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 – TAUIAN WAR
BY: LYSSA THORNE
FADE IN:
INT. CENTRAL TENT, KUMANI CAMP, GASBAJA – DAY - CONTINUOUS
He walked back to the central tent and found several people already inside with bags at their feet.
Danu walked up to stand beside him.
DANU
Hey, Nik, the stuff I need to take will be way too much to transport without shuttles or you phasing a really big box.
NIKKLO
I’ll get that transported.
DANU
I don’t know what kind of medical bay the Gasbajans had but I want technology I’m familiar with if I have to treat a trauma quickly.
NIKKLO
Makes perfect sense. You can talk to Yuri to get a crash course on Gasbajan machinery. You may find some stuff on that ship you’ll want to learn about.
DANU
It’s so weird to hear you talk about this ship as a person.
NIKKLO
It will be amazing to meet him. He’s quite willing to have his people work with us.
DANU
And they are what?
NIKKLO
Sentient crystalloids who look kind of like barnacles that attach to people and spaceships to share electrical energy for them to feed on. They like to enhance their hosts. They tried to make new legs for Cherna but she was too panicked to let them get very far. They’re intelligent, like to learn language and how to interact with their hosts through memory share. The Gasbajans left the last Sjujeenya in workable condition with a power feed to keep the barnacles alive and await the coming of the Tsikakayu to help him with the war.
DANU
Really? The Gasbajans trusted them?
NIKKLO
I asked Jahium to look through the Belvan records and he supports the Gasbajan Sjujeenyas were smart ships.
DANU
Your powers are so much stronger now. You know you once thought telepathically calling Belvas was too far for you?
NIKKLO
Yeah, I did but I’m finding my range is almost infinite. It’s a bit scary.
DANU
Nik, you can do what is being asked of you.
NIKKLO
I’ve always been considered the best warrior but I feel like even that’s not enough, Danu.
DANU
Unfortunately, they know more about you than you know about them because you’ve been a fugitive most of your life. You’ve got to gather information as you go with a trial and error approach and that’s never easy. It’s like one of my patients who tells me about his symptoms. I know he’s got a problem so I have to poke around and do tests to learn what the symptoms are reacting to so I can devise a treatment plan. While I’m doing the tests, I know my patient is suffering but if I treat him the wrong way, he may suffer more or die. All you know is that they fear you so much, they want to control you. You have to act like a physician, Nik; poke, test, and observe the reaction to gather the information you need. Once you know where to strike, strike with the precision of a surgeon with a scalpel.
NIKKLO
That sounds like good advice, doctor.
YURI (PSI V.O.)
Tsikakayu, we are ready to launch.
NIKKLO
Okay, everybody, gather around with your bags and touch each other casually. We must be connected so I can pull you with me or you’ll be left here at the tent. Phasing feels a lot like taking a quick elevator ride. It can be uncomfortable but it’s over quickly. Vizha’e, we’ll have to fly the interceptors to the ship when it’s off the ground so you’ll have to wait for the second phase. Danu, your equipment will be brought in phase two.
Danu nodded and put his hand on Nikklo’s arm.
Everyone else touched each other and looked at Nikklo.
NIKKLO
I’m shifting forms and phasing us.
Nikklo concentrated on his crystalloid form, changed and grabbed a light beam. He shifted them along until he came to the bunker and set them down beyond the elevator.
EXT/INT EURYANASSA BUNKER, GASBAJA – DAY - CONTINUOUS
NIKKLO
This is as far as I can go. Di'ok will control the elevator to transport you down into the bunker so you can board. I’m going back to help bring the Vizha’i.
DANU
Who’s your EO?
NIKKLO
Yuri is until I can decide who that will be. I’m going to make Tisa in command of the Vizha’e for now.
Nikklo exchanged forms and returned to camp.
KUMANI CAMP, GASBAJA – DAY - CONTINUOUS
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Tisa, let’s get these interceptors moved.
TISA
We’ve been readying them. I was waiting for your return.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Good.
NIKKLO
Metei, do you know where Danu’s med box is?
METEI
Krisa knows.
Nikklo strode across the field.
NIKKLO
Krisa, a word with you?
KRISA
Oh, San, I mean Nik, confusing, you know.
NIKKLO
Tell me about it. I’m locating a box of medical equipment that needs transporting to the Euryanassa.
KRISA
You need a stevedore to organize your stores, you know.
NIKKLO
Are you volunteering?
KRISA
If it gets me permission to see an authentic Sjujeenya, I guess I am volunteering.
NIKKLO
Welcome to the Euryanassa. Pack up and I’ll get you to the bunker to join us.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
Nikklo!
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Ilanit, damn it, I have a lot to do!
The structure Ilanit lived in crackled with energy that shown brighter than the sun.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Tauian attack!
Nikklo changed forms and phased to the house. He landed inside and sighed as he exchanged forms.
INT. ILANIT'S DETENTION HOUSE, GASBAJA – DAY - CONTINUOUS
On the floor, two PE lay in pools of blood. There faces were smashed from the impact of their goggles forcefully driven through their skulls.
He turned away from the grisly sight and swept his telepathy out to sense Ilanit. He
pulled back and closed his eyes.
Hadah rushed in and stopped with a gasp.
NIKKLO
They took her. We lost both Protocol Enforcers.
HADAH
Ikata fausa!
Nikklo sighed and turned toward the door.
HADAH
What are you going to do?
NIKKLO
I’m going to move the Vizha’i and get that ship launched.
HADAH
Mercy is never a mistake, Nik. What happens afterward makes the difference. You may be a super being but you’ve always said you have failings just like everyone else. I agree the priority is to get that ship launched. When you think it’s a good time, you can always mount a rescue for Ilanit.
Nikklo nodded numbly and walked from the house.
EXT. KUMANI CAMP, GASBAJA – DAY - CONTINUOUS
Nikklo walked back to Krisa.
NIKKLO
Show me the box.
KRISA
Kasai, Nik, those people are mean.
NIKKLO
They’re my people.
KRISA
You’re nothing like them. You care.
She stopped beside a shuttle.
KRISA
This is the med supplies.
Nikklo rasped then changed forms, touched the shuttle and phased to the bunker. He settled the shuttle then phased back to camp. Nikklo touched his Vizha’i and phased it to the bunker.
INT. EURYANASSA BUNKER, GASBAJA – DAY - CONTINUOUS
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Tisa, get the Vizha’i off the ground. Yuri, is everyone on?
YURI (PSI V.O.)
Mostly.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Di, get those people on board fast. Ilanit was forcefully returned to the Tauians. We have two PE dead. I’m itching to destroy a Prism ship.
TISA (PSI V.O.)
Well, leave us behind, Nikklo!
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Kasai, Tisa, I’m annoyed they took Ilanit. I want to get this ship off the ground now to divert their attention from the repairs on the Kumani and stop being an immobile target. They grounded the Kumani to get to me easier so I need to make it harder for them to target me.
TISA (PSI V.O.)
I can understand that. We’re in the air coming toward you. I’m sorry your people stole Ilanit back.
TISA (PSI V.O.)
Keep trying like you did when Kuro would chase you through the ship. You’ll figure out how to strike back at them. We’re here for you.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Fa’arata, Tisa. I’m seeing your approach. Hover and await further orders. Yuri, is there enough room for the Vizha’i to fit inside the bunker so we can load them?
YURI
Houk, there is room for them if they land carefully and staggered.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Di, open the main bunker door.
DI'OK (PSI V.O.)
Going out to those controls to do that.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Vizha’i, prepare to engage enemy.
TISA
We’re ready.
Nikklo rose into the air.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Yuri, prepare to launch as soon as the doors are open and Di'ok’s back on board.
YURI (PSI V.O.)
Readying for launch, Nikklo.
Nikklo phased into his Vizha’i, powered it up and raised it off the ground.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Vizha’i, follow me.
TISA (V.O)
Wow, can we climb at a less extreme grade, Nik?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Oh, houk, I don’t want you too stressed.
TISA (V.O.)
That’s good. At that grade we’d be getting aneurysms before we reached space.
As soon as he punched through the gravity barrier, he swept the area with his telepathy and it guided his sight to a shimmer in space.
INT. NIKKLO'S VIZHA'I – SPACE
As soon as he punched through the gravity barrier, he swept the area with his telepathy and it guided his sight to a shimmer in space.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
There’s that prism. Are you almost in space?
TISA (V.O.)
Houk, did you forget your helmet?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I did but it’s too late to get it now. Follow me and turn on your FLIR. We’re closing in on Tauian forces.
TISA (PSI V.O.)
Closing in on you.
TISA (V.O.)
All Vizha'e, communicate with telepathy until further notice.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Yuri, are you off the ground yet?
YURI (PSI V.O.)
Powering up. I take longer to climb than your interceptors.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Understood. We’ve got to provide cover fire so Yuri can get up here. Engage targets.
TEAM-LEADERS (PSI V.O.)
Houk.
The Vizha’i fanned out and began their death dance.
Nikklo monitored the field.
TAUIAN (PSI V.O.)
Hanging back, Nikklo?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Hiding behind pirates, Tauian?
TAUIAN (PSI V.O.)
Seems we all hide behind lesser beings.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I don’t consider the Astrisi lesser beings.
TAUIAN (PSI V.O.)
They are only four dimensional and we are six dimensional. How can you not think they’re lesser beings?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Granted, they don’t have the talents many of us have but that doesn’t mean they’re lesser.
TAUIAN (PSI V.O.)
All beings have a hierarchy in reality. You need to learn your place, Nikklo.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
It’s not with Beken or Ezron. I choose where I go, what I do and who I want to live with.
TAUIAN (PSI V.O.)
Your stubbornness is the root of your problems, Nikklo. Beken is your master. Once you learn that, you’ll be better for it. What is that dark mass rising from your planet?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
It’s a new friend of mine. I’m done talking, Tauian.
Nikklo gathered mental energy and pushed it through the telepathic link.
The Tauian howled in pain before the link shredded.
Nikklo steered his Vizha’i into dizzying maneuvers to get closer to the Prism Ship. He scanned the ship to sense if Ilanit was on board.
He stopped on a miserable mind and scanned the signature. It was Ilanit and she was in terrible pain.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Yuri, go to the bay where we will store the Vizha’i and contact me again.
YURI (PSI V.O.)
Houk, Tsikakayu.
(BEAT)
I am in the ship storage deck.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Okay, I’m going to pull myself to you and park my interceptor.
PHASING VISUAL
Nikklo grabbed a light beam and phased his Vizha’i into the Euryanassa.
INT. EURYANASSA SHIP STORAGE BAY - CONTINUOUS
He powered down and climbed out.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Tisa, I’m going to the Prism Ship to rescue Ilanit. Take over command until you hear from me again.
TISA (PSI V.O.)
Be careful, Nik.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I’ll try.
Nikklo changed forms and phased out of the ship toward the Prism.
INT. PRISM SHIP - CONTINUOUS
CRYSTAL WALL NIKKLO
Nikklo stepped back and willed himself to look like a part of the crystalline wall.
He cautiously scanned around him and sensed that Ilanit wasn’t far away. As he prepared to separate from the wall, he saw a blur.
EZRON stood before him and clapped his hands mockingly.
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
You almost had me fooled, Nikklo. If you had stayed with us for any training, you’d know how to hide yourself better from telepathic identification.
Nikklo completed his reformation to his crystalloid shape and stepped away from the wall.
BACK TO TAUIAN NIKKLO
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Let Ilanit go free, Ezron. She was only a part of your crew that searched for me because she wanted me to continue the insurrection we began together.
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
Do you honestly think I didn’t know that? I used her just as she used me. I didn’t care why she wanted to find you, just that she found you so I could capture you to return you to Beken. Although, why anyone would want you as a pet, I can’t fathom. You’re too wild and obstinate to be of any use.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
So let Ilanit leave with me, you leave me alone and I won’t be obstinate to you.
Ezron underhanded a beam of energy through Nikklo’s midriff.
Nikklo bounced back into the wall and cracked his head against Ezron’s chest.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
So this is what you do to Ilanit to make her crystal so pitted?
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
You’re a good fighter, but you don’t know what you’re doing here. Stop this stupid insurrection and we can hone your warrior skills so much, no one would defy you for long, Nikklo.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Burn out your core, Ezron.
Ezron drove Nikklo’s head against the wall.
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
There’s something you don’t know about polymorphs, Nikklo.
Ezron’s aura intensified and traveled down the light that impaled his stomach.
Nikklo arched his head back and shuddered.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
No! Why are you doing this? I hate you!
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
To show you, you’re a monster. The polymorphic body is unstable. You’re a freak who was never a decent suitor for my daughter. The more forms you take, the more twisted and ugly you’ll become when you change back until no one will recognize you without reading your aura!
Nikklo felt an extreme pressure build in the center of his chest. He impaled himself forward, slammed his body into Ezron’s and drove the energy spike out of the wall. He swung his arm down and shattered the spike through his middle.
A wave of energy exploded from Ezron with a mental shriek.
Nikklo absorbed Ezron’s energy and pulled in more energy around him then pushed the energy out with his arms.
Ezron was blasted through the air, twisted to grab a light beam and disappeared.
Nikklo grabbed a light beam, traveled to Ilanit, grabbed her up and astral phased.
PHASING VISUAL
As they flew away, the prism ship shattered into a fine dust around them.
Once they were back on the Euryanassa, Nikklo stepped away from Ilanit and looked at her.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Are you okay?
Ilanit looked down at him and her aura sizzled around her in a frenzy.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
No! How could you?
She blurred and disappeared.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Ilanit! What’s wrong?
Nikklo tracked her to a room.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
Leave me alone, Nikklo! Just leave me alone!
He bowed his head as powerful emotions surged through him. He stopped and gaped at a crystal knot newly attached to his side. He gripped it and pulled.
It held fast and wouldn’t move.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Tisa, I’m going to Sailia. I have to ask Tarek some advice.
Nikklo astral phased toward Sailia.
PHASE VISUAL
For several minutes, Nikklo jumped to different light beams as he controlled cramps that were beginning to be noticed even in Tauian form.
INT. CENTRAL CALDERA, MISIPATASUTISGA, SAILIA – DAY - CONTINUOUS
Nikklo landed beside the central caldera of Misipatasutisga.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Tarek!
TAREK rushed out with CHERNA at his side.
Nikklo gasped as he saw how beautiful Cherna still was and his core swelled with longing to touch her again. He pulled his attention away from her and concentrated on Tarek.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
What’s this?
He pointed to the knot.
TAREK (PSI V.O.)
Oh, dear child, who did this to you?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Ezron! He merged his skisla aura with me. Why did he do that? Why did he rape me?
Tarek (PSI V.O.)
Nikky, let me do some tests on you, please?
Nikklo pointed to the knot on his side.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
What is this?!
Tarek grasped Nikklo’s arm and pulled him toward a room.
Nikklo twisted his arm out of Tarek’s grasp and stepped away.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Answer me, Great Forger! Ezron said he wanted to show me I was a monster; a freak not decent to be his daughter’s suitor! Why?
A cramp radiated from the knot.
Nikklo doubled over and wrapped his arms around his middle. He cried out and collapsed to his knees.
Tarek reached down and swept Nikklo into his arms. He rushed to the room and laid Nikklo on the bed.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
INT. BEDROOM, MISIPATASUTISGA, SAILIA - CONTINUOUS
Tarek picked up a scanner and held it over Nikklo’s body.
TAREK
Oh, this is cruel, Ezron, the cruelest you’ve ever done.
CHERNA
What?
TAREK
Cherna, sweetheart, please go with Haelatika. I have to work on Nikklo to save his life.
CHERNA
What? Not again! We were just working things out!
Haelatika laid her hand on Cherna’s shoulder.
HAELATIKA
Come, let Tarek work.
Cherna wiped the tears from her face and reluctantly walked from the room with Haelatika.
Arcas climbed around Nikklo's shoulders and flew to a table.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Owe, owe, owe, shit, being in close telepathic contact with you can be painful! This is totally rachi!
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Bla'ua, Arcas! Ugh, this hurts so badly, even in crystalloid form!
TAREK (PSI V.O.)
I’m sure it does. You can’t nurture it to maturity. I have to- I have to abort the fetus. If I don’t, it will kill both of you.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Fetus? I can’t be pregnant! I’m a man!
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Shit, shit, shit. I can't freaking believe this!
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Shut the hell up, Arcas!
Arcas wrapped his wings around him so he was a ball on the table.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Okay, I'll shut the hell up! Wake me when this is done!
Tarek shuddered and wiped his eyes as he picked up an odd-looking device. He shined a beam on the base of the node.
Nikklo shrieked and writhed.
TAREK
I know it hurts. Try to stay still. The fetus is almost detached.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I’m a man, damn it! I can’t be pregnant!
TAREK
Nikklo, you are a man but you’re also - female. Ezron said the polymorph form was unstable and he’s right. The instability is that you were born intersexed so you could transform into anything or any gender you wanted to. Your female aspects just aren’t completely formed so I’d say you’re about 80% a fully mature functioning male but you’re 20% female.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
What? So Ezron is right, I’m a freak?
TAREK
It was a congenital birth defect. I didn’t think you needed to be told because you seemed to be handling your life well enough without that knowledge.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I don’t have a vagina, damn it!
TAREK
You do. It’s a small hole not easily seen just between the connection of your scrotum and your anus.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Fuck you, Tarek!
Tarek held up the node and sighed deeply.
TAREK
The nodule is removed. Now I need to heal you and you should recover.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Recover? You killed a baby I was growing and you say I’ll be fine?
TAREK
You’ll live, but I’d be callous if I said you wouldn’t grieve.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
That’s why Ilanit ran from me and told me not to talk to her. She knew I was pregnant but I didn’t because I didn’t know how a Tauian looked when pregnant. I am a freak!
Tarek wiped the tears from his face.
TAREK
You’re not a freak. You’re my son and a very talented polymorph.
Nikklo pressed his hands over his face.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Just heal me and go away. Just as Cheri and I were working things out. What more can slam me to destroy my life further?
TAREK
Take this one step at a time.
Tarek turned off the hand held healing machine.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Tarek, bury the baby respectfully, please? And what gender was it?
TAREK
The baby was a she.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
How can I tell Ambri and Andu they have a dead sister?
TAREK
Grieve for yourself first then consider how you’ll tell your family.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
You’re right, Ezron was cruel beyond belief. He couldn’t just tell me, he had to shatter my whole identity. I’m glad I shattered his ship with my telekinesis.
TAREK
He sorely deserved it. I’ll inter the fetus.
Tarek left quietly.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Wow, I'm so sorry.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I hate you, Ezron! I will shatter your core for this!
Nikklo pushed the telepathic thought into deep space.
INT. CRYSTAL CAVERN, MISIPATASUTISGA, SAILIA - DAY
Tarek couldn’t stop the tears as he phased to the secret crystal room and laid the nodule into a crystal box and sealed it.
TAREK
Rakul, why did I do this? Our youngest is so angry with me, but he’s all I have left. We crystalloids are so much more intelligent than the mammals and yet in some ways, that intelligence made us stupid. I only realized that after I designed the Saili and watched them evolve. Then as I began to learn about the Humans, I began to see how grave my own mistakes were. I tried to spare Nikky the knowledge of the mistakes we made when we agreed to design him with so much power. Why did I ever think I should encase a sentient pulsar into a powerful child? He was to be my most shining achievement, but he became my most glaring mistake. Still, I love him so much, it rips me to the core when he verbally attacks me for giving him an ambulatory body. Now I’m interring another shard of me because Ezron chose the most cruel way to tell Nikky that to make him a polymorph, I played too loose with his genetics.
HAELATIKA (PSI V.O.)
Tarek, you’re trying to correct your mistakes.
TAREK (PSI V.O.)
I shouldn’t have made them in the first place. If anyone shatters his core containment, the pulsar’s power may release such a massive gravity wave, it could destroy everything!
HAELATIKA (PSI V.O.)
You didn’t tell me Nikklo is a sentient pulsar!
TAREK (PSI V.O.)
I found it in my travels away from Rakul and the kids. It spoke to me and told me it was so bored with spinning in one place and wanted to travel like me. I sympathized and promised I would make it like me so it could go anywhere and do anything it wanted to. I shouldn’t have done it! Now an extremely powerful star within a crystal body is being forced to serve a megalomaniac and it’s my fault.
HAELATIKA (PSI V.O.)
That’s in the past. Not even a Tauian can turn back time. You can only trust Nikklo’s self-restraint and help him defeat Beken so he can’t fulfill his ambitions. I’m sorry your first direct grandchild died at conception. You hurt deeply about it and that Nikky cursed you for making him even able to conceive that child. Be there for Nikky even though he curses his and your existence. Sometime, he’ll get beyond the anger and want to be comforted. I know you’ll want to be there to comfort him.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Can someone please tell me what’s going on? What happened to Nikky?
TAREK (PSI V.O.)
He’s healed. He’s just angry right now.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Why?
Tarek phased to Cherna’s room and sat down on her bed. He patted the bed beside him.
TAREK
I have much to atone for, Cherna. You know I’m a genetic scientist who made Nikklo have his extreme powers.
CHERNA
You’ve said that before.
She sat beside Tarek.
TAREK
You know that he can take on many forms.
CHERNA
Yes, he was wondering how many forms he could take and if it was limited.
TAREK
He should limit how many forms he takes and repeat as many of those forms as he can. There is a cost for his transformations because the polymorph has an unstable form. When he takes on a new form, then returns to his base form, his base form, in some way, becomes mutated by the new form. The more forms he takes on, the more he forgets his original form and it will come back with a trace of the new form still present. He can prevent the mutations up to a point by having a Tauian crystal store the information about his original form so he can reset himself to reverse the worst of the mutations but even the resets have limits.
CHERNA
Was that knot on his side he was yelling about a mutation?
Tarek sniffed and rubbed his brow.
TAREK
I don’t know if I should tell you.
NIKKLO
Then I can and I should because she’s my mate and she is owed an explanation.
Tarek looked up and saw Nikklo was back in his Saili form with his golden face stained with tears. His dark eyes had a red glow within them that mirrored his inner distress.
NIKKLO
Do you want me to keep a Tauian crystal here with a default form stored so I can come home if I need to do a reset?
TAREK
That would probably be wise.
NIKKLO
So did I become intersexed because I turned into a girl to lure those pirates?
TAREK
No, you were already intersexed when you were born so that if you did want or need to turn into a girl, you could do it. I didn’t think that trait would cause you so much distress. I’m so sorry, Nikky.
Nikklo bit his lip and his eyes filled with tears again.
NIKKLO
Now I’m a grieving mother and I can’t even be a mother, you asshole! You think I won’t wonder how it could have been to see Rakulinea grow up?
TAREK
That’s the name you just gave her?
NIKKLO
Yes, I chose it because it’s similar to my mother Rakul’s name. She should, at least, have a name for me to remember her!
CHERNA
You were pregnant?
NIKKLO
I’m a girl and a boy. I just look like a boy!
CHERNA
But you impregnated me with Andoku and Ambrika!
TAREK
Both of your children are conceived by Nikklo because he’s a fully mature functional male, but his female parts are vestigial. The fetus was going to kill them both, because his female parts weren’t fully formed and incapable of nurturing the fetus. He didn't have what she needed for her to grow strong enough to separate from Nikklo and be a healthy being.
She rushed Nikklo to hug him.
CHERNA
Ezron was very cruel. I’m so sorry, Nikky!
Nikklo buried his head in her hair and his emotions crumbled. He clung to her desperately while his body shook with deep sobs.
NIKKLO
Maybe we should end our marriage. My whole life was a lie.
CHERNA
Not a lie. You’ve been mostly honest about what you knew. You’re still the person I’ve always known.
NIKKLO
No, you said it, I’m not Sannaro anymore.
CHERNA
I was angry when I said that. You know I’ve been talking to a Wanekaya here on Sailia. I know now that because I was so young when we formed the marriage link, I selfishly thought I was your only woman. When Ilanit showed up and said you and she were once betrothed, I got angry at the thought I wasn't the only woman you had sex with. I just can't stop thinking about how I miss you. I miss your beautiful eyes that can sparkle with mischief through those long dark eyelashes. I miss your laughs; your singing in the shower and how you shiver lustily when I touch your ears. You have to use your telekinesis on Ezron! I know you fear it but it’s all you have left! I’m glad you finally disintegrated that damned ship around Ezron.
NIKKLO
I hate that power and I always have hated that power. It destroyed my life before. It’ll only destroy another life.
CHERNA
No, you can’t believe that. That power is the only thing the Tauians don’t have but you have. That makes you different.
NIKKLO
I’m tired of being different.
CHERNA
You’re just sad right now. You have every reason to be sad.
NIKKLO
I’m not a he anymore, I’m a she-he.
CHERNA
You look like a he so I’ll call you he. Even though it’s a shock that you’re intersexed, I’m not really surprised. Now it makes sense why you’re bisexual. You’ve always been like this. But I’ve touched you all over.
Tarek stood and took Haelatika’s hand.
TAREK
Haela, I think they need to discuss some things in private.
HAELATIKA
I sense they do too.
Both left the room.
Nikklo snorted despite his heavy feelings.
NIKKLO
I know what you’re thinking. Yes, Tarek told me I have a small vagina just beyond where my scrotum attaches before my anus.
CHERNA
Not a place I usually look at.
NIKKLO
And I’d break something if I tried to look there.
CHERNA
Why didn’t Danu find it?
NIKKLO
I don’t know. Mammals have many organs crammed in that small area, maybe it wasn’t detected. If it’s vestigial, it may not look right.
CHERNA
You have a point. Now that you’re healed and in a better mood, don’t you think you should get back to the Euryanassa?
NIKKLO
I don’t want to leave you. I need you, Cherna, you’re my anchor. My soul is so shattered right now, I don’t know if I have the courage to go back out there again!
CHERNA
You have to go back or we’ll all die, Tsikakayu!
NIKKLO
I’m scared!
CHERNA
I know you’re scared. You were scared to crawl through the access tunnels to confront Arlington after he captured the Kumani’s bridge. You got through those tunnels and rescued our whole ship! You were scared to go back to the pirate ship to free Altarian but you still went because you didn’t want to abandon him to be a slave again. Face your fear and conquer it! I’ve seen you do it! Just don’t stop fighting. You started this insurrection! I now understand that the only feelings Ilanit has for you is that she wants you to finish the insurrection you began because she wants to be free. Free your people like you wanted to, Nikklosannaro. You promised them. Make it happen.
Nikklo pressed his lips to hers and kissed her frantically.
CHERNA
Nikky, calm down.
Nikklo pulled back but stayed in her embrace.
CHERNA
I’m here, Sanna. I promise I won’t hurt you anymore. I’m warned about Tauian tactics. I’m more telepathic and in training to use it. I’ll return to the Euryanassa with you to help you cope.
NIKKLO
Please, love me again.
CHERNA
I never stopped loving you. If I hadn’t cared, I wouldn’t have been so angry. Being Saili has opened my mind to a vast perspective I wasn’t aware was there when I was a weak human telepath.
NIKKLO
Ezron broke me. Now what do I do?
CHERNA
Who is this Beken?
NIKKLO
My uncle, a megalomaniac who convinced Tarek to make the super warriors so the Krystallos could fight the Prizean Empire over a dispute. After the Prizean were defeated, Beken wanted to use the super warriors to conquer other planets around Tauia. Tarek made me close to the end of the Prizean conflict then we were chased away, we were marooned on a humanoid world and Beken became the new emperor of Tauia.
CHERNA
So Ezron is just doing what Beken told him to do?
NIKKLO
Houk. Ezron said it! He said, I didn’t care why she wanted to find you, just that she found you so I could capture you to return you to Beken. Although, why anyone would want you as a pet, I can’t fathom. You’re too wild and obstinate to be of any use. He admitted he’s just doing Beken’s bidding.
CHERNA
Then maybe you need to go around Ezron and directly confront Beken?
NIKKLO
Beken had me dismembered.
CHERNA
They’re very good at intimidation. They’ve got you intimidated and I thought that was impossible!
Nikklo turned and slammed his fist into the wall.
Cherna put her arms around his chest and pressed her head to his back.
NIKKLO
They can turn the people I trusted against me. That’s what scares me, Cheri!
CHERNA
I can understand why it scares you, but it’s all because they’re scared of you.
NIKKLO
Right.
CHERNA
They’re scared of your power so they want you under their control. As long as you’re afraid of using it, they can manipulate you. Use that power and they’ll shrink from you.
Cherna pulled her arms from around him and massaged his shoulders.
CHERNA
You’re so tense you’re going to sprain something.
Nikklo groaned and sank to the floor.
Cherna worked his muscles more vigorously until the knots began to soften under her fingertips.
CHERNA
Relax, lover. Your safe for now.
NIKKLO
I want to. I want you but why would you want me? I’m a freak.
CHERNA
Ezron said you were a freak while he was raping you. Should you really listen to him? I think he’s the freak.
Nikklo dropped his head.
NIKKLO
I need you so badly, Cheri.
CHERNA
I know that now. I’m sorry. I still have some healing to do in my mind but when you were so devastated, my heart wanted you so badly, I finally saw why my heart needed to forgive you. You fulfilled your promise to convince me why I should still love you with no coercion on your part. This was my choice. I love you, Nikklosannaro.
NIKKLO
I love you, Cherna-baia-kuan-leena-tori. That is the name you would have if you were Tauian.
CHERNA
I’ll accept that name, my love.
NIKKLO
I guess I really should get back to the war.
CHERNA
I’ll go with you. It’s time I remembered I’m your wing-mate in all things.
NIKKLO
I missed you.
CHERNA
You gave me a great gift even though I beat you to death. I’m so lucky to have a love as deep as yours.
NIKKLO
What you did wasn’t your fault. You were victimized more than I was. You didn’t deserve to die.
CHERNA
Like I said, I’m so lucky to have a love as deep as yours.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
Nikklo stood them up.
Cherna wrapped her legs around his waist.
CHERNA
I have legs, lover! I can feel your skin on mine all the way down to my calves!
Nikklo smiled.
CHERNA
Did you show Tarek a picture of me naked?
NIKKLO
Not voluntarily. He did want to make you look as close to your original body as possible. If it’s any consolation, I did call him a pervert for looking into my memories. He shaped this body too, you know.
CHERNA
Sometimes I wonder if he likes his job too much.
NIKKLO
From what I’ve learned from my memories and what he’s told me, he’s much happier as the Great Forger of Sailia. I left Tisa in command of the Euryanassa and it’s been hours since I spoke to her.
CHERNA
How did you know how to fly that ancient ship so fast?
NIKKLO
We don't.
CHERNA
What?
NIKKLO
You know those crystal bugs that tried to freeze you in place in the cave?
CHERNA
Houk.
NIKKLO
They only wanted to make legs for you. They wanted to repair you. They’re smart parasites who feed from any electrical source, organic or inorganic and they’re telepathic. They were used by the Gasbajans to make smart ships. The Euryanassa flies itself. We just fly our Vizha’i.
CHERNA
Oh, I guess Di'ok would say mistaken intent?
NIKKLO
Houk. He’s my linguist on board.
CHERNA
He is?
NIKKLO
Yeah, he threatened to emasculate me if I didn’t take him along.
CHERNA
That sounds like something my brother would do.
Nikklo lowered her to the floor.
CHERNA
Nikky, where is the baby?
NIKKLO
I don't know. Maybe Tarek took her to the crystal cave where he stored my body.
CHERNA
Would you take me to it? I want to see her.
NIKKLO
There isn't much to see. Infant Tauians are just a crystal ball.
Cherna pressed against him and laid her head on his chest.
CHERNA
Please?
Nikklo thought for a second before he grabbed a light beam and traveled to the deep cavern. He landed them and looked around the glaring room.
CRYSTAL CAVERN, MISIPATASUTISGA, SAILIA – DAY - CONTINUOUS
NIKKLO
This is Tarek's inner sanctum.
Cherna moved around the room in wonder.
CHERNA
It's beautiful!
Nikklo stepped up to the crystal box with his Saili body within.
Cherna stopped beside him.
CHERNA
I'm sorry for beating you so mercilessly.
NIKKLO
I know.
She continued around the room and stopped at a small box and picked it up. She stared deeply into the crystal.
CHERNA
Wow.
The box flashed brightly.
Cherna cried out and dropped the box.
The box shattered on the crystal floor.
NIKKLO
Nui, Rakulinea!
Nikklo rushed to the shards and picked them up with shaking hands.
Cherna clutched her stomach.
CHERNA
I'm so sorry, Nikky!
Nikklo sighed and set the shards down again.
NIKKLO
It's okay, she was already dead.
He looked up at her through tear-blurred eyes but furrowed his brow and dried his face.
Cherna clutched the crystal nodule that clung to her side.
CHERNA
Nikky?
Nikklo stood and grasped the nodule.
It held fast.
NIKKLO
Uh oh.
RAKULINEA (PSI V.O.)
It's okay, mommy. I'm not dead. This mommy can feed me.
NIKKLO
Tarek? Come to the crystal cavern right now!
Tarek appeared beside them.
Nikklo pointed to the nodule on Cherna's side.
NIKKLO
She just wanted to see the baby. Now the baby is on her!
CHERNA
I'm confused. I'm pregnant with the child Nikky just mothered?
NIKKLO
Fausa, what does that make me?
TAREK
A more important question is, Cherna, do you want to remain pregnant with Nikklo's baby?
CHERNA
Is it any different than Nikklo impregnating me with Andu and Ambri?
TAREK
Well, Nikklo was the natural mother but she would be feeding from you. The baby still has Nikklo's genetics but Ezron is the father and he did rape Nikklo.
CHERNA
Nikky was crushed when he thought she was dead. I can understand why he was devastated. Nikky, what do you feel?
NIKKLO
She's my baby and I hurt for her. Cheri, can we go through with this pregnancy? For less confusion, I can just say I'm the father?
TAREK
There may be more questions later.
NIKKLO
We can face those questions when they come.
CHERNA
Yes, we'll take this one step at a time. I'll keep the pregnancy and birth your baby.
NIKKLO
Fa'arata, ko'ia!
Tarek picked up a device and pointed it at Cherna.
TAREK
I'm modifying the nodule so you can carry her like a Saili baby to ease the strain on your body.
The nodule sunk into Cherna's skin and her stomach expanded slightly.
TAREK
I’m really sorry you’re being torn to pieces. I thought the training would help. I guess I underestimated Ezron’s cruelty.
NIKKLO
The war’s not over yet, they just landed a hard blow. I’m ready to go back and figure out my next move.
CHERNA
And I’m going with him.
TAREK
You’re taking your telepathic trainer and your counselor with you, Cherna.
CHERNA
I’m willing to do that.
TAREK
Nik, are you willing to astral phase that large of a group?
NIKKLO
I am. Just let me soak up some energy a little beside the central caldera and I think I can do it. I’ll be back when I’m powered up. Remember, I just blew up a prism ship before I came.
CHERNA
You said you did. I’ll pack up while you’re feeding.
NIKKLO
I also transported everyone to the new ship before I attacked the Prism.
Nikklo changed forms and phased Cherna to the central caldera.
Cherna walked back to her room to pack.
Nikklo found a boulder and sat down to watch the lapping lava in the pool. He saw a blur beside him and noticed Tarek change back to Saili form. Nikklo changed to Saili form because he sensed Tarek wanted to talk.
NIKKLO
What now?
TAREK
While you and Cherna were busy, Haela and I had a talk. She said I need to be totally honest with you or you’ll continue to be pissed with me.
NIKKLO
There’s more?
TAREK
Yes, the source of your power- it’s a sentient pulsar of incredible magnetic compression.
NIKKLO
What? You put a highly compressed star in my core?
TAREK
No, you are the highly compressed star. I guess after all the crap you’ve been through, you forgot that you spoke to me while I was astral phasing alone and begged me to make you a crystalline body because you were bored with spinning in a fixed trajectory. You wanted to explore the universe. I decided that since you were so compressed, I could contain you in a special crystal core and give you a Tauian body to live in so you could have the freedom you craved.
NIKKLO
You’re crazy, Tarek. You’re completely crazy!
TAREK
Remember when I found you again on that Humanoid world after our prism ship crashed, I told you I found a very powerful weapon that the Tauians wanted me to hand over to them?
NIKKLO
I remember. I thought you meant that weapon was me since I’m the most powerful super warrior you made.
TAREK
You are that weapon. I hid it in plain sight within you. When you use your gravity wave, you’re opening your core and allowing a limited amount of the gravity you create as a pulsar escape containment. If anyone cracks your core and you lose containment, you may not be able to control how much power you release and… you could set off a gravity wave that could disrupt the cohesion of the universe. You could cause another “big bang.”
NIKKLO
Oh skisla great, did you think you may have played with forces you had no business manipulating?
TAREK
Now I do but back when I promised you that body, I was too blinded to see what I was doing. You were so frustrated that you were stuck in one place and begged me to indulge your curiosity.
NIKKLO
If this is true, that’s one time you should have told me a flat no. I shouldn’t have existed at all like this. Maybe I should end this and fly into a sun to incinerate myself before I destroy everything!
TAREK
Could you control how much power you release if you did that?
NIKKLO
I don’t know. My gut feeling fears that idea.
TAREK
Then, maybe it would be safer if you continued to try to end this war as a Tauian/Saili who can manipulate gravity?
NIKKLO
You know, I’m getting tired of this crap, Tarek? If I am this pulsar, I’m sure I just wanted to see what was out there, not cause a damn intergalactic war!
TAREK
I know you just wanted to explore. You said it was why you wanted me to make you what you called a micro. You said the micro-universe was more interesting than the macro-universe.
NIKKLO
Maybe a bit too interesting. I was happy to be Sannaro, you know that?
TAREK
I know you were happy to be Sannaro. I’m sorry our past had to screw that up. Now, if you want that life back, you have to stop Beken from wanting to use you for his ends. Beken does fear you. Use his fear of your gravity wave against him to gain the upper hand before you move in for the final attack.
NIKKLO
I think I do.
He changed to crystal form, pulled off his clothes and dove into the lava. He gasped at the heat but was amused that it felt like a hot bath instead of scalding lava. He stroked powerfully through the superheated liquid easier than he thought he would and felt his energy soar.
TAREK
Cool down first before you change forms or you may burn your Saili body.
Nikklo saw Tarek’s huge dousing barrel and jumped into it in a cloud of steam.
TAREK
Oh, great, now I have to wash that out before I use it again, but I guess that’s cooling you off quickly.
NIKKLO
It worked.
He phased out and returned to his Saili form.
Cherna joined them with her bag in hand and two Saili behind her.
CHERNA
Nik, you know Wanikaya, my counselor and this is Meledoro, my telepathic trainer.
NIKKLO
You've been a great help in the last few years, Wanakaya.
Meledoro bowed.
MELEDORO
I am honored to be in the presence of one of Gavasno’s students. His training is legendary, but, of course, you are the Tsikakayu and have had the best trainers.
NIKKLO
I didn’t know Gavasno was legendary. I don’t return to Sailia often.
MELEDORO
Many things changed after you healed the rift between the Old and New Saili. And one I am honored to be a part of is to serve those who do the Great Forger’s work. Not even the Order of True Telepaths have the honor of serving the Great Forger’s family.
NIKKLO
Oh don’t remind me about Kotonori and his bunch.
MELEDORO
They have learned the error of their ways and acknowledge you as the Tsikakayu, the Tsisutisga’s son.
NIKKLO
So I hope they no longer want to lock me up?
MELEDORO
Your mission is too important to lock you up.
NIKKLO
Good, now casually touch each other so I can pull you along to astral phase you to the Euryanassa.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Arcas, to me.
Arcas appeared above Nikklo's head and settled back on his shoulder.
Once they had their hands on each other's shoulders, Nikklo took Cherna's hand, reached out to grab a light beam, changed to Tauian form and pulled them into the air.
This time Nikklo felt like he had to make a lot more light jumps than he had before but continued to persist the travel to the Gasbajan ship. Finally, he released the light and phased them onto the bridge of the ancient ship.
INT. BRIDGE, EURYANASSA - CONTINUOUS
YURI
Welcome back, Tsikakayu.
Tisa jumped slightly off the deck.
TISA
Finally! What took you so long?
NIKKLO
It's terribly complicated.
TISA
Is that Cherna? How did she turn Saili?
Di'ok flew from the communications board and swept his sister into a hug.
CHERNA
Wow, Di, overwhelm me with emotions before I can even get my bearings!
Di'ok set her down and stepped back.
DI'OK
Sorry, sis. I thought I'd never see you again.
CHERNA
My Astrisi form had to be put in stasis until Tarek could heal me. He made this Saili body for me so I could help Nikky and have better defenses against the Tauians.
DI'OK
Wow, are those real legs you're standing on?
Cherna hugged Nikklo.
CHERNA
Houk, brother, this body has natural legs. Nikky wanted me to be whole again.
NIKKLO
I hate to break up this reunion, but Yuri, give me an update.
YURI
I sense no Tauian Prisms near us so we're in calm space for now. We've had to compensate for some systems that were dormant for too long and we're making repairs. We're in functioning order.
NIKKLO
Good.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Nik, I sense Ilanit is here.
NIKKLO
I had to bring her here after I rescued her from Ezron. The PE couldn't keep her safe from Tauian attack and I need her knowledge.
YURI
I took the liberty to erect a similar force field around her room to what contained the Euryanassa within the bunker.
NIKKLO
The one even I couldn't phase through?
YURI
Yes.
NIKKLO
Good. I guess I need to explain to her what happened. She was so upset when she saw-
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Don't think about that now. She's safe with me. You have an offensive to plan. Now that I have full telepathy, I sense she's so sad.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
She is sad. The colors of her aura are so dark, I don't know how she kept her core from extinguishing. I'm her only hope for any freedom.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
I wish I had sensed this before.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
You know it now. That's all that matters.
DI'OK
What the hell happened?
CHERNA
Sorry, Di, I don't think it should be discussed right now. Let’s just say, Nikky is very sad right now.
DI'OK
So who is with you this time?
CHERNA
You know my Counselor Wanakaya and Meledoro is my telepathic trainer.
NIKKLO
Di, would you take Wanakaya and Meledoro to open quarters so they can settle in?
DI'OK
Houk, please follow me.
Di'ok walked to a hatch at the back of the bridge.
Wanakaya stopped before Nikklo.
WANAKAYA (PSI V.O.)
Tsikakayu, I am willing to counsel you and Cherna. I hope you realize Cherna is also grieving for you?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Yes, I know she is. We both grieved for the loss of Altarian and he wasn’t our natural born child. I will accept your counsel but I have to command this ship and I have some tasks to do before I can take some free time.
Wanikaya bowed then followed Di'ok through the hatch.
TISA
You look like you could cry.
NIKKLO
I have too much to do and Ilanit’s rescue didn’t go well.
TISA
That’s why you popped in with her then disappeared with just a warning that you were going to Sailia?
NIKKLO
Houk, I needed special medical treatment.
TISA
Ilanit refuses to speak to anyone since you left. She seemed really upset.
NIKKLO
She had good reason to be upset. You can go back to the flight deck. I’ll leave Yuri to watch the ship while I get my work done.
Tisa nodded and left through the hatch.
YURI
I’m on my guard, Nikklo. You care for your people and yourself.
Nikklo walked into the hallway.
FADE OUT.
THE END