Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
“PIRATE SLAVE”
EPISODE 48 – READJUSTMENTS
BY: LYSSA THORNE
AND KATRINA DRAKE
FADE IN:
INT. KUMANI SANNARO'S APARTMENT
Andoku stood up to follow Altarian into the bedroom.
SANNARO
Let him work through his feelings alone, Andu. I understand how he feels because I, well, I kind of acted the same way with my Uncle Devasru. He’ll come around if we give him space.
ANDOKU
Houk, ya.
Andoku shrugged his shoulders and took the seat Altarian vacated.
The front door chime sounded.
Sannaro went to the door.
SANNARO
Akla.
Su'ar stood at the door.
SU'AR
Ki'iwa’alani, San. Well, I see your new family member has met the rest of the family. Unfortunately, so has the rest of the ship!
SANNARO
Houk, Su'ar, we’ll keep it down.
SU'AR
I remember, I visited Adara quite a few times when you first came.
Sannaro flipped his hair in front of his face.
SU'AR
I’ll let it slide this time, San, but you know, after a few more, I’ll have to give you the citation.
SANNARO
Houk, Su'ar.
INT. ANDOKU'S BEDROOM
Altarian rushed into the room and threw himself on the bed. He sobbed deeply into the pillow until he drifted to sleep.
ALTARIAN'S PSYCHIC VISION
ALTARIAN V.O.
Run, hide, where am I going? Mommy, Daddy, what is going on?
He ran across the field to where his house was.
Before he got there, he saw an odd-looking ship that looked like it was put together from many kinds of ships that didn’t quite fit together right.
Milky white aliens with tentacles for their fingers and toes rushed across his front lawn with laser guns in their hands.
His mother and father were both on the porch to see what these strange visitors were doing.
An alien aimed his gun and fired at his parents.
Both of them screamed as paralysis gripped them.
He watched in horror as the hardening rippled from their burned chests out to their limbs and head. They crashed to the ground with a sickening thud.
Another murderous alien swept around to look at him with huge gray eyes. As it raised its gun his way, he took off running as fast as he could.
He tripped on a root and swung around just as he saw the creature fire. Pain erupted from his chest as he was falling down the hill behind him. He screamed in terror and agony, but his screams were drowned by a mouthful of dirt as he rolled rapidly down the hill. His head exploded in pain when he hit a boulder in the gully and his vision went dark.
BACK TO ANDOKU'S BEDROOM
Sannaro rushed into Andoku’s room.
SANNARO
Altarian, wake up!
Sannaro shook Altarian lightly.
ALTARIAN
Nui! Let me die! I don’t want you to save me!
Altarian swung his fist.
Sannaro caught it.
Altarian opened his eyes and pulled his fist down.
ALTARIAN
Kasai, Sannaro, did I broadcast that? I didn’t mean to, honestly, are you mad at me now?
SANNARO
Oh, nui, boy. You were lucky to have survived a Zuran attack. I saw my family die too.
ALTARIAN
You did? I’m so sorry that you saw that. I have never told anyone that before. I have to be strong to survive. What I did was showing my weakness. I wish I could forget my past, it is so bitter. I don’t understand why I can’t move on and prove that I’m stronger than that other life.
Altarian sobbed and hugged Sannaro tightly at the waist and then broke into tears that soaked Sannaro’s shirt.
Sannaro put his arms around Altarian's shoulders.
SANNARO
You aren’t weak. You’re just hurt. I know how you feel. What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. I’ll help you heal. I’m sorry I was so angry with you earlier.
ALTARIAN
Nui, Yaro, it was all my fault. I shouldn’t have approached you like that.
SANNARO
You know, when I first met my Uncle Devasru, I was a real one-hundred carat jerk. I never said one nice thing to him, but he still accepted me and eventually we even came to respect each other. Don’t be so hard on yourself. This is a new situation for you, but at least it’s where you wanted to be. Give yourself some time.
ALTARIAN
Oh, I just can’t, I was never accepted except by my mother, siblings and the Astrisi family who adopted me. I have done wrong things and I don’t really even accept or respect myself. Why would anyone waste their time on me?
SANNARO
That reminds me of Adara and Zhad’s Us’uata os Tasra when my worst enemy, a boy named Kuro, told me to go away from a Kokinak game. He called me unkakab. He got away with it for a few years until I almost broke his jaw on the mats. It was a tough road for me to find acceptance with the Astrisi but everyone says I’m one stubborn piece of metal who won’t quit. That Kuro found out what happens when he threatens to cut my ears off! We’re sitting down to dinner. Would you like to join us?
When Sannaro saw Altarian smile, he couldn’t help but smile too.
Altarian followed him out to the dining room.
After dinner, two Astrisi men came to the apartment with a hovering flatbed carrying the wooden parts. They went into Andoku’s bedroom, dismantled the old bed and quickly built a bunk set in its place.
When the men took the flatbed out of the apartment with the pieces of the old bed on
it, Cherna pulled out another set of sheets and dressed both mattresses.
CHERNA
Na'ila'ahina.
ANDOKU
Na'ila'ahina.
ALTARIAN
Oh, na'ila'ahina.
Andoku and Altarian undressed and climbed into bed.
ANDOKU
You’ll get use to us, but you might like us in the end.
ALTARIAN
Maybe, Andu, maybe.
ANDOKU
Computer, minimal illumination.
The room went dark.
INT. SANNARO'S BEDROOM
Sannaro stepped into his room to change out of the wet clothes. He took off his sweatshirt and threw it into the laundry chute, then he sat down on the bed to take off his boots. He pulled his pants down to his ankles.
As he was pulling the legs over his feet, Cherna came into the room.
As he was freeing his other foot, he sensed that Cherna had taken off her sash and pistol belt. She walked around the bed, pulled back his hair and stroked his right ear.
He gasped as his body became electrified and fell onto the bed.
She straddled his middle with playful lust in her eyes.
SANNARO
Can you let me get my pants off?
Sannaro chuckled then sat up and pecked her on the lips.
CHERNA
Take mine off first. Then you can take yours off.
SANNARO
Cherna!
CHERNA
You’re still upset about that kid.
Cherna sighed and slid down to his side.
He put his arm around her slender waist and pulled her close to him.
She laid her head on his chest.
He brought his leg up and pulled the pants off the rest of the way then he laid back and put his other arm around her back.
SANNARO
I just wasn’t prepared to have to take on the fostering of another child. As a foster child myself I know that the family has to go through a long period of adjustment, especially when the child is traumatized and I can tell you without a doubt that Altarian may even be more traumatized than me.
CHERNA
I don’t have to be telepathic to figure that out! His behaviors show as many scars as his body.
SANNARO
He doesn’t think he’s entitled to a loving family yet he idolizes me. He saw his family die in front of him like I did and that was before he was captured by pirates and made a slave. The nightmare I woke him up from was as terrible as one of my own. I couldn’t stay mad at him, Cheri.
CHERNA
Only a bubuka would have stayed mad in the face of that admission. You might be just what he needs to work through his own pain, San.
SANNARO
But how can someone with a painful past like mine work someone else through his own past?
CHERNA
I guess with patience and sympathy.
SANNARO
Patience, I sure haven’t shown any patience since I met him.
CHERNA
Kind of like how it was when Devasru met you?
SANNARO
Oh, don’t remind me!
CHERNA
You know, I’ll be by your side with this too, just like I’ve been since Flight School.
SANNARO
And almost every other battle I’ve fought in.
He bent his head up to kiss her. It became long and passionate.
She brought her hand up and stroked his ear again.
He arched his body.
She giggled and licked his ear.
SANNARO
You’re hopeless, woman!
CHERNA
Then I never want to be saved!
He couldn’t resist her teasing any longer.
INT. PIRATE BRIDGE
Baltazaur stared at the front monitor, slack-jawed.
He noticed the others on the bridge were staring at him. He closed his jaw and ground his teeth.
BALTAZAUR
Get me The Destroyer and take him to my private torture chamber. I have some information I want to beat out of that slag.
His assistant left the bridge.
He was about to leave when the internal alarm klaxons blared through the ship.
PIRATE CON
There’s an unauthorized launch on the flight deck. Corbin went wild and blew a hole through the launch doors?
PIRATE
Huh? That can’t be Corbin! I saw Corbin in the infirmary, puking his guts out from a hangover this morning. He asked Crittach to take his sweep today.
BALTAZAUR
Put it on screen.
The main view screen switched to the shuttle gunning out of a breach in the launch bay.
BALTAZAUR
Who’s in that ship?
PIRATE ASSISTANT
That Destroyer’s missing!
BALTAZAUR
What? I told you to put him on the punishment pole!
PIRATE ASSISTANT
He was there! I put him there myself! He was in a lot of pain, too.
BALTAZAUR
If Corbin's still on this ship, bring him to me!
PIRATE CON
Baltazaur, the Kumani's scrambling again!
PIRATE ASSISTANT
Look! They're protecting Corbin's shuttle!
BALTAZAUR
Damned turncoat, I'll flay his skin from his bones!
Corbin ran onto the bridge, winded and flustered.
CORBIN
Who took my shuttle and said he was me?!
Baltazaur slammed his fist into the arm of his chair.
BALTAZAUR
Damn it, that pilot's lining up to land on the Kumani! Stop him!
PIRATE CON
We're trying, but the Astrisi are pushing us back!
Baltazaur whirled on Corbin.
BALTAZAUR
Damn it, it's your fault!
CORBIN
I was drinking last night and woke with a hangover this morning. I asked Crittach to take my sweep! He'll tell you I did! He launched ten minutes ago!
He turned to the flight deck monitor.
CORBIN
Didn't he?
FLIGHT DECK MONITOR
Crittach launched for sweep patrol at 0905. Then someone who said he was Corbin, but sounded strange, launched at 0910. Before I could get more than one question to him, he shot the bulkhead and rabbited through.
Slave Monitor entered with a pitiful stick of a slave walking stooped behind him.
SLAVE MONITOR
Baltazaur, this rat came to me, saying he knows what happened to The Destroyer.
BALTAZAUR
Out with it, wretch!
JEDRON
Jedron's my name, Lord. I saw that little slag Altarian spit a lock pick out of his mouth and he unshackled The Destroyer shortly after he was hung. Both slags slipped out of the slave hold before I could reach them to stop them.
Baltazaur slammed his fist into Jedron's stomach.
BALTAZAUR
The Destroyer escaped?
Jedron coughed and wheezed.
JEDRON
Yes, my lord. I, I couldn't stop them.
PIRATE CON
The shuttle's landed on the Kumani.
BALTAZAUR
Pull the shuttle's back. Damn! Comb the ship for Altarian. I want him found.
JEDRON
Uh, Altarian left with the Destroyer. He insisted the Destroyer take him along on the escape.
Baltazaur grabbed the slaves shoulder and plunged a knife into his gut.
The slave dropped to the floor bleeding. Baltazaur pulled his knife from the body.
BALTAZAUR
Get this slab of meat out of here and clean up the floor.
PIRATE ASSISTANT
Yes, Baltazaur.
Assistant leapt to his task.
BALTAZAUR
Follow the Kumani just out of its sensor range and watch for another good time to attack. That little slag's mine and I want him back.
Baltazaur strode out of the bridge and heard acknowledgments fade as the door swept closed. He snarled and hit the bulkhead with his fist.
INT. KUMANI SANNARO'S APARTMENT
Cherna woke up when she heard the shower running. She felt arms around her and turned around to see Sannaro. She looked at the clock that read 0500.
CHERNA
San?
SANNARO
Huh?
CHERNA
Who’s taking a shower at oh-five-hundred?
SANNARO
Shower? What time is it?
He pulled his hair away from his face and turned to read the clock.
SANNARO'S PSYCHIC VISION
Altarian was washing himself in the shower.
BACK TO SANNARO'S BEDROOM
SANNARO
Altarian.
CHERNA
Oh, that’s right.
SANNARO
Why is he up so early?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Altarian, why are you showering at oh-five-hundred?
ALTARIAN (PSI V.O.)
Why are you still in bed? I’m always up at this time. Why are you asking me this?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I just wanted to know and we don’t have to report for duty until oh-eight-thirty.
ALTARIAN (PSI V.O.)
Late! Why so? That’s just a waste of precious time! Kasai, I didn’t mean to say it that way, I just am surprised that you get up later than I do.
Sannaro flinched at the forceful words,then forced himself to calm down.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Evi’it, we just need to get use to each other’s habits. However, since I 'm a Senior on this ship, I need all the sleep I can get.
ALTARIAN (PSI V.O.)
I’m sorry, I just got use to the oh-five-hundred because on the pirate ship, I never slept except for the thirty minutes that they weren’t watching me.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
That was cruel, but I’m not at all surprised. I hope you’ll eventually be able to relax enough to allow yourself more sleep. You may do as you like, reasonably. I’m going back to sleep.
ALTARIAN (PSI V.O.)
I’ll try, Yaro, and I hope that I can adjust. I’ll be quiet until everyone is up. Now, I would like to take my shower in peace. Naila’ahina.
Altarian’s mind returned to paying attention to his washing.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
You may have your privacy. Naila’ahina.
SANNARO
It’s all right, Cheri. He’s used to having very little sleep. He told me he’ll stay quiet until we get up again.
CHERNA
Okay.
They returned to sleep.
INT. ALTARIAN P.O.V.
Altarian walked into the living room, found the cleaning tools and started to clean the house quietly. He cleaned it five times before he was satisfied then looked at the clock. It was almost oh-eight-thirty so cooked a good human breakfast.
He finished setting the table and putting the food on the table before the rest of them. Altarian bowed slightly and smiled.
ALTARIAN
Breakfast awaits for you.
SANNARO
Whoa, you didn’t have to do all this!
ALTARIAN
I was bored; I guess that I’m so use to it that I can’t resist it anymore. I love to cook!
Cherna walked up behind Sannaro and looked at the table.
CHERNA
A multi-course breakfast? That was very generous of you, Altarian. Fa’arata.
ANDOKU
Oh no, now I’m going to look like I don’t do anything.
AMBRIKA
That’s because you don’t!
ANDOKU
Bla'ua, Am-brick-a!
AMBRIKA
An-Dog-poop!
SANNARO
Enough! Thank Altarian for all his work.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
And if I hear you calling your brother dog poop again, I will take you to the mats, Ambrika.
AMBRIKA (PSI V.O.)
He called me a brick!
SANNARO
Do we need an early morning workout?
AMBRIKA
Nui!
ANDOKU
Oh, nui, you’re the second best behind Edat! I don’t want to visit Ki'ya that bad.
ALTARIAN
Come on, the food is getting cold.
CHERNA
I agree.
Altarian offered his seat to Ambrika.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
Ambrika blushed and accepted the seat as Andoku rolled his eyes.
Sannaro shook his head as he took his own seat.
SANNARO
Have you eaten, Altarian?
ALTARIAN
Oh, me? I don’t eat until ten-hundred, why?
SANNARO
You’ve offered us such a nice breakfast and I know you’ve been up for quite a while, in fact, this place hasn’t been so shiny as far as I remember.
CHERNA
It sure is! It looks like I’ve been cleaning for over a week! Did you do this, Altarian?
ALTARIAN
Five times!
SANNARO
This is very impressive, but you don’t have to do all this. You’re not a servant here. You’re a family member. So why don’t you grab the chair from the computer console and enjoy your own breakfast?
ALTARIAN
Well, if you insist. But can I eat that cheeseburger in the refrigerator? I haven’t eaten one in years.
SANNARO
Oh, the one I didn’t eat because of the battle alert? Sure.
Altarian disappeared into the kitchen, came out with the package and got the chair. He opened the wrapper and there was a double bacon cheeseburger. He looked up and beamed.
ALTARIAN
It was always my favorite food.
SANNARO
Ha'iko! You too?
CHERNA
San loves cheeseburgers.
SANNARO
Well, you shouldn’t have it cold. Let’s warm it up for you.
Sannaro swept the sandwich up and put it into the microwave. A minute later, he set it back down in front of Altarian.
ALTARIAN
Stop by at lunch time and I’ll make a king size just for you, Yaro.
Altarian laughed and took a big bite out of his burger.
SANNARO
Oh, you bet I’ll show up for lunch.
As soon as they all left, a huge grin spread across Altarian’s face. Altarian turned and bolted across the room.
INT. KUMANI SANNARO'S OFFICE
Sannaro entered his office and sat down in his chair. He checked his messages first and took care of the priority messages before he opened the Saili database. He opened the search engine, entered Altarian’s name and activated the search.
Minutes passed and he still didn’t see a match show up.
When the search was finished, he blew his breath out slowly in frustration; the results said that no match was found.
He opened the New Sailia database and did another search. After a few more boring minutes, it too showed no matches.
Obviously, he wasn’t going to find an entry for Altarian so that meant it might be virtually impossible to find any of his surviving relatives. He sighed explosively and returned his attention to his Senior Vizha'e duties.
INT. KUMANI HALLWAY (TRAVELING)
Altarian walked down the hallway to the elevator.
The Upper Flight Bay was so fascinating, that when the elevator came, he told the vocal sensor to go there.
As soon as he stepped out of the elevator and took a few steps, he heard a deep voice shout.
METEI
Hey you, Kid, come back! You’re in deep trouble once Sannaro finds out!
Metei ran after Altarian.
INT. SANNARO'S OFFICE
Sannaro sat at his desk and jerked his head up from the report he was working on.
SANNARO'S PSYCHIC VISION
Metei ran after Altarian across the flight deck.
BACK TO SANNARO'S OFFICE
Sannaro rushed out of his office and down the stairs.
INT. UPPER FLIGHT DECK (TRAVELING)
Altarian looked around frantically. He sensed Sannaro coming for him.
He saw the elevator open again and jumped in as the people walked out. He called for the elevator to go to the general quarters.
The elevator opened and Altarian ran through General quarters to the fore of the ship.
Hadah shoved him in the wall.
He yelped as he hit his ear. He looked up and saw another man that wore the black sash of the Ships’ Commander.
HADAH
You’re entering a limited access area. Children are forbidden unless they’re on business by their Section Senior.
Altarian groaned, especially when Sannaro came into the hall.
SANNARO
Fa’arata, Hadah.
Altarian picked up his shirt to rub his side.
Sannaro gasped when he saw blood encrusted lumpy skin.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Zhad, Burn Unit now on Deck 23 outside the Council Room!
ZHAD (PSI V.O.)
Coming.
SANNARO
Have you suffered untreated burns since the attack on your colony?
A Protocol Enforcer ran toward them, out of breath.
SANNARO
Just make out the citation, Su'ar. I need to make sure this boy gets to the hospital.
SU'AR
Houk, San.
The elevator doors swept open to allow Zhad and Danu to rush out with a hover gurney and a mobile burn kit.
Zhad slid to a stop beside Sannaro and looked around for his patient.
ZHAD
I don’t see who needs burn treatment.
SANNARO
Altarian, raise your shirt.
ALTARIAN
Fausa, I was afraid of this. Nui it’s just a little blood.
SANNARO
Zhad, he has second degree burns on his chest, at the least.
ZHAD
Son, if you are severely burned they need to be healed.
ALTARIAN
Nui! I have had these since my family died and they’re just fine. Don’t touch me!
SANNARO
Zhad, I saw that his side was weeping. He needs to be treated. Altarian, I was once burned like you.
Sannaro sent an image of a small, blackened body clutched in the arms of a frantic woman with orange-red curly hair.
SANNARO
See how I look now?
Sannaro pulled his gloves off and rolled up his sleeve to show smooth shiny gold skin.
SANNARO
Zhad can do this for you, too.
ALTARIAN
I don’t know why I think this is going to work, but I trust you, Zhad.
ZHAD
Can I see where you’re bleeding?
ALTARIAN
If you really want me to pull my pants down too, sure.
ZHAD
Not here. Would you come with us? When we’re in a treatment room you can show me the extent of your burn, all right?
Altarian nodded and then turned to Sannaro.
ALTARIAN
Kasai, Yaro, I only wanted to see the flight bay. I didn’t really know that it was forbidden.
SANNARO
If you wouldn’t have made my Senior Engineer chase you all over the Upper Flight Deck I would’ve allowed you to look around a little.
ALTARIAN
I was scared you’d hurt me or something like that.
SANNARO
I understand that you don’t trust anyone after all you’ve been through. I hope that eventually you might trust us. However, don’t try to enter the Bridge again without permission from Hadah. Okay?
ALTARIAN
I’ll try. Oh, Sannaro, when can I start school?
SANNARO
As soon as Zhad has released you to outpatient care, I’ll be talking to Vi'asa about setting you up for testing.
Sannaro entered the elevator with them and Zhad called to go to the Hospital.
INT. KUMANI HOSPITAL
The elevators opened again to the hospital hallway. They walked down the hall until they came to a door that led to a small room with another door at the other end. They went through the small room, into the larger room. Zhad went to the sink to scrub up.
ZHAD
Now, I would like for you to remove all your clothes. Danu, go get two bottles of Cerlacticine.
Altarian reluctantly pulled off all his clothes and put them on the floor.
Altarian’s body had second-degree burns from the base of his neck to the lower part of his stomach.
ALTARIAN
Oh Yaro, don’t worry, they don’t hurt - much.
SANNARO
Right now, but I can tell you when that Cerlacticine gets rubbed on you without local anesthetic, I guarantee you will scream.
ALTARIAN
Well, the sooner it’s done the better. I’m ready.
ZHAD
San, would you like to help?
SANNARO
I don’t know if I can contain my own emotions. Can I get Danu or Tila?
ALTARIAN
I would rather you do it, Yaro.
Sannaro gulped.
ZHAD
Cerlacticine won’t hurt your hands like it would mine.
SANNARO
I can clearly remember when you and Tila rubbed me down. I was told that the whole ship heard my screams. Now you want me to do it on someone else?
Altarian grabbed a hold on Sannaro's hand.
ALTARIAN
It’s not you that is getting this rubbed on. Help me get through this, please.
ZHAD
I’ll show you where the new aluminum gloves are. We’ll be back in a minute, Altarian. While you’re waiting for us to come back, you can wrap yourself in a blanket. I know how you Saili get cold.
Zhad stepped toward the door.
ALTARIAN
I’m fine. Oh, and call me Altar will you please.
ZHAD
All right, Altar. Now, San, let’s get those gloves.
They left the room together.
Sannaro reluctantly followed Zhad down the hall.
They entered the storeroom.
ZHAD
Please, don’t panic, San. I understand your reluctance. You’d have to be dead not to be traumatized by your experience, but Altar really needs you to be strong for him. He has second degree burns over fifty-four percent of his body. You can see that he hasn’t had anyone to trust until now.
SANNARO
That’s true. What if I cry too?
ZHAD
Then cry with him. He might be comforted by your empathy. You won’t be a crybaby; you’ll be showing sympathy.
SANNARO
All right, but this scares the fausa out of me.
ZHAD
Do you think I stop feeling for my patients because I’m a doctor?
SANNARO
Nui, I wouldn’t accuse you of that.
ZHAD
He calls you Yaro. He needs you. Don’t be ashamed of your feelings; accept them. He’ll appreciate it.
SANNARO
Houk.
Zhad pulled out two pairs of silver gloves and handed one pair to Sannaro.
Sannaro rubbed his fingers over the gloves.
SANNARO
These aren’t as bulky as the ones you use to wear.
ZHAD
Kinetiko invented them so that non-Saili can safely handle Saili blood. It’s the normal rubber gloves with several coatings of aluminum on the outside so the Cerlacticine won’t burn through. Now, let’s get back to the burn room.
Sannaro followed Zhad back to where Altarian was awaiting them.
Once they were scrubbed and dressed in burn unit suits, they entered the inner room again.
ALTARIAN
Okay, now that you guys are back, can we proceed?
Danu also entered with the bottles of Cerlacticine and began to fill metal bowls with the clear fluid, then brought them over to rolling tables.
ZHAD
Danu, Sannaro will assist me in the rubdown. You can monitor Altarian’s condition.
DANU
Houk.
Sannaro sighed as he pulled on the gloves, picked up the sponge and dipped it into the Cerlacticine.
ZHAD
Ready?
Altarian muttered something under his breath and looked up at Zhad.
ALTARIAN
Houk, let’s get this luyaki surgery over with.
Sannaro rolled his eyes then went to the blood encrusted side. He flinched as he scrubbed the side with firm strokes.
Altarian clenched his teeth and bit his lip, he didn’t want to yell, but then, he just stopped fighting and yelled with all his might.
Sannaro gasped as Altarian’s mental scream ripped through his mind. His vision blurred with tears that he blinked back as he picked up a new sponge, dipped it then moved up to Altarian’s torso.
Altarian flinched and tried to hit Sannaro.
Sannaro pulled back to avoid the arm, then moved back to his side.
Altarian’s mental force was building up as well as his rage. He screamed again.
Sannaro pulled back and raised his shields.
SANNARO
Everyone, behind me! Altarian's releasing a mind-slam!
Zhad and Danu rushed behind Sannaro.
Then to protect Sannaro and them, Altarian exploded his energy inside of him and then past out.
SANNARO
Fausa! Danu, get an EEG, stat!
DANU
Houk.
Danu rushed from the room.
ZHAD
He's out cold.
Sannaro wiped the tears off his face with his sleeve.
SANNARO
I knew he wouldn’t be able to stand it. I told him it would be painful.
ZHAD
At least it’s done, San. He may have wanted himself to be unconscious so let’s spare him the pain of drawing this out.
Danu rushed back into the room with the EEG and brought it beside Altarian’s head. He ripped off the adhesives on the sensors and pressed them into place on Altarian’s head. He pulled back, flipped the machine on and studied the readout. Danu sighed in relief.
SANNARO
EEG is showing normal Saili sine waves.
SANNARO
Fa'arata, Danu.
Between Sannaro and Zhad, the rubdown was finished.
Danu went over to the corner of the room and pulled out the healing tent.
Zhad helped Danu erect it over Altarian’s bed then he turned it on.
ZHAD
The worst is over until you keep taking him into a million surgeries to quilt a new cover on him.
DANU
And isn’t he wanted real bad by the Zhecore?
SANNARO
Rumor flies at faster-than-light on a little ship like ours. He’s a freed Zhecore slave who seems to be very valued by his former ship.
DANU
I thought so. Some of your injured pilots who came through told me about this last battle.
SANNARO
Now please, Danu, you’re beginning to sound like Di'ok.
DANU
Oh, fausa, San, just insult me now!
Danu pushed the EEG out the door again.
Zhad chuckled and followed Danu out the door.
Sannaro looked sadly back at the sleeping boy before he too left the room.
INT. KUMANI HOSPITAL
Altarian moaned and lifted his head, but quickly dropped back on the pillow. He shuddered and grabbed his head.
The door opened and Altarian jumped as Zhad, Danu and Sannaro walked in.
ALTARIAN
Oh, hi, you startled me.
Altarian moaned and tossed his body to the other side.
SANNARO
Oh, your headache is terrible.
ALTARIAN
Nui fausa!
SANNARO
Don’t cuss at me. You’re the one who mind-slammed yourself!
ALTARIAN
Only to save you and them! Kasai Yaro, I don’t know what got into me.
SANNARO
Evi'it and kasai. You didn’t deserve it, either. I know you imploded the mind-slam so you wouldn’t injure us.
ZHAD
Good. If you hadn’t apologized for your own short temper, I would have called you down, Sannaro. You’re still my foster child.
ALTARIAN
Oaki'yaro, is it done? Did it go all right?
DANU
Oh, does that mean I’m Uncle because I’m tasra to Varanani?
ZHAD
Houk, the worst is over, Altarian. I’m flattered that you would call me Oaki'yaro.
ALTARIAN
Anyone related to Sannaro or is part of his family is a part of my family.
DANU
Let’s have a party to greet our new family member!
SANNARO
Is he up to it so soon, Danu?
ALTARIAN
Ha'iko! I’m ready for it, just give me some catowsh and I’ll be fit for anything!
SANNARO
Are you sure?
ALTARIAN
Oh, I’m really sure.
Sannaro handed Altarian some clothes so he could dress to go back to the apartment.
INT. SANNARO'S APARTMENT
Altarian grabbed the cheeseburgers that were wrapped in a plastic wrap on a plate.
ALTARIAN
Time to go!
They all walked into the living room.
ANDOKU
Are those cheeseburgers in there?
ALTARIAN
Houk, Sannaro asked me to make them for the Us’uata. I thought that it would be a great meal for us.
Andoku examined the violet colored bang that ran from the top to the end of Altarian’s hair.
ANDOKU
Did you just dye that today?
ALTARIAN
Nui, I’ve had it for a long time, I did this on the last Astrisi ship I was on. It was all the rage there. I’m surprised you noticed it, it’s really dark.
ANKOKU
Cool! I wish I could do that. Ambri, look what Altarian did to his hair.
AMBRIKA
Wow! That’s neat! Can I do that Yaro?
SANNARO
Nui, I draw the line on hair coloring.
ALTARIAN
Don’t worry Sannaro, this color is very permanent so I don’t have to re-color it. It’s the new dye so I won’t be bringing any on the ship. Are we ready?
SANNARO
Since it is permanent, I will tolerate it with you. But no one else will do it while you live in my quarters. Now, Altarian, place the food on the table for serving. Thank you for cooking for us.
ALTARIAN
You’re very welcome. Now, let’s Us’uata!
Altarian put the food down and walked to the table. He rubbed his hand over the table legs.
ALTARIAN
Wow! This is finely crafted, I’ve always like Astrisi artwork. You’re so multi-talented.
SANNARO
You want to see art?
Sannaro grinned as he moved over to the cabinet in the dining area that was carved with phoenixes and vines.
SANNARO
We bought this at the Us’uata os Huen before the Zuran War.
ALTARIAN
Akla!
The door opened and Zhad and Adara came in.
Adara rushed up and gathered Altarian in a hug.
ADARA
Welcome, Altarian!
Altarian tried to back away, but Adara was too fast for him.
ALTARIAN
What are you doing?
SANNARO
Chali, Chali, he’s not use to that.
Sannaro reluctantly pulled her away from Altarian.
She blushed the color of her whitening red curls.
ADARA
Oh, I’m sorry, I got carried away. Welcome, Altarian.
ALTARIAN
That’s okay, it’s just that people used to hurt me that way.
ADARA
Oh, I would never hurt you. I forgot how reluctant Sannaro was when he first woke from healing.
ALTARIAN
That’s what they said too. Now look at me, burned severely and scared badly. Beating to the quick as I always explain it.
Altarian stared with blank cold eyes and pulled up his sleeve to reveal his burn.
ALTARIAN
Well, let’s stop thinking of that and let’s begin this Us’uata.
SANNARO
Akla.
Varanani, Danu and Marcario walked in.
ALTARIAN
Ki'iwa’alani Varanani, Danu and- who’s this?
MARCARIO
I am Marcario but you may call me Marc.
ALTARIAN
Altarian, but you may call me Altar, Al-tar, not Al-ter.
MARCARIO
Okay, Altaur.
ALTARIAN
Well, how many are coming anyway?
SANNARO
You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.
ALTARIAN
Gee, I thought Astrisi were so formal but you talk slang.
SANNARO
I spent six years on a Human colony. I remember some things.
ALTARIAN
I spent six years on a Human colony too and then other ships. The biggest slang talking ship I know was on the pirate ship. No one knew what everyone was saying. Half the time, I couldn’t even understand myself.
SANNARO
I’m not surprised.
The door chime rang.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
CHERNA
Akla.
Ki'el pushed Lazha through in her hover chair.
Sannaro rushed over to her and hugged her shoulders.
SANNARO
Lazha, I’d like you to meet my new ward, Altarian.
Altarian swept a bow to her.
ALTARIAN
Altarian Daniakayateyak at your service. I’ve heard a lot about you too.
LAZHA
Thank you, Altarian. I hope you don’t mind that I don’t repeat your last name until I get a pronunciation lesson from Sannaro. Welcome to the Kumani.
ALTARIAN
That’s just fine, not many people can pronounce my last name. You know, this almost looks like the Intoku ship I was on shortly before the pirates decided to claim me.
LAZHA
Intoku? Then you met Ki'el’s sister, Dusti.
She pointed to the graying brown-haired man who was smiling behind her chair.
ALTARIAN
Dusti, yes, I remember her. She was very polite to me, but I wish I could have been nicer to her.
ALTARIAN'S FLASHBACK
He thought back to the time when a boy named Martaris he’d trusted, betrayed him so he wouldn’t get in trouble. Altarian was tracked down for it and hung on the beam for a while because of it. He was sore for weeks, but he got Martaris back for it by giving him a laser burn on his butt.
BACK TO SANNARO'S APARTMENT
Ambrika shook Altarian’s shoulders.
AMBRIKA
Altarian, are you all right? You look like you’re eons away from here.
Altarian yelped and grabbed his shoulder.
ALTARIAN
Fausa! Uh, Sannaro, I need another Catowsh. The pain is coming back immensely.
Altarian hurriedly sprang to the kitchen.
LAZHA
San, why does Altarian need Catowsh?
SANNARO
He’s right out of the healing tent from untreated second degree burns that split open, but a plasma storm wouldn’t keep him away from a party. I’ll get the bottle.
Sannaro went to the kitchen, opened a cabinet, pulled out a bottle and dropped two pills into his hand. He got a cup of water and went to Altarian.
ALTARIAN
Thanks.
Altarian grabbed them and gulped them without water.
ALTARIAN
Kay, I’m ready, let’s go and party!
Altarian smiled then grabbed Sannaro’s arm and walked back into the room.
LAZHA
So how did he have untreated second degree burns and for how long?
SANNARO
You’re not the commander, anymore.
LAZHA
Don’t you avoid me, Sannaro Damirateyak.
SANNARO
I think Altarian should explain it. You tell her, Altarian.
ALTARIAN
You know Sannaro, you are acting like a child. I would rather not discuss that.
LAZHA
Well, I did give him a few thrashings during my time as his Senior Vizha'e as well as his Commander.
SANNARO
Well, Altarian doesn’t want to talk about it, so we should respect his wishes. We are having a party here?
ALTARIAN
Darn straight! I want to have fun, not be interrogated here. Anyone hungry?
Andoku jumped up and headed for the cheeseburgers.
AMBRIKA
I think Altarian’s idea is a great one and besides, you don’t wish to subject children in this awful conversation.
Ambrika walked to the table.
ANDOKU
If you’d unfreeze your brain, Brick, you’d remember that I was born first!
AMBRIKA
Dear brother, since when does age matter? If I’m correct, then it’s your mind that counts and you have a brain of a five month old.
Ambrika grabbed a cheeseburger and took a bite out of it.
Altarian was standing there laughing, then he grabbed a cheeseburger and decided to shut up by taking a mouthful of it.
SANNARO
Knock it off, you two. Altarian, launch one of those my way.
Altarian threw one to Sannaro, straight for his face.
Sannaro snapped his hand up and caught it then took a bite.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Nice try.
ALTARIAN'S PSYCHIC VISION
Altarian pushed Sannaro out a door and slammed it closed furiously.
BACK TO SANNARO'S APARTMENT
SANNARO
Well, I can tell I need to work with you on becoming more comfortable around other telepaths.
Altarian grabbed the half ear at his head, remembering when someone once tried the same thing.
ALTARIAN
I guess that would be a good thing.
He swept his hair accidentally behind his ear revealing the damage.
SANNARO
Iachi’awei!
Sannaro rushed closer to look at the ear that no longer had the major point.
Altarian realized and quickly swept his hair in front of his ear to cover it.
ALTARIAN
Oh, that, it’s, um, it’s nothing, really.
Altarian went back to eating his burger.
ALTARIAN
(full mouth)
Akla.
Tanei, Nu'alo, Na'iri and Ta'iki stepped in.
TANEI
Is it just me, or is this party quite dead? Gee, you look just like Sannaro. Oh, where are my manners, hi, I’m Tanei and this is Ta'iki and my twins Nu'alo and Na'iri. Say hi to Altarian, children.
TA'IKI/NU'ALO/NA'IRI
Hi, cousin Altarian.
They rushed to hug him.
Surprisingly, Altarian swept them in a big hug and smiled gleefully.
Tanei giggled girlishly then rushed up and hugged Sannaro.
TANEI
I like this boy, he’s so formal. I’m glad you decided to keep him.
SANNARO
Uh, sure, sis.
Nu'alo ran up to Tanei and gave her a burger.
NU'ALO
(full mouth)
This is good, cousin Altarian made them for us.
Tanei handed him a napkin.
TANEI
I’m sure they are dear, now, go eat and don’t talk with your mouth full.
Altarian patted Sannaro on the back.
ALTARIAN
Come on, enjoy yourself. Why don’t you eat, I made most of them just for you. Now, enjoy, tonight will turn out just fine.
Altarian hugged Sannaro briefly and walked to where Ambrika was standing and they started talking.
Sannaro put his face in his hands and found the nearest chair.
Cherna came up to Sannaro and sat on his lap.
CHERNA
You know, I think that they like each other. Wouldn’t you agree, dear?
Sannaro groaned and nestled his head into her shoulder.
SANNARO
Now I understand why Uncle Devasru was so frantic about our relationship. Maybe if I had been Devasru, I would’ve said definitely 24 1/2.
Cherna giggled and stroked his ear.
Cherna
Oh come now, I think Altarian has good control over his emotions.
Sannaro gasped as his body shivered.
SANNARO
And you’re trying to break mine.
CHERNA
I know. I’m getting you ready for tonight.
She got up to join the rest of the company.
DANU
Hot under the collar? Or shall I say anatomically stimulated?
SANNARO
Stuff it, Danu.
Sannaro jumped up and leaned into a corner with his hair in front of his face until it stopped burning with a blush.
Altarian came over to Sannaro and stuffed his cheeseburger in his mouth.
ALTARIAN
Okay, you’re stuffed.
Sannaro doubled over and spit the burger out as a laugh leapt from his mouth and he grabbed his stomach.
ALTARIAN
You know, that’s not polite, you shouldn’t spit your food out. Did your mothers tell you anything as a child? Now please pick it up, you’re teaching the children bad manners.
Sannaro wagged his finger.
SANNARO
Either I spit it out or I was going to choke on my laughter!
Altarian snapped playfully at Sannaro’s finger.
ALTARIAN
Watch it, I bite.
SANNARO
So do I.
ALTARIAN
Um, Sannaro, are you going to eat that?
SANNARO
Matter of fact, I am.
Sannaro swept it off the floor and took a bite.
ALTARIAN
Okay, I thought for a moment you were going to feed it to your imaginary dog that keeps following me everywhere.
Altarian laughed and walked to get another burger.
SANNARO
What dog?
AMBRIKA
Andoku!
ANDOKU
Grr.
Andoku snapped his teeth.
ALTARIAN
Good puppy.
Altarian patted Andoku on the head and laughed.
ANDOKU
Akla.
Di'ok and Sha'ya walked through the door.
AMBRIKA
Hey, dogs don’t speak, but they do beg.
DI'OK
What’s going on here? I just got off shift!
Sha'ya followed with Aki’iki and Matai and shook her head.
CHERNA
Everyone has just been trying to melt Sannaro into a puddle of gold on the floor!
DI'OK
How fun!
SANNARO
And I call you my best friend?
DI'OK
Isn't that what best friends are for?
AMBRIKA
And Andoku! He says he’s a dog.
ANDOKU
Just you wait, there’s a mat back at the Gym with your name on it in blood!
ALTARIAN
Children, children, let’s not turn this in to a battle. Don’t worry about them, kids always act like that. I’m sorry, I’m Altarian Daniakayateyak, you must be the indomitable Di'ok, best friend and joker to Sannaro. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, I can tell that we’ll be fast friends. Are you going to say something, Uncle Di'ok?
DI'OK
We Com-Specs can say many things, only, do you dare hear them?
Ki'el bellowed in laughter.
BA'IA
Fausa, you’re shaking the ship with all this noise.
Ba'ia stepped in behind Di'ok with her hands on her hips.
Ku'an gave a mock scowl.
KU'AN
How unusual is that with this bunch?
Altarian came up behind Ku'an and put his hands on Ku'an’s shoulders.
ALTARIAN
Not unusual, just another day at Sannaro’s house.
KU'AN
So you’re the new yellow-skin we’re taking on?
Altarian patted his shoulders and handed him a burger.
ALTARIAN
Oh, don’t act like me, that’s not fun. It’s called a P-A-R-T-Y and you’re here to have fun. Now, sit down, stuff your face and enjoy!
KU'AN
I have to live with another Sannaro, now? Make’s a man long for the old days.
Altarian sat in Ku'an’s lap.
ALTARIAN
Don’t worry, I’m not a Sannaro, I’m a kid that needs a man like you for structure.
He batted his eyelashes like a girl.
ALTARIAN
I need a big, strong, guy around the house to help me, dear.
KU'AN
You should work at the recycling plant with all the fausa that slips out of your mouth, boy!
ALTARIAN
Is that a threat? I know that I’m just as innocent as a little boy. I’m too immature to work in a place that would recycle my remains for jewelry. Besides, you wouldn’t make a good profit off of me, Oaki'yaro Ku'an.
KU'AN
Can always try!
ALTARIAN
Too late, the pirates tried that one, it didn’t work. I know that I can talk fausa but can you walk fausa?
KU'AN
You’re too weird, kid.
Ku'an shook his head. then went over to Ambrika.
Altarian followed him.
ALTARIAN
No, it’s quite simple, see, you take this trash can and you walk it to the dump, as easy as pie.
KU'AN
My condolences, Sannaro.
Sannaro gave Ku'an a cocky salute.
SANNARO
Thanks, Ya.
Altarian lowered his shoulders and jutted his lip forward in a pout.
ALTARIAN
Oh thanks, I feel better now.
Ambrika whispered something in Ku'an’s ear and he turned red with a blush.
He turned to Altarian, then to Sannaro and shook his head.
KU'AN
Oh, I would watch my daughter after a comment like that if I were you, Sannaro.
SANNARO
You’re going to get a talking to, later, hala.
A look of betrayal came across Ambrika as she looked at Ku'an.
AMBRIKA
I didn’t say anything bad, Yaro.
She winked at Altarian and he flipped his hair to cover his blush and sped into the bathroom.
SANNARO
Ambrika, do you want to be sent to your room alone?
AMBRIKA
No, but, what have I done to be considered unmanageable?
ANDOKU
Throw her out the airlock!
KU'AN
Not my Granddaughter!
SANNARO
Naughty thoughts cause naughty reactions.
CHERNA
Ya, what did she say?
BA'IA
Oh, don’t they?I recall -Us’uata os Huen- two young people getting very cozy with each other in the middle of camp?
Sannaro blushed.
KU'AN
Think about it, dear.
AMBRIKA
Well, you two did it, I want to too.
SANNARO
Oh, now I’m really worried!
Ku'an cupped his hand and whispered Ambrika’s remark to Cherna.
She blushed bright red and put her hand over her mouth. She then turned to Ambrika.
CHERNA
Oh she did, did she?
SANNARO
Oh, this is too much to endure.
DI'OK
Tell me, too, sis!
Cherna shook her head at Di'ok and then went to Sannaro. She put her hand on his ear and he shivered again. She gently cupped her hand to whisper into his ear.
CHERNA
This is in her own words, hon. ‘Oh, Ku'an, can you help me ask the council if I could have him all to myself. I’ll go ballistic without him at night. I just love him and I’m dying to spend endless nights with him.'
SANNARO
Not till you’re twenty human-standard years old, hala!
AMBRIKA
Oh, man, that’s not fair!
Altarian came back in with his shirt off and his upper half soaked.
ALTARIAN
Trust me, you don’t want to get to know me that well, Ambri. Besides, I’m not ready to take on a tasra just yet. Give me some time.
Sannaro looked at Altarian’s half-dressed body.
SANNARO
What have you been doing?
ALTARIAN
Cooling off.
AMBRIKA/TANEI
So, that’s what a half dressed Saili looks like?
SANNARO
Ambree-kah! Tanei, don’t you encourage her! And you’ve both seen me shirtless!
TANEI
Well, it’s not the same, you’re my brother. Besides, I always wanted to know what Cherna got to see that I didn’t.
Sannaro’s eyes widened.
CHERNA
Oh, I’m sure you would.
Zhuni walked in.
ZHUNI
Hi! I mean, Hel-lo!
Ambrika rushed over to cover Altarian.
AMBRIKA
Nui! He’s mine!
Altarian backed away and put out his hand to Zhuni.
ALTARIAN
Hi, my name is Altarian Daniakayateyak and who are you?
ZHUNI
Zhuni, it is a very great pleasure to meet you.
ZHUNI (PSI V.O.)
Man, he’s so cute. Hmm, I wonder what his other half looks like? I want him. It doesn’t matter if he’s younger but- he’s definitely not taken, yet.
Altarian blushed a vibrant orange color.
ALTARIAN
I think I need to go back to the shower.
ZHUNI (PSI V.O.)
Please, go a head, I’ll join you. Hmm, look at his butt, and- everything else.
ALTARIAN
Please, keeps those thoughts to the books, not for me, and I don’t appreciate you looking at me there.
He rushed into the bathroom.
AMBRIKA
He’s mine, don’t you forget that!
SANNARO
He told you off!
Sannaro rushed to his own bedroom.
ZHUNI
I only call them as I see them!
Sannaro sprawled himself across the bed and he slammed a pillow over his head.
Cherna came in.
CHERNA
Are you okay, Sannaro?
SANNARO
Did Altarian have to take the bathroom?
Altarian entered the room.
ALTARIAN
May I join you, Sannaro?
SANNARO
Pull up a pillow. We’ll be all right, Cheri. Go on, and while you’re at it, politely ask Zhuni to leave.
Cherna left and Ambrika quietly snuck in.
AMBRIKA
Are you okay Altar?
ALTARIAN
Is there no relief in sight? Yes, I’ll be fine if you go challenge Zhuni and entertain the other guests.
Ambrika came forward and stroked his ear.
AMBRIKA
Okay, I’ll do it just for you.
ALTARIAN
Oh, let go, let go, no ear stroke, please! Ambrika, too young! Help, Sannaro, she won’t let go of my ear!
Sannaro leapt off the bed and sent a mind-slap into her mind.
SANNARO
Ambrika, ear-stroking is an erotic behavior! You will stop that and stop torturing Altarian!
AMBRIKA
Owe!! Erotic huh, I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks, Dad.
ALTARIAN
Man, she’s dangerous. I didn’t know that she wanted me that bad!
SANNARO
She is dangerous. You can take all the time you want, but I’m taking the shower!
Sannaro rushed out the door, then hopped into the bathroom.
FADE OUT.
THE END.