Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
“RAGING VENGEANCE”
EPISODE 20 – TRIAL CONTINUES
BY: LYSSA THORNE
ACT 1
FADE IN:
Plaintiff stood again.
PLAINTIFF
Your honor, I call Dr. Kenneth Togahashi, a survivor of the fire.
Ken stood up and took the stand.
PLAINTIFF
Doctor, you have two perspectives on this proceedings, you are a Bristol Camp fire survivor and a Physician of Medicine.
KEN
That's right.
PLAINTIFF
First, did you know Aurum Sannaro Damirateyak?
KEN
I did, but not well. We children were reluctant to play with the Saili kids.
PLAINTIFF
Why?
KEN
We were afraid of their telepathy. I guess we were afraid they'd violate our thoughts or something. Adam Croner liked Sannaro's older sister Varanani. He was the bravest of us all. Unfortunately, Adam died in the fire.
PLAINTIFF
Were you aware of the conflict between Sannaro Damirateyak and Jacob Arlington?
KEN
Oh, yes, they fought all the time. In fact, Jake slammed San against the wall of the school the day of the fire and bruised his ear. It made San quite sick to his stomach. He nearly vomited on Ms. M'buda.
PLAINTIFF
Anyway, would Jake Arlington steal a toy away from Sannaro Damirateyak? And would Sannaro Damirateyak retaliate by slipping into the Arlington house and steal the toy back?
KEN
Those two were a trip. Jake loved to beat on Sannaro. Sannaro was so much smaller than Jake, he'd get back at Jake in sneaky ways. Yeah, Jake would've taken anything from Sanna to see him cry. And I could see Sanna sneaking out of his house to go to the Arlington's to steal a toy back. That's just the way those two were. It must have been terrifying for Sanna to be chased under Tim Werner's house because he saw Aldinon and Arlington stealing from the warehouse. It must have been very traumatizing.
PLAINTIFF
Where were you when the fire broke out?
KEN
I was hiding on the playground at school.
PLAINTIFF
Why? Wasn't it lunch time? Shouldn't you have been home eating?
KEN
Eating what? A plank of wood? My house was empty of food. We were broke because a mine had collapsed and the company refused to pay the workers that week.
PLAINTIFF
You stayed at school and went hungry?
KEN
What else could I do? Beg from door to door? No one else had money either. We were starving in that town. I think the company was furious that fuel was disappearing from the warehouse and wanted to punish us for the loss of fuel. Then I heard this explosion and saw smoke coming from the direction of the foreman's office. I stayed in the corner of the school, cowering in terror. Then the ground shook and the air became full of flaming rock. It slammed into the houses and caught them on fire. All I could do was cower at the school and watch in horror as people ran screaming from town on fire while small sleek Astrisi fighters hovered above us. Then a short time later, the Astrisi turned toward the sky and flew away.
PLAINTIFF
Now, Doctor, do you know anything about Saili medicine?
KEN
Some, not a lot.
PLAINTIFF
In your professional opinion, if Aurum Damirateyak would've been found and rescued on Regalis, could his wounds have been tended immediately with any chances of survival?
KEN
San said he'd had second and third degree burns. That kind of destruction would've caused a hard shell of metal to cover his wounds. Without Cerlacticine, treatment would've been impossible. Saili doctors would've had to be flown from Arcturus or Belvas. There were no medical facilities here on Regalis to treat him, so they would've had to pack him up and send him to Arcturus or Belvas for any treatment.
PLAINTIFF
I've never seen this phenomenon of the hyper clotting of Saili blood. Is there a way you can show the court?
KEN
It's possible if I had Saili blood to draw from to expose it to air.
Sannaro pointed to his arm.
SANNARO
There's Saili blood right here.
PLAINTIFF
Are you offering Dr. Togahashi to draw blood from you to use it to demonstrate Saili blood clotting?
SANNARO
Draw away, Ken.
KEN
I require a medical kit with a syringe, a tourniquet, an alcohol swab and a metal bowl.
MEDIC
I'm the medic on this station. I'll get everything Dr. Togahashi needs.
He left the room for a few minutes then returned with a bag and handed it to Ken. Ken approached Sannaro.
Sannaro pulled up his sleeve and held his bare arm before Ken.
Ken wrapped the tourniquet around Sannaro's arm, swabbed the forearm just beyond the wrist, stuck the syringe in his arm and drew out bright yellow fluid. He set the syringe into a metal pan, released the tourniquet and bandaged the wound. Ken held up the metal pan.
KEN
I will pour the blood into this pan.
SANNARO
Oh, fausa, that will stink!
KEN
It's your bodily fluids, San, you know better than anyone else. Cerlacticine is an acid present in Saili blood to keep it in liquid form and keep the Saili body soft and mobile. Once Saili blood is exposed to oxygen, the Cerlacticine shortly vaporizes then dissipates. The vapor causes the stench Sannaro is talking about. Once the vapor dissipates, pure hardened metal is left behind.
Ken pushed the blood out of the syringe into the bowl. A half minute later, a wispy cloud formed above the bowl.
Several people nearby pinched their noses closed.
SANNARO
Yeah, that's what I have to deal with every time I bleed.
After one minute, Ken upended the bowl and nothing flowed out. He turned the bowl to the crowd.
KEN
Now there is a gold plating in this bowl that will not come out unless Cerlacticine is poured on the metal and quickly cleaned off. This is what happens to Saili skin that is covered with blood. By the time Sannaro arrived at any hospital that could treat him and remove this blood from his body, he would've died. If they'd seen him, they would've probably just taken him to the morgue tent and called him a loss.
Sannaro swallowed hard and felt a heavy feeling in his stomach. Suddenly, his stomach heaved. He leapt from his seat and ran toward the rear doors.
BAILEY
Where are you going? Proceedings aren't over.
Sannaro pulled away from the man then dropped to his hands and knees in time to vomit on the floor. He stayed their shaking.
Ken ran across the floor and knelt beside Sannaro.
SANNARO
I'm sorry. It's the pressure on my ears and what you just said. Oh, god, they would've let me die in the morgue?
KEN
They wouldn't have been able to treat you, San.
JUDGE GELDER
We will take a ten minute recess. Everyone, please vacate the courtroom so it can be cleaned up.
Lazha rushed to Sannaro's side.
LAZHA
Can you stand up?
SANNARO
I'll try.
Sannaro stood on his knees and swayed to his feet.
Lazha grabbed his arm and steadied him.
KEN
I think Sannaro's in shock. He needs to lay down.
LAZHA
He's not even fully healed from his crash.
KEN
I noticed the contusions on his torso when I injected him with the Gontametlazine. Come on, San, let's get you laying down.
Ken and Lazha helped Sannaro walk into another room with a cot in it and they helped him to lay down.
He laid on his side and pressed his hands to his ears.
LAZHA
San, maybe you should try taking the headband off? The attitudes have changed a bit here. You'll feel better without that pressure on your ears.
Sannaro cautiously slipped the headband off his head.
SANNARO
Attitudes have changed. No one's thinking I'm a traitor any longer.
LAZHA
That has to be a relief for you.
KEN
I'm still concerned about you, Sannaro. I want you to rest for a while.
Sannaro laid his head back down on the small pillow and closed his eyes.
INT. SECURITY OFFICE
All too soon, he heard Lazha's voice call him through the haze of sleep. He pushed back into consciousness and groaned as he opened his eyes. He sat up and laid his head on his knees.
KEN
I want to inject you with more Gontametlazine, San.
Sannaro pulled his arm out of his sleeve.
LAZHA
Oh, you sure are bruised.
SANNARO
My fighter flipped fore over aft four times before it stopped.
LAZHA
I always said that harness system saved my life several times. It definitely saved yours.
Ken injected the medicine into Sannaro's shoulder.
Sannaro dressed again.
LAZHA
Court's about ready to resume.
Sannaro pulled his fingers through his hair to make sure it was laying straight.
SANNARO
I'm ready.
They returned to the crowded courtroom.
Judge Gelder struck his gavel.
JUDGE GELDER
Is there anymore witnesses either one of you wants to call?
PLAINTIFF
Yes, your honor, I call Tim Werner to the witness stand.
Everyone in the room began to talk in excited whispers.
Judge Gelder rapped his gavel.
JUDGE GELDER
Order in the court.
Tim Werner scowled as he was led to the witness seat and sat down.
PLAINTIFF
Mr. Werner, you were also a survivor of the Bristol Camp Mine explosion?
TIM
I was. The Astrisi shot at us and caught our houses on fire! I was burned by them!
He pulled up his sleeve to show everyone his lumpy skin.
TIM (CONT.)
That’s why I hate the Astrisi!
PLAINTIFF
Where were you at the time the Astrisi landed at Bristol Camp?
TIM
I was at home, getting my lunch when those damned Astrisi landed their shuttle at the refinery across the road from our home.
PLAINTIFF
Were you still home when the fire started?
TIM
My Mom got nervous about seeing the Astrisi so she made me a sandwich and had me eat it on the way back to school. I was only a few hundred yards away from the door when the foreman office exploded.
PLAINTIFF
How did you receive your burn?
TIM
I told you! The foreman’s office exploded!
PLAINTIFF
Can you be more specific?
TIM
I’m not sure. I guess some debris that was on fire hit my arm when I lost my balance from the explosion.
PLAINTIFF
I have no further questions, Your Honor.
The Defense stood up.
DEFENSE
Mr. Werner, did you see an Astrisi at the fire?
TIM
I saw the Astrisi shuttle!
DEFENSE
Did you see a Humanoid in the Astrisi style clothing?
TIM
Well- no.
DEFENSE
So who told you the Astrisi caused the fire?
TIM
My Father told me. My father Sannaro Damirateyak murdered!
JUDGE GELDER
Mr. Werner, please limit your testimony to the Bristol Fire.
DEFENSE
Was your father a foreman?
TIM
No, he was a mining equipment engineer.
DEFENSE
Yet he survived. Where was he during the attack?
TIM
Why does that matter?
DEFENSE
Please answer the question, Mr. Werner.
PLAINTIFF
Objection, Your Honor, I fail to see the relevance of the question.
DEFENSE
Your Honor, I only want to know if the senior Mr. Werner was witness to the attack, and, as a result was Mr. Werner given accurate observations by his Father.
JUDGE GELDER
Sustained. Mr. Werner, please answer the question.
TIM
My Father was at Saratoga, buying parts for a broken down machine.
DEFENSE
So he returned to Bristol after the attack?
TIM
Yeah, he also brought some redhead lady with him who asked for a ride.
Sannaro bent toward Lazha.
SANNARO
Bob Werner gave Adara the ride to Bristol before she hid me in the shuttle!
LAZHA
Creepy.
DEFENSE
So your father only received a report second hand that the Astrisi attacked Bristol Camp?
TIM
Yeah, the other survivors told him.
DEFENSE
And stories from other people is what motivated him to create attack ships to attack the Kumani twelve years later to retaliate for the Bristol attack?
TIM
The Astrisi did attack Bristol! What other reason did he need?
DEFENSE
And that’s what this court is here to decide. No further questions, Your Honor.
JUDGE GELDER
You may step down, Mr. Werner. Do either of you have any more witnesses?
PLAINTIFF
No, your honor.
DEFENSE
No, your honor.
JUDGE GELDER
Members of the jury, in your deliberations, you need to consider these questions; was Belso of the Kumani responsible for the fire that destroyed Bristol camp, killing thirty-eight people and wounding of seventy-nine citizens of Bristol Mining Camp. Did Belso of the Kumani steal Seranium fuel from Bristol Mining Company. Did Belso of the Kumani kill Aurum Giovano Masanateyak. Is the citizens of the Kumani responsible for the destruction of Bristol Mining Camp and should be barred from conducting business within the Alliance worlds. Please follow the Bailiff and he will guide you to the room you will use to deliberate.
The jury stood and walked from the room.
Once the judge was out of the room, Ken stood and turned to Sannaro.
KEN
Hey, the jury could take hours to make their decision. I think I should check you to see if you're Gonkacha is still in remission.
SANNARO
I don't think I should wander very far around here anyway. The attitudes have changed but I still can feel some resentment. I'm not going to risk any arguments.
KEN
Good idea. Hey, I may not be your pretty wife but I want to give you a little something for it being your birthday.
LAZHA
You go on, San. I'll be fine.
Sannaro nodded and turned to Ken.
KEN
I don't know about you but I'm hungry. I'll take you to the cafeteria here on the space station and I'll give you a little birthday lunch.
SANNARO
Do they have cheeseburgers?
KEN
Were you born in Bristol?
SANNARO
Yeah.
KEN
So you answer your own question.
SANNARO
They have cheeseburgers.
KEN
Now you're thinking. Somethings never change. You always said you always looked forward to trips to Saratoga because your Mom and Dad took you to eat cheeseburgers.
SANNARO
I loved those trips with eating that food. I still love cheeseburgers and order them regularly. My wife just shakes her head and orders something else.
KEN
What was her name again?
SANNARO
Cherna.
KEN
Right, pretty name.
They entered the cafeteria, ordered their food, picked it up and sat down.
KEN
The Astrisi really didn't treat you badly. You're muscularly toned, you're confident, your eyes are bright and you still flash that impish grin of yours. I can see the grafting all over the skin you've allowed me to see. It's smooth, expertly grafted and looks to the uneducated like you were never burnt. I saw Tim's arm and winced at the damage that hasn't been tended to. I would've thought your situations would've been reversed! Tim stayed and was tended by the rescue crews. You were kidnapped and lost for twelve years. Yet, here Tim is showing his scars and you're as smooth as the last day I saw you at school.
SANNARO
I was almost floored when I heard Tim say that his father was the unknown man who gave my foster mother the ride to Bristol right before she picked me up off the ground and stowed me in the fuel shuttle.
KEN
The redhead lady Tim said asked his father for a ride was the woman who became your foster mother? Wow, incredible.
SANNARO
Yeah, she's a potter who was let off at to Saratoga to pick up some pottery clay for her shop. She was wandering the stores because she'd been told it might take a while for the fuel to be loaded. When she saw the smoke rising from the mountains, she frantically looked for someone to transport her to Bristol so she could rejoin her ship. She found a man who drove her but never learned his name. Tim just said that man was Bob Werner. That was very surprising.
KEN
So you're a pilot of shuttles now?
SANNARO
That's only one vehicle I'm certified to fly.
KEN
So it's true you shot down Bob Werner's attack plane?
SANNARO
Yes, I did and I shot down Tim's attack plane too. I'm a part of the Kumani's militia. I keep the ship from being destroyed or commandeered. I just can't sit and watch when people I care about are threatened with violence. I guess it's because of the violence I lived through in Bristol. I just can't watch without trying to stop it.
KEN
Easy, San, I'm not going to judge you about your need to defend yourself and those you care about. I can understand how the violence of your past can make you proactive. I sight similar reasons for becoming a trauma surgeon so I can help the wounded to survive because I saw so many traumatically wounded people after the fire.
SANNARO
I'm glad you understand. Many here at this trial wouldn't understand.
TAYLOR
Dr. Togahashi, Aurum Sannaro, court is resuming in five minutes.
KEN
Thank you, sir.
SANNARO
This isn't the kind of birthday I wanted but thanks for the lunch and your understanding, Ken.
KEN
My pleasure. I'm glad I could make your day a little more pleasant.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
They stood up and walked back to the theater. Soon, they resumed their seats.
Judge Gelder walked back to his table and sat down.
JUDGE GELDER
Please escort the Jury back into the room.
A court officer stepped out and returned a few minutes later with the jury behind him.
Once they were at the chairs where the jury box was made, a man stood up.
JUROR
Belso of the Kumani murdered Aurum Giovano Masanateyak- not guilty. Belso stole fuel from Bristol Camp- not guilty. Belso caused the fire that destroyed Bristol Camp by the destruction of the foreman's computer- guilty. Belso caused the indirect murder of thirty-eight people and injuring of seventy-nine- guilty.
Lazha shook her head.
JUROR (CONT.)
The Kumani is a threat to Alliance Citizens and should desist business with Alliance worlds- not guilty.
JUDGE GELDER
Since the jury acquits the Kumani of wrongdoing, but has convicted Belso of thirty-eight counts of second degree murder and the destruction of Bristol Camp, I declare Belso's surviving family must pay one million credits to the survivors of the Bristol Camp fire. Unfortunately, Aurum Damirateyak, you are a runaway. By law, I must have you taken into social work custody to be returned to your legal guardian.
Sannaro leapt from his seat and ran away from the policemen guarding the rear of the courtroom.
SANNARO
No, I won't go! Don't you care they'll kill me?
The policemen reached out to grasp Sannaro’s biceps.
TAYLOR
Easy, Aurum, come with us.
Sannaro swung his arms out to push the men’s hands away, then bent low, plowed through the Human guards and rushed through the doors at full speed. He slid on the polished floor as he made the turn and sprinted down the hall.
Lazha glared at Judge Gelder who sat in shock at the floored guards.
LAZHA
Are you satisfied? Now San is going to hide anywhere on this station and, with his telepathy, he’s quite good at eluding people!
JUDGE GELDER
By law, I have to call his uncle and have him put back in his uncle's custody. What his uncle does after he's back in custody is his uncle's business. Commander Lazha, could you please inform Aurum Damirateyak that I won't send him to Belvas? I'm sure if his uncle is well aware of the Saili's rejection of him, his uncle will decide to protect his nephew from further abuse by the Saili.
LAZHA
I can try to speak to him through his telepathy, but I don't know how he does it. I can send for his wife. She'll be better at contacting him than I can.
HUMAN #1
Astrisi, what do you think about the reparations you now owe us?
HUMAN #2
Oh, Virgil, there's a boy running in terror for his life and all you can think about is this reparation?
LAZHA
I will pay the money myself to make up for what Belso did. I want peace with Regalis. Now, I have a scared young man to locate.
HUMAN #3
What about Tim Werner?
JUDGE GELDER
Tim Werner and his Father carried out unconscionable attacks on the Kumani solely on secondhand information. Tim Werner will be retained for sentencing. But right now, we have a runaway that needs our attention at the present time.
LAZHA
Tim Werner attacked my ship. We could have executed him ourselves, but Sannaro thought using worlder law would help us heal the rift between us. The Kumani's not to blame for the Bristol Camp fire. He meant to kill everyone on the Kumani and that was wrong. Now, please, let me find my scared young friend?
No one spoke further, so Lazha left the theater.
LAZHA (CONT.)
Oh, San, the things you get yourself into!
Ken rushed to catch up with her.
KEN
You may need a doctor.
LAZHA
Thank you, but San's foster father is a very capable physician.
KEN
This is a terrible birthday for him. I wouldn't will this on anyone.
Lazha found a bench in the hallway and sat down. She pulled out her communicator.
LAZHA
Lazha to Kumani.
KI'EL
Kumani, what's up, ko'ia?
LAZHA
San's run away. I need Cherna brought to the fueling station so she can telepathically contact him and we can find him again.
KI'EL
Why did he run away?
LAZHA
The judge said he had to return him to his uncle's custody. His uncle's being summoned to Regalis.
KI'EL
Oh, great, San's worst nightmare.
LAZHA
Houk, patch me to Cherna?
KI'EL
Switching.
The screen went blank.
Shortly, Cherna showed on the screen.
CHERNA
Lazha, is San all right?
LAZHA
We have a new problem, Cherna. I need you to come to the fueling station to find San. I need to tell him the situation's not as bad as he thinks.
CHERNA
I'm on my way.
The screen blanked again.
Lazha put the communicator away.
She walked through the halls to the landing area where the shuttle was shutting down and lowering its ramp. Cherna walked out.
CHERNA
What do you want me to do, Lazha?
LAZHA
You're more familiar with San's telepathy. Would you try to contact him and tell him he's not being sent to Belvas, but his uncle's being summoned here?
CHERNA
They're sending him back to Uncle Devasru? Lazha, if Verano knows he's back with the Saili, he'll attack San again!
LAZHA
Cheri, calm down. Once Devasru comes to take San into custody, he can always leave Regalis and take San right back to the Kumani. The courts just have to give San back to his uncle because he's legally San's guardian.
CHERNA
I hope that happens. I don't want to have to leave the Kumani again.
LAZHA
I know. Would you try to call him?
CHERNA
I think I can.
She began to concentrate.
A Saili stopped before them.
CONTAMITRE
You’re going to use this child to contact Sannaro?
LAZHA
And who are you?
CONTAMITRE
Forgive my rudeness. I am Contamitre. I know Devasru Masanateyak.
CHERNA
I know Sannaro better than anyone!
CONTAMITRE
I know you do. You are Cherna Ba'iateyak, Sannaro’s bond-mate.
LAZHA
Okay, you Saili, as usual, are at an advantage. You know more than I do. The only thing I’m thinking about is convincing San to come back.
CONTAMITRE
I thoroughly agree.
LAZHA
Wait, you said you know Devasru?
CONTAMITRE
That is what I said.
LAZHA
You Saili go too fast.
CONTAMITRE
My apologies, Commander Lazha, I am a diplomat from Arcturus and I am familiar with Devasru. He spoke to me at length about his nephew and his disagreement with Dr. Verano. I was merely asking if Aurumna Cherna was going to contact Aurum Sannaro.
LAZHA
What? I’m not familiar with the terms you’re using.
CHERNA
It’s all right, Lazha, he only called me a non-Saili woman married to a Saili of the Aurum tribe. It’s an honorific. And, yes, I’m preparing to contact my husband.
CONTAMITRE
I will contact Devasru and explain the situation in greater depth than the Human court will inform him.
LAZHA
All right. Cherna, please find Sannaro. We’ll be awaiting your news, Aurum Contamitre.
Contamitre bowed and walked down the hall.
INT. HALLWAY TRAVELLING
Sannaro slipped through another hall with his telepathic senses at full alert.
He heard a Human as he walked toward him.
Sannaro looked around for a door and slipped inside, just as the Human rounded the corner. As soon as he heard the man’s footsteps fade, he left the room and rounded another turn in the corridor.
He cautiously reached his telepathy out to the nearest Human and nudged his mind to think about the shuttle bay.
The Human responded by visualizing how he would travel through the halls to go to a shuttle. Sannaro slipped from the man’s mind and looked around for a sign on the wall that would give him an idea of where he was in relation to the Human he contacted. Once he had his bearings, he moved down the hall again.
As he walked down a hallway with no doors, he sensed a Human turn the corner ahead. He looked around frantically and saw nowhere to hide. Again, Sannaro reached into the man’s mind and replaced the image of himself with the image of an empty hall.
The Human ran past him and turned down another hall.
Sannaro breathed a sigh of relief and found a small storage closet and hid inside to rest.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
San, can you hear me?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Cheri?
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Houk, San, please come back. The judge isn't going to send you back to Belvas. He's summoned Uncle Devasru to come to Regalis. You know Uncle Devasru's just as scared Verano will attack you again. As soon as you're back in Uncle Devasru's custody, they don't care what he does.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I'm afraid, Cherna. I don't want to come back until Uncle Devasru contacts me and assures me that's his plan. If I have to, I'll find a spaceship to steal and get off this station myself.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Please don't do that, you'll make your problem worse. Trust your uncle, he has your best interests in mind. Come back.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Okay, I'll come back if you stay with me.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
You know I'll stay with you, ko'io.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Please tell Lazha I’m returning and ask the security guards to stop looking for me, or, at least, not want to beat me senseless for eluding them so long.
Sannaro homed in on Cherna and walked through the halls again.
A security guard uniform jumped out in front of him at a bend in the hallway.
SECURITY GUARD
Sannaro Damirateyak, you craven coward, I’m going to beat the crap out of you for what you did to the Werners. Tim shouldn’t be in jail!
Sannaro crouched into a tiger stance.
Sannaro
I don’t agree and the courts say differently so move out of my way.
Security guard
Once you’re bleeding on the floor!
Sannaro sidestepped the Security Guard.
The Security Guard slammed into the wall.
Sannaro danced a few steps and turned around again.
The Security Guard shook his head violently and turned around again, his face deep red with anger.
SECURITY GUARD
You little rat!
SANNARO
I’m surrendering! Would you allow me to rejoin my Ship’s Commander?
SECURITY GUARD
How can you turn traitor, you little slag?
SANNARO
Why am I always asked the same stupid question? I guess you missed the trial and need a review?
Security Guard roared and pulled his gun.
Security Guard roared and pulled his gun.
Sannaro slammed the Security Guard's gun hand into the wall.
The Security Guard dropped the gun.
Sannaro raised his right elbow and jabbed the man’s cheek.
The Security Guard stumbled back a few steps before he fell to the floor.
Security Guard #2 ran around the corner and stopped behind Sannaro.
SECURITY GUARD #2
Stop fighting!
Security Guard roared and pulled his gun.
Sannaro slammed the Security Guard's gun hand into the wall.
The Security Guard dropped the gun.
Sannaro raised his right elbow and jabbed the man’s cheek.
The Security Guard stumbled back a few steps before he fell to the floor.
Security Guard #2 ran around the corner and stopped behind Sannaro.
SECURITY GUARD #2
Stop fighting!
Sannaro spun to the side to see if Security Guard #2 was going to charge.
Security Guard #1 on the floor lunged for the gun.
Sannaro rushed for the gun and stomped his right foot onto Security Guard #1'S hand.
Security Guard #1 screamed in pain and rage.
Sannaro swept up the gun and trained it on Security Guard #2.
SANNARO
Back off.
SECURITY GUARD #2
(into the microphone)
The Saili’s armed.
More men rushed around the corner with their guns ready to fire.
SECURITY GUARD #2
Put the gun down!
SANNARO
I’m trying to return to my Commander, as requested! I was attacked, damn it!
SECURITY GUARD #1
Don’t trust him! He’s a traitor! Shoot him!
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Lazha, this is getting bad! I’m surrounded by a group of security guards who want to beat me to a pulp or shoot me till I’m a lump of gold on the floor.
LAZHA (PSI V.O.)
Easy, San, Contamitre is on the way to defuse the situation.
Sannaro slowly squatted down to lay the gun on the floor.
Security Guard #1 surged from the floor and crashed onto Sannaro’s back with his fists flying into Sannaro’s head and shoulders.
Sannaro rolled to the right and slammed Security Guard #1'S back into the wall. He slipped out from under Security Guard #1 and curled up against the wall.
Contamitre and Judge Gelder turned the corner.
CONTAMITRE
Stop, do not hurt Aurum Sannaro again.
JUDGE GELDER
I will not condone the abuse of this young man! The trial is finished. Release him.
SECURITY GUARD #1
He’s a traitor to Regalis!
CONTAMITRE
How has this child betrayed Regalis?
SECURITY GUARD #1
He was one of us! He killed Werner and put Tim in jail! If anyone should have been punished, it’s this slag’s ship!
JUDGE GELDER
I can see that the residents of Regalis have no intention of complying with the decision rendered so I will have to declare the residents of Regalis in contempt of court. One million credit fine. Now, release him.
SECURITY GUARD #2
But that’s how much you told that Lazha to pay us!
JUDGE GELDER
You protest, yet you’re assaulting a minor?
SECURITY GUARD #1
Minor, my ass! I know how old he is, he’s twenty!
CONTAMITRE
And, by Saili law, a Saili is considered a minor until they are the age of twenty-four and six months. You are assaulting a Saili minor.
SECURITY GUARD #1
And he killed Werner and crashed Tim’s ship!
JUDGE GELDER
Sannaro was only defending the lives of his shipmates against an unlawful retaliation. I rendered a decision that the Astrisi Kumani was not responsible for the destruction of Bristol Camp, yet you are persisting with your belief that Sannaro must be punished for being an innocent seven year-old witness to a crime.
CONTAMITRE
Sir, if you will allow me, I will escort Aurum Sannaro to my private ship and place him into protective custody until his Uncle can take the boy home with him.
JUDGE GELDER
Please do, Aurum Ambassador Contamitre. I’ll arrange for the Social Worker that has been assigned to Sannaro’s case to meet you at your ship.
More security guards fell in behind him but didn’t confront him. After minutes of walking, he saw Cherna, rushed up to her and hugged her.
Shortly some humans approached the bench. A woman walked up to Sannaro and took his arm.
He pulled from her grasp.
SALAZAR
Aurum, I'm Jeanne Salazar, I'm a social worker here. I've been told to take you into custody until your uncle comes.
CONTAMITRE
Aurum Sannaro is Saili so he will remain in my care until he can be reunited with his Uncle Devasru. I will lead you to my ship.
SALAZAR
And who are you?
CONTAMITRE
I am Aurum Ambassador Contamitre, colleague of Aurum Sannaro’s legal guardian Aurum Devasru Masanateyak.
SALAZAR
You may lead us to your ship, Aurum Contamitre.
Sannaro took Cherna's hand and they followed Contamitre to his mid-size space yacht.
KEN
May I do a scan on Sannaro to make sure his Gonkacha hasn't surged?
CONTAMITRE
You may join us, Dr. Togahashi.
They entered and went to common room. Contamitre showed Ken and Sannaro a room with a bed in it.
CONTAMITRE
You can conduct your physical here.
EXIT CONTAMITRE
Ken pulled out a sensor and waved it over Sannaro's body.
KEN
Your Gonkacha's still in remission. You know, in many ways, your still the same Sanna I knew.
SANNARO
Is the trial finished?
KEN
Yes, Lazha's promised the survivors of Bristol Camp one million credits in reparation for Belso's second degree murder of the people of Bristol. It's not a big settlement, but at least receiving something from Belso's survivors will ease some resentment here. The population of the Kumani was acquitted of all guilt for the fire, so the Kumani can't be attacked any longer because of the fire.
SANNARO
That's good. But the judge just told my attackers that they were in contempt of court and had to pay the same as the settlement.
KEN
It seems the stress of the day's overcoming you, San. I recommend you get some sleep.
SANNARO
Sounds like a good idea. I'm crashing fast.
SALAZAR
You may take a bed, but Cherna will not share your bed. You're considered a minor here.
CONTAMITRE
I concur. You have an undeniable marriage link with Cherna, but you are still too young to be intimate with her.
Sannaro sighed in irritation, but he went into the room Ken used for his physical and laid down on the bed. Soon after, he was asleep.
Contamitre woke him again hours later.
Sannaro sat up and blinked his eyes.
CONTAMITRE
Your uncle is approaching the Fueling station. He refuses to land so we'll have to fly you to his ship. So you need to wake up and prepare yourself for the flight.
Sannaro shook his head resignedly and slipped off the bed. He returned to the waiting room and saw that Cherna was there with her hair slightly mussed too.
KEN
It's been good seeing you again, San. Maybe we'll see each other again.
SANNARO
I hope so too, Ken, but Regalis isn't a good place for me to visit.
KEN
That's for sure.
SANNARO
I wish we could have been friends as children.
KEN
Me too. Good luck, my friend.
Ken walked to the hatch to go back into the space station.
Sannaro sat down beside Cherna and took her hand.
Salazar sat across from them with her paperwork on her lap.
After a short flight, they locked with another larger space yacht.
The door cycled open and Uncle Devasru was on the other side of the door.
Salazar stepped forward.
SALAZAR
Devasru Masanateyak, I'm Jeanne Salazar. I'm a Social Worker on Regalis. We found your missing nephew.
Contamitre held up his hand in greeting and Devasru held up his own.
DEVASRU
Yes, thank you. Nice to see you again, Cherna.
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
On Regalis? You should know that's a dangerous place for you.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
The Kumani was attacked and I crash landed on Regalis.
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
Well, at least you're mostly uninjured. Wasn't yesterday your twentieth birthday?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Yes.
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
Oh yes, I sense it. You've become intimate with Cherna.
CONTAMITRE (PSI V.O.)
You’re aware they’re intimate?
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
Yes, my friend, I made the condition that he could stay with the Astrisi only if he remained celibate from Cherna until his twentieth birthday, which this is. So I’m satisfied.
CONTAMITRE (PSI V.O.)
As long as you’re satisfied.
DEVASRU
Do you have some papers for me to sign?
SALAZAR
Yes, Aurum.
Salazar set the papers onto a surface and they did all the signing.
SALAZAR
You are aware your nephew says he has a marital link with this young woman?
DEVASRU
Yes, they've had it since I was reunited with him several years ago. They're inseparable or it causes a chemical imbalance in both their minds. Thank you for finding them. Come, Sannaro, Cherna. We'll be going now.
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
Thank you for watching over my nephew, Contamitre.
CONTAMITRE (PSI V.O.)
I fully understand why Sannaro was irritated with her. She’s quite - difficult.
SALAZAR
Good luck, Aurum Masanateyak.
SALAZAR (PSI V.O.)
You'll need it with that willful child.
CONTAMITRE
Ms. Salazar, I will return you to the Regalis Space Station before I fly back to Arcturus.
SALAZAR
Thank you, Aurum Contamitre.
Contamitre bowed to Devasru and stepped back to allow the hatch to close again.
As the door swept closed, Sannaro and Devasru snorted into laughter.
SANNARO
Oh, am I that willful?
DEVASRU
Oh, yes, you're that willful. Let's break away and go find the Kumani.
SANNARO
So you are returning me to the Kumani?
DEVASRU
It's still the safest place for you. I've been watching police reports on the different worlds that have Saili colonies and Verano's still at large.
He walked to the cockpit and told his pilots to separate from Contamitre's yacht.
Sannaro and Cherna found the common room and sat down beside each other.
DEVASRU
We've been in contact with the Kumani and are set to rendezvous with her in about ten minutes. I'm glad you didn't fight the courts and make your situation worse, San.
CHERNA
For a while, he seriously thought about fighting it.
DEVASRU
That doesn't surprise me. At least Cherna can convince you to settle down and listen to people, Sannaro.
Sannaro blushed.
DEVASRU
I care deeply about keeping you alive, son. You should have trusted me I'd let you go again. Can I have a private word with you?
Sannaro nodded and stood up. Devasru led him to a small room. Once the door swept closed, Devasru turned gravely to him. He unfolded a piece of paper and handed it to him.
DEVASRU
I want to show you something I found in your room after you left Belvas.
SANNARO
Oh, shit, I forgot this?
DEVASRU
Yes, you did.
SANNARO
Righteousness is only skin deep
Like vanity and beauty.
Used by those who think their opinions matter too damned much.
They go through life telling everyone I know better than you.
And throw a fit when their advice is rejected.
Did you ever stop to think I could make my own decisions?
Did you ever stop to think I could think on my own?
Did you ever stop to think I could use my own voice?
You’re too damned busy using your mind and voice to drown out mine.
You don’t really care about me or how I feel,
Just how you appear to others;
Powerful, knowing, in control
Even though your own life is more fucked up than mine.
If ever you fall and need a helping hand.
Who will be there to pick up your stone cold heart?
Will it be someone you scourged with your tongue?
Or will you be left to bleed in the ruins of your life.
Only time will tell.
I'm sorry. I was angry when I wrote this.
DEVASRU
I got that message. I'm sorry, too. I realized after I read this that Tsekani was right, I was too hard on you. I'm here for you and I'm listening now. Can you forgive me?
SANNARO
Yes, I forgive you. I see now you were trying to protect me but I'm old enough to protect myself.
DEVASRU
Yes, you are old enough to protect yourself. I just wanted to return your poem to you. I didn't know you could write like that.
SANNARO
You'd be surprised what I can do.
DEVASRU
I'd like to learn more about you when I get the opportunity.
SANNARO
So would I. Thank you, Uncle Devasru.
DEVASRU
You're welcome.
Devasru led them back to the common room where Cherna awaited their return.
DEVASRU (CONT.)
Happy birthday and congratulations for enduring until I said you could become intimate with Cherna.
CHERNA
He lasted only one minute past his time of birth despite his body being massively bruised!
DEVASRU
Well, we're locking onto the Kumani now.
The hatch swept open and Lazha was standing on the other side of the door.
LAZHA
It's nice to see you again, Devasru.
DEVASRU
Likewise, Lazha. Take care of my nephew, as much as you can. Not that you can keep my wild nephew from straining his fighter plane till it's popping at the seams.
LAZHA
I read the maintenance reports. His Vizha'i has to be worked on more than he does and he's rarely shot.
DEVASRU
Go on, kids.
Sannaro and Cherna stepped through the hatch.
SANNARO
My family and friends have planned to have a birthday party ready for me. Would you like to stay a little longer?
DEVASRU
I’d love to. You do need some fun after what you’ve been through.
Sannaro eagerly led the way to the cafeteria.
As soon as the elevator swept open and he stepped out, he was surrounded by a sea of bodies that were rushing to hug him. Once the sea of bodies parted, he saw the buffet table with the promised chocolate birthday cake and he grinned.
SANNARO
Fa’arata, everyone. I’m so glad all of this is over.
KU'AN
But I don’t like that we had to pay out so much to those on Regalis for the fire.
SANNARO
What?
LAZHA
The Kumani was exonerated of all wrongdoing on Regalis. But Belso was decided responsible for the fire and his survivors were charged with reparations to the survivors of the fire. At least the Kumani can no longer be attacked for the fire.
SANNARO
Can I speak candidly?
LAZHA
I think you should. Your questioning was brutal, but it did reveal some feelings in you, I didn’t know you had.
SANNARO
The truth is, I’ve always been aware that I was prisoner on this ship.
The room rippled with shocked, irritated grumbling.
SANNARO (CONT.)
But, please, let me explain.
The crowd quieted.
SANNARO
Fa’arata. But I forgave you about it because. My life on Regalis wasn’t pleasant. I had to endure classmates who ridiculed me, stole from me and beat me up almost daily. I had an angry father who couldn’t control his feelings of frustration for being kept in a place he didn’t want to be and he would take out his frustrations on us by hitting us for any little thing and telepathically locking us out of his mind. My mother was in despair. My life on the Kumani wasn’t much better in the beginning, but it got better and I began to enjoy my life with the Astrisi. Zhad and Adara treated me with much kindness and understanding. I found friends who didn’t hold against me that I was an alien. That made so much difference to me and that’s why I began to love my captors. Call it Stockholm Syndrome as that attorney called it, I don’t care. When I went to my uncle’s, I found another group of people who had no tolerance toward me. That was when I realized the Astrisi treated me quite pleasantly and I wanted to return to my captors. So, even though in court, I admitted that I knew I was a prisoner on the Kumani, what I wasn’t allowed to say is that I appreciate everything you did for this traumatized, severely burned orphan. That’s why I would rather stay with the Kumani. I have friends here.
Di'ok and Danu stepped from the crowd and hugged Sannaro and Cherna.
DI'OK
And our friendship will never end, San.
DANU
Not until we all leave this life.
Sannaro pulled away from the hug.
SANNARO
Okay, speech over. Let’s eat. I’m ravenous!
Everyone laughed and opened a path to the buffet table.
Once everyone was finished with the meal Sannaro was very happy to eat with his friends and those he called family, he grinned when he was presented with the cake and everyone sang.
CROWD
Ha tana ateakili, ha moku inyo sa tu'isu sara heti'i fauka. Hu sara lukta inomi so hueko Us'uata. Hu ha'io kohura naki tai inyo kaya inomi. Ha tana ateakili, Sannaro!
SANNARO
Uncle, the song translates as, Happy Birthday, another year was faced with courage winning over your adversaries. We will celebrate your victory with a great celebration. May we meet again next year for another victory. Happy Birthday, Sannaro!
DEVASRU
They have such an odd birthday song, but I guess it mirrors their way of life.
SANNARO
The sentiment is the same and the party’s the same.
DEVASRU
You just want that chocolate cake!
SANNARO
Absolutely!
CHERNA
He wouldn’t miss it!
DANU
Sannaro, just no brudacha today. Not with all the bruising, Catowsh and the Gontametlazine you’ve been injected with.
SANNARO
Houk, Doctor.
DANU
How many times do I have to tell you, I’m an intern, not a doctor yet?
SANNARO
I’m joking, Danu! So, Uncle, how is Varanani?
DEVASRU
She’s eagerly planning on starting at the University of Belvas in the fall.
SANNARO
That’s good. Uncle, I've had a horrible few days. I crashed my fighter, had my ears brutalized by an old schoolmate, was brought to tears in an interrogation and chased through a space station.
DEVASRU
Those days were horrific, Sannaro, but look what you’ve achieved.
SANNARO
I know I’ve achieved much. I was awarded the Team-leader sash because I impressed Filp with the escape from the Werner’s warehouse, but I can’t stop feeling sad about everything that happened on Regalis. I really don’t like to kill people, Uncle Devasru.
DEVASRU
I know you don’t, but even I’ve learned that there are times a person must protect themselves from violence others want to inflict on you. Even so, it should always be a difficult choice.
SANNARO
It is a difficult choice.
Sannaro unconsciously pressed his hand against the bruise on his chest from where the seat belt dug into his chest.
SANNARO (CONT.)
But now I know how my father felt when the Gonkacha would enrage him. I don’t ever want to feel that again.
DEVASRU
And that makes me feel even deeper sorrow for my own brother and how terrible he must have felt when the rages overwhelmed him.
Sannaro bowed his head to allow his hair to hide the tears that flowed down his face.
DEVASRU
Ah, my apologies for making you feel bad on your birthday.
SANNARO
No, I’m just tired and hurting.
DEVASRU
Cherna, San is beyond exhausted.
Zhad squatted before Sannaro.
ZHAD
He sure is. He needs to go to bed.
FILP
And I’m giving you an extension of another day before you take on your new duties to recover.
Sannaro nodded weakly as Zhad and Danu helped Sannaro to stand and supported him to the elevator with Cherna close behind.
A short elevator ride later, they took him to their new apartment and helped him into bed.
Zhad and Danu nodded to Cherna before they left.
Cherna sat down on the bed beside Sannaro.
Sannaro sleepily looked up at her and smiled weakly.
Cherna stroked his cheek.
CHERNA
You’re safe now. Rest.
Sannaro pulled her down to lay beside him. He nestled his head on her shoulder. Cherna put her arms around his shoulder and sighed.
CHERNA (CONT.)
Ha tana ateakili, San. I love you.
INT. HATCH OF DEVASRU'S SHIP
The next morning, Sannaro and Cherna walked to the airlock where Uncle Devasru’s ship was still docked to the Kumani.
DEVASRU
You look much better after a good night of sleep.
SANNARO
A little better, but I still ache all over.
DEVASRU
I’m sure you will for a while.
LAZHA
It was nice to see you again, Devasru.
DEVASRU
Likewise, Commander Lazha. Please try to keep my nephew as safe as you possibly can, although I realize that’s a difficult job.
LAZHA
Yes, it is.
DEVASRU
Sannaro, I wish your birthday had been more pleasant, but my requirements about your marriage link with Cherna have been satisfactorily met.
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
You'll have her pregnant in no time. You better call me when she blossoms.
Sannaro blushed.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Last time you were all angry with me about the marriage link and now you're encouraging me?
DEVARSU (PSI V.O.)
I told you to wait until you’re twenty. You're twenty now. You've fulfilled my demand so why should I still be hard on you? Enjoy your life with her. It's time for us to leave. I think you Astrisi say until we meet again?
SANNARO
Yes, that's what we say.
Devasru held up his hand.
DEVASRU
Lazha, until we meet again.
Lazha hesitated for a second before she raised her own hand.
LAZHA
Until we meet again, Devasru.
He turned to Sannaro with his hand still up.
DEVASRU
Sannaro?
Sannaro held his hand up and shared a light scan with his uncle.
DEVASRU
Try to come visit us sometime. Until we meet again, Cherna?
CHERNA
Until we meet again, Uncle Devasru.
Devasru stepped back through the hatch and the door closed.
They heard the clang of the two ships pulling away from each other.
SANNARO
I’m so glad all this is over.
Cherna chuckled and pressed her head against his chest.
CHERNA
So am I. Now I can feel how much pain you’re still in. I think we need to go back home so you can rest.
LAZHA
I agree wholeheartedly with Cherna. I don’t want to hear a word about seeing you show your face on a flight deck, at least until tomorrow.
SANNARO
Houk, Lazha.
Sannaro put his arm around Cherna's shoulders and they walked together back to their home.
External shot of Kumani pulling away from Belvas.
SUPER: CONTAMITRE
You almost got him this time but he outsmarted you. His training is progressing nicely.
SUPER: FEMALE VOICE
Nice disguise, Tarek. You may have blocked Verano but this isn't over. Let's see how he handles a full scale war. You want training? I'll give him training he'll never forget.
FADE OUT.
THE END.
Sannaro nodded and they went back into the waiting room. Sannaro sat down beside Cherna again. Soon, he found himself feeling fuzzy headed.
Sannaro screwed his eyes shut.
Why do they have to do this to me? I can't go back to the Saili!
KEN
It's the law. They're bound by oath to uphold it, including returning you to your proper guardian. Once your guardian has you in custody, the courts end their involvement and your uncle is free to take you anywhere he wants to. Your commander's sure your uncle will give you back to the Kumani. You know, San, you're as distrustful of - what did you call it, worlder law, as the rest of the Astrisi.
SANNARO
The Saili Social Worker who injected me with an experimental mind wiping serum was sanctioned by the Saili government! They helped Verano escape before he was arrested by the Belvan Saili Police. Why shouldn't I be afraid of my own people?
KEN
Was it voluntary?
SANNARO
Hell, no! He kidnapped me and injected it into me while I was tied up hand and foot with ear shackles on my ears!
KEN
Oh, this is very disturbing. And he was sanctioned by the Saili government?
SANNARO
That's what Ambassador Eradano uncovered when he investigated it. Top ranking Saili politicians were supporting his research! I was almost put into the Human Witness Protection Program, but my uncle decided I was probably safer wandering space with the Astrisi.
KEN
There seems to be some Saili who are on your side, like Ambassador Contamitre, so trust your uncle that he'll continue to protect you.
SANNARO
I guess I have to, but it still scares me.
KEN
Let's go back out.