Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
"TWO BROTHER'S NIGHTMARE"
EPISODE 27 – RETURN OF THE BELVANS
BY: LYSSA THORNE
FADE IN:
INT. KUMANI COUNCIL ROOM
Commander Leighson entered just ahead of the Defender of Belvas Alrian.
Lazha stood up.
ALRIAN
Thank you for meeting with me.
LAZHA
With me is Dusti, commander of my sister ship Vukutis. Just ahead of you is Commander Leighson of the Human Allied Defense Force’s flagship Yorktown. You’ve met Sannaro in our first communication and beside him is his sister Aurumna Varanani.
He nodded to each before he was indicated to sit beside Lazha.
Leighson sat in the next chair beside the Defender.
Alrian sat and laid his hands flat on the table.
Dusti took the opposite seat across from the Defender.
ALRIAN
I’m sure you who represent the former alliance destroyed two centuries ago are eager to learn the mystery of our disappearance?
DUSTI
Sure as the Firebird, we do! Our records say the Belvans were destroyed in the last war that nearly wiped out this whole region.
LEIGHSON
You mean this region was allied before we came?
LAZHA
It was a commercial alliance with shipping lanes between worlds. We Astrisi had recently lost our world to a natural celestial cataclysm so we were hauling cargo for the allied worlds for our livelihood. The Saili traded metals to the Cashanayans, an agricultural race, for food. The Gasbajans also liked Saili metals because they could be used for their army of warriors who protected the shipping lanes from attack. Then there were the Belvans who were the scientists and scholars. They designed machines and sold their military designs to Gasbaja and schematics for agricultural machines to the Cashanayans until there came an invasion. Cashanaya called the Gasbajans for protection and they were more than happy to deploy a few ships, but they were defeated and all life was wiped out on Cashanaya. Next to fall was the depleted Gasbaja who had lost half their forces in Cashanaya’s defense. They too were massacred except for one Gasbajan warship that asked the Astrisi for asylum. The surviving Gasbajans taught the Astrisi the fighting techniques of Gasbaja to repel the invaders because the Saili closed their space-stations and refused all communications.
Sannaro snorted derisively.
LAZHA
Sannaro isn’t proud of his people’s defenses. He was raised Astrisi and prefers our methods of facing the enemy fiercely with weapon ready.
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
San, do you sense that Alrian is hiding dismay?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Sure, it’s obvious he hid with the rest of the Belvans while the Astrisi fought for their lives!
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
Maybe he’ll explain his side of the story.
LAZHA
The Invaders tried a planet-fall on Sailia, but they died almost instantly from Sailia’s toxic atmosphere, as the rest of us would if we were to try the same tactic, so the invaders turned to Belvas. My ancestors found Belvas in the same state as Cashanaya and Gasbaja so they assumed Belvas had met with the same fate so the Astrisi took the knowledge they learned from the Gasbajan soldiers to defeat the invaders, but it nearly destroyed us in the process. Now, Alrian, could you fill in on my obvious lack of knowledge?
ALRIAN
The Invaders did land on Belvas. Many were killed at first until a part of our population was taken into hiding by my predecessor, a Defender who had been trained by the Gasbajans for Belvas' defense. Those who hid were scientists, women and children, as many of the men sacrificed themselves for the safety of a few. Once they were sealed in hiding, a master scientist showed them a machine he was working on in the cave where they hid that enabled matter, living and non-living to be dis-phased so they seemed to disappear. He used the machine on the survivors who then dis-phased any important machine throughout Algail. My predecessor used this dis-phased condition to help repel the invaders. Once they were gone, the rest of our people were dis-phased so the master scientists could begin to design a weapon to destroy the Invaders, but its conception took longer than expected- two hundred years and several generations of scientists.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
See? They hid, too, and let the Astrisi fight the invaders off by themselves!
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
The Belvans are scientists, not soldiers, San. How could they have defended themselves while they helped the Astrisi?
ALRIAN
When an Invader was detected in our city, I was sent to kill that Invader before it had the chance to discover where we’d gone. The weapon was nearly completed when Sannaro saw me kill the Zuran in the alley of the Human section of Algail. We’ve actually lived beside the Humans all these years, slightly out of phase with them, afraid to show ourselves and draw the Invaders back to our space before we were ready to face them. My predecessor grieved for the toll it took on the Astrisi, but he was forbidden to return to phase until the weapon was ready; it never was.
SANNARO
So, you hid like the Saili! Another race of cowards!
ALRIAN
I’ve said as much the same, Sannaro, but I’ve never had control of the phase machine. Still, it wouldn’t have done me any good since I was born one-hundred-seventy-eight years after our disappearance, but now I have the opportunity to make up for my people’s cowardice. I’m offering you the use of the weapon that took two centuries to make now that the Invaders have returned.
LEIGHSON
I can’t believe all this!
SANNARO
So it was you I saw three years ago!
Alrian’s face became scarlet, but his hands stayed resting on the table.
ALRIAN
You were suffering from a chemical imbalance that would’ve killed you soon after I found you. I called on our master scientist and doctor to save your life because I hated to see you passing Humans who didn’t even give you a sympathetic look. They refused to even glance at you stumbling brainless through that building. Because I insisted he rephase to give you longer to live, we alerted the Zurans to our existence so they returned. I saved your life and I won’t apologize.
Sannaro blushed and dropped his head.
SANNARO
Thank you.
LEIGHSON
This is incredible! I think my superiors will be very interested in your weapon, Defender Alrian!
DUSTI
Our alliance with the Allied Defense Force has nearly been the only thing that has kept us alive. Sister, we need the Belvans to help us just as we needed the Gasbajans centuries ago.
LAZHA
Agreed, sister. We’ll continue negotiations with you, Defender Alrian.
VARANANI
At least there’ll be Saili helping in this effort! Even if it’s just two adolescent outcasts.
SANNARO
We will bring pride to our race!
ALRIAN
Your powers of telepathy will be an asset. I figured your presence here was to add your impressions of me to your commander’s view. I would’ve done the same under similar circumstances.
LAZHA
I’m glad you approve. Now, Sannaro, you have somewhere you need to be?
Sannaro sighed as he stood up to leave.
Varanani also stood.
VARANANI
I will accompany my brother.
LAZHA
You both are excused.
They left the Council room and walked slowly down the hall.
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
You’re angry about our people hiding from danger.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I feel ashamed. I was never allowed to hide from Jake Arlington when he bullied me in school. And I sure wasn’t spared defending myself from Foreman Aldinon under a porch. Then being burned while the Astrisi had to force that Foreman to give them the fuel they paid for. I was never spared the anger the Astrisi felt toward my living with them as I learned to be like them.The Saili are a race of pampered, pompous, self-absorbed cowards who want to reintegrate forcefully the younger of their kind who have finally opened their eyes to see the universe as it really is! I fought one of them to retain my individuality. And, as Alrian just said, nearly died in the process until he took pity on me and helped me, even though he knew he was bringing war back to this region.
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
Sanna, you’re so exhausted, you’re ranting surprisingly in a more Saili fashion.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Iachi’awei, I’m tired. Is Di'ok living this nightmare?
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
It may be the accumulation of the concern of many people you’re sensing as you’ve been told. I really hope these sendings aren’t from Di'ok, for your sake and his.
They entered the elevator and Sannaro called for the Hospital.
Varanani smiled as she looked down at the little black box that was clipped to the sash of her dress.
VARANANI
It’s amusing that I’m now the one dependent on a translator. Unlike three years ago when you were brought to Uncle Devasru’s wearing a translator because you barely spoke Basic.
SANNARO
It is.
The door opened again.
He led his sister to his foster father’s office. Zhad stood up to greet him at the door.
ZHAD
Sannaro. Varanani, you’ve been invaluable to my Intern. He speaks about you constantly.
SANNARO
I need to apologize to him for neglecting him after the Festival.
ZHAD
You sure do. He was depressed for weeks after we packed up, but he always excused you, saying you and Cherna had so much to do, fighting off the Invaders. Now, I’m taking you to your room where you’ll stay. I’ll have a technician wire you up. Judging by your appearance, I don’t think it’ll take much to get you to sleep. You have green bags under your eyes and your ears are swollen. Once I have readings on a nightmare, I promise I’ll sedate you heavily for several days of uninterrupted sleep. Then after that, we’ll try your suggestion about wearing ear shackles while you sleep.
SANNARO
Houk, Zhad.
They followed Zhad down the hall and entered a treatment room that was already set up with a box on a table with a big bouquet of wires hanging from the machine.
SANNARO
You’re hooking me up to all that?
ZHAD
I’m going to watch all your brain functions as well as the electrical currents through the central ear nerves. That takes many leads. Prepare yourself for bed, San. Mind you, people of any gender will be passing through your door so you might want to consider wearing some clothing.
VARANANI
At least on your lower half!
VARANANI'S PSYCHIC IMAGE OF SANNARO HOLDING A CORNER OF A BLANKET BEFORE HIS LOWER HALF AS VARANANI GIGGLED.
BACK TO HOSPITAL OFFICE.
Sannaro blushed a deep orange from his sister’s deliberately broadcast thoughts.
Even Zhad was chuckling which meant she’d sent the memory to him as well.
SANNARO
Well, I had spent half the night studying a language program! The familiar surroundings made me forget I was with Uncle Devasru.
VARANANI
I thought it was real hilarious! But Uncle Devasru was furious.
SANNARO
I’ll wear fleeced exercise shorts.
ZHAD
That’s fine, San. I’ll send in a Tech to begin the hookup.
Zhad followed Varanani out the door.
A minute later Danu entered with a pair of shorts in his hands. Sannaro expected Danu to leave again, but he was surprised to see Danu arranging the wires and pulling out the adhesives.
SANNARO
You’re not a Tech.
DANU
I know what I’m doing. I’m an Intern, remember?
SANNARO
I’m sorry, Danu.
DANU
You said nothing to me! Do you think you’re the only person on this ship who’s broken up about Di'ok’s disappearance?
Sannaro shook his head and closed his eyes.
SANNARO
Danu, you were so worried at your birthday party about not meeting a mate. I’m so sorry we had to pack up soon after. I should have been there for you about that. I abandoned my wing-man. I may never be able to make it up to you. Now it’s Di'ok. I just want these nightmares to stop.
Danu wrapped his arms around Sannaro.
He collapsed against his childhood friend in shuddering sobs When the tears dried and his body relaxed again, he stood up and began to change into the shorts. He sat back down.
Danu began to glue the lead wires to various positions on Sannaro’s scalp, then finished up with carefully adhering two more leads onto the raised line of the nerve running the length of Sannaro’s delicate ears right at the juncture of his first and second points. Sannaro gasped slightly, but allowed the handling of his ears to continue.
DANU
You know, this is the first time I've ever handled your ears! But I’ve seen how Cherna handles your ears! You get such a lustful look in your eyes when she does it.
SANNARO
Don’t worry. You’re not my type. I’m quite happy with Cherna.
DANU
I guess so since you stayed faithful for three years, living in Zhad’s house like brother and sister until your Uncle felt you old enough to become intimate with her!
SANNARO
It was worth the wait!
DANU
I wish I’d been so lucky.
SANNARO
We didn’t finish the Festival, Danu. Maybe after the threat’s over, the Commanders will allow us to finish. You may still get a chance!
Danu checked the box to see if every wire was sensed by the processor.
DANU
I don’t know. Maybe I could hope. Lay down now, San. Naila’ahina.
SANNARO
Naila’ahina, Danu.
Sannaro settled in under the covers and found himself drifting off immediately.
SANNARO'S DREAM VISION
INT. ZURAN SJUJEENYA
Sannaro cowered in a corner as screams assailed his ears. He whimpered and cupped his round ears to try to block out the shrieks as salty tears soaked the tattered knees of his pants.
The door opened and a dark-haired man was pushed through the door.
A wispy alien stood above him and twined his toes around his ankles.
ELSISK
You wish to talk now? Other chose to sleep.
DI'OK
I have nothing to say to you.
ELSISK
You like the pain-maker?
It showed the device in its thin narrow palm.
He swung his arm and connected with the alien hand. The device flew through the air.
The Zuran snapped a tentacle into the air, snatching the device before it flew too far. It recoiled its tentacle, sweeping it to his neck.
BACK TO KUMANI HOSPITAL ROOM.
Sannaro shrieked as the energy coursed through his nerves. He surged out of the bed, tearing wires off his head. He grabbed his three-pointed ears from the pain of those wires also being torn off.
Zhad ran into the room and took his shoulders.
ZHAD
Sannaro, calm down. The dream’s over, son.
Sannaro was gasping and glistening with sweat.
Zhad turned Sannaro’s head to look at an ear.
ZHAD
You tore off an epidermal layer on both ears. That had to hurt. Are you calm now?
Sannaro sat down on the bed and then pulled his legs to his chest.
ZHAD
I saw the readings from the dream. All your brain function power levels surged, but I assure you, it was from your ears that were hyper-stimulated from a telepathic sending. It wasn’t strong, but it was enough for your unconscious mind to pick up. I’ll get the sedative so you can get some undisturbed sleep.
Sannaro nodded and took a sobbing breath.
ZHAD
I see why you’ve been unable to function with these nightmares. Both of your heart’s rates surged to dangerous levels during the dream state.
EXT. ZHAD
Sannaro was still hugging his legs when he heard the door whoosh open.
DANU
San, I’m here with the sedative.
Sannaro shuddered then opened his eyes. He arched his neck without word, but when Danu injected the medicine into his neck, he winced as if he was expecting terrible pain.
DANU
It’s just a simple medicine injector.
SANNARO
In my dreams, a small device is repeatedly pressed against the neck, causing extreme agony because Di'ok refuses to give some kind of information. I guess it’s become an unconscious reaction for me to distrust anything being pressed into my neck.
DANU
This will let you sleep without dreaming.
SANNARO
Don’t cry, Danunka. When I’m recovered enough to fly, I’m going after Di'ok!
Sannaro lolled toward the pillow. As soon as he hit it, he was asleep with his legs still pulled to his chest.
INT. KUMANI, ISP APARTMENT
Marc was astounded as he studied the schematics of the new native Belvan weapon he’d been given at a briefing Commander Leighson gave them soon after he’d attended the meeting with Defender Alrian.
Jim walked in and sat down in another chair beside him.
JIM
Sannaro’s been relieved of duty.
MARC
That’s a shame.
JIM
Rumor has it, his nightmares are actually sendings he’s receiving from his friend Di'ok.
MARC
That means it’s true, the Zurans have my father.
JIM
Unfortunately, it looks that way. We know that Di'ok’s being brutally tortured for information on our allied strength.
MARC
We’ve got to move, Jim! We’ve got to rescue them!
JIM
I know, buddy, but what can we do? Sannaro’s under sedation in deep sleep for another few days. Arcas won’t talk to me and Sid’s giving me the cold shoulder. This ship’s designed to be a nearly impenetrable fortress! You can’t launch a craft without permission from launch control to open the ramps!
MARC
Damn, they designed this ship too well! A few weeks ago, San and I talked about how he wanted to rescue his friend, too. I’ll bet, if anyone can get us off this ship, it’s him.
JIM
Then we should wait until he wakes again and talk to him.
MARC
I wish we could do something sooner, but we’re so alien to this place, I don’t think I can do anything more right now.
Jim stopped and listened.
JIM
Sh, I hear heavy foot-steps. I think Sid’s coming home.
Marc turned back to the computer in time for Sid to rush through the door.
He glared at Marc before he stomped into the bathroom.
MARC
It's a wonder Sid hasn't gotten us a sound disruption citation.
He concentrated again on his schematic. Jim went to the kitchen.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
INT. UPPER FLIGHT DECK
Sannaro felt rested and quite cheerful as he swept down the rows of Vizha'i to inspect his team's ships and talk to his pilots about how they’ve been during his absence.
Tisa rushed to hug him.
TISA
San! You’re looking better.
ARCAS
I didn’t realize how complicated Team-leading can be. At least Hadah didn’t expect me to take your Senior Second duties.
SID
Sannaro, could I speak with you?
SANNARO
Sure, Sid.
Sannaro met with the ADF pilot who led him over to the refuel and rearms pylon.
SID
What did you say to Marc?
SANNARO
Explain.
SID
He’s been moping around the quarters. He berates himself in Brocana over small matters and spends hours studying schematics of Sjujeenyas!
SANNARO
He’s hurting about the loss of his father. I told him to wait.
SID
Wait for what?
SANNARO
He wants to mount a rescue and so do I.
SID
What? Jimmy told me he’s a live wire but, to run off on a rescue is crazy!
SANNARO
It’s not crazy. People we care deeply about may be prisoners with the Zurans. They may even be suffering horrifying torture.
Jim walked up and touched the pilot’s shoulder.
JIM
Sid, I know Marc. He won’t let this get in the way of his performance.
SID
Do you realize he’s designing a rescue attempt, Jim? That’s crazy!
JIM
Right now, maybe, but there might come a time in the future where it won’t. You know me, your old partner since Academy days. You know I’m not the half-cocked hero type. I can temper my current partner. Just allow him to dream, okay, Sid? It’s keeping him sane from the grief.
SID
I trust you, Jimmy. I just hope you can rein him in.
JIM
I’ve been in some tight spots with that man and he’s never let me down.
Klaxons rang.
KI'EL (V.O.)
Battle alert! Battle alert! Zuran attack force approaching, 58349.6! Scramble Vizha'i!
The three men split apart with Jim and Sid running to the right toward the shuttle area and Sannaro to the left toward the Vizha'i.
Sannaro unclipped his helmet from his left side and pulled it on.
He climbed up into his cockpit and lowered the canopy.
INT./EXT. SPACE - SANNARO'S VIZHA'I
Minutes later he was propelled into space and flying into another battle.
ARCAS
Don’t they ever get tired? San, you slept through two battles and they’re at it again!
SANNARO
Arcas, cut the chatter.
ARCAS
Ho, that was close!
He peeled off to chase the Zuran he barely dodged.
Sannaro swept in to assist Tisa with a stubborn Zuran who was evading her fire. He gauged himself to her wingtip and fired simultaneously with her, catching the Zuran in the crossfire, then they turned opposite from each other to find other targets.
For a second he saw Marc’s ship perform an inverted loop to tail a Zuran who’d just been on Marc’s tail.
Sannaro chuckled softly then saw Da'iu barely evaded his own tail so he veered off to target that Zuran.
He cringed from the pain of a pilot being vaporized close to his craft. Before he recovered, the remains of the hull riddled his plane.
His Vizha'i swayed violently as the missiles tore through his hull. The hiss of his flight-suit’s emergency air turning on warned him of the loss of cabin pressure before his board lit up and the klaxons sounded. It took all his formidable Saili strength to keep hold of the stick until he could level out.
SANNARO
Mayday! Red One lost cabin pressure, attempting emergency landing, Upper Flight Deck.
FLIGHT CONTROL (V.O.)
Houk, Red One, engaging emergency measures. Upper Flight Deck cleared for emergency landing.
He hissed as sweat stung his eyes while he forced the ill-handling craft around the Kumani’s aft to line up with the landing bay.
He eased off the throttle to slow down before applying the brakes. He pulled the break toggle out, but felt no resistance! The retro rockets in the nose of his craft didn't fire!
SANNARO
Fausa, my brakes are out! Red One to Tower, I hope you put out the nets! It’s going to be a rough landing. Coming in fast! Shutting off engines and ejecting fuel tanks!
His ship lurched violently from the expulsion of the bullet-shaped fuel tanks that tumbled away from his ship.
His shoulders wrenched and he hissed in pain.
Flight control (V.O.)
Houk, Red one, nets are installed, good luck!
The landing bay blurred past before Sannaro closed his eyes and relaxed.
He lurched as net one was hit and torn from the bulkhead.
He careened into the second net still feeling he was going too fast.
Third net was torn at a slower velocity.
SANNARO
Shit! No more nets!
The nose of the ship folded against the crash wall. Sannaro screamed as intense agony burned through him. He fainted.
INT. KUMANI - UPPER RETRIEVAL DECK
METEI
Get the power saw!
He opened his eyes and yelped. Before him was twisted metal, shattered glass and the crash wall a few meters away.
SANNARO
I bounced off the crash wall! Iachi’awei Ushi, get me out! Please, I have to get out!
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
Don’t be afraid, San.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Varanani?
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
I’m here, brother. They’ll get you out, but you must remain calm.
He laid back on the remains of his seat’s headrest.
ZHAD
Get that canopy off!
SANNARO
Yaro!
Sannaro shuddered as nausea swept over him. He closed his eyes and willed himself to relax again.
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
Zhad wants to know how you’re feeling?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
My neck’s hurting and my left hand is sticky. I think I’m bleeding somewhere down there, but I don’t dare move my neck!
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
Okay, Zhad says it’s wise not to move if your neck hurts. He’s right outside.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I know. Varanani, the porch, remember when I told you about how Aldinon chased me under the porch?
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
I do.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I- after that, well, I’ve had some trouble with some claustrophobia. I’m scared, Vara!
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
You must not allow your fear to overwhelm you. I’m here, you’re not alone.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I’m not alone.
Sannaro winced painfully when the canopy above him groaned then flew rearward through the air on a cable attached to a crane.
Ladders towered above the cockpit a minute before Sannaro saw the best face he could want to see at that moment.
SANNARO
Yaro!
Zhad straddled the cockpit with a cervical collar in his hands. He reached down and gently secured the collar around Sannaro’s neck.
SANNARO
Can you take my helmet off?
ZHAD
Not now, son.
Metei carried a small power saw in his hands. He set that aside behind the cockpit, then guided cables that were lowered to him. He strapped the cables to Sannaro’s seat. Then he picked up the saw again.
METEI
Ki'iwa, San. I’m going to have to cut your control board out so we can get you out of here.
SANNARO
Houk.
METEI
Be patient. You’re going to be all right.
Metei lowered his safety goggles over his eyes and turned the saw on.
Metei bent into the cockpit and set the saw biting into metal.
Sannaro shrieked as pain soared from his leg.
SANNARO
Stop, Metei!
METEI
Sorry, I can’t. You’ve got to get out of here.
As soon as he broke through the panel, he hefted it out of the cockpit. He reached down and pulled a lever that released the chair clamps.
The crane tightened the cables and lifted the chair carefully out of the ruined cockpit.
Metei held something in his hands as he followed the crane and climbed down the ladder just below his dangling seat.
Danu took Metei’s place as soon as the crane stopped a meter above the floor.
His straps were unhooked then Zhad and Tila picked him up and quickly carried him to the gurney.
Sannaro was still in a semi-sitting position when he saw Danu eyes were looking firmly down at a yellow leg only bridged by a strip of skin and muscle several inches above the knee.
SANNARO
My leg!
Zhad and Tila laid him on the litter.
ZHAD
It’ll be okay, San. I can reattach it! It’s still on you. Rest now, we’re taking you straight to surgery.
Tila loaded an injector then pressed it into his shoulder.
Sannaro faded into comforting unconsciousness.
EXT. SPACE - CHERNA'S VIZHA'I
Cherna pulled up over a Zuran fireball and looked for a new target when she heard Sannaro’s voice over the tac-net.
SANNARO (V.O.)
Mayday! Red One lost cabin pressure. Attempting emergency landing, Upper Flight Deck.
FLIGHT CONTROL (V.O.)
Houk, Red One, engaging emergency measures. Upper Flight Deck cleared for emergency landing.
SANNARO (V.O.)
Fausa, my brakes are out! Red One to Tower, I hope you put out the nets! It’s going to be a rough landing. Coming in fast! Shutting off engines and ejecting fuel tanks!
FLIGHT CONTROL (V.O.)
Houk, Red one, nets are installed, good luck!
Cherna screamed as pain exploded in her head as if she’d hit a solid wall.
MEKI (V.O.)
Cherna, are you all right? I heard you cry out.
CHERNA
White One to Blue One, Sannaro’s hurt!
HADAH (V.O.)
I know, White One. Is it hurting you bad?
(BEAT)
White One, take your sub-team in- Lower Flight Deck.
CHERNA
Houk. Kela, Dinu, come with me. Take over Meki.
MEKI (V.O.)
Houk, White One.
The three looped back to the ship.
INT. KUMANI - LOWER FLIGHT DECK
Shortly they were landed in the Lower Flight Deck and were raised to the smaller flight deck that was half the size of the upper deck.
Dinu slipped down the side of his ship.
DINU
Why did Hadah tell us to land here? We’re assigned to the Upper Flight Deck.
KELA
Hey, Cherna, you look pale.
CHERNA
A crash!
Cherna sobbed as she ran for the elevator.
When the door closed, she slid down the wall wailing.
The doors opened on the Hospital.
Varanani walked in and helped Cherna stand up. She guided her to the waiting alcove beside Adara.
CHERNA
How bad is it?
VARANANI
Zhad, Tila and Danu are in surgery with a Belvan Doctor that was visiting.
CHERNA
Why so many people?
ADARA
Cherna, one of Sannaro’s legs is nearly amputated.
CHERNA
Nui!
ADARA
Sannaro was lucky his other injuries weren’t as serious. They’re now replanting his leg. Zhad told Varanani it’s encouraging his leg wasn’t completely severed and his extraction from the Vizha'i was quick.
CHERNA
Oh, ko'io! He’s been through so much all ready!
ADARA
I know, honey.
LATER
Cherna drifted to sleep.
The next time Cherna awakened, she sat up on the couch and saw Adara leaning back in another chair with her head rested against the wall.
Varanani was curled up in another chair with a reader in her hands.
CHERNA
Has there been any word, Varanani?
VARANANI
No, they’re still in surgery. Replantation’s a long delicate surgery.
Zhad walked up to them through those doors.
ZHAD
Indeed, it is.
Cherna leapt off the couch to meet him.
Adara surged out of her chair.
ZHAD
Sannaro’s leg has been successfully replanted. I’m thankful that Jahium the Belvan doctor was visiting to help me with San’s nightmare problem. He’s a skilled micro-surgeon who was very valuable in preparing San’s hip while I prepared the leg for reattachment. Now, if San doesn’t reject the replantation, we can get him into the healing tent and exercising in a few days.
VARANANI
What about his neck? He told me it was hurting.
ZHAD
Gratefully, it was only wrenched. There is no damage.
ADARA
That’s a relief!
Varanani shuddered.
ADARA
Varanani, are you all right?
VARANANI
I’m all right. I guess I’m realizing how tired I am now that the worst is over.
CHERNA
And here I drifted off on the couch.
VARANANI
It’s all right. You just finished a tough battle and you were overcome with worry for San.
INT. KUMANI – HOSPITAL
As they wheeled Sannaro through the doors into the hallway, Adara, Varanani and Cherna rushed to Sannaro's side but Cherna was allowed a place beside his head.
He drowsily looked up and smiled at Cherna.
CHERNA
Are you all right?
SANNARO
Can’t feel a thing.
Cherna gave a tolerant smile.
SANNARO (CONT.)
My leg?
ZHAD
It’s back where it belongs. The surgery was a success, San.
SANNARO
I wish I could say that much for my Vizha'i, it’s probably in the scrap room being torn up for parts.
CHERNA
They’ll have a new one built for you by the time you’re back up to flying again.
He reached up to caress her cheek.
SANNARO
You should sleep.
CHERNA
Speak for yourself, San.
SANNARO
Oh, I will, but you’re tired.
CHERNA
I just slept in the waiting room chair.
SANNARO
Go home, ko'ia. Get some proper sleep in a bed. I won’t be going anywhere.
He drifted off to sleep.
TILA
He needs to be taken to his room and rest, Cherna. He still has to be under observation for a day to make sure he doesn’t reject the replantation so you’ll have plenty of time to rest.
Tila nodded to Danu to move the bed down the hall.
Sannaro was taken into a room and the bed was clamped down to the floor.
Zhad entered a minute later with a black square box. Zhad opened it and brought out two white metal objects fashioned like Saili ears with a large hole on one side bridged by a strip of metal so the tympanic or hearing sensors would be left uncovered. Zhad elongated the bridge then stepped toward Sannaro.
SANNARO
Do we have to?
ZHAD
Doctor Jahium and I still don’t have a viable treatment for the nightmares, especially now that’s not of immediate concern so you need to wear the ear shackles. I’m sorry, San.
Sannaro gulped before he turned his head and swept his hair away from his ear.
SANNARO
What is the Belvan Doctor doing here?
ZHAD
Doctor Jahium’s here to help me neutralize the sendings.
Zhad carefully pulled the shackle over Sannaro’s ear then pushed the parts together to fit firmly over the three tips of his ears.
Sannaro involuntarily cringed. He shuddered as dizziness swept over him so he closed his eyes and willed the room to stop spinning. He gingerly turned his head to expose the other ear.
It was quickly covered and the shackle was locked into place.
Tears streamed down Sannaro's face. He wiped his face of the tears, but another stream replaced the dried ones. When his stomach lurched, he closed his eyes.
Zhad laid his hand on Sannaro’s shoulder.
ZHAD
I’m sorry, San. Just relax and get some sleep.
SANNARO
All right.
Sannaro closed his eyes but the tears continued to roll from his eyes.
Zhad studied Sannaro sadly for a minute before he stepped from the room.
INT KUMANI - SANNARO'S HOSPITAL ROOM
He awoke again actually feeling better except for the continuous nausea if he moved his head too quickly.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Zhad, I’m awake.
He grasped the ear shackles and winced. He frantically looked around his bed for the call button. As he slowly sat up, he winced from the returning pain. He held his head and screwed his eyes closed.
SANNARO
I need help! I’m going to throw up!
Danu raced through the door, grabbed a bedpan on the way and pushed it under Sannaro’s chin.
DANU
You could have used the call button!
Danu helped Sannaro clean himself up.
SANNARO
I didn’t ask where it is.
DANU
You’re so use to using your telepathy to call anyone.
Danu picked up a cylinder about the length of a hand that had been in a sheath attached to the bed rail and pressed it into Sannaro’s hand.
DANU (CONT.)
This is the call button to summon the nurse. Remember that.
Sannaro blushed bright reddish orange and groaned as he returned the device to the sheath.
DANU
Ah, come on, San, you’re blushing so hard, your orange is almost red. Give yourself a break. Did you have any nightmares?
SANNARO
Nui.
DANU
Then they did some good even though they upset your body’s inner balance. You’re over the worst now. The longer you go without complications your chances of rejecting the replantation decreases.
SANNARO
I’m a Vizha'e, Danu, not a med student!
DANU
Sorry. It looks like your body’s accepting the reattachment of your leg. You may be allowed to go into the healing tent in a little while, but that’s Zhad’s call. I have work to do so I have to leave.
SANNARO
Houk, see you later, Danu.
EXIT DANU.
He felt tears flow down his face and he curled up into a sobbing ball.
Zhad rushed into Sannaro’s room.
ZHAD
Let me take those off!
He pulled the long midnight blue hair back and tripped the lock.
The shackle sprang open and extended.
Sannaro sighed as the pressure was released.
Then Zhad set it on a table and gently turned Sannaro’s head to get to the other.
Sannaro hugged Zhad tightly.
ZHAD
San, it’s okay now. Settle down.
Zhad set the second shackle on the table and retrieved the storage box. He replaced the devices then stored the box in a drawer beside Sannaro’s bed.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
ENTER Jahium.
A red man with pale blue hair on his head and chin stood at the foot of his bed. He smiled at Sannaro.
JAHIUM
Now that Sannaro is becalmed, shall we look at the leg?
SANNARO
You’re who I saw in the green building! You injected me with something when I was confused. I thought you were a dream about ghosts.
JAHIUM
I probably did look like a ghost, young man. I’m Jahium, the head scientist and doctor of the Belvans. You were very ill. My young Defender was concerned with your lack of aide so he asked me to help you. I’m pleased that my short-term remedy gave you more time to seek help.
Zhad folded the blanket back to expose Sannaro’s left leg. He wore a dull blue hospital gown that left his legs exposed. Puffy swollen green and orange skin ballooned on either side of a deep chasm of stitches at mid-thigh.
ZHAD
It’s looking good. I think in a few more hours we’ll be able to bring in the healing tent.
JAHIUM
Indeed. You should be fine, Sannaro.
Cherna came through the door and rushed over to hug him. He clung to her and stroked her hair.
CHERNA
I felt it when you were injured. I was relieved when Hadah had me retreat my team.
SANNARO
No doubt he was protecting you. He knew you’d have trouble concentrating after you knew I was hurt.
She pulled up and shuddered as she looked at the irregular crease around his thigh.
ZHAD
It is healing well. In a few hours he’ll be in the healing tent. Then probably tomorrow, we can have him start on the exercises to strengthen the muscles again. He’ll be walking again in next to no time.
Zhad laid the blanket back over the leg when he saw Sannaro blanch and tighten his grip around Cherna’s hand.
She hissed and spread her fingers out.
He blushed and relaxed his hand.
SANNARO
Sorry I hurt you.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
I understand. It looks terrible.
The doctors slip out of the room.
SANNARO
I may have to live with that crease in my leg for the rest of my life, but at least it’s back on again. When I saw Danu holding it, only bridged by two inches of skin and muscle, I was frantic. Metei had to cut my control panel out of the cockpit. When he began the cut, I thought I was going to faint from agony so I think the control panel’s what severed my leg. I went through all three crash nets and they still didn’t stop me!
CHERNA
You must have been going very fast when you came in.
SANNARO
I was afraid that ship wouldn’t hold together long enough for me to get it home! A ship exploded beside me, riddling me with shrapnel. I had already lost atmosphere.
CHERNA
It’s a wonder your Vizha'i didn’t disintegrate!
SANNARO
I almost lost control, but I fought it back.
CHERNA
I’m just glad you’re alive!
Cherna laid her head on his chest and sobbed.
Sannaro embraced her and found he too felt tears running down his face and pooling in his ears so he let his own pain pour out in the comfort of her touch.
INT. ZURAN SJUJEENYA - PRISON ROOM
Di'ok started awake and winced at the pain of sleeping balled up in the corner. His muscles protested as he gingerly straightened out one leg, then the other.
Jon Daniels looked on with sympathy and walked over to sit down with him. His fine clothes were now ragged and hung on his slender frame.
JON
If I get any more holes, I’m going to be permanently embarrassed.
DI'OK
How much longer are they going to torture us?
ZERBECK
Until we crack!
PARIK
I would rather die.
JON
I surmise from the battering this ship’s taking, the war doesn’t fair well for them.
ZERBECK
You wish, Daniels!
JON
Yes, I do wish, Matauni! I hope with all my heart. That thought keeps me going and the thought that somewhere out there my son’s honoring me by fighting and defending our people from these beings who have no respect for life.
DI'OK
Wait!
Di'ok jumped up and pressed his ear to the wall. He grinned as he concentrated on the voices he heard.
DI'OK (CONT.)
The guards were talking. They’re nervous! New ships have joined the alliance with more dangerous weapons. It’s rumored the Belvans have joined the war and that has them scared!
ZERBECK
The Belvans? The Belvans are a part of the Defense Force. They don’t even have their own fleet!
DI'OK
No, these Belvans are the red ones like the one Sannaro saw kill the Zuran on Belvas while we were taking on supplies for the Festival of Ships! They’ve shown up with a whole new fleet and stronger weapons! The Zurans are beginning to doubt Sikzik!
JON
That’s good news indeed!
DI'OK
But they’re afraid of him and don’t dare move on him.
ZERBECK
The seeds of doubt bode ill in war.
The lock clanged and Sikzik walked through the door.
SIKZIK
I need information. You talk or die.
PARIK
Sure. Where’s the knife? I’ll do it myself.
ZERBECK
My blood will flow with his!
DI'OK
By the time we’re finished, you can swim in it!
JON
Let’s see, about three pints each? That will be twelve all told, impressive.
ZERBECK
The people of Earth have a saying- United we stand, divided we fall!
Zerbeck struggled to stand, as did Jon, then Di'ok helped Parik up and they joined the ambassadors.
Sikzik backpedaled out the door and it was closed after him.
All four sank to the floor in relief.
PARIK
I do believe they are becoming desperate.
JON
I hope so because my strength is almost gone.
DI'OK
We need help, San!
Di'ok curled up and hid his face between his knees.
INT. KUMANI – HOSPITAL
Sannaro surged up to sit.
SANNARO
I'm coming, Di'ok!
Cherna slipped down to his legs.
SANNARO
Fausa! Get up, Cherna! Owe, owe, owe!
Cherna jumped up, confused.
Sannaro bent over and grabbed his left leg.
CHERNA
What happened?
SANNARO
Di'ok is crying for help! He won’t last much longer! It is sendings I’m receiving from Di'ok!
Zhad burst through the door.
ZHAD
What’s wrong?
SANNARO
I connected with Di'ok! I know I did! He needs help!
ZHAD
You need to get into the healing tent.
SANNARO
Di'ok needs me!
Sannaro swept his covers off and swung to his feet.
His injured leg buckled. He grabbed a table to steady himself, but when he tried to take a step, he collapsed to the floor.
Cherna squatted on the floor beside him.
CHERNA
Get well first, San! There’s nothing you can do now.
Sannaro bit his lip as he thought, but finally nodded.
SANNARO
Get the healing tent.
Sannaro clutched his leg. The pain was almost unbearable.
Zhad left the room.
Shortly Danu and Belia, the head nurse, came in to aide Sannaro back into his bed.
By then, Zhad was back with the carrying case that stored the healing tent.
Zhad injected Sannaro with a sedative. Then with help from Danu, the tent was built above Sannaro’s bed in minutes.
The device was turned on.
Sannaro slipped into a deep sedated sleep.
ZHAD
I'm going to Lazha.
EXT. Zhad.
INT. KUMANI – GYMNASIUM
Sannaro straddled the bench of the leg-lift, breathing heavy. As his breathing slowed, he hefted the bar up again with his shaking left leg.
When he'd find himself staring at the line that now slightly creased the circumference of that leg, he wished he hadn’t worn shorts. At least the puffy green and orange skin had gone down.
EDAT
San, take a break.
SANNARO
I can't.
Sannaro flexed the leg again under the weight.
Edat rushed over and laid a hand on Sannaro’s left leg to prevent him from raising the weights again.
EDAT
I understand your desire to help Di'ok, but it won’t help him if you strain that leg so you have to spend days recovering before starting again.
Marc joined them from the arm press.
MARC
He’s right, you’ll only prolong your recovery.
SANNARO
I’m surprised you’re so concerned!
MARC
I’ve had my share of injuries although not as severe as this. I’ve even run myself to exhaustion to escape from criminals intent on killing me as I sought backup. If you don’t pace yourself, they’ll win and you don’t want that.
SANNARO
No, I don't.
MARC
Are you hungry?
SANNARO
I think I am.
Sannaro toweled himself off. He pulled his sweatshirt sleeves up to his elbows again before he scooted back on the bench, then carefully swung his left leg over. He grabbed his crutches and stood up. Sannaro slowly worked toward the door.
MARC
You know, we’re lucky to have the rapid healing processes of today. In the past, an injury such as yours would’ve taken so long to heal, the other leg would’ve weakened before physical therapy could be tried. Now with rapid regeneration, we can get to the PT well before any muscles start to atrophy.
SANNARO
You're right but I still hate walking with crutches even for a short time.
MARC
Well, because our ships can’t use the Lower Flight Deck, we were being landed around the wreck cleanup. We couldn’t believe anyone had managed to survive it, much less with just a severed leg!
SANNARO
I’m stubborn. Some say too stubborn for my own good, especially my Uncle.
They entered the cafeteria, ordered their food then sat down.
MARC
So how did you come to be with the Astrisi, San?
SANNARO
My family lived on Regalis, a seranimite mining planet in the Vega sector. My father was a seranimite miner back before the Saili knew seranimite caused disease in Saili. My father was ill and his Foreman played my father’s altered consciousness as a cover-up for his illegal dealings. He was stealing the fuel from the company, then blaming Pirates and Astrisi for the theft, using my father by convincing him of their guilt. Then Aldinon stole from the wrong person. He stole a prepaid order of seranium from Belso, the Kumani’s former commander, who pulled this ship in with the tanks dangerously empty. Aldinon told Belso to go somewhere else, but Belso knew his ship wouldn’t make it out of orbit. He tried explaining, but my father openly accused Belso of stealing the fuel the other night, then he was coming to beg for more.
My father became so angry, he amassed a mind-slam. Belso knew it and chose to stun my father, but the stunning caused the psychic energy to implode, killing my father. Now Belso looked to be a murderer so he called for Vizha'i back up while he broke into the seranium stores and took his fuel. My mother was shot by a stray laser volley that passed through her and my brother, then impacted the ground just before my feet. I was severely burned. Adara, the Astrisi potter had to rejoin her people by walking through the smoldering ruins of the town I lived in and found me still alive. She stowed me between canisters of Seranium so she could have me healed and she could raise me as her own. She didn’t know I was Saili.
MARC
Stubborn is the word for surviving a life like yours! How old were you when you lost your family?
SANNARO
I was seven Human Standard years old.
MARC
So young!
SANNARO
Yes, that’s why my Uncle says my behaviors are so Astrisi. He tried to teach me to be Saili, but as much as I tried, I just kept doing things wrong. Finally after a Saili tried to take my life for being so alien, my Uncle allowed me to return to the Astrisi. Now my sister’s even afraid to go to Sailia for fear the same man who tried to kill me will try to kill her. That’s why she’s here on Kumani with me for this war. My friend has been in telepathic contact with me crying desperately for help.
MARC
Are you sure it’s not just another nightmare?
SANNARO
Nui, this time, it was directed at me. He spoke to me. They’re being tortured by the Zurans for information on how to defeat our combined forces.
MARC
Did he tell you all this?
SANNARO
He didn’t have to. When he yelled, “we need help, Sannaro!” the thoughts that made him call to me were also transmitted. All my nightmares have been unconscious sendings from Di'ok because I think he was thinking about me during the interrogations.
MARC
I heard similar rumors flying around about your nightmares being sendings. I was hoping they weren’t true. That means my father and Uncle Matauni are also being tortured for information. We have to rescue them.
SANNARO
Not without me! Give me a few more days to work out. You won’t sneak off this ship without me to help you through the safeguards.
MARC
All right, but I can’t wait much longer. My father’s life is at stake.
Sannaro struggled to stand and positioned his crutches.
SANNARO
Remember, I can get you off this ship. Thanks for the lunch.
Sannaro hobbled away.
INT. KUMANI – SANNARO'S APARTMENT
Sannaro propped the crutches into a corner and gingerly walked over to a chair.
The front door swept open. Cherna entered and she stretched her arms above her head. Sannaro admired the ripple of her muscles under her flight-suit.
SANNARO
Sore?
CHERNA
Oh, nui, just sat at my desk too long and got stiff.
SANNARO
Marc Daniels ate lunch with me today. He’s getting more restless.
Cherna turned around and sat down on his lap, making sure she was sitting on his right leg.
CHERNA
And so are you.
SANNARO
He wants so bad to go rescue his father. I’m trying to delay him, but it won’t work for much longer.
CHERNA
You’re trying to get him to wait until you can go too.
SANNARO
Wait, who’s the telepath here; you or me?
CHERNA
Definitely you, my love! But I know you. That doesn’t take telepathy. We non-telepaths call it intuition. It’s just a feeling we have.
SANNARO
Well, I did suggest he wait for a few more days.
CHERNA
You’re not going without me!
SANNARO
How did I know you were going to say that?
CHERNA
You know me. I hate to be left out of the action!
SANNARO
Before this goes too far, you need to eat lunch and I need to go to my shower before I get too cold.
He sighed and bounced his leg. She popped up to her feet and massaged her buttocks.
Sannaro walked into the bathroom and bounced off the door-frame.
INT. KUMANI – COUNCIL ROOM
The next day, Sannaro was summoned to the Council Room. He was worried about why he’d be called before Council when he was met by Marc and Jim and then Arcas and Cherna. Sannaro met them right outside the door.
SANNARO
Marc, Jim, why were you summoned to Council?
MARC
I was going to ask you the same question.
SANNARO
Arcas, Cherna, do you know?
They shook their heads.
They entered into the room that was empty except for Lazha’s chair.
LAZHA
Sit down.
They shared nervous looks before they settled into chairs on either side of her.
LAZHA
Hadah’s told me those of you present in this room have been scheming behind my back.
ARCAS
Scheming?
SANNARO
We aren’t scheming, Lazha. We’re just-
LAZHA
Worried about your friend, brother, father. I know the arguments. Marcayo Daniels, you’ve been combing my database for Sjujeenya schematics. Most of your extra time’s spent with those files. Hadah reported an argument on the flight deck involving Sid Powers and Sannaro. That was about another argument reported that said Arcas was heard arguing with Sannaro that went something like “that vermilion stripe represents the blood of our loved ones."
Arcas blanched.
LAZHA (CONT.)
This behavior has to end! I can’t have my pilots fighting each other when there’s a rescue to be done!
Sannaro saw jaws drop all around the table and knew his was one of them.
LAZHA
Houk, that’s what I said. I know about each of your plans for rescue. Work together, not separately and it’ll work. I’m offering the Zuran shuttle we managed to capture. I want you pilots to study that ship and learn how to fly it. We’re installing the new Belvan weapon in all the star-ships, but we need more time. When we’re ready to bring them online, you need to be ready to go. The rest of the fleet will be on your tail several hours behind, planning to launch a major offensive. You have to be on that flagship before we get there. I regret you’ll need to stay back, Arcas. I need you need to lead the Red Team.
ARCAS
But I want to help to rescue my father, Lazha!
LAZHA
You’ll be helping by keeping the Zurans occupied with the offensive while the rest are on the flagship.
He frowned, but nodded his acceptance.
LAZHA (CONT.)
Any questions?
CHERNA
You knew all the time?
LAZHA
I know everything that happens on this ship.
SANNARO
I should have known.
LAZHA
You were too deep in your own misery, San. You’ve had a hard time lately, especially now with your injury, but I see it’s healing well and you’re nearly walking without help. I expect you’ll be ready when I need you?
SANNARO
Houk, Lazha, I’ll be ready!
LAZHA
Cherna, you make sure your mate’s ready!
CHERNA
Houk, Lazha.
LAZHA
You’re released.
Sannaro was feeling a bit dazed as he left the council room with Cherna. His senses told him the feeling was shared.
FADE OUT.
THE END.