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 78 – BIG FIND
BY: LYSSA THORNE
FADE IN:
INT. CENTRAL CALDERA, MISIPATASUTISGA, SAILIA – DAY - CONTINUOUS
Haela sighed deeply as Nikklo set his chin on his knees and stared at the lava lake.
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.
Tarek appeared beside Haelatika.
TAREK
Then I have to stop Cherna from dying.
NIKKLO
You can’t stop it, can you?
TAREK
Her body is failing fast.
NIKKLO
Then there’s no hope.
TAREK
There is one hope I can give you.
NIKKLO
What?
Tarek walked to the lava and scooped the molten rock into his hands.
TAREK
What I’ve always done; I’ll shape a new body for her and move her soul into it. In a whole body, we can work to lift her spirits and convince her not to die. While she’s inhabiting the other body, I can place her original body in stasis and have more time to work on reversing the damage.
NIKKLO
Don’t you only sculpt Saili bodies?
TAREK
Yep, true humans are too delicate to shape. I’ll have to make her a Saili body.
NIKKLO
That would mean Cheri will finally feel how it’s like to be a full telepath.
TAREK
True, we’ll have to expose her to it carefully since she won’t know how to protect herself from the higher volume of sensory input. I have to get to work. I don’t want Cherna kept in the stasis chamber for too long without moving her soul.
Tarek went to his forge, set down the handful of lava. Tarek heated up a cauldron over an intense flame.
Nikklo sighed and returned his attention to the seething magma pool.
TAREK
You know, you really should get dressed. I do think your shaping was one of my finest work but you really should take care of yourself. Even though you’re now in your Tauian body, when you take on Sannaro’s form, you still have to do everything a Saili would do to keep themselves healthy. Tend to yourself so I won’t be distracted with worrying about you. Now, do you want me to make her whole or keep her double amputation?
NIKKLO
She really did have shapely legs.
TAREK
Sounds like you missed them.
NIKKLO
I did but I was also very happy that she survived that horrible battle so I learned to love what she had left. She was so amazing at fighting without legs. She shocked many people with her agility.
TAREK
Would you like her to have her legs back? This will be a completely new body but as much as I would like to keep it true to her natural form, because it will be Saili, she’ll be painfully aware it’s not the body she was born to. Maybe not having the amputation will help her feel more accepting toward the change.
NIKKLO
I don’t know. She can be so stubborn at times. She may get angry.
TAREK
I’m aware of that, which is why I think she should stay here on Sailia for awhile until she learns to accept the changes. Unfortunately, you’ll have to return to Gasbaja to continue the fight.
NIKKLO
And I want to explore that Sjujeenya Di and I found.
TAREK
That find does intrigue me. I did wonder what they did with that last warship before they joined the Astrisi. Now would you please get some clothes on?
NIKKLO
Alright, I’ll get dressed.
Haelatika showed up soon after with clothes in her hands.
HAELATIKA
I hope these colors are to your liking. I know you’re quite picky about color.
Nikklo picked up the midnight blue pants and cobalt blue shirt.
NIKKLO
Yeah, I can live with these.
He quickly dressed.
TAREK
I have much work to do. I’ll have to change to Tauian form to sculpt her quick enough to save her so I’ll have to disappear for a while. You go with Haela to get something to eat. With all the upsets you’ve been through, I’m sure you’re depleted of energy.
Nikklo sighed and followed Haela to their kitchen.
INT. TAREK'S KITCHEN, MISIPATASUTISGA, SAILIA - DAY - CONTINUOUS
HAELATIKA
I think you look like a meat and potatoes kind of guy.
NIKKLO
Well, I do prefer protein. I seem to have always needed a higher protein diet than most people. I don’t know why.
HAELATIKA
You burn through a lot of calories with all you do in a day and I thought your schedule was crazy with your duties as the Senior Martial Arts Instructor and Senior Fighter Pilot before you remembered how to move at the speed of light.
NIKKLO
I was allowing my assistant instructors to take most of the classes. I only went to the gym when I had to test students who were good enough to seek a new rank. I did my administrative duties from my Team-leader office.
HAELATIKA
Have there been any other Astrisi who wore two senior sashes at the same time?
NIKKLO
No, I’m the first.
HAELATIKA
I thought so. I’ll cook something for you. I remember you hate Saili food so I’ll make human recipes.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Uh, help? No one knows how to take care of me. I just woke up and found myself in a blood encrusted empty house. I'm afraid to ask for help here because they’re scared of me. Oh, you’re feeling much better now.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
It’s complicated, Arc. Come to me.
ARCAS appeared in a hover over Nikklo’s shoulder.
Haelatika yelped and backed against the wall.
NIKKLO
Whoops, sorry, this razorwing is Arcas, an Astrisi warrior whose soul I moved. He won’t attack you but he couldn’t stay on Gasbaja because everyone’s too scared he’ll attack without me there to command him.
HAELATIKA
Yes, the reason for your argument with Danu.
NIKKLO
You think I was wrong?
HAELATIKA
What I think doesn’t matter. Like Danu, I am a healer, not a warrior. You explained your reasons and Tarek supports them. You and Tarek know the Tauians better than the rest of us and that is why we need you to be the Tsikakayu to defeat them. I was just startled to see a hlatutara in my kitchen.
NIKKLO
I was thoughtless toward you fearing a hlatutara. I apologize.
HAELATIKA
I understand why you wouldn’t want your friend untended while you’re here. Apology accepted.
NIKKLO
I’m not usually this short-sighted. This change has me so off-balance, I don’t know what to do anymore. I’m just making the people I love angry at me and now Cherna almost killed me and she’s dying. I’m such a miserable retch.
HAELATIKA
And feeling sorry for yourself.
NIKKLO
I do that at times.
HAELATIKA
I know. You’re feeling helpless and you hate to feel helpless. You’re not helpless, Nikky, you just have too much power and you fear yourself.
NIKKLO
Why shouldn’t I? I destroy worlds with just a thought!
HAELATIKA
But you have a conscience. That keeps you from destroying worlds indiscriminately.
NIKKLO
I destroyed Tauia.
HAELATIKA
Beken deserved what he got. He’s just too much of a whiner to accept the consequences. Playing with unnatural evolution can come back to bite you and you, my boy, have a nasty bite.
NIKKLO
That’s what scares me.
HAELATIKA
What does that woman Tarek is trying to save say about your powers?
NIKKLO
She says when I’ve brought out my telekinetic powers, I’ve only killed very deserving pirates and other times have been convinced to restrain myself from releasing the energy.
HAELATIKA
That’s why you want to save her and that’s why you should have more faith in your self-restraint. How about your favorite, a cheeseburger with fried potato strips?
Haelatika placed the food on a plate and took it to the table.
NIKKLO
That does cheer me. Thank you, Haelatika.
He sat down and began to eat.
Tarek walked into the kitchen cavern.
TAREK
Ah, that’s a welcome sight, Nikky’s eating.
HAELATIKA
I thought he wouldn’t resist his favorite foods.
TAREK
Oh yes, that would cheer my boy. I’m finished with my sculpting. I’ll wait until you finish eating to move Cherna’s soul to her new body.
Nikklo picked up a napkin to wipe his face then stood to face Tarek.
NIKKLO
Let’s do this.
They walked back to Tarek’s work area.
Nikklo stopped at the table and looked down at the finished body Cherna would occupy. He gasped as he brushed his hand on her pale copper colored cheek.
NIKKLO
Wow, so this is how Cheri would look as a Saili. You are a good sculptor. My mother Adara was great at sculpting clay but you shape metal and flesh. She has the same face. Everything looks the same. How did you know?
TAREK
Your memory.
NIKKLO
You like to look at people’s intimate thoughts?
TAREK
Only when I have to. She is a beautiful woman and entirely yours.
NIKKLO
She has rose-gold skin like Ambri and Andu.
TAREK
I thought I’d keep the same coloration of your kids for continuity. I think the hair is a little more yellow than her natural hair. It’s so hard to approximate the different hues of blond with metal.
NIKKLO
It’s close enough. I know this face so very well.
TAREK
I know, son. Now, to move the soul.
Tarek disappeared then reappeared with a stasis pod with Cherna’s Astrisi body within. He opened it and hovered his hands over her chest.
Her body arched off the bed then was still.
Nikklo couldn’t stifle the sob that burst from his lips and bent his head to hide his tears.
Tarek turned to the new Saili body, held his hands over the metallic chest and concentrated.
The Saili body gasped and surged up to sitting.
CHERNA
What the hell? Oh, Iachi’awei, I’m so sorry, Nikklo! I don’t know why I became so angry at you!
NIKKLO
A Tauian influenced your feelings and aggravated you.
Cherna bent her head then jumped to her feet.
CHERNA
Skisla, what happened to my hands? They’re shiny! Oh, I can feel-
She looked down at her naked body.
CHERNA
I have legs? How can this be?
NIKKLO
Tarek made you a Saili body until he could heal your Astrisi body.
Cherna rushed to the stasis pod.
CHERNA
What’s wrong? I look fine.
TAREK
After you attacked Nikky, the Tauian forced a suicide protocol. You’re fighting a cascade failure. I’ll find a way to stop it.
NIKKLO
You’re dying.
Cherna looked pleadingly at Nikklo.
Nikklo rushed over to hug her.
She pressed her hand firmly against his chest.
CHERNA
Nui, don’t. I’m not Cherna anymore and you’re not Sannaro. Everything’s changed.
NIKKLO
But I still love you! That hasn’t changed! I need you, Cheri!
CHERNA
You were ignorant when you forced me into that marriage link with you.
NIKKLO
I was ignorant but you told me once that you would’ve fallen in love with me anyway without the marriage link!
CHERNA
I can’t deny that I was so angry at you that someone even could convince me to attack you with terminal force. While I was unconscious, Iachi’awei appeared to me as a red haired woman wearing a flame red dress that billowed around her like fiery wings as I was holding you down on the ground with my foot pressed into your chest. You were gasping in pain with tears rolling down your face. You changed to your crystalline form but I could see you. You looked the same but angular and so dazzlingly gorgeous with blues, greens, reds, yellows and oranges dancing around you. As I reached down to touch your cheek, a lance of laser fire hit the center of your chest and you exploded into shards of glass that tore through me. As I screamed in agony, Iachi’awei said, “Cherna, child, you must share Nikklo or you’ll lose him forever.”
NIKKLO
You saw me as a Tauian.
CHERNA
That’s what you look like?
NIKKLO
Houk.
CHERNA
You’re so beautiful!
Nikklo took her head in his hands.
NIKKLO
It was only a dream.
CHERNA
Nui, it was a warning, a premonition. My jealousy will kill you. I thought I was nothing like Ku'an but I’m beginning to see that I’m disturbingly a lot like him. I guess I’m not taking your changes well anymore and it’s making me sick like it did to my father. Like my father, I need help but I don’t dare see Vara cause she’s involved in what makes me jealous.
NIKKLO
So what do you want to do about it?
CHERNA
Now that Tarek has made me a Saili, I think I’ll stay here and see a councilor who isn’t your sister. I need to get better.
NIKKLO
We can bring Wanakaya from Gasbaja. I promise, I will convince you that you would have fallen in love with me without the marriage link. This time, I’ll be more considerate.
CHERNA
It’s not you, Nikky, it’s me. Other than a few acts of shortsightedness, you’ve been honest. I need to be more considerate and not make it so easy to be used against you.
Nikklo pulled his shirt off and pulled it over Cherna’s head.
Cherna smiled shyly as she pulled her arms into the sleeves.
CHERNA
You gave me legs to stand on again. That’s one mark in your favor.
NIKKLO
Then I have hope.
Cherna gasped and held her head.
CHERNA
How can you take knowing so much all the time?
NIKKLO
Stay calm. Imagine a wall in your mind and make it solid. Tarek will teach you how to shield yourself. You’ll learn how to cope.
CHERNA
This is what you feel all the time?
NIKKLO
I have better shields but if I dropped my shields I would sense all that you’re sensing. Before Gavasno finished my training, I was a little more skilled than you are now but not much.
CHERNA
How did you endure it?
NIKKLO
I was born this way. Even as a Tauian, I was born telepathic so I’ve always sensed more than most humanoids. I understand it has to be overwhelming to you.
Cherna shook her head and pressed her hands to her ears. She shivered and waved her arms.
CHERNA
No ear shackles! Oh, skisla! My ears! Oh, I didn’t realize how sensitive your ears are!
Nikklo chuckled despite himself.
She smacked his arm.
CHERNA
You bastard.
NIKKLO
Now you know why I don’t like my ears touched unless it’s by someone I trust.
CHERNA
Now I understand. I’m sorry I was so casual about touching your ears.
He looked at her through his eyelashes.
NIKKLO
I let you.
CHERNA
You rogue, you know I have trouble resisting your long eyelashes.
TAREK
As much fun as this is to see you kids flirting with each other, I think I need to settle Cherna in and introduce her slowly to her new body. Nikky, I really think you should reassure the rest of the family on Gasbaja that both of you aren’t dead.
NIKKLO
You’re right. I should give the family an update.
Nikklo concentrated to change back to his Tauian form.
CHERNA
Oh he's so beautiful! I didn’t know Saili could see like this!
TAREK
I gave you a little enhanced vision so you could see Nikky as a Tauian but not much enhanced.
Nikklo sighed mentally as he took one more look at his wife.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Arcas, to me.
Arcas appeared and landed on Nikklo’s shoulder.
Nikklo looked up and grabbed a light beam away from Sailia.
PHASING VISUALS
EXT. KUMANI CAMP, JASBAJA -DAY
Varanani slowly walked through the quiet Kumani camp. She arched her head to look at the sky.
She looked toward the center of camp and saw a shimmer of light that solidified into the form of her Saili brother.
Nikklo stood in the center of camp as still as a gold statue.
Varanani ran up to him just as Hadah ran from another direction.
HADAH
Oh good, you’re whole again.
Varanani cringed at the intense aura that crackled around her younger brother.
VARANANI
Whole in body but not as much in mind.
The visible aura around Nikklo darkened. He dropped to the ground and curled into a ball.
HADAH
Is Cherna dead?
PSYCHIC VISION
Cherna in Saili form pushed him away.
NORMAL VISION
VARANANI
Nui, she’s not dead. Really? Tarek had to move her soul to a Saili body?
Nikklo shook his head.
VARANANI
It’s better than dead, Nikky.
Nikklo hid his head between his knees.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
VARANANI
She’ll love you again, I know she will.
PSYCHIC VISION
Cherna looked pleadingly at Nikklo.
Nikklo rushed over to hug her.
She pressed her hand firmly against his chest.
CHERNA
Nui, don’t. I’m not Cherna anymore and you’re not Sannaro. Everything’s changed.
CUT TO CRYSTAL CAVERN, SAILIA
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.
NORMAL VISION
HADAH
I’m not sensing the telepathic parts of this conversation.
VARANANI
Nikklo is telling me telepathically that Cherna’s soul has been moved to a Saili body because Tarek doesn’t know how to stop the degradation of her Astrisi body. She woke very upset and told Nikky that she didn’t think they should be together right now. She’s seeking counseling on Sailia with Wanakaya because she recognizes she’s mentally ill from the violence of the last few years. And- oh wow, Nikky says his Saili body is dead and his soul is back in his Tauian body.
Danu stopped beside them.
DANU
Tarek healed the fractures?
VARANANI
Nikky says the crystal bugs he found here on Gasbaja were successfully retrained by Tarek and his Tauian body is whole again but that’s more than he can say for his Saili body.
PSYCHIC VISION
Nikklo climbed back into the stasis pod and allowed it to close.
BACK TO NORMAL VISION
TAREK (PSI V.O.)
Sorry, kiddo, you have a war to fight. I know your soul hurts right now but Beken isn’t going to give you time to grieve. He’ll probably tell Ezron to press the attack.
VARANANI (PSI V.O.)
I’ll help him, Tsisutisga. He’s still my younger brother.
TAREK (PSI V.O.)
I know you will help him, Vara. You’re a good sister and he’s got a good strong family. I have to concentrate on something here. I'll come by later to bring Wanakaya to Sailia. Nikky, take care of yourself.
Danu walked over and pulled Nikklo off the ground.
DANU
Come on, brother. You’re going to Vara’s and my house. Hey, what happened to the new skin suit?
NIKKLO
I was wearing it on my Saili body when Cherna attacked me. It’s torn to pieces and hardened onto my Saili body.
DANU
So we need to ask Ba'ia for a spare as soon as possible.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
I’m so sorry, Nikklo. I was so angry, I didn’t think Ezron would follow me with a coercer and use Cherna against you.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I don’t want to talk to you right now.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
I understand. I betrayed you to your enemy. I will be silent now. Ezron has abandoned me to my fate, anyway. Being prisoner to the Astrisi is better for me.
VARANANI
Her situation is so sad.
NIKKLO
I don’t want to think about her now.
VARANANI
I understand. You’re grieving.
NIKKLO
How can I do what Tarek wants me to do when my soul feels shattered?
VARANANI
Face what needs to be done one step at a time.
HADAH
My soul felt shattered after No'ama died. It took all my strength to face another day. I reminded myself that someone had to make the decisions for the people of the Kumani and it was my sash so I took it slowly at first until the pain was easier to bear. Cherna isn’t dead. She’s just admitting she needs to get well. You still have some hope she’ll return to you. The Kumani still needs a lot of rebuilding and we’re vulnerable here with a persistent enemy who sorely wants us all dead. Right now, I need my Senior Vizha’e.
VARANANI
Hadah, please give me a day. I’ll work with him.
DANU
So will I.
HADAH
Don’t neglect your other patients, Doctor.
DANU
I won’t, Hadah.
Di'ok walked up to them. He hugged Nikklo.
DI'OK
I’ll help too.
Nikklo pressed his head into Di'ok’s shoulder.
BA'IA joined them with another suit and handed it to Nikklo.
BA'IA
Be strong, Sanna. I gave Ku'an another chance and saw him through his illness. I very much want to see you give Cherna the same chance.
He nodded and accepted the suit.
DANU
Let’s get to my house so you can get that on.
NIKKLO
Then I want to go to the gym and beat the hell out of a punching bag.
DI'OK
You want a sparring partner?
NIKKLO
Nui, I’ll hurt my opponent if it’s alive. I really want to tear something apart.
DANU
Vara?
VARANANI
Houk, let him work out his frustration so he can internalize his emotions.
They walked to Danu and Varanani’s house.
Once they were inside, Nikklo ducked into the bathroom, took off his Saili clothes, pulled on the body suit then dressed again. He went back into the living room where the rest waited for him.
DI'OK
We’ll stay with him.
DANU
Houk, just like when we were children, we stayed by him and we’ll stay by him now while he’s hurting.
Nikklo put his arms around both men’s waists.
NIKKLO
I sure wish I was tall enough to get to your shoulders. You both grew so tall.
Di'ok shrugged and laid his elbow on Nikklo’s head.
DI'OK
It’s a shame Saili are so short.
NIKKLO
You want to be the punching bag?
Di'ok pulled his arm back.
DI'OK
Nui, you can use a punching bag.
NIKKLO
I thought so. Come on, guys.
They left Danu’s house and walked to a large wooden building.
Inside was weight machines against the walls, a cluster of punching bags and dummies on three sides and the forth wall had bleachers. In the center of the room were several large soft mats for sparring.
Nikklo walked across the room to the punching bags and pulled off his boots and socks.
MEKO
San!
Nikklo turned around and nodded at his head assistant.
MEKO
Or is it Nik now?
NIKKLO
It doesn’t matter.
MEKO
Wow, you’re in low spirits.
Nikklo spun a whirlwind kick into the stomach of a dummy.
Meko backed up beyond Nikklo’s reach.
MEKO
Okay, I’ll send you an email about what I want to ask.
NIKKLO
I’ll get to it. I just need to pound out some anger.
Nikklo punched the dummy five times in rapid succession, flew a forward kick to the head, jumped into the air, landed an elbow blow to the neck and drove the face into his knee.
DI'OK
Wow, I swear he’s gotten better.
DANU
I wouldn’t even dare challenge him on the mats, anymore.
Arcas gently landed on a free weight.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Me neither. He is scary.
MEKO
Of course he’s good. He is the current Senior Martial Arts Instructor. You guys are too busy in your own offices to spend much time here.
DANU
He has a point there.
Nikklo he whirled around the figure and landed a flurry of punches and kicks until the stuffing choked the air like a snowfall.
The dummy finally snapped in two and crashed to the floor.
Nikklo stepped back and dangled his arms to his sides.
NIKKLO
There, now I’m done. I’ll order a new figure made at my expense.
He walked over to a pile of towels and wiped the sweat off his face and arms.
NIKKLO
Okay, I’m ready to talk to my sister.
He strode toward the door.
Di'ok and Danu rushed after him with Arcas flying above.
DI'OK
I’m glad he’s walking and not riding light.
DANU
We’d never keep up.
NIKKLO
I want the slow pace. I need to let my mind slow down.
Nikklo stopped and tapped his foot on the floor. He shook his head, dropped to the floor and pulled on his socks and boots to allow his friends to catch up with him.
NIKKLO
Humanoids go so slow.
DI'OK
Houk, we’re sub-light beings. I guess we’re snails to you now.
NIKKLO
Kasai, I think I need to slow down.
DANU
I think you do too. You thought you were like us only a week ago and some of that time, you were under sedation for your shoulder.
DI'OK
Be patient with us sub-light beings.
After all, we’re the reason you’ve been successful with staying unnoticed by your own kind for hundreds of years.
NIKKLO
You’re right, the Tauians didn’t expect for us to hide with humanoids although Tarek and I did it before. I guess they can be a bit slow of thought because they move so fast.
DI'OK
What do we do with Ilanit? She did hand us to Ezron and he turned my sister against you.
NIKKLO
I’m painfully aware of that. I made a big mistake and I’ll have to face Hadah about it. Now I have to return to an empty house.
DANU
Andu still needs you.
NIKKLO
Houk, I have to explain to Andoku why his mother isn’t coming home. Because I took Ilanit in without realizing that Ezron could sense things through her, I realize now that the Tauians are so insidious, I’m not sure how to fight them.
DANU
This is bad. Tarek thought you could fight them effectively.
DI'OK
Nikky, you’ve got to use your magnetic telekinesis. That’s what Ezron fears.
NIKKLO
You don’t understand how dangerous that is, Di.
DI'OK
That’s your only weapon they don’t have.
DANU
Di, Nik fears that ability deeply. I’ve seen him cry after he brought it out.
DI'OK
I understand you have bad memories associated with it, but that’s your advantage. Maybe you should find a way to use it. That will drive them back cause you’ve seen that conventional warfare is getting us nowhere. Do you want us all to die because you won’t use it?
NIKKLO
I’m not out of options yet. I’m the strategist here, Translator. Let me exhaust all possibilities first!
Di'ok stopped and glared in exasperation before he shook his head.
Nikklo whirled around and walked from the gym.
INT. TAUIAN PRISM SHIP
Ezron stood in his control room stunned.
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
What?! Why won’t that annoying child die! What could have gone wrong? I was sure making that witch of a wife turn on Nikklo would finally finish him!
Ferex’ aura darkened for a second.
FEREX (PSI V.O.)
Tarek took both Nikklo and Cherna to Sailia. I lost them there because Tarek has many telepathic protections inside his mountain refuge. I spent days with the Order of the True Telepaths on Mount Misipatasutisga and heard them gush about the glory of their Great Forger and yet I heard nothing about what he was doing to either Nikklo or Cherna within the mountain. Next I knew, I sensed Nikklo fly from the mountain and return to Gasbaja. He’s with the remaining members of his family. He’s emotionally agitated but he’s very much alive.
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
Ilanit disappoints me again. Kronil told me he was sure he could convince Cherna to kill Nikklo yet his wounds were recoverable! I’m surrounded by incompetence! Ilanit, return immediately.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
I’m content to stay in Astrisi prison.
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
I’m recalling you!
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
I refuse.
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
I’ll come get you.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
As Nikklo says, be my fucking guest. My guards have infrared helmets strapped to their heads and they know how to kill a Tauian. I hope they impale your core before you can grab me because I’ll fight you with all the power within me to keep you from grabbing light to escape.
Ezron cut the link and smacked the wall with a beam of energy.
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
Leave me.
FEREX (PSI V.O.)
I will do as commanded.
Ferex disappeared.
Ezron watched the light blur by the prism ship and thought about his next move.
INT. DANU'S HOUSE, KUMANI CAMP, GASBAJA – DAY
Nikklo sat at a window in Danu and Varanani’s house deep in thought.
Varanani pulled up a chair and sat down beside him.
VARANANI
You’re radiating dread.
NIKKLO
I keep thinking about what I want to say to Andu about the fight between Cherna and me but I’m drawing a blank. Vara, I’m afraid he won’t understand. He hates violence and his own parents nearly killed each other. How do I explain that?
VARANANI
Your fears are understandable. I could be with you when you meet him. If you get flustered, I could take over. He may accept what I have to say because I’m not a warrior.
NIKKLO
As his remaining parent, I feel I should be rushing to him. He’s still a teen, yet here I am staring at sunlight and fighting dread.
Andoku stepped through the door.
ANDOKU
So how about I come to you?
NIKKLO
I’m sorry about what happened, Andu.
Andoku pulled up a chair and sat on the other side of Nikklo.
ANDOKU
I know you are. Hadah explained to me what happened and how it was influenced by the Tauians. I can see why Grandfather Tarek and you fled them. They’re so violent. Really, Dad, I know you don’t like the violence. You just like the thrill of the challenge of the fight. I guess now that I know you’re a light being who lives at light speed, I can see why you like to go so fast. I’ve also seen you sit still for hours and draw. You want to slow down. You always said Mom could slow you down and get you to enjoy it.
NIKKLO
I got too crazy in the last few years.
ANDOKU
I think people were driving you crazy. You’ve been attacked constantly since you first heard the word Tsikakayu and you knew something big was going to slam you. You’re reeling from it. Mom knew but I think she couldn’t heal from the garbage Hadeon put both of you through, although she tried. Is she dead?
NIKKLO
Nui, Tarek moved her soul to a Saili body. She looks like Ambrika although she still has blond hair. She stayed on Sailia to seek help to heal. Tarek will try to save her Astrisi body while she tries to heal her soul through counseling.
ANDOKU
So there’s still hope she’ll come home?
NIKKLO
I hope with my soul she does. I miss her terribly.
ANDOKU
You two always were so playful with each other. It was a bit embarrassing at times but I always knew you loved each other. I’m not even close to being like Mom, but I’m here for you. Sorry, I’m not interested in joining your lovers but you’re still my Dad and I love you.
NIKKLO
Fa’arata, Andu. I would never touch you inappropriately unless you gave me the invitation. I treasure your support, though.
Andoku tugged on Nikklo’s hair.
ANDOKU
You’re neglecting your hair again. You know Mom would be chasing you with scissors if you didn’t trim your hair.
NIKKLO
Houk, she would.
ANDOKU
See, Aunt Vara, you didn’t have to run inference between us after all.
VARANANI
I’m glad, Andu. Your father’s feeling very sad right now. I just didn’t want him to keep his distance from you.
ANDOKU
I understand. That’s why I decided to approach him.
DI'OK (PSI V.O.)
Nikky!
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Di, you called out to me?
DI'OK (PSI V.O.)
Houk, I think I found the sequence to drop the force field around the Sjujeenya!
Nikklo stood up.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Great news! I’ll be there in a few seconds!
ANDOKU
Well, I guess that’s all the slow time we’re going to get. Time to fly again.
NIKKLO
I’ll see you later tonight, though I don’t know what to cook for dinner.
ANDOKU
We could act like bachelors and eat in the cafeteria?
NIKKLO
I don’t want to get into that habit. We’ll talk later.
Nikklo changed forms and flew into the air to the bunker.
PHASING VISUAL
EXT./INT. SJUJEENYA BUNKER, GASBAJA – DAY - CONTINUOUS
He landed beside Di'ok at the control panel. He followed Di'ok into the elevator and they rode it down.
They exited into the cavern.
Di'ok walked to the control board and spent a minute pressing buttons.
The cavern rang with a warning klaxon for a few seconds before the shimmering curtain flashed and disappeared.
Nikklo grinned and walked eagerly toward the towering structure. He wandered along the landing pylons to find a hatch.
A shimmer appeared before him. He crouched and readied himself for a fight.
A dark haired human man with a strong angular face, piercing brown eyes and tan skin appeared. He said something Nikklo couldn’t understand.
Di'ok walked up and began to speak with the dark man.
The dark man nodded then disappeared.
Di'ok chuckled and looked at Nikklo.
NIKKLO
What?
DI'OK
He says my pronunciation was horrible but he understands we’re Astrisi. He’ll be back soon.
NIKKLO
Did he say his name?
DI'OK
He said something like Ayai.
NIKKLO
That’s an odd name.
The dark man reappeared.
End act 2
ACT 3
YURI
That is not exactly my name.
NIKKLO
Then what is it?
YURI
Ah, you understand me now. That is good.
NIKKLO
Who are you and I didn’t know the Gasbajans could do instant transport?
YURI
That’s because I’m not a living Gasbajan.
DI'OK
What?
YURI
Di'ok said that most of the people from this ship joined the Astrisi for survival after the Zurans ravaged this planet. He is correct. All surviving members of this crew did ask the Astrisi to take them in.
NIKKLO
All surviving- that means you’re not a surviving member of the crew?
YURI
I am an artificial intelligence.
NIKKLO
Oh, AI, not Ayai, Di.
DI'OK
Whoops, misinterpretation.
NIKKLO
So what is your name?
YURI
This ship and I have the same name because I am a visual manifestation of this ship’s central processor. I am called Euryanassa.
NIKKLO
So this is a smart ship.
YURI
You have some of my kind attached to you so you must have found a natural swarm.
NIKKLO
You mean the crystal bugs that form a shell over a person to capture it?
YURI
Not to capture it, but to connect with it for mutual benefits much like those that are connecting your extremities to your central structure.
DI'OK
You’re parasitic?
YURI
We were used by the people of this world as intermediaries. Nerves and electric wiring are no different to us. We need the energy to survive and, in exchange, we improve the original form to enhance survivability for all.
NIKKLO
How did you feel about the Gasbajans locking you in here and moving away?
YURI
There were no females of their kind left so they would’ve ceased to exist. They could not sustain us so they promised they would leave this ship as a host body with an active electrical current we could feed on. We have missed them. They promised they would return and here you are. The promise has been fulfilled.
NIKKLO
So maybe that’s why the Astrisi have been encouraged to celebrate the Us’uata os Huen here on Gasbaja? The survivors of Gasbaja thought this world was empty so it was an ideal spot for the celebration but also if they returned here, someday an Astrisi would find one of you and rediscover this cavern?
YURI
A reasonable summation, Nikklosannaro-tarek-rakul-minek-lovak.
DI'OK
Whoa, shit, what was that?
NIKKLO
How did you know my full formal name?
YURI
You wear several of my kind as connectors for your severed limbs. They told me your formal name. Was I wrong to address you by that name?
NIKKLO
No, but in informal situations, I prefer to be called Nikklo or Nikky.
YURI
Your formal name is even long for a Saili. I sense there is more to you than your Saili appearance. You were one of the large crystal beings that created the Saili. Is that correct?
NIKKLO
Yes.
YURI
Yes, I did name Tarek, the creator of Saili within your name so I am correct. You were supposed to seek us to help you in the great war. Is that why you are here?
NIKKLO
That is why I’m here. The big crystal Tauians are threatening to destroy all of us.
YURI
We are yours to command, Tsikakayu.
DI'OK
Hey, he never said he was the Tsikakayu!
YURI
Nikklo knows my kind are telepathic. He does not need to speak it. He is the crystal being in the guise of a Saili who fights for the Astrisi. By the legends, that makes him the Tsikakayu.
NIKKLO
He has a point, Di. To make it easier for us to clarify, we’re talking to you and not about the ship, I’d like to call you Yury. I intend to use the Euryanassa as an orbital platform to launch our Vizha’i more rapidly to counter Tauian physical attacks until the Kumani is repaired and space-worthy.
YURI
We are quite capable of serving you in this manner.
DI'OK
Isn’t Euryanassa your Uncle Devasru’s space yacht?
NIKKLO
Yep, interesting that they both share that historical name.
DI'OK
Then what’s the difference?
NIKKLO
Simple distinction, this is the warship Euryanassa and the other is just a ship.
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
For further simplification, I’ll change my ship’s name.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
You’re listening in on my conversation?
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
You mentioned a word associated with me. When I brought my attention to it, I became curious and continued to listen. I've been very concerned about you since you and Cherna were moved to Sailia by the Great Forger. I apologize if I was out of place.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
No, I understand your curiosity. You’re forgiven.
DEVASRU (PSI V.O.)
I feel your pain, son. I hope things will get better between you and Cherna. It's better than being dead. I hope that someday I can be privileged to meet your illustrious father.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I'm sure it will happen but I need to get this war ended first. So, Yuri, are your kind natural to Gasbaja?
YURI
Nui, we were found by the Gasbajans while they explored another planet. We were in need of hosts to prevent us from dying out so we learned to speak to them by attaching ourselves to their Sjujeenya to learn their language. We told them of our need and how we could improve their Sjujeenya and they agreed to allow us to remain.
DI'OK
The Zuran Sjujeenya didn’t have any AIs, at least none I could see.
YURI
Our kind abandoned the ships that were captured by the Zurans because they distrusted us. We did not like the Zurans. Cargorel said they were so lacking in sense, he was amazed they learned to travel beyond their world and threaten so many remorselessly. He was very sad to have to make the decision to abandon ship and ask the Astrisi to join them for survival.
DI'OK
Cargorel was the last commander of this ship?
YURI
You are correct.
NIKKLO
It’s sad but I guess it was necessary for this ship to be here when the Tsikakayu needed it for the Great War.
YURI
And we are here for you to command, Tsikakayu.
NIKKLO
How long would you need to get your ship ready to fly again?
YURI
We kept it maintained so we would have something to do. We could have it ready to lift off the ground in two hours.
NIKKLO
From mothballed to flight in two hours? That would be impressive.
YURI
We are not humanoid. We do not have the same limitations, Tsikakayu.
NIKKLO
Don’t let me hold you up. I’ll go back to camp and prepare a crew to move supplies we need to survive and be back in two hours.
DI'OK
I'll stay here in case Yuri needs something.
Nikklo nodded before he changed forms and rose into the air to fly through the fissure above.
EXT. KUMANI CAMP, GASBAJA – DAY – CONTINUOUS
Nikklo traveled back to camp and tracked Hadah to speak with him. Nikklo stopped beside the older man.
NIKKLO
Hadah, I have news.
Hadah whirled on him in a defensive crouch.
HADAH
Oh, fausa, Nik, you scared the shit out of me!
NIKKLO
Kasai.
HADAH
Evi’it, now what has you gushing, my friend?
NIKKLO
Di'ok and I opened the bunker. A Sjujeenya is stored there!
HADAH
Ha'iko, the lost Sjujeenya!
NIKKLO
Houk and there’s a whole lot more! It’s a smart ship! I spoke with the central processor’s artificial intelligence and he says he can have his ship launch in two hours with the Vizha’i aboard to make an orbital platform to guard the approaches to Gasbaja. And they were warned about the legacy of the Tsikakayu and said they were awaiting my call to action!
HADAH
So you’re going to take command of the Sjujeenya? You trust it?
NIKKLO
It called me Tsikakayu and told me it had been waiting for me to command it so he’s saying he’s my ship. We need it so Hadah and I’m taking his offer. I can ask the Belvans if they have records of Gasbajans with smart ships.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Elder Jahium, can I ask you a question?
JAHIUM (PSI V.O.)
Of course, Tsikakayu.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Does you records on Belvas talk about the Gasbajans having intelligent ships that interacted with the Gasbajan warriors?
JAHIUM (PSI V.O.)
I’m at a computer right now. I can look it up but I do recall memory of discussions about the Gasbajans ships who talked to them like shipmates. Oh, here it is, yes, the Gasbajans found a crystalline parasitic race that fed on electrical impulses and they made an alliance to share their ships. When the Zurans stole the defeated ships, the crystal parasites jumped ship. Plenty were found floating in space and were rescued by any ship that traveled near them. Some weren’t even noticed attached to ships hulls. The Gasbajans considered the crystallines valued allies. Why do you ask?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Did you hear the Kumani had to be grounded?
JAHIUM (PSI V.O.)
I heard that alarming report.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
While on Gasbaja to make the repairs, I stumbled on a huge bunker with the lost Sjujeenya stored inside. I met a Crystalline named Euryanassa who is offering to help us defend the grounded Kumani.
JAHIUM (PSI V.O.)
Oh my, the sacrifice that crew made is sad yet admirable. I’m glad you found the ship and you’re allowing it to see action again.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Thank you for looking up that information. I need to concentrate on getting the ship space-worthy. I will speak to you again another time, Dr. Jahium.
JAHIUM (PSI V.O.)
Glad to be of help, Tsikakayu.
NIKKLO
Okay, I just talked to Jahium on Belvas and he found records that the Sjujeenyas were smart ships. If you agree with it. I won’t tell you what to do.
HADAH
Gather people you think are essential and get that ship off the ground.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
All Vizha’e meet me in the central tent for an important announcement.
TISA (PSI V.O.)
We’re on our way.
DI'OK (PSI V.O.)
I’m going with you as your com-spec.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Won’t it bother you to be back on a ship like the one that was your prison?
DI'OK (PSI V.O.)
As you said, this one doesn’t have Zurans on it. You’re not going without me.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Fine, you’re going.
DI'OK
Ha'iko!
DANU
You need a physician.
NIKKLO
I will need a physician.
VARANANI
And you’re not leaving me behind. With your delicate emotional state, you need support.
NIKKLO
I wouldn’t dream of leaving you behind.
Nikklo walked to the central tent and saw all his pilots were waiting for him.
INT. CENTRAL TENT, KUMANI CAMP, GASBAJA – DAY - CONTINUOUS
NIKKLO
I have a ship for us to use to launch our Vizha’i in orbit. We need to pack everything up and move to this ship in two hours.
TISA
That fast?
NIKKLO
Houk, we found the lost Gasbajan Sjujeenya and it’s in launchable condition.
TISA
How can we fly it?
NIKKLO
We won’t. It’s a smart ship that will fly itself.
BRI'AK
How about our families?
NIKKLO
This will be a warship so I don’t want too many extra personnel but if you have a family member you have concerns about leaving behind, we can take that person with us. If that person has an important skill, I would be more inclined to accept that person on board.
PAKWA
Cooks?
NIKKLO
We do need to eat.
TISA
Definitely ordinance specialists.
NIKKLO
Yes, I would accept Ikku readily as an ordinance specialist.
TISA
How about our kids?
NIKKLO
If they need to be with their parents, we can take them but remember a warship isn’t going to have as many amenities as a mother-ship. This will only be temporary assignments until the Kumani is ready to launch.
ERON
Medical personnel?
NIKKLO
Danu is putting that together.
ERON
So you’re family’s going to be the core of your command?
NIKKLO
I know you can accuse me of cronyism but my family have important skills and they give me emotional support. I don’t think Andoku is going to be crowding anyone to get on board.
TISA
Probably not, so I think the motivation isn’t just cronyism, Eron.
ERON
What about Varanani?
NIKKLO
Eron, the Tauians have used psychological warfare several times already, so a Psychiatrist is now considered essential. Besides, Danu doesn’t want to leave Vara behind. That’s why I said if you have family members you don’t want to leave behind, you can bring them. I gave you the same option I gave Danu.
TISA
Come on, we Astrisi are all related to each other and we have to work with relatives all the time so let’s end this argument, Eron, Nikky?
NIKKLO
I want to end this argument, too. As I said, if you have family members you don’t want to leave here on Gasbaja, tell me who you want to bring so I can fit them on board. It would be better for them to have a skill that will support our mission but it’s not necessary.
ERON
You’re right. You are giving us the same choice. Kasai, Nik.
NIKKLO
Evi’it. Now, let’s disperse and pack up.
They walked from the tent.
Nikklo walked somberly to his house to pack up the items he wanted to take since he expected no one would be there. He reluctantly opened it and stepped in.
INT. NIKKLO'S HOUSE, KUMANI CAMP, GASBAJA, DAY - CONTINUOUS
Andoku sat at the computer.
ANDOKU
Ya, you’re back.
Nikklo gave a small smile.
NIKKLO
You don’t have anything to do? Not even clay to kneed to keep supple until you can shape it or throw it?
ANDOKU
Oh, I do. I just sensed you dreaded coming back to an empty house so I came home while you packed. I was cleaning up the mess anyway since I still have to live here.
NIKKLO
That was thoughtful of you.
He walked into the bedroom and pulled out his old red and blue leather bag.
ANDOKU
I know this separation from chali is hard on you. I don’t want you to feel worse.
NIKKLO
Appreciated.
He pulled out clothing and placed it in the bag.
Andoku went over to a table and picked up a stack of body suits.
ANDOKU
Ki’cha brought these by for you to wear.
Nikklo took the stack from his son.
NIKKLO
I love your Ki’cha. She was always like another chali to me.
ANDOKU
She’s great. I heard you say I wasn’t going to crowd anyone to get on board your ship.
NIKKLO
Not meaning disrespect to you. I was actually saying there is someone in my family who wouldn’t bother me to get on that ship.
ANDOKU
You’re right. I’m glad you could use me to show you’re not just favoring family. I sometimes wish you wouldn’t run off to war but since you’re the Great Defender, I guess you’ll never stay home for long.
NIKKLO
At least you will have less chance of being violently killed. That comforts me since your mother still wants to jump into danger even as a double leg amputee.
ANDOKU
I didn’t know you thought that. You’re so busy all the time and your thoughts race at light speed.
NIKKLO
Your thoughts are so calming, unhurried and thoughtful. I envy you that ability to allow yourself that pace.
ANDOKU
So at sometime, sit beside me, put your hands in the mud and sculpt a little. Adara says you haven’t sculpted in over thirty years. You’re still artistic.
NIKKLO
Maybe someday I’ll do that. Sorry, war calls again.
He closed up the bag and slung it on his shoulder.
Andoku walked into the bathroom and came back out with Nikklo’s hairbrush, hairbands, toothbrush and paste.
ANDOKU
Don’t forget these or Mother will smack you when she comes back home.
Nikklo chuckled and accepted the items.
NIKKLO
You’re such a good son.
ANDOKU
And you’re being a smart-ass again, Dad.
NIKKLO
Oh-ho! You’re getting a mouth on you, too. Yeah, I do get smart-ass at times.
ANDOKU
Still a loveable smart-ass, though. Hurry back as soon as you can.
NIKKLO
I will, Andu. It was nice to pack with you here.
Nikklo stepped out of the house and closed the door.
FADE OUT.
THE END.