Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
TWO BROTHER'S NIGHTMARE
EPISODE 27 - NIGHTMARES
BY: LYSSA THORNE
FADE IN;
INT. NAMURA
Days later, the Namura caught up with the modified Gasbajan Sjujeenya Parik had described to Jon and Mat.
Somehow, Di'ok felt his stomach drop at seeing the ship that had depressed Sannaro terribly after he’d swept over Ilbari and remembered the devastation of the world he’d lived on. Still, it was too late to turn back now. The monitor lit up with the image of a wispy alien with dark brown fuzz on his head who spoke with a hissing voice that had difficulty forming the hard consonant sounds.
SIKZIK
Ambassadors, we welcome you to open dialogue between our people. We will allow your vessel to land on ours. Our leader is eager to meet you.
JON
Thank you, I look forward to your dialog.
ZERBECK
That went better than I expected.
Jon followed the landing information he’d been given.
After they parked the Namura, they were led through a sea of off-white hissing aliens watching with large eyes as they passed into the central part of the ship.
They met with a spindly alien wearing a grander tunic of rainbow colors sweeping down to his two-tentacle feet. Around his triangular head was a cloth headband with gems sewn into the fabric.
SIKZIK
I am Sikzik. I lead here.
JON
I’m Ambassador Jonathan Daniels and with me is Ambassadors Zerbeck Matauni and Parik with his aide Di'ok. May we go somewhere to discuss our mutual concerns about your presence within the borders of our alliance?
SIKZIK
You will follow.
He glanced sideways toward one of his subordinates. They walked into an open room, oddly without furniture.
DI'OK
I don’t like this.
PARIK
Patience.
JON
The Terran Planetary Alliance my colleagues represent is concerned about your presence in our space, Leader Sikzik. Is there something my people can help you with so you may consider stopping the attacks on our citizens?
SIKZIK
We are in dire need of new technologies. Our expanding culture requires this.
ZERBECK
Perhaps we can draw up a commerce agreement?
SIKZIK
All I require is information.
PARIK
What kind?
SIKZIK
The Astrisi are old enemies of ours. We require knowledge of how to defeat them.
ZERBECK
We can’t do that.
JON
Ambassador Parik is Astrisi.
SIKZIK
That is a shame!
Zuran soldiers entered the room and surrounded the delegation.
SIKZIK
Now for my conditions, you will tell me everything I need to defeat your combined force.
ZERBECK
Not in this lifetime!
Parik and Di'ok moved into defensive positions.
Sikzik nodded his head and the soldiers closed in.
Parik and Di'ok struck out at the soldiers holding off impossible odds for a few minutes before they were set upon by a mob and beaten to the floor with tentacles snapped like whips.
Zerbeck also joined the fray and was equally beaten.
Despite his refusal to fight, Jon Daniels was also ravaged.
Once the battle was finished, the ambassadors and Di'ok were savaged off the floor and dragged to a cell.
ZERBECK
I told you that bringing damned Astrisi would screw up the mission!
JON
I’m dismayed with you, Zerbeck. In the years I’ve known you, I’d thought you beyond racial discrimination.
Di'ok winced as he touched a knot on his head.
DI'OK
We meet them everywhere- people unwilling to open their minds to see that we’re planetless people just trying to survive.
JON
I understand. My wife’s people are native to Alpha Centauri Seven. Their numbers are dwindling because more of their nomadic lands are being taken by colonists and they’re dying from murderers who seem to hunt them for sport. Several years ago, Marcayo had to go undercover to bring a serial murderer to justice after my wife’s brother was killed.
Parik wiped blood from his eyes.
PARIK
I’ve heard about them. They are nomadic technophobes who wander your less habitable lands.
ZERBECK
Now that we’ve had our sociology lesson for today, how the hell are we getting out of here?Zerbeck
Brilliant, gypsy!
Di'ok walked over to the door and inserted his fingers to put pressure on the doors to pry them apart.
After a minute of effort, his fingers slipped out of the groove.
DI'OK
At least we know more than we did before!
ZERBECK
Logic would suggest they’d lock the doors!
JON
Our condition would be greatly improved if you would silence the racial commentary, Matauni. The Astrisi have more experience in surviving adverse situations.
Zerbeck snorted and sat down in a far corner.
As time passed, Di'ok found another corner and slid his back down the wall and cradled his aching head.
PARIK
The worried look you had on your face on our arrival was founded, Di'ok. It seems your continued association with Vizha'e has given you a creditable instinct for danger.
DI'OK
Like that helped us any.
PARIK
Depression doesn’t become you, Di'ok. I’m too accustomed to your ebullient self.
DI'OK
How can I stay ebullient when my head’s throbbing? Like I said to the ambassadors before you joined us on the Yorktown, heroism is San and Cheri’s job.
The door whooshed open and a group of Zuran soldiers entered with their tentacle fingers wrapped around lasers pointed menacingly toward them. Two Zurans broke away from the group, wrapped their fingers tightly around Di'ok’s arms and pulled him off the floor.
PARIK
Where are you taking him?
Parik was rewarded with a tentacle snapped across his face, sending him spinning.
The Zurans dragged Di'ok out the door. The armed soldiers backed out of the room, blocking the exit as the door snapped shut again.
Di'ok glared at Sikzik even though his arms were still tightly wound by the two Zurans.
SIKZIK
You have two choices, youngling, you may tell me the information I want or you may die.
DI'OK
Death is better than betrayal of my people!
SIKZIK
Death would be a release for you. Perhaps pain will be more persuasive?
DI'OK
I am Astrisi! Threats do not intimidate me!
He was repaid with a tentacle across his own cheek in the same fashion as Parik a few minutes ago.
DI'OK
As Humans say, go to hell!
The leader of the Zurans picked a device up from a table and approached Di'ok. Sikzik’s toes wagged in anticipation and twinned around the Di'ok’s legs.
SIKZIK
Our wise-ones call this a Neural Stimulator. Do you want a demonstration of how it works or do you want for us to talk?
DI'OK
I have nothing to say to you.
The device pressed against his neck and Di'ok shrieked in pain.
INT. KUMANI SANNARO'S APARTMENT
Sannaro bolted up in bed, shrieking loud enough to shake the whole ship.
Cherna joined her voice to his as she surged from bed to shiver in shock beside their bed.
The doorbell rang a minute later.
SU'AR (V.O.)
Sannaro, Cherna, answer or I will force entry!
Cherna shook herself out of shock, pull on her robe, then she ran to the door.
SU'AR (V.O.)
What was that?
Cherna brought Su'ar into the bedroom.
Sannaro still couldn’t get his sobbing under control as the horrible images continued to flash through his mind.
CHERNA
We were asleep when Sannaro suddenly let out with a scream, Su'ar. I was so startled, I screamed too and jumped out of bed.
Su'ar moved around Cherna and approached Sannaro.
SU'AR
San?
SANNARO
I had a bad dream.
SU'AR
It must have been one terrible bad dream! You know I’m going to have to cite you for a class one sound disruption?
SANNARO
I understand and accept it. I must have awakened the whole ship.
SU'AR
I wouldn’t be surprised.
Su'ar filled out his report.
The doorbell rang again.
CHERNA
Akla.
Zhad rushed into the bedroom, wearing his robe and carrying a med-kit in his hands.
ZHAD
Is Sannaro ill?
CHERNA
Nui, he just had a horrible nightmare. He’s still in shock about it. Su'ar is giving us a Sound Disruption citation.
Sannaro was still in bed hugging his quilt tightly around himself, trying to contain his shivers as he signed his name to the electronic citation.
Su'ar gave an apologetic shrug, nodded at Cherna and Zhad, then walked out.
Zhad moved in beside Sannaro and pulled out a scanner.
ZHAD
All of your vital signs are very agitated. I’ll give you a sedative to help you relax.
He filled an injector with a small vial of liquid and pressed it into Sannaro’s tight neck. Sannaro felt his muscles relax as soon as Zhad had returned the injector to his bag.
SANNARO
I saw Di'ok being held in bonds, he was being beaten. Then a device was pressed into his neck and the pain was so intense! It hurt like I was being burned again!
He rubbed his arms as if he could feel the scarred skin long since removed and replaced with skin grafts by Zhad. Sannaro drew his legs up and buried his head between his knees. His sobs were so deep, it made his chest ache.
Cherna sat behind him and wrapped her arms around him.
He was grateful that her body warmed his back.
Zhad squatted beside the bed.
ZHAD
I don’t understand this! Di'ok’s aboard the ADS Yorktown. Why would San have such a violent nightmare, seeing Di'ok in horrible agony?
LAZHA
Because Di'ok’s not on board the Yorktown.
Lazha stood at the bedroom door.
Zhad, Cherna and Sannaro looked up at her.
Sannaro embraced Cherna’s arms as he calmed himself to listen to Lazha.
Lazha leaned against the door frame.
LAZHA (CONT.)
Parik’s gone. Ki'el’s admitted to me that several days ago Parik asked Ki'el to assign Ko'epe to take over Di'ok’s duties so Di'ok could be assigned to Ambassadors Daniels and Zerbeck for a special mission. Parik scared my tasra into silence until now.
ZHAD
Parik doing covert deals? That’s not at all like Parik!
LAZHA
I can’t explain it either, Zhad! San, I’m sorry you had such a traumatic dream. Commander Leighson has been asking Speaker Bell if he has any more information about why the Namura suddenly left the Yorktown heading into deep space. I’ll ask him after sleep cycle if he’s learned anything.
SANNARO
Houk. Lazha.
ZHAD
Now, I think San needs to return to sleep.
LAZHA
I’ll see you in the morning, San.
EXT. LAZHA.
Zhad packed up his bag.
CHERNA
Can you give me a sedative, too,
Zhad?
ZHAD
Sure.
He refilled the injector with a different vial and injected her.
She kissed his cheek before he left, then she took off her robe and returned to bed.
INT. KUMANI ISP APARTMENT
Marc yelped as he surged up in his bunk.
MARC
Uksake, what was that?
JIM
It sounded like someone screaming!
SID
They weren't kidding when they said sounds carry around here! Did you hear that scream?
MARC
Couldn't help it.
JIM
Was it a woman or a man? I couldn't tell.
SID
Who could know, Jimmy. Shall we call the bridge to ask what's up?
MARC
It sounded to me like a dying Sinvati!
Marc stood up.
Jim climbed down and went to the computer in the living room.
JIM
Computer, call the bridge.
KI'EL
Bridge.
JIM
This is Jim Meyers from the ISP. We just heard a scream from our room.
KI'EL
The Protocol Enforcers have taken care of the disturbance. Someone had a bad dream.
JIM
You guys weren't kidding when you said sound carries around here.
KI'EL
No, we weren't, but everything should be quieted down now.
JIM
Thanks.
Jim broke the line.
SID
A nightmare?
JIM
That's what he said. Let's get back to bed.
They began to move back toward their rooms when the computer sounded again.
Jim returned to it and turned it on.
KI'EL
Sorry to bother you. I have a communication for Marc Daniels.
MARC
I'll take it.
Sid and Jim went back to their bedrooms.
The computer screen flickered then was replaced by Howard Bell.
MARC
Speaker Bell, I apologize for my state of dress. We’re currently in night mode here.
BELL
That's quite all right, Marc, I have urgent news.
MARC
What?
BELL
I'm afraid your father and Ambassador Zerbeck have embarked on another attempt at your former mission on the Namura.
MARC
By themselves?
BELL
It’s rumored that they also took the Senior Councilman of the Kumani and an interpreter several days ago. We’ve since lost contact with the Delegates. I'm sorry.
Marc sat down hard on the computer chair.
Jim rushed back out into the living room to find out what the noise was about.
MARC
Thank you, Speaker Bell Thank you for telling me. Good night, sir.
JIM
Marc?
Marc stood up shakily to face his partner.
MARC
My father and Uncle Mat took off in the Namura a few days ago to try the negotiations again. They've lost contact with the Namura.
JIM
She's lost?
MARC
That's what Speaker Bell implied.
JIM
I'm sorry, Marc!
Marc swept out of the living room, back to their room. He jumped into the bunk and pulled his covers over his head. He heard Jim climb back onto the bunk.
INT. SANNARO'S OFFICE
The next morning, Sannaro tried to busy himself with paperwork in his office, ignoring the incessant itching in his ears. He rubbed the central nerve running in a Y-shape from his major point and secondary point, then to his lobe to disrupt the involuntary sendings of those around him.
An intimately familiar presence loomed over him, but he chose to pick up a report from the engineers who were repairing Tisa’s Vizha'i.
CHERNA
I know you know I’m here, Sannaro! You knew when I walked up the stairs.
SANNARO
I have no better clue about last night than any other speculator so what’s there to talk about?
CHERNA
Everything!
She rushed in, snatched the report from his hands and slammed it to his desk.
CHERNA (CONT.)
You scared this whole ship last night and I want an explanation! You sure weren’t forthcoming at breakfast. Now, I want some answers!
Sannaro tiredly put his head in his hands.
CHERNA
Are you just going to ignore me? I’ll make you pay attention to me if I have to drag you down to the mats!
Sannaro sighed and dropped his hands.
SANNARO
I’m trying to answer your question. I just don’t know what to tell you.
She bent over his desk and took his hand.
CHERNA
Sannaro, you’re worrying me.
He yanked his hand away and rushed over to the far corner of the room.
SANNARO
I’m sorry. The images were very disturbing. I need some time to think. When I have some answers, I promise I’ll share them with you, but it’s all everyone’s thinking about and their chatter’s driving me crazy. I didn’t mean to shut you out.
CHERNA
I’m sorry too, but you scared me last night.
SANNARO
I scared me too. But with Saili, we never know if our dreams are our own dreams or someone else who doesn’t know they’re projecting. Saili telepathy’s very sensitive. I need some time to think on it and decide who’s dream I had last night.
CHERNA
I will accept that for now.
Cherna stroked his ear.
He shuttered and closed his eyes to revel in the sensuous pleasure. The sensations eased and he reopened his eyes.
CHERNA (CONT.)
But when you figure anything out, I want to know. All right?
SANNARO
All right.
Sannaro brushed her hair with his cheek before he sat back down.
Cherna,
Good, just don’t allow people’s thoughts to hurt you, San.
EXT. CHERNA
Just as Sannaro had returned to the report about Tisa’s Vizha'i, he felt an ISP man thinking about him as he climbed the stairs and stopped at his door.
SANNARO
Enter.
Jim entered nervously.
JIM
Uh, I didn’t even ring the bell.
SANNARO
I knew you were there.
JIM
Oh, right. I found a burned out relay on the cruiser. I need to know who I ask to appropriate a replacement.
Sannaro typed some commands into his computer and brought up a requisition form.
SANNARO
Fill this out and I’ll send it to Metei, our senior engineer. He’ll bring it to your ship.
JIM
Who was that- Maytay?
SANNARO
As you would pronounce it.
JIM
Thanks. Hey, I’m sorry you had such a horrible nightmare last night. I sure have had my share.
Jim began to type on the keyboard.
Sannaro slumped in his chair.
SANNARO
I just wish everyone would stop talking about it.
JIM
Why’s that?
SANNARO
How would you feel if you heard anyone who says your name?
JIM
Bothered. Why, do you really hear when anyone says your name?
SANNARO
I do. But mostly I ignore it as soon as I hear it. Everyone’s entitled to have private conversations, even if it’s about me. Most of the time it’s just a few times a day. That doesn’t bother me, but when I hear my name spoken two-hundred times an hour, it gets real irritating.
JIM
Maddening is more like it!
SANNARO
I think you’re right; maddening.
JIM
I think I have a new appreciation for telepathy. I’m finished.
He turned the screen back to Sannaro and replaced the keyboard.
Sannaro typed a code in and sent it.
SANNARO
Your part should arrive in twenty to thirty minutes.
JIM
Thanks again. I think I’ll wait for it at the cruiser.
SANNARO
You’re welcome, Jim.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
Just as Sannaro settled in to work again, the intercom sounded. Sannaro sighed then opened the channel. Lazha's billowing curled hair the color of their cherished firebird only accentuated the blue tinged bags under her eyes and the downturn of her tight lips.
LAZHA
San, I want to talk to you in my office.
SANNARO
It looks like you should have asked Zhad for a sedative last night, too.
Her green eyes flashed for a few seconds before they extinguished to hardness.
SANNARO
I’m coming.
He closed the channel then walked over to the office across the hall where Hadah was working. He laid a hand on the banister to the stairs.
SANNARO (CONT.)
Hadah, Lazha wants to talk with me in her office. I’ll be there if you need me.
HADAH
Houk, San.
INT. KUMANI BRIDGE
Sannaro left the elevator outside of the heavy bulkhead that separated the rest of the ship from the bridge. The hatch was naturally open since they weren’t under threat conditions.
He walked through onto the upper level that was a balcony encircling the command well where equipment and some work stations faced the wall. A few paces into the balcony, stairs went down into the main floor of the bridge.
He stepped down to the floor and located Lazha’s second-in-command.
SANNARO
Retal, I’ve been called to Lazha’s office.
RETAL
Houk, San, I was informed. Go on.
Sannaro made a tight U-turn to the door and rang the bell.
LAZHA
Come in.
The door opened.
Sannaro entered, shuddering involuntarily as he slipped through the tight opening between the corner of her desk and the door frame to reach the single guest chair that was almost pushed against the small cot under the slope of the stairs.
SANNARO
If I’m short and I almost hit my head, I wonder how normal size people can take this office?
LAZHA
That’s why I mostly greet outsiders in the Council room.
SANNARO
How did Belso take this place?
LAZHA
I’m surprised you would speak his name, San. He’s who forced you to become one of us.
SANNARO
You imply I should still be angry with him? You know the fuel dispute wasn’t his fault, but the fault of my father’s foreman. Belso had to have that fuel or this ship would’ve caused a firefall on my planet. Either way my family and I would’ve been burned.
LAZHA
I’m sure my predecessor’s smiling. He knew when to duck. Now, it’s time for business. I’ve been contacted by Commander Leighson who spoke with Speaker Bell. All evidence they’ve managed to find points to a second attempt by the ambassadors to open dialogue with the Zurans, but this time they seem to have convinced Parik to join them. Parik chose Di'ok to accompany him as a translator.
Sannaro sat down hard on the small chair, feeling like he had just been catapulted into space without his Vizha'i.
LAZHA (CONT.)
We have no idea what happened to the Namura after leaving the Yorktown.
SANNARO
So Di'ok could be in danger?
LAZHA
We have no information to support or dispute that.
Sannaro screwed his eyes shut until he saw flashes of color on his eyelids as if he was in a space battle.
LAZHA
San?
He felt her touch on his shoulder. Images flashed through his mind of strategies, frustrations about minor and major problems on ship and off ship, irritation toward Parik for leaving without asking her, anger toward Ki'el for not telling her about reassigning Di'ok at Parik’s insistence, worry about Parik and Di'ok and him as she wished he’d open his eyes and give her an explanation.
SANNARO
I can’t explain any better to you than I could with Cherna!
He pushed Lazha’s hand off his shoulder and rushed out the door.
He bumped into the communications station, sending the current communications specialist flying out of his chair. Sannaro collapsed onto that chair, holding onto it like if he wished hard enough, his friend would return through that chair.
Retal rushed over and squatted down beside Sannaro.
RETAL
San, calm down. Let go of the chair. Di'ok will be all right.
SANNARO
You don’t know that!
RETAL
And neither do you.
Sannaro looked up and took a deep shaky breath.
RETAL (CONT.)
You may be telepathic, but even you can’t know what's happening parsecs away. Maybe it’s Cherna worrying about her brother, or Danu worrying about his friend, or Ba'ia and Ku'an scared for their son, or Ki'el feeling guilty about allowing Parik to convince him to reassign Di'ok. There are dozens of people on this ship who’re worried about the disappearance of Parik and Di'ok. You could be picking up on dozens of worried minds.
SANNARO
That’s the best explanation I’ve heard yet. Everyone’s been asking me to explain it, but I couldn’t. Thank you for giving me a suggestion, Retal.
RETAL
Someone had to get you off of the Comm seat.
SANNARO
You can have your seat back, Lirei.
LIREI
Thanks, San.
LAZHA
Sorry, I forgot about your claustrophobia. It amazes me that a claustrophobic could be a Vizha'i pilot.
SANNARO
I don’t feel enclosed in the Vizha'i because of the large canopy. Besides, I’m in full control of a Vizha'i.
LAZHA
So control or lack of control is what triggers it?
SANNARO
There’s never been any question about my ability to fight!
LAZHA
I didn’t say that.
SANNARO
You thought it!
LAZHA
You should know what one thinks isn’t always the same as what they say! You know self-correction’s just as important.
Sannaro dropped his head so his hair flopped in front of his face.
She ducked to look through his dark veil of hair.
LAZHA
Many of us have irrational fears, triggered at uncontrolled times. If all people were judged on that account, no one would be allowed to do anything. I’m not saying you shouldn’t be Vizha'e because you have claustrophobia. I was just observing that small places combined with a loss of control is what sets off your claustrophobia. I need you calm so you can do your job! As long as you’re snapping at people and constantly taking offense, I can’t get any work out of you.
Sannaro nodded and brushed his hair behind his ears again.
LAZHA
I’ll ask Hadah if he could allow you some time off so you can get your balance back.
SANNARO
Okay.
LAZHA
Now you can go.
Lazha reversed herself back down the stairs.
Sannaro finished the climb and entered the hallway.
INT. KUMANI SANNARO'S OFFICE
Sannaro returned to his office to finish the work he had before he took the time off Lazha offered him.
As he descended the stairs, he sensed a broody ISP mind under the stairwell. He circled the stairs and found a man sitting in the dark on a chair. Sannaro stretched up to lay his hands on the stair support.
SANNARO
Relax, my friend. What are you doing hiding here, Marc?
Marc was slouched in the chair with his arms crossed on his chest.
MARC
Thinking.
SANNARO
Your father’s disappearance, it has hurt you deeply.
MARC
I’m trying.
SANNARO
I know, but the war must be considered first.
MARC
Do you actually believe that yourself? Your best friend went with them!
Sannaro swallowed nervously.
MARC (CONT.)
No, you don’t believe it. It’s just garbage you’ve been told!
SANNARO
It is very hard to accept, but at this time our responsibility is to those here.
MARC
Responsibility be damned!
Sannaro saw Marc’s face was turning a more vivid blue as his anger escalated.
SANNARO
Is that what you’ve had all the training for, to throw it all away for a spur of the moment decision? I haven’t deserted my people yet and I’ve been having nightmares about him since! Be patient, our time will come.
MARC
Will it before my father's dead?
SANNARO
If he is a responsible man, he will understand. If he does die, he will be beyond pain.
MARC
But I won't!
SANNARO
That is a risk we accepted when we chose the career we pursue.
MARC
You’re right. I knew what I was getting into when I joined the academy. My judgment was clouded with personal feelings.
SANNARO
Don’t discount your personal feelings. You just need to reserve them until they have their uses. Everything has validity.
MARC
You’re quite a guy, Sannaro. You must have all ready experienced a lot.
SANNARO
Well, my life hasn’t been the easiest, but I’ve managed. Even Arcas is worried, Marc. Parik is his father. Our time will come to find them. For now we must wait and fight this war with our friends here.
MARC
But Speaker Bell said my father was talking about continuing our aborted mission. What if they were captured by the Zurans?
Sannaro’s mouth tightened.
ARCAS
That’s right, San.
Arcas stood at the door to the flight line.
SANNARO
We fight this war!
ARCAS
That blood red stripe has gone to your head! Will it be the blood of our loved ones before we act?
SANNARO
We are acting, Arcas! We’re heading out to engage the Zurans! It isn’t the time to abandon our positions and run off on our own!
ARCAS
When you look at your prized sash, Sannaro, think of that streak of blood across that tail!
Arcas walked out of the lounge.
Sannaro gaped at the door, then heaved a big sigh and went home.
INT. KUMANI ISP APARTMENT
Later, in the evening, Jim walked into their quarters and found Marc sitting at the computer, scrolling through a long list. Above the list was a header that showed it was the Astrisi's public library files.
JIM
Checking out some native literature?
MARC
I'm trying to find something.
JIM
What? It's the Astrisi database. What can you find in there?
MARC
Schematics.
JIM
Of what?
MARC
That ship the invaders are flying. I heard some Astrisi say it once belonged to a race they knew as the Gasbajans. They called the ship a Sue-jean-eeya or something like that. I want to see if it's in here, but I think I'm spelling and pronouncing it wrong.
JIM
I thought it was a jhoo-jheen-ee-ya.
The computer flashed then highlighted an entry.
MARC
You did it! It's right here- Gasbajan S-J-U-J-E-E-N-Y-A and they do have schematics! Thanks, partner!
JIM
What are you going to do with them?
MARC
Just want to look at them.
Jim nodded his head in wonder then headed to the kitchen to browse for a snack.
LATER
The next day, Sid was sitting in the living room reading when he looked over at the computer still being occupied by Marc staring at schematics on the screen.
SID
Don't you think you need to give your eyes a rest?
Marc waved his hand through the air like he was waving the suggestion off. His eyes never left the screen.
Jim walked in.
SID
Jimmy, tell your nutty partner to stop tying up the computer.
JIM
Why? Do you have something you want to do?
SID
No, it's just that he hasn't left there since I got home. He's hardly even blinked!
JIM
Brocana have greater tolerance for light. I don't see any harm in it.
SID
He's your partner.
Sid shrugged then returned to his reading.
INT. KUMANI, SANNARO'S APARTMENT
Days later, Sannaro was feeling better after spending several sedated days asleep. He stood at the mirror in the bathroom preparing to brush his teeth when he noticed several days of not cutting his hair was showing. It was now to his mid back.
SANNARO
Astrisi men have to shave their faces. I have to cut my hair.
As he reached to pick up his scissors, Cherna’s hand covered his own. She took the scissors.
CHERNA
Let me do it. You chop it so unevenly.
SANNARO
It doesn’t matter. It just grows back evenly in one minute anyway.
CHERNA
No wonder there are no Saili barbers!
Cherna measured a small amount of his hair carefully and snipped.
SANNARO
You’re so slow! Fausa, is that a tinge of green on my eyelids?
Cherna slapped his shoulder.
CHERNA
And you’re so messy! Astrisi men make less mess shaving.
SANNARO
But I don’t have facial hair, just eyebrows.
CHERNA
And magically quick-growing hair on your head!
She wiggled her fingers over his head.
He couldn’t suppress a chuckle.
SANNARO
Come on, let me do it quicker, Cherna! I have to get to work in half-an-hour and I’m not in my flight suit yet.
CHERNA
All right.
She grabbed his full mane and made one large cut. She stood with a handful of midnight blue hair and watched in wonder as Sannaro’s hair lengthened till it brushed his muscular shoulder blades, then stopped.
He gave her a quick kiss then rushed to the bedroom.
Shortly he was out again in his formfitting black and red suit, carrying his red boots and gloves.
He returned to the chair to pull on his boots as Cherna walked over to a shelf, picked up his sash and dangled it over his head.
He grabbed the cloth and stuffed it between his thigh and the chair, then returned to pulling on his boots.
SANNARO
Cherna!
CHERNA
You’re sour this morning.
SANNARO
You have duty today too.
CHERNA
But I already have my flight suit on, darling. I’m ready. I’m just waiting on you!
He snapped his sash before he wrapped it around his waist and tied it, then pulled on his gloves.
SANNARO
Arcas was angry at me days ago because I caught him considering on flying off by himself to find Parik. I told him to pay attention to his duties. He told me the vermilion stripe on my sash stood for his father’s blood before he left. It’s bothered me since.
CHERNA
You were right to call him back to his duties. Now that we’re pulled out, we’re committed to this war. I worry about my brother too.
SANNARO
I know. We need to go.
They left the apartment together to go up to the flight deck.
Sannaro immediately went to his office, passing Arcas who glared at him as Sannaro passed his Vizha'i.
He sat down, found a report and began to work.
After an interminable time, the ship bucked and the klaxons blared.
KI'EL (V.O.)
Battle Alert, Battle Alert, Zurans attacking at coordinates 677837.9.
Sannaro jumped up and ran down the stairs close on Hadah’s heels.
They grabbed up their helmets and ran out to their Vizha'i.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
INT./EXT. SANNARO'S VIZHA'I - SPACE
Sannaro was propelled into space and they flew toward the invader’s shuttles.
SANNARO
Arcas, concentrate.
ARCAS (V.O.)
Right.
SANNARO
You can’t rescue your father if you’re dead!
Sannaro turned his attention to the battle.
He wheeled and dove engaging one after another Zuran in battle. He was more comfortable now about not being able to sense the enemy by practicing in the simulators where he couldn’t use his sixth sense. He actually found himself improving his flying skills.
MARC (V.O.)
I’m tailed. Request assist, over.
SANNARO
Coming.
Sannaro lined the shuttle in his sights and fired. He pulled up just as the shuttle tumbled and exploded.
MARC
Thanks.
Sannaro also rolled to find another target.
After a few more kills, the Zurans turned and retreated.
HADAH
Let’s retreat. Good work.
Sannaro joined his team in formation and flew back to the Kumani.
A while later, they were all landed and were doing their post battle activities.
Sannaro found himself having to take reports by each Team-leader about damage, casualties and injuries. It took him the rest of the day before he was able to give Hadah the full post battle report.
Sannaro finished and presented the report in Hadah’s office.
HADAH
We didn’t do too bad. At least our injuries are easily healed and fatalities were minimal. You look beat, San. Go get some dinner and turn in.
SANNARO
I think I will.
HADAH
How’s the nightmares?
SANNARO
The last few nights I was seriously drugged to recover. Now I’m back to work, I can’t be nearly as drugged tonight, but I desperately hope I don’t have another one.
HADAH
I do too, San. Go get some dinner.
SANNARO
Houk, Hadah.
Sannaro went home.
INT. KUMANI, SANNARO'S APARTMENT
Sannaro turned over in sleep and whimpered. With burning eyes, he looked up.
SANNARO'S NIGHTMARE VISION
Above him was a spindly cream-white being with tentacle fingers wrapped around his arm. He whimpered again.
DI'OK (V.O.)
Don’t hurt me, please!
Wisps of red hair fell over his vision.
The being raised his hand to show its tentacle encircling the same device he’d seen before.
He whimpered in fearful expectation.
Pain shot through him from his neck. His body arched as his nerves coursed with pain-inducing agony.
ELSISK
You will talk?
DI'OK (V.O.)
Stop torturing me!
ELSISK
Talk or machine!
It showed the circular device not much larger than the alien palm.
DI'OK (V.O.)
I won’t tell you!
The disk was pressed into his neck again.
A double cry of Di'ok's and Sannaro’s rang out.
BACK TO SANNARO'S APARTMENT, KUMANI
Sannaro sprang out of bed shaking and sobbing. Sweat was dripping from his naked body.
Cherna sprang up and called for the lights. She grabbed a towel and softly wiped his body down, then she laid the towel aside and took him in her arms.
CHERNA
My metallic sweetheart, you had another nightmare.
SANNARO
I ruined another set of sheets.
CHERNA
That doesn’t matter, tasra. Let’s go back to bed.
She tugged him toward the bed.
He jerked away.
SANNARO
Nui! I don’t want to sleep anymore!
CHERNA
San!
SANNARO
I’m sitting up, Cherna!
CHERNA
I’ll change the sheets.
She rushed to the linen closet and pulled out more sheets. Sannaro grabbed the sheets and threw them to the floor.
Cherna picked the sheets up off the floor.
SANNARO
I’ll never sleep again as long as these nightmares plague me!
He grabbed his head and pulled on his hair. His hands came away with clumps of hair tangled in his fingers. The pain from the hair momentarily dulled the images in his mind as he felt new hair brush his shoulders again.
Cherna opened her mouth to speak.
SANNARO
That’s final!
He strode out of the bedroom.
He went to the kitchen to throw the hair away.
He heard her lay back on the bed and sob.
He pulled out a chair at the table, sat down and put his head in his hands.
INT. KUMANI, ISP APARTMENT
Marc was studying the schematics of the Sjujeenya when the howls startled him from his concentration. He heard Sid hit his head on Greg’s upper bunk.
SID
There he goes again, howling like the devil's after him!
GREG
Have a heart, Sid, the guy's being plagued by nightmares.
SID
And the resident Brocana’s cursing at us all in that strange language of his and staring at the computer all day! That is, when we’re not doing the tango with those Zuran's out there! It's getting impossible to get any rest around here.
GREG
His father’s missing, Sid! He's hurting too. War’s hell and it's taking its’ toll on all of us. We've been here for several months now and the Zurans are pressing us hard. Give both of them a break and let's get back to sleep.
SID
Well, if another one of those engineers tells me to go find San again I may give them a black eye!
GREG
I wouldn't recommend that, Sid, Astrisi are masters at hand-to-hand combat. They'll have your butt on the deck plates before you can touch any of their eyes. Now, go back to sleep.
Marc heard nothing more so he assumed they went back to sleep. He returned to studying the schematics.
INT. SANNARO'S APARTMENT
When Sannaro heard Cherna shift on their bed, he was startled out of a snooze. He sensed her looking around for him as she came into the dining area. He was so cold, but the cold temperature kept him from sleeping for more than a few minutes. He kept his eyes tightly shut as he felt his still naked body trembling.
Suddenly, her robe warmed his back as she draped it over him.
As the trembling subsided, Sannaro slowly opened his eyes.
She was preparing breakfast in her simple green dress.
CHERNA
What do you want to eat, Suart or Laka?
SANNARO
I'm not hungry.
Cherna sighed and walked over to him. She took him in her arms.
SANNARO
These nightmares are getting worse!
She hugged him tightly.
They slowly withdrew from each other.
Sannaro stood up and draped Cherna’s robe around her shoulders. He smiled weakly and then turned toward the bedroom.
When he returned, he was dressed in his black and red flight suit.
She set the food on the table and they sat down.
As Sannaro picked at his food, he saw she was eating heartily.
She looked up at him and her eyes narrowed. She put down her fork with a clatter.
CHERNA
Sannaro! Stop it! Super nova, for the love of Kumani and the Firebird, don’t you start starving yourself too! If you don’t eat, I’ll tell Zhad and he’ll take you off flight status and feed you intravenously! Then you’ll have plenty of time to have nightmares!
SANNARO
I need to fly! I have to save Di'ok!
She jumped up and tipped her chair over onto the floor.
CHERNA
You can’t do that if you won’t eat or sleep! I don’t care if they charge me for a Sound Disruption!
She went toward the bedroom.
SANNARO
Akla!
Pirlo stepped into the apartment.
PIRLO
San, these nightmares are getting out of hand! The both of you are getting too noisy.
SANNARO
I know. I wish the nightmares would stop.
Cherna returned to the living room wearing her flight-suit.
PIRLO
I knew that was you who just yelled, San. Cherna, did you knock over a chair?
CHERNA
Houk, I did, Pirlo.
Pirlo held up his computer pad.
PIRLO
You know I’m going to have to charge both of you with a Sound Disruption.
CHERNA
I know. Go ahead then I’m telling Zhad that Sannaro won’t eat!
PIRLO
After all the Sound Disruptions we’ve let you get away with because of these nightmares? Everyone's getting used to hearing screams from you in the night. Now, don’t you kill yourself, Sannaro. Is that the reason for the chair, Cherna?
CHERNA
I got up too fast and knocked it over because I was angry.
PIRLO
Because he refused to eat? Sure, you were! Sound Disruption charge is dropped this time, Cherna. Watch your temper next time or take it to the mats, okay?
CHERNA
Fa’arata, Pirlo.
Pirlo smiled and winked an eye as he left their apartment.
Sannaro and Cherna followed him out and went to the Upper Flight Deck. They entered the flight lounge.
Sannaro went to his office.
Sannaro was called to Hadah’s office in a grave voice. He knew the tone didn’t bode well for him, but he reluctantly stepped into the office.
Hadah stood up to meet him.
HADAH
Ki'iwa. San, you look like you were caught in a supernova. I’m taking your wings. I want you to be in the Hospital with Zhad as soon as you’re released.
Sannaro closed his eyes in frustrated exhaustion.
SANNARO
I have to fly! I have to save Di'ok!
HADAH
You need help with these nightmares and I’m not getting any use from you.
KI'EL V.O.
Sannaro to the bridge, quickest pace! Protocol enforcers, do not detain Sannaro!
HADAH
Fausa, get going, San!
Sannaro bounded down the stairs two at a time and went into a full sprint out the lounge doors.
An engineer had already called the elevator and was holding it open for him.
He skidded to a stop inside.
The engineer let the doors go and they closed.
SANNARO
Bridge, priority red!
The elevator moved undisturbed through the ship and stopped outside the bulkhead entrance to the command center.
Sannaro set himself to spring out as the doors opened, ran onto the balcony and bounded over two steps down the stairs, then skid to a stop beside Lazha.
SANNARO
I'm here!
LAZHA
We’re being hailed by a fleet of ships claiming to be manned by native Belvans. Since you’re the only person who’s witnessed a native Belvan, I wanted you to verify.
SANNARO
Native Belvan?
LAZHA
That’s what they’re claiming. Ki'el, open the channel.
The main screen blanked.
The view of space was replaced with the image of a red skin man with blue hair brushing his shoulders.
ALRIAN
Thank you for answering. I know this must be shocking since our races last met with each other two hundred years ago. I’m Alrian, Defender of Belvas.
SANNARO
That’s the same person I saw in Algail! He was the one who killed the alien with the pointed throwing blade weapon before he disappeared!
LAZHA
I’m Lazha, in command of the Astrisi ship Kumani. This young man with me is Sannaro. He witnessed your killing the alien on Belvas.
ALRIAN
I remember the young Saili. Lazha, may I request a meeting so I can explain our presence, not to mention, our reappearance?
LAZHA
I accept eagerly! When you’re in range for transport, we’ll send you a shuttle so you may meet with me.
ALRIAN
Accepted. Until then.
LAZHA
Until then.
She closed her fingers into a fist at her side toward Ki'el to signal the end of the transmission.
The main screen returned to a view of space.
LAZHA
Ki'el, call your sister, then Commander Leighson. Tell them about the meeting with Alrian and invite them to attend. I’ll be preparing the Council chamber for their arrival.
ZHAD
Haiko! A real Belvan from two hundred years ago!
SANNARO
So Ambassador Eradano and my Uncle have supported. They found an entry in Saili records that identified a native Belvan as having red skin.
LAZHA
I remember you said you met them even before he killed the Zuran?
SANNARO
When I was confused after Verano’s mind-wiping serum, I hid in the old city of Algail in the green pyramidal buildings found intact when the Humans settled Belvas. That same man, Alrian brought an older man to see me. The elder injected me with something before I left the old city and returned to Verano’s lab. Gavasno the Saili Police tracker found me unconscious in Verano's empty lab and helped Uncle Devasru get me to the hospital. After Zhad developed the antidote that cured me of the chemical imbalance Verano’s serum caused, I thought what I’d experienced was a fever dream, but I’m seriously beginning to wonder if I’d truly seen Belvans back then, three years ago.
LAZHA
Maybe you did? We’re going to find out soon. Come, San, I want you to be in the Council room during the meeting.
SANNARO
But I was just told I had to report to Zhad at the Hospital.
LAZHA
You are. After this meeting, you’re to report to Zhad. He needs to find some way to stop these nightmares.
SANNARO
I’m almost considering wearing ear shackles on my ears while I sleep!
ZHAD
Not a bad idea.
LAZHA
You’d rather have blisters on your ears?
SANNARO
At least blisters can be healed.
Lazha laid her hand on his shoulder.
SANNARO (CONT.)
I know you care.
KI'EL
Dusti is coming and I’ve informed Commander Leighson.
LAZHA
Fa’arata, tasra.
SANNARO
You seriously called your sister Dust Bunny?
KI'EL
Fausa, you picked that up from me?
SANNARO
Sorry for prying. I guess I’m more tired than I thought I was.
KI'EL
Houk, I called my sister Dust Bunny, but I was a kid back then.
Several people chuckled self-consciously.
ZHAD
I’m returning to my hospital. When you’re done, send Sannaro down to me. I’ll be ready for him.
LAZHA
Houk, Zhad. Come, San.
Both men followed her up the stairs.
Zhad called for the elevator as Sannaro followed Lazha to the Council room.
The two entered the Council room and Lazha called for lights.
Sannaro sat down beside her customary chair at the head of the long rectangular table.
Lazha stood behind her chair and studied the mural on the wall.
SANNARO
Now what?
LAZHA
We wait for our guests.
SANNARO
Why do you want me?
LAZHA
Because you’ve seen them before. You met the Belvan and I value your sixth sense.
SANNARO
You always have valued my sixth sense.
LAZHA
This is so strange to be meeting with someone who’s been extinct for two centuries. Don’t you want to know if you did see a Belvan three years ago?
SANNARO
I have wondered since we left after that supply stop. Lazha, can I suggest my sister Varanani be present? She saw it too and she has more advanced telepathic abilities than I do.
LAZHA
This is a good point, San. Please call her here.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Varanani?
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
You sound so tired, little brother.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Varanani, a fleet of ships are approaching us, being manned by Belvans and led by the man we saw on Belvas. Lazha’s naturally suspicious because they’ve been supposedly extinct for two centuries. She wants you and me to be present in the meeting so we can support her observations with telepathic impressions. Would you come?
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
My first assignment as an Astrisi?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Well, I guess you could call it that.
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
I’d be delighted! Please, tell Lazha I’m coming.
SANNARO
She’s accepted and is coming. She’s even calling it her first assignment as an Astrisi!
LAZHA
Good attitude. Although I had just considered her to be a passenger, but if she wants to pledge herself to the Astrisi, I don’t think there will be much protest.
The door opened. Varanani walked in and nodded toward Lazha before she took a seat beside Sannaro.
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
Even your ears are looking swollen, San You should have spent more time working with Gavasno to strengthen your shields more firmly.
He rubbed his eyes and massaged his ears.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
It doesn’t matter. The nightmares are happening when I’m asleep and my defenses are down.
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
You need to stop rubbing your ears like that! That’s part of the reason they’re so swollen.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
But rubbing them disrupts the sendings!
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
That’s a bad habit!
She grabbed his hand and set it on the table.
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
You shouldn’t want to disrupt any of your born senses, Sannaro.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
So why don’t you teach me, smarty pants!
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
Resorting to Human name-calling is beneath your age, brother. You haven’t called me that since Regalis. Still, that may be a good suggestion. I believe I’ll contact Gavasno when I’m given the chance and ask him for advice.
By then, Dusti entered and joined her own sister-in-law in conversation.
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
By the way, San, you’ve been so wrapped up in your own misery, have you even sought out Danu to see how he’s doing?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Fausa, nui, I haven’t! He never did select a mate before we had to tear down the Festival during that big battle!
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
That’s right! One best friend’s missing! The other is wallowing in work, absorbed in his own pain and the third is absorbed in the second’s condition. Who’s there for Danu?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I have to report to Zhad after this meeting. I’ll give some time to Danu.
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
He wouldn’t have known who to turn to if I hadn’t been there for him to talk to. He really is a sweet guy, San.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I feel terrible!
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
You sound terrible.
FADE OUT.
THE END.