Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
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“INVASION: SAILIA”
EPISODE 57 – PREPARATION
BY: LYSSA THORNE
FADE IN:
INT. REGALIS CAVE – DAY
Sannaro was tied to a table as Sam Turner continued his interrogation.
SAM
Where's the General?
SANNARO
I am the General! Please, too many bad auras! They're too close! Please, I have to get out of here!
SAM
Not until you come straight with me.
SANNARO
I am being straight! I am the General of the New Saili Defense Force!
Sannaro's eyes teared and he felt a sob erupt from deep in his chest.
As that pressure released, horrible memories flooded into its' place.
SANNARO/GIOVANO
I can't get away from here! Great Forger, I never meant to get stuck here!
SAM
What? What are you talking about?
SANNARO/GIOVANO
I'm beating them! I'm beating on my own kids! I'm so sorry! Why don't they look right? Little Sanna, he was always so tiny, but he has black hair and black eyes! They're so creepy! Why? Why don't my children look right? I don't have the money to get off-world! Paycheck's suspended because of these thefts! I got kids to feed! Great Forger, why am I so angry?
SAM
What the hell? What are you saying?
SANNARO/DAMIRA
Oh, my little Sanna, I'm so sorry! Your father and I tried to make a good life for you, but the house is falling down around us. Devakio wants to quit school. He said it was a waste of his time to bother learning from stupid humans. Vara- Varanani tried to keep everything together and watch out for you and Devakio when I was too busy or overwhelmed to care for you. I'm so very sorry, my little Sanna.
SANNARO
No, no, please, I can't take their thoughts anymore! I'm drowning in they're residual memories! Please, get me out of here before I loose my mind!
SAM
God! What the hell are you doing, Sanna?
SANNARO/DEVAKIO
Damn them all to their fucking hell, Sanna. Why are you still fighting for those Carbons after all they've done to us? Instead of fighting for them to keep their small-minded lives, you're fighting for them? Don't waste your fucking time. They're not worth it, bro. Kill them all to get you out of their misery.
SANNARO
No, Dev, you don't understand!
SAM
Are you crazy?
KU'AN
Yeah, that's right, San is going crazy. Don't you know anything about Saili? Don't you know, they can sense memories left over in a place? He tried to tell me he had a lot of bad ghosts here and now they're trying to drive him insane. They're taking over his mind! And I can tell you, I've seen him insane and you don't want to meet him when he's crazy. He was telling you the truth, he is the General and there's a damned good reason why he holds that rank. He may be short, but he has the strength and cunning to tear you limb-from-limb if he gets free of those ropes. I've seen him pull free of third of an inch diameter chains by pulling their links apart. He'll break these flimsy ropes in no time. He's warning you, man! Listen to him and get him out of here before he kills us all!
SANNARO/JAKE
My dad's gonna stick it to the company real good! He says they're all money-grubbing assholes. They're not even smart enough to figure where their stupid fuel went! Ha, ha, he's going to sell that fuel himself and keep all the money! Then we'll get what we deserve! We'll get a computer in the house, a hover car and all that stuff the people down in the cities have! I can't wait! In the meantime, I'm gonna stick it to that little slag and take that ball I heard his Momma just bought him down in Saratoga today. I don't give a damn about that stupid toy. I just wanna see that little slag cry. He needs a backbone anyway, the little wimp. What? What's happening? Fire? Rushing for the house? No!
We were supposed to be rich! Daddy said we were gonna be rich! He promised! Agh! Daddy, stop the pain, stop the pain! No!
Sannaro arched is back as if he was again in agony.
Sam rushed over and began to untie an arm while three other men untied his other arm and his legs.
One burly man slung Sannaro over his shoulder, rushed out of the cave and down the path to the parked hover car while Sam ran behind him.
Sannaro weakly looked up over the peak and thought he could see the flames shooting up into the air from where he instinctively knew Bristol was before he closed his eyes tightly and moaned.
The big human pushed him into the car while the others crowded inside on both sides of him.
Sannaro began to flail in panic at the tight pressing of bodies until a fist crashed across his face and he fell unconsciousness.
EXT. REGALIS SALT FLATS – DAY
When Sannaro awoke again to a splitting headache, he clutched his head and moaned.
SANNARO
I'm sorry. The memories were too strong. They were overpowering me. Ku'an, I don't know how Gavasno could spend even a minute there with all the horrible residual memories that haunt that place!
KU'AN
We're away from there. Have the memories receded?
SANNARO
Yes, we're too far away for me to receive them now.
KU'AN
That's a relief. I was really worried you'd loose control, berserk on us and kill us all.
SANNARO
That was a serious concern.
SAM
Who was that last voice?
SANNARO
I'd remember that voice anywhere. That was Jake Arlington's last thoughts before he burned to death in his home.
SAM
Roger Arlington was bragging to his kid that he'd get a lot of money to give him everything the plains people had while he planned to beat you up again?
SANNARO
Yeah. Such pleasant thoughts.
SAM
Arlington was stealing the fuel to sell on the black market so he could keep the profits to himself?
SANNARO
That's right. He was going to split it with Aldinon. That fuel was stored in that very cave. A notorious pirate visited often to buy the fuel. He's the same pirate who took both men on as pirates to get them off Regalis so Arlington could plan his revenge against the Astrisi. Arlington managed to kill Belso years later, then the Astrisi killed Aldinon and Arlington for their hostile boarding of the Kumani. So every person who caused that fire in our town are dead.
SAM
I can't believe I'm doing this. Steve, I know I should turn you in for planning against the company, but-
SANNARO
Is it right for a Human company to force themselves onto someone else's planet that even has a hostile environment to Humans just to conquer the people and force them into mining metals for their own Human greed? My people are entitled to control their own planet! The Humans just want to enslave us like they enslaved Bristol and made us live with no modern conveniences because it would've required them to pay their miners more money.
MINER #2
Hey, it's gotten better!
SANNARO
It has now because after that fire, an investigation was called against the company and they were told to compensate their workers better or face fines until they were bankrupt! I know because the Saili told me they did after they conducted autopsies on my family and found my father died of Seranimite poisoning and my brother was a mutant Gonkacha, like my sister and I. The Saili charged the Mining Company for working him to death when they knew he was sick without allowing him treatment for his illness because they just wanted him to continue to mine their Seranium and they didn't care if he died of illness because of it! I need the Astrisi to help my New Saili troops push Pallas Mining Company off Sailia and they can't help me without that sealant to protect them from the Saili atmosphere!
SAM
Sannaro, just shut up for a minute, will you?
Sannaro closed his mouth again and glared.
SAM
I hear what you're saying. That's why I want Steve to give you the formula. I don't know how I'm going to go home again after hearing all the things those Bristol ghosts were saying. But that's my problem. Go save the rest of your people.
SANNARO
Thank you.
Steve smiled as he stepped forward and handed Sannaro a computer disk.
Sannaro took the disk with a small bow.
Ku'an stepped up and put his arm around Sannaro's shoulders.
KU'AN
Now, I really think I should take San back to our ship to sleep. He's totally exhausted.
SANNARO
It may be tomorrow before we lift off. I'm in no condition to fly.
KU'AN
Believe me, I don't want you to even try to fly in your condition. You must sleep.
SANNARO
I won't argue with you on that.
Ku'an led Sannaro up the ramp, into the ship and the hatch closed behind them. Then Ku'an led Sannaro to the main sleeping suite and laid him in the bed. He sat down in the chair beside the bed and moved to settle himself in for a while.
SANNARO
Not leaving my side?
KU'AN
Nope. Not in your state of mind.
SANNARO
I can't promise I won't broadcast a nightmare.
KU'AN
Boy, I've already been part of your nightmare. I can last a while longer. I just want to make sure you'll be okay while you sleep.
SANNARO
Fa'arata, Ku'an.
Sannaro nestled into the blankets and was soon asleep.
SANNARO'S PSYCHIC VISION
Sannaro looked around and saw the banks of that huge lava pool. This time he looked through the swirling mist and saw no one.
He heard a repeating clang, clang in the distance. He followed the reverberating sound around the banks of the lava until he saw a black shadow of an anvil.
Beyond it, he saw flashing yellow and silver.
He moved toward the vague shapes and into a small foundry.
The golden man with a shining sweaty naked chest and flowing silver hair arced his big hammer and struck a strip of metal.
SIKYATAVO
So, was it worth it, kiddo? Getting all those ghosts in your head?
SANNARO
Sikyatavo?
SIKYATAVO
That’s what you remember me by but you once knew my real name. I guess you forgot after all you’ve been through. Sad.
He swung his hammer again and struck the metal.
Sannaro stopped to think through the haze in his head.
SANNARO
Wait, you’re a metal-shaper. Are you who Uncle Devasru calls the Great Forger?
SIKYATAVO
Aren’t you reverent after so many years with space gypsies?
SANNARO
Are you really the god of the Saili, the god who created the Saili?
SIKYATAVO
Did a lava rock hit your head? Or did the ghosts fry your brain?
SANNARO
Why do you keep appearing to me?
He skidded his hammer onto the anvil.
SIKYATAVO
How can you be so dense? Are you that fractured, son? We need you. I need you, yet there you are, unconscious on the worst planet for you to visit while my worst fears have come to pass. You’re the Tsikakayu! Why aren’t you doing your job?
SANNARO
I need those space gypsies because Saili can’t fight themselves out of a canvas bag!
SIKYATAVO
Don’t you realize that’s why I made you?
SANNARO
What?
SIKYATAVO
Get off that diseased mud ball and get back to New Sailia and rally your troops, Great Defender.
SANNARO
Wait, you said you made me?
SIKYATAVO
Well, not really, but the form you have now is my creation. If you must know more, talk to your Uncle. Fine man he is. He listens to me better than you do. I guess that’s what I get for needing Humanoids to teach you how to fight. Right now, wake yourself and get back to New Sailia, kiddo. We don’t have much time.
BACK TO EURYANASSA
Sannaro woke again still hung over from his ordeal. He willed himself to sit up, but Ku'an immediately laid a hand on his shoulder.
KU'AN
I don't need telepathy to know you're still exhausted. Try to go back to sleep.
SANNARO
Nui, Ku'an, I have to leave here.
KU'AN
You only slept a few peaceful hours! The rest were nightmares or you were restless. You can't fly like that!
SANNARO
Then you fly.
KU'AN
Whoa, I'm a fuel handler. I don't know how to fly!
Sannaro swiped Ku'an's hand off his shoulder.
SANNARO
I have to leave here! We don't have much time!
KU'AN
All right, Sannaro! Calm down!
Sannaro leapt off the bed and ran to the cockpit.
Ku'an raced after him and grabbed his arm to stop him.
Sannaro whirled his arm to break Ku'an's hold and shoved him against the wall.
Ku'an grunted from the impact.
KU'AN
Sannaro, snap out of it! You better get your head back or I'll fight you until you knock me out or kill me, cause if you take off all crazy like this, you'll kill us both! Fausa, you're eyes are so big, I can't even see any whites, boy!
Sannaro turned to the latrine. He stopped at the small mirror and saw his eyes were entirely blue-black. He grabbed the sink and shook his head.
SANNARO
Ku'an, did I hurt you badly?
KU'AN
My back's a little sore, but I'll live.
SANNARO
Kasai.
KU'AN
Evi'it. And I'm glad you listened, because I knew if I fought you, I would be fighting a loosing battle. You're so strong and I know I don't even come close to your skills in hand-to-hand battle.
SANNARO
All right, I'm back in control. But I have to leave here now.
KU'AN
Okay, as long as once we go into hyperspace, I want this ship on autopilot and you hit the bunk. Understood?
SANNARO
Houk, Yaro.
KU'AN
You're teasing me, boy!
SANNARO
Well, since you're talking to me like you'd talk to Di'ok, why shouldn't I?
KU'AN
Get out of here!
Sannaro chuckled as he walked back to the cockpit.
He sat down in the pilot's chair and he rubbed his forehead in the hope it would lessen the small nagging headache that had replaced his mania.
Once finished with pre-flight checks, he warmed up the engines, then lifted off.
At a safe distance from Regalis, he engaged the hyper-drive then programmed the autopilot and turned it on.
As he walked aft-ward, he found Ku'an in the commons room with his hands massaging his back while he grunted in pain.
KU'AN
Fausa! Why did you hide from me how much pain you were in?
He rushed over and took over the massage.
KU'AN
You have enough on your mind. I could take care of myself and still can. I told you to hit the bunks so hit the bunks!
SANNARO
You're too damned proud, Ku'an.
KU'AN
And you're too damned exhausted to be of any use to anyone. Get to your bunk as soon as you can cause once we land on New Sailia, I know those people of yours will haul you off to work on this war and you'll never rest.
SANNARO
I think you're right. I'm really sorry for hurting you. I'm going to my bunk now.
(LATER)
Sannaro felt himself being shook gently. He pushed the hand away and struggled back to consciousness.
Finally, he opened his eyes to find that Ku'an was bent over him.
KU'AN
Good, I hoped you wouldn't slug me.
SANNARO
I'm usually not so violent. I'm just a bit unnerved after the possessions.
KU'AN
It was quite scary. Anyway, your autopilot's alarm's sounding.
Sannaro leapt from bed.
SANNARO
Fausa! I didn't want to sleep that long!
Sannaro and Ku'an rushed to the cockpit.
KU'AN
You were exhausted.
SANNARO
We're on our final approach! New Sailia might already be calling for identification!
He dropped into the seat and put his headset on.
NEW SAILIA FLIGHT CONTROL (PSI V.O.)
Thank you for your response, General Damirateyak. Permission granted. Approach vector 69852.5.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
General Damirateyak in the Euryanassa requesting permission to approach New Sailia.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I copy.
NEW SAILIA FLIGHT CONTROL (PSI V.O.)
Welcome back, General.
Sannaro entered the coordinates into his computer and took back control of the ship.
KU'AN
Wait, aren't you going to do your approach call?
SANNARO
Did it telepathically since I was away from the controls.
KU'AN
You can do that?
SANNARO
They let me.
KU'AN
They better not meet us with guns in their hands.
SANNARO
They know me telepathically. They won't meet us with guns.
KU'AN
How?
SANNARO
You mean, how do they know it's me?
KU'AN
Houk.
SANNARO
Everyone has a unique mental signature to their thought patterns that's difficult to alter.
KU'AN
You said difficult, not impossible.
SANNARO
Not impossible for a highly trained person but difficult to do. It's commonly used by Saili to identify each other.
KU'AN
But you can fool someone into thinking you're someone else?
SANNARO
I could try if I wanted to but it would be difficult and physically taxing. Mental patterns are literally how your brain thinks so it's hardwired! No two people think the same way. If I falter in sending my false pattern at any time, my true mental pattern will be received whether I want it or not. Now are you reassured?
KU'AN
Houk. You Saili are so complicated.
SANNARO
We are. That's why we need more education to be effective, even minimally.
KU'AN
You weren't trained until you were in your twenties and you used your telepathy before then.
SANNARO
At the level of a seven year-old. That's how old I was when I lost my mother who had been training me on how to use my telepathy at my level of control at that time. After I lost her, I continued to use my telepathy like a seven year-old until Gavasno completed my training. We're landing now.
KU'AN
And there's your usual welcome party.
SANNARO
Always. Devasru's anxious. He wants a report right away.
KU'AN
Just as I thought. You're never going to get out of war meetings now.
SANNARO
This is going to be a long day.
Sannaro powered down the ship and pressed the hatch release button.
FADE OUT.
THE END.