Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
“INVASION: SAILIA”
EPISODE 62 – INVADERS TRIAL
BY: LYSSA THORNE
FADE IN:
INT./EXT. AMBRIKA'S VIZHA'I – SPACE
Ambrika’s joy over her first kill was short-lived as she concentrated hard to evade volleys that flew her way. This was getting very intense as her evasive maneuvers became more extreme.
From her scope, she saw more ADF fighters launch from the battleship.
ARCAS (V.O.)
Good clearing of the zone, Ambri. Defense formation behind me. I’m going in for a bombing run.
BLUE TEAM (V.O.)
Houk.
She flew into position and looked around for anything that would threaten Arcas’ dive toward a Pirate ship.
Arcas’ ship was diving now.
A small group of ships swooped in to defend their ship.
Ambrika veered off with her wing-mate and engaged the fighters.
A flash caught her eye and she realized a pirate was locked on Bri'ak. She went into a tight barrel roll turn and came in at Bri'ak’s starboard wing.
Just as Bri'ak flew beyond her, she opened fire.
The pirate wobbled to avoid her fire but was still hit. It tumbled out of control and impacted the skin of a pirate mother-ship.
Arcas swooped in at the damage point and Kwavo let the bombs drop at the point where the fighter impacted the ship.
ARCAS (V.O.)
Get out of here! It’s going to blow!
Ambrika did a tight inverted turn, opened her jets full throttle and flew back toward the Kumani.
Shortly after, she felt the shock wave of a massive explosion. She bobbed and wove through the debris field.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the Kumani and the ADF battleship loom in closer to the station with their own batteries shooting a massive barrage at the remaining mother-ships.
ARCAS (V.O.)
Guard the mother-ships!
Ambrika was dazzled as the darkness of space was lit up with a rain of plasma streams beaming from the huge ships into the remaining pirate ships.
AMBRIKA (V.O.)
Ha'iko, this is beautiful!
Ambrika willed her little fighter to go faster and shot out ahead of her teammates as she fought for control of the furiously wobbling ship.
After a few minutes, she managed to get back in control of her ship as the massive shock waves subsided.
ARCAS (V.O.)
All teams, report.
Each team reported that they had sustained some damage and a few losses of people.
Ambrika looked at her scope.
AMBRIKA (V.O.)
Where’s Vagakta Station?
ARCAS (V.O.)
It blew with all the other pirate ships. That was spectacular. All teams, prepare an approach to land.
In a half hour, Ambrika was cleared to land and was lowered down to the flight deck.
Her ship was locked into the pulley system and it was pulled off the lift.
Before the refuel and rearm pylons, her deck crew pulled up a ladder and popped her canopy.
She wearily climbed out and jumped to the deck. As she pulled off her helmet, the crew pulled away the ladder and her ship was pulled into the service area.
She slowly walked forward to the pilot’s lounge.
Arcas walked up to her and patted her arm.
ARCAS
Good work, kid. You did well.
AMBRIKA
Now I hope to Iachi’awei that my Ya can finish this war on the ground.
ARCAS
Oh, I’m in total agreement. But you need to get some rest. That was quite a fight.
Ambrika only nodded as she sunk into an armchair.
EXT. HUMAN MINER'S CAMP – SAILIA – DAY
Sannaro replaced his helmet, then returned his team to the building where they’d met Dale again and pulled out another charge to place on the wall.
Before he could set the timer, Humans rushed around the corner and attacked the team.
As Sannaro stood up to meet the attack, he saw Cherna was pressed against the wall. She snatched the Human’s gun hand and swung her fist into his face.
He dropped to the ground with his face mask smashed. He shook horrifically as his first breath of Sailia ravaged his lungs.
The other Humans stiffened at the sight, then turned back with their bodies stiff with indignation.
Gavasno stepped in front of Sannaro.
HUMAN FIGHTER
(ICILY)
It’s funny to see you midgets think you can fight.
GAVASNO
Just try us and see what we can do.
The Humans rushed forward.
Sannaro ducked around Gavasno and blocked a punch a Human threw. He followed with his other fist to the Human’s abdomen.
GAVASNO (PSI V.O.)
You should have stayed and set the timer, San.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Shut up and fight.
Cherna was ducking a Human who was trying to grab her shoulders.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
We’re fighting for our lives and you two are arguing?
TISA (PSI V.O.)
And you’re surprised?
TISA
Cherna, watch out!
Cherna whirled around and blocked a fist to her face. At the corner of her eye, she saw the Human raise his leg to kick.
Sannaro could sense that Cherna didn’t want to block with her prostheses but she had no choice.
SANNARO
Cherna!
She raised her leg to block the kick.
Sannaro heard a loud snap and she tumbled to the ground. She grabbed the Human’s arm and used her fall to throw him hard against the wall.
Sannaro ran over to her and stood above her as he fended off Human blows.
After a few more minutes, all the Humans were on the ground.
Sannaro squatted over Cherna and felt her pant legs. One prosthetic was snapped in two.
The other prosthetic was intact.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
I can’t go on, San! I shouldn’t have come.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Nui, you had every right to come. I’ll break the other prosthetic and tie off your pant legs. Then we can take out the broken prostheses so you can move again.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
How? I’ll be clumsy in a flight suit tied off.
Sannaro snapped the other prosthetic and tied off her pant legs. He pulled off her boot and slipped the broken prostheses out of her pant legs.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Remember soon after you lost your legs? I carried you on my shoulders.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
I remember.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I can carry you again.
Cherna pushed herself up to a sit and grabbed Sannaro’s shoulders.
Sannaro stood up and returned to set the timer on the explosives.
GIOVANO (PSI V.O.)
While you fought, I learned from one of the guys that he was worried about a very vital machine. I found out where it was placed. I can take you to it. If we destroy it, their process will be paralyzed.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Show me.
MENTAL FLASH OF A MACHINE
BACK TO HUMAN MINING CAMP - SAILIA
SANNARO(PSI V.O.)
You’re very sneaky.
GIOVANO (PSI V.O.)
And you aren’t?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
(reluctantly)
Well, you have a point there.
GAVASNO (PSI V.O.)
You done arguing with yourself?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
My father told me where to plant the last explosive. Follow me.
As they arrived at the corner of the building, the daylight seemed to become significantly brighter.
Sannaro shielded his eyes with his hand.
SANNARO
Iashi’awei Ushi! That’s Vagakta Station exploding!
CHERNA (V.O.)
Well, you asked for a diversion. I guess you got it!
SANNARO
I need to congratulate Ambri on a mission well done, but before the Humans can recover from their shock, let’s get this charge set.
They ran across the brightly lit street and ducked behind another building.
Sannaro pulled out his last charge, pressed it onto the wall and set the timer.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Retreat.
They plunged into the grass to return to the waiting shuttles.
Sannaro found that he couldn’t wait to get out of the blazing strong light caused by the massive explosions above them. His more sensitive eyes were beginning to burn. He adjusted the tinting on his helmet to compensate for the brightness.
As soon as they were well away from the camp, Sannaro pulled out his trigger, flipped open the cover and pressed the button.
They were shook with a massive boom as the charges exploded.
As they traveled back to the shuttle, he tried not to grip his aching chest, because he didn’t want to admit it to Cherna who was still riding on his back.
INT. SHUTTLE – DAY
Sannaro swung Cherna off his back to a seat. He sat quietly in the rear of the shuttle and concentrated on staying conscious.
GIOVANO (PSI V.O.)
Aw, Sanna, you’re feeling like crap. Why did you insist you had to go, kiddo?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Because the Tsisutisga told me to. You called me kiddo just like the he did!
GIOVANO (PSI V.O.)
You met the Tsisutisga? How the hell did you do that?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Because I’m the Tsikakayu.
GIOVANO (PSI V.O.)
Bloody hell. Not my boy! Shit, that’s why I left Sailia! Damn Devasru told me about that stupid legend and I wanted nothing to do with it.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
But you played right into it. The Hero of the Lost Children would teach the Saili how to defend themselves from incursion.
GIOVANO (PSI V.O.)
I can’t fucking believe it. I was so stupid.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
No, you had to fulfill fate, father. I’m sorry.
Just as he was loosing the fight and drifting to sleep, he was informed that they had landed at their base.
Sannaro gathered his flagging strength and stood up for the walk back to the suite.
INT. HIDEOUT - DAY
As soon as they made it to the suite, they were met by Tsiakuba Hiamovi.
HIAMOVI
You did it, Sannaro! I’ve been informed by the Human Yothers that they formally surrender!
Sannaro forced a smile.
SANNARO
Great. Although we noticed from the intense flash in the sky that the Kumani may have exploded Vagakta Station.
HIAMOVI
Unfortunate, but I think it’s an acceptable loss. Good job, young man.
SANNARO
(WEARILY)
Thank you, Tsiakuba Hiamovi.
HIAMOVI
Are you feeling all right?
Sannaro suddenly saw the room spin and his vision began to dim.
SANNARO
Uh, not really.
Sannaro felt a strong stab of pain in his chest. He gasped and clutched his chest. He felt like someone had slammed his lower chest hard enough to rob him of his breath and felt his legs buckle out from under him.
Gavasno rushed in to catch Sannaro before he hit the floor.
Cherna pulled off her helmet, threw it to the floor then bounced up onto the stumps of her remaining legs and sprinted to Sannaro’s side.
CHERNA
What’s wrong?!
Danu and Jeremy rushed in and helped Gavasno to lower Sannaro to the floor.
As Danu waved a sensor over Sannaro’s unconscious form, Jeremy held his hands over Sannaro’s chest.
DANU
Fausa, get the crash kit!
While Kosi rushed to get that kit, Jeremy concentrated hard. He pulled the stretchy armor over Sannaro's shoulders and pulled it down to his waist to bare his heaving chest.
JEREMY
Come on, San, don’t give up the fight!
Danu prepared the defibrillator.
DANU
Clear!
He pressed one paddle on Sannaro’s lower sternum and the other on Sannaro’s side, just below the ribs and triggered the electrical charge.
Sannaro’s body arched upward, then returned to the floor.
Danu looked at Jeremy who nodded anxiously.
Danu replaced the paddles and triggered the charge again.
Sannaro’s body arched again.
CHERNA
Sanna, don’t leave me!
Danu prepared the paddles for another charge.
Cherna took Sannaro's hand and closed her eyes.
ASTRAL VIEW
Ghostly Cherna flew through a blurry dark field until she saw a flickering spark. She flew toward the spark and landed beside Sannaro's ghostly form that was fading. Cherna took him into her arms.
ASTRAL CHERNA
Take my strength, Sanna! Please don't leave me! You did this for me while I was in surgery when I lost my legs. Now it's your turn.
ASTRAL SANNARO
I don't want to go but I'm so weak, Cheri!
Astral Sannaro gripped her other hand and he became more solid.
JEREMY (PSI V.O.)
Danu, lower heartbeat has resumed a steady rhythm.
ASTRAL CHERNA
I have to go back to my body now, Sanna.
ASTRAL SANNARO
Go back. My connection with my body is strengthening again. See you outside, lover.
FADE BACK TO HIDEOUT
Cherna looked up and nodded her head at Danu.
CHERNA
He's going to make it, now.
Danu heaved a big sigh of relief and replaced the paddles into the cradles on the machine.
DANU
I told him to be careful.
GAVASNO
He wouldn’t, Danu. He told me he had to finish the job he was requested to do.
HIAMOVI
(sadly)
And I am in his debt.
VERANO
We all are. If I had been successful in finding a cure for Gonkacha, we would’ve been slaves to the Humans, possibly forever. For once, I’m glad I failed. And now I understand what Sannaro tried to tell me. We need the Gonkacha to relate to the Humans better than we can so we may stay in control of our lives.
CHERNA
It’s about time you understood Sannaro!
VERANO
I just wouldn’t listen before the invasion. I’m listening now.
HIAMOVI
I am listening, too. Thank you, Sannaro, liberator of Sailia. You have sacrificed enough for your people. Rest now, young man.
DANU
We need to transport San up to the Kumani. He needs hospital treatment.
Kosi laid out a litter beside Sannaro’s prone form.
Danu and Jeremy lifted Sannaro off the ground and settled him in the litter.
Gavasno stopped beside Cherna.
GAVASNO
I’m not Sannaro, but would you accept my back to go with him to the shuttles?
Cherna studied Sannaro’s sallow face for a minute, then nodded.
Gavasno squatted and she encircled her arms around his neck. He stood up and walked beside the litter to the shuttle.
Kosi pulled down a bunk from the wall and Sannaro was strapped onto the bunk.
Cherna sat in a seat near Sannaro and stroked his blue-black hair.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
You hang in there until we get to Kumani, San.
GIOVANO (PSI V.O.)
He’s weak and tired, but he wants to stay with you, Cherna. His love for you runs very deep.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
I know. He even faced off with my father when my father kidnapped me to force San to leave the Astrisi.
GIOVANO (PSI V.O.)
I saw that in his memories. He was beaten to a pulp yet he still had to rescue you. I wish I had been half the husband to Damira that he is to you.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
We’ve had our share of problems, but I’m still reminded that San is a good caring man and that reminds me how much I love him.
KOSI
Kumani Invasion shuttle 1 requesting permission to land.
Cherna looked out a window and gasped.
CHERNA
There’s another ship with the Kumani. It’s an ADF battleship!
KOSI
Don’t worry, Cherna. I’ve been informed the battleship came to suppress the pirate activities. We’re on peaceful terms with the battleship.
CHERNA
That’s a relief.
KOSI
All right, everyone prepare for landing. I’ve also been informed that Zhad will meet us with an emergency team.
INT. KUMANI UPPER FLIGHT DECK
A few minutes later, Kosi landed the shuttle on the lift and they were lowered into the Flight Deck. Soon they were parked in the shuttle storage area and Kosi opened the hatch.
As soon as the hatch was open, Zhad rushed in with an emergency bag and hovered a sensor over Sannaro.
ZHAD
Good, his lower heart has been stabilized.
Danu stood up and joined the medical team as Jeremy nervously looked on.
ZHAD (CONT.)
Well, come on, Intern. You’re needed.
JEREMY
Yes, sir!
Jeremy joined the medical team to transport Sannaro to the hospital.
Cherna sighed as she released her straps and jumped down to the deck. As she walked down the ramp on the remains of her legs, she saw blue boots stop before her. She looked up into her daughter’s worried face.
AMBRIKA
Will Ya be okay?
CHERNA
He overtaxed his laboring lower heart on the final offensive and had a heart attack. You know there’s still a lot of shrapnel in him.
Ambrika begin to tear.
CHERNA
Don’t worry, he’ll be all right. Now tell me about your attack on Vagakta Station.
AMBRIKA
It was a rush, Cha! Fighters everywhere. Bri'ak and I took out quite a few targets before the Kumani and the ADF battleship opened all batteries and shot the pirate ships to pieces. Cha, space lit up like daylight!
CHERNA
That must have been some experience.
HADAH
Ambri did a great job.
Cherna looked up to verify the newcomer.
CHERNA
Ki'iwa, Hadah. I’m glad to hear that assessment about Ambri’s first battle flying a color.
HADAH
Her training with San really paid off. She flew almost as well as her Ya. Oh, and if you hadn’t noticed, we have a huge police presence on our starboard and Marc Daniels is eager for a report. Is San critical?
CHERNA
He had a lower heart attack after the last battle, but we stabilized him. He still has too much shrapnel inside him.
HADAH
I’m sorry to hear that, Cherna. Ambrika said the shrapnel was bad.
CHERNA
It nearly killed him, but he wouldn’t give up the mission until it was done.
HADAH
Well, I don’t want to keep you any longer so you can get to the hospital to be with San.
Hadah nodded to them, then walked toward the flight lounge.
CHERNA
Do you have any work right now?
AMBRIKA
Nui, since I fought that battle, I’ve got down time.
CHERNA
Do you want to go to the Hospital with me?
AMBRIKA
I do.
(BEAT)
Chali, I had a talk with Andu. Do you know the war you were in while you were pregnant scared him so badly that he doesn’t want to be involved in any other war?
CHERNA
I actually can understand why he feels that way. The Gonkacha rebellion was a scary situation and then when your father was taken from me to be incarcerated on Sailia and the Saili Civil War erupted, I was so upset. It didn’t help that San came back so devastated that he had to take a year to recover. I don’t blame him for fearing war at all.
AMBRIKA
But why don’t you fear war after you’ve been a part of it for so long?
CHERNA
Because I have your Yaro to fight for. Now, let’s get to the Hospital.
AMBRIKA
What happened to your prostheses?
CHERNA
They were broken in a fight.
AMBRIKA
Do you want me to get a hover chair for you?
CHERNA
Nui, I’ll walk.
AMBRIKA
Doesn’t it- hurt to walk on your thighs unprotected?
CHERNA
I’ve got calluses from the prostheses. I’ll do fine for now.
They stepped into the elevator.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
INT. ROCKY CATHEDRAL CAVERN
Sannaro sat on the hot rock in a swirling cloud of vapors and tried to catch his breath.
The Great Forger/Sikyatavo turned to Sannaro and sighed.
GREAT FORGER/SIKYATAVO
Did you have to blow yourself up?
SANNARO
It was a tactical error. I paid dearly for it.
The Great Forger raised his hands up and closed his eyes.
Sannaro grunted and hugged his chest. Through the blur of tears, he saw a ball of metal form before the man’s hands.
GREAT FORGER/SIKYATAVO
There, the foreign metals are extracted from you and your lower heart has been repaired. Next time I call on you, would you please not blow yourself up?
SANNARO
There’s more for me to do?
The Great Forger threw the ball of metal into a bucket.
GREAT FORGER/SIKYATAVO
You thought this was it? It’s just begun child. You can have your reprieve for now to heal.
SANNARO
I’m tired of war.
The Great Forger squatted before him.
GREAT FORGER/SIKYATAVO
Of course you’re tired now. Take some time to rest and heal.
SANNARO
I want to give the Senior Fighter Pilot sash to Arcas.
GREAT FORGER/SIKYATAVO
Do whatever you want to do, just heal yourself so you’re rested for the next time I need you and learn from your mistakes here. Go home. I’ll be in touch.
The swirling gases obscured his vision and he felt himself fall back into unconsciousness.
INT. KUMANI HOSPITAL
Cherna was gently awoken. She looked up to see Zhad bent over her. She sat up higher.
CHERNA
Zhad, how is he?
ZHAD
I don’t know how Jeremy did it, but he extracted all the foreign metals from San’s body and his lower heart is healing exceptionally well. He’s a lucky man.
CHERNA
Can I see him?
ZHAD
Of course. He’d want you at his bedside.
Cherna leapt down and followed Zhad to a room. She stepped in and looked at the bed.
Sannaro was still asleep. He was very pale, almost a cream shade and his dark blue hair arranged around his head only made him look more sallow but she still gasped at the graceful curve of his highly slanted eyelids.
She walked over to the chair beside the bed and leapt up onto it. She gently brushed his long bangs from his forehead. From this angle, she could see he was swathed in bandages from his neck down.
ZHAD
We’re waiting on the healing tent. I want to watch him to make sure nothing else shows up.
CHERNA
He’ll be in so much pain.
ZHAD
Houk, he will, but we’ll continue to give him pain relievers until we can place him in the healing tent.
CHERNA
Fa’arata.
ZHAD
I see you’ve lost your prostheses.
CHERNA
They were broken in a fight.
ZHAD
Okay, I’ll tell Kratis to carve a new pair for you.
CHERNA
That’s fine. I won’t need them for a while.
ZHAD
I’ll leave the two of you alone.
Zhad walked out of the room.
SANNARO
(HOARSE WHISPER)
Ki'iwa.
CHERNA
How are you feeling? Do you need more pain relievers?
SANNARO
Nui, I’m fine right now.
CHERNA
I was worried when you collapsed. Danu had to defib your lower heart twice to get it to work again.
SANNARO
I’m sorry. At least the job is finished.
CHERNA
The police are investigating the situation.
SANNARO
I’m not surprised.
CHERNA
Marc Daniels is here.
Sannaro gasped, then coughed.
SANNARO
Now that is a surprise. I hope he’s not still mad at me.
CHERNA
I’m sure he’ll get your side of the story once Zhad allows him to visit you.
(BEAT)
San?
Another minute passed without a response. She stood up on her stumps to look at his face.
Sannaro was asleep again.
Cherna sat down to wait.
INT./EXT. KUMANI SHUTTLE
Kosi landed the shuttle close to a large building.
Sannaro was impressed that a walkway folded out to meet the hatch. Once the hatch was open, he found that the tunnel had a Human-friendly atmosphere.
He walked through the hall with Cherna at his side and was surprised to see that the ADF was already present.
GIOVANO (PSI V.O.)
Oh, is that - Yes, it is! My brother is here! I haven’t seen my brother in so long!
SANNARO
I’ll take the time to talk to him. He’s traveled all the way from New Sailia.
HIAMOVI (PSI V.O.)
Sannaro, please attend me?
SANNARO
I’m being summoned, Cheri. I’ll be with the Tsiakuba.
CHERNA
Okay, be careful you don't stress yourself too much.
SANNARO
I will. Don’t worry.
Sannaro walked to the front of the room and stopped beside Hiamovi.
HIAMOVI
You did a good job, young man. I was sad to hear about your grievous injuries.
SANNARO
It’s a part of the job, Tsiakuba.
HIAMOVI
And because of you, control of Sailia has been returned to the Saili. Ah, I’m being informed that the Human judge from Belvas is ready to begin the trial.
Sannaro returned to Cherna and sat down near the front of the room.
A man in formal Judge’s robes entered and stepped before Tsiakuba Hiamovi.
CHARSOZ
Grand Elder, I am Judge Jack Charsoz of Belvas. I ask your permission to preside over criminal court on your planet, Sailia.
HIAMOVI
Usually, I preside over criminal court on Sailia, but now I find I am the person with the grievance. You are invited to hold criminal court, Judge Jack Charsoz.
CHARSOZ
Thank you, Grand Elder.
Charsoz sat down behind a table.
The doors opened again and the regular group of robed figures of indiscernible gender joined Charsoz at the table and sat down on either side of the Human.
CHARSOZ
Before we begin, let it be known that since the Saili are involved in this case, the Saili reserve the right to admit telepathic evidence to this court.
YOTHERS
Your honor, telepathic evidence is only hearsay! How can a rational Human admit to telepathy?
GAVASNO
You obviously thought our telepathy was useful when we were slaves!
CHARSOZ
Order! The Saili have their own ways of discerning truth. Since we are on Sailia, the Saili process of law will be upheld. I am merely standing in for Grand Elder Hiamovi.
Dale sat in a hover chair.
DALE
Then we won’t see justice here! Why should we trust Saili telepathy?
HIAMOVI
If you so distrust our telepathy, why did you invade our planet and enslave us to mine our metals so you could profit from our labor?
Sannaro staggered to his feet.
SANNARO
Because Pallas Mining Company doesn’t care about their miners. They keep their miners in abject poverty, keeping them in debt to the company so they can’t leave and the people in control of the company can become rich!
DALE
That’s bullshit, Sannaro, and you know it!
SANNARO
That was how Bristol Mining camp on Regalis was run! My father was sick with an unknown disease brought about by the Saili that breathed in Seranimite. It changed Saili DNA and caused insanity. My father was allowed to be sick because the company didn’t want to pay for a Saili doctor to be brought in from Arcturus.
YOTHERS
This is nonsense, your honor!
SANNARO
When the Astrisi came to get their fuel that the Foreman stole to sell on the black market, the rest of the Alliance saw how poor that town was. They were told to rebuild that town and treat their workers better. By the look of Bristol, most would’ve thought they’d changed.
GAVASNO
I remember Mr. Yothers was the representative of Pallas Mining Company who was there to assess the damage. He told me he wanted Sailia to pay off Giovano Masanateyak’s debt before they would surrender the bodies of Giovano, Damira and Devakio!
SANNARO
And Dale Turner was a classmate of mine when I lived in Bristol. He was a friend of Jake Arlington, the son of a miner who stole the fuel to be sold on the black market.
YOTHERS
That was many years ago, your honor. I hardly think that has any bearing on the present.
CHARSOZ
You are referring to the People vs. Pallas Mining Company, Regalis Colony, case number 69306 and the Saili vs. the Astrisi, Belvas Colony, case number 98423?
GIOVANO/SANNARO
Gavasno, they tried to keep my body to melt my gold content down to pay off my debts?
Sannaro's face heated up in a blush and he pushed the essence of his father back from control.
Gavasno turned toward Sannaro.
CHARSOZ
What was that? I heard another voice coming from Aurum General Damirateyak?
SANNARO
Gavasno, how can I explain?
GAVASNO
Your honor, Sannaro’s father Giovano Masanateyak has remained in existence as a ghost who occupied the living to seek a cure for his surviving children of Gonkacha. During the course of the conflict to end Yothers’ control over Sailia, Sannaro merged with Giovano to gain insight into a miner’s perspective of how to sabotage the mining efforts to force the Human occupiers to surrender. After the Bristol fire, he had been inhabiting Sannaro’s older sister Varanani who had been very traumatized about what she had seen so he didn’t know his body had been threatened to be used as collateral to pay off his debts. This thought would naturally be abhorrent to a Saili. Is it surprising that Giovano is indignant about this news?
YOTHERS
I wasn’t serious! I was just goading you into paying Masanateyak’s debt.
Sannaro turned to Yothers along with every other Saili in the room. Sannaro was sickened at Yothers thoughts that he hoped the Saili wouldn’t sense he had had full intention to use the gold content of his family’s bodies to recoup the company’s losses.
GAVASNO
Do you want to try that flimsy justification again, Yothers? Maybe something more creative?
CHARSOZ
Tribunal, is Yothers lying about why he didn’t hand over the bodies of Giovano, Damira and Devakio?
SAILI BAILIFF
He does.
CHARSOZ
This only proves that Yothers has lied about the treatment of Giovano Masanateyak’s remains years ago, but that barely has any relevance to this present case.
SANNARO
Then why is it that Yothers was at Bristol Camp shortly after the fire and he’s also here on Sailia years later?
DEVIRDRA
Because I sold them the sealant that would keep their environmental suits impervious to the Saili atmosphere. I wanted all of you to pay for what Verano did in Tsiakuba Hiamovi's name to the Gonkacha on Vagakta Station! He left me barren and mateless. Vengeance was all that kept me from hardening.
SAILI BAILIFF
A crime has been admitted!
YOTHERS
What? Why did you do that?
DEVIRDRA
As was said, Saili have different ways of revealing truth. I won’t deny my vengeance. Judge, Yothers bought the chemical recipe from me and told me he’s always wanted to control the Saili metal industry because he hated that we didn’t even appreciate the vast wealth that poured from our metal rich world. And now that I have made everyone suffer, especially Sannaro Damirateyak who allowed my beloved to die in his cause, I embrace my hardening!
Devirdra’s body crackled as she turned to hard metal in a triumphant gesture of defiance.
Sannaro bowed his head as the pain of his near death washed over him. He clutched his aching body and shook as he tried to contain his emotions.
CHERNA
Sanna, please, don’t do this to yourself!
GIOVANO (PSI V.O.)
You did the best you could with each situation, my dear son. Please, you could kill yourself with this display of uncontrolled emotion!
HIAMOVI
Sannaro, you have sacrificed much for your people. We are deeply in your debt. Share with us your deep sadness so we may grieve all our losses with you.
Sannaro looked up and through the blur of tears in his eyes, he saw all the Saili and his family in a circle around him. Their eyes and minds begged him to allow them to share his sorrow.
GIOVANO (PSI V.O.)
Trust us! We are your family. We are your people. Open your shields and share your pain.
Sannaro reached deep within him for the trust he had long denied to his people for all the suffering he’d lived through as a child and with one last surge of hope, he willed his shields to crumble and his sorrow to burst from him.
All the Saili raised their hands above their heads and he saw a swirling mass of sorrow fill the air in the room. It burst into flames.
Sannaro thought he saw a flaming bird emerge from the swirling energy and fly screaming toward Misipatasutisga.
With an enormous shout of rage, Sannaro collapsed into the chair and his pain was replaced with a weary peace.
Hiamovi smiled and nodded his head.
HIAMOVI
It’s time to rest, child.
YOTHERS
What was that?
GAVASNO
That is Saili. A real manifestation of our collective sorrow toward this war.
HADAH
And Astrisi because Sannaro embraced our culture and saved his people with the skills we taught him. Our Firebird symbol shows our everlasting hope to carry on our lives after the loss of our world, Astris.
DEVASRU
That firebird turned our sorrow to fire and was received by the Saili Great Forger in recognition of the Astrisi's help to return control of Sailia to the Saili.
YOTHERS
Get me off this planet, Charsoz! I bought that chemical and Pallas Mining Company employed the pirates to help me attack Sailia to take over the mining to profit from the Saili’s enslavement. I don’t care if you send me to jail, just take me from here!
DALE
When do we leave?
The other Humans who had survived from the mining camps were also huddled in the corner in terror.
CHARSOZ
I have heard the admission of guilt. George Yothers, Dale Turner and the Pallas Mining Company are guilty of the illegal invasion and enslavement of the citizens of Sailia. Pallas Mining Company shall pay reparations to the people of Sailia, New Sailia, the Astrisi ship Kumani and Aurum General Sannaro Damirateyak for damages done to their citizens and their world. This court is adjourned.
Charsoz banged his gavel on the table.
Cherna hugged Sannaro and he hugged her back with tired tears streaming down his face.
CHERNA
You’ll get better, now, San.
SANNARO
I’m so tired of war, Cheri.
CHERNA
I know.
MARC
Your people are with you. You can heal now.
DALE
How can you be among that insanity?
MARC
Because I am Brocana. I am more in tuned to the Saili and Astrisi spirituality than pure Humans. I find it uplifting.
DALE
You’re crazy!
Dale was led away by Marc Daniel’s police officers.
Devasru knelt in front of Sannaro.
DEVASRU
Sannaro, is it true that Giovano is within you?
SANNARO
Yes.
Devasru’s eyes teared.
DEVASRU
Can I speak with my brother?
GIOVANO/SANNARO
It’s been a long time, Devs.
DEVASRU
I tried to raise your children for you after your death.
Sannaro’s face smiled sadly.
GIOVANO/SANNARO
You did pretty well with my head-strong kids. I wish the past had turned out different, including what I forced Verano to do. I only wanted to cure my kids, but now I understand what Sannaro has always tried to convince me, there’s nothing to cure. He is who he was meant to be. I was part of his pain and I’m deeply sorry.
VARANANI
Can you pass through the Astral Tear now, Father?
GIOVANO/SANNARO
Yes.
Sannaro’s form shimmered and a golden Saili with lavender hair to his mid-back formed beside him.
Sannaro looked up at the ghostly form of his father.
SANNARO
I’m glad I had the chance to truly know you, Father.
GHOST GIOVANO
I’m glad too. You taught me a lot, son. You’re a better man than I was. I hope you can forgive me.
SANNARO
I do forgive you.
VARANANI
As do I.
GHOST GIOVANO
It was a privilege to be your father, Tsikakayu. Varanani, take care of your brother - well, as much as he’ll allow you to. And you did well with taking care of my children, my brother.
ASTRAL SIGHT
A tear opened below Astral Giovano who now looks solid. The tear was lined by bright light. Astral Giovano smiled as he dropped through the hole in reality and it close up again.
BACK TO COURT ROOM
Devasru wiped tears from his cheek.
DEVASRU
Be well, brother.
HIAMOVI
Remove this form of shame from our presence and place her in the Cave of Bad Death.
Two Saili picked up the solid form of Devirdra and took it from the room.
SANNARO
I don’t want to fight anymore.
He took off his vermillion sash and held it out to Arcas.
SANNARO (CONT.)
I want to give you my position as Senior Pilot.
Arcas looked at the sash sadly before he took off his red sash with the vermillion stripe on the tails. With a short hesitation, he laid his old sash across Sannaro’s wrists and took the vermillion sash and tied it around his waist.
HIAMOVI
You will always be honored for your sacrifice to your people, Sannaro. But I agree, you have earned a respite from war.
GREAT FORGER/SIKYATAVO (PSI V.O.)
For now, kiddo.
Hiamovi continued without noticing.
HIAMOVI
And from now on, Sailia will be an open port once more. Vagakta Station will be rebuilt to be a way station and we will ask the Alliance Council of Representatives to be allowed control over the use of the chemical sealant.
ANDOKU
Can I shape the soil of Sailia into pottery?
HIAMOVI
We would be honored, Andoku. “And from now on, the Gonkacha will be recognized as an official Saili tribe under the name Kakayu, the Defenders. New Sailia will no longer be considered an outlaw colony, but an official colony of the Saili.
Devasru smiled and nodded.
DEVASRU
I am glad we’re reunited, Tsiakuba.
HIAMOVI
Now that Sannaro has healed the Saili, it’s time for him to heal himself.
Verano stood up beside Hiamovi.
VERANO
And I promise that my research on Gonkacha will only be for those who voluntarily want to be returned to their parents’ tribe. I will respect the lives of my test subjects from now on and I am sorry for those lives I destroyed when I was too hurried to find a cure for Gonkacha.
MARC
Well, my job here is finished. I can return to Earth and report that all is well on Sailia.
Marc saluted Grand Akuba Hiamovi and returned to his shuttle.
HADAH
If Sannaro is ready, I feel that the Kumani needs to sail on to a new port.
Sannaro stood up carefully and cringed when he felt a twinge in his back.
SANNARO
I agree, Hadah. With your permission, Tsiakuba Hiamovi, I will take my leave.
HIAMOVI
Yes, Aurum Tsikakayu Sannaro Damirateyak, you may take leave with my gratitude. Be well, Tsikakayu.
SANNARO
Thank you, Tsiakuba.
Sannaro joined his Astrisi family and walked to their shuttle in relief that the nightmare was over and he could return to his life on the Kumani with his Astrisi wife and two children.
SANNARO
Cheri, did you hear someone say, for now, Kiddo as I handed my sash to Arcas?
CHERNA
Nui, I didn’t hear anything but Hiamovi thanking you.
SANNARO
Huh, well, I’m still hurting so I may have imagined it.
CHERNA
You may have.
AMBRIKA
Did you hear that Jeremy is coming back to the Kumani after he has his Doctorate degree from New Sailia? Oh I can’t wait!
He swung his arm around Cherna and pulled her close as they walked behind Hadah back to the shuttle to return to their Astrisi home.
KELLIN
I almost had him that time! So that is your great Tsikakayu? I've got a nice surprise for him and this time he will fail!
TAREK/SIKYATAVO
He's not dead yet, Kellin. He may have made a tactical error this time but I know my son is very good at learning from his mistakes!
KELLIN
We'll see who is the better warrior, Tarek. Your warrior or mine! (laughs)
TAREK/SIKYATAVO
We will see.
Fade out.
THE END.