Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
Between World and Space
Episode 2 - Healing
By: Lyssa Thorne
FADE IN:
INT. KUMANI BRIDGE
Belso was brought out of his thoughts by a chirp from the communications console.
KI'EL
Belso, it’s Keba with a report on the stowaway.
BELSO
I’ll take it in my office.
He went through the door under the stairs that led from the bridge.
The office was cramped. It only had enough room for a desk, a small sofa and a cot pushed under the slanted-roofed place under the stairs.
He slipped through the narrow walkway to his desk, sat down and opened the channel to the Hospital.
BELSO
What have you got, Keba?
KEBA
I need to talk to you and Adara as soon as possible.
BELSO
I’ll contact her and we’ll be there soon.
He closed the channel, and then changed it to Adara.
BELSO
Adara, meet me at the hospital. Keba wants to talk to us about the boy.
ADARA
I'll be there soon.
Belso left the bridge and went to the elevator.
When Belso exited the elevator at the Hospital, he found Adara already awaiting him. They went to Keba’s office.
Keba met them inside, then sat down.
KEBA
I advise for us to put him in stasis and when we pull into another planet, to quietly leave him in a place where he can be found.
BELSO
That's not possible. I've sent us into deep space.
KEBA
You what?
BELSO
I can't risk being taken for what happened on Regalis so I've decided for the Kumani to lay low for a while.
KEBA
Then there's no hope for him. I can’t heal him. Adara, didn’t you see that he’s Saili?
ADARA
Saili?
KEBA
Yes, he’s a metallic based being of high gold content. I don’t know how to treat non-carbon-based lifeforms.
BELSO
That place was a mess, Keba. Flames, Ash and rock were heavy in the air. I don’t blame Adara for not seeing the racial features. That doesn’t mean I condone what she did in stowing the child to bring it here. You said him, right?
KEBA
Yes, the child is male.
ADARA
It hurt me to see the boy in so much pain! I just wanted to help him.
BELSO
I asked you not to go on this landing since I had a bad feeling about it. It went worse than I could have imagined. So, Keba, you think he’s going to die?
KEBA
His injuries are grievous. Without racial specific medical intervention, I’m sure he’ll die although I don’t know when, exactly, he’ll succumb to his injuries.
BELSO
We need all the stasis pods we can get. He's going to die anyway. Let's care for him until he dies, then we can melt his remains and add it to the treasury. No one will ever know.
KEBA
That's not true, Belso. Gold rendered from a Saili body is traceable. Even in its purest form, the worlder's screening methods detect the impurities that prove beyond doubt the metal was from a Saili body. Those laws are in place to prevent Humans from slaughtering Saili for their metal content.
Belso threw his hands up into the air.
ADARA
I’ll care for him until he dies. If he lives, I keep him. If he dies, I’ll have his remains shaped into a gold figure and I'll keep him along with his dignity.
BELSO
Admirable, Adara, he's yours until he either recovers or dies.
Adara wiped tears from her eyes.
ADARA
Fa'arata, Belso. He’ll be well taken care of.
EXIT ADARA
KEBA
We were supposed to go to Alveria next to pick Zhad up, Belso. What’ll he do now?
BELSO
I was eager to see Zhad again, too, Keba. Maybe I can work out another transport for him. I'll see what I can do.
KEBA
Are you sure this is the best thing to do? To take us out to deep space?
BELSO
Worlders have justice only for their own, and you know it. If we get taken for that fuel dispute, they'll destroy the whole ship. We haven't survived for hundreds of years in space for me to let that happen.
KEBA
You're the commander.
BELSO
Zhad will get here.
INT. KUMANI BRIDGE
When Belso returned to the bridge, he paused at the door under the stairs and called to the communications station.
BELSO
Establish communications with any Astrisi ship within range and route the call to my office.
KI'EL
Houk.
Belso entered and moved around the desk. He sat down just as a chime sounded. He pushed a button on the computer terminal on the desk and the screen turned on with a young woman on the screen.
BELSO
I am Ku-Belso, Commander of Kumani.
FUR-ALKA
I am Fur-Alka.
BELSO
I wish to speak to Fildes, if he’s still your commander.
FUR-ALKA
He is. I'll call him, please hold.
The screen was replaced with the Astrisi Firebird. On its breast was the symbol of the Furdusi.
It turned on again showing a man with silver hair with dark streaks in it.
FUR-FILDES
What do you want, Belso?
BELSO
I have a doctor on Alveria who needs to be picked up.
FUR-FILDES
Got yourself in too much trouble? You shouldn't have destroyed that mining camp on Regalis.
BELSO
It's done. I need my doctor.
FUR-FILDES
Okay, on Alveria, huh?
BELSO
Yes.
FUR-FILDES
And where do I take him?
BELSO
The meeting place.
FUR-FILDES
Gasbaja? That's out of the way, Belso. Unlike you, I have business to complete.
BELSO
Half way, then.
FUR-FILDES
Acceptable. Now, how much compensation do you want to give me for the inconvenience?
BELSO
Eight hundred units of gold.
FUR-FILDES
Nine hundred.
BELSO
What? Nui, eight, ninety.
FUR-FILDES
It's your mistake I'm making up for.
BELSO
I just lost half of the fuel I ordered. I'm at a loss here!
FUR-FILDES
Okay, because I'm feeling a little sympathetic for your situation, I'll do it for nine fifty.
BELSO
You thief.
FUR-FILDES
It seems you need this guy badly, Belso.
Belso glared.
FUR-FILDES
What is his name again?
BELSO
Zhad. He's at the Alverian University of Medicine in Beladonia.
FUR FILDES
I'll have him to you in a month.
BELSO
Two weeks.
FUR FILDES
Two weeks? You want me to strain my engines for a mistake you made?
BELSO
Okay, a month!
FUR FILDES
Three weeks.
BELSO
Accepted. Now, get out of here before I really get mad, you stingy old fool.
FUR-FILDES
No name-calling, Belso.
Fildes cut the line.
INT. ADARA'S APARTMENT, KUMANI
The child was moved to a comfortable bed in Adara's apartment. He was swathed in bandages from toe to neck.
She cautiously sat him up, fluffed up his pillow and laid him back down. She took a wet sponge, blotted his lips and wiped his face.
He licked his lips and moaned.
ADARA
Oh, baby, I feel for you. I wish we could do something to relieve the pain or, better, to cure you. When I saw you, I did not realize you were Saili. All humanoids look the same when they are burnt.
He replied by moaning some words in Basic and a tear slid down his swollen face.
ADARA
When Zhad comes on the Furdusi from medical school, maybe he will know what to do for you.
Tears also rolled down her own face. She caressed his wild long black hair that had miraculously grown back a few days after they had left Regalis.
ADARA
Help is coming.
The child had fallen back into troubled sleep.
INT. ZHAD'S APARTMENT, ALVERIA -DAY
Zhad stood over the boxes of his possessions. They were now packed except that he lingered on the medical doctoral certificate he'd been awarded days ago.
Unexpectedly, the doorbell rang. When he opened it, standing outside was Alan.
The blond man smiled.
ALAN
Hey, gypsy, need help getting your stuff to the spaceport?
ZHAD
I was going to take a taxi.
ALAN
I'll take you there. Just pack your stuff in my car and I'll get you there in plenty of time to catch your ship.
He slipped around Zhad into the tiny apartment.
ZHAD
Thanks, I appreciate that.
ALAN
Pay you back for teaching me how to study. So, say that in Astrisi, Zhad.
ZHAD
Ah, no.
Zhad shook his head and wished his face wasn't heating up in a blush.
ALAN
Come on, what would it hurt?
ZHAD
All right, I will. Fa'arata, ya lai'awei.
ALAN
Sorry I asked!
Zhad picked up a box and shoved it in Alan's hands. Then he picked one up himself.
ZHAD
Let's go.
Zhad walked out of the room.
Soon they were on their way to the spaceport.
Zhad was standing at a window in the waiting room watching for the Astrisi shuttle.
He gasped in surprise when he saw the yellow with blue-tipped four-pointed star with the red "X" crossing its center of the Furdusi. He hesitantly set the hovering flatbed he'd rented into motion toward the shuttle and met a man and a woman half way.
FUR-UTAN
I am Fur-Utan and this is Fur-Ilma.
ZHAD
Hello, I’m Ku-Zhad. I thought my own ship was coming for me.
FUR-UTAN
Well there was a change in plans. Seems your ship is hiding from the Allied Defense Force. We've been commissioned by your commander to take you where they are.
ZHAD
What have they done now?
FUR-ILMA
You heard about Regalis?
ZHAD
I heard it was attacked. Thirty-eight dead and about seventy-nine injured- Fausa.
FUR-UTAN
A fuel dispute, Belso says.
ZHAD
Well, let's go.
FUR-ILMA
You must be very valued, Zhad. Belso paid well for us to transport you.
ZHAD
If Regalis was his doing, he probably wants me to patch up his injured warriors.
FUR-UTAN
You've been around worlders too long. Only a worlder would insult his commander's decisions.
ZHAD
I hadn't meant to insult, Utan, perhaps I've been among worlders too long and I'm judging before I know the whole story.
FUR-UTAN
You are. Belso wouldn't put your ship in danger for no reason.
ZHAD
Of course.
Zhad kept his peace while his belongings were loaded. They took off for the Furdusi.
INT. UPPER FLIGHT DECK, FURDUSI
When they landed, Fildes was present to welcome him aboard.
FUR-FILDES
So you're Zhad.
ZHAD
I am.
FUR-FILDES
Belso paid good money for me to take you on.
ZHAD
So your Utan told me.
FUR-FILDES
What bothers you doctor? You're not happy to return to your people?
ZHAD
Forgive me, Fildes. I'd just gotten use to worlders and now I must readjust to the ways of my people again. I don't mean to sound hesitant or rude. I'm worried about why the Kumani couldn't come to Alveria like I was told.
FUR-FILDES
That, only Belso knows. In the meantime, you'll be assigned temporary quarters and you'll be able to ask Belso yourself in three weeks.
ZHAD
May I ask where we'll be meeting with the Kumani?
FUR-FILDES
We're rendezvousing half way to Gasbaja.
ZHAD
Gasbaja? He's afraid to take the Kumani into Allied space?
FUR-FILDES
It would seem so. As I said, you may ask Belso anything you wish in three weeks.
Fildes turned to leave, but then, he said over his shoulder.
FUR-FILDES
Dursi will see to your accommodations.
He entered the elevator and was gone.
FUR-DURSI
Follow me.
Zhad moved toward the elevators with him. They left the elevators on a General Quarters section.
Dursi stopped at a door down the hall.
FUR-DURSI
Computer, log occupant as Ku-Zhad until further notice.
COMPUTER (V.O.)
Occupant logged for General Quarters thirty three is Zhad of the Kumani.
FUR-DURSI
It's all yours.
ZHAD
Thank you, I'll start to bring my belongings down.
FUR-DURSI
No need, a stevedore should be bringing them here any minute.
As if on cue, the elevator reopened. A woman guided a hovering flatbed stacked with the boxes he brought with him.
ZHAD
Belso must have paid you well.
FUR-DURSI
Only the best for a cousin with his passage paid for.
ZHAD
Yes, thank you, I'll be sure to give Belso a good word about it.
Zhad followed the woman with the flatbed into his temporary home.
She helped him unload the flatbed, and then she and Dursi disappeared into the elevator again.
Zhad reentered the apartment and the door slid shut.
INT. ADARA'S APARTMENT, KUMANI
The doorbell rang, surprising Adara, who was in the boy's room in the act of washing his delicate blistered face. She moved over to the spare com-panel and opened a line to the door.
ADARA
Who is it?
KEBA
Keba, Adara, I think I've found something that will at least ease the pain for the boy.
ADARA
Thank you. Come in.
She pushed the door release button. She went back at her interrupted washing.
Keba joined her at his bedside soon after.
KEBA
That won't help him any. His skin seems to be an impenetrable shell.
ADARA
I want to do something for him.
KEBA
I know. I wish I had more to tell you, but I dug deep into some very ancient texts dating back to the former alliance we had with Sailia before the humans reached space. I found a medicine we use for blood poisoning that’s a pain reliever to Saili.
He pulled out a bottle. He opened it and slid one blue pill out to Adara.
KEBA
Have him take this every two hours with water.
ADARA
What is it?
KEBA
It's what we call Alilat and the Saili call it Catowsh. I think it was originally Astrisi, but the Saili must have discovered it's use to them and we may have sold them the process centuries ago!
ADARA
That's amazing!
KEBA
And it will help this boy a little.
ADARA
Did you find anything more to help him?
KEBA
No, I was lucky, I found this note about Alilat from a former senior doctor.
ADARA
How long is it until Zhad's expected to return?
KEBA
Another two weeks.
Adara looked sadly toward the boy.
ADARA
I hope this boy lasts that long.
KEBA
I don't like to see a child dying either, Adara. I'll get you a glass of water so you can try to get him to take this medicine.
Keba returned shortly and handed the water to her.
She took the glass from him.
ADARA
Thank you.
KEBA
I must return to my work, now. Contact me if there's any change.
ADARA
I will.
Keba moved to the door.
Right after he left, Adara pushed the pill through the boy's swollen lips and helped him to swallow a few sips of water. He mumbled something unintelligible and drifted to sleep.
ADARA
That looks like a good idea, pukalin. Since Fordo died, it seems I have less strength. I think I'll take a nap before I talk my fellow crafters into giving me temporary equipment so I can work here at home.
She brushed his hand with hers before she left for her bedroom and climbed in bed. A minute later, she was asleep.
ADARA'S DREAM
A horrible storm swept across the little destroyed town on Regalis. A fighter ship was in the eye of the storm, shooting lightning from its laser ports. There was a gold-skinned woman with flashing silver hair, slanted light blue eyes and pointed ears. She was standing in the midst of the burning town with her arms outstretched.
DAMIRA
Sannaro!
She burst into flames.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
A little blond human boy with a demonically cruel look on his face appeared in front of the writhing body. He held up his hand and showed a red ball.
JAKE
I told you, weakling, why should you be allowed to have something neat like this?
He waved the ball, laughed and threw it at her.
It hit her.
She burst into flame and screamed.
A small child's voice screamed.
END NIGHTMARE
Adara jolted awake and ran to the boy's room.
ADARA
Oh, no, your mother, the silver-haired woman was your mother!
She rushed to him, hugged him to her breast and sat at his bedside sobbing. She blotted his burnt face with a wet cloth.
ADARA
That was your nightmare I had. You must be a telepath.
Keba rushed through the door.
She swung around, startled.
KEBA
Yes, he is. Pirlo called me when he heard the screams from your apartment. And, yes, Saili are Telepaths. He's just too young, as Saili go, to be very developed.
ADARA
I saw his mother die, Keba!
KEBA
It was a fever dream, Adara. I'm sure what you received from him wasn't the actual event, but close enough. Come, he'll be all right now. You need to calm down.
Keba led her out of the room and into the kitchen, where he sat her at the small table and poured her a cup of hot coffee.
She took the cup.
ADARA
Zhad will be coming soon.
KEBA
But he may not have any better idea about what to do than I.
Adara slouched into her chair.
ADARA
But surely a worlder Medical school would at least teach basic Saili medicine?
KEBA
It may be too much to hope for, but if you need to hope, I guess he is your best choice.
ADARA
You’ve never forgiven him for leaving, have you?
KEBA
I wish I could stay longer but, I have patients I must attend to since there is no real emergency here. I suggest you try to rest, maybe, take a nap.
ADARA
I was taking a nap, when his nightmare invaded my sleep.
KEBA
Give him more of the Alilat. It should make him too drowsy to send any more.
He rushed through the door.
She finished her coffee, gave the boy another dose of the medicine and returned to her bed. She thought that she wouldn't be able to return to sleep, but within minutes, she was asleep again.
INT. ZHAD'S APARTMENT, FURDUSI
Zhad was hailed to prepare himself and his belongings for movement.
On the last call, he moved out again and led the flatbed with his repackaged boxes to the elevator. He took it up to the Upper Flight Deck, where a shuttle with the right symbol on it was parked just ahead of the retrieval ramp waiting for him.
A man with dark brown hair and a fleshy upturned nose called from the ramp.
HADAH
Ah, Zhad, it's been a long time.
ZHAD
Hadah, good to see you.
HADAH
Sorry you had to catch the Furdusi home.
ZHAD
Can you tell me what's going on?
Hadah blew through his lips in frustration.
HADAH
A Regalis mining camp wouldn't give us our prepaid fuel, but we were so low on fuel that our retrorockets were faltering.
ZHAD
Why did Belso let the fuel stores get so low?
HADAH
We had a cargo he thought more important than a fuel stop before drop-off. So Belso got us our fuel.By calling us out to keep those worlders away, while he led a crew to take the remaining fuel in their warehouse. Belso took us out to Gasbaja to run from the Allied Defense Force.
ZHAD
The worlders should have understood that we needed that fuel, but was it necessary for Belso to attack the mining camp?
HADAH
If it had just been Belso, it could’ve been a self-defense call until Yarl decided he had to fire on the foreman. I'm not proud of what we did, but the defiance of the commander is just as bad. It was a no-win situation.
ZHAD
I guess so. Anyway, I have much to tell about my two years away and I can't wait to share them with Fordo.
HADAH
Fordo? Uh, I'm sorry, Zhad, but Fordo died in a pirate attack over a year ago.
ZHAD
Fordo is dead?
HADAH
Yes.
ZHAD
And Adara?
HADAH
She lives.
ZHAD
Childless?
HADAH
Yes.
ZHAD
A tragedy.
By then, Zhad's boxes were in the shuttle.
Hadah waved for him to enter and they moved through the hold door into the cockpit.
HADAH
But now she's got that stowaway she's caring for. He's badly burned and will die soon, but she took loss of her senses and stole the child off Regalis.
ZHAD
Keba can't help him?
HADAH
He's Saili.
ZHAD
Saili? Didn't she realize-
Hadah took the pilots chair.
HADAH
Regalis was really a mess when we left. She may have been in shock. She went down there to get their special clay for her pottery-making without any clue that that landing would become a blood-bath.
Zhad felt his jaw drop. He forced his mouth closed again.
HADAH
Anyway, she's caring for the boy until he dies.
ZHAD
I know some basic Saili medicine so I'll see what I can do for the child.
HADAH
I don't know if you should.
ZHAD
Hadah, you would want a child to die?
HADAH
No, it would be like wanting my daughter Na'is to die, but since he is a survivor of this unfortunate disaster and he could give testimony-
ZHAD
If he lives, he will be in semi-confinement because Belso doesn't want to risk him giving testimony.
HADAH
That's unfortunately the case.
ZHAD
I still can't stand by and let the boy die!
HADAH
I understand, Zhad, but can you stand by and watch the boy grow up in confinement?
ZHAD
I can always try to make his life better!
HADAH
That's your prerogative.
Hadah concentrated on his piloting.
INT. MEDICAL SUITE, KUMANI
Zhad went to see Keba with a little black leather book held under his arm.
Keba greeted him by clasping his forearm.
KEBA
Zhad! Glad you're back.
ZHAD
I'm happy to be back, Keba, and even more to be speaking my native language again after speaking Bozhi for so long.
KEBA
I'm sure. How could you stand to live with worlders on a world?
ZHAD
I was busy studying more than socializing. I took classes year around to make my absence as short as possible.
Keba held out his hand.
KEBA
Well, let's see your doctorate!
ZHAD
Of course, it's right here.
He pulled the black leather book from under his arm It had a gold embossed emblem of the school on it.
Keba took it reverently and opened it up. Behind clear Plexiglas was the gold lettered doctorate's degree declaring Zhad a doctor of medicine.
Zhad grinned from ear-to-ear.
Keba grabbed him and hugged him.
KEBA
I'm proud, Zhad, but I still don't understand why my teachings weren't good enough for you.
ZHAD
The worlders are always making advances in medicine, Keba. I want to give my people the best care I can.
Keba snapped the binder closed.
KEBA
That wasn't all.
ZHAD
Okay, it was Fordo.
Keba set the doctorate on a table.
KEBA
Fordo? He was your best and closest friend! Why?
ZHAD
I can't tell you, Keba. It also involves another person, one who's still alive.
KEBA
Ah, I see, and it would compromise the other person and your honor?
ZHAD
Yes. Oh, I heard about the stowaway? You think I could check the child out and see what I can do?
KEBA
No use. He's Saili and has second and third degree burns over ninety percent of his body.
ZHAD
I have basic Saili medicine. Maybe I know something that can be done for the boy that you don't.
Keba whirled around and acted like he was tidying a table.
KEBA
I guess you can try, but Belso won't let him leave this ship alive. I tried to treat him, but failed. I hate to see him suffer, but I did all I knew and it didn't help. The general feel of the people is to let him die.
ZHAD
What did you do?
KEBA
I tried to wash the skin, but it was just a hard shell. I couldn't even clean him of the dirt and rocks. So, I moved him to Adara's apartment. I've only found that Alilat, or Catowsh as the Saili call it, is a pain reliever so I've given it to him.
ZHAD
You couldn't clean him up. He needs cerlacticine.
KEBA
Do you have any?
ZHAD
Just a little. Is he small?
KEBA
He is.
ZHAD
Then I may just have enough. Saili blood has such a high metallic content, it must be softened before it can be cleaned off. Then the body can begin healing and the healing tent will speed up the process.
KEBA
Then, go tell her the news. She's on General Quarters deck 3, apartment 32.
Zhad took a medical bag.
Keba stared at the wall.
ZHAD
Okay, I'll be there if you need me.
KEBA
Is that what you left me to learn? How to treat stowaways?
Zhad left without answering.
He went to the elevator and called to the voice sensor for the deck he wanted. The elevator door opened and he exited. When he found apartment 32, he rang the bell and waited.
Soon the door opened and a short woman with orange red hair stood inside the door. She rushed out and hugged him.
ADARA
Oh, Zhad, I'm so glad you're back!
ZHAD
Uh, I have some news to tell you about your ward, Adara.
ADARA
Thank you, come in. Are you in a hurry?
ZHAD
No.
ADARA
I just wondered. You did say that rather fast. He's in there.
She directed him to enter the bedroom.
ADARA
Would you like a drink? How about visiting for old times sake?
ZHAD
Oh, but I can't stay long.
ADARA
But, you said you weren't in a hurry.
ZHAD
Uh, I'm not. Well, it's just that- well, uh, Fordo.
Adara’s eyes clouded up for a second.
Zhad bowed his head and shuffled from one foot to the other.
ZHAD
I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that.
ADARA
No, I understand, he was your best friend. It must have been a horrible shock to find out he was dead. Who told you?
ZHAD
Hadah.
ADARA
Oh, at least it was him.
ZHAD
I can stay.
ADARA
If you'd rather not, I won't force you.
ZHAD
You must be very lonely.
Zhad reached to touch her cheek, but he stopped in mid-motion, shook his hand once as if to shake off the desire and dropped his hand.
Her eyes hesitantly followed his hand.
ADARA
Well, yes, I am.
ZHAD
Uh, I'll see your ward now and then tell you my news.
She blushed, then led him in.
Zhad moved to the boy’s bedside and put the medical bag on the nightstand beside the child’s head.
The boy's face was swollen black, green and orange, and his slanted eyelids were barely traceable slits. Amazingly, his pointed ears parted his wild hair like two perfect spires. His little twisted bandaged right hand held one of the upper tips of his ear, but the rest of him was covered with blankets.
Zhad brought a sensor out of his bag and touched it to the boy's forehead. He read the results of the temperature scan.
ZHAD
Hm, he's not running a high fever. Have you seen any improvements since you began giving him the Alilat?
ADARA
Some, but he's still suffering greatly.
ZHAD
I can imagine.
He gestured for her to move out of the living room with him.
ZHAD
He has a fair chance of being healed.
ADARA
How? Keba couldn't do anything for him.
ZHAD
That's because Keba didn't have Cerlacticine. Saili blood, once it's gotten hard, has to be softened, or melted again to begin dispersing. Until it disperses, the healing process can't begin. He's a metallic being, Adara. He's barely classified as humanoid.
ADARA
He's that different?
ZHAD
The Saili have gravity three times stronger than Earth. They are short and heavy muscled to endure the gravity. They have two hearts, one to pump their blood downward and another to pump the blood upward.
ADARA
Two hearts!
ZHAD
Their planet generates more methane than oxygen so they have four lungs. Their upper lungs process methane and their lower lungs process oxygen. So, you see, there are more differences to the Saili other than their metallic skin tone.
ADARA
I'm sorry I ever did this.
Zhad went up to her and touched her shoulder.
ADARA
It's just that I was so very lonely.
ADARA
I didn't think about him becoming a prisoner because Belso attacked his planet. He doesn't want him to identify us to the worlders as the ones who attacked Regalis! It got out of hand. Oh why didn't I leave him there for the worlders to find him and care for him?
ZHAD
Because, lonely people become so desperate for attention, they’ll take the slightest opportunity to end their loneliness.
ADARA
You think I'm desperate?
ZHAD
Yes, Adara, I think you're so desperate for love and affection, you’d take this boy for your own. You knew it would cause trouble, but you saw it as the only way you could ease your loneliness.
She looked up at the ceiling as she blinked back tears.
She studied the floor for a few moments.
ZHAD
I have to go, Adara. I'll return with a gurney and take him back to the hospital so we can begin to clean him up.
Zhad left the apartment and shuddered with emotion.
He returned to the hospital and went to find a nurse.
Tila was walking down the hall.
ZHAD
Tila, I need you to help me bring the Saili boy back to the hospital.
TILA
You know what to do for him?
ZHAD
Houk, Keba didn't have one important item for treating Saili. Grab a gurney and let's go.
She pulled a gurney from the wall and followed Zhad.
They went back to the elevator and returned to Adara's floor. They went down the hall and into Adara's apartment.
ZHAD
Adara, I'm taking the boy.
ADARA
Oh please, do something for him.
They entered the room and Zhad pulled the blankets off the boy. He grabbed the boy's bandaged shoulders and Tila took the bandaged legs and they hefted the boy onto the gurney.
ZHAD
I'll call you when we're finished. We'll be in an isolated room, so you can't come and watch.
Adara nodded her head.
They left Adara's apartment and took the boy back to the two room suite Keba had taken him to before.
Zhad stepped into the hallway and stopped a tech.
ZHAD
I need you to go to the metallurgists and get two pairs of heavy duty metalworker's gloves and bring them to burn room 1. What's your name again?
DERI
Deri.
Deri rushed to the elevator.
Zhad went back to his room and opened a few boxes until he carefully took out a tall glass bottle of clear fluid. He clutched the bottle carefully to his chest and returned to the hospital. He stopped in the supply closet and pulled out two metal bowls and a bag of sponges.
He went back to the burn ward.
Tila was already inside dressing in a burn suit.
Zhad set down the bottle, bowls and bag of sponges, then began to scrub up.
Deri walked in with the two pairs of bulky gloves.
ZHAD
Are they new?
DERI
If we're going to need them for a medical procedure, why would I ask for anything else?
ZHAD
Good man. Now sterilize them.
TILA
Sterilize metalworker's gloves?
ZHAD
We're going to be handling some caustic fluids. We don't need to get burned while we're working on the boy.
TILA
What?
ZHAD
You know that shell Keba found on the boy when he tried to clean him up?
TILA
Yes, I was there.
ZHAD
That's a metal shell of blood. It has to be softened so it can be cleaned off.
TILA
Keba didn't know that.
Zhad held up the bottle of clear fluid.
ZHAD
That's what this is for.
He entered the inner room and set down the supplies.
ZHAD
Tila, pour some of this cerlacticine into the two bowls carefully. If you slosh it, it can destroy anything but the metal bowls. Bring it over to the tables. Deri, bring that bag of sponges and put a pile of them on either side of the bed. Then bring the metalworker's gloves.
TILA
This is extreme, Zhad!
ZHAD
I know.
Deri brought the metalworker's gloves over and pulled them on Zhad and Tila.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
Tila brought over the box of surgical instruments and set it near where Zhad would work.
ZHAD
Now let's unbandage him.
They unwrapped the boy until he was naked on the table.
Zhad hissed at all the dirt and rocks on the boy's chest and neck. Zhad picked up a sponge and dipped it into the fluid.
ZHAD
Okay, let's get to work.
He scrubbed the worst of the burn on the boy's torso.
The surface of the skin began to hiss and bubble.
Zhad wiped more and debris began to slough off. He cleaned a small area at a time.
Sometimes he would throw down a sponge and pick up the tweezers and pulled stones and dirt from the skin.
Then he'd grab another sponge and continue the washing.
Finally the torso and neck was clean.
ZHAD
Okay, now that the worst is over, Tila, help me wash his extremities so we can finish up as quickly as possible and get him into a healing tent. Deri, go get the tent and build it so it can go on as soon as we're done.
DERI
Houk, Zhad.
Deri rushed from the room.
The two washed the legs, arms and face quickly.
Deri returned and put the tent together.
Zhad took the gloves off and threw them on the floor. Then he helped Deri place the healing tent over the bed. Zhad stopped at the controls and entered the data he wanted. He turned the device on and watched the special lamp scan over the boy's body and stop over his face.
A bright red lamp turned on and shined over the boy's neck and shoulders.
ZHAD
There. That should do it. Now he'll begin to heal. Thankfully, it seems this was a flash burn so there wasn't much damage to the muscles. I think he has a good chance of pulling through.
TILA
Welcome home, Zhad. Nice work.
ZHAD
Fa'arata. Deri, put on the metalworker's gloves and return the remaining cerlacticine into the bottle and seal it. I'll need it again.
Deri nodded.
ZHAD
When this room's cleaned up, have them wear more metalworker's gloves and seal the sponges inside a metal lined trash bag.
TILA
I saw how the fluid was disintegrating the sponge as soon as it was dipped!
ZHAD
That's why I brought so many of them. They lasted just long enough for a few swabs.
TILA
Saili medicine is dangerous!
ZHAD
To non-Saili it is unless we take steps to protect ourselves like I did.
TILA
Okay, How long will the boy be in the healing tent?
ZHAD
For twenty-four hours. Watch him and if something happens, call me.
Tila nodded.
Zhad went into the outer room and took off the burn suit and stepped into the hall.
Keba stood in the hall with a frown on his face.
KEBA
Did you do it?
ZHAD
Houk. He's cleaned and in the healing tent.
KEBA
Good job. Now can you bear to watch the child grow up in confinement?
Keba strode down the hall.
Zhad walked to the elevator.
When the doors opened up, he was relieved that, for once, the elevator was empty.
ZHAD
General Quarters, level 3.
The door whooshed shut and began to move.
He exited and moved down the left side of the hall feeling glad his apartment was in this direction. He pushed the doorbell.
Adara opened the door and invited Zhad inside.
He entered hesitantly.
She hugged him.
ADARA
I'm so happy you're back! How is Sannaro?
ZHAD
Uh, he seems to be reacting well to the medicine. He's in the healing tent right now under Tila's care. If he continues to improve, he'll be out of the tent in a few days.
ADARA
But that means the boy will continue to be kept here against his will.
ZHAD
Yes, but I just couldn't let a child die when I knew how to help him.
ADARA
I agree. What can I do about the boy, Zhad?
ZHAD
Fulfill your promise to Belso. Care for him until he recovers or dies.
ADARA
I guess I'm stuck with it.
ZHAD
I guess you are until Belso reconsiders his decision.
ADARA
Belso reconsidering? That's not in his nature.
ZHAD
Unless you have extraordinarily convincing arguments.
ADARA
In most cases, Zhad, but I think he regrets this violent outburst. To get him to reconsider would be like admitting he was wrong to his warrior thinking. His pride won't allow such a show of weakness.
ZHAD
You know Belso better than I do and what incidents led up to this. I've been gone for some time.
ADARA
Well, I guess all we can do is wait and see what comes up. I'm glad you're here to wait with me.
ZHAD
Adara, you know we walk on dangerous ground.
ADARA
You left because of me and Fordo.
ZHAD
Partly, but medicine has always fascinated me so I went to school, but, you understand, Adara, I couldn't challenge Fordo for you. I’m not good in self-defense. I couldn't fight my best friend, yet I couldn't bury my feelings for you.
ADARA
We will be friends now and no ethics can be violated.
ZHAD
Really? Will it stay that way?
They fell silent for a few minutes.
ADARA
We both have work to do.
ZHAD
Yes, I have patients at the hospital. It could cause much trouble.
ADARA
I'm already in much trouble. I need help from a friend who won’t judge me for what I’ve brought to our people.
ZHAD
I understand.
He went walked out the door.
Zhad rushed to his apartment, locked himself in and shivered with suppressed emotion.
He was setting up his medical journals, he thought, home again.
FLASHBACK
Fordo and ZHAD played in the school complex play park.
Fordo’s chestnut-colored hair flying behind him like the contrails of a fighter plane he was pretending to fly.
Hadah swooped in to “strafe” Fordo by launching himself off the climbing bars.
They collided face-to-face and Fordo reeled from the blow with blood streaming from his nose.
Zhad grabbed up an old bag his mother had discarded that he filled with old cleaning rags and promptly pressed the rag to Fordo’s face as he firmly told his friend to keep his head bowed forward so the blood wouldn’t run down his throat.
Once Fordo was cared for, he went to squat down beside dazed Hadah.
Hadah had a split forehead so Zhad pulled out another rag to hand to Hadah before Keba arrived to treat the boys.
KEBA
Nice job with first aide, Zhad, but I think it would have been better if your rags had been clean.
ZHAD
They were bleeding! I was scared for my friends.
KEBA
So you're interested in the healing arts?
ZHAD
I like to take care of my friends.
Keba tousled Zhad's hair.
KEBA
So do I. Someday you may be chosen to do medical training.
ZHAD
I'd love it!
END FLASHBACK
(LATER)
Zhad finished unpacking, he glanced at the chronometer on the wall. He finished up and went to the ship's dining hall.
When he got there, he found it impossible to eat supper with almost half of the ships' citizens crowded around him, greeting him on his return home.
Suddenly the ship began to shake. People were grabbing children everywhere and leaving the hall.
KI'EL (V.O.)
Battle Alert, Battle Alert! All nonessential personnel, general quarters. Vizha'e scramble! Engage the Pirates!
Cooks were putting out stoves and ovens and clamping covers over food tables.
Zhad left along with the crowd into the hall. While they were either reporting to battle stations or going to their apartments, Zhad went to the hospital complex.
Parik, a senior on the governing council stood in front of the elevator door with his arms above his head.
PARIK
Remember to allow Zhad and any pilots first elevator.
The doors opened and Parik stepped aside.
Zhad joined the men and women in flight suits.
ZHAD
Pilots first.
FIGHTER PILOT
Thanks. Upper Flight Deck.
The elevator rose upward, stopped and went sideways, then resumed its ascent.
The doors opened on a huge room that was so vast as to be lost in shadow. The flight suit clad people rushed out and turned left.
Zhad was now alone in the elevator.
ZHAD
Hospital.
The doors closed and the elevator descended, went sideways and then opened onto a hallway.
Zhad rushed down the busy hall and into the emergency room.
At that moment, the ship shuddered again from another impact.
Zhad fell and slid across the floor.
KEBA
Lost your space legs, Zhad?
ZHAD
Seems so.
He hit a strapped-down gurney.
KI'EL (V.O.)
Breech in port-side, Sector 6. Emergency crews move to Sector 6.
Keba nodded toward the speaker in the wall.
KEBA
That means injuries, Zhad. Time to see what good your worlder education is.
Zhad slowly stood up.
ZHAD
Yes, it is. Let's prep up.
By the time they finished scrubbing, injured people were being brought in from the port-side fire and a fighter pilot was already being brought in.
First, they strapped themselves into safety harnesses as handhold bars lowered from the ceiling.
Nurses were wheeling out boxes of sterilized tools. They brought one beside each gurney and locked them to the floor.
Then Keba and Zhad moved in to work.
As Keba worked on a crushed leg, another person was wheeled in. Keba rushed over to the patient, moving from handhold to handhold.
KEBA
Burns over seventy percent of his body. Too serious. Put him in stasis. We'll treat him later.
They wheeled him over to a stasis pod. They lifted him in, then sealed it and left again with the gurney.
Keba returned to his patient.
KEBA
Cautery, Tila.
She punched in a code on a keypad on the top of the box and a tray slipped out from the box.
Clips let go of the instrument Keba requested when she picked it up and handed it to him.
He used it on a clamped artery. He held the tool up to be taken by Tila.
As she reached for it, the ship shuddered and their two hands collided.
The cautery was bumped out of his left hand.
He grabbed at an overhead handhold and reached for the loose cautery, but the effect of a counter shock from the ship reversed the motion of the tool back toward Keba. He cried out when the hot metal tip burned his right hand. He hurled across the room backward.
ZHAD
Keba! Grab a handhold!
Keba reached out to grab one, but he was at an odd angle. His hand hit the hold and gave a loud sickening crack.
The safety harness reached its full length and snapped back.
He slammed into the strapped gurney he had been working at. His neck snapped back and his body went limp.
Zhad rushed hand-over-hand to Keba's unmoving body and checked his pulse.
ZHAD
He's dead.
Zhad lifted Keba's body onto the nearest gurney against the wall. He uncoupled the harness, strapped the body down and covered it with a sheet. Then he returned to work.
ZHAD
Tila, can you finish that leg?
TILA
I think I can. He was almost finished.
She wiped her eyes on her sleeve and went to work.
Montage of zhad and tila working on patients.
KI'EL
Stand down from alert. General quarters is lifted.
Zhad and Tila continued to treat patients.
INT. BRIDGE, KUMANI
Zhad stood before him looking painfully like a twenty- three year old young man on the verge of panic.
ZHAD
Keba's dead.
Belso reached for his chair to steady himself.
BELSO
Keba's dead?!
ZHAD
Houk, it happened in surgery. He lost grip of a cautery and it burned his hand. He lost grip on the handhold as the ship was impacted and he went flying into a gurney and snapped his neck. Death was instantaneous.
BELSO
This couldn't happen at a worse time!
ZHAD
I wish it hadn't. I wasn't ready to assume command of the hospital as the Senior Physician just out of medical school.
BELSO
Anyway, I'm glad you're here to do it, Zhad. Fa'arata for the personal report.
As the young man walked back up the stairs from the command well, Belso shook his head.
BELSO
Status report.
KI'EL
Sector 6 has been sealed because of further metal fatigue that could blow at any time. Aft Large Industrial section’s shut down in concern for thruster 3 that was severely damaged. However, it’s being coaxed into use minimally to avoid a possible explosion. Two of the Upper Flight Bay catapult launchers have been disabled by a fire in launch tube 1-
BELSO
Enough! Zhinar, can we limp to Gasbaja?
ZHINAR
It would take a week with the drive we have left.
NASU
There's Iachi'awei Ushi. We can hide there and do our repairs without being disturbed. It's closer.
BELSO
Take us- take us home.
INT. MEDICAL SUITE, KUMANI
Zhad sighed and threw another pair of disposable gloves into the waste chute.
ZHAD
We're almost caught up here. Tila, how many do we have left?
Tila leaned against a gurney.
TILA
A punctured lung, a 70% burn case and a partially amputated leg.
ZHAD
All of them very long-term procedures. I'm going to take a break for dinner.
TILA
All right, Zhad.
ZHAD
I'll be back in thirty minutes.
He shuffled out the door.
Before he went to the cafeteria, he decided to check on Adara and her charge.
ZHAD
Well, I'm on my dinner break. Are you interested in coming with me?
ADARA
Should we risk being seen together so soon?
ZHAD
You don't want my company?
ADARA
I want to, Zhad. It's just that- rumors could start. They'll think I’m being dishonorable to Fordo's memory.
ZHAD
How long has it been since Fordo died?
ADARA
Almost a year and a half.
ZHAD
Well, in, let's see- two years, I believe, you’ll be allowed to look for another mate at this coming Festival of Ships. So, I think your mourning time is over.
ADARA
Oh, Zhad, I don't want to leave the Kumani!
ZHAD
Or we can apply to Council to allow me to mate you. That is, if you'll take me.
ADARA
But what you're suggesting has been so rarely done! It may be refused.
ZHAD
Do you have anything to lose?
ADARA
No, but you might. You'll have to reveal your rivalry about Fordo claiming me.
ZHAD
True, but it might work in our favor!
ADARA
Or against.
ZHAD
It's worth the risk. They can't risk me leaving the ship since Keba’s died, leaving me the only doctor.
ADARA
Keba's dead?!
ZHAD
It was an unfortunate accident that was unavoidable.
ADARA
Oh this is horrible!
ZHAD
There was nothing I could do.
ZHAD
His death was instantaneous. I grieve, but I have a job to do, a big one. Adara, I left this ship because it hurt me so bad just to see you and Fordo together. Now, I have the chance to have you as my mate. I’d even risk exile to ask for you.
ADARA
I believe you. You need to eat. Let's call to the cafeteria to bring the food here.
ZHAD
Sounds good. I'm starving.
After she ordered, she began to prepare her table so they could sit down and eat as soon as the food arrived.
When the bell rang, she went to the door, took the tray of food and brought it to the table.
For most of the meal, they ate in silence.
ADARA
What if they do exile us?
ZHAD
I have a Doctorate in medicine. I can set up a private practice anywhere. You’re an excellent potter. You’d have a market in the art community anywhere you went.
ADARA
But what about our people?
ZHAD
If they choose to live without us, they'll have to learn how to live with their decision, but I won't allow it to ruin my life. I learned on Alveria that I can manage to live among the worlders and I'm not afraid to try.
ADARA
But what if I don't want to go?
ZHAD
You just said you- If you don't want to risk it, Adara, I understand, but that would mean we’d have to be careful to be neutral in public. Then, probably when the next festival comes in two years, you might be pressured into taking the red armband. Then you’ll be made mate to someone again and go to another ship, which you said you didn't want to do, but it’s your choice. I won't pressure you. Thank you for the meal, I must be getting back to the hospital. I have more patients that need my help.
Zhad rose with his voice slightly betraying the hurt he felt and he left.
FADE OUT.
THE END
Based on the Novel Between World and Space published by Double Dragon Ebooks.