Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
“TO TAME A FIREBIRD”
EPISODE 39 –
MASS TURMOIL
BY: LYSSA THORNE
FADE IN:
INT. KUMANI METAL STORE ROOM
Sannaro groaned as he tried to pull his hand to his face to rub his dry irritated eyes, but he only felt resistance and pressure on his shoulders.
He shook his head to hasten his awakening then opened his eyes. His vision was blurry at first, but after a few blinks, he focused on the dark dingy ceiling or was it a wall?
He looked up to his arms outstretched and shackled to a large chain that hung from what Sannaro was now sure was the ceiling.
He looked down past his black and red flight-suit to his red boots that similarly shackled to a large chain anchored to the floor.
He looked around him and saw scrap metal in various grotesque twisted shapes like the dead Saili he saw in the civil war on Sailia his planet of origin.
Sannaro shuddered.
Kuro brandished two clothespins. He reached up to the sides of Sannaro’s head.
Sudden pain shot from both of his ears.
Sannaro shuddered as the vertigo rushed through his head from the pressure the clothes pins exerted on his ears just like on Arcturus.
KURO
Well, you’re finally awake!
SANNARO
Who told you about that?
KURO
Why should I tell you? That uniform should have been mine!
He grabbed the neck of the flight-suit and twisted it.
The pressure constricted Sannaro throat and he gasped for breath.
KURO
I think I’ll take it!
Kuro pulled out a knife and began to cut through the highly stretchy thermal cloth until Sannaro only wore his underwear.
KURO
There that’s better. You know, it’s about time I had my revenge on you for humiliating me in the gym years ago.
Kuro slammed his fist deep into Sannaro’s abdomen.
Sannaro woofed and drew his knees up until the chain around his ankles snapped taunt.
KURO
That’s useless!
Kuro backhanded his arm hard across Sannaro’s knees.
Sannaro's legs fell slack and his shoulders screamed from the jerk. He gritted his teeth.
Kuro brought the blades of his hands into Sannaro’s sides just below the ribcage.
Sannaro’s body shook as his internal organs protested the continued assault. He gulped air into his lungs then hissed as his watering eyes burned.
KURO
You know when I wanted to cut your ears off? Well, why should I now when it would be more fun to hurt them instead?
Kuro snatched Sannaro’s second point in a tight grip.
Sannaro writhed in agony.
Kuro twisted it.
Sannaro shrieked.
KURO
Oh, that really hurts, doesn’t it? Now I understand why that got you so mad!
Kuro grabbed the other ear and pulled on it.
Sannaro screamed and his body convulsed.
SANNARO
Nui, please stop!
Kuro slapped Sannaro across the jaw.
Sannaro’s face throbbed as the metallic taste of blood spread in his mouth. He spat yellow blood onto the floor.
KURO
You know why I can hurt you so bad? Funny, it was my metalworkers training that built me up so much! I beat on metal all day long and I can beat on your metal carcass all day long too!
Sannaro bowed his head and closed his eyes.
KURO
And what was worse is that coward Hadah gave you the Senior Fighter Pilot sash!
Kuro pulled his knee up into Sannaro’s groin.
Sannaro’s body shook. He raised his knees again in the attempt to ease the horrible pain.
KURO
Don’t tell me again about how your skills made you a candidate for the position. I’m tired of hearing your arrogant lecture!
Kuro walked behind him and jabbed his fist into Sannaro’s spine.
Sannaro arched his back and the muscles in his shoulders stabbed with pain.
Kuro punched and kicked Sannaro all over his body like a practice bag in the gym.
As Sannaro hung barely conscious, Kuro laughed.
KURO
That was very satisfying.
Sannaro curled his body to put his whole strength into stressing both chains.
Kuro's eyes widened and he stepped back.
The iron links began to groan from the stress.
As a top link gave way, Kuro sprinted out the door.
Sannaro dropped onto the floor and sobbed weakly for a few minutes before he freed his feet.
His body ached so much and now he didn’t even trust his telepathy to inform him who his friends were.
SIKYATAVO (PSI V.O.)
Come on, kiddo. You have to get to Zhad so he can heal you. Don’t let anyone see you.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I hurt so bad, Sikyatavo. I want to lay down and rest.
SIKYATAVO (PSI V.O.)
No, you can’t rest. Get to the hospital.
He pulled the clothespins off his ears, then cautiously pulled himself off the floor and stumbled to the door. He stumbled and fell against the wall and bit his hand to muffle the scream.
Since this looked like a storage room, he guessed he was probably in the lower aft section in ships’ storage. He had about seven levels to go through to get to the lowest floor of the Hospital Section and he wasn’t going to let anyone see him until he was safely in his foster father’s care.
As he stumbled through the vast cargo bay with his head bowed down and his shoulders slumped, he could see his yellow skin was turning green from the bruises forming all over him. It was torture just for him to keep his feet moving and he was shivering from the colder humanoid atmosphere.
SIKYATAVO (PSI V.O.)
Keep moving, kiddo.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I'm so cold, I can barely move!
SIKYATAVO (PSI V.O.)
Crawl if you have to. Get to Zhad!
His ears vibrated from the sensing of a mind nearby. He dropped into a patch of shadow and closed his eyes to will the vertigo into a more manageable level. Once the stevedore was past, Sannaro forced himself to shuffle on until he found an elevator.
He called the elevator and stumbled inside.
SANNARO
Hospital, Medical Override, Code Red.
When the elevator began to move, he collapsed to the floor and pulled his legs against his chest.
The door swept open again and Sannaro tried to stand, but he could only force himself to crawl out of the elevator on his hands and knees. He looked up to see one of his best friends standing startled above him.
SANNARO
Danu!
His arms buckled and he dropped to the floor.
DANU
Iachi’awei, San!
Danu dropped to the floor and began to check Sannaro’s body.
DANU
Get me a gurney, stat! Massive blunt impact trauma with internal bleeding! Who did this, Sannaro?
SANNARO
Kuro.
ZHAD
Oh, nui!
DANU
He’s been severely beaten, Zhad!
Zhad joined him.
Belia the head Nurse rushed up with a gurney.
Danu took Sannaro’s legs.
Zhad took his shoulders and they hefted him onto the gurney.
Sannaro screamed.
They rushed him to a treatment room.
ZHAD
Look at his ears, they’re green and black! How savage!
Sannaro’s stomach lurched and he closed his eyes.
They stopped the gurney and clamped it down.
Sannaro whimpered when Zhad began to probe his body to assess the damage.
ZHAD
Prep O.R., we’ve got to stop the internal bleeding! I feel a few broken ribs, too.
DANU
He shows no respiratory distress.
ZHAD
I hope there’s no damage to any of San’s lungs or hearts or I might have to call New Sailia for help.
SANNARO
Nui! That could take me out of the cockpit forever!
ZHAD
I'll try my best, San. Now try to relax.
Now that he felt safe in his foster father’s care, he began to lose consciousness as the gurney was rushed to the Operating Room.
When the anesthesia mask was put over his nose and mouth, he quickly fell asleep.
INT. KUMANI HOSPITAL ROOM
Sannaro gasped and surged upright. Even his mind was quiet of all the psychic chatter he was use to ignoring.
SANNARO
Help! I can’t see! I can’t sense anything!
DANU
Calm down, San! Your eyes and your ears are bandaged. You suffered flash burns on your eyes.
Sannaro groaned as the immense pain reached through the panic. He dropped back to his pillow.
DANU
You're just out of surgery. You had internal bleeding. It was a good thing you maintain a blood bank here for just this kind of an emergency because you still have injuries we haven't healed yet.
SANNARO
The flash bomb Kuro used to disable me damaged my eyes?
DANU
So it was a flash bomb? Your Saili eyes are made for dim light or darkness so the flash fried your eyes.
SANNARO
So, was there any damage to my lungs or hearts?
DANU
Thankfully, no.
ENTER CHERNA AND HADAH
Sannaro heard the door whoosh open again then his hand was grabbed. From the personal contact, Sannaro knew it was Cherna.
CHERNA
Oh, San, who did this to you?
SANNARO
Kuro, he hung me from the ceiling and used me as a punching bag down in ships' storage.
HADAH
Where in ships' storage?
SANNARO
It was a small room with twisted metal.
HADAH
I'll send the Protocol Enforcers to find this room and to arrest Kuro. I won't tolerate my Seniors being shamefully attacked.
SANNARO
Danu, will my eyes heal all right? How bad are my ears?
DANU
You're still seeing. You just need to rest them awhile. Once we're sure we've treated all your injuries we'll heal your bruised ears.
SANNARO
I can't be in more pain.
DANU
There is little of you that isn't bruised, San. It was amazing he made it to the Hospital before he collapsed!
HADAH
Those bruises on your wrists are awful. Do you have more on your ankles?
Sannaro grunted as he slipped a leg out of his sheets to show Hadah the same dreadful black rings on his ankles.
HADAH
Bound hand and foot without chance of defending yourself? This is so unbelievably dishonorable! Kuro will face charges in front of the Ship’s Council for this!
Hadah stormed out of the room.
Sannaro pulled up Cherna's hand and pressed it against his bandaged cheek.
She put her head lightly on his chest and put her other hand on his right shoulder.
Her tears felt cool to his skin as they dropped onto his chest.
He wrapped his right arm around her back. He suddenly chuckled.
Cherna picked up her head.
CHERNA
What’s funny?
SANNARO
Did I laugh?
CHERNA
A little chuckle.
SANNARO
I was thinking about how you’ve always been fascinated about my telepathy.
CHERNA
I can’t even stroke your ears! I love how your body shivers and you groan lustily.
SANNARO
Oh, now you’re feeling frisky?
He picked his head up, but pain stabbed through his head and he dropped back down to his pillow again.
SANNARO
I just wish my body would stop hurting.
CHERNA
Oh, that Kuro, I wish I could drive him into the mats!
SANNARO
Sorry, love, I’m taking that fight.
CHERNA
Good, it'll probably be more satisfying to watch him get his due.
The door swept open and Zhad chuckled.
ZHAD
All ready plotting your revenge? You’re not even fully healed yet.
SANNARO
By Astrisi law, I have the right to challenge him for my humiliation!
ZHAD
Very true. Cherna, let me get to Sannaro so I can check to see if everything's still holding.
Cherna stood up.
Zhad’s confident fingers probed his chest, stomach and sides.
ZHAD
Everything feels right. I’ll give the order for the healing tent. Tomorrow, your injuries should be healed and you can be released, but I’d be careful the next few days so as not to strain the new tissue.
SANNARO
Okay.
He heard the door open and close, then a minute later it reopened and he heard the rustle of the fabric rapid regeneration tent as it was set up above him.
Then he heard the hum of the lamp box as it scanned his body.
He felt the warmth of the regeneration lamp shine on his face and he became drowsy.
CHERNA
I’ll see you tomorrow.
He surrendered to sleep.
INT. NASU'S APARTMENT.
Ku'an was feeling unusually cheery as he talked with Nasu about the good old days when the Astrisi never trusted worlders and they never dared to cross the Astrisi for fear of swift retaliation.
They were interrupted by the frantic sweeping open of the entry door and Kuro burst between them in the living room panting hard.
NASU
What’s wrong, Kuro? You did our plan?
KURO
Houk. I had him but- he got away.
KU'AN
He got away? Didn’t you knock him unconscious right after the flash bomb went off?
KURO
Houk, then I took him below to the raw metal storage room.
NASU
You didn’t kill him.
KURO
I thought there would be no harm in having a little fun with him before I killed him. I had him bound hand and foot, then stretched between steel chains! I beat him real good, but he became this crazy animal and broke the chains!
NASU
Fausa!You should have killed him while he was unconscious then cut him up right after!
MINA
Why didn’t you stay and fight him? He was injured! You could have overcome him and finished the job!
KURO
I used chains that required 250 p.s.i. and he snapped them! You wanted me to fight that? I’ve never seen anyone gather enough strength to snap those chains and he had this crazy look in his eyes!
NASU
Great. If Hadah hears about the attack on Sannaro, he’ll come for you.
The doorbell rang.
Ku'an slipped into a back room as Nasu went to the door.
HADAH
Ki'iwa'alani, Nasu. Is Kuro with you?
NASU
Houk, he is. What is this about?
HADAH
We’re here to take Kuro into custody.
NASU
Why?
MINA
What has my boy done to warrant Protocol Enforcers?
HADAH
Sannaro’s in the Hospital. He told me right after he was out of surgery that Kuro kidnapped him, chained him then thoroughly beat him with no opportunity to defend himself. We’ll have to take Kuro with us.
NASU
I know Kuro's given people some trouble, but he wouldn’t dishonor himself by attacking someone without the right of defense of oneself.
HADAH
I apologize, but we need to detain him until we have more information.
NASU
I’ll allow it, but I think it’s all fausa.
Kuro gave Nasu a worried look before he stepped out of the apartment. The door closed.
Ku'an reentered the living room.
NASU
Great, he blew it to fausa, useless child.
MINA
He’s a coward. How did we manage to raise such a coward? We had so much aspirations for him to grow up to be Vizha'e and be a glorious hero. What did we get? A spineless metal-shaper!
NASU
This isn't good. Ku'an, you said the plan would be simple!
KU'AN
It was simple! Your kid screwed it up! He had Sannaro unconscious and defenseless, but he just couldn’t resist having a little fun!
Ku'an charged out the door.
As he walked down the hall, he saw the yellow curled-under hair and petite black and white flight-suit clad body of his daughter Cherna. The sound of sobs leapt from her face buried in her hands as she walked past.
KU'AN (V.O.)
Now, Cherna is everything Nasu and Mina had wanted Kuro to be, she was Vizha'e and a prestigious Team-leader as well. She is a decorated hero of multiple pirate conflicts and the Zuran War. If she wasn’t so addicted to that alien, I would’ve been so proud of her. She was always too headstrong for her own good. The alien is a drug I need to get out of her system. Then she'd return to me and the admiration would return to her lovely blue eyes.
INT. KUMANI PROTOCOL ENFORCER'S OFFICE.
Hadah, Su'ar and Kuro entered the Protocol Enforcer's office.
Su'ar sat Kuro on a chair then stepped back.
Hadah stepped up.
HADAH
Kuro, of all you've done over the years, this was the stupidest stunt.
KURO
I should have been Vizha'e, not that mind-controlling alien!
HADAH
Even Filp realized you were a live wire! Being aggressive is not the only criteria for being Vizha'e! Vizha'e need to know honor and when not to fight. That's why you weren't chosen! What possessed you to kidnap Sannaro? You’re Astrisi yet you violated every rule of challenge! You chained Sannaro so he couldn't defend himself!
KURO
Sannaro is not Astrisi! He's not entitled to the rules of challenge!
HADAH
That's fausa! All people, Astrisi and Worlder are entitled to the rules of the challenge! How could you say that Astrisi justice was only for Astrisi? You are a remorseless, cruel man, Kuro. I'm going to hand you over to council for trial.
KURO
My father won't let you do anything to me. He was Second-in-Command before you got your color!
HADAH
One man does not make a Council. Su'ar, keep him here under guard until Sannaro's healthy enough to attend Council.
EXIT HADAH
END ACT 1
ACT 2
INT. KUMANI HOSPITAL ROOM
When Sannaro woke again, he was relieved that he opened his eyes and saw the dull routine hospital room.
He gingerly touched the two points of his ears and found both pairs bare and he felt no pain when he brushed the raised nerve that ran from the points.
He looked at his wrists and they were again yellow. In fact, he didn’t feel any pain.
He sat up and allowed the sheet and blankets to fall to his lap. His chest and stomach were also yellow. So far, everything looked normal and he wasn’t feeling more than a few twinges.
He promptly laid back down and pulled the sheet back up to his shoulders.
Zhad stepped in and walked up to Sannaro’s bed.
ZHAD
I’m glad you’re awake.
SANNARO
The pain's gone and it’s a relief to see again.
ZHAD
How do your ears feel?
SANNARO
Working as normal.
ZHAD
Let me give you a final examination and then I’ll release you.
Zhad pulled Sannaro’s sheets down to his waist then probed his chest and stomach.
ZHAD
Roll to your back.
Sannaro rolled over, rolling his sheet around him.
Zhad probed his shoulders. Then he brushed his fingers down his spine.
Sannaro squirmed and gasped.
ZHAD
It’s a good sign you’re reacting normally to stimuli.
Zhad checked Sannaro’s sides.
Zhad
Let me see your legs.
Sannaro rolled back over to unwind himself.
Zhad pulled the sheets completely off.
Sannaro blushed.
ZHAD
I’m your foster father, San, I’ve grafted skin onto almost every inch of your body and you’re still self-conscious.
SANNARO
Can’t help it, it’s automatic.
Sannaro frowned as he traced the pale yellow line that puckered the circumference of his left leg midway between the hip and knee.
Zhad finished his examination and pulled the sheets back up over him.
ZHAD
You’re back in shape, San. You’re released.
EXIT ZHAD
Sannaro concentrated his telepathy on Cherna.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Oh! You’re healed.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
That’s right, Zhad's released me. Would you bring some clothing to the Hospital so I can dress and get out of here?
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Must you dress?
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I can’t walk through the Kumani naked!
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
All right, I’ll allow you to be dressed for the walk home on one condition.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
And what's that?
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
That as soon as you’re home, you have to take them off again so I can do a personal exam to make sure Zhad didn’t miss anything.
SANNARO (PSI V.O.)
I promise.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
All right, then I’m coming.
Sannaro sighed contentedly as he adjusted his blanket.
INT. KUMANI COUNCIL ROOM
Sannaro hesitated shortly outside of the Council Room.
He forced his feet to move again. With telepathic shields firmly erected, he moved to his seat.
Kiki squeezed his shoulder sympathetically as she passed him to take her seat.
Adara hugged him before she took her seat.
Zhad gripped his shoulder.
Ba'ia rubbed his arm as she passed.
Parik’s eyes were sad as he nodded to Sannaro.
Hadah’s face was outright stormy when he guided Kuro in with Su'ar close behind.
Ku'an, Mina and Nasu looked angry.
Ki'el shook his head.
Mori glared with his jaw tight at his junior craftsman.
Once the rest of the Seniors were present, Parik stood up.
PARIK
This Council has been called as a Trial for misconduct on the Rules of the Challenge by Kuro. He showed dishonor by attacking Sannaro without Challenge. He bound Sannaro and hung him from the ceiling in the metal storage room for depriving Sannaro of his right to defend himself. While bound, Kuro contacted with Sannaro’s body approximately fifty times by count of the bruising and internal injuries Zhad had to heal. When Sannaro freed himself from his bonds to defend himself, Kuro ran away.
KIKI
How demeaning!
EDAT
In all my years in self-defense, I’ve never seen such abuse of personal rights!
KURO
The Rights of the Challenge are for Astrisi! Sannaro isn’t Astrisi!
ZHAD
He’s lived with us for the last twenty-two years! That makes him entitled to the Rights of the Challenge!
HADAH
I can say that among Vizha'e one of our rules of conduct when in contact with cultures is that the Rights of Challenge still apply! The Challenge may not be a physical one, but more like a verbal challenge. But we must warn the person who insulted us that we took insult and what our course of action is going to be, which is to threaten reprisal or to choose to retreat. Everyone's entitled to defend oneself!
EDAT
And I think that’s what Sannaro should be allowed to do. Sannaro should call Challenge on Kuro so he can have the opportunity to defend himself against the humiliation Kuro subjected him to.
KU'AN
How do we know Sannaro isn’t accusing the wrong person? The two have been fighting each other for years.
Mori left the room for a few seconds then hefted a twisted scrap of metal onto the table.
MORI
This is scrap iron.
Mori tapped his finger on several glistening yellow streaks down its side.
MORI (CONT.)
This is a gold alloy that has been spattered on this chunk of iron.
He pulled out a device from the crevice of the metal scrap.
MORI (CONT.)
This is a device made by the Saili to analyze metal for Saili biological traces.
Mori carefully scraped off a gold streak from the iron with a flat tool, slipped the sliver into a drawer on the device and closed it.
MORI (CONT.)
Now, if the device sounds a siren, the sample has Saili biological compounds.
A high-pitched squeal came from the device.
MORI (CONT.)
That’s it; the gold plating is dried blood from an Aurum Saili.
NASU
Right, and there are several Aurum Saili aboard!
PARIK
Zhad, has Varanani, Marcario, Andoku or Ambrika come to you with injuries?
ZHAD
Nui.
MORI
Why would any of them be down in my metal storage room?
ADARA
Marcario is an infant. Andu and Ambri were in school and Vara was teaching a class.
ZHAD
And Sannaro was collapsing in my Hospital hallway, bleeding all over the elevator! Of course the blood's Sannaro’s! Do I have to cross-check the reserve Saili blood in my blood bank to prove whose gold blood is on that slab of metal?
KRATIS
If that would show beyond a doubt the blood's Sannaro’s, that would place him in the metal storage room.
SANNARO
I was there and Kuro was the one who beat me up.
KERI
Did anyone see Kuro down there?
BA'IA
Who'd be suspicious of Kuro being in the metal storage room? Kuro’s a metalworker!
PARIK
Well, Keri, if that’s an issue for you, talk to your stevedores and ask them if they saw Kuro down there during the time of Sannaro’s beating. When you’re finished, you can report your findings to the Protocol Enforcers, Hadah or me.
KU'AN
The Cargo bays are vast. What’s the likelihood they crossed paths?
Hadah grabbed Kuro's arms and held up his hands.
Kuro's hands had blisters all over them and stained yellow.
HADAH
How do you explain this?
KURO
I was working with gold plating in the metal shop and dropped the hot piece! The molten gold splattered on my hands!
HADAH
Why didn't you go to Zhad to have these burns treated?
KURO
I was too busy being arrested!
HADAH
Zhad, are these blisters from heat burn or acid burn? We all know Saili have an acid in their blood to keep their metallic content soft. These could be blood splatters.
Zhad stood up and looked closely at Kuro's hands.
ZHAD
I can't be sure until a treat them.
HADAH
When you know, give us your report.
Zhad nodded.
Sannaro laid his head on the table and put his arms over his head.
ZHAD
San, are you all right?
Sannaro picked his head up again.
SANNARO
I’m just tired.
PARIK
Then let’s close this meeting and start up again when we have all the information from our investigations. In the meantime, I think Kuro should stay in the care of the Protocol Enforcers.
KURO
Why should I? You have nothing to prove I was there!
SANNARO
Don’t push your luck!
HADAH
Sannaro, control yourself. I agree with Parik that for the sake of this investigation, Kuro should remain with the Protocol Enforcers.
ZHAD
Let’s put it to vote.
The final vote showed more were in favor of detaining Kuro then those who voted for his release so Kuro was taken from the Council Room under guard.
ZHAD
Don’t worry, San, I’m going to comb through that room and that chunk of metal for any other biological residue. I’ll prove Kuro was in that room and in contact with your body. Now go home and rest.
Sannaro nodded then shuffled for the door.
HADAH
I’m worried about San.
ZHAD
I am, too. You know I’ll watch him.
Sannaro picked up his pace almost to the limit of acceptability so he could reach his apartment.
Once he was there, he rushed through the empty living room, then into his bedroom.
He brushed his hands over the sleeve of his dark green sweatshirt as he shivered from a chill that ran down his spine. He sank onto the bed and drew up his knees to his chest. He pulled off his soft boots and dropped them to the floor before he put his hands under his head, closed his eyes and heaved a shuddering sigh.
Sannaro felt fingers run through his hair so he pushed toward consciousness. He opened his eyes and saw Cherna’s sky blue eyes looking deeply into his own.
CHERNA
It’s almost dinner time, ko'io, do you want to get up to eat?
SANNARO
I’m not very hungry.
CHERNA
Oh, here we go again! When you get too stressed, you quit eating. Next you’ll quit sleeping again.
Sannaro sat up beside her.
SANNARO
I quit sleeping because I was having nightmares about the torture Di'ok was enduring back in the Zuran War. I just need some time to think through what’s on my mind.
CHERNA
I heard about the Council from Adara. Nasu’s insisting the Council has to show proof that his little brat was the one who beat you to a pulp.
SANNARO
I don’t want to talk about it.
Sannaro stood up and moved toward the door.
Cherna leapt up and grabbed his arm.
CHERNA
You’re worrying me, Sannaro. You haven’t been this down since you-
Sannaro caught a fleeting glance from her mind of his cousin Briarko. He had attacked Sannaro from behind in the last battle of the Saili civil war. Sannaro had accidentally thrust a pole through his cousin’s body. He hardened, dead by Sannaro's hand.
Sannaro roared as he tore his arm from her grasp and swung at her.
Cherna ducked, grabbed his arm, whirled then slammed him into the wall.
As Sannaro hit his nose on the wall, a sob tore from his lips. He twisted into the corner as he slid down the wall into a fetal ball. Blood flowed over his lips.
SANNARO
I’m sorry!
Cherna squatted down, caressed his hair and then pressed her forehead to his.
CHERNA
I know.
The doorbell rang.
CHERNA
Andoku, go to the door and let the Protocol Enforcer in. Ask him to please have a seat until we’re ready to come out to explain.
ANDOKU
Okay, mom.
CHERNA
You can’t get out of this depression yourself! You’re hurt very badly and it’s not just from the bruises and internal bleeding.
SANNARO
I thought I could handle it.
Sannaro bowed his head to the side so that his dark hair separated him from her stricken face.
SANNARO
Now, I’ve shamed myself by attacking you.
CHERNA
Don’t add that guilt to your pain, Sannaro. I know the pain you still feel when you think about how you killed your own cousin. I tried to suppress the thought before you picked it up, but by then I already thought it. I forgive you for attacking me. Now, you forgive yourself.
Cherna moved his hair and kissed his cheek.
CHERNA
I’ll go talk to the PE while you clean yourself up. Then I want you to go see Zhad to check your nose.
SANNARO
Okay. I love you.
SANNARO
Okay. I love you.
CHERNA
I love you, too. You are my man.
She stood up and went out the door.
INT. KUMANI METAL STORAGE ROOM
Hadah felt disgusted as he squatted over the broken chains that coiled on the floor. He looked up to see the dangling chain that hung from the ceiling before he picked up the gold glossed manacles.
ZHAD
San’s blood is all over this room!
HADAH
It’s grisly.
Something caught his eye from a dark corner so he walked over to it.
HADAH
Zhad, here is the flight-suit San was wearing! It’s cut to shreds!
Zhad rushed over to join Hadah.
ZHAD
Don’t touch it! This is what I was really wanting to find!
Zhad pulled on a pair of rubber gloves then handed another pair to Hadah. He took out a folded plastic bag from his lab pocket and shook it out.
ZHAD
Put them on then hold the bag. I don’t want anyone physically handling this until it can be scanned.
HADAH
You think Kuro may have touched it?
ZHAD
I’m counting on it!
Zhad carefully picked up the torn suit and pushed it into the bag, then sealed it.
As Hadah stood up, his communicator beeped. He pulled it off his sash and turned it on.
HADAH
Hadah.
SU'AR
Hadah, this is Su'ar. I need Zhad to come to Sannaro’s quarters. San and Cherna have been in a fight. They traded some blows and Sannaro’s nose is bleeding.
ZHAD
Sannaro and Cherna are trading blows? San’s in worse condition than I thought!
HADAH
We’re coming, Su'ar!
Hadah looked gravely at Zhad. He was just about to return the communicator to his sash when it beeped again.
HADAH
Hadah.
DUSTI
Are you having a tough time, Hadah? The Council of Ships hasn’t heard from you or Parik in days. We want to call another meeting to discuss this frustrating situation.
HADAH
I’m sorry, Dusti, but I’m having some violence on my ship. I can’t get away because I’m involved in an investigation right now.
DUSTI
You aren’t the only one who’s experiencing violence on your ship. Several of us have had problems with short tempers.
HADAH
But you don’t have adopted worlders on your ships for your people to take their frustrations out on.
DUSTI
Is Sannaro all right?
HADAH
Sannaro’s physical wounds are healed, but he’s a mental wreck. Can I call you back on this? I have to go meet my PEs about another situation.
DUSTI
Call us when you’re able to get away.
HADAH
Right.
Hadah turned the device off.
HADAH
Oh, great, violence is breaking out on all the ships.
ZHAD
This is a very stressful time, Hadah. The tides of change are never easy to navigate.
HADAH
But did it have to come on my watch?
Hadah rushed out the door into the cargo hold.
Zhad rushed to catch up with Hadah.
ZHAD
It’s been coming for a while. It just exploded with Lazha’s beating.
HADAH
Now we have to deal with the last person I ever thought would explode!
ZHAD
Even Sannaro can only take so much criticism and attacks. We’re so use to Sannaro understanding us, but rarely does anyone try to understand him.
HADAH
That’s because some can’t seem to see beyond the yellow skin and pointed ears!
ZHAD
Let’s get to San’s apartment. I think his depression has hit rock bottom.
Hadah followed Zhad into the elevator and they rode it to the General Quarters section then walked down the hall to Sannaro’s apartment.
As soon as Hadah entered, he saw that Cherna was still in her black and white flight-suit as she talked to Su'ar.
ZHAD
Where’s San?
CHERNA
He’s in the bedroom. He’s so depressed, he’s not eating, Zhad.
ZHAD
I knew he was depressed, but I didn’t know he was this deep.
Zhad walked toward the bedroom door.
Hadah patted Cherna’s knee before he followed Zhad.
Zhad squatted down in front of Sannaro who was wedged in a corner in a fetal position with his legs pressed tightly to his chest.
Sannaro looked up and showed the slick yellow trail of blood that flowed from his nose.
SANNARO
I’m sorry I swung at her.
ZHAD
That’s all right.
Zhad pulled out a scanner from a pocket in the lab coat. He waved the scanner in front of Sannaro’s face.
ZHAD
You only broke a few blood vessels and your nose is bruised.
Hadah went back out to Cherna and Su'ar.
HADAH
San broke a few blood vessels in his nose. Now, Cherna, what caused this problem?
CHERNA
I woke San up to ask him if he wanted to eat dinner. When he said he wasn’t hungry, I thought of the last time he stopped eating during the Zuran War when Di'ok was being tortured. I told him I was getting worried about him because he hadn’t been this depressed since the Saili civil war. Unfortunately, I remembered an image he showed me of what he considered his greatest shame; he killed Briarko accidentally when Briarko attacked him from behind. I tried to suppress the thought, but Sannaro sensed it and got angry. He swung at me. I ducked, grabbed his arm then shoved him into the wall to make him stop. He slid down the wall and fell apart.
SU'AR
Wow, I didn’t know you had to watch out about what you think! Your telepathic link is that sensitive?
CHERNA
Usually San doesn’t react to flash thoughts because he knows we must process our thoughts before we get to what we really mean, but when I reminded San about killing Briarko, the guilt he still feels about it just added to his despair.
When the doorbell rang, Hadah went to the door and pressed the door release button.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
Varanani was at the door with an anxious look on her face.
VARANANI
Sannaro needs me.
Hadah waved her in.
HADAH
He’s in the bedroom with Zhad.
Without another word, Varanani went into the bedroom.
Zhad came out shortly after.
ZHAD
I’ll leave them alone to talk things out. Are you all right, Cherna?
CHERNA
Yes, he was holding back. He let me slam him into the wall. It was like he wanted to be punished for losing his temper with me.
SU'AR
You know, I’ll have to give you a citation for the loud noise caused by Sannaro’s impact with the wall and fighting outside of the designated area.
Su'ar began to write on his electronic notepad.
CHERNA
I'll accept the citation.
Zhad held up the bag with Sannaro’s torn flight-suit in it.
ZHAD
Well, since everything is under control here, I think I’ll take this to the lab and have it analyzed.
CHERNA
Is that what San was wearing when he was kidnapped?
ZHAD
That’s right and I’m hoping it has something on it that belongs to Kuro such as spittle, sweat, blood or hair. I’m going to prove that Kuro was with Sannaro in that room!
Cherna leapt from the couch and hugged Zhad.
Zhad had a startled look on his face before he sighed happily.
HADAH
I’m coming, too, Zhad. I’m sorry you had a fight, but at least we now know we were justified in our worry concerning Sannaro’s condition.
He took one more look toward the bedroom before he left the apartment with Zhad.
INT. SANNARO'S BEDROOM
Sannaro was washing his face with a Cerlacticine wipe Zhad gave him when he sensed his sister approach the door. He went to the bed and sat down as the door opened, then closed.
SANNARO
I wondered how long it would take you to visit me.
She joined him on the bed.
VARANANI
You need to talk.
SANNARO
I shouldn’t have lost my temper with Cherna.
VARANANI
That’s only a symptom.
SANNARO
So you’re visiting me as a professional psychiatry major?
VARANANI
Not completely. You're my brother and your pain's tearing you apart.
SANNARO
Well, how would you feel if the people you’ve known most of your life turned on you?
VARANANI
Hurt, betrayed, angry.
SANNARO
You’re damned right!
VARANANI
So go home.
SANNARO
Home?
VARANANI
Go to New Sailia. Go to Uncle Devasru.
SANNARO
No matter what, Vara, the Astrisi are my people too! They're going through a hard time right now.
VARANANI
Yes, they’re going through a hard time and they’re taking it out on you.
SANNARO
They’re taking it out on me.
VARANANI
What if they decide to decline entrance into the Alliance and leave this region of space?
Sannaro was shocked.
Sannaro sighed and closed his eyes. Sannaro felt his breath quicken. He willed himself to calm down.
VARANANI
I thought you would react like that. Since the Civil War, you’ve become closer to Uncle Devasru.
SANNARO
How do I choose between both of my families?
VARANANI
Don’t think about that right now. Concentrate on convincing the Astrisi to accept entrance into the Alliance so you won’t have to make that decision.
SANNARO
You’re right. But there’s still the problem with Kuro.
VARANANI
When I came to see you, there was a bag in the living room with black and red cloth in it.
SANNARO
My flight-suit! Kuro touched it while he was cutting it off my body!
VARANANI
Zhad was thinking he was going to take it to the laboratory.
SANNARO
Then there will be no doubt Kuro was in that room!
VARANANI
Then they’ll have their proof that Kuro did it.
SANNARO
Oh, that sure does cheer me up!
VARANANI
Good, now I think you need to rest to recover from all this before you join the fight again, brother.
SANNARO
I’m too excited to sleep right now! I think I’ll ask Cherna if there’s still any dinner left.
VARANANI
That’s much better.
They left the room together.
INT. KUMANI COUNTIL ROOM
Sannaro felt more cheerful as he walked back to the Council room because he was sure Zhad would have the proof the Council needed to convict Kuro of kidnapping him.
He went through the door and found the Council room full. He suddenly felt anxious and raised his shields. In his delicate mental state, he didn't need to allow outside thoughts to influence his own emotions.
Sannaro saw that Zhad was already at his seat with his torn flight-suit still in a bag. His exuded confidence boosted Sannaro's morale.
Beside him was a man Sannaro thought was familiar, but he couldn't place him.
Nasu and Mina were glaring at Zhad.
He reached his chair and sat down.
Parik nodded to a Protocol Enforcer who stood beside the door.
He pulled out his communicator and spoke into it for a minute.
Shortly, the door opened and two more PEs led Kuro in. They took him to a chair and affixed an energy cuff to the chair. Kuro wore the other two energy cuffs on his wrists.
Parik stood up.
PARIK
We may begin. Keri, what did you learn from your investigation?
KERI
Choni said he was around there and heard some noises. When he went to investigate, he thought he glimpsed something shiny glint in the shadows, but when he looked, no one was there.
SANNARO
I did that. That shiny glimpse was me. I hid from him.
HADAH
Why, San?
SANNARO
I felt I couldn't trust anyone to help me, but Zhad.
KERI
What would give you the impression that you couldn't trust us to help you?
SANNARO
I don't know! I felt betrayed.
PARIK
By whom?
SANNARO
By the Astrisi, since the ADF forced us here to Earth, so many people have been taking their frustrations out on me. My ears were injured. I couldn't use my telepathy to find out if a person supported me or would agree with Kuro that I needed to be disposed of. The only thought that got through my pain-hazed mind was that I had to stay unseen until I got to Zhad so he could heal me.
HADAH
That makes sense to me.
YETIN
It doesn't to me! It's shocking!
Many others in the room made sounds of agreement.
HADAH
Sannaro was just following his warrior training. If a warrior is in a threatening situation, he or she trusts no one until he or she feels safe. Sannaro said he wouldn't feel safe until he was in Zhad's care.
PARIK
Sannaro did what he felt he needed to do. Now, let's continue with the results of the investigation. Zhad, what did you find?
Zhad stood up.
ZHAD
After treatment of Kuro's hands, I surmised that the lesions were caused by acid splatters, not hot metal. I retrieved gold samples from the lesions and tested them. I cross checked them with Sannaro's blood and it was a perfect match.
Uncomfortable mutters swept through the room.
Zhad held up the bag containing the flight-suit.
ZHAD
This is the flight-suit Sannaro had been wearing at the time of the attack. I ran it through my lab and found a wealth of information, brown hair samples, sweat and spittle. All these are of humanoid derivation, not of Saili. I cross-examined these specimens with Kuro's hair, sweat and spittle and they were a perfect match. Kuro was in direct contact with Sannaro. Hadah and I found the flight suit in the metal storage room shortly after I finished surgery on Sannaro. I thoroughly checked the storage room and also found Kuro's hair, sweat and spittle throughout the room. Kuro was in that room engaged in strenuous activity.
PARIK
The evidence you've put forth here is conclusive, Zhad.
KURO
Why should you trust him? He's Sannaro's father!
WO-MIBU
Because Zhad called me in to conduct the lab tests without prejudice. I'm Mibu, Senior Doctor of the Wokolo and I can verify Zhad's findings.
PARIK
Then his findings cannot be refuted. The evidence before this council places Kuro in the storage room with Sannaro. Kuro, do you have anything more to say?
KURO
Why are you doing this to me? I'm Astrisi! Sannaro's an alien! You shouldn't be siding with an alien! Yaro, you tell them!
NASU
You're a disgrace. You're no son of mine.
PARIK
Sannaro, you have the right to challenge Kuro for humiliating you and depriving you of your ability to defend yourself honorably.
SANNARO
Kuro, I challenge you on the mat to resolve the attack you made on me.
KURO
It's not fair! I did everything you wanted me to!
PARIK
What is he meaning by 'I did everything you wanted me to', Nasu?
NASU
Everyone has hopes for their children! Some just do better than others.
HADAH
So you're the one who filled Kuro with thoughts that he should’ve been Vizha'e? Obviously, you don't understand anything about the Vizha'e and the type of people who're selected! Even Filp thought your son was too temperamental to be Vizha'e!
NASU
Any idiot can fly a Vizha'i!
HADAH
That's not all we do, Nasu! Many times, a worlder's first impression comes from meeting with a Vizha'e. We Vizha'e are personal representatives of Astrisi! We can't be gun-loving aggressive people who look anywhere for a fight! As much as we need to know how to fight, we need to know when NOT to fight. Kuro's never understood that and never will!
NASU
Well, you screwed that up when you went down to Arcturus, didn't you? If you would've done your job right, we wouldn't be in this mess!
KU'AN
Wait, Nasu. I was there. Those canisters were dangerous and those worlders were too. They were ready for us to refuse their shipment and fully intended for us to die if we refused them. The Vizha'e did not cause that explosion. They did not fail in their job because they got the three of us out alive.
NASU
You disappoint me, Ku'an.
Nasu strode out the door.
Ku'an glared at Sannaro before he swept out of the room.
Parik shook his head before he waved for the Protocol Enforcers to take Kuro out of the room.
Kuro struggled with the PEs all the way out the door.
Once he was gone, Sannaro was surrounded by people who congratulated him for winning his challenge.
Adara and Ba'ia hugged him while Zhad gripped his shoulder with his pleased emotions bridging over to Sannaro through their direct contact.
Hadah grinned and winked at him from across the table.
Sannaro felt a heavy weight lift from his chest by the volume of people who rejoiced with him.
INT. KUMANI UPPER FLIGHT DECK
Sannaro stood in the elevator feeling some trepidation about returning to the Flight Deck after so many days absence.
The elevator opened onto the eerily empty Flight Deck.
He passed through the doors and met two guards who blocked his way.
MARC
Stand aside, gentlemen. Allow the Senior Team-leader onto his deck.
SANNARO
Marcayo, what are you doing here?
His honey blond-haired friend with blue-tinged pink skin met Sannaro with his blue, green and brown eyes sparkling. He still wore the dark blue and white uniform of the Interstellar Police with the bars of a Senior Lieutenant.
MARC
When Chief Wilson heard that Coron was being booted off the ship for non-diplomatic behavior, he decided to find an officer with diplomatic background who dealt with the Astrisi so here I am. But I have to warn you, I'm under orders to keep all Astrisi vessels grounded.
SANNARO
And I'll continue to cooperate with the ADF conditions.
MARC
Good. Now that the official business is finished, how are you and Cherna?
Marc patted Sannaro's shoulder and they walked together to the Flight Lounge.
SANNARO
As happy as ever!
They entered the lounge and walked up the stairs to the Senior Vizha'e office. Upon first glance, Sannaro noticed the desktop had been fixed.
MARC
Fausa, it's been ages, man!
SANNARO
I see you remembered some Astrisi!
MARC
Of course, I'm multilingual! Now I'm officially certified in Centauri, Basic and Spanish languages. If the Astrisi would allow it, I'd learn to speak your language fluently, too, instead of a few words.
Sannaro bowed his head and studied the white tile floor as the depression of the last few weeks crushed his temporary cheer. He brushed his fingers across the new tabletop.
Marc pushed himself up from the desk and stepped toward Sannaro.
MARC
Hey, buddy, what's wrong? I heard about the hard time you've had lately. Is that it?
SANNARO
Kuro beat me within an inch of my life, Marcayo.
MARC
Yeah, I heard, but the bastard’s under arrest, isn't he?
SANNARO
More than that, he's tried and convicted.
MARC
Then remember who sided with you and move on.
SANNARO
I guess you should know. You've had to face prejudice, too.
MARC
Damn right, I have! I fought damned hard to get these Senior Lieutenant's bars just like you've fought damned hard to get that Senior's sash. So, who got your Assistant sash?
SANNARO
You won't believe it- the Team-leaders chose Cherna!
MARC
Why doesn't that surprise me? You two are partners in everything. I hear the two of you birthed a few gold nuggets?
SANNARO
Yeah, their names are Andoku and Ambrika. How about you?
MARC
I've got a spunky daughter, myself. Her name's Amaranta.
SANNARO
That's a beautiful name.
MARC
It's the Spanish word for the flower Amaranth.
SANNARO
How is Amber?
MARC
She's now a Shift Commander in the Bureau of Space Transportation.
SANNARO
Jim and Malia Meyers?
MARC
Jim's still my partner. He's now a Technical Officer, Second rank and Malia took the test to get her TO rank, too. They've got a boy they call J.J.
SANNARO
Jim Junior?
MARC
You got it!
SANNARO
So much has happened to me since the Zuran war; it doesn't seem that long ago.
MARC
I heard you were involved in the separation of the Saili?
SANNARO
Too involved.
MARC
My father watched the reports on that conflict carefully, but very little news escaped from Sailia. I heard it was bloodier than the Zuran War.
SANNARO
We're not kids anymore, Marc, we're scarred veterans.
MARC
So are you hoping your council will accept entry into the Alliance or to set off for deep space?
SANNARO
I want them to accept the Alliance. But there are some Astrisi who want to attack the ADF to make them pay for our humiliation.
MARC
I'd like to see the Astrisi accept membership, too. So would my father.
SANNARO
What am I going to do if they leave? I have family on New Sailia I don't want to lose contact with! But I don't want to leave my foster family, either!
MARC
San, I wish I could ease your pain, but I can't because I'm not Astrisi. They’ll have to make their own decision.
SANNARO
I'm Astrisi- but I'm Saili. I've been told by some of my shipmates that my opinion doesn't matter.
MARC
Is that the opinion of the Council of Ships?
SANNARO
I'm not a member of the Council of Ships. I can sit on the Kumani's Ships' Council as the Senior Fighter Pilot, but I'm not the Commander of the Ship or the Senior of the Ship's Council. Only they are members of that Council.
MARC
You can't even show up to voice your opinion?
SANNARO
My opinion is supposed to be represented by the Commander and the Senior Councilman.
MARC
Is there any law that says you can't show up to speak with the Council yourself if you feel your voice isn't being heard?
SANNARO
I don't know! I've never been concerned about that. I've been to general Councils when I was invited to speak in someone's behalf, but I've never gone to Council uninvited.
MARC
So speak in your own behalf.
SANNARO
If I break protocol, I can be in terrible trouble!
MARC
What can they do to you? Yell at you? Bodily remove you from the Council Chamber? Isn't it worth the risk to make sure you're heard? Face them with the courage I know you have, Sannaro Damirateyak.
SANNARO
But I can't fly there!
MARC
But I can fly you there!
Sannaro bowed his head to think about Marc's offer.
MARC
It's only fair, you got me off the Kumani to rescue my father and now I'm getting you off the Kumani to rescue your future!
SANNARO
Let's go.
Marc and Sannaro left the office with more purpose.
FADE OUT.
THE END.