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 76 – COERCION
BY: LYSSA THORNE
FADE IN:
ARCAS' FRACTIAL VISION
Arcas flew through the fissure into the sky and banked toward the Kumani Camp.
INT. UNKNOWN CAVERN – DAY – CONTINUOUS
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Great. Tarek, home in on Arcas and bring the rescue team with you.
TAREK (PSI V.O.)
I’m locked and phasing.
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
Great work. We’re above you and Arcas is with Tarek. We’ll look for a way in.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Hah, I tracked for myself!
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
You sure did, my friend!
TAREK (PSI V.O.)
Undoubtedly talented,and for once I get to see it for myself!
DANU (PSI V.O.)
What’s this? It’s buried, Hadah.
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
It looks like a control panel. Nice work, doctor. Fausa, can’t understand the Gasbajan script.
NIKKLO/DANU (PSI V.O.)
Di'ok can!
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
Two friends with similar thoughts. Tarek, can you phase back to camp and ask Di'ok to come help us?
TAREK (PSI V.O.)
Of course.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Di will love being in the action again since the last time was back in the Zuran War!
DI'OK (PSI V.O.)
What? Gasbajan print? Oh wow, please take me to it!
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
A linguist’s dream.
TAREK (PSI V.O.)
Let me take your arm and we’ll phase to the site.
DI'OK (PSI V.O.)
Wow, I get to do this phase thing, too.
DANU (PSI V.O.)
Hey, I just got to phase my first time.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
It’s confusing. Nikky, I’m sorry for my outburst. Are you hurt badly?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Another shoulder dislocation, my ankle’s broken and I’m stuck in a cavern so dark the light is too weak to grab.
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
We think we’ve found a way into the cavern but the control panel is in Gasbajan script so we’re asking Di to try to translate it.
DI'OK (PSI V.O.)
Oh wow, this is incredible. I’ll need a hand-held computer to access the Kumani’s database to figure this out.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Aw fausa.
Nikklo put his hand onto the force field to soak up more power.
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
Maybe we could lower a spotlight into the fissure so Nik can ride it up. We can get his injuries taken care of and Di'ok won’t feel hurried to do the translation?
TAREK (PSI V.O.)
That would get him out of the hole.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I want to really see what’s down here, too.
DANU (PSI V.O.)
With a broken ankle and dislocated shoulder? I don’t think so. We send down a light and you phase up here to get medical treatment.
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
You got told off by your physician, Nik, better do as he says.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Okay, send the spotlight down and I’ll phase up.
A short time later, Nikklo saw a strong light lower through the ceiling and slowly drop to the floor.
INT. UNKNOWN CAVERN, GASBAJA -DAY - CONTINUOUS
Nikklo pulled up to his hand and knees and crawled to the light. He sighed in relief when he reached out to the light and rode it up through the fissure in the roof. He released the light and yelped as he landed on his back on the grass. Before he changed forms, Tarek was beside him.
TAREK
Wait, don’t transform.
He bent down and examined Nikklo’s shoulder. He sat Nikklo up and braced himself on Nikklo’s back.
TAREK
Now this will hurt for a minute but it should ease quickly.
He pressed his right hand on Nikklo’s left shoulder blade, curled his left hand around Nikklo’s arm and jerked back toward his right hand.
Nikklo screamed and hugged his arm to his chest.
TAREK
The joint is reset. I decided to reset it while in Tauian form so no musculature would tear. The rest I leave to you, Danu.
Nikklo changed forms with another scream and curled up in a shaking ball.
Danu squatted before Nikklo and examined the broken ankle.
DANU
Wow, compound fracture.
NIKKLO
The Tauian dislocated my shoulder to force me to release the light beam. I fell toward the ground and grabbed a light beam into the fissure. About half of the way into the cavern, the light died and I hit ground hard.
DANU
Good thing you don’t have to walk. I’m not taking off his boot here. I need to get him back to the hospital so I can brace that foot back together before I try rapid regeneration.
HADAH
Do you really think this is the berth for the lost Gasbajan Sjujeenya, Nik?
NIKKLO
I’m pretty sure. I was stunned about finding it too, Hadah.
HADAH
If it’s there, that’s quite a find. The Belvans tended to share technology with the Gasbajans to improve their defense force. That last ship could have a wealth of knowledge lost in the first Zuran War.
Di'ok walked up to them.
DI'OK
But it’s some tough script.
HADAH
Can you do it?
DI'OK
I think so if I research it. I may have to make some calls to Belvas to get some feedback and advice but I’m sure I’ll crack it. Nikky, sorry about what Cheri said. You know she can lose her head and say some mean things when she’s angry.
NIKKLO
I know, Di, but believe me, brother; I don’t have romantic feelings toward Ilanit anymore. I just want to protect her from torture.
DI'OK
No one likes to be tortured. I understand. Maybe I can talk to that sister of mine.
NIKKLO
Di, this Sjujeenya isn’t Zuran.
DI'OK
I sure hope so.
He shuddered before he returned to the control panel.
Tarek changed forms then bent down to pick up Nikklo off the ground.
TAUIAN TAREK (PSI V.O.)
Nikky, take Danu’s hand and I’ll phase both of you back to camp so Danu can heal your injuries.
Danu stepped up and held out his hand.
Nikklo grasped it and felt himself elongate into the light stream.
PHASING VISUAL
After several course corrections, they landed just outside the hospital building.
INT. KUMANI CAMP HOSPITAL, GASBAJA – DAY - CONTINUOUS
Danu led Tarek inside and took them to an examination room.
Tarek set Nikklo down on the table and changed forms.
BACK TO SAILI TAREK AND NIKKLO
Tarek set Nikklo down on the table and changed forms.
TAREK
Now, I need to talk with you.
DANU
Right now, while I reset his ankle?
Danu walked around to get everything he needed.
TAREK
This needs to be said.
DANU
Okay, you’re the Great Forger. I’m just a physician.
TAREK
You’re more than just a physician, Danu, you’re Nikky’s best friend. You’re very valuable. Nikky, I know you’re sore with me for the choices I made for you. I’m sorry but my brother is –
NIKKLO
A megalomaniac?
TAREK
Yes, my brother is a megalomaniac who doesn’t take no for an answer and we said no to him. You’re right that your family is your strength. Not even Ilanit is worth losing your family.
NIKKLO
You think I was wrong to take her in?
TAREK
No, your compassion is admirable. Cherna is just thinking your libido is getting to be a bit much.
NIKKLO
Cherna told me to comfort Di'ok shortly after the first Human trial against Tristin Sarto and she told me to have sex with him. Di asked Danu to join in and it progressed from there. Now she has a problem with what she started? I tried to stay hetero and I failed.
Danu sighed and dropped his head.
DANU
I didn’t realize San, Di and I had homo-erogenous feelings for each other either but looking back at the horseplay we did with each other as teens, I guess it was always there.
TAREK
Whether you like it or not, Cherna has begun to distrust your willingness to remain her husband.
NIKKLO
I told you, she’s my anchor. I seek Danu and Di'ok’s touch but when I need emotional support, she’s the only person I crave connection with. I only merge minds with her.
DANU
And I only mind-merge with Vara.
TAREK
I know that, but Cherna isn’t a natural telepath. She doesn’t understand all she receives. She still has a very human perception of intimacy and Hadeon wounded her more than she knows. I can only say, be extra sensitive toward Cherna’s feelings for now and reassure her you still love her very much.
Nikklo bowed his head and sobbed.
Danu prepared a syringe.
DANU
I think I need to calm Nik down so I can work on his compound fractured ankle.
Nikklo dried his eyes.
NIKKLO
I’m calm.
DANU
Like the eye of an ion storm! You’ve been under so much stress since you came home, you haven’t been sleeping or eating regularly and now your ankle is broken and you probably have rotator cuff damage from the dislocation. You’re getting a sedative. I’m going to heal your ankle and shoulder then you will sleep for as long as I think you need to. Is that clear, Nikklosannaro?
NIKKLO
Houk, Danu, you’re quite clear.
DANU
Now, I apologize but I’m going to have to cut your boot off your foot. I’ll ask Ba'ia to make a new pair for you at my expense.
NIKKLO
Nui, I can arrange my own trade with her. She is making me that jumpsuit.
Danu picked up the scissors and cut the boot off. He carefully peeled the leather from around Nikklo’s foot.
DANU
Houk, you’re going to sleep through this reset.
Danu set down the scissors, picked up the syringe and pushed it into Nikklo’s neck.
Nikklo sighed and settled deeper into the pillow.
NIKKLO
I hope the Tauians don’t attack again while I sleep.
DANU
Tisa will have to handle it.
Nikklo closed his eyes and succumbed to the sedation.
EXT. HILL ABOVE KUMANI CAMP, GASBAJA – DAY
BEKEN stood on the hilltop with the master coercer KRONIL.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Shit, you're hurting.
Cherna stood up and bent over him.
CHERNA
I’m sorry for what I told you and Tarek. It was cruel of me.
NIKKLO
I’m sorry for causing you to distrust me. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I’ll stop having multiple partners and keep myself for only you.
CHERNA
You know you can’t do that.
NIKKLO
I would try for you if that would make you trust me again!
CHERNA
I never stopped trusting you, I just get jealous that you enjoy male to male sex more than you do with me.
NIKKLO
It the difference in pressure, male touch is firmer. It releases tension more. A man’s touch is as exhilarating to me as flying in a dogfight, but when I want to feel a gentle light touch, no one reaches my soul like you do. Your touch is like butterfly kisses all over my skin. You remind me to come back to the deck plates and stop flying. If I didn’t have you, I’d never land. You’re my anchor; my mag-pull that returns me to my parking space so I can repair myself.
CHERNA
And Ilanit?
NIKKLO
Is an old fighter plane I thought I’d lost that was found again. She’s in the past. I just don’t want her to be tortured again because of me.
CHERNA
Why do you say it’s because of you?
NIKKLO
I had spent thirteen years of my life as a foster child to two nice humans. When the Tauians captured me and forced me to look at the shattered remains of my family, I was devastated. Then Tarek showed up and showed me how to phase, the first thing I did was to reverse a prism ship into the ground. I killed two people on my first phase. A year after that, another team of Tauians showed and forced us back to Tauia. Tarek told me he had ran from Tauia because he was hiding a weapon of mass destruction at an undisclosed location. He didn’t tell me at first that I was that weapon of mass destruction until Beken told me and gave me my first command to go to a world, tell the natives to submit to Tauian rule or I would destroy their world. I refused to do it. I escaped and began guerrilla warfare on Beken. During a strike, I met Ilanit and she told me she agreed with my desire to end Beken’s tyranny. She joined me along with a few other super warriors who also wanted freedom. I was overconfident and found it a rush that I was leading a group of terrorists in the grand name of freedom from oppression. She was the first Tauian I merged with and the last.
CHERNA
Merged with?
NIKKLO
Tauians can’t have carnal sex like humanoids. They- oh, skisla ikata fausa.
CHERNA
What?
NIKKLO
That’s how she woke me. Anyway, Tauians procreate by merging aura, the field of colors that surround their crystal shells.
CHERNA
She had sex with you and you didn’t remember that until now?
NIKKLO
Cheri, that’s right, I didn’t remember how Tauians procreated, but, houk, she did non-consensual sex with me to wake me because we’d merged before. I swear, I didn’t remember that until now.
CHERNA
And you wouldn’t have remembered who you were if she hadn’t?
NIKKLO
Tarek said I would’ve awakened when it was time and had said he preferred I woke on my own but Ilanit woke me earlier so I would remember how to escape from Ezron’s prism ship.
CHERNA
How nice of her!
NIKKLO
Cheri, he locked me in a very cold room for, I guess, about fifteen minutes to make me reveal my Tauian form! When I wouldn’t change, he whipped me back and front but I didn’t know I was Nikklo! I was suffering and she didn’t want me to suffer again because Ezron pinned her to a wall hundreds of years ago to prevent her from escaping Tauia with me while I was dismembered and used my power to make that planet disintegrate! She told me the seismic disturbance I caused crumbled the wall she was pinned to but when she tried to join Tarek and me, Tarek had already gathered my limbs and phased off Tauia, never to be seen again until now! That memory that has resurfaced is so painful to me that I hate my crystalloid form! I hate that very power that Tarek manifested in me for Beken to use! You’ve seen that every time I’ve used it, I was sick with guilt! It’s guilt that was left over from knowing I destroyed my own native planet! I deserve to be punished for destroying that world!
Beken phased.
Kronil remained on the hill and concentrated.
INT. KUMANI CAMP HOSPITAL – DAY
Nikklo opened his eyes and tentatively looked around.
Arcas ruffled his wings as he sat on a nearby table.
BEKEN
There's the crack in Nikklo's carapace. Noki was right about Nikklo's sexual devation. Kronil, try to nudge the soft-shells into becoming more aggravated with Nikklo's deviant behaviors.
KRONIL
I will do as commanded, Beken.
Cherna slapped Nikklo across the face.
Nikklo rolled with the force and fell from the bed to the floor. He shook his head, sat up and hugged his injured arm to his chest.
CHERNA
Now I understand why you go into these bouts of pity, Sannaro. You’ve been punishing yourself without knowing why because you destroyed Tauia. You seek comfort and acceptance from anyone who will give it to you because of the guilt you bear.
Nikklo curled into a ball on the floor.
Danu rushed through the door and stopped just inside, stunned.
DANU
Why are you hurting Nikklo, Cheri? I just healed him!
CHERNA
The self-pity has to stop!
NIKKLO
Then don’t punish me for being compassionate to Ilanit! She was abused too, Cherna!
Danu squatted down and examined Nikklo’s recently healed ankle.
DANU
Good, you didn’t rebreak it. Did you strain the rotator cuff again?
He ran his fingers along Nikklo’s damaged shoulder.
DANU
Fausa, Cherna, he has a torn tendon! Back off and let me attend to my patient!
Cherna winced, shook her head then ran from the room.
NIKKLO
What am I going to do, Danu?
DANU
I don’t know. I’ll have Wanekaya talk to her again. Let’s get you off the floor. Be careful with that freshly healed ankle.
Danu wrapped his arms around Nikklo’s chest and pulled him off the floor. He helped Nikklo walk back to the bed.
Nikklo sat down and climbed back under the blanket.
NIKKLO
I’m not perfect, just overpowered. I didn’t want to remember all this.
DANU
I know. Unfortunately, we can’t go back, only forward. You have a war to fight. Let the rest of us handle Cheri.
Nikklo clutched his aching arm across his chest.
DANU
I wish Jeremy was here. I may have to do arthroscopic surgery on that shoulder now.
Danu busied himself again to gather what he needed.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
Di'ok entered sheepishly.
DI'OK
Can I come in?
DANU
Houk, I have to prepare Nik for shoulder surgery so I won’t be ready for a while.
DI'OK
Okay, Nik, the dialect hasn’t been seen for hundreds of years but I’ve compiled a data base from Astrisi, Saili and Belvan records.
NIKKLO
Any progress?
DI'OK
I’ve translated so far that it’s some kind of bunker with very high security. Something very important was stored there.
NIKKLO
Quite possibly still there?
DI'OK
I have no idea, but I’m progressing. I think I may be able to learn how to open an access in a day or two.
NIKKLO
Keep working on it.
DI'OK
Okay, hey, I’m sorry Cheri is so upset with you.
NIKKLO
Me too.
DI'OK
Surprisingly, Ku'an has been helping a lot to speak to her. All the counseling has made him better. He finally told me that my linguistic skills are more important cause somebody has to have the balls to talk to those lousy worlders.
Nikklo chuckled then groaned and hugged his arm tighter to his chest.
Di'ok walked from the room.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
They’re older than you!
DANU
Maturity does not correlate with age, Nik.
NIKKLO
You’re telling me?
DANU
I know you’re well aware of that. At least Ku'an’s no longer berating his son for being a talented linguist.
NIKKLO
That was so wrong.
DANU
I know that. Since my mother is also a doctor, she relates to my career and although my father is an ordinance specialist, he appreciates the need for delicate work since the stuff he works with can blow us all up. I always felt bad for Di'ok.
Nikklo picked at a loose thread on his blanket.
NIKKLO
I don’t even know how my Saili parents would’ve thought about my career.
DANU
Giovano was in your head for a while. What did he say?
NIKKLO
He was proud of the man I’d become and finally understood why I said I didn’t need to be cured.
DANU
So you know Giovano’s proud and you know what your Tauian father feels about it.
NIKKLO
Yeah, I exceeded his expectations but I don’t feel any more flattered. I wish I could go back to being ignorant Sannaro.
DANU
No backwards, only forwards. Now, we’re going to surgery.
NIKKLO
Let’s get this over with.
He stood up and carefully walked with Danu to surgery.
(LATER)
Nikklo woke again and whimpered when he shifted his left arm.
Ba'ia sat beside him.
BA'IA
Aw, honey, let me get Danu to give you pain relief.
NIKKLO
No need. He knows and is coming.
BA'IA
How?
NIKKLO
He’s become telepathic, well, as telepathic as a humanoid can get, since he married Varanani.
BA'IA
Oh right. Anyway, I brought you the completed suit. We’re making several so you can change it regularly.
NIKKLO
Fa’arata, Ba'ia. I’m sure it will help me feel less overwhelmed with my transformations.
BA'IA
You know, a caterpillar goes through a chrysalis until it becomes a butterfly.
NIKKLO
Well, I don’t think this transformation is as nice.
BA'IA
Why not? You say you’re a crystalline being with a colorful aura around you. It sounds beautiful to me.
NIKKLO
The shell of a Tauian may be pretty, but inside isn’t so pretty.
BA'IA
Just because they aren’t perfect?
NIKKLO
Because megalomania isn’t pretty, it’s destructive and selfish.
Ba'ia put her hands on her hips, so much like Cherna would do when annoyed.
BA'IA
I’m looking at a Tauian right now and I don’t see someone who is destructive or selfish.
NIKKLO
I let Ilanit come to our camp and Cherna thinks I’m being selfish.
BA'IA
You said she was being tortured and wanted to run away from it. That wasn’t selfish, it was sensitive. Right now, Cherna is feeling oversensitive because she’s not sure how to internalize your transformation. After Ku'an stole Cherna and beat you up to try to force you to leave the Astrisi, I thought about leaving him. Do you know why I stayed?
NIKKLO
Ku'an was sick. Once he went through counseling to handle change better, he relaxed and became a lot nicer to me.
BA'IA
That’s right, I gave him a chance and I didn’t want to leave the Kumani because I wanted to stay around Di'ok, Cherna, Sha'ya and you so I could live near my grandchildren. It was worth it to me to forgive Ku'an than to live without those I loved. Now it’s your turn, sweetheart. Will you give my girl another chance?
NIKKLO
I love your daughter. My soul needs her. This body is just a bundle of nerves that can react all it wants but my soul transcends this body. I hurt to even think about living without her. I want to work this out with her, but right now, I’m still trying to figure out what I am. I’m so confused and overreacting to nerves that feel like they’re burning again.
Ba'ia hugged Nikklo’s head to her chest.
BA'IA
I know, baby. That’s why I made the suit so quickly. Good thing you slept for over a day because you were so exhausted. Remember when you sat on my couch that day Adara asked the council to marry Zhad?
Nikklo nodded somberly.
BA'IA (CONT.)
I tried to hug you but you scampered away as if my touch burned your severely scarred skin. You looked so small and helpless, balled up against the arm of that chair. I wanted to cry for you but so much was happening that day. Now you’re back to acting like that little scared lost boy who shivered on my couch. You faced that situation with so much courage and I know you can face this with that same courage. Keep trying, Sanna.
Nikklo closed his eyes and pressed his cheek into her embrace.
NIKKLO
I will.
Danu walked in.
DANU
I felt that you woke in a lot of pain. I’m here to give you more pain medicine.
NIKKLO
Ba'ia was comforting me and telling me she finished the body suit.
DANU
Oh, good, that should help you control your nerve symptoms.
Danu pressed the injector into Nikklo’s right arm.
DANU
There, you should feel better quickly.
Nikklo sighed as the pain numbed.
DANU
Before I allow you to leave this hospital, that arm is going into an immobility harness so it can rest for a few days before I send you to physical therapy.
NIKKLO
Then can you help me dress in the insulating suit before you immobilize my arm?
DANU
Sure.
Ba'ia released Nikklo’s head.
BA'IA
I’ll be going now. You be brave, honey.
NIKKLO
I will, Ba'ia.
Ba'ia nodded then left the room.
Danu opened the box at Nikklo’s bedside and pulled out the shiny olive yellow stretchy suit.
DANU
This suit looks like they skinned you and now they’re giving your skin back.
NIKKLO
That’s how I wanted it to look.
Danu helped Nikklo to dress and immobilize the arm.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Arcas, back on my shoulder.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
I'm there, boss.
Nikklo left the hospital.
EXT. KUMANI CAMP, GASBAJA – DAY - CONTINUOUS
Hadah immediately fell into step with him.
NIKKLO
How is Ilanit doing?
HADAH
She’s calmly sitting on the floor as still as a statue last time I got a report.
NIKKLO
And Cherna?
HADAH
She’s at home with Varanani.
NIKKLO
I guess I need to go home but I fear what I’ll be met with.
HADAH
You could be a widower like me.
NIKKLO
Houk, I could. I still miss No'ama.
HADAH
So do I.
Hadah stopped and laid his hand on Nikklo’s shoulder.
HADAH
If you want me to, I’ll go home with you.
NIKKLO
I would like that. This new suit Ba'ia made for me seems to be helping. Your hand on my shoulder almost felt like it used to.
He stopped and opened the door for Hadah.
Hadah nodded and stepped in.
Nikklo followed.
Varanani stood up from the couch.
VARANANI
Nikky, you’re back.
Cherna walked from the kitchen, draped a hand towel over her shoulder and looked at him.
CHERNA
Back in that sling again, I see.
NIKKLO
Danu wants me to relax my shoulder for a few days before I begin physical therapy.
CHERNA
You’re still limping a little. Do you think Hadah is right to have your old girlfriend under house arrest?
NIKKLO
She was my girlfriend hundreds of years ago.
CHERNA
But you thought about marrying her.
NIKKLO
I was seventeen in a whole different life when I thought about it, Cherna!
VARANANI
Cherna.
NIKKLO
She’s a distant memory. I have a different life now. I wish I could forget Nikklo and return to being clueless Sannaro but I’ve been robbed of that chance! The memories are unlocked and the Tauians aren’t going to leave us alone because of what I did hundreds of years ago! I’m not going to force you to stay with me if you don’t want to. You can go to New Sailia and live with my Uncle if that would help you to stop being mad at me or I can move to New Sailia and hope Ambri has the Saili fighters trained enough to face the Tauians but I have a job to do as the Tsikakayu to protect the Saili, all Saili from extinction.
CHERNA
What? You want me to leave?
NIKKLO
Nui, I don’t want you to leave but I don’t want you to be angry with me either!
CHERNA
I can’t just stop being angry at you!
NIKKLO
Then I’ll go to Sailia. Maybe Tarek can give me a room to sleep in.
HADAH
I can’t let you do that, Nik. You’re my Senior Vizha’e. You can’t leave my defense force undermanned while my ship is grounded. Sorry, Cherna, but you’re less crucial. If anyone moves right now, it’ll be Cherna.
VARANANI
Whoa, this is moving too fast. Everybody, back off and calm down.
NIKKLO
You’re right, maybe Di'ok needs my help at the dig site.
VARANANI
Nikklo, don’t fly off or I’ll drop you with a mind-slap.
Nikklo cringed then sat down in his armchair and hugged his hurt arm.
VARANANI
Now, Cherna, I’ve talked to Ilanit and she supports what Nikky has said, he barely remembers her and has no romantic feelings for her. She said you’re all he thinks about. Remember, she’s completely telepathic with no ability to vocalize. She only communicates with thought. Recent abuses to her body are raw in her mind. Ezron impaled her to the wall just before she fled the prism ship to come to Gasbaja. Nikky protected Ilanit for the same reason he moved Arcas’ soul into the razorwing, because he cares deeply for people he knows or has known who have helped him.
NIKKLO
And I think Hadah’s right to keep her in house arrest for now. The information she has about Ezron can be communicated from her guarded room where she can be protected from everyone for now. Can I go check on how Di is doing at the dig without being mind-slapped?
CHERNA
While you’re at it, ask Di'ok if you can sleep with him!
NIKKLO
I don’t need to ask Di'ok for somewhere to stay tonight. You pack up while I’m gone and I can take you to New Sailia in two minutes.
HADAH
Both of you stop! What’s gotten into you, Cherna? I’ve never seen you lay into Sannaro this much without apology!
Cherna glared with her hands on her hips.
Cherna
That’s not Sannaro. Sannaro died in a Vizha'i crash. Someone else came back looking like Sannaro to tell us he crashed!
Cherna rushed into the bedroom.
Nikklo’s eyes blurred with tears as he changed forms and grabbed a light beam out the window.
EXT. HILL BEYOND KUMANI CAMP -DAY
Ezron chuckled as he watched Nikklo rise into the air before he turned to Kronil.
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
There’s the break. I’ve been watching Nikklo’s current woman Cherna carefully and noticed she’s very unsettled about Nikklo finally revealing his lies. I knew she was jealous when Ilanit showed here and Nikklo took her in. Now, Kronil, I want you to invade Cherna’s mind further and aggravate her more than you did on our last visit. Maybe we can convince her to act out on her anger?
Kronil nodded and concentrated on the house below.
EXT. ANCIENT GASBAJAN BUNKER – DAY
Nikklo landed a few meters away from the control panel Danu found earlier.
Di'ok leapt into the air, startled and whirled on Nikklo.
DI'OK
Damn, would you stop showing without warning?
Nikklo rushed away.
Di'ok ran after him.
DI'OK
What's wrong?
NIKKLO
Everything’s skisla wrong, Di'ok! I’m wrong!
Nikklo thumped his chest with his fist.
NIKKLO (CONT.)
Owe, that hurt!
Nikklo dropped to the ground.
DI'OK
I’m sure that hurt. You just changed form. What’s wrong?
NIKKLO
Cherna!
Di'ok crouched beside him.
DI'OK
What did my sister do this time?
NIKKLO
She said I'm not Sannaro! That someone looking like Sannaro came to tell her he died in a Vizha'i crash!
Nikklo curled into a ball.
DI'OK
You’re still Sannaro. You’re still the guy I snatched the towel from after you fought Kuro in the gym during your early days of flight school.
NIKKLO
You didn’t take my towel. Danu did. You were on my back.
DI'OK
See? You are Sannaro. I ran diversion and jumped on your back just as Danu snatched your towel from around your waist right after you showered. Only Sannaro would know that cause no one else was in that locker room. Cheri’s just being a prissy shithead. She needs to cool down.
NIKKLO
Di, I’m taking her to New Sailia for awhile.
DI'OK
I can understand why if she’s throwing temper tantrums.
NIKKLO
I have to concentrate on defending us from the Tauians.
DI'OK
Houk, you do. I think I know how to open the bunker now.
NIKKLO
You do?
Nikklo placed both arms on the ground to pull himself up but yelped and rolled to the ground.
Nikklo
Aw, skisla ikata halkia!
He hugged his injured arm.
DI'OK
Nui, Cherna’s being the halkia right now. You just made your injured shoulder spasm. If you dislocate that again, Danu’s gonna have your ass and not in a good way.
NIKKLO
I’ll remember that.
Nikklo hissed as he sat up and dried his eyes.
He pulled back Nikklo’s collar to get a closer look.
DI'OK
Oh, is that the suit mother made you?
NIKKLO
Houk.
DI'OK
Yep, that’s my mother’s stitching. Nice soft honeycomb weave. She knows how to make it smooth even though she prefers to work with cured leather.
NIKKLO
Now, stop trying to undress me and let’s crack open this puzzle to see what’s inside?
Di'ok chuckled as he stood up and held out his hand.
Nikklo took the offered hand with his good hand and climbed back to his feet.
Di'ok led the way back to the control panel and bowed to read it for a few seconds then poked a few buttons.
Several clangs were heard before soil began to slide from the side of a nearby hill and a door swept open.
Nikklo peeked in to look inside.
NIKKLO
It looks like an elevator. I saw a very similar panel in the- when I rescued you from the Zurans.
Di'ok blanched as he stepped in and stopped at a control panel.
DI'OK
That’s encouraging since the Zuran’s ship was stolen Gasbajan technology.
Di'ok looked at the panel for a minute.
Nikklo began to pace outside and stare at the sky.
DI'OK
Will you chill? Your pacing is distracting me.
NIKKLO
Kasai, sometimes I feel that the passage of time has slowed painfully to me.
DI'OK
That’s what you get for going light speed all the time. You’re barely sleeping unless we force it and we almost have to tie you down to get you to eat. Cheri is overreacting about some of it but I do agree you’re more nervous now.
NIKKLO
I’m feeling insecure about the changes I’m going through. No matter how I try to explain that I had extenuating circumstances when I destroyed Tauia, I’m still being hunted to be punished for it.
DI'OK
Well, you did destroy your planet.
NIKKLO
Oh, crap, Di, you might as well tell me that I caused the fire on Regalis because I saw Aldinon and Arlington steal the Kumani’s fuel! I was born to destroy worlds! Just because I didn’t destroy the world Beken wanted me to destroy, he won’t leave me alone!
DI'OK
I agree it is a chicken or the egg argument.
NIKKLO
What?
DI'OK
Did you destroy Tauia because Beken created you to destroy worlds or did you do it because Beken’s thugs were carving you up like a roast on a banquet table? Truth is they’re both right.
NIKKLO
And if Beken hadn’t convinced Tarek to make overpowered children to destroy the people who defied him, I wouldn’t have destroyed Tauia!
DI'OK
See how we’re going around in circles? Bottom line is you shouldn’t have been born with the powers you wield because they’re too dangerous.
NIKKLO
So what? I should just commit suicide to make everyone happy?
DI'OK
Nui, you have to stop Beken from destroying you and everyone else. He’s just sore that his most powerful weapon that was supposed to make him the greatest pirate of the whole universe turned against him.
NIKKLO
Pirate?
DI'OK
Houk, a privateer who acquires wealth that is owned by someone else through violence to enhance his own wealth and prestige is a pirate.
NIKKLO
I hate pirates!
DI'OK
Oh how I know you do cause you’re a pirate who turned against the life and is crusading to stop piracy.
NIKKLO
I hate pirates and you’re calling me a pirate?
DI'OK
You’re a rogue pirate who has given up acquiring wealth through violent acts of theft. Instead you’re a privateer mercenary.
NIKKLO
Now you’re calling me a mercenary?!
DI'OK
Please don’t hurt me. The official meaning of mercenary is that of a professional soldier paid to fight for an army or in our case militia other than that of his race. Even as a Saili, you’re a warrior who fights for the Astrisi, a totally different race of humanoids because Tarek thought the Astrisi would train you effectively in warfare so you could rescue the Saili from extinction.
Nikklo snorted into a hearty laugh.
NIKKLO
Only you can insult me and make it sound perfectly rational!
Di'ok cracked a cocky grin.
DI'OK
It's just etymology, fly-boy. Check it out sometime.
Di'ok pressed several buttons on the panel.
DI'OK
Oh, here we go.
Nikklo changed forms and grabbed a beam into the closing doors.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
The elevator dropped downward.
NIKKLO
Fa’arata for leaving me behind!
DI'OK
Why did I have to worry? You can travel faster than I can blink an eye. You made it.
NIKKLO
Sometimes I don’t know whether to kiss you or cold cock you.
DI'OK
Pay me with chocolate later.
NIKKLO
Under a banquet table?
DI'OK
If that’s what you want, Sanna.
Nikklo laughed.
DI'OK
Admit it, you needed a good laugh after all the stress.
NIKKLO
I needed the laugh.
The door opened again to a vast dark cavern.
SAILI INFRARED SIGHT
NIKKLO
This looks very much like the place I fell into.
Di'ok kept his hand on the wall as he crept through the darkness.
Nikklo took Di'ok’s arm and guided him to a metal panel that shined in the near complete darkness even for Nikklo’s photo-receptive sight. He raised Di'ok’s hand to touch the panel.
DI'OK
There it is. Open it for me?
Nikklo opened the panel.
NIKKLO
It’s another keyboard with more writing.
DI'OK
Do you see something that looks like an S, a stick person, an arch, and a double arch?
NIKKLO
Houk.
DI'OK
Press the button near those symbols.
Nikklo pressed it and a panel of overhead lights flickered on. Nikklo yelped and covered his eyes.
DI'OK
Owe, that even hurt my eyes and I’m less sensitive. Oh, wow, Nik can you see again yet?
NIKKLO
Getting there.
Nikklo rubbed his eyes then looked around. He gasped when he saw a towering black machine so huge, most of it was lost in shadows of the massive room.
DI'OK
Iachi’awei, it’s a Sjujeenya!
NIKKLO
I thought so. It’s the lost Sjujeenya abandoned when the surviving Gasbajan warriors merged into the Astrisi.
DI'OK
Is that the force field that even you couldn’t get through surrounding it?
NIKKLO
Houk, it is.
DI'OK
More work for me to do. I’ll poke around here and if I have any news about how to drop the force field, I’ll call you.
NIKKLO
Do I have to go back and deal with Cheri now?
DI'OK
Cherna is as headstrong as my father Ku'an and you know it. If you ignore her, she’ll stalk you until you do pay attention to her and you might be picking yourself up off the floor with a bloody lip or your gonna cry from a kick between the legs.
NIKKLO
Don’t I know that. I’ve felt that plenty of times. You’re right, I have to face her.
DI'OK
It amazes me that you face a ship full of vengeful pirates fearlessly but you flinch when it’s just my sister.
NIKKLO
Simple, a ship full of vengeful pirates usually just has my body imprisoned but your sister claims my soul.
Nikklo changed form and grabbed a light beam through the fissure he’d escaped from before.
PHASE VISUALS
Nikklo landed just outside the door to his home.
INT. NIKKLO'S HOUSE, GASBAJA - DAY - CONTINUOUS
He changed form, sighed then opened the door.
Cherna set down the same barrel bag he’d used to bring his flight uniforms home when Hadah reinstated him as the Senior Vizha’e to fight Hadeon.
NIKKLO
Are you finished?
CHERNA
Almost.
NIKKLO
I won’t rush you. We have plenty of time.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Uncle Devasru?
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
San, I’m shocked and saddened by all I’m sensing from you. I don’t know how you can handle all this.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I’m struggling with it but if this is the Great Forger’s will, I -
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
I’ll help Cherna. Maybe if she saw a Psychiatrist other than Varanani, she’ll be able to work through her anger.
Pain exploded from Nikklo’s face and he fell hard to the ground. The connection he made with Devasru shredded apart and a pounding headache took its place. Nikklo shook his head and looked up at Cherna’s enraged face.
NIKKLO
Please stop.
CHERNA
You really thought you could pawn me off on your uncle?
NIKKLO
He’ll help you.
CHERNA
I'm the true Astrisi here! I'm the one who asked the council to let you stay on the Kumani as my mate and this is how you repay me?
Cherna kicked her prosthetic leg out to connect with Nikklo’s thigh.
Nikklo blocked with his uninjured arm and snapped the wood.
Cherna fell backwards onto her buttocks. She pulled the prostheses off and sprang over Nikklo’s head.
Arcas leapt into the air and hovered above them.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Cheri, stop!
Nikklo shook his arm to ease the sting from snapping the wood.
NIKKLO
Cherna, stop, you’re violating the rules of the challenge!
Cherna landed on Nikklo’s shoulders and pummeled his head.
Nikklo grabbed the back of her shirt to pull her off him.
She drove her fist into Nikklo’s injured arm.
Hot agony shot from the re-injured shoulder. Nikklo screamed and dropped to the floor on his back.
Arcas dive-bombed Cherna without touching her.
She batted Arcas away.
Arcas smacked into the wall and fell to the floor.
Cherna tore the sling off Nikklo's arm and landed blow after blow to his chest as she hammered both hearts.
Hot tears rolled down Nikklo’s cheeks and he gasped for breath.
Hadah crashed through the door.
HADAH
Cherna, stop it!
Cherna shrieked and launched herself at Hadah.
Two Protocol Enforcers grabbed her arms to restrain her.
Cherna screamed and went into spasms.
The PE lowered her to the floor but kept her arms restrained as she writhed uncontrollably.
EXT. HILL ABOVE KUMANI CAMP, GASBAJA - DAY - CONTINUOUS
Kronil refocused his eyes and looked at Ezron.
KRONIL (PSI V.O.)
She took the suggestion. Nikklo is critically injured and I planted a suicide protocol in Cherna.
Ezron’s aura danced excitedly.
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
Good, we retreat for now.
KRONIL (PSI V.O.)
What about Ilanit?
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
She can stay in Astrisi prison. She’s outlived her usefulness.
KRONIL (PSI V.O.)
She’s your daughter!
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
She’s a Tauian warrior who has outlived her usefulness. Retreat, Kronil.
KRONIL (PSI V.O.)
I will do as commanded.
Both grabbed beams of light and flew back to the Prism ship.
EXT./INT. SANNARO'S HOUSE, KUMANI CAMP -DAY - CONTINUOUS
Danu ran to Nikklo’s house with his med kit in hand and a full team followed.
VARANANI
Sannaro, don’t leave me!
Varanani rushed through the door.
Danu poured on speed to close the gap between him and Varanani. Finally, he rushed into the house and stopped in stunned shock.
DANU
Suit up in full aluminum suits, now!
Danu dropped his med kit and took an aluminum jumpsuit from a technician. He quickly pulled it on and gloved his hands. He dropped beside Nikklo who had his eyes tightly shut with tears streaming down his face.
He was curled up and gasping for breath. Several broken ribs jutted through his skin and his metallic blood was already hardening around the bone.
Danu pulled out a hand scanner and hovered it over his childhood friend.
DANU
I don’t know what to do! Broken ribs impaled both hearts!
Varanani held her younger brother’s pained face.
VARANANI
Sanna, no, no, no!
TAREK appeared beside Danu.
TAREK
I can help him, daughter.
VARANANI
Please, do, Great Forger!
TAREK
I want to take Cherna, too.
VARANANI
But she can’t survive on Sailia!
TAREK
Sweetheart, I have an environmentally sealed room for her. She won’t survive unless I stop the suicide protocol a Tauian has planted in her.
HADAH
This was a Tauian attack?
TAREK
Yes, Hadah, this was the cruelest Tauian attack I’ve ever seen and I am a Tauian. A coercer influenced Cherna to give in to her rage and attack Nikklo then convinced her she has to kill herself for giving in to her rage. I have to get both of them back to Sailia now before Nikky hardens.
HADAH
What do we do?
TAREK
Hopefully, Ezron will leave you alone now that he thinks he’s gotten to Nikky. I hope Ambri has done her job to train my Saili defenders now that I need them. I’ll update you when I have news.
Tarek touched Nikklo’s and Cherna’s arms and launched into the sky toward Sailia.
Danu stood up, pulled off his aluminum gloves and threw them to the blood spattered floor. He took a shuddering breath as he turned to Varanani and embraced her.
She broke into sobs on his shoulder.
HADAH
I'll tell Andu when he leaves the pottery shop to go to Zhad and Adara's.
Danu numbly nodded not even caring to wipe the tears from his own face.
Hadah quietly left the empty house.
Danu held Varanani until their tears were spent then they walked numbly home.
INT. CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT ROOM, MISIPATASUTISGA, SAILIA -DAY -CONTINUOUS
Tarek landed inside the environmentally controlled room. He laid Cherna down on one bed and Nikklo on the next bed. He sat beside Nikklo’s broken body that still labored to breathe.
TAREK
How could I be so stupid?
Haelatika stood at the door.
HAELATIKA
I recall Sannaro always tells people he’s a telepath but he doesn’t know everything.
TAREK
I’ve got to get him to the crystal room. Will you help Cherna?
HAELATIKA
Of course. He looks frightful.
TAREK
I have to save him or we’re all lost.
He laid his hand on Nikklo’s shoulder again and grabbed a light beam.
PHASE VISUAL
INT. CRYSTAL CAVERN, MISIPATASUTISGA, SAILIA - DAY - CONTINUOUS
After several course corrections, his vision cleared again and he was crouched beside the crystal box that stored Nikklo’s crystalloid body. He smiled weakly at the whole form of his son.
He scooped up the crystal body and laid it beside the blood encrusted broken Saili body.
TAREK
I’m sorry, Sanna. I’ll work to heal you.
He laid his hands over the center of the Saili chest and reached for his son’s soul. He surrounded that soul with his telepathy and willed the soul into his hands.
Sannaro’s body arched in agony then fell back to the floor motionless.
Tarek looked at the highly concentrated bright star with a clear globe encircling it in his hands and sighed.
TAREK
I’m sorry this didn’t go as well a we wanted to, my friend.
Tarek turned to the Tauian body, laid his hands on the angular chest and willed the soul through the crystal shell.
Nikklo surged from the ground and crouched, ready for a fight, his aura danced agitatedly around him.
TAREK
Relax, Nikky. The danger is over.
Nikklo looked down at his broken body.
TAUIAN NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
No! What did you do to me?
Tarek took the Tauian necklace from around Sannaro’s neck and handed it to Nikklo then picked up the broken Saili body and laid it inside the crystal box.
The box swept closed.
Nikklo slid the necklace over his neck then surged off the floor to follow.
TAUIAN NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
No, give it back!
Nikklo battered the lid with his fists.
Tarek pulled Nikklo away from the box.
TAREK (PSI V.O.)
Your Tauian body is healed now. I have to work on Sannaro when I can. I have to get back to Cherna before she commits suicide.
Nikklo pulled away with his aura crackling around him like lightning.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Why did she turn on me? I love her!
TAREK
It was Ezron, Nikklo! Ezron did the mind-slam that killed Arcas! He had a coercer aggravate Cherna’s anger and convince her to attack you then he told her she had to kill herself. Now will you allow me to go back to Cherna and save her?
Nikklo's aura darkened nearly black while the lightning still flashed aggravatingly.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Don’t leave me here!
TAREK
I won’t leave you here. I’ll take you back to the central crater and you can stay with Haela while I work on Cherna.
Nikklo’s aura lightened to twilight and the lightning eased. He nodded his head slowly.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
You have to save Cherna. Let’s go.
They grabbed light and traveled back to the central caldera of Misipatasutisga.
TAREK
Stay here on the shore near my forge. I’ll go into the controlled environmental room and send Haela out to you.
Nikklo dropped to the ground and curled into a ball.
TAREK
You’re still amazingly limber for a crystalline being. I never could figure out how you could shape yourself like that.
Tarek phased to the contained room.
PHASE VISUAL
INT. ATMOSPHERE CONTAINED ROOM, MISIPATASUTISGA, SAILIA - CONTINUOUS
HAELATIKA
Will Nikky be okay?
TAREK
I changed him back to his Tauian form and placed his Saili body in stasis for now. I need to work on Cherna. Would you go to the central crater to keep Nikky company? I’m afraid he’s a bit miserable right now. He's staining the central crater in a darkness almost like midnight.
HAELATIKA
Is it any surprise?
TAREK
No, he has every reason to be miserable. Now, please join him. I’m very worried about leaving him alone for too long.
Haelatika nodded and walked to the sealed hatch to cycle through the airlock.
Nikklo sat on the banks, watched the lava seethe against the shore. He hugged his arms around his aching chest and rested his chin on his knee. He sprang up and crouched in a defensive stance as Haelatika’s form parted the thick gas cloud.
HAELATIKA
Easy, Nikky, your father asked me to stay with you.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Ugh, how can I live like this? I can’t speak! I can’t even cry!
He dropped to the ground and hugged his chest again.
HAELATIKA
You remember how Sannaro feels. Change to your Saili form so you can communicate your grief. The familiarity may comfort you.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I’m not Saili anymore!
HAELATIKA
You’re a Tauian polymorph. Your Saili form changed to Tauian, now your Tauian form can change to Saili.
Nikklo looked down at the crystal around his neck. He curled his fingers around it and concentrated. He felt odd as the sensations of hardness turned soft.
SAILI NIKKLO
NIKKLO
Ugh, this skisla skin!
Nikklo shivered uncontrollably despite the hot vapors that emanated from the nearby lava.
NIKKLO
Ezron, I swear I will rend your crystal off your body for what you did to Cherna!
He tucked his head between his knees and sobbed inconsolably for several minutes.
HAELATIKA
You’re not angry with Cherna?
NIKKLO
I am angry with Cherna but coercion means she wasn’t completely in control of her actions. She was tricked into giving in to her anger and I just told her brother Di'ok that she claims my soul and now it hurts so badly.
He bent his head back down and sobbed for several minutes more.
HAELATIKA
You’re sitting on hard rock with naked soft skin. Would you like some clothes to dress yourself?
NIKKLO
I just want to sit here and hurt. The hard ground is making me feel like I’m still connected to something. Cheri’s my anchor. Without her, I’m afraid I’ll drift away and never touch ground again.
HAELATIKA
That’s a very grave assessment.
NIKKLO
Houk, it is. When Hadeon took Cherna from me, I broke down. I almost went up to the ramp where Marc was launching even though I would’ve been exposed to space and almost committed suicide by inverting a mind-slam. Varanani had to disperse it before it fried my brain. Now this is two times worse, my Saili body is broken by Cherna’s hands and she is dying because some bastard told her to kill herself. Now the guilt she feels about giving in to her rage is killing her. I don’t know how I can live with knowing I caused her death.
HAELATIKA
Remember my vision. I saw the Saili die out without the Tsikakayu to lead them to fight for their survival. There’s much more at stake here than just Cherna; if you don’t continue to fight, everyone you love will suffer or die.
NIKKLO
I don’t know if I have the will to continue the fight now that I’m losing Cherna.
Haela sighed deeply as Nikklo set his chin on his knees and stared at the lava lake.
FADE OUT.
THE END.