Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
WARNING:
CONTENT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR GENERAL AUDIENCES DUE TO EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT.
“CRYSTALIS”
EPISODE 75 – INTERROGATION
BY: LYSSA THORNE
FADE IN:
INT. KUMANI COUNCIL TENT, GASBAJA – DAY - CONTINUOUS
NIKKLO curled up into a trembling ball.
DANU stood and took a step toward him.
NIKKLO
Nui, it’s just a reaction to changing forms. I go from a hard shell to a soft skin and it can be a shock.
DANU
Fascinating!
NIKKLO
My Tauian form has an exoskeleton and my Saili form has an endoskeleton, alright?
METEI
How do you know you can travel so fast?
NIKKLO
I traveled from Sailia to Gasbaja in two minutes.
EKE'I
That’s fast. I didn't even see you move.
HADAH
How can we fight beings we can’t see?
NIKKLO
We install Forward Looking Infrared scanners into our helmet face plates to see the Tauian form so if it detects a Tauian, the HUD will indicate where the Tauian is. Energy weapons and hand-to-hand still hurts them. They don’t have internal organs and their skin is a hard shell. A critical hit is to the center of their chest.
HADAH
I have a bad feeling there's more to this than what you've showed us. Why do the Tauians want you back so badly?
NIKKLO
Once the conflict with the other nation was over, the government decided to use the super warrior children to dominate other worlds. My telekinesis was my enhanced power that I was supposed to use to force worlds to surrender to the Tauians.
HADAH
How were you supposed to force worlds to surrender to the Tauians?
NIKKLO
I was to travel to the target planet and demand surrender. If they refused, I was supposed to reverse the positive polarity of the world’s atoms to negative to cause the atoms to repel each other – total disintegration.
HADAH
Iachi’awei Ushi, you have complete control over any ferrous metal resource!
NIKKLO
That's why I started the revolution to free the super warrior children from their enslavement! I didn't want to destroy that planet! The leaders of Tauia pursued me. My limbs were cut off and my torso was partially severed from my lower body. I can imagine I was in terrible agony and you know what happens when I’m enraged.
HADAH
You use your telekinesis.
NIKKLO
Houk, that’s what I did, but I used all my power and tore Tauia apart. They’re kind of pissed that I did that and want to wipe out anyone who helped me in any way whether they knew the truth or not.
VARANANI
While they were dismembering you? It seems they have trouble connecting cause with effect. Beings who are in pain will do some violent acts in response to the pain.
NIKKLO
They’re angry that I didn’t comply with their demands to only live to do their bidding.
VARANANI
They chose the wrong person for that!
NIKKLO
Houk, I’ve never done anything for anyone unless I wanted to.
HADAH
That’s nearly the whole Terran Alliance! They would kill trillions of people!
The council was silent as the implication of the Tauian threat soaked in.
NIKKLO
That’s why Tarek wanted me to learn how to be a warrior from the Astrisi. He saw how the Astrisi learned the Gasbajan defense technique to drive away the Zurans. He thought the Astrisi’s drive for self-preservation would show me how to be in better control of myself and teach me the art of warfare so that when the Tauians found Tarek and me again, I would have the skills and allies to fight the Tauians like we fought the Zurans. I must keep the Saili and Astrisi from becoming extinct because both races harbored me. Tarek did create the Saili to give me people to interact with when he revived my soul in this temporary form. My real body is inside a crevasse deep within Misipatasutisga.
VARANANI
Why did he mutate us?
NIKKLO
To prepare the Saili for this war, he had to mutate some of us to make us more aggressive so we could defend ourselves from the Tauian attack force. I was always meant to lead it because I’m a super warrior who was created by the Tauians to invade planets but I turned on my masters.
HADAH
And that's the legend of the Tsikakayu you and Devasru told me about.
NIKKLO
Houk.
PARIK
So what do we call you now?
NIKKLO
You can combine the two names and call me Nikklosannaro, call me San or Nik, I don't care.
PARIK
So now that we know who or what you are can we get back to Arcas' death?
HADAH
I had Arcas under investigation because he came to me several days ago to tell me to take Sannaro's sash away from him because he caused the attack on the Kumani. I was still doing my own investigation into why the gravity drum suddenly blew up for no apparent reason and hadn't ruled out internal sabotage yet. I wondered how he even knew it had been caused by an attack and it raised my suspicions.
PARIK
San, do you know why Arcas accused you of starting the attack?
NIKKLO
Arcas was in contact with one of the Tauian scouts who told him more than he should have known and he gave them information about how to damage the Kumani to ground her so they could get to me easier. Right after the New Saili arrived to help us evacuate the Kumani, I was kidnapped. When Arcas confronted me while I was walking, I told him the information he gave to the enemy caused us to have to ground the Kumani and that had very stiff penalties in this council. He begged me to kill him. I refused and told him I was going to bring him back for trial. He screamed that his head was exploding and I had to raise my shields to protect myself from a mind-slam. I picked him up and carried him back to camp because I didn’t want him left for the carrion.
KOSI
Just dropped dead?
DANU
I did a routine physical on Arcas a few weeks ago and he was in perfect health. Before I came to council, I did a quick scan on Arcas’ body. I found the cause of death was that Arcas had a sudden brain aneurysm. The damage to his brain was severe, resulting in immediate death. The brain scan I did during his physical a few weeks ago was completely normal for him.
NIKKLO
The Tauians are telepaths. Unlike the Saili, they cannot vocalize. Any telepath without conscience can cause an aneurysm.
PIRLO
Including you.
NIKKLO
Including me but I didn’t kill Arcas. Arcas confronted me. I restrained him. Even if I had used my telepathy to kill Arcas, I would’ve still been defending myself from attack.
HADAH
He has a point. If Arcas was attacking, even a mind-slam would’ve been called self defense.
DANU
Arcas’ muscles were highly oxidized and his adrenaline was elevated like he had been doing a strenuous activity when the aneurysm exploded in his brain, so he was clearly in the fight or flight mode. Knowing Vizha’e, fleeing is rarely the choice they make.
KOSI
But he knew Sannaro was stronger than him and surprisingly fast for his bulk. How can we know he wasn’t fleeing from San?
TISA
Arcas had problems with pride, but I never saw him flee any fight.
DANU
The aneurysm wasn’t caused by Nikklosannaro.
PIRLO
I'm not trying to judge your personal lives. It's just that, why should we believe you when you’ve been Sannaro's lover for years?
DANU
I won’t deny that San and I have been lovers, but Varanani scanned the remains of Arcas’ brain.
VARANANI
I telepathically scanned Arcas' brain and the mind-slam did not have Sannaro's mental signature.
PIRLO
Vara, you're Danu's mate. You don't think I haven't known about your so-called family love? I’m not taking your word for it, either.
NIKKLO
Shit, my support for defense is shattered because of the damned bisexuality I've had trouble restraining since Tristin Sarto raped me!
TAREK suddenly appeared beside Nikklo.
TAREK
The remains of Arcas’ brain did not have the mental signature of Nikklo. If you won’t take Nikky's family's testimony, I’ll bring Dr. Kinetiko or Dr. Aureliana to Gasbaja to support Varanani’s mental scan.
Pirlo leapt up from his seat.
PIRLO
Who are you?
TAREK
I am Tsisutisga Tarek-minek-ratel-hatra-rapul. You know me as the Great Forger of Sailia. Tsikakayu Nikklosannaro-tarek-rakul-minek-lovak is my son and I need him to be free. I regret the loss of Arcas, but his actions have harmed us all. He brought down your ship so the Tauians could get to Nikklo easier. You have a lot of preparation to do before the next attack comes. Can we move on now?
The council looked stunned at the man who claimed to be the Great Forger, the god of Sailia!
NOKI
You think you can just appear in this tent and tell us to drop the charges on someone you say is your son because you need him?
TAREK
I said I would prove with another doctor that Arcas’ brain aneurysm was not caused by Nikklo. You need his knowledge to save all your lives so can we delay this sentencing until I can bring the doctor to back up Varanani’s brain scan?
PARIK
I am very shocked to meet you, Great Forger. What did you call yourself?
TAREK
You may address me as Tarek.
PARIK
I thank you for that privilege, Great Forger Tarek. It’s good that we don’t have to say all that you called yourself.
TAREK
Our whole names are only used in formal situations. My given name is Tarek and my son’s given name is Nikklo.
PARIK
So Sannaro's real name is Nikklo?
Tarek nodded.
HADAH
I agree with Noki about being shocked that you have suddenly appeared to say Sannaro is your son when he’s told us for years that he was born on Regalis to Giovano and Damira.
TAREK
Yes, Hadah, the soul of the man you have called Sannaro is my son Nikklo. He was reincarnated into Sannaro’s body and has lived that life until I called on him to take up the mission he was reincarnated to fight for me. That time has come. The enemy that brought down your ship wants Nikklo back in any form at all costs. I do not want my son stolen from me again and they will kill everyone to get Nikklo back so you need his knowledge to stay alive. Decide among yourselves but I want an answer by the time I return with the doctor to give a second opinion. I’ll return with Dr. Kinetiko later.
Tarek changed to Tauian form and elongated into the sky.
PIRLO
Now where did he go?
NIKKLO
He’s going to ask Dr. Kinetiko to review the autopsy like he just said he would. He can travel instantly because he’s Tauian.
NOKI
Are we going to let him tell us what to do?
HADAH
Houk, we are going to let him do that because he’s a god. It’s not good to cross beings more powerful than we are.
PARIK
Alright, Nikklosannaro, now that your father has given us an ultimatum, what should we do?
NIKKLO
My fate is in the hands of this council. Tarek may be a god, as Hadah says, but I'm just the Senior Vizha'e on the Kumani.
HADAH
I think, in light of all that San has told us, I’d be insane to take his sash away. We need him to show us how to defend ourselves from these crystalloids bent on galactic domination.
PIRLO
We haven’t decided if he’s responsible for murdering Arcas!
PARIK
Well, Hadah seems to have cast his vote. All that think Sannaro should be charged for murder of Arcas, raise your hands.
Few hands that were raised. He was very surprised that Iara’s hand remained down.
PARIK
All who vote to exonerate Sannaro for Arcas’ death raise your hands.
A lot more hands were raised.
PARIK
Sannaro, this council exonerates you for the death of Arcas and I imagine they also agree with Hadah that you should keep your sash so you can teach us how to fight against those beings who enslaved you to force galactic domination.
KOSI
Damned right. They attacked our ship without warning!
NIKKLO
Fa’arata, I promise I will protect the Astrisi and the Saili so that both can remain free of Tauian tyranny.
BRI'AK
Who killed my dad, Nikklosannaro?
NIKKLO
I don’t know right now, Bri'ak, but I’ll try to help Hadah find out who did.
NOKI
Are you going to use that telekinesis on us?
CHERNA
Noki, I’ve only known of four times he’s used his telekinesis. The two times he killed some very deserving pirates. Two times, I talked him into calming himself and releasing control of all the metal objects in the room, once in a courtroom and the other in the forward storage bay. He knows when to use it and when to calm down and not hurt anyone.
NOKI
But he has more power than any of us!
HADAH
Noki, houk, he has god-like powers but we raised him to control his violent impulses. All of us here can defend ourselves violently because even the youngest Astrisi are placed in self-defense classes as soon as they can walk steadily across a floor. After forty years of knowing Sannaro, I am confident he won’t use his incredible powers to hurt us or he would’ve done it years ago. I know several times you fought him out of jealousy for the rank he’s been given and he hasn’t killed you yet. We trusted him before we knew his name was Nikklo. Just because he goes by a different name doesn’t mean he’s not the same person we’ve lived with and trusted for forty years.
PARIK
Are all issues resolved?
EKE'I
I just want to get back to repairing that ship.
NIKKLO
I’ll be willing to raise any metal object that needs to be raised onto a high mooring.
EKE'I
Great, I was wondering how we were going to get some parts into high places unless we built scaffolding to hoist them or ask Kosi to use the shuttles to raise the parts.
PARIK
Does anyone else have anything to say?
IARA
Sannaro, Nikklo, I’m not angry at you for Arcas’ death. Sometimes he could act before he thought. He finally did something that couldn’t be corrected by chastisement.
NIKKLO
I truly am sorry Arcas was sniper killed in my arms, Iara. He was a friend even though he had his faults. I’ll never forget the good times I had with him.
IARA
So will I. I forgive you.
NIKKLO
Fa'arata.
PARIK
Are we ready to close council?
ALL
Houk.
PARIK
Then this council is concluded.
As the tent began to clear out, Pirlo squatted down to remove the locator cuff from Nikklo’s ankle.
HADAH
I am so relieved they didn’t fault you.
NIKKLO
So am I.
HADAH
So when you’re not standing watch, you’re going to join the reconstruction?
NIKKLO
Since I can rapidly teleport to my ship, I don’t see why I can’t keep working on the reconstruction unless I need to do specific Senior Vizha’e work.
HADAH
It might speed up the repairs.
NIKKLO
Houk, I’m eager for us to return to space.
HADAH
So am I, my friend.
DANU
Before Nikklo joins any hard labor force, I want to do a medical exam to get to know what’s changed and if he gets injured, how do I treat him.
HADAH
Good idea, Danu.
Nikklo and Danu walked from the main tent to the
INT. KUMANI HOSPITAL BUILDING, GASBAJA - DAY - CONTINUOUS
Danu led Nikklo into an exam room.
Varanani stepped in soon after.
Cherna rushed in and tackled Nikklo in a hug.
CHERNA
I thought I'd never see you again!
Nikklo kissed her passionately.
NIKKLO
I had my doubts, too, lover. There’s so much to tell you, I don’t know where to start.
Nikklo moved around them to sit down.
Danu brushed Nikklo's hair from his shoulders.
DANU
What's this attached to your back?
NIKKLO
Oh, shit, I forgot. That's a Hlatutara.
Varanani jumped up and huddled against the wall.
Cherna rushed to her side.
VARANANI
A razorwing?!
CHERNA
Ambri told me about those! They kill. Get it out of here!
NIKKLO
Cheri, he won’t attack you. I have telepathic control of him. He’s only for defense. I won’t let him hurt you.
CHERNA
They swarm!
NIKKLO
I didn’t bring a female, only a male so a swarm won’t form. Alrian carried a hlatutara. You saw it when he killed the Zuran in the Belvan alleyway.
CHERNA
Since when did you learn this?
NIKKLO
During the night, I’ve been working through a lot of memories I didn’t have access to until now.
CHERNA
Is that staying?
NIKKLO
I promise I’ll keep him under control.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Arcas, move to the table in the corner.
Arcas sat up and fluttered to the table in the corner and settled in.
Cherna and Varanani carefully sit down.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
DANU
Do you eat as a crystalloid?
Nikklo pointed to the lamp above their heads.
NIKKLO
I’m eating now but my Saili body also needs food and drink. I don't remember when was the last time I ate, though.
DANU
We can get you something to eat after I'm done. I’m going to do a spinal examination.
Danu brushed his fingers over Nikklo’s spine.
Nikklo yelped and jumped off the table.
DANU
Wow, your nerves are extra sensitive.
NIKKLO
I don’t know how to control my nerves! They’re driving me crazy.
Danu picked up a device and held it in front of Nikklo’s chest. It hummed for a few seconds. Danu casually ran a finger down Nikklo’s sternum.
Nikklo yelped and fell against the examination table.
DANU
The meter is showing high nerve spikes when your skin is touched. You are definitely over-stimulated. Sit up again. I’ll try to relax your nerves before I go on.
Danu went behind Nikklo and massaged his shoulders.
Nikklo slumped into Danu’s chest.
NIKKLO
I don’t know what to do, Danu. I feel like my skin is burned again.
DANU
I could prescribe some Gabapentin to dampen the neural sensors when it gets too much for you. Now, what should we do if you get hurt in crystalloid form?
NIKKLO
Call Tarek.
DANU
Call the Great Forger of Sailia to come treat you?
NIKKLO
He’s the only one I trust that could help me.
DANU
So where are your limbs detached?
NIKKLO
Interestingly, my left leg is broken where my replantation scar is on this body.
DANU
Really? That is interesting.
NIKKLO
My right leg is detached at the hip joint. My arms are detached at the joint too. Then my body is a third of the way severed at mid-back in an upper cut slanted toward the upper center.
DANU
Is it around where you have the arthritis in your back?
NIKKLO
Come to think of it, houk, it’s the very same place.
DANU
It seems a lot of your problem areas on your Saili body correspond with the dismemberment of your crystalloid body.
NIKKLO
Like I’m still connected to that body and we’re sharing the pain of my fracturing?
DANU
Sounds like it. You need to find a way to mend your crystalloid body, Nikky. Did you say your crystalloid body is only seventeen?
NIKKLO
Houk, maybe that’s why I don’t look my age?
DANU
Arrested growth due to your original seventeen year-old body being in stasis? That’s a thought but there’s not been a study done on that so this is authentic to your situation.
Danu sat down at the computer to bring up the apothecary and filled out the request to fill a prescription.
DANU
There you go, you can pick it up down at the apothecary.
NIKKLO
I need the support of my family to keep me sane. Are all of you willing to do that?
DANU
You know I will.
VARANANI
I will, too.
Cherna kissed him.
Nikklo kissed her back.
CHERNA
We're still wing-mates in everything.
NIKKLO
Good. I love all of you.
DANU
We love you, too.
Nikklo hugged Danu’s shoulders.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Arcas, back on my shoulder.
Arcas settled back where he had been.
Nikklo walked out of the exam room, quickly picked up the prescription then walked home.
INT. NIKKLO'S HOUSE, GASBAJA - DAY - CONTINUOUS
As soon as he walked into the house, Cherna turned to watch him close the door.
NIKKLO
This house is amazing. It looks just like we’re still on the Kumani. I guess that’s what Kratis wanted to keep us calm during the rebuilding.
CHERNA
Houk, he wanted us to decorate the same way, too. What you just returned from must be mind-blowing, even for you.
NIKKLO
It is. I feel like my world has been ripped apart and now I have to put it back together with a lot of spotty information.
CHERNA
You said you were hungry at the hospital. I’ll cook you some food.
Cherna went to the kitchen.
He followed her and leaned against the sink while she worked.
CHERNA
Are you really hundreds of years old?
NIKKLO
My crystalloid body is eight hundred years old so I guess so is my soul, but you know how old this body is.
CHERNA
You know, most of us never meet deities?
NIKKLO
I know. I think it’s a bit weird, too, that I got to meet the god of my race and he told me I’m his son so I’m a god too. It takes some getting used to.
CHERNA
And I’ve been friends with one since I was a kid.
Nikklo breathed deeply of the scent that wafted from the kitchen and felt his stomach rumble.
NIKKLO
Oh, that smells so good. I don’t remember when I last ate.
Cherna walked from the kitchen with a plate and set it on the table. She sat down.
Nikklo sat down beside her, picked up the fork and took a taste. He shivered.
Arcas peeked his head around Nikklo's neck and sniffed.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Oh, that smells so good!
Nikklo chuckled and held up his fork for Arcas to eat the food.
Cherna stood up to grab another plate and set it down on the table.
Arcas hopped to the tabletop and began to eat.
Nikklo ate the rest of his food greedily.
CHERNA
Wow, you were hungry.
NIKKLO
Ravenous. I feel much better.
Nikklo looked down at the fork on his plate and concentrated on willing the fork to rise into the air.
The fork rattled on the plate before it floated into the air.
NIKKLO
Look at that. I did it.
He concentrated on lowering the fork.
The fork returned to the plate.
He let his breath out in a big rush.
NIKKLO
That wasn’t that hard.
CHERNA
But I think you should remember to breathe next time.
He felt dizzy for a second and flipped his hair in his face.
NIKKLO
Right, Saili have to breathe. I need to breathe next time.
CHERNA
Tauians don’t breathe?
NIKKLO
Nui, they only need to absorb light.
Cherna parted his bangs.
CHERNA
Still doing that behavior?
NIKKLO
I’m still Sannaro.
CHERNA
I’m seeing more familiar mannerisms although some are new. Hadah told Noki you had god-like powers. Are you a god?
NIKKLO
If you consider that The Great Forger Tarek’s my father and the Saili call me the Great Defender, then I guess I am, but I don’t feel like a god. I still have my failings. I can still say insensitive things when I’m preoccupied. I guess I’m just a rogue Tauian who’s fleeing from his own kind because he’s too stubborn to do as he’s told.
CHERNA
You’ve never done what you were told unless you agreed to do it.
NIKKLO
That’s me. That’s why Tarek and I are in this situation and we dragged the Saili and the Kumani into it.
Cherna stood up and draped her arms around his chest.
CHERNA
You never did like to be alone. We’ve been in several wars. We can take this war too. You were torn apart the first time because you only had Tarek and he’s a scientist. This time, you have many warriors who have been trained by you. Maybe we can make the difference and keep you from being torn apart this time.
Nikklo pressed his hand over hers.
NIKKLO
I sure hope so because seeing my body in that crystal casket was pretty disturbing.
CHERNA
I’m sure it was.
Nikklo pinched the bridge of his nose to push back the tears.
She walked to his side and pressed her forehead to his.
CHERNA
Hey, it’s me Cherna; if you need to cry about the tragedy you just remembered involving your own violent death, let yourself cry.
Nikklo put his head on her shoulder and sobbed.
NIKKLO
But I was torn apart hundreds of years ago. Why am I crying now?
CHERNA
Because you just learned you were violently killed yesterday.
She laid her hand on the side of his head.
CHERNA
So, up here, in your mind, Nikklo died yesterday.
NIKKLO
Sannaro died yesterday, too.
CHERNA
See? You have much to grieve about, sweetheart. Let yourself grieve.
NIKKLO
I guess this is why Tarek delayed telling me about all of this, because he knew I’d have to mourn the loss of the life I was used to. The engineers are starting the days construction. I promised I would help to place heavy parts up into high places. I’m going to help them. I also need to call the Team-leaders together to choose a new Team-leader for Arcas’ wing.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
What about me, boss?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Stay home and don’t be rude to Cherna. If you are rude to Cheri, I will put you in a cage.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Okay.
Nikklo went into the bedroom and changed into his flight suit then stepped out of the house.
EXT. KUMANI CAMP, GASBAJA – DAY - CONTINUOUS
Tisa joined him to walk across the camp.
TISA
Are you going to call a Team-leader meeting, today?
NIKKLO
Houk, I’m going to get to it. I wish we had a satellite platform for quicker launches during alerts.
TISA
That would be nice, but we’ve never really built any defenses here.
NIKKLO
The Alliance considers this an Astrisi world. We should build some permanent structures here.
TISA
You know we’ve preferred to be in space that we rarely think about building on a planet.
NIKKLO
I know, but since we’re stuck here for now, I think the defenses are inadequate.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Team-leaders, assemble at the central tent in five minutes to decide who becomes my new assistant and to choose the new Blue Team-leader.
EKE'I walked up to Nikklo.
EKE'I
Hey, Nikklo,could you help us seat a big machine on the skin of the Kumani when you have the time?
NIKKLO
Houk, Eke'i, I’m calling a Vazha'e meeting right now, but I think I can help you soon after the meeting.
EKE'I
That would be great. Kohura.
NIKKLO
Kohura, Eke'i.
TISA
You’re becoming popular, Nik.
NIKKLO
I’m anxious for us to return to space so I’m willing to phase machinery for the engineers.
TISA
You’re really worried.
NIKKLO
Tarek and I are the only beings who know how to fight the Tauians and their weaknesses. It’s easier for them to get to us if we have to be in direct outside light so the longer we’re stuck on Gasbaja, the more opportunities they have to wipe the Astrisi out and get to me.
TISA
It makes me sad to hear you talk like that.
NIKKLO
At least I finally remember how I became adamant about preventing myself from being vulnerable. My whole history is sad. I need to find a way to give myself a better life free of Tauian threat.
TISA
I miss the oddball guy who could joke about it.
NIKKLO
That guy can return after I no longer have a bounty over my head.
TISA
I was shocked about all you said at council.
NIKKLO
Believe me, the shock wasn’t any less for me.
He sensed malice above him. He changed to crystal, grabbed Tisa and rode a light beam to the temporary Vizha’i flight line just as energy impacted the ground where they’d been walking. He released Tisa beside her Vizha’i and returned to Saili form.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Attack alert - all Vizha’i launch.
TISA
Wow, what was that? We were just over there!
NIKKLO
I traveled us by light to your ship. Launch, Tisa, now.
TISA
Houk, Senior Vizha’e.
She leapt onto her wing and climbed into her cockpit.
Nikklo knew the Vizha’i would take several minutes to launch so he returned to crystal form and rose into the air toward the shining crystal formation that shimmered above him like a heat mirage. He drew in light and concentrated it through his hand.
A small crystal prism ship shattered just above him.
The Vizha’i screamed through the air to meet the human pirates who were aiding the Tauians and began the defensive high above the camp.
A crystalloid hovered a few meters away from him.
TAUIAN (PSI V.O.)
It’s no use, Nikklo, give up now.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I refuse to submit to Beken.
TAUIAN (PSI V.O.)
You tore our world apart!
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Not before Beken had my limbs torn from my body!
TAUIAN (PSI V.O.)
That wouldn’t have happened if you’d done what you were told to do.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
And I wouldn’t have disintegrated our planet if his warriors hadn’t dismembered me and allowed me the freedom to leave Tauia.
TAUIAN (PSI V.O.)
Not possible unless you were on a mission.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I like where I am.
Nikklo saw a piece of a fighter, stopped its fall and redirected it to his opponent.
The Tauian phased away from the scrap metal.
TAUIAN (PSI V.O.)
You’re acting stupid, Nikklo. You can’t defy Beken for long. He’ll make you do his bidding eventually. Why do you continue to defy our people’s leader?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Because he’s a dictator who doesn’t care who he hurts.
TAUIAN (PSI V.O.)
He doesn’t hurt those who obey him.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
And the first time you come back unsuccessful in your mission, what would he do to you? Would he dismember you and leave you in agony or will he shatter your core? What kind of life is that? It’s a life of fear. I refuse to live as someone else's slave.
Nikklo pulled together many pieces of metal and fashioned an orb around the Tauian so no light could get through and launched it into space. He turned to the pirate attack and saw the Vizha’e had them in retreat.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Nice work, Tisa, give me a full report when you reach the ground.
TISA
Where did you go?
NIKKLO
Was the infrared installed into the helmet HUD?
TISA
Not on all helmets yet.
NIKKLO
So you didn’t see that I was fighting in Tauian form?
TISA
You were?
NIKKLO
Houk, a Tauian came with the pirates to try to convince me to return to the Tauian fleet. I encased him in metal fragments and launched him into space.
TISA
Oh, that was that weird construction in mid-air?
NIKKLO
That was my construction. If all opponents are driven off, call retreat. I’ll meet you on the ground.
TISA
Houk.
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
Please warn me when you intend to make a ball of metal like that again You had people freaking down here!
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Kasai, Hadah.
Nikklo grabbed a light beam that was heading to the ground and landed in the grass. He shivered, reached into his sash to grab a pill and swallow it. He decided to walk since the Vizha’i would take minutes to land. He met Tisa’s interceptor as she settled it to the ground and popped the canopy.
She climbed out, took off her helmet and clipped it to her pistol belt.
TISA
You’re now faster than we are.
NIKKLO
I know. Now I’m feeling that a minute is a long time.
TISA
That’s got to be annoying.
NIKKLO
It is. All these changes in me can make me annoyed. I was happy to be who I was, but Tarek told me years ago that something big was happening and he wanted me to continue training. That big event has come and it’s got me very unsettled.
He noticed that all Vizha’e had made a circle around him.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
NIKKLO
Casualties?
TISA
None in my wing.
NOKI
None.
BRI'AK
None in mine.
ERON
None.
NIKKLO
Good, no casualties. Any damage to ships?
TISA
A few minor grazes.
The others nodded in agreement.
NIKKLO
Okay, now we need to choose a new Team-leader for Arcas’ wing and who will be my assistant.
NOKI
Oh, fausa, not me. We don’t get along even on a good day.
NIKKLO
True.
ERON
I think Tisa is a good choice for your assistant.
BRI'AK
Houk, she’s worked with you a long time.
NIKKLO
Fa’arata for aging us, Bri'ak.
BRI'AK
No offense intended, San.
NIKKLO
I know. Okay, Tisa is now my assistant. Now to choose a new Team-leader for Blue.
TISA
Ka'ili.
ERON
Pakwa knows your style and your telepathy.
TISA
Houk, Pakwa knows Nik’s telepathy.
NIKKLO
Ka’ili and Pakwa are good choices. Let’s take a vote. Who would choose –
NOKI
What’s this fausa about you suddenly coming back and telling everyone your name is Nikklo?
NIKKLO
Noki, I explained in council. You heard me.
NOKI
You are so bizarre, you know that? I’ve never met someone as bizarre as you.
NIKKLO
You keep this up and I’ll choose a new Team-leader to replace you, Noki.
NOKI
What are you going to do? Zap me into space, Nik-klo?
TISA
Noki, stop this now.
NIKKLO
I don’t need any more power than physical ability to counter any of your attacks, Noki. End this challenge now.
NOKI
Right, I’m no challenge to you, because you now have fantastic mystical powers and, ooh, you blew up a whole planet!
NIKKLO
Eron, remove Noki from my sight or I will kill him.
ERON
This is the last insult, Noki. Go home and, while you’re at it, go talk to Kosi or Amida about a job change.
NIKKLO
Hand me your sash, Noki.
NOKI
Try to take it.
PHASING VISUAL
Nikklo changed to Tauian form, walked over to Noki and untied the sash.
BACK TO NORMAL VISION
He returned to his former position and returned to Saili form. He held up the sash in front of Noki’s face.
NIKKLO
I took it, now leave my presence before I do something more drastic.
NOKI
What the fausa? I didn’t see you move!
TISA
He moves at the speed of light, sopa. Maybe you need to visit Danu to ask for a brain transplant? Though why anyone would want to be the donor is beyond me.
NOKI
This isn’t over, runt.
Noki stomped away.
NIKKLO
Okay, now Pakwa will take Arcas’ team and Ka’ili will take Noki’s team.
TISA
I’ll make sure they both get their uniform colors changed.
NIKKLO
Good, now I need to talk to Hadah about Noki’s insubordination.
Nikklo walked across the camp to the construction area where Hadah was talking to Eke'i.
EKE'I
Have time to lift that machine for me now, Nik?
NIKKLO
Soon, Eke'i, I need to talk to Hadah.
HADAH
Okay, do we need to talk in private?
NIKKLO
Houk.
Hadah led Nikklo to a tent and walked inside.
HADAH
Please warn me when you intend to make a ball of metal like that again You had people freaking down here!
NIKKLO
Kasai, Hadah.
HADAH
Now, what’s wrong?
NIKKLO
Noki just challenged me. I took his sash but he left the Team-leader meeting with a threat that he wasn’t finished with his argument with me.
HADAH
Okay, I’ll have the PE watch him.
NIKKLO
Pakwa now leads Arcas’ team and Ka’ili leads Noki’s team.
HADAH
Who’s your assistant?
NIKKLO
Tisa.
HADAH
Good, you’ve filled in the gaps in your defense force. Nik, I’ll take care of Noki. He’s always begrudged your leadership. I’ll make sure it doesn’t get out of hand.
NIKKLO
I guess I’ll help Eke'i get that machine into place. It’s a warm day and I need the sunlight. Tell Eke'i I’m going to change out of my battle gear and join him soon.
HADAH
I’ll tell him.
Nikklo nodded before he left the tent.
Nikklo walked back home, entered the door then went to his bedroom.
Cherna followed.
CHERNA
How did the battle go?
NIKKLO
No casualties, minimal equipment damage.
CHERNA
So, clean battle.
NIKKLO
Houk, but I didn’t even fly my new vizha'i.
CHERNA
What did you do?
NIKKLO
I phased. Another Tauian came with a warning to comply or face drastic action.
He pulled off his air tank and set it on the floor.
NIKKLO
I really don’t know why I wore the air tank. If I lose air, I can change to Tauian form and not breathe.
CHERNA
What if you’re unconscious? Won’t you need it if you can’t change forms?
NIKKLO
My crystal would change me, like it did when my parent’s ship crashed and I was left alone as a toddler.
CHERNA
What? When was this?
NIKKLO
Oh, that’s one of Nikklo’s memories. I lived with a humanoid couple for about thirteen years until Tarek found me again and told me I wasn’t humanoid. That blew my mind, then, too.
CHERNA
Oh, right, you mentioned that in council.
He took off his sash and pistol belt and laid it on the bed. He stretched the flight suit off his shoulders and pushed it down to the floor. He pulled off his boots with the jumpsuit.
CHERNA
So you’ve never been with your own race in either life?
NIKKLO
Nui, I was an orphan as Nikklo and Sannaro until Tarek showed up again. Both times, my own race rejected me because I didn’t know appropriate behaviors. I guess some things never change.
He pulled on black leggings and a silver-blue sleeveless tank top.
CHERNA
Wow, that makes you look sexy.
NIKKLO
If we get it on, I may never get to raising that machine for Eke'i.
He tied his senior sash around his waist again and pulled on a pair of soft suede ankle boots.
Cherna moved to him and caressed his ear.
CHERNA
Can’t I just tease you?
Nikklo gasped and shivered.
NIKKLO
That’s definitely teasing me, woman.
She caressed her hands down his shoulders to his hands.
CHERNA
You are so muscular and beautiful.
NIKKLO
Frisky, now?
CHERNA
Just appreciating my man’s body.
SHIFT TO FEMALE NIKKLO
FEMALE NIKKLO
So what about now?
CHERNA
Now you’re teasing me.
BACK TO NIKKLO
CHERNA
Can you really change into anything you want to?
NIKKLO
I’m not sure if there are limitations to my shape shifting. I’d have to ask Tarek.
CHERNA
If you just have to help Eke'i, I’ll wait but if you just finished with a battle, you know you’re supposed to have down time.
Nikklo stood up and kissed her.
NIKKLO
I promise I won’t be long.
He left the house and went to the construction site.
GROUNDED KUMANI SITE, GASBAJA - DAY - CONTINUOUS
NIKKLO
Eke'i, what do you want me to lift for you?
Eke'i nodded, trotted up to him and waved for him to follow.
Nikklo followed Eke'i to a huge metal box the size of a shuttle.
EKE'I
We need this put up top. We didn’t know how we were going to lift this twenty-eight stories unless we asked Kosi to strap it to the underbelly of a shuttle and fly it up.
NIKKLO
I can do that easily.
EKE'I
Really? I thought it would even strain a shuttle.
NIKKLO
When gravity can be controlled, jobs become easier. Do you have crews above that can bolt this down once I get it up there?
EKE'I
Houk, they’re waiting for you.
NIKKLO
Okay, don’t be alarmed if I disappear with the machine. You won’t see me transport it but it will be placed on top.
EKE'I
I’ll contact the crews above for an update.
Nikklo changed to Tauian form, magnetized his hand so the machine would travel with him, touched the machine then reached for a light beam and rose off the ground.
PHASE VISUAL
Once he was above the Kumani, he grabbed another light beam that was going down. He landed on top of the ship. He saw the work crews then phased himself and the machine to the workers. He set the machine down and returned to Saili form.
NORMAL VISION
NIKKLO
Ki'iwa.
The engineers nearly jumped out of their skins.
NIKKLO
Kasai for startling you. Where do you want this machine?
ENGINEER
You were just on the ground talking to Eke'i.
NIKKLO
Houk and now your machine is here. Where do you want it?
ENGINEER
Right on that mount ahead.
Nikklo willed the machine to hover off the ground and he set it into place.
NIKKLO
Anything more you need?
ENGINEER
Uh, nui, that’s all for now. You’re better than a crane.
NIKKLO
Fa’arata.
Nikklo phased down to the ground near Eke'i.
NIKKLO
Eke'i, do you need anything else from me?
Eke'i jumped.
EKE'I
Fausa, you're fast. Nui, that's all we need to do for now. Hey, Nik, while I was working, I began to wonder, are all structures here on Gasbaja truly gone? I remember how the Zurans weren’t very clever; they saw, they grabbed.
NIKKLO
But they didn’t grab what they didn’t see, that’s a good thought, my friend.
EKE'I
We really haven’t explored this planet, cause we only used it for Us’uata. Maybe we were shortsighted? Some of our bloodlines hail from this planet so the history of this world is ours too. A shame, really. Well, I have more to do before the end of the day. Kohura, Nik.
NIKKLO
Kohura, Eke'i.
Nikklo looked around the rolling hills with new curiosity. He saw Hadah was talking to Retal not far from him. He walked up to them.
NIKKLO
Ki'iwa, Hadah, Retal.
RETAL
Ki'iwa, Nik.
HADAJ
Fa'arata for helping us rebuild.
NIKKLO
Nichawei. Hadah, I’d like to do some exploration of Gasbaja to see if the Zurans missed anything.
HADAH
Huh, did the Zurans miss anything?
NIKKLO
That’s what Eke'i was also wondering and why the Astrisi never did any exploration.
HADAH
We’re spacefarers who don’t really think about spending too long on a planet. I only brought us here to do the external repairs. I think you got a good idea as long as you don’t neglect your Senior Vizha’e duties.
NIKKLO
I think it would do me good to practice phasing more to get a better grasp of it.
HADAH
Okay, keep me posted.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Cherna, I’m going to explore Gasbaja to find out if anything was left after the slaughter of the Gasbajans so I’ll know what we’re defending.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
You’re going off alone? I hate to be the Vizha’e school teacher on you, Senior Vizha’e, but what happened to the buddy system? Where’s your wing-mate?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Wing-mate? No one can travel like I can, except for Tarek and he’s busy.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
I know from your thoughts that earlier, you grabbed Tisa and phased her to her ship so you can take someone with you.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I have everyone doing tasks.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
I’m free since we don’t have flight simulators. Take me.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
On prostheses?
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
You know I can fight as well as anyone on natural legs and uncommonly well without them. You’re being stubborn again, wing-mate.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Okay, I’ll bring you and Arcas. Is that enough support, Vizha’e trainer?
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Houk, that is adequate support.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
On one condition; backpack it.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
No prostheses?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
That’s right, you ride on my back.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Can I wear stump protectors?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I didn’t mean no protection, lover, just no worry about broken prostheses.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
You’re a tough trainer, Senior Vizha’e.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
You know why I’m called the taskmaster.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
I’ll be ready in two minutes.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Phasing back home.
PHASE VISION
He changed form, grabbed a light beam and phased directly into their bedroom.
NORMAL VISION
INT. NIKKLO'S HOUSE, GASBAJA - DAY - CONTINUOUS
He grinned when he saw her in her underwear as she unstrapped her wooden legs. He slipped beside her, sat down and put his arms around her as he exchanged forms.
CHERNA
Skisla dai! Nikklosannaro, don’t scare me like that!
NIKKLO
Kasai, I didn’t mean to startle you. Your lack of clothing on my arrival was exhilarating.
She slapped him on the arm.
CHERNA
That’s what you get for teleporting into a girl’s bedroom without warning!
NIKKLO
Owe!
Nikklo gasped then chuckled and pressed her ear between his lips. Her shoulder length blond hair tickled his nose, exciting him more.
CHERNA
I don’t know what to do with you and this instant travel.
NIKKLO
I just changed form while I hugged you. Do I take a Gabapentin or your body?
CHERNA
What a question to ask!
She wrapped her lips around his ear.
NIKKLO
Aw, skisla!
He writhed under her and wrapped his arms around her back.
CHERNA
Wow, your ear was very sensitive before!
NIKKLO
Ugh, it’s mind-blowing now!
He fell back on the bed in spasms.
Cherna laid on top of him and held on until he relaxed again.
CHERNA
Are you okay?
Nikklo gritted his teeth and hissed.
NIKKLO
Give me a minute.
Cherna dried the tears that slid down his cheeks.
CHERNA
The first time you made love to me, I cried because Saili sex was so intense. You told me it would be all right. We’ll be alright this time, too, Nikky.
She swept his blue-black hair out of his face.
NIKKLO
I can’t control my own nerves, Cheri. It feels like my skin is burned off me again!
CHERNA
It’s like I felt when I lost my legs. The ghost pain was so excruciating yet Zhad kept telling me my legs weren’t there to feel that pain. Now you have the opposite problem, you feel like your nerves are exposed to so much raw sensations, it’s excruciating. I had to learn how to live without my legs. You’ll have to learn how to become desensitized to your nerves feeling too exposed.
NIKKLO
I ruined the mood.
CHERNA
I don’t know about that. I felt very loved. I once felt like I couldn’t love you the same way without legs but you still made love to me like the legs didn’t matter. Now it’s my turn to show you that I can still love a man made of animated crystal.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Wow, I thought Iara and I could go at it, but we had nothing compared to the two of you!
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Bla'ua, Arcas, you’ll never get any in that form. The swarm you’d create would be too dangerous.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Owe.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Kasai, that was cruel of me to say that. I need to get myself calmed again.
CHERNA
Maybe you could use your flight suit as skin protection to lessen the raw sensations like you wore that gauze suit to keep infection out until Zhad grafted your skin?
NIKKLO
I think that may be a good idea.
He hugged her again before he picked her up and set her on the bed again.
He went to the closet to dress in a red and black stretchy protective armor and settled it over his shoulders. He stretched the neckband out to settle his crystal comfortably at the pocket of his throat and the collarbone before he released the material. He gasped as he saw the streak of light that gave away a Tauian in phase. He pointed at the streak and released energy. It smacked loudly on the wall.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Arc, attack where I look.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
How?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Snap your wings taunt. When you need to turn, relax your wings and bank into the turn. Snap taunt when you’re leveled. Go.
Arcas shot into the air.
CHERNA
What are you doing, Nikklo?
NIKKLO
Duck, Cheri, invader in the house.
Arcas dove and sliced through the Tauian.
The Tauian’s mental shriek made Nikklo cup his ears.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
I got it! Going in for another attack.
He arced around and snapped his wings taunt again.
The Tauian phased through the window.
EXT. KUMANI CAMP, GASBAJA - DAY - CONTINUOUS
Nikklo phased himself and Arcas through the same window.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Arcas, target the center of the chest.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
How can I see what I’m seeing?
NIKLLO (PSI V.O.)
I’m seeing for you.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Beginning another run.
Arcas swooped down and snapped his wings taunt.
A loud crack sounded through the air and Nikklo sensed the Tauian death scream.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Arcas, stand down.
He phased back to Cherna, dressed her into a shirt, shorts and her stump protectors. He didn’t release her before he shot into the air and flew randomly across Gasbaja.
PHASE VISUAL
FADE OUT.
THE END