Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
“PIRATE SLAVE”
EPISODE 49 – TESTING
BY: LYSSA THORNE
and KATRINA DRAKE
FADE IN:
INT. KUMANI SANNARO'S APARTMENT
Sannaro peeked cautiously through the bathroom door.
CHERNA
It’s safe now, I sent them home.
Cherna giggled as she saw him trailing water from his clothes. She pushed him back into the bathroom.
CHERNA
Oh, go back in, Sanna, you’re indecent!
Sannaro looked down at his clinging clothes and noticed to his immense embarrassment that his pants were revealing a little too much of his residual emotions.
CHERNA
Oh, dear, it was too much for you.
She giggled and then kissed him.
CHERNA
I’ll relocate Altarian and cool you off real fast.
He pulled her close, then pressed himself against her.
SANNARO
You’re not going anywhere, woman. Who needs a bedroom?
Cherna laughed as she turned around and locked the door.
He pulled her back to the bathtub as he kissed her hungrily.
SANNARO
Set the temperature so I don't burn you.
She bent down to turn on the water.
SANNARO
Fausa, let's just do it here.
Once they were sated, Sannaro sat on the toilet and hugged her back.
SANNARO
I so needed that. I'm on such a roller coaster ride of emotions right now. I don't know how to begin to help Altarian with his emotions.
CHERNA
I know, lover. Take it one step at a time.
SANNARO
At least I now know his last name. I'll do a record search later when I can get to a computer to find his past.
CHERNA
Now, you're exhausted and just newly healed. You need to sleep.
SANNARO
Altarian is in our bed.
CHERNA
Oh well, there's always the couch. My clothes are mostly dry. I'll go get you more decent clothes and let's get some sleep.
Sannaro nodded.
Cherna dressed then stepped out for a minute. She returned with a stack of clothes.
Sannaro dressed and went out to the couch to lay down.
Cherna spooned against him and kissed his arm he laid under her head before she nestled in.
Sannaro kissed the back of her head then settled into a more comfortable position and surrendered to sleep.
(LATER)
Altarian woke up and realized that it was very quiet.
He stood up and walked out. He jumped when he saw Sannaro and Cherna sleeping on the couch. Sannaro was under Cherna.
Altarian went into the kitchen.
ALTARIAN
Look at this mess, oh well, I’ll clean it up.
Ambrika hung her arms around Altarian.
AMBRIKA
Hi Altarian.
Altarian startled.
ALTARIAN
Oh, hi, Ambri, how are you?
AMBRIKA
Fine, fine.
She looked at her parents.
AMBRIKA
Gosh, look at them. Now, that’s love. I hope someday I’ll be the one laying there with my tasra.
ALTARIAN
Oh, Ambri, you aren’t even at the age of going to the Us’uata os Tasra. Why are you thinking about becoming tasra now and with me for that matter! You don’t even know me that well, you don’t even know anything about me or what I’ve been through or what I’m like. I don’t mean to be rude, but slow down girl. You don’t know what I act like or if I’m even safe to be with. For all you know, I could be a mad man or very sexually active, a rapist. Look, you are a nice person and all, but what if in the near future, we become tasra and then I beat you or you don’t like me? What will you do then? Please, I know you’re excited about marriage, but I think you should enjoy your childhood before you move into a deeper stage. Okay, Ambri?
AMBRIKA
You don’t love me?!
ALTARIAN
I just think we should take time and just be friends for now.
AMBRIKA
Oh, I hate you!
Ambrika stormed to her room.
Sannaro leaned against the door frame.
SANNARO
Thank you, Altarian. She’s never had her innocence stripped from her like you have. Or, even me. You did the right thing.
ALTARIAN
Then why do I feel so bad?
SANNARO
You don’t want to hurt her feelings, but it was something she needed to hear.
ALTARIAN
I know, I know, but, the truth is, I like her too. I just don’t wish to hurt her if she finds out what I am or can be or what’s happened to me for that matter.
SANNARO
I once freed an Adharan Abroc from slavery to pirates and he had some horror stories to tell. He was only there for about a year. I can’t imagine what you’ve seen and I don’t know if I would want to. I can’t believe she didn’t telepathically pick up what Zhuni was thinking. I saw Andoku blushing too. You didn’t see that he slipped into this room too while Zhuni was telecasting her erotic thoughts.
ALTARIAN
Oh, she heard, I could feel her mind, but she was furious that Zhuni was talking about me. You know, Sannaro, I’m not worried about the pirates, I’m worried about something that happened to me while I was a slave and I don’t want her to be hurt by it. And someday, Sannaro, I’ll tell you all what I’ve been through because you need to hear it, that is, if you still want to keep me in your house.
SANNARO
I’ll leave it up to you about when you want to confide with me. I don’t want you to leave. I’ve had some terrible things happen to me, too. Maybe someday I’ll tell you my horrors too.
ALTARIAN
Well, let me at least tell you this. When you said I lost my innocence, well, you don’t know how much. See, I’m worried about Ambrika because I don’t want her to go through what happened to me. It happened when the pirates were celebrating and a girl pirate named Nafartoria, she was dead drunk. And she came to me and well, had a - sexual intercourse with me- completely against my will. But, I’ll tell you, she made some of those burns break open and I hurt for a while. You’re the first one to hear that, and I don’t wish for anything like that to come unto Ambri. The truth is, you can’t trust me, not when it comes to something like that. My mind is scared from that and to her, it might be a nice feeling, with a tasra, but, for me, it’s a living nightmare. And I don’t know how I’ll act towards her if we ever become tasra.
SANNARO
Wow, that’s a very scary confession.
ALTARIAN
Plus, ever since I’ve felt very complete with a girl, something awful happens. Either I do it or someone else does. It’s not nice and I wish only the best for your hala. I don’t know what she sees in me, but I want her to know the precautions first.
SANNARO
You need time to heal; emotionally as well as physically. It took me almost fifteen years to heal my own inner wounds and sometimes they reopen when I least expect it. They sometimes feel as painful as the day they happened.
Cherna peeked around the corner.
CHERNA
Let's have some dinner.
ALTARIAN
That’s the sweetest sound I’ve heard all day. Thank you, Chali. Please, sometime, tell Cherna and then move to the rest.
They all crowded around the table to find their seats.
Ambrika looked at Altarian and he saw that she had been crying for a long time.
ALTARIAN
Are you feeling better, Ambri?
AMBRIKA
Oh, Altar, I can’t stay mad at you. I’m fine and I do understand. Thank you for helping me realize that it’s better to take my time.
They ate dinner quietly and then they peaceably retired to their rooms.
Altarian approached Sannaro and hugged him briefly.
ALTARIAN
Thanks, goodnight.
SANNARO
Goodnight, kid.
Everyone went to their rooms.
Two hours later, after Sannaro knew Cherna was firmly asleep, he slipped out of bed and turned on the computer in their room.
He went onto the intergalactic internet and entered into the archives on Sailia. He entered Daniakaya into the search engine and pressed enter.
Cherna rolled over in bed.
He entered her mind and guided her into a deeper sleep again.
The search engine finished and came up with a match.
Daniakaya was listed as missing at twenty-two Saili standard years old! The date of the record was eleven years before the Zuran war!
He switched over to her family’s records.
Altarian’s grandparents were still live, but they were conservatives still on Sailia.
SANNARO
Oh, crap. All Gonkacha are banished from Sailia! He's got no one who will claim him.
He heaved a big sigh, turned off the computer and returned to bed.
(LATER)
Through the haze of sleep, Sannaro heard a knock on their bedroom door. He opened his eyes and sat up.
Cherna stirred beside him and opened her eyes.
ALTARIAN
Breakfast time, come and get it while it’s hot!
Sannaro chuckled as he stood up and grabbed a pair of shorts.
CHERNA
He’s consistent.
Cherna grinned as she got dressed.
Altarian got Andoku and Ambrika up. He walked to the stove and brought the food to the already set table.
Andoku moaned and took a seat.
ANDOKU
Why do you always try to show me up, huh, Altar?
ALTARIAN
I don’t try to, I just always wanted to cook before.
ANDOKU
You know that that’s a sissy trait?
Altarian turned to face Andoku, giving him a stern look.
ALTARIAN
I know, that’s what I like most about it, because, someday, I would like to please my tasra and besides, it’s fun. I’m proud of this talent and I like doing this.
AMBRIKA
Oh! Andoku was scared out of his pants!
ANDOKU
Was not! Mom, she’s teasing me again!
AMBRIKA
Big boys don’t whine!
ALTARIAN
Do you want cheese and crackers with that whine?
ANDOKU
Huh?
ALTARIAN
Never mind.
ANDOKU
Well, what ever it meant, I don’t like it. Altarian, I thought you were on my side.
ALTARIAN
Only sometimes Andu, but this is too much fun. You are an airhead, dork, dummy, sopa, potato, loser, idiot, psychopath, invalid, duh, luyaki, chump, chimp, dog poop, garbage, pathetic, limp noodle, raw, screw ball, dump, narcotic, egotistical, evil, sock puppet, Lilly-lover, scum, incorrect, mixed-up, mother goose, gummy, software, innocent, guilty, at the bottom, midget, science fiction, and further more, a new big brother that I am glad to have for a long time.
ANDOKU
Was that intentional? Do you want me to take you to the mat?
ALTARIAN
Oh, and weak! I’m only pulling your leg.
ANDOKU
No you’re not, or I would have known that!
ALTARIAN
It’s an expression that danunka say. Now, where are Sannaro and Cherna?
AMBRIKA
I think they ignored us and besides, they all ready have their breakfast, if you know what I mean.
ALTARIAN
Should I go check? Guys, are you coming to eat or should we eat without you?
SANNARO
We’re coming.
Sannaro and Cherna walked through the door with their flight suits on.
They sat and ate their breakfast.
As everyone was getting ready for work or school, Altarian went up to Sannaro.
ALTARIAN
I want to start school. I’m tired of being cooped up in here and I don’t think you’d want me browsing around the Kumani again.
SANNARO
Oh, no, I don’t want Metei to be running all over the Upper Flight Deck. I’ll call Vi'asa to give you a proficiency test so we can learn how much you know.
ALTARIAN
Ha'iko! When can I take this test and when will I get to go to school, so I don’t have to be bored here? I can’t clean forever, that would be no fun at all.
ANDOKU
Does that mean he gets to go to baby school or will he be of a higher learning level than me?
Ambrika rolled her eyes at her brother.
AMBRIKA
Everyone has a higher learning level then you, Andu.
ANDOKU
Take that back!
Andoku pulled her hair.
AMBRIKA
Stop! Yaro, make him stop!
SANNARO
When you stop insulting your brother. If you get a sound disruption, I’m taking it out of your allowance.
AMBRIKA
Okay, I’m sorry Andoku.
Andoku laughed and let go of her hair.
SANNARO
You say that to your mother, boy, she’ll have you eating practice mat before breakfast.
CHERNA
Too late, I all ready did! Come here Andoku, I think I’ll have to excuse you from school for a while.
ANDOKU
I didn’t mean that to you mother, just to her. Honestly, you’re much stronger, prettier, and- and, you aren’t weaker.
CHERNA
If you don’t believe me, ask your father. He’s had his share of fights, especially with me.
SANNARO
Oh, yeah, I have.
CHERNA
If you don’t want to go to the mat, then you’ll clean your room, and the rest of the house for a week, got it?
ALTARIAN
So, when do I get to do this test? I want to go to school as soon as I can. I haven’t been in it since I was five or six years old.
SANNARO
I’ll call Vi'asa now and set up the time.
ALTARIAN
Thank you, I’ll wait here until you tell me.
SANNARO
Vi'asa, it’s San. I’ve got another student for you to test. He’s really eager, could you test him today? This afternoon at 1300? I’ll bring him. Fa’arata. Kohura.
Altarian jumped up and hugged Sannaro, almost knocking him off his feet.
ALTARIAN
This is so cool, I get to go to school soon.
SANNARO
I’m glad you’re pleased. I’ll be back at 1250 to take you to the school.
Sannaro left for work.
(LATER)
Altarian looked at the clock, it read 1240. He jumped up and went to get ready. He sat back down in the living room and waited for Sannaro.
Sannaro entered the apartment.
SANNARO
You ready?
ALTARIAN
More than all ever be.
Altarian jumped up and rushed out the door.
Sannaro followed.
He led Altarian aft-ward until they came to a hatch and walked through the opening door. They turned right, then went down the hall a few doors.
Sannaro entered the room where a woman with graying brown hair who wore a simple green dress stood up to meet them.
VIASA
Ki'iwa, San, it’s been a long time. Is this my new student?
SANNARO
Houk, his name is Altarian. He needs a general proficiency test so we can know how much he knows.
VI'ASA
Ki'iwa’alani, Altarian. You may sit at any desk and we can begin. San, you can have a seat outside or you can grab any desk.
SANNARO
Okay.
Sannaro took a seat at the back of the classroom.
Altarian looked at the screen and began his test.
When he finished, he pulled back his chair and felt confident with himself.
ALTARIAN
Vi'asa, when will I know the results and when can I start school?
VI'ASA
If you give me a few minutes, I’ll go over it right now and I can tell you the results.
ALTARIAN
Okay, well, when do I get to go to school?
VI'ASA
Let me look over your results first and I’ll be able to tell you.
She chuckled, then called up the test on her computer.
Several minutes later, she stood up and approached Altarian.
Sannaro stood up and joined them.
VI'ASA
Well, I’ve looked it over and you’ve passed the test in a graduate level so you don’t need anymore basic schooling. As for the Astrisi language. Has he been speaking Astrisi since he’s got here, San?
SANNARO
I haven’t heard one word of Basic since we left the pirate ship!
VI'ASA
That’s incredible. So then, now all we have to find is someone who will take you into advanced training, Altarian.
ALTARIAN
I am skilled at many things like, fixing things, communicating, doctoring, and fighting, but the thing I’d love to do the most is be a fighter pilot, but that’s really hard to be. I don’t think I’ll get that though.
SANNARO
Uh, well, I guess I can give you some hand-eye coordination tests and let you try a run in a simulator, but I have to warn you, as the Senior Vizha'e, if I don’t think you can take the training, I have to reject your request.
ALTARIAN
Oh, thank you, I’ll try very hard. When can we start?
SANNARO
I guess I can take you up there now and let you take a simulator run.
ALTARIAN
Well, let’s go.
Altarian grabbed Sannaro’s arm and dragged him out of the classroom. Sannaro called behind him as he was pulled through the door.
SANNARO
Kohura, Vi'asa!
VI'ASA
Kohura, San.
SANNARO
To the nearest elevator, Altar, or let me lead.
ALTARIAN
Sure thing, ya.
Altarian pulled Sannaro to the nearest elevator.
SANNARO
We’re going to get the Protocol Enforcers on our tail if we don’t slow down.
When it came, they stepped in.
SANNARO
Upper Flight Deck.
The doors opened a minute later on the Upper Flight Deck.
INT. UPPER FLIGHT DECK
They turned left and walked past the rows of Vizha'i until they came to the Pilots’ lounge.
Metei caught up with them.
METEI
What did the kid do now?
SANNARO
Nothing, Metei. He’s just in love with fighter ships and I wanted to see how he did in a sim.
METEI
You’re not thinking of taking him as an apprentice, are you?
SANNARO
If he has the skills, I won’t deny him the chance. I know he annoyed you by slipping up here without permission, but is that any different than any other Astrisi child who dreams of flying Vizha'i?
METEI
Nui, you’ve got a point there. You’re the Senior Vizha'e. It’s your business.
SANNARO
Houk, it is.
Sannaro patted Metei’s shoulder.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
Sannaro and Altarian climbed the stairs.
SANNARO
Let’s duck into my office so I can get my helmet for you to wear.
They entered his office, then Sannaro snatched his black and red helmet from a locker beside the door.
They went farther down the hall and took a right.
Sannaro opened up a slender door that led into a small room. Sannaro handed Altarian the helmet.
SANNARO
Put this on.
Sannaro bent down and expanded the seat as if he were adjusting the flight couch for himself.
Altarian sat in the sim and waited for it to turn on.
When it turned on, Altarian found himself in space, alone, with a bunch of pirates getting ready to attack the Kumani.
He studied the way they were approaching, targeted on and fired.
It hit him in the wing and the pilot wobbled as did Altarian.
The rest of them went to help their buddy, Altarian fired at the wobbling ship and it exploded and took another ship with him.
He looked at the right of him and found a wing mate.
ALTARIAN
This is yellow six, I’ll be here if you need me, call me, yellow six out.
YELLOW 5
Roger that yellow six, if you need anything just call on me, yellow five over.
Altarian’s ship wobbled a bit and he rushed to take control. He watched as the left ship took out a pirate. He targeted one that was tailing him and fired, sending it into a spark of flames.
ALTARIAN
Help, yellow six, I’m targeted, get him off me.
ALTARIAN
Houk, I’m going to take the tailer off yellow five.
He wheeled his Vizha'i, a little too fast, at the rear of yellow five’s ship and then steadied his laser to target the pirate. He fired and hit the pirate ship and it exploded.
YELLOW 5 (v.o.)
Thanks yellow six, over.
Suddenly, Altarian saw that a pirate was trying to target him. He tried to maneuver his Vizha'i to lose the pirate, but the pirate was to swift for him.
ALTARIAN
Yellow five, this is yellow six, I need back up, get this pirate off my tail, over and out.
Yellow five came up and blasted the pirate.
ALTARIAN
Thanks yellow five.
Altarian latched on to the controls and went to chase after a pirate and to target him, but a pirate came up to his side where he couldn’t see, and shot, blowing Altarian’s ship.
Altarian took off the helmet and walked over to Sannaro.
ALTARIAN
How did I do?
SANNARO
Well, you overcompensated several times, but that assist on Yellow five was pretty good. For your first time, I think you’re surprisingly good. How do you know the control board so well?
ALTARIAN
Well, while I was on the Intoku, I made a friend there that was a new color and he showed me his Vizha'i and told me what all the controls were and what they did. Also, one night, we kind of snuck into the sim and he taught a few things, but I crashed into a ship there. I promise I won’t sneak into here, I know it was wrong, but I couldn’t help myself then, but now I will.
SANNARO
You better because if I’m going to be your Senior, I can’t show you favor.
ALTARIAN
Ha'iko! You mean that you’re going to train me?!
SANNARO
You’re going to join Lazha’s beginning class tomorrow.
ALTARIAN
Ha'iko!
Altarian jumped and hugged Sannaro.
ALTARIAN
I can’t wait to tell Ambrika and Andoku! When will they be home again?
SANNARO
They’ll be home around 1700. Andu likes to work beside his Oaki'chali and doesn’t always notice the time, but Ambri should be home on time.
ALTARIAN
Thanks, Ya, bye.
Altarian left the flight offices.
INT. KUMANI SANNARO'S APARTMENT
Altarian turned on the music on the stereo in the living room and went to cook dinner. He planned to cook a big dinner, to kind of celebrate.
He gathered stuff in order to make this, he was going to use a mixture of vegetables, meats, and maybe fruits.
It took him until 1600 to finally finish it. It smelled good and it looked good.
I hope that they like it, I’ve worked so hard on it, he thought as he set the table.
He sat down and read a story that he downloaded a long time ago from the Intergalactic Web.
The door opened and Ambrika walked in. She walked to the kitchen and opened the pot to smell the food better.
AMBRIKA
Hmm, what is that delicious smell, Altarian?
ALTARIAN
Food, I can’t remember what you guys call it but it’s good.
AMBRIKA
Why did you make this?
ALTARIAN
Do you not like it?
AMBRIKA
It’s not that, it’s just, Nahami is for something that is special. What are you not telling me?
ALTARIAN
Well, about school, I was proficient in a graduate level and Sannaro and I were looking for someone to train me and, well, he took me to a sim and I passed and I start school with Lazha tomorrow.
AMBRIKA
Wow, you impressed my Yaro? People say he’s the toughest Senior Vizha'e the Kumani’s ever had.
ALTARIAN
Really?! I don’t think I impressed him that much. He has probably seen better kids in action than me. But, I thought I did a good job. Last time, I crashed into my friends ship. That’s wasn’t very good. We both jumped.
AMBRIKA
Well, he’s not going to give you to the former commander unless you did something right!
ALTARIAN
Like what?
Altarian came over and put his hand on her shoulder.
She shrugged his hand off.
Sannaro walked into the apartment.
SANNARO
Well, you did manage to vape a few before you were vaped. I’ve had first timers vomit on my control boards before. You only wobbled and ran into another ship.
ALTARIAN
They’re pirate scum, they don’t deserve my vomit. The only way I was afraid was because I was the one fighting them, not the one being torched by them on their mother ship. Once you’ve been there, you want to do all you can to destroy all of them. As for the vaporizing, the ship hit me on my bad side when it came to sight.
SANNARO
It’s called coming in on the blind spot. I’ve done that maneuver a few times in battle and sheered the opponent’s wing off. It’s pretty effective.
ALTARIAN
Well, I hope my blast destroyed him too, now that would’ve be a pretty sight. I hope he was vaped with me and then, I hope that they all turned tail in fear.
SANNARO
That’s the fighting spirit.
Andoku entered the apartment.
ANDOKU
What is, did I miss anything?
Ambrika waved her hand over her head.
AMBRIKA
Way over bro, and you don’t have to know.
ANDOKU
Well, Am-brik-a, I’m sure that Altarian will tell me.
AMBRIKA
Ya, he’s calling me a brick again!
SANNARO
So? You implied that he was dense. What comes around; goes around.
ALTARIAN
A brick is dense, so I guess you both got caught with that one. Sannaro, here, is letting me train with Lazha on how to become a fighter pilot. Cool, huh?
ANDOKU
Houk, but how did you convince Ya to let you?
SANNARO
Ya saw some good basic maneuvers.
Ambrika lightly hit Altarian on the shoulder.
AMBRIKA
Why did you say that I was dense?
ANDOKU
So, you admit that you’re a brick?
AMBRIKA
No, I don’t, I was just wondering why he said I'm dense.
ANDOKU
No, he said that a brick was dense, but, I agree whole-heartedly with you, that you are a brick.
ALTARIAN
Enough! You are getting me a headache!
They both quieted and gaped at him.
Andoku put his hand on Altarian’s forehead to check his temperature.
ANDOKU
Altarian, are you all right?
ALTARIAN
Nui, I am getting a splitting headache and your fighting is not improving it.
Cherna walked in and nudged Sannaro.
CHERNA
So, why is everyone just standing there looking at Altarian?
ALTARIAN
Just another headache. I’m going to get another Catowsh, it might also relieve the pain all around me. Dinner is ready, it took me about two hours, I don’t know what you call it but, I think that you’ll like it.
AMBRIKA
It's Nahami.
SANNARO
Oh, I like Nahami.
CHERNA
I’m getting spoiled. I don’t have to cook. I don’t have to clean.
ANDOKU
That means I don’t have to clean for this week.
CHERNA
You wish. It still stands, boy.
ALTARIAN
Besides, tomorrow, I’m going to school with Lazha.
CHERNA
You’ve chosen him for flight school?
SANNARO
He was good enough in a sim and he has a good fighting spirit. We’ll see what Lazha thinks about him.
ALTARIAN
Dinner’s getting cold.
Cherna chuckled and walked to the dinning room.
Sannaro moved to the dinning room table.
They ate dinner and Altarian collected the plates.
ALTARIAN
Well, how was it?
SANNARO
Pretty good!
ALTARIAN
So, now that Andoku gets to clean, do you still want me to cook?
CHERNA
Let’s rotate duties.
SANNARO
Me too? There are much better cooks than me.
AMBRIKA
Why me?! I didn’t do anything.
SANNARO
You haven’t done anything? Well, let’s see. You’ve called Andoku a dog, dunce, dense; you stroked Altarian’s ear; made suggestive comments to your ki'ya and you say you haven’t done anything?
AMBRIKA
Nothing too serious, Ya.
CHERNA
Stroked Altarian’s ear? If you do that again, I’m going to give you a good thrashing on the mats, young lady. You’re way too young to telepathically link with a boy!
AMBRIKA
Well, you and Ya did it and you were about four or five and then you kept doing stuff like that since.
SANNARO
We didn’t know that we did it. But never, never did she stroke my ear until we were acknowledged as tasra.
AMBRIKA
Nui, you were waiting for judgment. Besides, I’m not doing that much harm to Altarian or me.
SANNARO
We made a marriage link just by holding hands! A much more intimate act like stroking a Saili’s ear is a forceful entry into someone else’s mind!
Altarian and Andoku looked at each other and backed away.
ALTARIAN
Look, we’ll just go to our room, good luck Ambri.
SANNARO
She’ll need it. You’ve been doing some very mature acts without knowing what you’re doing. Just because I didn’t know my Saili physiology back when I first came to the Astrisi isn’t an excuse for you to behave the same way!
Ambrika shivered and stepped back.
AMBRIKA
I think Altarian and Andoku’s idea is a good one, so I’m going to my room and leaving you to cool down, okay, Ya?
SANNARO
You better think long and hard about what I just said. I’ll let you go this time, but if you continue this seductive behavior, I will take you to the mat. Is that clear?
AMBRIKA
Houk.
Ambrika left to her room.
Once her door closed, the tension in the room eased.
ALTARIAN
Man, I thought it would never end.
ANDOKU
Why is Ambri going after you like this?
ALTARIAN
I have no idea, but I don’t like it either. Unlike her, I would like to keep things to myself and wait until I’m much older.
ANDOKU
Do you think Ya would know why Ambri’s doing this?
ALTARIAN
I don’t know, and I don’t think it’s wise to approach Sannaro at this moment.
ANDOKU
Is it safe to come out? Is the war over, or do we still need to seek shelter?
SANNARO
It’s over. She’s in her room thinking about my lecture.
ALTARIAN
Andu, don’t ask him.
ANDOKU
Why is Ambri doing this to Altar?
SANNARO
Possibly because he is the first Saili she has seen who isn’t a direct relative.
ANDOKU
Oh, I’m glad that I’m related, I don’t want to be in your predicament.
ALTARIAN
I wish I wasn’t in this either. I don’t wish to hurt her, but if this keeps up, then I might have to.
SANNARO
I hope you don’t have to. I don’t really want my girl hurt, but she’s asking for it.
ALTARIAN
I really do care for her, but she should wait before she makes a big decision. It’s for her own good. I can be pretty bad and I’m not nice to most people. See, if she moves too fast, I could lose myself and then I could hurt her permanently. I don’t want that.
SANNARO
And you don’t want to square off with me on the mat, either. I’m the second best martial arts master to Edat on this ship.
ALTARIAN
I know, I know, but, I won’t think of hurting her in any way, at least, I’ll try not to. I’m going to go study now.
CHERNA
Oh, lighten up, San, you don’t have to show us you’re the fiercest warrior on the Kumani.
Altarian sat at the computer in Andoku's room and swiped off the tears running down his cheeks.
ALTARIAN
I’m becoming a pest. I’ve corrupted the entire family. What am I going to do now?
Altarian laid down his head and continued to cry himself to sleep.
Andoku jostled Altarian awake.
ANDOKU
Altarian? Altarian!
ALTARIAN
Huh, Andu, what are you doing?
ANDOKU
Yaro wants to talk to you.
ALTARIAN
Uh oh, I hope that’s a good thing.
Altarian looked at the clock that read, 0830.
ALTARIAN
Oh, I’ve slept all night on that desk. No wonder why my back and neck feel sore.
Altarian walked into the living room where Sannaro was waiting for him on the couch. He wiped his red, puffy eyes and sticky cheeks then sat next to Sannaro.
ALTARIAN
Good morning, Ya. How’d you sleep?
SANNARO
You look awful.
ALTARIAN
Let’s just say I got in a fight with the desk and my spirit and they won. Andu said you wanted to talk to me?
SANNARO
What’s happening isn’t your fault. When a foster child comes in to an established family, everyone has to go through a lot of adjustment. Each person reacts in a different way. Ambrika is overreacting to your addition to our family. She’s feeling things she hasn’t felt before and she’s letting them rule her developing relationship with you as a new family member, but she’s aware that you aren’t blood-related.
ALTARIAN
But, if it wasn’t for me, then you wouldn’t be going through this chaos. It’s just not fair, all I ask for is a roof over my head, clothes on my skin, and maybe, food in my stomach. I don’t want to become a problem.
SANNARO
I experienced similar chaos when Adara first brought me to the Kumani. Would you believe that Ku'an threatened to jettison me out the airlock and Filp, the former Senior Vizha'e was going to dump me back in my town untreated? Then when Ba'ia, Cherna’s mother, baby-sat me so Zhad and Adara could ask the council to become tasra, Ku'an almost took Ba'ia to the mats for watching me. Then, when I was taken to my Uncle Devasru, he and I fought constantly, my cousin Briarko tried to fight me, too. So you see, chaos is a part of the adjustment.
ALTARIAN
Well, is there anything else that you need to tell me?
SANNARO
I wanted to tell you that Lazha is a tough teacher, but I assure you, if you study hard, she’ll be your best trainer.
ALTARIAN
What do I wear to her class?
SANNARO
You’ll wear normal clothes. Once you start, Lazha will issue a solid black flight-suit to you that you’ll wear to class from then on.
ALTARIAN
Well, I’m ready, are we going?
SANNARO
Do you have any more clothes? Aren’t those the clothes you wore yesterday?
ALTARIAN
Yes they are, I’ve been borrowing from Andoku, but, don’t tell him that. Other than that, I have no more.
SANNARO
We’ll have to visit Tekla and have you measured so she can make you more clothes and you won’t have to borrow from Andoku.
ALTARIAN
Once Andu leaves, do you want me to change?
SANNARO
You can change in the bathroom.
Altarian rushed into the room, grabbed a new pair of clothes and went to the bathroom. Once he was dressed, he came out.
ALTARIAN
Are we ready now?
They walked out of the apartment to go to the Upper Flight Deck.
INT. KUMANI UPPER FLIGHT DECK
Sannaro stepped into the classroom and waved for Lazha to come to him.
She wheeled over to him and they went out into the hall.
SANNARO
Lazha, I have a new student for you.
Sannaro pointed to Altarian.
LAZHA
So you’ve chosen to take him into the pilots’ corps? At this rate, were going to have a whole defense force of Saili.
ALTARIAN
I promise that I’ll try hard to please you.
LAZHA
It won’t be easy. If you try your best, you just might pass my course. but if you do get your near-color, Sannaro is a much tougher teacher than I.
ALTARIAN
I don’t know, I think you could wipe his socks off more than he can. You can frighten even him, I heard.
LAZHA
That just makes us both dangerous to uninitiated no-colors.
ALTARIAN
Can I go to class now?
LAZHA
Sure, I’ve taken too much time out here.
She wheeled herself around and reentered the classroom.
Sannaro gave Altarian a little salute before he went to his own office.
Altarian sighed and entered the classroom.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
All the students raised their heads as he walked to an empty desk. He looked at another’s screen and put his screen on to that lesson.
LAZHA
Class, we have a new student named Altarian. He’s Senior Vizha'e Sannaro’s ward. I want to give you one word of warning, if any of you give Altarian a hard time while you’re in my class, I’ll have Sannaro give you your disciplining.
Altarian put his head down, letting his hair cover his face and he started on working on the lesson.
LAZHA
Altarian, on your screen is a schematic of the Vizha'i control board. The next page is the schematic of a shuttle’s control board, then the next is the Kumani’s control board. I’ll give you two days to study these panels before I give you a test on them. You’ll have to memorize the function of each control.
Finally, class ended, and Altarian followed the rest to the cafeteria. He got his food and found an empty table and sat down. While he ate, he pulled out his reader and buried his face in the schematic pages.
A boy sat down across from him.
BRI'AK
Aren’t you Sannaro’s new kid? Oh, yeah, my name is Bri'ak. My Yaro is your, uh, Yaro’s, I guess, Green Team-leader fighter pilot Arcas.
ALTARIAN
Yes, I am. Nice to meet you, I’m Altarian Daniakayateyak, uh, you can call me Altar.
BRI'AK
Okay, Altar. My Yaro, Arcas, has been Sannaro’s wing-man even before I was born. He always says great things about him so I thought I would say hi.
Altarian smiled and turned off his reader.
ALTARIAN
So sit down a while. What are you training for? I’m under Lazha for fighter piloting.
BRI'AK
I help my chali, Iara paint murals on the walls. It’s really fun.
ALTARIAN
You do that?! That’s beautiful, I’ve always wondered who did that! You must really impress your parents and siblings.
BRI'AK
I just have one stupid little sister Edrea. She’s a big pain in the butt. She wants to be a fighter pilot like Yaro and I hope she gets vaped on her first flight.
ALTARIAN
Well, don’t you like her? I would be glad to see my siblings again, but they died in a fire because of an attack on our planet.
BRI'AK
Just like Sannaro? Do all you Saili have terrible pasts? When we took all those Saili that were kicked off Sailia to their new planet, those guys were full of terrible stories.
ALTARIAN
No, not all of us, just most. I was on a different planet than Sailia or New Sailia, but, I would rather not talk about it.
BRI'AK
Sure.
ALTARIAN
Well, what about you? How’s your life treated you?
BRI'AK
My life has been totally boring.
ALTARIAN
Wonderfully boring, I wish I could trade my life with yours. I would be happy to carry on your life.
BRI'AK
Well, how about if my life were a little more interesting and your life was a little more boring?
ALTARIAN
Kids, always trying to make the best out of these situations.
BRI'AK
Yeah, sure.
ALTARIAN
Oh, I’m sorry, it’s hard trying to act younger than I really am.
BRI'AK
So how old are you?
ALTARIAN
Fifteen, why?
BRI'AK
So how is it hard to try to act younger than you are?
ALTARIAN
Well, I have to try to act like I’m fifteen.
BRI'AK
How else do you act?
Andoku sat down next to Altarian.
ANDOKU
He’s sometimes acts like he’s as old as my Yaro. I guess that comes with being in his situation.
BRI'AK
Ki'iwa, Andu. So what situation is he in?
ANDOKU
Well, he’s been on Intoku and taken off his planet and then a slave to pirates for, I guess, two years.
ALTARIAN
Thank you for doing that Andu!
bRI'AK
Wow, I guess it would make him sound more adult. My Yaro told me he sure grew up fast during the Zuran War.
Altarian stood up, took his tray up and then came back.
ALTARIAN
So where do we go to now?
ANDOKU
Ya told me to tell you to go to the Gym so that Edat can test you in your Self Defense proficiency.
ALTARIAN
Oh nui, I’m going to get my butt kicked. See you guys later.
Altarian walked to the gym.
INT. KUMANI GYM
He entered the gym and saw both Edat and Sannaro waiting for him.
ALTARIAN
Ki'iwa’alani, Edat, Sannaro.
EDAT
Ki'iwa, Altarian, Sannaro tells me you need to be tested in physical combat.
Sannaro handed Altarian a stack of clothes.
SANNARO
Altar, Go get changed and then meet us here.
Altarian walked over to the locker rooms. He opened a locker and pulled out a gym suit. He stripped and put on the white suit and went back to join Sannaro and Edat.
ALTARIAN
I’m ready, so, what exactly are we going to do?
EDAT
You’re going to do an H-formation kata, okay?
ALTARIAN
Um, I can’t really fight by myself. I kind of have a hard time with that.
EDAT
Oh, well, in that case, we’ll be doing a little bit of a sparring, but, you know that you’ll have to learn how to do a kata someday, okay?
Edat got in the fighting stance.
Altarian got into the stance too.
ALTARIAN
Okay.
They paced around in a circle for a while.
Edat stopped and then punched.
Altarian blocked the first and the second, but, the third hit him in his ribs and knocked the air out of him. He stumbled a few steps and steadied himself.
Altarian punched towards the stomach, kicked to the chest and tried every move he knew.
Edat blocked without breaking a sweat.
They paced around in the opposite direction for awhile, each adjusting for the next attack.
Edat caught Altarian by surprise and kicked out for Altarian’s legs.
Altarian saw it just in time to jump up.
Edat’s leg hit his right and Altarian almost fell. He caught himself just as Edat’s fist gave him a blow to his shoulder.
He jumped and kicked out trying to catch Edat’s hips.
Edat tried to shift his hips, but Altarian’s foot hit him.
EDAT
Lucky shot, kid, but you’ll have to do better to catch me off guard.
They started pacing again.
Edat kicked toward his midriff.
Altarian grabbed his leg with his fist and punched Edat in the jaw.
Edat rotated and kicked Altarian in the jaw and sent him crashing down onto the floor.
Altarian got up, wiped the small trickle of blood from his lip and landed a punch directly towards Edat’s midriff.
Edat took his fist and stopped Altarian’s punch and then flipped Altarian on the ground.
Altarian struggled, but got back up and they started pacing again.
EDAT
Ready to quit yet, kid?
Altarian shook his head and threw his leg out towards Edat’s side.
Edat swerved, but Altarian was ready and hit Edat on the other side with his fist.
EDAT
Oh, good move, kid!
Next, Altarian thrust his leg at Edat stomach again, but Edat caught it and used his leg to trip Altarian.
Altarian jumped up, yanked his foot out of the hold and flipped away from Edat. He stood there gasping and sweating, but he was ready again.
Edat stood up and walked to Sannaro.
EDAT
I think that that’s enough. Let me talk to Sannaro real quick while you get changed and will tell you your outcome.
Altarian bowed in respect and walked to the locker room.
Edat moved up to Sannaro.
EDAT
He had some good moves mostly of Tai kwon do style and street fighting.
SANNARO
I saw. He had a few surprises.
EDAT
I think I’ll award him a yellow belt, then I’ll give him private lessons like I did for you.
SANNARO
Fa’arata, Edat.
Altarian came back into the gym.
ALTARIAN
So, how did I do?
SANNARO
You’ve got a yellow belt and personal instruction with Edat.
ALTARIAN
Is that a good thing?
SANNARO
Yeah, it’s a good thing! You’re not a beginner.
ALTARIAN
Okay, I guess that’s good. So, when do I start my practicing?
SANNARO
Tomorrow, now go visit Zhad to get some relief.
Sannaro and Altarian left the gym.
INT. KUMANI HOSPITAL
They waited for Zhad to be done with his other patient.
ZHAD
So, what happened here?
He handed Altarian some Cerlacticine saturated gauze to blot his blood.
SANNARO
Edat gave Altarian his first self-defense test.
ZHAD
Oh, I see. Let’s go to an examination room so I can learn the extent of damage to his jaw, then he’s definitely entitled to Relief Special; the rubdown, bath and Catowsh.
ALTARIAN
Oh, I think that I’ll like that very much.
Altarian sat on an examination table and let Zhad tamper with his sore body. He flinched when Zhad touched the tender spot on his jaw.
ZHAD
Hmm, well, it looks like Altarian bit a blood vessel open, he also has a bruise on his jaw. Everywhere else is bruised, but other than that, I think this kid survived this test better than some of the other kids I’ve seen. You’re one lucky kid.
ALTARIAN
Well, I guess it’s all right. What do I do to heal this?
Zhad took out a cell rejuvenator.
ZHAD
Okay, open your mouth wide, Altarian.
Altarian opened up and Zhad waved it over the injury.
ZHAD
There, it’s all healed. Now, follow me and we’ll finish your treatment.
CHERNA
Ki'iwa, Altar, San, how was your day?
SANNARO
Fine.
ALTARIAN
Is anything cooked or do I have to do the cooking tonight?
CHERNA
Well=
Altarian slumped his shoulders and started trudging wearily into the kitchen.
SANNARO
We could always go to the cafeteria and eat tonight.
ALTARIAN
Ha'iko!
Altarian skipped to the door.
SANNARO
Andu, Ambri, we’re going to the cafeteria to eat, come on.
They walked into the dinner line and Altarian looked up at Sannaro.
ALTARIAN
What do they make here?
SANNARO
Anything, I suppose. I don’t really pay attention.
ALTARIAN
Do you guys have Nesrak?
CHERNA
Sure, do you want some?
ALTARIAN
Uh-huh!
SANNARO
Ew, I hate Nesrak!
ALTARIAN
Well no one said you had to like it!
CHERNA
That sounds good, Altarian. I think I’ll have some too.
They ordered their food and sat down.
Altarian couldn’t wait to have his delicious dinner while Sannaro eyed the Nesrak in disgust.
ALTARIAN
Do you have a problem? Don’t worry, it won’t jump up and bite you. Besides, it dislikes you much more than you dislike it.
Sannaro adverted his eyes to his own food.
ANDOKU
No, that’s not how it goes Ambri, you don’t know anything about fighting!
Andoku tried to hit Ambrika on the head.
She grabbed his arm and twisted it.
AMBRIKA
Well, neither do you!
Andoku howled and tried frantically flailing his arms.
Altarian looked up at them and then lowered this head and shook it.
ALTARIAN
This is hopeless, we can’t go anywhere without one of them bickering about something stupid.
SANNARO
The two of you stop before you get a sound disruption. If you do, you won’t get any allowance until the fine is paid back to me.
They stopped and looked straight into their father’s irritated eyes.
They shrank back and started eating their food quietly.
CHERNA
Where’s my discipline or have I been left out?
SANNARO
You’ll get yours later.
She shivered with delight and hurried to finish her dinner.
Altarian choked on his dinner, swallowed it quickly, and laughed silently, but enough for Sannaro to hear it.
ALTARIAN
What, I didn’t do anything. I’m the innocent one, remember?
SANNARO
Yeah, right.
Andoku leaned over to Ambrika.
ANDOKU
Uh-oh, Altarian’s going to get it.
They both started laughing out loud.
SANNARO
No, your mother’s going to get it.
CHERNA
Bring it on!
SANNARO
Later.
He flipped his hair into his face to cover his blush.
Andoku lifted his father’s hair out of his face.
ANDOKU
Look, dad’s blushing, see how orange he is!
ALTARIAN
Oh, brother!
Andoku placed his arm over Altarian’s neck and pulled him into a bear hug.
ANDOKU
Yep, that's right!
Altarian placed his hand on Andoku’s head and ruffled his hair. Then he used his hand to tickle him. Andoku squirmed and let go.
ANDOKU
Stop-that!
Altarian released Andoku and sat back up in his chair.
Everyone looked surprised at Altarian.
ALTARIAN
What?
SANNARO
That’s giving it to him! I thought you would’ve gotten mad, but a tickle fight was pretty funny. Uh-oh, protocol enforcers at seven o’clock.
PIRLO
Having fun, Sannaro?
SANNARO
I guess too much. The kids are real hyper tonight, but we’re almost done. Are all of you finished?
ALTARIAN
Yep, all done!
He wiped his sleeve across his face.
Altarian wiped his sleeve across his face.
AMBRIKA
Oh, definitely.
CHERNA
It looks like we’re all done.
Cherna, Altarian, Andoku and Ambrika walked to the conveyer belt to drop off their trays.
SANNARO
Naila’ahina, Pirlo.
Sannaro bowed slightly and walked out of the cafeteria.
Pirlo shook his head and chuckled as he watched Sannaro leave.
AMBRIKA
Sorry for the scene back there, Yaro. Are you angry at us?
Cherna swept her arm over Sannaro’s neck and pulled him to her.
CHERNA
Of course not, he’s mine to punish for tonight. Now, get ready for bed.
Altarian chuckled again, but ran softly to his and Andoku’s room before he could get in trouble.
Andoku followed and Ambrika went to her room.
SANNARO
I thought I was suppose to punish you?
CHERNA
Well, the tables have turned, follow and learn.
The door closed behind Sannaro and Cherna.
ALTARIAN'S PSYCHIC VISION
Altarian whimpered in fear in his sleep and curled up into a tight ball.
BALTAZAUR
Where is he Garvous?
GARVOUS
He should be boarding the platform to the work area, sir.
Altarian hid behind the console, hoping to elude the captain’s wrath.
Altarian snuck around to the launch pad.
The red alert sounded.
Pirates ran everywhere.
Altarian was lifted up by the scruff of his neck.
Altarian tried to kick the pirate into releasing him.
BALTAZAUR
Well, well, well, Altarian, so nice to see that you’ve come. Trowul, bring him closer.
Altarian spat in BaltAZAUR’S eyes and kicked Trowul in the shin.
Trowul dropped him and grabbed his shin.
Baltazaur grabbed Altarian.
BALTAZAUR
Foolish boy! Garvous, take him and put him into the Silence Chamber and then knife him a couple of times, then, he can go back to work. Double his load.
GARVOUS
Yes, sir.
Garvous dragged him kicking and screaming to the Silence Chamber and threw him into a large steel room.
GARVOUS
This will teach you not to misbehave!
Garvous closed the door and locked it.
The machine started to hum and clank.
JAGGAR
Ha, ha, ha! You thought you could escape me!
ALTARIAN
What are you going to do now, Jaggar?
Images formed on the metal walls.
Altarian saw the signs of death all about him. Fire coursed through the lifeless earth and the homes of the once living smoldered.
ALTARIAN
No! How could you do this to me!
JAGGAR
I don’t know, I just thought that it would be fun!
He ran to where the remnants of his house would be.
Altarian saw his family with faces twisted in agony, horror and gaping at him. He rushed up to his mother, grabbed her and held her cold body tight.
ALTARIAN
Oh mother, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to leave. Come back to me, please.
A hand grabbed him tightly.
Daniakaya looked at him with dead flame red eyes. Her skin that was falling off but she was moving.
He pulled his arm away.
Her arm broke off, still hooked on him.
He felt the hands of his family pulling him down.
He broke away, retreated from the house and ran across the field.
They grabbed at him, pleaded at him and moaned.
The smell of decay came back and every dead person was coming to seek their revenge on him.
DEAD #1
Come back, we want to play!
ALTARIAN
No, no, no!
FADE OUT.
THE END.