Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
“INVASION: SAILIA”
EPISODE 56 – CELEBRATION
BY: LYSSA THORNE
SUPER: Reincarnation can be great. You can start anew. All the memories wiped clean. Until you wake up and all the forgotten memories slam you. In the beginning, I went by the name Sannaro. That was only half of the problem.
FADE IN:
INT. KUMANI UPPER FLIGHT DECK
Sannaro Damirateyak sat in his office and read a progress report, when he felt his pointed ears itch along the raised nerve. He sensed the mental signature of his old friend and Commander of the Astrisi ship Kumani was at his door with the thought of his need to talk strongly in his mind.
SANNARO
Akla.
The door swept open.
Sannaro chuckled at the baffled look on Hadah's face.
HADAH
You rascal, you did it to me again.
SANNARO
And resist seeing that silly, confused look on your face? Well, you can come in.
Hadah chuckled as he entered and sat down.
SANNARO
So what's the news from the bridge?
HADAH
I received a communication from New Sailia.
SANNARO
Oh? What's happening on my Uncle's planet?
HADAH
The anniversary of the creation of New Sailia is approaching. They're requesting our attendance to the festivities, especially you.
Sannaro looked down self-consciously.
HADAH
If their hero worship of you embarrasses you so much, why do you continue to indulge them?
Sannaro swept his shoulder-blade length hair behind his ears.
SANNARO
Why? Because they're my people and they're entitled to celebrate their freedom from Sailia. It would seem rude for me to refuse and hide on the Kumani just because their accolades embarrass me.
HADAH
It's bad enough that we're invited because Lazha took them in and found their new planet, but to be a center of the celebrations? I don't know if I could do that.
SANNARO
It's only fair.
HADAH
You're a kind man, San.
SANNARO
I don't know about that, but I try to be equitable.
HADAH
Equitable- not something leaders like you and I can always be.
SANNARO
Granted but in those instances where I have that luxury, I try to be.
Sannaro grinned mischievously.
SANNARO
I could always make you stay at my side throughout the festival.
HADAH
Fausa, you wouldn't!
Sannaro chuckled.
HADAH
My Saili friend, you are a scamp!
SANNARO
So my reputation says.
HADAH
So should I send a message that we'll attend?
SANNARO
Like I said, they're my people, even though I choose not to live among them. I'd like to encourage them to celebrate their liberation.
HADAH
So I'll send that message today and get that stop on our schedule.
SANNARO
Okay and I guess I'll start preparing myself to endure a lot of attention.
HADAH
Have fun.
SANNARO
Go launch yourself out an airlock.
HADAH
Aw, be nice, Sannaro.
SANNARO
Just kidding, Hadah.
HADAH
I know.
Hadah left the office.
INT. KUMANI BRIDGE
Sannaro watched from the large screen on the bridge of the Kumani as New Sailia loomed ever larger. The planet his people had chosen to settle on was a vibrant teal green world of lush vegetation.
HADAH
All stop, Amida. Di'ok, announce that disembarkation will commence in a half hour.
DI'OK
Houk, Hadah.
Hadah nudged Sannaro's arm with his elbow.
HADAH
San, don't go comatose on me now. You're adoring fans would be disappointed to hear their beloved General was in the infirmary.
Sannaro shook himself out of his reverie.
SANNARO
I'm okay.
HADAH
Then let's get up to the Upper Flight Deck. I'm sure the Saili would want you to be the first to arrive.
Sannaro shored up his courage as he followed Hadah up the stairs from the control well, to the elevators and the Upper Flight Deck.
As expected, Hadah’s shuttle was awaiting them, ready for flight. For once, Sannaro wished Kosi wasn’t as thorough as he was about demanding his crews work quickly and efficiently.
Sannaro heard the elevator open. Cherna stepped up beside him and laid her arm around his waist.
SANNARO
I thought you were going to go down with Andu and Ambri later?
CHERNA
And leave you to face this overwhelming greeting alone? That would be insensitive.
He kissed her quickly on the mouth.
SANNARO
Fa’arata, it would make it easier on me.
They climbed the ramp arm-in-arm into the shuttle and sat beside each other.
After a short flight, the control tower asked for approach identification and he sensed the telepathic request for identification the Saili always demanded as social protocol.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Aurum General Sannaro Damirateyak.
NEW SAILI FLIGHT CONTROL (PSI V.O.)
Welcome, Aurum General Damirateyak! We’ve been eagerly awaiting you! Welcome to our festival!
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I look forward to the festivities.
HADAH
Hey, San, if you get anymore into deep thought, I’m not sure we’ll be able to revive you.
SANNARO
Oh, no, I was just giving the standard arrival greeting all telepaths are required to give upon approach to New Sailia.
HADAH
Oh, I didn’t know you had to give a telepathic greeting.
SANNARO
They wouldn’t tell you because you’re not a telepath.
HADAH
That makes sense. I’m just beginning to understand the scope of your telepathic world, and I probably will never fully understand how much of it is telepathic for you.
SANNARO
I don’t expect you to, although, I’m glad that since you’ve chosen to be involved with our telepathic community on Kumani, we’ve helped to alleviate your loneliness since No'ama’s death.
HADAH
Please don’t remind me of how I learned about our telepathic community.
SANNARO
I sure won’t. The memories are still quite painful to me, I assure you.
HADAH
Houk, that was just about the toughest time I’ve had to face at your side. Well, we’re making our final approach. Just find some way to enjoy this.
SANNARO
I’m sure I will once I get over blushing too much.
HADAH
Are the others coming?
SANNARO
They’re coming later with the rest of the people down from the ship.
HADAH
They don’t want to endure your greeting either?
SANNARO
Not really. The only difference is that I feel I don’t have a choice and they do.
Cherna wrapped her arm around his.
CHERNA
I'm here to help you.
Sannaro kissed the side of her head.
SANNARO
And it's very much appreciated, lover.
Sannaro saw the clouds surround the shuttle and realized uncomfortably that they would soon be on the ground.
Already, he could see a dark blob on the spaceport tarmac poised and ready to swallow him up like a dreaded black hole in space.
An hand gripped Sannaro's shoulder and he turned to see it was Hadah.
HADAH
Hey, easy there, San. You're radiating dread.
SANNARO
Just stay by my side for a while until I can be comfortable. Can you feel how needy they are, Hadah?
HADAH
Houk, it's so strong, too. Fausa, you feel things so much more than we do. How do you handle it all the time?
SANNARO
One minute at a time.
Sannaro felt Cherna grasp his hand.
CHERNA
Take my strength, lover. You'll get through this.
Sannaro raised her hand and kissed it.
SANNARO
I know I will. They just want to show their appreciation to me for helping them attain their freedom.
HADAH
You keep repeating that, you might manage to convince yourself.
SANNARO
Jettison yourself, Hadah.
HADAH
Nui, I'm not impatient. I'll wait for touchdown, thank you.
Sannaro chuckled.
Just then, the landing pads bumped to the ground, the ramp lowered and the hatch opened.
Sannaro took a deep breath to center himself before he stood up and walked down the ramp to the ground.
Cherna rushed to his side and curled her fingers into his.
Sannaro slightly squeezed her hand and walked on.
As soon as he reached the ground, Saili of all hues threatened to drown him in a sea of bodies and excited minds. He strengthened his shields and painted a smile on his face.
The sea parted at the bidding of a commanding mind that was very familiar to Sannaro.
Through the tunnel made by the people came Sannaro's uncle Devasru.
DEVASRU
Aurum General Damirateyak, welcome to our celebration.
SANNARO
Thank you, Aurum Governor Masanateyak.
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
Aren't formalities silly?
Devasru raised his hand in greeting.
Sannaro raised his own hand.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
The faster they're over, the better.
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
Be strong, son. They're just grateful.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I know, Uncle. I'm prepared.
DEVASRU
Ah, Commander Hadah, it's so nice to see you again. Welcome to New Sailia's Emancipation Celebration.
HADAH
It was our pleasure to be an integral part in the establishment of this colony, Governor Masanateyak.
DEVASRU
If you'll both follow me, I'll take you to our transportation so the festivities can begin.
They followed Devasru to an open top hover car. They climbed in and Devasru drove them through the security gates of the spaceport out into the city that was decorated in streamers and bright metallic hued lanterns.
DEVASRU
We'll be going to the festival grounds. Everyone's gathering there to hear you give an opening speech.
SANNARO
Just my favorite thing to do.
HADAH
The sooner you give it, the faster it'll be over and the crowd will turn to their own plans for fun, San. I've always noticed that myself when I had to officiate our us'uata.
SANNARO
You're right, Hadah.
DEVASRU
I know how you are about getting too much attention and accolades so I helped to organize this event to not demand too much from you.
SANNARO
That will be appreciated.
Devasru turned into a crowded decorated park and drove up to a large wooden pavilion.
Sannaro stepped out of the car.
Devasru joined Hadah and him.
He took the lead to guide them to the podium.
Devasru stepped up to the microphone.
DEVASRU
My dear friends, please welcome Aurum General Sannaro Damirateyak back to our colony to join our Emancipation celebration!
The crowd cheered as Sannaro took the podium.
Sannaro spent a few seconds to adjust the microphone to his lesser height.
SANNARO
Thank you, my people.
The crowd cheered again.
SANNARO
Although I wasn't raised Saili, one common goal brought us together years ago, the clear threat to ourselves, our partners and our children. Thankfully, that child I sought to defend his right to be born is now a teenager, full of potential and the promise of future generations. For this, I'm proud to have aided all of you present to create this new colony and watch it grow into the impressive community it is today.
The crowd cheered again.
SANNARO
So, on that note, I declare this festival begun!
From the corner of Sannaro's eye, he saw Devasru's face take on a look of concentration and reached his telepathy out just enough to sense Devasru was communicating privately with an aide.
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
It's all right. I just have a call awaiting me back at my office. I'll return soon. You just stay here and enjoy the festival.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Okay.
As Devasru walked back to the hover car, Sannaro stepped down from the podium. He felt almost claustrophobic with all these people crowded around him to get their chance to touch or talk to their famous general. He smiled indulgently as he controlled his panic.
As a Saili reached out his hand for him to shake, he thought how odd for this Saili man to prefer a human gesture, but this was special circumstances so he raised his own hand.
Just as he brushed his fingers to the man's, another Saili man bumped him away from the man’s hand.
Sannaro was about to turn to the man and chastise him for being pushy when the intercom sounded. Sannaro pulled back to listen.
DEVASRU (V.O.)
Attention, everyone, I've just been informed that Sailia has been invaded. Sailia has been invaded. General Damirateyak, please come to my office. All will be informed of any developments when it becomes available.
Sannaro pushed through the crowd as fast as he could.
As he walked to the government building, he unconsciously rubbed his right hand.
He rushed through the foyer unimpeded to the Governor's office and walked in.
Devasru met him right inside.
SANNARO
What do you mean by Sailia's been invaded? Do you mean Vagakta Station?
DEVASRU
No, I mean Sailia.
SANNARO
How? The toxic atmosphere makes Sailia virtually inviolate.
DEVASRU
It seems some humans created a chemical to insulate environmental suits from being damaged by Sailia's toxic atmosphere, so they decided to test it out by sending a large invasion force to Sailia. Most of the population has fled underground and they're becoming afraid their forces will be overwhelmed so their asking the New Saili to come to their defense and they expressly asked for you to be in command of our forces.
Sannaro blushed.
DEVASRU
Why does it surprise you that Hiamovi would request you personally to command our forces?
Sannaro chuckled self-consciously and shook his head. The room didn't stop spinning with his head.
The room temperature spiked hotter than Sailia.
Sannaro reached out to grab Devasru's desk as his knees failed him. He felt Devasru wrap his arms around his chest and call his name as if from afar before his sight darkened.
Devasru lowered Sannaro to the floor.
DEVASRU
Sannaro! Sannaro!
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
Varanani, get Zhad immediately and come to my office! San's collapsed!
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
He was fine a few minutes ago!
Devasru laid a hand on Sannaro's sweaty brow.
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
Great forger, he's burning up! Hurry, Varanani!
A minute later, the door swept open to a crowd of people.
Zhad and Danu rushed in and knelt beside Sannaro.
Devasru watched from cradling Sannaro's head as the two doctors examined his nephew.
Zhad read the small device that hummed in his hand with his brow taunt with confusion.
ZHAD
This is hard to believe! San is showing his Gonkacha is slightly out of remission!
HADAH
Gonkacha? That's impossible. When Lazha found this planet, she had it checked for seranimite. He couldn't possibly have gotten seranimite poisoning here.
DEVASRU
Hadah's right. That was one of our conditions for settlement. We wanted no seranimite present and Lazha said the surveyors found none so it's not possible for him to get seranimite poisoning here.
CHERNA
How bad is it? Will he berserk if awakened?
ZHAD
No, it's just a trace of seranimite- just enough to give him flu-like symptoms. Danu, go get some Gontametlazine, point five ccs.
DANU
Houk, Zhad.
Danu rushed from the room.
HADAH
Now, the burning question, here, is how did Sannaro get contaminated with seranimite?
Danu returned and pressed an injector into Zhad's hand.
Zhad bent down and injected the medicine into Sannaro's neck.
In less than a second, Sannaro began to stir again.
Devasru helped Sannaro sit up.
Sannaro put his head in his hands and moaned.
DANU
A headache?
SANNARO
Uh-huh.
Danu brought out another injector and pressed it into Sannaro's arm.
DANU
This is a heavy dose of Catowsh. That should make the pain more manageable.
SANNARO
Fa'arata.
(beat)
Seranimite?
ZHAD
You were slightly contaminated with seranimite.
SANNARO
Skisla dai?
HADAH
At least, not here on New Sailia.
ZHAD
Where are you leading us, Hadah?
Devasru reached to turn Sannaro's right hand to him and ran his fingers over Sannaro's hand. He pulled the hand closer.
DEVASRU
There.
He pointed to a small red dot on Sannaro's middle finger.
DEVASRU
I sense seranimite on this puncture wound.
Danu grabbed an alcohol wipe and washed the injured finger.
SANNARO
Fausa! It was that last guy just before Uncle Devasru made the announcement! I wondered why he wanted to shake my hand like a Human.
HADAH
So he could poison you.
VARANANI
Who would want to poison Sannaro?
SANNARO
Who wouldn't? I've left people angry with me on dozens of worlds.
HADAH
Let's narrow it down. Who would want to poison you now?
ZHAD
Okay, point one: we're at a very important celebration for New Sailia.
HADAH
So the attacker should be someone who's very sore about the existence of New Sailia.
SANNARO
That's easy. Just about anyone on Sailia!
Ambassador Eradano entered the door.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
ERADANO
Yes, but it couldn't be just anyone, but someone who Hiamovi would allow off Sailia since he keeps an iron grip on who's allowed to go off world. I can rule out Ambassador Makalani, because he's at Earth in Council. I'm sorry you are again a target for retaliation, Sannaro, but such is the life of a public figure.
SANNARO
Thank you, Ambassador Eradano. You came to New Sailia for the celebration too?
ERADANO
I did. This is one of our most important days.
ZHAD
Which brings us to point two. He wanted to do it in a public place, inconspicuously so no one would see he'd done it until it was too late.
HADAH
Did you finish the handshake?
SANNARO
Nui, as soon as I laid my fingers on his fingers to begin the handshake, Devasru made the announcement and I pulled back from him.
ZHAD
So that may mean that San didn't get the full injection he was meant to have because he didn't complete the handshake.
VARANANI
And if San would've gotten the whole injection, he would've gone berserk.
DEVASRU
Great Forger, in a crowd full of innocent people!
DANU
And Sannaro's reputation may have been irreparably damaged.
SANNARO
Verano.
DEVASRU
Was it Verano? Is he here on New Sailia?
ERADANO
Tsiakuba Hiamovi would grant a visa to his pet psychotic scientist.
SANNARO
No, not Verano. He wouldn't attack me in public; it's not his MO. He'd send one of his fanatics to do it for him in case he was captured.
HADAH
Great. Could this get any more complicated? It's bad enough that Sailia has just been invaded, but now we have to track down San's assailant?
DEVASRU
No, Hadah, that can't be our priority right now. I was told by Grand Akuba Hiamovi that he desperately wants New Sailia to come to Sailia's aide and he wants Sannaro to command the force.
HADAH
But he told San, himself, that he never wanted to see Sannaro on Sailia again.
DEVASRU
That's how desperate they are. They're willing to embrace exiles once again to save them from being conquered, especially their most reviled exile, Sannaro.
Sannaro struggled to his feet.
SANNARO
Uncle, put out an announcement for recruitment of forces. I have an offensive to plan.
HADAH
Are you sure you're all right, San?
ZHAD
I'm not reading seranimite in him any longer. His Gonkacha has returned to remission.
SANNARO
Hadah, I'm the General of New Sailia's defense force. I was personally requested, and as General, I want to ask, can I please ask for aide from the Kumani to help the New Saili forces win back Sailia?
HADAH
I'll have to ask the Council, but I'm willing to bet they'll volunteer our ship to help out.
SANNARO
Fa'arata. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a lot to do.
Sannaro left the room.
Cherna was fast behind him.
SANNARO
Nui, you're not going.
CHERNA
Sannaro Damirateyak, son of Giovano Masanateyak, don't you run from me!
Sannaro cringed and turned around.
SANNARO
I'm not. Cheri, you can't go. You have no legs.
CHERNA
I can walk as well on prostheses as I ever did on my natural legs! You can't leave me behind!
SANNARO
I can and I will.
Sannaro walked on down the hall.
(LATER)
Sannaro sat in front of a borrowed computer in the Governor's office building.
He sat back and carefully rotated his slightly sore right shoulder.
The door whooshed open.
VARANANI
You're having flashbacks again.
SANNARO
Post traumatic stress syndrome rears its' ugly head again. So, Dr. Damirateyak, will I live?
VARANANI
You've lived this long despite major odds. Isn't it obvious?
SANNARO
Not to everyone.
She settled her arms around his shoulders.
VARANANI
No matter what, Sanna, you vindicated our father's death. He rests easier because of your deeds.
SANNARO
You know, if anyone else called me Sanna, I'd be calling them down.
VARANANI
About people who can get away with calling you by your childhood nickname, do you realize how much you've hurt Cherna?
Sannaro sighed and laid his head in his hand.
SANNARO
Vara, she can't go. She's-
VARANANI
Crippled? You promised her you wouldn't let the loss of her legs change the way you see her.
Sannaro surged from his seat and rushed to the window.
SANNARO
I'm not. It's just that-
VARANANI
You said it yourself many times; she's your wing-mate in everything and now you're shutting her out of this because of what, Sanna?
Sannaro stared out at the well manicured courtyard below and racked his brain for an answer to his sister's question.
SANNARO
I don't know. Fear, worry.
VARANANI
You're afraid that if you allow her to go, she'll do more than loose her legs? You're afraid she'll die this time?
SANNARO
No, Sailia has a toxic atmosphere. She can only support this conflict from space anyway. What does she want from me?
VARANANI
To not treat her differently because she lost her legs. And you're wrong about humans only being able to support from space. If the human invaders sealed their environmental suits from the caustic atmosphere of Sailia, so could the Astrisi.
SANNARO
You're suggesting I find the formula to this sealant and have the Astrisi use it?
VARANANI
You always said Saili weren't proficient fighters and you wished you had your better trained Astrisi fighters.
SANNARO
Cherna made this suggestion to you, didn't she?
VARANANI
Don't leave her behind, Sanna. It will devastate her.
SANNARO
But I don't want to-
VARANANI
Loose her? You will have to face her loss someday or have you forgotten we Saili are longer lived?
SANNARO
I have considered that very thought, Vara. I know it will happen someday, just not this soon.
VARANANI
She accepts that you may die in this conflict yet you don't want her to? That's hypocritical, Sannaro.
He dropped his head to his chest.
SANNARO
Yes, yes it is hypocritical. But, it's how I feel.
VARANANI
She's Vizha'e, Sannaro. You're telling her to stop being who she is. Do you really have that right because you fear you'll be left alone sooner than you want to be?
SANNARO
No.
VARANANI
Stop trying to change her into a helpless invalid. You'll never do it.
SANNARO
She always was a spunky girl.
VARANANI
So stop trying to take away her spunk along with her legs. She's quite surprisingly agile on prostheses and without them. And I think her idea to find the sealant to use it on the Astrisi equipment is a good idea, too. So you just think on that a while, little brother.
Varanani left and Sannaro went back to stare out the window.
(LATER)
Sannaro no longer stood staring out the window. Instead, he was doing a search on any trace left by the invaders of Sailia.
SANNARO
Oh, great.
CHERNA
San, are you all right?
Sannaro startled and leapt from his chair in a defensive crouch.
Cherna stumbled back in surprise and expertly regained her balance on her prosthetic legs.
CHERNA
San!
He laid his hand on her shoulder to help steady her.
SANNARO
Oh, sorry. I was so concentrated on my research, I didn't sense your approach.
Cherna brushed his hand away.
Sannaro sighed explosively and bowed his head.
SANNARO
Vara's already chewed me out about hurting you.
CHERNA
I didn't need you to steady me. I already regained my balance.
SANNARO
I noticed.
CHERNA
You promised me you wouldn't treat me differently! Yet here you are, acting like I'm unable to defend myself! Like I'm a total cripple!
Sannaro cringed at the verbal and emotional onslaught.
CHERNA
What happened to we're wing-mates in everything?
Sannaro turned away and took a deep breath to ease the pain in his chest.
CHERNA
Don't turn away from me!
SANNARO
What do you want me to do, cry in front of you?
CHERNA
At least I'd know you care.
SANNARO
When did you begin to doubt I cared?
CHERNA
You can say such insensitive things at times.
SANNARO
Only because I'm distracted by other matters I feel are more important at the time, never because I don't care. You still are my wing-man in all things. It's just that, like I had to adjust to having a leg that's an inch short that makes me have to work harder to balance myself, I have to compensate for your lack of legs.
CHERNA
That never stopped me.
She unstrapped her prostheses, jumped to the floor, ran on the stumps of her thighs, leapt up onto Sannaro's chest and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
Sannaro laughed despite his slightly tear-blurred sight and kissed her.
CHERNA
So don't hold me back.
She encircled his neck and walked around his waist to his back.
CHERNA
Let me guard your back or I'll tickle your ear.
SANNARO
Don't tease me in public.
CHERNA
The Saili won't care.
SANNARO
Cherna, I have work to do!
She slapped him on the shoulder.
CHERNA
Spoil sport!
SANNARO
I just found about the human invaders. Some are from the Pallas Mining Company.
CHERNA
You've got to be skisla kidding!
SANNARO
Nui, I'm not. Pallas wants to take over the Saili metal mining.
CHERNA
That's the whole reason for this invasion?
SANNARO
Houk, they want the Saili profits for their mining.
CHERNA
Haven't they caused you enough heartache?
SANNARO
I guess not. We're just heavy labor to them. They didn't even care that my father was sick as long as he could continue to work for them.
CHERNA
Fausa, then they wouldn't care who they killed to take control of those mines.
SANNARO
Oh, they'll keep some of us alive- for heavy labor in the mines.
CHERNA
Find that sealant, Sannaro. Those people would use pirates for this kind of assault. No offense intended, but it's going to take more than a Saili militia to stop these invaders. You need professional warriors who know pirate tactics.
SANNARO
I think you're right, but why would they leave the recipe behind for someone to contest their objectives?
CHERNA
Good question. Crazy as it sounds, we need my father's knowledge of seranium and the contacts to buy it as well as the chemists on the Kumani to see if Pallas left some clues about the development of the sealant. You just concentrate on tactics. I'll go talk to Ku'an.
SANNARO
Ku'an? I never thought I'd need to ask your father's help to plan an offensive.
CHERNA
Vara's done a great job to help him accept change better. He even grudgingly told me he was glad I was out of the cockpit now so he wouldn't have to worry about my survival on every alert.
SANNARO
Don't you think he'd be upset if he found you were badgering me into allowing you to have a role in this offensive?
CHERNA
Who says I have to tell him? I'll just say you wanted the information, which you are.
SANNARO
You are still manipulative, woman.
Cherna batted her eyelashes.
CHERNA
Works every time on you, dear.
SANNARO
Get back on your legs and stop toying with me, pilot!
CHERNA
No fair pulling rank!
Cherna pouted as she strapped on her prostheses, then strode alluringly out the door.
Sannaro stared at her swaying hips until the door closed again.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Good boy.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Shameless flirt.
Her mental laughter tickled through his mind.
He shivered, took a deep breath, then returned to the computer.
INT. KUMANI KU'AN'S APARTMENT
Before her was her mother Ba'ia in the hallway right outside her apartment.
BA'IA
Well, it’s been a while, Cherna.
CHERNA
Been a bit busy.
BA'IA
I noticed. How is Andoku and Ambrika?
CHERNA
They’re doing well. Is Ku'an home?
BA'IA
Ku'an? You want to speak with Ku'an? This is a first.
CHERNA
It’s not like I don’t want to speak to you, Mother.
BA'IA
Oh, yes, the crisis on Sailia. No time to chat when the universe needs to be saved again.
CHERNA
Mother, sealing leather is a big part of your craft, isn’t it?
BA'IA
Yes.
CHERNA
If we found the same compound that sealed the environmental suits on the invaders, do you think you could use it on our flight suits?
BA'IA
It’s possible with some research. Of course, it takes studying how the chemical interacts with the fibers of the fabric.
CHERNA
Great, I knew you’d help, Mom.
Cherna pecked her on the cheek, then stepped through the door into the apartment.
INT. NEW SAILIA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
Sannaro looked at a report and tried to contain his annoyance. The report said their weaponry was seriously inadequate for the attack plan he was designing.
When he felt a tickle on the top point of his ear, he looked up in surprise.
At the door, his father-in-law had his head peeked through.
SANNARO
What are you doing here?
KU'AN
You’re the one who had Cherna come to me for information. If you don’t want it-
SANNARO
Don’t go. I need some better news.
KU'AN
You better. It took me a lot of research and calling in favors for this.
SANNARO
And I appreciate it, Ku'an. What did you find?
KU'AN
Some miner friends of mine aren’t too happy with the company’s use of funds. You should be really happy their willing to talk.
SANNARO
What did they say?
Ku'an frowned.
Sannaro did a quick light scan on his father-in-law.
SANNARO
There’s a condition, isn’t there?
KU'AN
Did you ask to be in my head, boy?
SANNARO
Nui, I apologize.
KU'AN
Accepted. Well- a small one. They won’t talk to me. They want to talk directly to the General.
SANNARO
I have to meet them in a place of their choosing?
KU'AN
They’re worried about being found out. Do you blame them?
SANNARO
Nui.
KU'AN
They want you to land stealth on Regalis.
Sannaro grabbed the corner of his desk.
SANNARO
You know I can’t go to Regalis.
KU'AN
That’s their conditions. They’ll talk about the chemical only if you meet them on Regalis. They’ll tell us the coordinates to the landing zone once we contact them in orbit.
SANNARO
You know I have ghosts from the past that haunt me on that planet.
KU'AN
We haven’t always agreed but I do know where you come from. Question is- do you want this chemical or to hide from the past?
SANNARO
That’s a hard question.
KU'AN
You’re the General.
SANNARO
I know. If I don’t get this chemical, I’d have to completely rely on my Saili troops.
Ku'an snorted a half laugh.
SANNARO
The height of proficiency.
KU'AN
So are you going to hide or do I tell my friends to expect you?
SANNARO
I’ll have to make some arrangements, but tell them I’ll come.
KU'AN
Now, one more question and I want you to be completely honest. Is my girl pressuring you to take her with you, even with no legs?
SANNARO
Houk, she’s been flaying me raw about my refusal to let her come.
KU'AN
She has no legs, boy!
SANNARO
I’m very aware of that, Ku'an! I can’t seem to talk her out of it! Believe me, I’ve tried! Do you want to kidnap her again? You can keep her this time until I’m finished on Sailia.
KU'AN
Nui, she’s your wife, she’s your problem now. You told me in no uncertain terms that I was to butt out. I’ve butted out. Now it’s your turn to try to contain that live wire.
SANNARO
That’s just it- there’s no containing a live wire, just directing the current to the most beneficial place.
KU'AN
Then I guess you’ll have to think of what direction you want to nudge her to. Good luck.
SANNARO
I’m going to need it.
KU'AN
I appreciate your honesty. I’ll go send that message.
SANNARO
Fa'arata.
Ku'an nodded his head, then left the room.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
INT. NEW SAILIA SPACEPORT -DAY
Sannaro couldn’t contain his dread as he watched Devasru’s personal spaceship Euryanassa be prepared for flight.
He turned just as Ku'an dropped a heavy leather bag on the tarmac beside Sannaro’s feet.
SANNARO
What are you doing?
KU'AN
Coming with you. I know these people. If I’m not there to prove to them you’re the General, they won’t talk to you so you’re stuck with me.
SANNARO
Oh, I’m I supposed to be flattered?
KU'AN
Take it however you like. Don’t worry, Sannaro, I won’t tease and taunt you like I did in the past.
SANNARO
That’s good to hear.
KU'AN
So, how does she handle?
SANNARO
Pretty well. She’s got good speed.
KU'AN
It took a lot of guts to go rescue your foster sister like you did.
SANNARO
It almost cost me everything I’d worked for.
KU'AN
Somethings are just worth fighting for even at the cost of your career.
SANNARO
Are you implying that kidnapping Cherna was worth it?
KU'AN
At the time, I thought it was right. You’re sister taught me why it wasn’t the best choice I’d made, but do you blame me for wanting to protect my girl?
SANNARO
No. If I thought Ambrika was in danger, I’d protect her just as fiercely. But I wasn’t a threat to your daughter.
KU'AN
And I had to learn that, but a father’s love for his daughter can be strong, even if it’s misguided.
SANNARO
You’ll get no argument on that point.
KU'AN
Remember that when it’s your kid in peril.
FLIGHT TECH
General, the Euryanassa is ready for flight.
SANNARO
Thank you. Shall we board and ready for flight?
KU'AN
Will we need fuel stops?
SANNARO
Nui, she’s got a pretty good fuel tank for a mid-size ship.
KU'AN
Good.
Ku'an picked up his bag and slung it on his shoulder.
Sannaro showed Ku'an where to stow his bag and where his room was before they moved on to the bridge.
KU'AN
Nice little ship.
SANNARO
Yeah, at least I can fly her a bit more calmly this time.
KU'AN
Can you? I saw how pale you were while they were prepping this ship.
SANNARO
You said it, yourself, am I going to hide from the past or get this chemical to help Sailia stop these greedy businessmen? I’m not going to hide, but it doesn’t mean I won’t control dread the whole time. I almost died on that planet. I saw my mother and brother die before my eyes as we ran to my father who was dying at that very moment. The second and third degree burns were just part of the injuries I received that day, Ku'an. Did it hurt you to see my family destroyed?
KU'AN
I was angry at your Foreman for denying us our fuel, but I warned those pilots to be careful shooting around there because I knew Seranimite was extremely volatile. They obviously ignored my advice.
SANNARO
That wasn’t my foreman, it was my fathers. I was a seven year-old innocent child caught in the middle of an adult argument that almost killed me.
KU'AN
More people died that day than was necessary for getting our fuel. We made quite a few mistakes that day and you payed the highest cost for our mistakes. Would it make any difference if I said, I’m sorry?
SANNARO
No, you didn’t shoot that laser that washed me with flames. However, you did threaten to launch me out the airlock.
Ku'an laughed humorlessly.
Sannaro snapped his head up and glared.
KU'AN
Okay, I’m sorry for threatening to launch you out the airlock. You actually make a better son-in-law than space debris.
Sannaro rolled his eyes.
KU'AN
Okay, seriously, you demand change from everyone you meet, whether it’s Astrisi or your own Saili. We may resist the change you bring, kicking and screaming, but you keep beating us over the head with it until we concede that the change you bring is for the better. Do you want me to be any more honest?
SANNARO
No, that’s honest enough.
KU'AN
Thought so.
INT. EURYANASSA - SPACE
Sannaro sat at the controls and glanced at them periodically while he played a video game and listened to his music through his headset.
Ku'an walked into the cockpit and sat down.
KU'AN
How do you keep yourself from going crazy in this restricted space?
Sannaro turned the volume down a bit on his music but continued to play.
SANNARO
Like this. Video games keep my reflexes honed and passes the time.
KU'AN
I can hear that noise you call music out here.
SANNARO
Is it too loud? I can turn it down more. My uncle calls it cacophony.
KU'AN
He was another man brave enough to try to guide you.
SANNARO
He's done better than most, actually. He and Gavasno taught me much about my own kind.
KU'AN
I'm surprised you'd say that about your uncle. I thought you wanted to rip him apart after he made you move to Belvas.
SANNARO
The Saili Civil War and living with them on the Kumani until New Sailia was created changed my opinion about him.
KU'AN
Still got your hair long.
SANNARO
It's Saili genetics. Shoulder length is the shortest for Saili. Our hair doesn't die after it grows beyond our scalps.
KU'AN
Weird, but my girl says she likes your eyes, those odd ears and that you're quite muscular.
SANNARO
She does like my ears.
KU'AN
Aren't Saili ears an erogenous zones?
SANNARO
They do have sensitive nerves to pick up neural frequencies. They're telepathic antennae so when they're touched, they immediately make a, well, like connecting a live wire to a direct current.
KU'AN
So you get zapped?
Sannaro bowed his head to hide in his hair.
KU'AN
You do get zapped! Does she know it?
SANNARO
She thinks it's amusing.
KU'AN
I always knew she was mischievous! No wonder she says she can't live without you.
SANNARO
She likes to be connected to me telepathically.
KU'AN
I've seen plenty of your kind. Aren't you a bit shorter than most?
SANNARO
I'm on the short side for a Saili male.
KU'AN
I can't deny that both my children are very loyal to you. Your sister would do anything for you. You have an effect on people. They seem to either like you to the point of adoration or hate you enough to want to kill you.
SANNARO
I noticed that.
KU'AN
I'd like you to know for the sake of peace, I've learned to see that you have talents people need. I'm not one of your adoring fans but I don't want to kill you anymore. If I did, I don't know who would kill me first, Cherna, Di'ok or my own wife. They love you.
SANNARO
I love them.
KU'AN
Because they love you, I accept that you're a part of my family.
SANNARO
I'm glad you no longer want to kill me.
KU'AN
You're still too pretty to be a man, though.
SANNARO
I can't help that unless I want to mutilate myself. I've been in a lot of pain in my life and I wouldn't want to do that. Cheri would get mad if I did that anyway.
KU'AN
She would twist those ears and leave you sobbing on the floor.
Sannaro cupped his ears and hissed.
SANNARO
Owe. Aw, fausa, got vaped.
KU'AN
Kasai. I'll leave you alone to play your game.
Ku'an stood up and left the cockpit.
(LATER)
A few days later, Sannaro dropped the Euryanassa out of hyperspace and made the final approach to Regalis.
KU'AN
Don't go too close to set off the proximity sensors.
SANNARO
Houk.
Sannaro scanned the sensors on a very light scan, then hovered the ship where he thought was just beyond sensor range.
KU'AN
Set the com system to frequency 540, then let me take it.
SANNARO
Ready.
Ku'an adjusted the microphone in front of his lips.
KU'AN
Tank-man to Burned-up, do you hear me?
BURNED-UP (V.O.)
I hear you, Tank-man. Do you have the big cargo?
KU'AN
Got it.
SANNARO
Big Cargo?
KU'AN
Just indulge them. They just want to be careful.
SANNARO
That's fine. It's just amusing that I'm the big cargo.
BURNED-UP (V.O.)
Tank-man, there's been a little change in plans.
Sannaro gave Ku'an an anxious look.
KU'AN
Okay, so how will we make the delivery?
BURNED-UP (V.O.)
You know the salt flats near Saratoga?
A confused look crossed Ku'an's face.
SANNARO
Tell him we know where the salt flats are and we'll be landed in thirty minutes.
KU'AN
We know where the salt flats are. We can be there in thirty.
BURNED-UP (V.O.)
Once you land, you'll see a sand brown hover car approach you. I want to warn you, if you don't have the goods, you better turn around and take off again. If anything looks suspicious, we'll be watching and no one will meet you. Got it?
KU'AN
Yes. We're on our way.
BURNED-UP (V.O.)
See you in thirty.
EXT. REGALIS SALT FLATS -DAY
Nearly at the expected time, Sannaro touched down and opened the main ramp.
Ku'an nodded as he stood up and Sannaro followed him to the hatch.
They stopped just beyond the hatch on the ramp as they were told and looked around.
KU'AN
This planet's always so unremarkable. Why would you're father choose this place to live?
SANNARO
Because it was a job, I guess.
KU'AN
Ah, there we are.
Ku'an pointed to a tan hover car that could barely be seen driving through the rock formations.
KU'AN
I'm glad we didn't spook them off.
SANNARO
Me too.
The car pulled up just beyond the ramp and two burly men who were clearly miners climbed out and clustered at the base of the ramp.
MAN #1
He's it?
Man #2 snickered.
KU'AN
I wouldn't insult him if I were you. He may look puny, but there's a very good reason why he's a general.
MAN #1
I apologize. You Saili look so short to us.
SANNARO
I get that all the time. So what do you want to tell me?
MAN #1
Oh, we don't know. We were told to take you to the cave and you'll talk to the person who knows.
KU'AN (PSI V.O.)
You hear me, boy?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I hear you. This is bad if you want to talk telepathically.
KU'AN (PSI V.O.)
I don't like this. They want to separate us from our ship.
Sannaro did a cursory scan through each man's mind.
KU'AN (PSI V.O.)
Kid?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
This may be a one time opportunity. We might not get it again, so I think we should take the risk and hope it's not a trap.
KU'AN (PSI V.O.)
Okay, if you want to take the risk. You're the General.
SANNARO
We'll go with you.
They walked to the hover car and the doors sprang open. The two miners took the front seat while Sannaro and Ku'an sat in the back.
They traveled for thirty minutes into the mountains and parked at the base of a beaten path up a steep grade. About 500 meters up was an opening in the mountain face.
Sannaro suppressed panic at the thought of entering that cave.
Ku'an looked at him in concern.
KU'AN
Do we have to enter the cave? Could we speak right outside the cave mouth?
MAN #1
What's the matter? You scared to be underground?
KU'AN
You could say that.
The two men laughed raucously.
They climbed up the hillside.
As Sannaro was reminded of that tragedy new essences were revealed to his senses. He reeled at the pain, torment and despair that attacked his mind. He yelped involuntarily and pulled back a few meters from the entrance.
KU'AN
What's wrong, San?
Six men rushed around clusters of boulders and surrounded them.
Sannaro wanted to crouch into his battle stance, but he felt like his limbs were hitting resistance as if he were moving through water. He tried to pull away as four of the men grabbed his arms and legs and swept him off his feet. He struggled against them, but he couldn't get enough force from dangling in mid air.
The four men rushed him into the cave.
SANNARO
No! Don't take me in there! You don't understand!
Suddenly, he was struck in the head and his vision blackened.
(LATER)
The first thing Sannaro became aware of when he next woke, was that he was laying down on an unyielding surface. He opened his eyes to dim light that only illuminated the center of a cavern and beyond the light were deep shadows.
In those shadows, he thought he could see many people moving within.
Sannaro whimpered as he centered his vision on a man who seemed to exude commanding presence.
MINER #1
You're short enough just to fit that table.
Sannaro turn his head and realized he was tied spread eagle across a table with very strong rope. He gave a tentative pull on the ropes and felt it tense against the wood below him and the fibers of the rope barely stretched.
MINER #1
I'd like to warn you, that rope is reinforced to be virtually unbreakable. Miners hate broken lines when they're trying to haul a load from a mine.
SANNARO
You deceived us.
MINER #1
I didn't! I really didn't!
SAM
No, he didn't. He just didn't cover his tracks well enough to keep the company from figuring his plan. Sloppy. So we just allowed him to continue with his betrayal of his employers so we could take everyone in one fell swoop! Now, where's the General?
SANNARO
I am the General.
SAM
Don't bullshit me.
Sannaro shook his head.
Sam struck Sannaro in the abdomen with moderate force.
SAM
Stop messing with me! Where's the General!
SANNARO
I'm not messing with you! I'm the only Saili who knows much of anything about warfare so I am the General!
SAM
You're just a runt.
SANNARO
And you're an ignorant Human.
Sannaro was awarded a harder strike to his abdomen.
SANNARO
Ugh, who likes to rearrange a person's guts while they're helpless to defend themselves.
SAM
God, Sanna Damirateyak, you're just as annoying now as you were when you were a kid!
Sannaro looked up in shock and scanned his tormentor's mind.
SANNARO
Sam Turner?
The shadows threatened to close in on him again and he felt his panic swell. He beat it back under control again.
SANNARO
How can you, of all people, grow up to be a foreman miner here?
SAM
And how can you grow up to be so against the company who paid for the food in your belly? I heard what you did to Tim Werner years ago. That was just brutal.
SANNARO
Brutal?! You want brutal? How about what Tim wanted to do to the Astrisi? He wanted to kill over one thousand people who were innocent of anything that happened here at Bristol! One thousand people who had nothing to do with that fire!
Sam's face became blood red in anger.
SAM
They killed a lot of people here! They deserved to be punished for what they did!
SANNARO
The people who caused that fire have already been punished! That fire was caused by Belso, Arthur Aldinon, Roger Arlington, and, unfortunately, my own father. They're now all dead, so why do the people of Bristol believe that all Astrisi have to be punished for the attack? It's like the Astrisi could decide that all the survivors of Bristol had to die and then they go after the company to destroy all those people too because Aldinon refused to give them their prepaid fuel! That's no more justifiable than Tim Werner's vendetta to destroy thousands of innocent people who had nothing to do with the fuel dispute that day, some who weren't even born or were children!
At his enraged words, his mind was inundated by multiple death screams. Sannaro widened his eyes in panic.
SANNARO
No, no, please, get me out of here. You must get me out of here!
Another sensation came over him and he looked over to the shadows.
SANNARO'S PSYCHIC VISION
He could see many seranium canisters stacked on wooden pallets with Aldinon and Arlington beside them as they talked animatedly with a severe-looking man with a dark ponytail swaying down his back. Was that the pirate Fenyang?
FADE OUT.
THE END.