Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
“INVASION: SAILIA”
EPISODE 58 – PERILOUS LANDING
BY: LYSSA THORNE
FADE IN:
ACT 1
Sannaro was led into a room furnished with a long table and chairs with arched doors to other rooms.
Hiamovi entered from one of the other doors and nodded gravely at Sannaro.
HIAMOVI
Thank you for heeding my summons, Sannaro. We have had our disagreements in the past but I find myself in need of your unique skills. As you have been informed, Human miners have invaded our planet with the intent to control the profits from our metal exports.
SANNARO
I have been told and the Human miners cannot remain in control of Sailia. That is why I chose to heed your summons, Tsiakuba.
HIAMOVI
I see you’ve finally learned how to address people appropriately.
SANNARO
Gavasno has fully trained me as a mind tracker since we began our own colony so my telepathic abilities are now honed to their full potential. Anyway, I have brought New Saili and Astrisi troops to help convince the Humans to leave our world.
HIAMOVI
So you brought your Astrisi again?
SANNARO
They are better trained fighters than the New Saili who are only an emergency militia. Do you want purity or success?
HIAMOVI
You are right. If purity was the solution, I would not need to summon you. You have skills and knowledge I lack. Forgive this old man. Old habits die hard. I also sense you’re anxious to find your downed ship that was piloted by your daughter.
SANNARO
I am.
HIAMOVI
Please keep me apprised of your plans periodically. You are dismissed to do as you must.
SANNARO
Thank you, Tsiakuba Hiamovi.
He turned back to his guide.
SANNARO
Please guide me to my troops.
GUIDE
Follow me.
The guide went back out the rock door and down several hallways to another rock covered door. This time his guide went to a hidden switch and manually opened the door.
GUIDE
Remember the switch so you can return to this room.
SANNARO
It’s kind of hard to remember where to go with all the doors looking like a part of the walls.
GUIDE
We will change the color of the lamp outside to the color green to warn you and your people where your door is.
SANNARO
It’s still going to take time to get used to it.
GUIDE
I’m sure it will. I will take my leave of you now.
Sannaro watched him until he was out of sight, then stepped into a large suite similar to Hiamovi’s, except the central room had small tables and chairs and the adjoining rooms were furnished with bunks.
Cherna walked to him with her helmet off.
CHERNA
It seems this room has climate control and air filters. Our sensors reported pure air in here. I’m glad. I was wondering how we were going to eat and sleep sealed in helmets all the time.
SANNARO
That was a bit of an oversight on my part. At least the Saili were accommodating despite my surprise. Is the rescue team ready?
CHERNA
Houk.
SANNARO
Okay, let’s get going.
CHERNA
If we can find our way out. This place is a maze.
GAVASNO
For that fact, it’s good protection for the Grand Akuba.
SANNARO
We could call for another guide.
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little more about you.
TRICADERO
I am your permanently assigned guide. My name is Tricadero.
DANYLKO
Took you long enough.
TRICADERO
We’re still arranging for your stay.
GAVASNO
We did drop a big unexpected situation on them suddenly.
TRICADERO
I will guide you outside and accompany you to your rescue. I do ask for rock sensors to actively sense for missiles. We will go into very dangerous territory.
SANNARO
Okay, Brigadero, Zeritriki, I want you to continue as you did in the shuttles to sense flying rock.
The two men nodded.
TRICADERO
We may fly only a third of the way up Misipatasutisga. The rest of the way, we walk.
SANNARO
Okay, so Danu will remain in the shuttle. Jeremy will go with us to administer on the spot medical treatment. Kosi, I want you to do the flying and stay with the shuttle while the rest of us walk the rest of the way with litters to transport those who can’t walk.
TRICADERO
I warn you, walk only where I or the rock sensors tell you. Not only will there be hot missiles, there will be random vents we must avoid. If anyone steps on a vent as it releases pressure, they will instantly die.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
San?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Please wait here. Gavasno will help you advocate if you need to. I think it would be less risky if the rescue party was Saili so they didn’t need to maintain special gear.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
I see your reasons. Just- be careful and get Ambri down from that mountain.
Sannaro smiled warmly and embraced her.
SANNARO
I’ll try to stay safe and bring Ambri back.
He pulled away from her and followed Tricadero out of the room.
After a few minutes of walking through twisting hallways, they reemerged near the shuttles again and boarded Kosi's shuttle.
Sannaro sat in the copilot’s seat and went through systems checks with Kosi.
KOSI
That’s it. We’re ready to go, General.
SANNARO
Let’s launch.
The shuttle rise off the ground and swept up toward the towering volcano again.
TRICADERO
Do you see where the lighter gray rock turns darker?
KOSI
I see it.
TRICADERO
Find a safe place to land near that color change. That’s as far as a shuttle can safely go.
KOSI
Why do we have to stop there?
TRICADERO
Because flaming missiles rarely fly beyond that darker area. Above that is where we’ll have to worry about missiles and pressure vents. It’s dangerous territory. Also there are more noxious fumes above that line. If humans think it’s toxic down here in the flat lands, they’d find it unbreathable up there.
KOSI
I noticed that even with the air filters in our suite, the air still stunk a bit.
TRICADERO
I apologize. We can’t completely filter out the scent.
KOSI
I don’t know how you take it, San.
TRICADERO
I try very hard to ignore it.
A short time later, Kosi spotted a relatively flat area to land and brought the shuttle down.
Sannaro went back to the rear of the cabin and opened a wide locker. He pulled out several canvas wrapped poles and handed them to various people before he shouldered the last one.
Danu handed a field medical kit to Jeremy.
Jeremy slung it over his shoulder.
DANU
If you need any medical advice, just contact me telepathically and I’ll advise you.
JEREMY
Will do.
DANU
Don’t try to do too much in the field. What won’t kill immediately, transport down so we can administer more detailed treatment.
SANNARO
Let’s move out.
He found it a bit taxing to await the cycling of the small airlock with everyone pressed against each other. Finally when the airlock swept open and the ramp lowered to the rocky ground, he sighed in relief, then promptly coughed a few times.
TRICADERO
Careful, Tsikakayu. Gonkacha aren’t as efficient at breathing Saili atmosphere.
SANNARO
I’ll try to remember that.Rock sensors, please direct your senses above us. When you sense a moving rock, please guide us away from its path. I know the signs of a vent about to blow so I’ll warn us of those. We can get sinkholes, so test the ground before you step. Tsikakayu, since you’re our person tracker, please advise me if I’m moving us too far away from the crash site.
Tricadero led them up the hill away from the shuttle.
Sannaro found the terrain around him very interesting. The ridge was spotted with blue-gray fat plants that looked like short barrel cacti in a sickle shape that always pointed toward the slope like they had been bent by high winds. The skin was shiny and looked quite slick. They were quite different than the taller pink bark trees of the lowlands.
TRICADERO
I agree those are interesting plants, Tsikakayu. The slickness is actually a chemical secreted by the kiritronga’s skin to protect it from heat and the caustic vapors.
SANNARO
Just like the chemical the Humans use to seal their environmental suits?
TRICADERO
Actually, that chemical they use is an extract from that very plant. I don’t know how our tests on the plant got leaked to Human chemists.
JEREMY
Probably greed.
TRICADERO
I once thought a Saili wouldn’t give in to greed. But times have changed and so have the Saili.
SANNARO
Change can bring bad as well as good.
BRIGADERO
Incoming missile. Move three meters to the right.
The group immediately adjusted their direction of travel.
TRICADERO
We need to travel in a line through here. There’s just a small bridge of solid land between two vents.
A minute into moving in a line formation, plumes of super-heated vapor shot into the air on either side of them.
Sannaro found himself laboring to breathe. He soon felt faint and sunk to the ground with his hands pressed on his chest.
ZIRITRIKI
Medic!
Jeremy squeezed tightly around Zeritriki to get to Sannaro. He pressed his hand against Sannaro’s chest, winced and pulled his hand away as if he felt instant pain.
TRICADERO
What’s wrong?
JEREMY
The scar tissue in Sannaro’s lungs are making it difficult for him to filter out the gases. His lungs have been burnt.
SANNARO
I’ll be all right. I just need to rest for a short while. The erupting geyser made me loose my breath.
TRICADERO
We can’t stop here. It’s too dangerous. Good thing you’re so petite, Tsikakayu. Climb onto my back so you can ride until we get to safer ground.
Sannaro hesitated. He felt embarrassed to have to ride someone piggyback because of his damaged lungs. He snatched his helmet off his pistol belt and jammed it on his head. He was almost faint by the time the oxygen activated.
SANNARO
Problem solved, let's go.
They moved out again at a steady pace. They were moving past the actual cracks.
BRIGADERO
Run! Magma’s bubbling from a fissure!
A few hundred meters from the newly formed lava pool, Tricadero lowered to the ground, heaving for air.
TRICADERO
We made it.
SANNARO
I can breathe better now that we’re away from the geyser.
Sannaro took off his helmet again.
JEREMY
Frankly, I don’t know how you’re even filtering your oxygen through all that damaged tissue, Tsikakayu.
SANNARO
I’ve been like this since I was seven years old. I learned to compensate a long time ago.
AMBRIKA (PSI V.O.)
Ya? You sound so near.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
We’re approaching your location, Ambri. We should be to you in a few more hours. How is your team holding?
AMBRIKA (PSI V.O.)
Tricalio helped us to find a small cave away from any seismic activity so we’re relatively safe, but this place stinks like the water treatment plant.
Sannaro chuckled.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Welcome to Sailia. Stay at your location. We’ll come to you.
TRICADERO
At least he hasn’t forgotten his survival tactics.
SANNARO
Who? Tricalio? Do you know him?
TRICADERO
Know him? I shared our mother’s womb with him.
SANNARO
Ah, that’s why your names are similar. But Tricalio is New Saili.
TRICADERO
Let’s just say we had differences of opinion during the Civil War.
TRICALIO (PSI V.O.)
Differences? That’s an understatement.
TRICADERO
Fine, I’m here to apologize. Is that all right with you?
TRICALIO (PSI V.O.)
So that’s why you came on this rescue? You wanted to apologize to me?
TRICADERO
Well, you sure can still put your foot in your mouth even when your legs are broken, but it’s giving me a headache. And- I missed you.
TRICALIO (PSI V.O.)
I- missed you too, brother. Apology accepted.
TRICADERO
We should continue on.
Jeremy squatted down before Sannaro and put his hand on his chest again.
Sannaro felt Jeremy’s mind enter into his body and will Sannaro’s bronchial tubes to relax.
JEREMY
That should help, but don’t take too deep of breaths. This is just a temporary treatment.
SANNARO
Thank you. My chest feels better now. You do have an incredible talent.
JEREMY
I’m honored to serve you, Tsikakayu.
For the next several kilometers, Sannaro stayed quiet and concentrated to control his breathing so he wouldn’t cough until he saw glints of rainbow colors from the corner of his eye as they appeared over the rise ahead.
SANNARO
Wow, that’s pretty.
TRICADERO
What?
SANNARO
I see flashes of rainbow colors.
TRICADERO
Hlatutara! I big swarm of them! Run!
SANNARO
Come on, they’re just a bunch of really pretty butterflies.
TRICADERO
You don’t understand, Tsikakayu!
Just as Tricadero grabbed Sannaro’s arm to force him into a run, one of those beautiful butterflies snapped its gossamer wings taunt so it looked like a flat disc and it dove toward him.
Sannaro began to run just as a wing glanced off his opposite shoulder from what Tricadero held. He gasped as he felt a deep slice tear right through his sleeve. He looked down and saw yellow blood mixing with the fluid of his flight suit’s insulation network.
He heard a lot more buzzing and saw the whole swarm was following the first attacker.
SANNARO
Now I understand why you call them razorwings!
TRICADERO
They’re deadly. One of the deadliest creatures on Sailia. The swarm won’t stop until we’re shredded meat on the ground! Then they eat their fill and lay their eggs within the remaining meat. Once they leave, the ground predators will come to the smell of the carnage and clean the field of the carcasses. A few days later, the larvae hatch within the predators and eat their way out of the unsuspecting animal.
Sannaro gulped back an unpleasant taste in his mouth.
SANNARO
Gruesome, but effective.
TRICADERO
I see a trench. Jump down inside and ball up on the ground.
As they huddled inside the trench, Sannaro peeked above him and saw the swarm fly over the trench.
After a few minutes, they were gone.
TRICADERO
Thankfully, once Hlatutara travel straight, they don’t notice dips in the terrain and keep flying. We should be safe now.
Sannaro laid back and willed both his hearts to slow their beats.
SANNARO
This rescue is tougher than I thought it would be.
TRICADERO
It’s a volcano. Volcano’s are very dangerous territory. Still, I believe your choice to use the cover of the volcanic cloud was probably your best course of action. The Humans are very observant of the clear skies.
They took a few minutes more to rest, then they set out again.
After another half hour of travel, Sannaro sensed Ambri’s team was near.
SANNARO
Follow me, we’re near Ambri’s position.
Sannaro took the lead and followed his daughter’s mental signature to a small opening in a rock face.
Jeremy went inside first.
As Sannaro ducked to enter, Ambrika rushed outside and hugged him.
AMBRIKA
I’m so glad to see you, Ya!
SANNARO
I’m glad to see you too. Your Chali is almost beside herself with worry.
Sannaro saw Ambrika’s blood encrusted sleeve.
SANNARO
You should let Jeremy look at that.
AMBRIKA
It’s just a cut.
She pulled on the gap in Sannaro’s flight suit arm.
AMBRIKA
You’re a bit ragged too.
SANNARO
Scariest insect I’ve ever seen. It’s gorgeous until it tries to slice you to pieces.
DANYLKO
San, you should rest until we’re ready to go.
Sannaro guided Ambrika back into the cave and they sat down together.
AMBRIKA
Last time you were stuck in the wild, it was you and Andu.
SANNARO
That was an interesting situation, too. I guess now I’ve rescued both my children. Don’t you feel privileged?
AMBRIKA
Oh yes, Ya, I feel so privileged.
Jeremy emerged from the shadows and sat down beside Ambrika.
JEREMY
May I scan your wound?
AMBRIKA
Where’s your hand sensor?
Jeremy showed her his hand.
JEREMY
Right here.
AMBRIKA
Your hand’s empty.
JEREMY
If you would honor me with a introductory scan, I can explain it to you.
Ambrika nervously glanced at Sannaro.
Sannaro nodded reassurance.
Ambrika slowly raised her own hand.
AMBRIKA
You mean you can sense what’s in people’s bodies without a machine?
JEREMY
That’s right. It’s my Saili talent, like your father can sense people’s mental signature from afar and guide himself to them.
Ambrika held her arm up toward him.
He put his hand over the bloodied sleeve and closed his eyes.
After a minute he opened his eyes again.
JEREMY
It’s a bit deep, but not very serious. It’ll need sutures, though. I’m encouraged that it’s stopped bleeding. I’ll bandage it for now and once we get off this mountain, it can be healed.
AMBRIKA
I wish I had a special talent like you and Ya.
JEREMY
I’m sure you’ll find yours eventually.
AMBRIKA
But you’re not much older than me and you already know what your talent is.
JEREMY
Not everyone find their talent quickly. Be patient with yourself. It will come.
Jeremy smiled at her.
Ambrika blushed and looked away.
Jeremy chuckled before he moved on.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
INT. SAILIA CAVE (CONT.) – DAY
Ambrika watched Jeremy as he moved around the injured members of her shuttle.
Ambrika (PSI V.O.)
Is that the guy you were talking to on the Upper Flight Deck, Ya?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Houk, he’s a friend to Danylko. He wanted Jeremy to come because of his medical talent.
AMBRIKA (PSI V.O.)
Why does he have a Human name?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
His family lived in a Human colony and liked the name. He’s a bit self-conscious about it.
AMBRIKA (PSI V.O.)
I don’t know, it’s kind of nice.
Sannaro chuckled.
Jeremy returned to them.
JEREMY
Tsikakayu, I’ve finished first aide and we’re preparing to litter the people who can’t walk.
Sannaro nodded and joined Tricadero beside Tricalio.
SANNARO
Tricadero, you take your brother’s left side and I’ll take his right. Then we’ll raise him up as flat as we can and settle him on this litter.
He took the litter off his back, untied the poles and rolled out the hammock.
Soon Tricalio was laid on the litter.
Sannaro helped to place two others in the litters. Then he returned to Tricalio and took the front of the litter as Tricadero held the back.
They left the cave and began their return trip.
TRICADERO
I think we should choose a slightly different route on the way down, Tsikakayu. I don’t want us to risk going through the lava pool again.
SANNARO
Agreed.
A silver-skinned man with silver-green hair down to his hips who wore a light-gray robe stepped from around a rock and bobbed his head at Sannaro.
KOTONORI (PSI V.O.)
Truthfully, I’m surprised you even made it.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I really preferred to never meet you again, Kotonori.
KOTONORI (PSI V.O.)
Despite your rejection of the Order of True Telepaths, your choice to be on your native planet is encouraging to me.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Hiamovi requested my return. So why are you here?
KOTONORI (PSI V.O.)
Do you think we of the Order of True Telepaths would submit to Human rule?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
From what I’ve learned, you’d rather have an Abuchik lead you before you’d accept a Human.
Kotonori smiled and shook with silent laughter.
KOTONORI (PSI V.O.)
However amusing, I would agree with your assessment. Anyway, to answer your question. We have hid on Mount Misipatasutisga to remain remote from the Human invaders. We have observed your traverse of our realm and are not impressed by your knowledge of it.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Okay, I would expect that attitude from you. What’s your point?
KOTONORI (PSI V.O.)
As hard as it is for you to accept, we want to lead you through the safest route so you can return to the plains to initiate your plan to drive away the Humans.
AMBRIKA (PSI V.O.)
Rachi, Ya. Who are they?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
A Saili Order who only talk telepathically. They call themselves the ‘True Saili’.
KOTONORI (PSI V.O.)
A pink Gonkacha Saili. Interesting.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Leave my daughter alone, Kotonori.
KOTONORI (PSI V.O.)
You made your opinion toward the Order of True Telepaths quite clear on your last visit. I was only making an observation. Do you accept our help or would you prefer to continue your bumbling down the slopes while you struggle with injured people in litters?
SANNARO
We accept your offer. Please, lead on.
AMBRIKA (PSI V.O.)
Oh, they’re the people who kidnapped you when you brought Chali to see the Madanaya on Vagakta Station just after you found she was pregnant with Andu.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
That’s right. I didn’t like their accommodations.
KOTONORI PSI V.O.
You were ill suited for our life, Sannaro. I was only doing what Verano wanted.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
And why did you?
Kotonori’s face turned rigid as stone.
KOTONORI (PSI V.O.)
In those days it was very dangerous to one’s lifestyle to refuse Verano aide.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Oh right, Verano’s nice resort I destroyed. Did it have a room with your name on it if you hadn’t taken me for rehabilitation?
Kotonori whirled around and strode quickly down the hill.
Sannaro chuckled quietly.
SANNARO
I thought so.
DANYLKO
San, however funny that was, I wouldn’t bait that guy.
SANNARO
I know he’s dangerous, Danny, but he wants me here so he’s enduring my little ribbing. It’s all I can do to get him back for holding me against my will.
DANYLKO
I think Danu’s right, you are an heroic nut.
SANNARO
You didn’t figure that out when we were in school together?
DANYLKO
Oh, I knew when you suggested we break into Ambassador Eradano’s office during the night to find proof that Verano was doing illegal experiments on us Deviants, just not the extent of your craziness.
SANNARO
Let’s get going before Kotonori leaves us behind.
They moved out again.
The trek downhill would’ve been easier on Sannaro if he hadn’t had to carry a litter. As the kilometers passed, Tricalio became heavier. Sannaro had to concentrate on his breathing to keep it regular.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Kotonori, can we stop for a break?
AMBRIKA (PSI V.O.)
Oh yes, please!
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Ambri?
Ambrika walked up beside Sannaro and clutched her chest.
AMBRIKA (PSI V.O.)
Fausa, this air stinks and my chest hurts.
KOTONORI (PSI V.O.)
She has too much carbon.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Well she’s half Astrisi! Ambri, put your helmet on. If a Gonkacha has trouble compensating for the gases, an Astrisi/Gonkacha would have more trouble.
KOTONORI (PSI V.O.)
It really is sad that the saviors of Sailia’s future know little about survival on Sailia.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Like it’s sad the natives of Sailia know little about how to force invaders to leave Sailia?
Kotonori drew up to his full height and scowled at Sannaro.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
The point is, Kotonori, we need you to guide us off this mountain and you need us to get rid of the Humans. Truce?
Kotonori relaxed his body.
KOTONORI (PSI V.O.)
Truce.
Ambrika unclipped her helmet from her pistol belt and locked it on her head.
SANNARO
Feeling better?
AMBRIKA (V.O.)
Houk. My chest is finally beginning to stop burning.
SANNARO
Good. Now if I can only catch my own breath.
KOTONORI (PSI V.O.)
In light of our last meeting, Sannaro, I would advise you to take your own advice, Astrisi/Gonkacha.
Sannaro scowled before he released his own helmet and pulled it on. As soon as his filtration system turned on, he was silently relieved when his own chest began to loose some tightness.
KOTONORI (PSI V.O.)
Is your team rested enough? We may know the safer route but it is not entirely without dangers.
TRICALIO
I’ve sensed four missiles we’ve avoided just in our short walk.
SANNARO
I’m sure Kotonori has his own rock sensors.
KOTONORI (PSI V.O.)
It is the only way we survive up here.
SANNARO
Avoiding flaming rocks is preferable to Human rule?
KOTONORI (PSI V.O.)
Must you have to ask?
SANNARO
Let’s move out.
MONTAGE OF TRAVELING THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS
They climbed over a hill down into a valley and saw the firebird crest on top of the shuttle.
SANNARO (V.O.)
All right, the litters bearing the worst injured should be cycled through the airlock first. Danu and Jeremy will treat the worst patients that need more first aide, then we'll bring in the least injured and fly down to base.
KOTONORI (PSI V.O.)
This is as far as we go. We wish you well on your task and may the Great Forger's favor shine upon your endeavor.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I hope he is, Kotonori.
Sannaro led the team down the hill and stopped at the ramp.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Jeremy, choose the patient you feel needs the most urgent care and you go in with them. The rest of us will cycle through after you.
Jeremy nodded and went to a Saili with a dressed wound on his head and helped to guide the litter into the airlock. It closed soon after and Sannaro heard the sound of the cycling air.
JEREMY (PSI V.O.)
I'll send to you when we want another patient sent in and who I want it to be.
Sannaro waited patiently and scanned the area around the shuttle for any threats.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Danu, we need to get going soon. I sense predatory animals closing in on our location. They're following the scent of blood.
DANU (PSI V.O.)
Very bad. Get everyone inside now. We'll just have to take off.
SANNARO (V.O.)
Let's get the rest inside. I sense approaching predators.
He guarded the ramp while the rest of the team cycled the wounded through the airlock. Once he heard the airlock finish the final cycle and only he remained, he opened the airlock and stepped in. Shortly, the inner door opened and he stepped out. He took of his helmet.
SANNARO
Kosi, take off.
KOSI
My pleasure, boss.
GAVASNO (PSI V.O.)
It's encouraging to know that the Order of True Telepaths support us, San.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
They were a big help.
KOSI
Approaching landing site.
SANNARO
Okay, let's get ready to move these wounded into our suite. Danu and Jeremy, you go on ahead to set up your work areas in the suite while the rest of us do the transport.
DANU
Houk, San.
As soon as the shuttle was landed, Sannaro looked around to check that everyone was moving to do their jobs and saw that Ambrika hadn't moved. He went over to her and checked her regulator sensors. He smiled softly and lightly shook her.
SANNARO
Ambri, wake up. Time to go.
AMBRIKA
I'm awake.
SANNARO
Now you are. We'll get you to the suite soon so you can rest. Good job leading your first team.
AMBRIKA
But I crashed!
SANNARO
Our guide deceived us, so it wasn't your fault. You won't get a bad report.
AMBRIKA
What a relief.
SANNARO
Okay, Astrisi, seal your helmets so we can get this shuttle open.
Once the helmets were secure, Kosi opened the hatch and the ramp lowered to the ground.
Tricadero led both rescuers and rescued through the convoluted hallways to their suite.
As Sannaro helped to settle the wounded, Danu and Jeremy buzzed around to set up their treatment areas.
Cherna rushed to Ambrika and hugged her, careful not to jar her injured arm.
CHERNA
I was so worried. I’m so glad you’re safe.
AMBRIKA
You were worried? I was terrified! There was flaming rocks falling from the sky and lava pools everywhere. If I hadn’t had Tricalio there, I would’ve had no idea what to do.
SANNARO
And in an unknown situation, you did a fine job using your resources.
AMBRIKA
Fa’arata, Ya.
SANNARO
Now I think you need to rest until someone can look at your arm.
AMBRIKA
Houk, Ya.
Ambrika went into another room and laid down on a bunk.
Cherna hugged Sannaro.
CHERNA
Talk about a good job.
SANNARO
It was wild.
SANNARO'S PSYCHIC VISION MONTAGE OF THE RESCUE
BACK TO HIDE OUT
CHERNA
That was wild. I can sense your exhaustion. You should lay down too.
SANNARO
I think I will.
INT. HIDE OUT HALLWAYS (TRAVELLING)
As he wandered the dark corridors restlessly, he sensed an odd feeling of familiarity and followed the feeling out of nothing better to do.
Finally he came to an old metal door and pulled it open.
Beyond, he sensed a vast cavern. The ceiling sparkled with hanging stalactites of rainbow hues. It was quite lovely and gave off enough light for his more sensitive sight to light up the cavern almost as bright as day.
But the floor of the room was crowded with statuesque bodies like a macabre crowd in a market. Some bodies were twisted with frozen faces of agony. Some where blackened, with faces so melted, their features were lost in obscurity, and others were just mounds of unidentifiable material.
Clearly he’d stumbled on a “Cave of Bad Death.” But just as he was compelled to back out of the room, something seemed to compel him forward. He reluctantly stepped further into the room and followed his senses.
Suddenly, he jumped back when he saw the solid form of his mother as she reached out to grab him. He worked to calm his rapidly racing dual hearts, he reminded himself that she wasn’t reaching for him, but had once reached out for his brother Devakio.
Her face showed that fear and concern she’d felt as she’d raced to try to protect his brother and him from the horrors of that day.
Sannaro frowned and brushed her solid cheek.
At her side was the body of Devakio with his middle burned as he was frozen in the form of a sprint. Behind them was his father’s blackened form from the fire that destroyed Aldinon’s office.
Sannaro remembered a day back when the New Saili were preparing to leave Sailia.
FLASHBACK TO NEW SAILI EXODUS FROM SAILIA 9STOCK FOOTAGE FROM INSURRECTION)
Devasru approached Sannaro.
DEVASRU
Can you talk to the Kumani to use a separate cargo area to transport the deceased the families want to take with us?
SANNARO
Uncle, the Astrisi have limited space for the living, much less, transporting the dead!
DEVASRU
Do you want to leave Giovano, Damira and Devakio here? Days earlier you were overjoyed to be reunited with them and you intend to leave them behind?
SANNARO
What I saw was a memory, Uncle. My family is here.
Sannaro pointed to his head.
SANNARO
Aren’t they reunited with the Great Forger or something?
DEVASRU
If it’s too alien for the Astrisi to understand, I’ll arrange for someone with a spaceship to transport the dead.
Devasru stomped away from Sannaro.
Sannaro shook his head, then shrugged his shoulders.
BACK TO CAVE OF BAD DEATH
Sannaro assumed that because Devasru had made such a big fuss about it, he’d found some space on a cargo ship to transport them to New Sailia, yet here his family was, still on Sailia. Somehow that seemed odd.
VERANO
(echoed voice)
Not odd at all.
Sannaro whirled toward the voice and squinted to see enough to know the form was male. He used his telepathy to sense the other man's mental signature.
SANNARO
You again? Why won’t you leave me alone?
VERANO
I hid them so Devasru couldn’t take them.
SANNARO
Why? It was Devasru’s right to transport them off Sailia.
VERANO
I wasn’t finished with them.
SANNARO
That’s sick, Verano.
The form stepped a little closer into the light. The shape he saw was bulkier and more muscular than Verano, yet Sannaro sensed Verano was there.
Verano stepped further into the room and his form resumed the shape Sannaro expected from past dealings with the insane scientist.
Sannaro was suddenly drawn to the thoroughly blackened form of his father before he looked back at Verano with dread.
SANNARO
You stole my family’s bodies! How more sick can you be? Those aren’t yours!
VERANO
But they are.
Again Verano’s form changed and this time Sannaro could see the details change from Verano to Giovano Masanateyak?
Sannaro stepped backward in alarm.
SANNARO
No, you’re gone! I saw you fall through the Astral Tear!
VERANO/GIOVANO
You thought you did, but you had too many distractions that day to notice I didn’t drop through.
SANNARO
What? Why didn’t you?
VERANO/GIOVANO
I had unfinished business.
SANNARO
How did you manage to possess Verano? He wasn’t on Regalis.
VERANO/GIOVANO
I occupied Varanani until she and the bodies were transferred to Sailia but when Verano did my autopsy, I sensed great ambition in him with a deep hatred and distrust of Humans. I felt he’d help me quite well to finish what needed to be done.
SANNARO
Needed to be done? What needed to be done?
VERANO/GIOVANO
You’re not right.
SANNARO
Not right? I may be a mutant, but I’m far from not right.
VERANO/GIOVANO
Saili don’t have blue-black hair and blue-black eyes. You were made wrong and it’s my fault.
SANNARO
How could you know you had Gonkacha? It wasn’t known at the time. The deaths of mother, Devakio and you brought recognition of the disease that was unknown to the Saili!
VERANO/GIOVANO
I knew Varanani, Devakio and you didn’t look right! I knew I was sick and that was enough! It didn’t matter that a name came later! You were wrong! I had to make you right!
SANNARO
Verano killed many Gonkacha in his amoral search for a cure for Gonkacha!
VERANO/GIOVANO
Morality was incidental to finding the cure, don’t you see, Sannaro?
SANNARO
No, I don’t see, because I never wanted to be made right and I still don’t! Don’t you see that, even though I’m a mutated Saili, there’s still a need for my existence? I’m needed, Father!
VERANO/GIOVANO
You are so stubborn. You always were.
SANNARO
Yes, I’ve always dared to think for myself and I don’t apologize for it.
VERANO/GIOVANO
That’s your problem, you incorrigible brat!
Verano/Giovano launched himself at Sannaro with his hands gestured like he was already throttling Sannaro.
Sannaro swept his arms up in a double block to bat Verano/Giovano’s arms away from his throat and pushed him away.
SANNARO
Stop this. You know I can easily defeat you.
VERANO/GIOVANO
Your ego is so insufferable! I can’t stand it anymore!
SANNARO
I have an insufferable ego just because I refuse to allow you to change me into something I’m not? What a warped idea of ego.
Verano/Giovano bellowed and charged.
Sannaro side-stepped, swung his arm laterally and punched Verano/Giovano in the ribs.
Verano/Giovano stumbled and slammed hard into a stalagmite. He whirled around with rage in his eyes.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
Sannaro’s vision blurred and he saw forms moving in the shadows.
SANNARO
Nui, not again!
He closed his eyes tightly then reopened them.
SANNARO'S PSYCHIC VISION
Before him stood Damira and Devakio reanimated. Damira had her arms outstretched in the same gesture as her solidified form.
DAMIRA
Sanna, join us!
DEVAKIO
Yeah, Sanna, come with us.
SANNARO
No! You’re dead! I still have things to do! Don’t make me go with you!
The blackened mass of Giovano spoke with a twisted mouth.
BLACKENED GIOVANO
You were born wrong.
SANNARO
Go away, go away, go away!
All the forms in the room began to move toward him.
CHORUS
You were born wrong.
SANNARO
No, no, no! Go away! Leave me alone!
Sannaro turned to Verano/Giovano and charged at him.
Verano/Giovano’s form glowed as he amassed psychic energy.
Sannaro tightened his shields to maximum to protect himself just as his mind burst with sudden agonizing pain. He lost consciousness and fell hard to the rock floor.
(LATER)
Sannaro woke and found the room empty, except for the solid shells of his dead family and other dead Saili. He shuddered and stood up again. He fled the room and desperately linked with Cherna and used his tracking ability to numbly return to the suite.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
San, what’s wrong?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I need you, Cheri.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Why are you panicked?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
No telepathy. I need to talk to you.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
No telepathy? That’s odd for you.
Sannaro rushed into the suite. He grabbed Cherna’s arm and led her to the farthest corner of an empty bunk room.
CHERNA
San, you look as pale as an Earth banana!
Sannaro sensed Danu approach in concern.
SANNARO
Nui, Danu, I’m not injured. I need to talk to Cherna alone.
DANU
I’ll back off, but I’m going to monitor you. You look alarming.
Sannaro nodded and returned his attention to Cherna.
SANNARO
Verano isn’t Verano!
CHERNA
What? You’re confusing me.
SANNARO
Great Firebird! My father talked to me through Verano!
DANU
That’s it, San, I’m treating you for shock.
Danu rushed to them.
Sannaro stood up and backed away.
SANNARO
I need to understand what I saw, Danu!
DANU
Later. You need help to get your body regulated. You’re almost faint now.
Sannaro looked frantically at Cherna.
DANU
Ah, doctor’s orders.
Sannaro deflated with a big sigh.
CHERNA
I’ll ask while you rest.
SANNARO
Nui, I need to hear it myself.
CHERNA
Okay, I’ll wait.
Gavasno rushed up to them.
GAVASNO
Danu, I do agree that San needs to calm down. With telepathy, I can work him through his anxiety without chemicals. I’d like to help.
Danu thought for a second and nodded his head.
GAVASNO
Thank you. Sannaro, I would like to make a link with you. May I enter your mind?
Sannaro shuddered.
GAVASNO
Sannaro, I can help you. Please, let me link with you.
Sannaro nodded and sat down again.
Gavasno laid a reassuring hand on Sannaro’s shoulder and carefully made a link with him.
GAVASNO
Now, Sannaro, show me what happened but distance yourself from it like you’re viewing it on a computer monitor. Distancing yourself from it should help you calm down.
MONTAGE OF GHOST ATTACK IN CAVE OF BAD DEATH
BACK TO HIDE OUT SUITE
GAVASNO (PSI V.O.)
What horrifying tactics. He used your sorest vulnerability to compromise your defenses.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
My father talked to me through Verano. Was it my father? Can ghosts inhabit people and make them do things?
GAVASNO (PSI V.O.)
In Saili, these manifestations can happen in the young because of their incomplete telepathic control.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
So how did it happen to Verano?
GAVASNO (PSI V.O.)
Those with more telepathic control, it usually involves a merging of common opinions that opens the person up to possession. I can believe that Giovano may have found Verano’s alarm and distress about Gonkacha easy to sway to a desire to find a cure which caused an opening for his essence to enter into Verano. Unfortunately, Giovano seems to be stuck in his last minute despair about his children’s abnormalities and desire for a cure.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I don’t want to be cured!
GAVASNO ([SO V.O.)
Remember, San, your father was quite insane.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
So Verano has an insane ghost occupying him?
GAVASNO
Unfortunately, and it may be affecting Verano’s sanity as well. That explains to me why he has always singled you out especially for trial treatments. It’s the ultimate paternal desire to cure their children of perceived illness.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
But he’s not thinking about what I feel about it. How can I convince my father to leave Verano and finally go through the Astral Tear?
GAVASNO (PSI V.O.)
Because he’s an essence of an insane person who died horribly, he can only seem to think about his final despair. Unfortunately, I’m not a specialist on the spirit world, just a tracker who has met some ghosts so I don’t know how to advise you about this. Thankfully, you raised your shields when you saw the gathered energy and he only hit you with a strong mind-slap. You have no neural damage this time.
SANNARO
That’s a relief.
GAVASNO (PSI V.O.)
Good, you’re calming now. As horrible as this is, you can’t make it your priority now. You have a task given to you by Hiamovi that must take precedence.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Expelling the Humans from Sailia.
GAVASNO (PSI V.O.)
Right. We need our battle strategist and that’s you.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Why does he always have to show up at the most inconvenient times?
GAVASNO (PSI V.O.)
Because those are the only times you’re on Sailia.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
You have a point there.
GAVASNO (PSI V.O.)
Ah, that’s better.
Gavasno withdrew from Sannaro's mind.
Sannaro was so calm he could slip easily into sleep.
GAVASNO
He’s calm now, Danu.
DANU
Thank you so much, Gavasno. I thought I was going to have to sedate him.
GAVASNO
We Saili can use telepathic methods of calming that don’t require chemicals. Sannaro has the answers he sought and it helped to calm him.
CHERNA
What were the answers?
SANNARO
Verano voluntarily absorbed Giovano’s ghost because it served his desire to find a cure for Gonkacha, but he brought an unforeseen condition to the partnership; that he had to cure me. Unfortunately, Giovano is insane and, as a result, it has driven Verano insane.
CHERNA
Why would anyone want to merge with a ghost?
SANNARO
More importantly, why did Hiamovi allow such a twisted mind to have so much power?
GAVASNO
Again, Paternal desire. Hiamovi agreed that Gonkacha was a disease that threatened the new generation of Saili. He agreed it had to be cured so he allowed Verano too much latitude to find a cure that split the Saili into two factions; the traditional Saili and the New Saili/Gonkacha. Unfortunately, Verano is driven by Giovano’s death obsession to cure his children. As a result, Verano has no self-restraint and continues to target Sannaro even when he should be concerned with other things.
DANU
All of this is too spooky. I’d hate to be haunted by my father.
SANNARO
Thankfully, your father, Retal, is still alive, the Executive Assistant to Hadah and a good sane man.
CHERNA
Even my father has begun to act better than yours.
SANNARO
Varanani! A Doctor of Psychiatry might give me better ideas to convince Verano to expel our father and leave this plane of existence.
DANU
I can talk to her about it and get back with you but, I agree with Gavasno, you need to get your mind back on why we’re here.
SANNARO
Danu, Varanani needs to be down here to find Verano and work it out with him so I can concentrate on the Humans. Our father would want to cure Vara too, because it’s part of his paternal obsession.
DANU
I know she would do it, San. I’ll call up to the Kumani to arrange transport.
SANNARO
It should be easier this time since we are down here to guide the pilot. Get on that, please, Danu.
DANU
I will, while you get some sleep. You still need to recover from your shock.
SANNARO
Houk, doctor, I submit to your advice.
Sannaro laid down on the bed and was soon asleep.
EXT. HIDE OUT LANDING AREA
When Sannaro woke again, he followed Tricadero outside and telepathically scanned the skies for contact with the pilot who was to fly Varanani to Sailia.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
San, you listening?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I am, Arcas.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Got your sister here. Guide me in.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Fa'arata, I'm going to merge minds with you and work with you like a beacon.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Oh, San, you're not my type.
Sannaro blushed and he sensed Varanani's mental giggle.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Not that kind of merge, you goof!
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
I'll merge with you and advise him. It won't be as intimate.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
He's being silly. We've had telepathic contact since we were teens.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Actually, I'm open to her help. I'd like to not be distracted with a direct link so I can watch for incoming threats.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Reasonable. I'll advise through Vara.
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
Did you really see our father?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I'd like to get you on the ground before I update you.
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
I understand. Your connection is so clear that I almost can see where you are. I'm showing Arcas.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Is it because of our family connection?
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
I believe it is.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I can see you emerging from the clouds now.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
I see you too, San. ETA, 5 minutes.
The shuttle lowered to the ground.
The airlock cycled through, the door opened and the ramp lowered to the ground.
Varanani walked down and stopped before him.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Fa'arata, Arc. Be careful on the trip back.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Good luck.
The shuttle rose off the ground again and flew back into the clouds.
Varanani turned back to Sannaro and hugged him.
He telepathically related his experience with Verano and Giovano to her.
VARANANI
I had no idea Father had occupied me until I came to Sailia and then moved to Verano. I thought he fell through the Astral Tear, too. What he did to you was terrifying. We must find him.
SANNARO
But I can't take that time now. I have to concentrate on convincing the Humans to leave. Could you search for Verano to talk to him about helping Father while I handle the problem with the Human occupation?
VARANANI
I think it would be better if I did, considering the adversarial relationship Verano and you have had.
SANNARO
I'm a warrior, not a talker.
VARANANI
That is beyond doubt. He may not react violently to me like he did to you. I'll begin right away.
SANNARO
Fa'arata, Vara.
Sannaro guided Varanani into the hideout.
SANNARO
Gavasno, I want you to take Vara around the caves you can guard her while she tries to sense Verano.
GAVASNO
What are you going to do?
SANNARO
I'm going to think over how to begin to convince the Humans to leave Sailia like Hiamovi wants me to.
GAVASNO
Okay, I'll keep in touch.
SAILI MESSENGER (PSI V.O.)
Sannaro, I have a message from the Humans.
SANNARO
Wait, Gavasno, I'm getting a telepathic message. I want you to wait until it's finished.
GAVASNO
Okay, I'll wait.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Who are you and how do the Humans know I'm here?
SAILI MESSENGER (PSI V.O.)
Oh, come on. You're not that clever. You didn't think the Humans wouldn't guess your precious Kumani hovering around the Vespa system meant that you'd returned to Sailia and probably brought your New Saili buddies? Everyone knows the Kumani goes wherever you want it to.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
First, the Kumani doesn't go anywhere I tell it to.
SAILI MESSENGER (PSI V.O.)
But they do humor you a lot, don't you think? Anyway, that's beside the point. The message is that the Humans don't want a fight with you and request you parlay to talk out the differences between you.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Don't you understand, the Humans are unreasonable. Why would you want to side with them?
SAILI MESSENGER (PSI V.O.)
I can live in my home with all the comforts instead of hiding in a hole, eluding capture and imprisonment. Doesn't sound unreasonable to me. We all know you're a troublemaker, Sannaro. Be reasonable and parlay with the Humans.
After the man cut the link with him, he returned his attention to Gavasno with Varanani.
SANNARO
I need your advise. An unknown Saili just sent a request for the Humans to set up a parlay with me. It seems they spotted the Kumani in the system and guessed I was here but they don't seem to know where I am.
GAVASNO
Well, that's good that they don't know where you are.
SANNARO
But why would a Saili be helping the Humans? Don't they understand that this mining company has a strong history of abuse to their help?
GAVASNO
I sense you already know the answer to that question.
SANNARO
He said he'd rather have the comforts of home than to protest their presence.
GAVASNO
That sounds like a common reason.
SANNARO
Until the abuse starts. He said I have a reputation as a troublemaker.
GAVASNO
Unfortunately, you do and people don't like troublemakers until they find a reason to need one.
SANNARO
So should I accept a parlay?
GAVASNO
It would make the Human intentions clear. Who knows, maybe they do want to negotiate?
SANNARO
Yeah, right.
GAVASNO
San, you know this company and have been hurt by them too many times to trust them, but obviously, many Saili have to see what this company does before they'll realize their way of life is actually threatened. Maybe you should make parlay so the Saili can begin to understand what you already know.
SANNARO
Or I'll continue to be called a troublemaker.
GAVASNO
Right. Not only do you have to be the warrior, you may need to be a bit of a politician too. You need to convince those who are complying with the Human company that their lives won't remain comfortable for long.
SANNARO
All right, I'll accept the parlay.
VARANANI
I'm fine. You just do what you need to do.
SANNARO
Okay, I'll talk to you later.
Sannaro prepared himself to attend the parlay.
EXT. SAILIA PARLAY SITE
Sannaro landed his shuttle near the clearing where he was told the Humans would meet him for parlay.
He shut down the engines, opened the hatch without cycling the airlock and walked down the ramp farther into the clearing.
FADE OUT.
THE END.