Lyssa Thorne's
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“WAR AND TWO BROTHER'S NIGHTMARE”
EPISODE 26 – ALLIANCE
BY: LYSSA THORNE
SUPER: Reincarnation can be great. You can start anew. All the memories wiped clean. Until you wake up and all the forgotten memories slam you. In the beginning, I went by the name Sannaro. That was only half of the problem.
FADE IN:
INT. UPPER FLIGHT DECK
Sannaro Damirateyak could sense the tension in the air as their mother ship, the Astrisi ship Kumani flew toward Earth.
They were escorted by the other eleven Astrisi ships to offer a very unusual alliance with the Allied Defense Force against an invasion force that had nearly decimated the last alliance the Astrisi had been a part of two hundred years ago.
It was even unusual for all twelve Astrisi ships to be flying in one armada since they usually kept to their own regions of space to ensure each ship didn’t compete with each other for the sales of their wares.
Sannaro wiped his face before he returned to typing the post-fight report into his computer when he sensed Cherna awaken with his name in her mind.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
Go back to sleep.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Where are you?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I’m still working on the flight deck. I’ll be home in a little while.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
San, we’re still on alert. You need all the sleep Hadah gives us.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
And Hadah needs this report too. I’ll be finished soon.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Sannaro, it’s one-fifteen! You have duty at nine-hundred!
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I know. I want to present this report to Hadah at nine. Now, go back to sleep. I’ll be fine.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
You’ve been putting in late nights a lot lately, San! With the constant attacks, you’re wearing yourself out.
Sannaro continued to type the report.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.) (CONT.)
Sannaro Damirateyak, you can hear me! Answer me before I come up to your office and drag you to the mats!
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I said go back to sleep! I’m almost done.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Well, I’m awake now and ready to kick your ass from here to Andromeda!
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I’m sorry for not answering you, ko'ia.
Sannaro sent all the affection he felt for her into her mind. He sensed her calm at his mental touch and he smiled.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
You’re a rogue. I should be mad at you for using your telepathy to appease me.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
But you’re not. I’m coming home now. I can continue with some physical joining if you want to.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
You’re a rogue, Sannaro Damirateyak!
SANNARO
Thank you, Great Forger for giving me telepathy to soothe my angry wife!
He chuckled to himself as he turned off the computer and left his office.
INT. UPPER FLIGHT DECK
Sannaro and Cherna exited the elevators to the Upper Flight Deck.
Cherna was now dressed in the black flight-suit with white panels and the red sash swinging at her side. She’d recently received the promotion to White Team-leader and she was still infused with pride. They entered the flight lounge.
HADAH
Ki'iwa, San, Lazha wants you to take a Vizha'i to the Earth’s Space-station so those worlders can inspect its capabilities. Are you intending to go with him, Cherna?
CHERNA
Houk, Hadah, we’ve been fighting so much lately, I’m also worried about fatigue.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
And your late nights.
Sannaro gave her a quick glare.
HADAH
Good call, Cherna, you can just take two Vizha'i. Take Sotan’s bomber.
CHERNA
Houk, Hadah.
Hadah exited the lounge and approached Sannaro’s fighter.
HADAH
Zhuni, are you finished prepping San’s Vizha'i?
ZHUNI
Houk, Hadah.
HADAH
Prep Sotan’s bomber for Cherna, fuel only, no ordinance.
Hadah pointed to the longer two-canopied fighter in the next row and two down from Sannaro’s.
Zhuni rushed toward that fighter.
ZHUNI
It will be prepped in two minutes.
HADAH
Good.
HADAH
What’s this about Cherna worried that you’re fatigued?
SANNARO
There’s a lot to do, Hadah.
HADAH
I know there’s a lot to do and we’re all unsettled by this war, but I want you to get sleep. I know that even Saili need to sleep to be functional and I need you at your peak.
SANNARO
Houk, Hadah.
Sannaro slipped his firebird-crested helmet on and climbed into his Vizha'i.
Cherna did the same in the next row a few ships down.
He settled in and sealed the canopy. He taxied backward to the rectangle.
Cherna’s borrowed Vizha'i pulled up beside him and the lift raised them to the launch tubes.
His plane was taxied forward and he heard the cat crews making sure the electromagnetic pulleys were secured in the catapult.
The chief of the cat crew saluted Sannaro then they trotted behind the blast shield.
Sannaro stared at the red light above his launch tube.
When it turned green, he was propelled into his chair and he punched the thrusters, shooting out over the nose of the Kumani with Cherna’s bomber with the blue and yellow tail rushing beside him.
Since he was in the first position, he turned his ship first toward the Space-station where the Interstellar Police Station was in orbit above Earth.
SANNARO
Astrisi fighter-ship Red One to ISP control, request approach for Red One and White One to Space-station.
SPACE-STATION TOWER (V.O.)
Roger, Astrisi fighter-ship Red One, Red One and White one are cleared for approach to Space-station. Enter through vector five three six two six, copy.
SANNARO
Roger, vector five three six two six, over.
SPACE-STATION TOWER (V.O.)
Roger, Red One. Welcome to Earth.
SANNARO
Roger and out. I’ve never been to Earth!
CHERNA
Neither have I. Since the Kumani’s sector has always been out around Arcturus, Belvas and Vega. Anyway, I’m in Sotan’s bomber so is my designation White One or Blue Three?
SANNARO
I called you in as White One so just keep that designation. They won’t notice the Vizha'i’s tail is blue and you’re wearing white.
CHERNA
Except Lazha.
SANNARO
We’re showing the ISP our Vizha'i, not fighting them!
They entered the landing tunnel, landed expertly side-by-side and climbed out, stopping just ahead of their Vizha'i’s noses.
Lazha led two men out of some double doors and approached Sannaro and Cherna.
LAZHA
San, Cherna, this is Commander Patterson and Technical Officer Lowers. These two are some of my best pilots. They’ve brought Vizha'i for you to view. Sannaro’s fighter is a one-man interceptor while Cherna’s is a two-man bomber.
Patterson stepped up to look into Sannaro’s ship.
PATTERSON
Vizha'i, you call them?
Just then, a gray-haired man came through the doors onto the flight field. He hurried up to them.
WILSON
I’m sorry I’m late, Commander. This Zuran problem’s kept me very busy.
LAZHA
Understandable, Chief Wilson. I would like for you to meet two of my best pilots, Sannaro and Cherna.
WILSON
Is it all right for you to ask your pilots to doff their helmet?
LAZHA
You can take your helmets off.
Sannaro reached up, unlocked his helmet and shook his hair out as usual and so did Cherna.
WILSON
Your pilot is a Saili?
PATTERSON
Remember the report from Belvas a few years ago about the Saili boy being found living with the Astrisi, Chief?
Commander Patterson stood on the wing of Sannaro’s fighter.
WILSON
Oh, right, Dan. It’s just surprising since the Saili have declared their neutrality and even pulled their representative back to Sailia with the rest of their people.
SANNARO
I was raised Astrisi so I don’t run from a fight.
Sannaro tried unsuccessfully to keep the irritation out of his voice.
WILSON
Thank you for your participation, Aurum Sannaro, Miss Cherna.
LAZHA
Misses, Chief Wilson, Sannaro and Cherna are mated.
WILSON
Excuse me, Auruma Cherna.
SANNARO
But that's of no importance. You’re welcome to call us Sannaro and Cherna.
WILSON
With all respect, I’m rather uncomfortable with personal names in such serious instances.
SANNARO
Then I’m Assistant Senior Team-leader and Cherna’s a Team-leader.
WILSON
Thank you, Assistant Senior Team-leader Now, are these Astrisi fighters?
LAZHA
They are, Chief Wilson.
WILSON
May we look inside them?
LAZHA
Of course.
They studied the instrumentation.
PATTERSON
Can I sit in the cockpit?
LAZHA
You can if you can fit in San's seat.
Sannaro rolled his eyes.
He climbed in and sat down.
PATTERSON
Leg room is kind of tight but, oh, John look at this control panel! It's as sophisticated as a Police Cruiser!
LOWERS
I see, Dan, and with it being so small, its maneuverability must be exceptional!
PATTERSON
Yeah, and I thought cruisers were highly maneuverable!
Patterson climbed out and went over to Cherna’s ship.
Lowers settled into the bomber seat behind Patterson in the pilot's chair.
LAZHA
Exactly.
LOWERS
What do you fight with these Vizha'i, Commander?
LAZHA
Pirates, Mr. Lowers, they prize Astrisi catches. Luckily for us, they have never won a whole Astrisi Huen.
PATTERSON
What is a Huen?
Patterson climbed out again.
LAZHA
A Huen is a mother ship like Kumani, our home, the spaceship we live in.
WILSON
How did you get the name Kumani?
LAZHA
The person who designed my ship was a woman named Kumani. She built a fleet of her ships to take our people away from our planet before it was claimed by our expanding sun. We have lived in space building new ships as our population expanded and crowded the current fleet.
WILSON
The beginning of the Astrisi, Commander?
LAZHA
Exactly, Chief Wilson.
After they saw all they wanted, they returned to the nose where Sannaro and Cherna had been watching them.
Chief Wilson swept his hand toward the inner door.
WILSON
Shall we withdraw to my office, Ladies and Gentlemen? Assistant Senior Team-leader Sannaro and Team-leader Cherna, please join us.
CHERNA
Thank you, Chief Wilson.
They followed Chief Wilson into the building, through plush hallways to an office.
Chief Wilson sat behind a fancy desk and waved all of them to sit.
Since there weren’t enough chairs, Sannaro and Cherna took up guard positions on either side of the door.
Lazha, Commander Patterson and Tech Officer Lowers sat down in the chairs.
WILSON
Now, thank you for saving our delegation, Commander.
LAZHA
You are welcome, Chief. They were injured in battle and couldn’t have returned with what supplies they had.
Wilson frowned and steepled his fingers in front of him.
WILSON
What also bothers me is how little we know of the Zurans.
Lowers slammed his hand on the arm of his chair.
LOWERS
Their tactics are lousy and unconventional!
SANNARO
But they’re also of a totally different race of beings. Our convention is not theirs.
PATTERSON
You know something about the Zurans we don’t, Assistant Senior Team-leader?
LAZHA
Sannaro, explain.
LAZHA (PSI V.O.)
Careful, San, you're annoying our hosts.
SANNARO
During fights, I tend to use the opposing pilot or gunner’s thoughts to anticipate their movements, but when I fight the Zurans, I can’t read them at all. I have to fly instinctively like my fellow Astrisi. It’s a little disconcerting.
PATTERSON
You’re saying their minds are so alien, you can’t make any sense of their thoughts?
SANNARO
That is right.
WILSON
Assistant Senior Team-leader Sannaro, I want you to be one of the speakers in the upcoming briefing to the ADF and Astrisi. Since you were the first to discover the invasion and your extra senses gives you another perspective.
LOWERS
Their tactics are lousy and unconventional!
SANNARO
But they’re also of a totally different race of beings. Our convention is not theirs.
PATTERSON
You know something about the Zurans we don’t, Assistant Senior Team-leader?
LAZHA
Sannaro, explain.
LAZHA (PSI V.O.)
Careful, San, you're annoying our hosts.
SANNARO
During fights, I tend to use the opposing pilot or gunner’s thoughts to anticipate their movements, but when I fight the Zurans, I can’t read them at all. I have to fly instinctively like my fellow Astrisi. It’s a little disconcerting.
PATTERSON
You’re saying their minds are so alien, you can’t make any sense of their thoughts?
SANNARO
That is right.
WILSON
Assistant Senior Team-leader Sannaro, I want you to be one of the speakers in the upcoming briefing to the ADF and Astrisi. Since you were the first to discover the invasion and your extra senses gives you another perspective.
WILSON
Come in.
A police officer came in.
ISP OFFICER
Sir, more ISP officers are arriving.
WILSON
Shall we meet them?
Chief Wilson led the way out of the office back to the hanger bay.
By the time they reached it, the two Space cruisers landed in the hangar.
The hatch on the cruiser’s side opened and a pilot and copilot walked out of both of them.
The first two was a tall blond man partnered with a dark haired tall woman.
LEIGHSON
Commander Leighson and Chief TO Carson reporting as ordered, Sir.
Wilson shook Leighson’s hand.
WILSON
I’m glad you responded to my request for you to assume the command of an ADF warship, Commander. I have use of your Defense Force experience before you changed over to the space patrol.
Another pair exited the other cruiser, stopped in front of Chief Wilson and saluted.
POWERS
Powers and Thatcher reporting from Arcturus.
WILSON
Welcome, gentlemen.
Chief Wilson walked back toward the inner building with Leighson and Carson.
Sannaro and Cherna walked in the background.
As soon as they entered the station’s presentation theater, the ISP officers broke off to go to the group of ISP and the chief, commanders and technical officers followed Lazha to the group of Astrisi commanders clustered at the right of the dais.
Sannaro and Cherna leaned against the wall just beyond the doors as Chief Wilson was approaching the podium.
WILSON
I thank all of you for responding to my summons. We’re all together here today for the same reason. We’re threatened into a terrible war with a race we now know to be called the Zurans. Already, grievous deaths have occurred to us and the Astrisi. This meeting has been called so we may lay open all we know about this enemy we’ll soon engage into war. May I announce to you the Kumani’s Assistant Senior Team-leader Aurum Sannaro Damirateyak, adopted Saili citizen of the Astrisi nation.
The people quietly waited as Sannaro stepped up to the podium and adjusted the microphone lower for his short stature.
SANNARO
Ladies and Gentlemen, Ka'iho si Ka'ina. The first time we of the Kumani met the Zurans was over two weeks ago. On a supply trip to Belvas, I was witness to a red man pursuing a cream-colored thin alien with tentacles as their fingers and toes. The alien was executed by the red man who, before disappearing, said it was time for the Belvans to fight again. He called the creature a Zuran. On the return trip to my ship, my shuttle was attacked. I successfully landed the shuttle and joined in a firefight with the invaders. The Kumani was able to capture an invader’s attack shuttle. Upon boarding, several aliens similar to the one killed on Belvas, wearing flowing silver tunics and sandals were found dead. From autopsy of them, they died of their own hand before we could board. Since I am a Saili living with the Astrisi, my telepathy gave me more information about the invaders. Their minds were unreadable to my telepathy. Their thoughts and mental images were unintelligible to me which brings me to conclude they're very different from us with little commonality. We were attacked five times more before the Astrisi rescued the Alpha Centauri Namura from one of our battles with the Zurans and asked for this alliance.
Sannaro looked over toward Chief Wilson to signal he was done.
Wilson returned to the podium.
WILSON
Thank you, Assistant Senior Team-leader Sannaro.
Sannaro had rejoined Cherna at the wall.
WILSON
The Astrisi were kind enough to give us a sensor recording of a massive battle they engaged in several weeks ago that convinced the Astrisi leaders to ask for this unusual alliance. The audio track was translated by Assistant Team-leader Sannaro and several of their Communications Specialists, so the voices you’ll hear is not the voice of the pilots who spoke except for Aurum Damirateyak who translated for himself. Gentlemen, begin the playback.
Wilson sat down.
After the same battle Sannaro had sat through weeks ago with No'ama was shown, Chief Wilson stood up again.
He blew his breath out slowly.
WILSON
That was scary! But impressive. I know that in the past it seems the Astrisi and the ISP have always been on the opposite sides of the fence, but the threat to our peoples necessitates we try to set aside our prejudices so we can fight off these invaders. That’s why I’ve decided our best line of action is to assign ADF personnel to Astrisi ships and Astrisi personnel to ADF ships. Later in this presentation, assignments will be announced.
The rest of the meeting progressed with speeches from other ADF personnel and a closing by Chief Wilson.
Afterward, a luncheon was served to all who attended.
Sannaro and Cherna joined their fellow Astrisi of the Kumani and Vukutis.
DUSTI
Ki'iwa'alani, San, Cherna.
SANNARO
Ki'iwa'alani, Dusti.
Cherna nodded.
DUSTI
Was that speech you gave made up for the worlders or was it true?
SANNARO
It was all true, Dusti. That’s what happened before we came to the Festival of Ships.
CHERNA
I can verify it and so can many other pilots.
They sat down.
LAZHA
Houk, like No'ama, Hadah and Filp. I also heard it over the tac-net.
DUSTI
Those three are all veteran Team-leaders.
LAZHA
That’s right.
DUSTI
I’m sorry to hear you lost Filp.
A man walked back up to the podium.
ISP OFFICER
Ladies and Gentlemen, the assignments are about to be given. Powers/Thatcher – Kumani. Daniels/Meyes – Kumani. Tanner/Grayson – Vukutis. Andrews/Zenner – Furdusi. Kiyoshi/Harvard – Uzhume. Tobrin/Baynar – Wokolo. Lindoff/Richarson – Muluku.
Lazha stepped up to the platform and whispered to Chief Wilson who stepped aside and waved her to the microphone.
LAZHA
I am the commander of the First Astrisi ship the Kumani. I speak for the eleven other commanders to welcome you to our ships. Since we have a very different culture, we will be giving each of you modular translators because, as my pilot Sannaro said, many Astrisi do not know Basic. I know there is much distrust between us, but our survival depends on cooperation between us for the duration of this conflict. I wish I could say there won’t be any problems, but that wouldn’t be realistic. However, the Astrisi do understand this alliance was formed for mutual survival. I hope you will have minimal problems, but if you do, do not hesitate to inform any of the senior staff on your respective assigned ship. I am also assigning one of my most promising Communications Specialists to the ADF flagship as an Astrisi liaison to help with translations, explain cultural differences and operating procedures. He was one of the specialists who helped Sannaro translate the battle. This young man’s name is Di'ok. May success be with us.
Lazha stepped down from the podium.
Sannaro started at the name of his best friend and stood to join Lazha before she arrived at her chair.
Cherna was close behind.
SANNARO
Lazha, you're assigning Di'ok to a Worlder ship?!
LAZHA
Ki'el recommended him for the job. We’ve already talked to him and he was enthusiastic about the placement.
CHERNA
Di'ok’s excited about anything worlder.
LAZHA
We all have to make sacrifices for this war. Deal with it.
EXIT LAZHA.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
INT. DI'OK'S APARTMENT
Di'ok paced around his living room as he awaited the call for him to board the shuttle bound for the ADF flagship.
SHAYA
Di'ok, please sit.
Di'ok sat on the edge of the cushion beside her and took her hand.
DI'OK
You don’t understand, Sha'ya! All my life I’ve watched as my sister Cherna and my best friend Sannaro do all the rescuing! Shortly after our graduation, San and Cheri rescued this whole ship from a pirate invasion! Do you know what I did?
SHAYA
Nui.
DI'OK
I sat on the bridge and watched that tyrant shoot Belso, our former commander! I watched him abuse my own people as well as his own. Then when San and Cheri broke onto the bridge, I laid on the luyaki floor gripping a dislocated shoulder while San beat the guts out of three pirates as well as killing that pirate bastard with one kick to his stomach! They get the glory and what do I get?
SHAYA
Where were the other members of the bridge crew?
DI'OK
They were sealed in a room in the cargo hold.
SHAYA
So why were you still there?
DI'OK
I thought if I stayed to translate, I could find some way to defeat him, myself, but all I ended up doing was telling San through his telepathy what was happening on the bridge.
SHAYA
Was your information important to what San and Cheri were doing?
DI'OK
Well, houk, because I told them they were being hunted, they avoided capture.
SHAYA
Then you were an important part of their plans.
DI'OK
I guess. I just wish I had the courage they have.
SHAYA
And staying on the bridge with murderous pirates wasn’t courageous? I think it was.
The doorbell rang.
Di'ok stood up and went to the door.
When it swept open, Sannaro and Cherna were at the door. They stormed in on heavy feet.
CHERNA
What’s this about Lazha saying you’re being assigned to that human flagship as Communication Liaison?
DI'OK
It's true.
Di'ok went into his bedroom.
As expected, Cherna and Sannaro followed.
SANNARO
Are you rachi? You’ll be over there on that human bridge alone!
DI'OK
I was on our rachi bridge alone with Roger Arlington! Why don’t you think I can do it again with our allies?
CHERNA
Di'ok!
DI'OK
You may be my best friend and my sister, but you can’t dictate to me what I can and cannot do!
Di'ok packed his belongings in a suitcase.
DI'OK (CONT.)
This is a chance of a lifetime that no other Com specialist has had the opportunity to experience. I have the chance to really do something in this war instead of watching on the sidelines! You’re not going to hold me back!
He closed up the suitcase with a final click and flew from the room.
Sannaro followed.
SANNARO
Di'ok, be reasonable!
DI'OK
I am being reasonable, Sannaro Damirateyak!
Sannaro flinched.
DI'OK
You and Cherna will go on being the great heroes for the Kumani, but I have the chance to do something for our whole Astrisi nation!
He turned away from Sannaro’s shocked face to turn to his mate.
DI'OK (CONT.)
Wait for me, Sha'ya I’ll return after the war is over.
SHAYA
Remember, you’re as brave as your sister and friend.
Di'ok kissed her softly then glared at Sannaro and Cherna before he flew out the door.
He boarded the elevator and went to the Upper Flight Deck.
INT. YORKTOWN
Two days later, Di'ok knocked on the door to Ambassador Daniels’ temporary quarters wondering why the sudden reassignment. He’d just settled into his role as liaison when he was told to report to the ambassador for a briefing.
The door opened. Inside was Ambassadors Daniels and Zerbeck.
JON
Di'ok, please, come in.
DI'OK
I was told to report to you?
JON
Parik requested you. Please have a seat.
DI'OK
Hello, Ambassador Zerbeck.
JON
We’re considering on resuming our original mission with the addition of Parik and you as his translator. He speaks well enough, but he desired support so he chose you. You’re to await Parik’s arrival here.
DI'OK
Your first mission resulted in injuries to all but one of your delegation.
ZERBECK
If you Astrisi hadn’t been fighting them in the first place, I think our mission would have succeeded! Instead, you Astrisi have to complicate everything.
Daniels sent a warning surprised look toward Zerbeck who sulked silently.
JON
We feel obligated to finish our mission. Hopefully, with Parik’s knowledge of your first war with the Zuran’s we may have improved results this time.
DI'OK
I’m flattered, but it’s always been my sister and my best friend who does the hero stuff.
JON
Then it’s your turn, young man.
Di'ok gave a big grin.
Another knock sounded at the door.
When it opened, Parik entered.
JON
We’re all here. I’m by far not as accomplished a pilot as my son, but I’ll pilot this time. Parik may have had the good fortune of reassigning young Di'ok, but I feel a much less chance of success to acquire Marc and Jim again.
ZERBECK
We do with what we can.
The new delegation made their way to the Namura in the ADF flight bay and settled into seats in the control room.
JON
Do you fly, Parik?
PARIK
Among the Astrisi, a selected few have the fortune of being selected to take piloting instruction.
DI'OK
Then they tend to become defenders of the ship like my sister Cherna and my friend Sannaro. Although some who can’t take the pressures of fighting become mother ship and shuttle pilots.
JON
Your culture is amazingly complicated.
Jon placed the headset on his head and checked his instrument panel.
JON (CONT.)
Ambassador’s ship Namura, requesting permission to take off.
ADF FLIGHT CONTROL (V.O.)
Roger, Namura, wait- ADS Yorktown to Namura, you’re clear for takeoff.
JON
Roger, ADS Yorktown, good luck.
Jon Daniels flipped switches on the pilots’ panel.
ADF FLIGHT CONTROL (V.O.)
I hope your stay with us was pleasant, Ambassador. ADS Yorktown, out.
Jon Daniels took a slow deep breath, then piloted his ship out of the ADF flagship. He turned and headed out away from Earth.
When they reached beyond the armada, Jon sent his ship into trans-light speed.
INT. SPACE-STATION
A day later, Marc and Jim boarded their space cruiser and slipped into their seats.
Beside them in another cruiser were Sid and Greg.
Marc gave thumbs-up and brought his engines to life.
POWERS (V.O.)
Alpha-alpha niner to Sierra-lima fourteen Alpha-alpha niner ready. We’ll follow you.
JIM
Roger Alpha-alpha niner. ISP Central, request permission for takeoff.
ISP FLIGHT CONTROL (V.O.)
Sierra-lima fourteen, you’re clear for takeoff.
JIM
Roger, Central, Sierra-lima fourteen, out.
ISP FLIGHT CONTROL (V.O.)
Central, out.
JIM
Let’s go, Marc.
MARC
Sure, Jim.
Marc piloted the cruiser off the floor and directed it into space.
The rear viewer console showed Sid and Greg’s cruiser following.
They cleared the space-station and flew toward where Astrisi were maintaining orbit.
POWERS (V.O.)
Holy galaxy, that’s a damn big ship.
THATCHER (V.O.)
How do they land it?
JIM
Not very often, I suspect.
MARC
Our space is more crowded than I’ve ever seen it! There must be ships parked from here to Mars!
JIM
It sure is.
MARC
If you look at the Astrisi ships, you'll see each one has a unique star pattern in the firebird on the hull. The Kumani has the blue four-pointed star with a yellow star in counterpoint and the green diamonds capped with the red chevrons.
POWERS (V.O.)
Yeah, they do have different symbols on them. I see the Kumani now.
MARC
Kumani, this is Sierra-lima fourteen followed by Alpha-alpha niner requesting instructions to land.
KI'EL
Hello, Sierra-lima fourteen and Alpha-alpha niner, my name is Ki'el, that’s key-el. I’ll guide you into the retrieval bay. Welcome to the Kumani. Fly to the aft top of the ship where you will see an entry tunnel. Please, slow to landing velocity as you enter the tunnels. Sierra-lima fourteen will follow landing strip one. Alpha-alpha niner will follow landing strip two. Begin to apply your brakes and come to a stop at the lighted rectangle. Do not exit your craft, I repeat, do no exit your craft; you’re on a lift that will lower your crafts into the maintenance deck. You’ll then be directed to a parking area and be asked to power down. Then you may exit your craft.
POWERS (V.O.)
Alpha, Alpha Niner. We copy.
MARC
Follow us, Alpha-alpha niner. I’ve done it before. It’s not as complicated as it sounds.
It didn’t take them long before they were safely landed in the Kumani’s maintenance bay.
Marc and Jim walked out of their cruiser and joined Sid and Greg who were just coming out of their own.
Sid whirled three-sixties to take in the alien landing bay.
POWERS (V.O.)
Whoa, can you believe this place?
MARC
My father’s friend said they have a whole damn super-carrier in this ship when he saw it. I was hardly conscious when they brought the Namura down, but I snapped awake when I saw this.
ENTER SANNARO
SANNARO
Hi, welcome to the Kumani. I’m Senior Second Fighter Pilot Sannaro Damirateyak. What do you think?
POWERS
You just said a mouthful.
THATCHER
Big.
SANNARO
You can call me San. I will be the pilot who will help you work with the Astrisi. Follow me. I’ll take you to your quarters.
Sannaro went toward the elevators.
The Space Policemen followed quietly.
SANNARO
Yasna Tuano batri odo.
The elevator began to move.
JIM
Oh, yeah, we better put on our translators so we can know what people are saying.
They each put a small device resembling a hearing aide into their ears and touched a switch on a small black box in one of their utility pouches.
When the doors opened, they stepped out into a busy hall with murals painted all over the walls.
Greg stepped closer to get a good look at a lake at sunset dominated by oranges, reds, and fuchsias.
THATCHER
This is beautiful!
SANNARO
It breaks up the monotony of having to live with bulkheads all your life.
THATCHER
Do you do these?
SANNARO
No, I’m not a painter. Come.
Sannaro walked a while farther down the hall and stopped at a door.
SANNARO (CONT.)
Computer, recognize occupants as Marcayo Daniels, James Meyers, Sid Powers and Greg Thatcher.
COMPUTER V.O.
Houk.
SANNARO
Computer, change to Basic and obey Basic commands.
COMPUTER (V.O.)
Changed. Occupants speak your names for verification and voice identification.
SID
Wow! Uh, Sid Powers.
GREG
Greg Thatcher.
JIM
Jim Meyers.
MARC
Marcayo Daniels.
COMPUTER (V.O.)
Voice imprints verified.
GREG
Tell me, Marc, is it Marc-aye-yo?
MARC
No, it’s Mar-cayo. It’s a Brocana name and Brocana stress the first part of the name.
GREG
Thanks.
JIM
It’s all right. He gets that all the time.
SANNARO
I’ve heard of Brocana. They’re nice people, but they dislike technology. I believe it’s against their religion.
MARC
That’s right, Sannaro.
SANNARO
San, that's the shortened version of my name.
MARC
Okay, thanks, San. The Brocana are sun worshipers who feel technology makes a person godlike. Forgive me for stepping out of line here, but I've met many Saili Ambassadors. You seem more relaxed.
SANNARO
I wasn't raised by Saili so I don't act Saili.
MARC
That may be why you're the first Saili I've ever met who goes by a nickname.
SID
So this is our quarters?
Sid caressed the carved wooden furniture.
SANNARO
Sorry we couldn’t get you your own apartments since most of them are occupied.
SID
Don’t worry, San, this is more than I expected- a kitchen, a living room and furniture more than I expected!
SANNARO
Well, I also must apologize for the bunk beds. They’re youth beds.
MARC
That’s fine as long as my feet don’t stick out of the foot of the bed.
JIM
Ha, Marc would be comfortable with a bedroll on the floor!
Sannaro broke out in a broad grin then straightened his face.
SANNARO
They’re the same length just narrower than usual.
GREG
No problem, San.
JIM
Very homey. You really didn’t have to give us such fine furniture.
SANNARO
It’s the type of furniture we use every day. There’s nothing special about it.
GREG
This is considered everyday furniture?
SANNARO
Yes. Later, after we eat, I’ll take you to my home. Come to think of it, maybe Cherna would like to cook for you. We can eat together.
GREG
You and Cherna live together?
SANNARO
We are mated.
GREG
Oh, you’re married! What a different culture you have. I don’t know who’s what! You call your commander by her first name and your wife’s a fellow pilot.
JIM
My wife’s a fellow tech officer.
SANNARO
You’ll get use to it. We’re a small culture who’re more informal. After all, Marc, you don’t address your father as Ambassador, do you?
MARC
Not all the time.
SANNARO
Neither do we.
Sannaro held up the tail of the red sash with the dark red stripe on the tail he wore around his waist.
SANNARO
But if it’ll help any, look at the sashes people wear. They’re color-coded. Black is Lazha’s commander sash. Second-in-command is vermilion with a black stripe on the tail. Solid Vermilion is a Section Senior. Red with a Vermilion stripe is a Section Assistant like mine. Red, a Team-leader pilot. Yellow with a red stripe is Assistant Team-leader Yellow is a junior pilot. A white sash is an apprentice shipman or pilot. White with a yellow stripe is an apprentice who is near to advancement to a junior position.
JIM
We’ll try to remember that.
Sannaro smoothed his sash back down his thigh.
SANNARO
Anyway, I wouldn’t stake my mother’s pottery that Cheri will be up to cooking dinner, but I’ll try.
ARCAS V.O.
Sannaro, report to the upper flight lounge.
SANNARO
That crazy second of mine! Can’t he ever call me mentally? He knows I’ll pick it up. I can’t stand it when he calls me on the ship-wide com! I’ll be back after Arcas gets it, and he will!
Sannaro walked out of the apartment and the door swished closed behind him.
GREG
Why is he angry with his second. Does that mean second in command?
MARC
I imagine. But Saili are telepathic. Many times when I met the Saili Ambassador, he rarely spoke to his aides vocally, but they always knew what he wanted and worked without word. I once tried to talk to an aide, but he just bowed and walked on.
SID
I wonder how large a stack that guy can heft? Did you see the muscles on him? He was bulging everywhere!
JIM
I haven’t seen an Astrisi who isn’t muscular. I think they all work out to keep themselves trim.
Greg came out of another room.
GREG
Great kitchen, but I wonder how you get some food?
MARC
I guess Sannaro will tell us when he returns.
JIM
San.
MARC
I can’t believe I’ve just met a Saili with a nickname!
END ACT 2
ACT 3
Sannaro strode back to the elevator and palmed the plate. He entered the elevator.
As the doors opened, he squeezed through and walked down the rows of Vizha'i. He entered the pilots lounge and scanned it for Arcas who was waiting in a corner.
ARCAS
San, cool your metal. Tisa needs you to sign for a new lower fuel oscillator for her Vizha'i.
SANNARO
Okay, next time, call me in your head anyway! It’ll save you a bit of walking. Mental calls don’t need equipment.
Sannaro left the lounge with Arcas following and strode toward the Vizha'i Tisa was standing underneath on the deck.
Sannaro knew her ship had taken a few hits in the last fight and it still looked a bit battered. The undercarriage was still a little warped.
Tisa was working to open a panel along with a support engineer named Moki.
Suddenly, the ship let out a groan as the Vizha'i’s landing struts shifted.
Tisa and Moki looked up with their eyes wide as the Vizha'i dropped down.
The fighter fell to the deck, pinning them.
Sannaro held his arms out to steady himself as the deck began to lurch and tip to one side then it settled again.
Sannaro and Arcas rushed forward to the collapsed fighter.
IKKU
Tisa!
Ikku ran across the deck from the refuel and rearms pylons and slid to a stop beside the fallen Vizha'i.
Arcas pulled Tisa’s stricken mate back.
ARCAS
Ikku! Get back, man, we’ll save her.
SANNARO PSI V.O.
Zhad, medical team to upper Vizha'i maintenance bay, space six.
He grabbed the wing just above his pinned friends. He bellowed and hefted the Vizha'i up off the floor.
ARCAS
San, what are you doing?
SANNARO
Get them out. I can’t hold it much longer!
Hadah ran from the offices.
HADAH
Fausa, San! Zhuni, get a forklift and take that Vizha'i out of Sannaro’s hands!
SANNARO
I’ve called for a medical team. My hands are starting to slip!
Hadah joined Arcas and Ikku and they gently pulled Tisa and Moki out from under the ship just as Zhuni drove the forklift and raised it under the damaged ship, taking the pressure from Sannaro.
Sannaro stumbled backwards.
Hadah pressed a hand on his back to steady him.
The elevators opened.
Zhad rushed out ahead of a medical team and began to treat the injured people.
HADAH
What happened?
SANNARO
Tisa’s Vizha'i slipped off its landing pylons. She and Moki were under it.
HADAH
Fausa! The impact shook the whole ship!
Sannaro looked sadly at his injured wing-woman as Zhad set her on a gurney and the medics guided her away along with Moki.
ZHAD
San, she’ll be put in a healing tent as soon as possible. If you hadn’t called me telepathically to come quickly she would’ve been worse.
SANNARO
But that still leaves my wing undermanned for about a week!
ZHAD
Unfortunately true, but I can’t speed up the process any faster than modern medicine has already.
SANNARO
I know.
ZHAD
Sorry, San, I have to go.
Zhad patted Sannaro’s back before he rushed to join the medical team.
Sannaro groaned as Ikku followed Zhad.
Hadah approached and laid a hand on his shoulder, flooding Sannaro’s mind with sympathy.
LAZHA (V.O.)
Hadah, report!
HADAH
Come, San.
When he entered, he rushed over to the computer and opened a channel.
LAZHA
What happened up there? It shook the whole ship!
HADAH
A maintenance accident. Sannaro pulled a whole Vizha'i off of Tisa and Moki after it fell on them.
LAZHA
How bad is Tisa and Moki? Is San all right?
SANNARO
It looked like Tisa was bleeding from an abdominal wound and Moki had crushed legs.
Lazha winced.
SANNARO
I’m all right, just a little tired.
HADAH
After that Vizha'i was taken from Sannaro, he was staggering like a drunk.
SANNARO
Well, a whole Vizha'i is a bit heavier than my regular stack!
HADAH
Then why did Eslin just tell me he saw you working half the night while he was standing watch and he’s not the only one? They say that night after night you’ve been in that office working. You’re exhausted! Report to Zhad immediately. I’m taking red team off active duty. You get some sleep, San.
SANNARO
Hadah! We all need to be on alert right now!
HADAH
That’s an order, Sannaro.
LAZHA
You heard, San. Report to Zhad.
SANNARO
Houk, Lazha.
Arcas joined Sannaro down stairs in the pilots lounge.
SANNARO
We’re off active duty.
ARCAS
We can fly without Tisa!
SANNARO
We can, but I’ve been told to report to Zhad.
ARCAS
Why?
SANNARO
With so many battles, I have to work overtime to get the reports finished so I’ve been getting to bed a little late.
ARCAS
What? You always talk to us about letting you know when we’re unable to function and here you are pulling the same thing on me? You sure as fausa are going to report to Zhad and don’t you wear yourself down again without telling your team second!
SANNARO
Houk, Team-leader.
ARCAS
If you die because of fatigue, I might just be Team-leader!
Sannaro walked slowly to the elevator and called for the hospital. He exited into pandemonium.
A few new worlder people assigned from the ADF were lined up on chairs holding ankles and arms.
Sannaro felt ridiculous visiting Zhad for simple fatigue while others had broken bones from the sudden shifting of the ship.
He went up to his friend Danu who was getting a medicine from a cabinet.
SANNARO
Danu, can you get me some tranquilizers to help me sleep? Then I’ll be out of your way. Tell Zhad I was here.
DANU
Someone found out about the late hours?
SANNARO
How did you know?
DANU
Cherna told me.
Danu filled an injector then slapped a bottle into Sannaro’s hand.
DANU
I need to get this med to Tila. Here’s the med. I’ll tell Zhad. He’ll want to talk to you later, especially if you’re under orders.
Danu rushed off again.
Sannaro quickly walked back to the elevator and hurried back to Marc, Jim, Sid and Greg’s apartment. He found them talking nervously in their living room.
JIM
What the hell happened?
SANNARO
Please lower your voice. It will carry to other apartments. We call them Sound Disruptions. One of my pilots and an engineer had a maintenance accident. They’re still alive, but they are seriously injured.
JIM
What a terrible thing to happen just before a war.
SANNARO
Supper was probably being prepared in the cafeteria. Adki’s got one hell of a mess of a kitchen now so Cherna has to cook anyway. Let’s go to my quarters.
When they arrived at Sannaro’s apartment, they found it empty.
Sannaro ran over to the communications system and called the Hospital.
SANNARO
Zhad, is Cherna there?
ZHAD
She helped to bring Adara in.
SANNARO
Adara? Is she all right? Should I come there?
ZHAD
Nui, it’s all right, San. I’ll care for Adara. Her leg was sprained when the ship shifted. By the way, why did you show up and talk Danu into giving you tranquilizers?
SANNARO
I’ve been working a bit late, lately. Hadah wanted me to get something to help me sleep.
ZHAD
I’ll talk to you about this later. I have patients to attend to.
Just as Sannaro cut the line, the door opened, allowing Cherna, Varanani, Sha'ya, Ahdri and Tanei to walk through.
Sannaro rushed over to Cherna and hugged her. Then he hugged his sister.
SANNARO
I was worried.
CHERNA
We took Adara to the medical center. She’s just got a sprained ankle. What happened?
SANNARO
Tisa and Moki were working on replacing a lower oscillator on Tisa’s Vizha'i when it shifted on its landing pylons and fell on them.
CHERNA
That’s terrible! Are they bad?
Ahdri blanched then guided Tanei into the kitchen to get her a drink.
CHERNA
Well, I’m sure we’re all hungry and a bit shaken. I’ll fix some food.
Cherna moved into the kitchen.
LAZHA (V.O.)
This is Lazha. We’re all devastated from Tisa’s unfortunate accident. Her Vizha'i fell on her and Moki. The impact caused the Kumani to list. Chief Wilson will be visiting us to assess the damage. As soon as everyone has eaten, I’d like the section leaders and all Team-leaders to come to the Council room. I regret to say that the cafeteria won’t be serving. Supper was splashed all over the kitchen. Lazha out.
SANNARO
I thought so.
The police officers chuckled.
Then the door opened and Danu entered, guiding Adara in with him.
She was quite unstable on her crutches.
Sannaro went over and helped Adara, nodding Danu to sit.
DANU
Thanks, San, I’m dead on my feet.
MARC
Hi there. You’re the medic.
DANU
Well, I’m an intern. I haven’t made doctor yet. I’m still in training.
JIM
And you’re sure getting it.
DANU
Oh, tell me something I don’t know!
Adara grunted as she lowered into a chair.
ADARA
Thank you, cobasora. How’s poor Tisa, Danu?
Danu sank deeper into the couch.
DANU
Oh, boy. Her legs are broken and her left arm was sliced when the Vizha'i rocked on her. Moki’s hips are crushed and he has massive internal bleeding. Then there are the small injuries from the ship listing, like broken legs, broken arms and sprains. I wish we had more than two healing tents.
TANEI
Ew!
SANNARO
Uh, sorry, Danu, but I want to retain my appetite.
DANU
My appetite is already gone, I’m famished.
Marc got up and started wandering around.
MARC
You weren’t kidding when you said the furniture’s common. Your place is as picturesque as our place.
Marc caressed the shelf unit Sannaro and Cherna bought at the interrupted festival weeks ago.
Sannaro’s eyes followed the Centaurian while Cherna and Varanani put the food on the table.
As they were settling down to eat, the doorbell rang.
SANNARO
Akla.
The door opened. Standing outside it was Zhad, looking tired and worn.
ZHAD
Food?
SANNARO
You’re invited to stay and eat with us. Adara and the girls are here.
ZHAD
Thank you very much, but I want to check you out, then I have to get back.
SANNARO
Oh no, you don’t!
Sannaro pulled Zhad through the door and led him to sit down beside Danu.
SANNARO (CONT.)
You can check me out after you eat. Your techs will keep an eye on the patients. You look totally exhausted. Come eat.
After they finished, Sannaro went into the kitchen with dirty dishes in his hands.
Cherna followed him.
SANNARO
I’m going to Lazha’s meeting.
CHERNA
You said your whole team is off duty until further notice!
SANNARO
I did, but I’m not going to stay uninformed.
CHERNA
I can brief you when I get back.
SANNARO
Cherna, I’m the Assistant Senior. I need to hear this. I promise I’ll get some sleep as soon as we finish.
CHERNA
I’m going to hold you to it or I’ll take you to the mats.
They left the kitchen and the apartment to go to the Council room.
When they entered, there were only a few section leaders along with Chief Wilson and
Commander Leighson with Lazha.
Commander Leighson hurried over to Sannaro.
Sannaro took a seat.
LEIGHSON
Team-leaders, how’s Meyers, Daniels, Powers and Thatcher?
SANNARO
They’re uninjured and happily digesting some of Cherna’s cooking.
LEIGHSON
Good, I’m glad they weren’t injured. I’m really sorry this happened, Team-leader Sannaro. I hear the unfortunate person was one of your wing members.
SANNARO
It was a maintenance accident she couldn’t have avoided. Such accidents do happen occasionally. Tisa will recover and she probably will fly again.
WILSON
Good to hear. But I do say the timing for this accident was bad, real bad.
SANNARO
Lazha, I didn’t know Ikku was working V si V?
LAZHA
He felt that since he had such a bad experience with Ship’s armament section on the Wokolo, he would try changing to Vizha'i armament.
SANNARO
That’s why he was on the flight deck during Tisa’s accident.
They were interrupted by the door chime.
Lazha called to enter.
It was a total surprise when Dusti entered with the rest of the teamleaders. Lazha jumped up and joined Dusti at the door to hug Ki'el’s sister.
LAZHA
Dusti, I wasn’t informed you came to the Kumani!
DUSTI
Well, some of your internal communications are out so they couldn’t tell you. I know my way around anyway, unless you forget that I was born on this ship?
LAZHA
No.
DUSTI
It’s terrible on your Upper Flight Deck.
LAZHA
Ki'el directed you to land there?
DUSTI
I came in a shuttle.
LAZHA
That explains it. Sit down, Ka'ina.
LEIGHSON
You have another flight deck than the one on the top?
LAZHA
We have a smaller one below that doesn’t have shuttle parking or support maintenance.
DUSTI
Anyway, plans will definitely have to be altered. I do have a suggestion.
WILSON
I’ve been at a loss to an alternative, Commander I’d like to hear your suggestion.
DUSTI
When we split up to go to our battle sectors, my Vukutis can stay with the Kumani as support until the Kumani is repaired and at full strength.
LAZHA
A sound suggestion, Dusti.
WILSON
I agree. All right, Commander Dusti, we’ll implement your suggestion.
SANNARO
But Dusti, Lazha, even if the Kumani was supported by the Vukutis, wouldn’t that still be dangerous? We’re going to meet an enemy who uses suicidal tactics!
LAZHA
Yes, San, it is still dangerous, but a delay on our part could be more dangerous. The risk must be taken.
After the meeting was adjourned, Lazha approached Sannaro and Cherna.
LAZHA
San, did you report to Zhad?
SANNARO
I did. As soon as I get home, I’ll go to bed.
LAZHA
Zhad told me he didn’t see you personally. That you pawned some tranquilizers from Danu then took off!
SANNARO
Zhad had casualties to attend to. I felt I didn’t need to take his attention for fatigue.
LAZHA
Zhad’s freer now. I want you to obey my earlier orders, now.
SANNARO
Houk, Lazha. I’m going to Zhad. After I see Zhad I’ll go to bed.
Cherna, Hadah and Lazha shared a satisfied glance as Sannaro beat a hasty retreat from the room.
INT. KUMANI HOSPITAL
Sannaro was led into a room and was told by Belia the head nurse to remove his shirt and sit on an examining table.
Sannaro pulled his flight suit off his arms then folded it around his waist over his pistol belt.
Zhad came in and began checking him for any injuries.
ZHAD
Sannaro, why are you so quiet? It’s not at all like you.
SANNARO
I don’t like what’s going on. We couldn’t possibly fight a war like we are even with the Vukutis coming as support.
ZHAD
Especially, not when a senior pilot exhausts himself.
SANNARO
That’s why I visited Danu earlier to get a sleep aide. I guess I’ve just been working too hard in my new position to try to please Hadah. I’ll slow down.
ZHAD
You better because I’ll be checking up on you regularly. You may be my adopted son, but I’m still the Flight Physician who has to make the calls on who is or isn’t flight-worthy. Now, in my professional opinion, you are dangerously exhausted and shouldn’t be trusted to fly any vehicle. Danu told me what he gave you. Take one of those pills and get some rest.
SANNARO
Houk, Zhad. I’m going to bed now before Cherna has me on the mats for not obeying her.
Sannaro pulled his flight suit back on and left the hospital room to go home.
FADE OUT.
THE END.