out there aren’t fighters. I’m the only person here with any formal training. We have to do what’s necessary to survive.
Sikyatavo reluctantly nodded his head.
SANNARO
My team will be at the front of the compound engaging the gate guards. Once all guards are taken out, we'll enter the Rehabilitation Center. Danylko and Meturato’s teams will replace the perimeter and gate guards while Sikyatavo and my team will enter the Rehabilitation Center and subdue the staff. Uncle Devasru, I'd prefer you stay in the rear for this offensive.
DEVASRU
No, Sannaro, I'm still the head of this rebellion. Where you go, I go.
SANNARO
I’m warning you- it’s going to get ugly.
DEVASRU
This whole situation is ugly. This is a war and, like you told me, war matures a person real fast.
SANNARO
I guess you're right.
DEVASRU
Don't get me wrong, San. I appreciate your concern about me. It's just that we are all together in this civil uprising.
VARANANI
What team am I on?
SANNARO
I want you on my team.
VARANANI
You just want to watch me.
SANNARO
Yeah, I do want to watch over you. You’re new at fighting. Listen, Varanani, you're the only person in my family who survived. I guess I’m afraid I’ll lose you again.
VARANANI
I understand, and you are right.
SANNARO
I love you, Varanani, and I know Danu loves you too.
VARANANI
I should have known I couldn’t keep it secret forever.
SANNARO
I knew it by the end of the Zuran War, but you just weren’t ready to talk about it.
VARANANI
You aren’t mad?
SANNARO
No, why would I be mad about you being in love with one of my best friends?
DEVASRU
You’re in love with that student Doctor?
VARANANI
I didn’t mean to, Uncle Devasru, it’s just that, during the Zuran War while Di'ok was captured and tortured by the Zurans, he was unknowingly sending what he was going through to San’s subconscious. San was almost driven insane by the nightmares he was having- Cherna was scared for San, so they didn’t think about what all this was doing to Danu. At first, Danu came to me to talk, but as I came to know Danu, I thought he was really sweet. As time went on, I found myself thinking about linking with him so he could better understand my sympathy for him.
DEVASRU
Have you linked with him?
VARANANI
No, I remembered what you said when San and Cheri admitted to their relationship. I didn’t want to make that same mistake.
DEVASRU
Does Danu know how you feel about him?
VARANANI
He has an idea and, when I pick up his surface thoughts, he thinks about me very fondly. I think he’s in love with me too.
SANNARO
Uncle, every time Danu enters a crowded room with Varanani present, he always goes straight to Varanani.
DEVASRU
It sounds like you have taken his heart. Maybe you should tell him that you love him.
VARANANI
You mean it?
Sannaro was astounded to see Varanani’s eyes light up as she smiled.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Uncle Devasru, Vara’s eyes smiled!
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
I see, Sannaro. She is truly happy that I have given her permission to consider Danu for mating.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I don’t think there's any consideration about it!
Sannaro sobered when he saw the weapons passed out to each person.
They broke up into the teams and went out to four hover-vans brought in to transport the teams.
Sannaro watched as each team loaded up, then he climbed into the van where his team was boarded and they pulled out.
EXT. REHABILITATION CENTER
Everyone was silent while they made their way to their objective.
All too soon, the van stopped and the doors were opened to let them out.
Sannaro crouched down as soon as he leapt out of the van.
SANNARO
The front gate is two hills away. Stay low and use rocks and brush for cover. When we reach the second rise, either find cover or lay in the prone position as I showed you. Let's move out.
As the team moved toward the first hill, they fanned out to one line.
Sannaro used a bush for cover as he climbed up the first hill. He squatted low when he came to the crest.
The watchtower was barely seen as he made his way down.
He was relieved the guards weren’t alerted to their presence.
With the help of a boulder, he carefully climbed the second rise, then laid flat on his belly and pulled the laser rifle off his back.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
All right. Begin fire.
He sighted on a guard on the wall and squeezed the trigger.
The guard collapsed.
The other guard’s eyes widened before he returned fire.
Sannaro cringed at the energy streams that zapped over his head before he relaxed his cheek against the stock of the rifle, aimed at the other guard and fired.
That guard fell off the wall and thudded to the ground.
Sannaro turned his attention to the gate guards who had taken cover inside and behind the guard box at the side of the gate.
The guard at the door disappeared for a few seconds, then popped up with a missile cannon on his shoulder and fired.
SANNARO
Get down!
Sannaro put his own face in the dirt and covered his head with his arms.
An explosion popped his ears.
He was hit by chunks of dirt. He scanned his team and contacted all, but one. Sannaro was cheered that Varanani had survived the explosion, but he sighed at the inadequacy of his Saili team.
Just as he propped his body up on his elbows again, the ground shuddered from another
missile explosion.
Dirt shot into the air over the southern wall.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Meturato, is your team all right?
METURATO (PSI V.O.)
I have one wounded and one dead, but were still attacking over here.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Danylko, we’re being bombarded with artillery here and south. Watch out for one on your side.
DANYLKO (PSI V.O.)
Roger, Sannaro.
Sannaro sensed Danylko’s team retreated down the hill just in time for another missile to throw dirt into the air from the left. Sannaro cut the link and returned his attention to his own battle.
The guard inside the guard box threw down the empty launcher, pulled out his pistol again and fired his over the half door, then ducked down again.
Sannaro targeted that guard. As soon as he saw the glint of his silver hair, Sannaro fired.
The guard fell backwards and sprawled on the road.
As the second guard looked down on his colleague’s unmoving body, Sannaro fired again and that guard flopped over the first one.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
Sannaro ducked down against the hill.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Are all guards down?
DANYLKO (PSI V.O.)
All most. We have one more that’s being stubborn.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Meturato, are all your targets neutralized?
METURATO (PSI V.O.)
Just dropped the last one.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Good, then join Danylko to help him down his last.
METURATO (PSI V.O.)
Moving out, boss.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Sikyatavo, move your team to meet us at the front gate. Let’s go, team!
Sannaro ran down the hill just as Sikyatavo’s team rounded the left corner.
They joined at the gate.
Sannaro followed Sikyatavo into the guard box and stood over the threshold of the door.
Sikyatavo went to the control panel and pressed a button.
The gates outside the guard box swung open.
Sannaro and Sikyatavo rejoined their teams who cheered as they rushed through the gate.
They ran up the drive and stopped at the door.
Sikyatavo took out his entry card and slipped it into a slot beside the door.
Beside the slot was two small lights; one was green and the other was red. When the red light didn’t waver, Sikyatavo huffed in frustration.
SIKYATAVO
Verano figured out it was me who freed you, Sannaro. My clearance has been suspended.
SANNARO
Then we’ll get through another way. Everyone, stand back.
Sannaro pushed the energy control to maximum then targeted the door.
A wide beam shot out of Sannaro’s rifle and the metal door shrieked, then imploded.
Sannaro’s ears itched so he whirled around to identify who was behind him.
It was Danylko and Meturato’s teams who rushed through the gates and closed them again.
Meturato was at the guardhouse with one other from his team while Danylko took the rest of Meturato's and his teams to fan out at the lookouts on the wall.
Sannaro turned back to the ruined door and waved for them to enter. Sannaro was in the lead followed by Sikyatavo. He remembered Gavasno’s mental signature and began to follow it.
SANNARO
Set your rifles on stun. There’s no reason to kill technicians and orderlies.
Sannaro turned his rifle back to stun as they prowled through the halls. Whenever any of the staff was seen, they were shot unconscious.
SANNARO
Vanrero, Lobadro, take the unconscious staff to a room and lock them in.
Sannaro peeked into a window and saw a patient tied down.
She was staring at the ceiling as he had.
He slipped into the room with Sikyatavo behind him. He released a leg and an arm while Sikyatavo did the same on the other side.
PATIENT
Wa- ya- ugh.
Drool slid down her cheek.
SANNARO
This is worse than invading a pirate ship.
SIKYATAVO
This is just the beginning of the atrocities Verano has done, Sannaro. For now, let’s concentrate on finding Gavasno and stopping Verano.
Sannaro rushed out of the room before he could look at the silver woman again.
He scanned for Gavasno’s mind again.
SIKYATAVO
You can do it, Sannaro. Hold on to Gavasno's mental signature with all your concentration.
Sannaro looked down the hall. He walked slowly at first then picked up some speed.
Gavasno’s mind almost slipped from his senses as he passed an intersection.
He stopped and back-stepped, turned left and continued down that hall. He stopped in the center and cocked his head.
He looked left then right.
SANNARO
I’m tiring. I’m just not trained enough!
SIKYATAVO
Don’t give up!
Sannaro took a deep breath and concentrated harder. He grabbed hold of Gavasno’s mental trace and began to walk again. He turned left, then walked nearly to the end of that hall before he turned left and opened a door.
Strapped spread eagle to the bed with the shock helmet on his head was delirious Gavasno.
Sannaro rushed to his teacher’s head, pulled the helmet off, threw it to shatter against the wall, then he freed Gavasno’s arms and legs.
Gavasno blinked his eyes to focus them and grinned when he saw Sannaro.
GAVASNO
I knew you would come for me.
He wobbled as he sat up and cradled his head.
Sikyatavo put a cautioning hand on Gavasno’s shoulder.
SIKYATAVO
You've been subjected to dangerous levels of electricity, Gavasno. I think you need to rest.
Gavasno swung his legs off the bed.
GAVASNO
No damned way. I’m not going to rest here while you find that monster.
Sannaro helped Gavasno to his feet.
Gavasno swayed for a few seconds before he braced himself and took a few tentative steps toward the door.
Devasru took Gavasno by the arm.
DEVASRU
You don’t have to do this.
GAVASNO
I do have to do this.
Gavasno jerked his arm away and braced himself against the wall.
GAVASNO
Verano has to be stopped here and now before he tortures one more Saili!
VARANANI
You’re a policeman!
GAVASNO
Not any more. Hiamovi took my badge away from me before he handed me over to Verano. He said I was now a Deviant. By the hammer of the Great Forger, he’ll see how Deviant I am!
DEVASRU
Is this wise?
Sannaro raised his laser rifle.
SANNARO
He’s right. If you don’t agree, you can stay here where it’s safe, but I’ll be by Gavasno’s side.
SIKYATAVO
This is what we came to do, Devasru. It’s time to make Verano pay.
Sikyatavo stopped Gavasno and released the ear shackles.
DEVASRU
Are you coming, Varanani?
VARANANI
Yes, Verano must pay.
They left Gavasno's room together.
ABHIMANYU
Sikyatavo!
Sannaro raised his laser rifle to fire, but Sikyatavo restrained Sannaro’s firing arm.
SIKYATAVO
No, don’t shoot him. What do you want, Abhimanyu? My friend has an itchy trigger finger and fast reflexes so if you try to trick us, I won’t promise you’ll survive.
ABHIMANYU
Sikyatavo, Doctor Verano's locked himself up in his laboratory! His eyes- they look crazed, Sikyatavo! I fear what he'll do to us all!
SIKYATAVO
Great Forger’s Anvil!
SANNARO
Fausa!
As they rushed past, Abhimanyu pressed himself against the wall with his arms still above his head.
SANNARO
Oh, relax! No matter what Sikyatavo says, I’m not going to shoot you.
Devasru stopped and brought Abhimanyu’s arms down to his side.
DEVASRU
Find somewhere to hide and you will not be harmed.
ABHIMANYU
Thank you.
Devasru ran on to catch up with Sannaro who was waiting for him.
SANNARO
I’m not trigger happy, Uncle
Devasru!
DEVASRU
I know, son. Let’s go.
They followed Sikyatavo and Gavasno who were in the lead.
Sikyatavo led them through several hallways and down a stairwell until they came to heavy double doors. Sikyatavo grasped the door handle and pulled.
They rattled as they hit resistance.
Through the windows in the door, Sannaro saw Verano rush around to grab up several containers of chemicals.
SIKYATAVO
No! If he mixes those agents, the whole center will explode!
SANNARO
Take cover.
Sannaro rushed back and set his rifle at a higher strength.
Everyone stood back at the stairwell as Sannaro super-heated the doors.
The doors warped then popped open.
Sannaro ran into the room that was full of glass beakers, heating plates and other equipment that wasn’t familiar to him.
Sikyatavo rushed past him and stopped a few meters away from Verano.
SIKYATAVO
Are you insane, Verano? If you mix those chemicals you have selected, you’ll leave a crater ten kilometers deep and kill us all!
VERANO
Won’t it be glorious? I’ll destroy the Gonkacha and the Deviant population in one blast!
SANNARO
You’ll kill yourself, too.
VERANO
It will be worth it to be rid of you!
Verano picked up two beakers.
VERANO (CONT.)
Set down the rifle, Sannaro.
Sannaro scowled as he carefully set the laser rifle down and pushed it across the floor under the worktables.
VERANO
I’ve finally won!
Verano drew the two containers together.
Sannaro launched himself through the air. He pulled his legs against his chest and held his arms out. As he grabbed the necks of the beakers, he kicked his legs out.
Verano flew backwards over a table.
Sannaro landed on top of the table, set down the beakers, then flipped over Verano’s head to land on another tabletop. Sannaro kicked Verano in the chin then jumped down to the floor.
Verano brought his head back and clutched his bleeding mouth, then twirled around to grab the containers again.
Sannaro pushed Verano across the room into the wall.
Verano shook his head to clear it.
Sannaro closed in on him again. He sensed Sikyatavo was at the chemicals and was carefully relocating them away from each other.
VERANO
No, I won’t let you stop me! You must be destroyed!
Verano moved to go around Sannaro.
Sannaro snapped his arm out just ahead of Verano’s chest and flipped him off his feet. He grabbed Verano’s shoulders, flipped him over on his stomach, then grabbed his arms and pulled them to his mid-back.
Gavasno joined him with a length of cord and tied Verano’s hands behind his back.
They hefted Verano to his feet.
SANNARO
Now that Verano's ours, Uncle Devasru, I think it’s time for you to make a call to Hiamovi.
As they went back up the stairs, the compound rocked with a moderate explosion.
Sannaro gasped and extended his telepathy. Outside of the Rehabilitation Center, a large group of Saili, some soldiers, but many not, were pushing through the gates into the grounds.
SANNARO
Iachi’awei Ushi!
Sannaro rushed down the hall to a treatment room.
Gavasno opened the door.
He and Sannaro grabbed Verano up and dropped him onto the bed. Each grabbed a leg and locked it into a cuff, then Gavasno untied Verano’s arms and they cuffed Verano’s wrists.
SANNARO
Varanani, Uncle Devasru, guard Verano. Gavasno, Sikyatavo, we’re going to help Meturato and Danylko’s teams fight off Hiamovi’s forces!
Sannaro rushed from the room.
GAVASNO
Our teams containing the staff have already joined the fight outside.
Sannaro nodded as they rushed out the front doors of the center.
Sannaro felt like he was in the center of a crazed mob instead of a battle.
Arms and legs flew at him with wild intensity that he couldn’t block the sheer volume of attacks.
With the moving of a lower block, he saw a long pipe that was a part of the outer wall skitter across the grass to bump into his feet. He rolled his toes under the pipe and flipped it into the air. He snatched it and used it as a staff to ward off more blows.
The battle was going better for him until an intensely anger-filled mind rushed toward him.
Instinct honed from many years of martial art practice moved his hands to position the staff under his armpit and he thrust it back into his attacker.
Sannaro felt the staff slam into the body of the attacker then he heard the pop of skin and felt the dead weight bounce off his back. A gruesome death rattle ravaged his ears.
The gaping hole opened in his mind signaled to him that someone he knew was hardening in death.
SANNARO'S INNER VISION
Above that hole hovered his oldest cousin Briarko.
SANNARO
Nui, Briarko!
BRIARKO (PSI V.O.)
Someone had to try to stop you, Sannaro. You blinded my family with your savage passions. Now you have killed me. I’ll revel at the Great Forger’s side as my family turn on you like they should have done years ago.
Briarko kept his sneer as he fell through the hole and it closed behind him.
When Sannaro was finally released from the paralysis of his inner sight, he swallowed his dread and turned around.
Impaled on the pipe was the hardened gold body of Briarko with his hands clawed to encircle Sannaro’s neck. The sneer he had on his face in Sannaro’s mind was forever solidified on Briarko’s face.
Sannaro backed away as his shock overwhelmed the continued pummeling from the other fighters.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Stop!
A wave of energy bowled all the fighters around Sannaro to the ground.
Devasru rushed out of the Rehabilitation center to the hardened body of his first born son.
DEVASRU
Oh, Great Forger, Briarko!
SANNARO
I'm sorry! He attacked me from behind!
Varanani rushed up to stand beside Sannaro with her hands over her gaping mouth.
VARANANI
I thought you said he was captured!
DEVASRU
I didn’t see it With all the telepathy of the Saili, I didn’t listen to Briarko’s objections!
SANNARO
He told me that! He said that someone had to try to stop me.
DEVASRU
He was fighting for Hiamovi!
Varanani laid her head on Sannaro’s shoulder and wailed.
Sannaro embraced his sister’s shoulders and joined in her tears. He was pulled away from Varanani. He made no move to stop the many hands and feet that ravaged his body.
GAVASNO (PSI V.O.)
Hiamovi, I have Verano!
Sannaro raised his head to see Gavasno on the stairs of the Rehabilitation Center with a laser pistol pressed to Verano’s head.
GAVASNO (PSI V.O.)
If you want this son-of-a-bitch, you’ll tell your forces to stop the fighting.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Stop! Stop fighting! Can’t you see? Normal Saili aren’t made to fight!
HIAMOVI (PSI V.O.)
Now you understand, Sannaro.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I am an Astrisi warrior, but this was not a place for war.
Meturato had an arm clutched uselessly at his side as he stepped out of the crowd.
METURATO
You're Gonkacha Saili.
VERANO
There’s no place here for Gonkacha!
Gavasno clouted Verano in the head.
GAVASNO
Shut the hell up.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Will you negotiate?
HIAMOVI (PSI V.O.)
Only Devasru, you and me will discuss this matter on Vagakta Station.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I only ask that the Astrisi are added for mediation.
HIAMOVI (PSI V.O.)
How can I expect mediation from those who raised you?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
They may have raised me, but they've never given me any more freedoms than they thought I proved I could be trusted with so don’t exactly call them partial to me.
HIAMOVI (PSI V.O.)
All right.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
We'll keep Verano until a mutual decision is made.
HIAMOVI (PSI V.O.)
Accepted.
All around him, Sannaro saw his troops and Hiamovi’s troops milling around to check on the dead and injured.
Gavasno dragged Verano back into the center to secure him again.
Sannaro started as he felt Varanani drape a Rehabilitation Center blanket around his shoulders. He clutched the edges to his chest.
Sikyatavo led Sannaro back inside.
SIKYATAVO
You need medical attention.
SANNARO
No, I’m better off than others. I’ll wait my turn.
A hover truck pulled in through the ruined gates.
The back doors opened to allow Dr. Kinetiko and Dr. Aureliana out. They immediately moved from one person to another to assess their injuries.
The remaining able-bodied combatants picked up the severely wounded and carried them into the Rehab Center.
Kinetiko and Aureliana followed soon after to begin their work.
FADE OUT.
THE END.