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 79 – BLACK HOLE
BY: LYSSA THORNE
FADE IN:
ILANIT'S ROOM, EURYANASSA - CONTINUOUS
Nikklo distractedly walked the halls.
He stopped before Ilanit’s room and shored up his courage.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
Are you going to come in or are you now my personal guard?
NIKKLO
Crystalline on guard for Ilanit, lower the shield to allow me in then immediately raise it again until I tell you I'm ready to leave.
CRYSTALLINE
Houk, Tsikakayu.
The colorful curtain blinked out.
Nikklo triggered the sensor and walked in.
Nikklo sensed the curtain raise again.
Ilanit sat cross-legged as still as a statue on the floor.
NIKKLO
You were very angry with me when I rescued you.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
You really didn’t know what happened?
NIKKLO
No, I didn’t know. Ezron raped me to show me in the cruelest way why I wasn’t fit to be your mate. Ilanit, I still care about you but not like I did during the insurrection. I’m not that Nikklo anymore. So I don’t appreciate you having sex with me when I didn’t even remember how Tauians had sex.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
I was only helping you to escape. I knew no other way to help you remember. If that offended you, I apologize.
NIKKLO
I love Cherna.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
And Danu and Di'ok are your lovers too.
NIKKLO
I don’t remember everything about my former life. Sannaro’s life is still fresh in my mind and I like that life. I don’t want to remember my life as Nikklo because I was dismembered brutally. That’s what I remember the most. I’m sorry, I have no fondness for my memories as Nikklo and now that I know I’m a damned hermaphrodite, I feel angrier. A baby was conceived today because your asshole of a father wanted to humiliate me. He did a fucking fine job of it too. I’m thoroughly humiliated.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
So now your angry at all Tauians? Does that include yourself and Tarek?
NIKKLO
I don’t know right now. I was fucking pregnant and that pregnancy almost killed me. I’m in pain and now Cherna carries my child because I'm not female enough to carry her myself. I’d rather be impaled because that’s a more familiar pain I can work through.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
I’m sorry for getting angry at you for having the nodule. I reacted before I thought.
NIKKLO
I guess you knew but I didn’t because nobody the hell told me. Tauians have done nothing but lie to me.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
I guess we have and now we’ve destroyed your dream. Mine was destroyed a long time ago with your disappearance.
NIKKLO
I’m being selfish. I get that way when I’m hurt.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
Don’t we all get that way when we’re hurt? We’re just all trying to survive. That’s what I’m doing on board your ship, trying to survive.
Nikklo felt the tears fill his eyes and turned to leave the room.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
Your Saili form is leaking fluid. Does it have to do with your distressed aura?
NIKKLO
Yes.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
I’m sorry he shattered your feelings, Nikklo. He shattered mine a long time ago.
NIKKLO
Yet he still holds your leash.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
I do not know your terminology.
NIKKLO
He still holds your core in slavery.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
I will not be free until you destroy them, Nikklo. You will not be free to live the way you want to live until you destroy them. Don’t do it for me; do it for yourself and your baby so your core can find peace.
NIKKLO
My core- that’s what started this fucking problem in the first place. I’m too fucking curious for my own good. I shouldn’t have wanted more than I had.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
Why should you be happy with less? You love to see what’s out there. You’re a true explorer. You never wanted to destroy anything because then you would never experience what you destroyed. Beken can’t turn you into what you’re not.
NIKKLO
Really? I kill all the time.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
You kill those who try to stop you from seeing what’s out there. You'll stop killing when they stop attacking you.
NIKKLO
That’s what I’ve said before, I’ll stop fighting when people stop attacking me.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
So make them stop any way you can, Nikklo. Stop them for those you care about. I can live with being one of your memories. I will still give you any information you require from me. But, know this, Beken fears the darkness.
NIKKLO
Thank you. I have more work I need to do. We will talk again later.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
I will be here.
NIKKLO
Crystalline, drop the shield so I can leave.
CRYSTALLINE
Houk, Tsikakayu.
The force field dropped.
Nikklo walked through the door back into the hallway.
As soon as he was in the center of the hall, the force field flickered back to life.
BEKEN (PSI V.O.)
Nikklo, you may as well fight for me. Don’t you see your own friends are beginning to fear you? You’ll always be a freak to them.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
So you’re my Uncle Beken. You can stick it up your ass till it impales your core. You don’t know my friends like I do. I know who I am now and I’m coming after you.
Nikklo sent a mind-slam.
Beken’s mind disappeared from his.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Yeah, you just fly on a light beam and hide, coward.
YURI (PSI V.O.)
Nikklo, I dislike interrupting you.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
What?
YURI (PSI V.O.)
I sense a large armed ship approaches that Di'ok identifies as an ADF Dreadnought.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Ikata fausa, not them now! I’ll be there in a blink of an eye.
Nikklo changed forms and traveled on a light beam back to the bridge.
INT. BRIDGE, EURYANASSA - CONTINUOUS
Sannaro appeared beside Yuri.
NIKKLO
Have they hailed us yet, Di?
DI'OK
Just got it on my board. Answering them. Any surprise they want to talk to the commander of the ship?
NIKKLO
Nui, patch it through the main viewer, Yuri.
Yuri concentrated and the main viewer changed from space to the face of a middle aged Human.
ADDISON
This is the ADF ship Cochran, James Addison commanding, Gasbajan vessel, identify yourself.
NIKKLO
This is the Astrisi warship Euryanassa, Tsikakayu Sannaro Damirateyak, commanding.
ADDISON
Commander Sannaro, how did you Astrisi get a Gasbajan Sjujeenya?
NIKKLO
We found it stored on Gasbaja while the Kumani was involved in skin repairs. I launched this ship to help with the Kumani’s defense.
ADDISON
Yeah, about that, what the hell is happening with you Astrisi? Multiple space battles have been reported out here.
NIKKLO
We’re at war.
ADDISON
With?
NIKKLO
A new invasion force named the Tauians.
Another person stepped into view, someone he knew well with blond hair and blue tinged skin.
MARC
Commander, permission to travel to the Euryanassa to speak with General Damirateyak to get more details about this war?
ADDISON
It’s your job to communicate with other cultures like the Astrisi.
MARC
I’m the closest to an Astrisi expert.
NIKKLO
Ki’iwa, Commander Daniels.
MARC
Ki’iwa’alani, General Damirateyak.
ADDISON
You know their language? That’s rare. Sorry for addressing you with the wrong title, General.
NIKKLO
Forgiven. Hey, come on over, Marc, I’ll be glad to tell you what’s happening.
ADDISON
Permission granted since General Damirateyak is personally asking for the visit.
MARC
On my way, San.
Marc left the screen.
NIKKLO
I’ll await his arrival, Commander. Euryanassa, out.
The screen returned to a view of space with the Cochran pulling up beside them.
NIKKLO
I’ll be on the flight deck to await Marc’s arrival.
Nikklo said as he walked to the hatch.
DI'OK
Hoofing it?
SANNARO
If I phase, I’ll have a long wait until he gets here. I’d rather pass the time doing something familiar.
He walked through the dark gray halls and wondered why the Gasbajans were willing to live with gunmetal gray. The hall walls were uneven with squares and disks jutting from the walls. If he was going to spend a lot of time here, he thought he’d want the irregularities hidden behind smooth wall panels of silver. The silver would also encourage stronger light, he could use easier to travel.
INT. FLIGHT DECK, EURYANASSA - CONTINUOUS
He entered the large flight deck with the familiar Vizha’i parked in neat rows. He passed them to the area they used to store the shuttles.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
ETA, Marc?
MARC (PSI V.O.)
Boy are you eager for my visit.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I have much to tell you.
MARC (PSI V.O.)
Pulling up to your fight deck hatch. I’m talking to Di about opening for me.
Before him, the containment field sparked into life and the doors parted.
An ADF shuttle flew in and landed on the deck.
The massive door closed and the containment field dropped.
The hatch opened and the ramp lowered to the deck.
Marc stepped down to the deck and stopped before Nikklo.
Nikklo held his arm out.
Marc grasped it and patted his forearm.
MARC
Nice to see you again, San.
Nikklo turned to guide him off the flight deck.
Nikklo turned to guide Marc off the flight deck.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Yuri, where can we talk in private?
YURI'S TELEPATHIC VISION
Yuri sent a schematic to Nikklo’s mind.
BACK TO HALLWAY
SITTING ROOM, EURYANASSA – CONTINUOUS
Nikklo followed the map in his head and entered a room with a round table and chairs.
NIKKLO
Have a seat, my friend.
MARC
Now, what’s with the cryptic greeting, San?
NIKKLO
That’s a loaded question.
MARC
Link it?
NIKKLO
It would blow your mind.
MARC
That extreme?
NIKKLO
Houk, let’s start with introductions.
MARC
What? I’ve known you for several centuries. Why do you think you need introductions?
NIKKLO
Because I’m not the Sannaro you knew.
MARC
Ikata fausa?
NIKKLO
I wish it was garbage, my friend.
MARC
Okay, who are you?
NIKKLO
My name is Nikklo and I am also Sannaro. I’m a crystalloid who has been in Saili disguise for all my life, or rather, all of Sannaro’s life.
MARC
A crystalloid? You mean you’re made of, what, sentient crystal?
NIKKLO
Yes, my race is called Tauian.
MARC
But you said you were fighting a war with Tauians.
NIKKLO
That’s what I said.
MARC
So your at war with your own kind? Why?
NIKKLO
I started a rebellion to free myself and others like me from oppression. I was grievously injured. My father took me and fled to Sailia where we hid among the Saili to heal me. Until I could be healed, my father made a new body for me and I’ve occupied that Saili body with no knowledge of my true past until now.
MARC
Holy shit. Let me see.
NIKKLO
I can’t, you don’t have the sight to see me. To humanoid eyes, I’m translucent.
MARC
So we’ve got an invasion force that we can’t see attacking our system?
NIKKLO
Unfortunately, yes.
MARC
That complicates things a whole hell of a lot. How am I going to convince my superiors that you’re in clear danger if we can’t see who you’re fighting?
NIKKLO
FLIR can see a Tauian because we still have heat signatures.
MARC
Give me a FLIR so I can see you.
NIKKLO
Okay, I’ll be back.
PHASING VISUAL
Nikklo transformed, grabbed a light beam to the Vizha’e ready room, selected a helmet with the new sight then returned to the room. Nikklo returned to Saili form with the helmet in his hand.
PHASING VISIUAL
Marc jumped from his chair.
MARC
God damn it, what did you just do?
NIKKLO
I traveled on a light beam to get the FLIR helmet so you can see me.
MARC
What the hell? You traveled on a light beam?
NIKKLO
It’s how Tauians travel. It’s easier than to get our articulated hard-shelled legs to walk.
MARC
You wear something like a crystal armor?
NIKKLO
Yeah, our shells look like a suit of armor but it’s made of crystal.
Marc pulled the helmet on.
TAUIAN NIKKLO
Nikklo changed forms.
MARC
Wow, you have a pretty halo around your body.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
That’s my aura. It communicates who I am.
Marc walked closer.
MARC
Damn, you have the same face and body shape, just angular.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
This is my original form.
Marc took off the helmet.
MARC
Now I can’t see you.
He put it back on.
MARC
You can’t be seen by normal vision. Now, what did you do to be considered a fugitive?
BACK TO SAILI NIKKLO
PSYCHIC MONTAGE OF TRIAL FOR ARCAS' DEATH
Marc took the helmet off and set it on the table.
MARC
What? Arcas is dead!
NIKKLO
He betrayed us to the Tauians by telling them how to disable our ship and force us to land so they could get to me easier. They executed him by mind-slam when I found out the truth.
MARC
That’s sad; jealousy was always Arcas’ challenge. That’s always a charge with grave consequences. And you’re father is the Great Forger of Sailia? I thought he was just a myth like all deities!
NIKKLO
No, he did create the Saili because he was a genetic scientist for the Tauians.
MARC
You said he made designer children. I have to say that bothers me a bit.
NIKKLO
It bothers him too but at the time he did it, he had been convinced it was the best thing to do.
MARC
But the Saili have been a sentient race for hundreds of years! How can he be still living?
NIKKLO
Tauians have a different lifespan.
MARC
Then how old are you?
NIKKLO
Eight hundred years old but I haven’t been awake for all of it. Well, not even half of it, actually. I was put in stasis when I was seventeen years old and I lived as Sannaro for forty-two years so I haven’t seen one hundred of the years I’ve existed. Wow, that’s sad.
MARC
That is sad to be in stasis for most of your life. I noticed you talked telepathically while you were Tauian. You can’t vocalize?
NIKKLO
No, Tauians are entirely telepathic.
MARC
Wow, this is complicated. I can see why you wanted to brief me in person. Is the Tauians a threat to the Alliance?
NIKKLO
If I’m defeated, I believe the Tauians would move to enslave or destroy the Alliance.
MARC
If you’re defeated? Explain.
NIKKLO
They want to destroy anyone who has aided me while I hid. If they get what they want, I would use my telekinesis to conquer or destroy any who oppose the Tauians.
MARC
Oh shit, I’ve seen you fight. We’d be wiped out quickly if you had no remorse.
NIKKLO
Houk, I wiped out a whole pirate ship with my mind. You don’t want them to force me to fight on their side.
MARC
How can you do all this? You are the most powerful damned being I’ve ever met.
NIKKLO
Beken told me everyone will fear me so I should give in to him anyway.
MARC
I’ve fought at your side and seen you in some drastic situations. You’re a good being. If you’re pushed, you’re deadly but you’re not is a mass murderer. Keep fighting.
NIKKLO
But they’re brutal to me. They’re fighting with psychological warfare. I don’t know how to handle this!
Marc bowed his head and sighed.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
MARC
Remember when I had that bad crash with a rapist perp? He used psychological tactics with me by making me suck his penis every half hour at gunpoint. I felt so dirty and used. Do you remember what I did to him?
NIKKLO
Houk, you used your survival skills as a Brocana to endure the Arizona heat and run him in circles until exhaustion.
MARC
Right, you can turn the tactics against them if you think about it. What do they fear most?
NIKKLO
I just showed you. They fear that if I don’t fight for them, I can use my magnetic pulse to hurt them.
MARC
But you’ve always feared your telekinesis.
NIKKLO
Houk, I tore apart Tauia with that power when Beken’s guard was dismembering me. I caused a cascade cataclysm.
MARC
I can understand why you don’t want to do that again, but I’ve seen you use your power with restraint and precision. You’re not the same Nikklo Beken’s guard dismembered. You have forty-two years experience as Sannaro, a warrior who fought in multiple wars. You can face this, my friend. I’ll stay here and be by your side.
NIKKLO
Won’t your command dislike that?
MARC
I’ve been considering retirement.
NIKKLO
You’ve had a very successful career and you’re thinking about ending it?
MARC
It still bothers me that my own command turned on me and handed me to Hadeon to be tortured. I’ve lost faith in the ADF. Give me this chance to fight at your side one more time.
NIKKLO
I’d like that very much.
MARC
So can you give me a room?
NIKKLO
This ship isn’t as comfortable as the Kumani but we still have a lot of unused space if you want it.
MARC
I do.
NIKKLO
Okay, I’ll have Di assign you an open room. Have you told Amber you want to retire?
MARC
She knows I’ve been unhappy since I returned from Alpha Centauri Seven. I can’t forget what Hadeon put us through.
Nikklo felt his eyes fill with tears, whirled around and rushed into the hallway.
Marc rushed behind him.
MARC
What did I say wrong?
NIKKLO
It’s not you. It’s me.
MARC
Oh shit, what did they do to you?
Nikklo felt his chest tighten painfully.
TAUIAN NIKKLO
turned Tauian so he wouldn’t crumble in front of his old friend.
MARC
Come on, reappear! Don’t run on me, Sannaro Damirateyak!
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
My name is Nikklosannaro and I’m a freak. You don’t want to get nearer to me than you already are, Marcayo.
MARC
Just explain so I can make my own judgment. Don’t push me away when you’re hurting so badly!
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I thought when I changed forms I was just making a false image but now I know- Oh, skisla, now it hurts in this form too.
Marc rushed forward with his arms open wide and collided with NIKKLO. He closed his arms, picked Nikklo up and took them back into the room.
MARC
You’ve got to express this or it will tear you apart. Change back to your damned Saili form and talk to me!
Nikklo willed himself to change back and collapsed on the floor.
NIKKLO
That fucking asshole!
MARC
Who?
NIKKLO
It doesn’t matter!
MARC
What did he do to you?
NIKKLO
He raped me and made me pregnant but my female parts aren’t developed enough to keep a baby alive!
Marc sat on the floor hard with his eyes wide.
MARC
You’re a hermaphrodite and you didn’t know? Oh how cruel.
NIKKLO
It’s a birth defect necessary for being a ikata polymorph so I could change into a girl like I did on that moon to lure pirates and steal their shuttle! I really turned into a girl! Now Cherna is pregnant with my baby!
Marc scooted behind Nikklo, wrapped his arms around Nikklo’s chest and hugged him tightly.
MARC
Just cry. Now I understand. You’re not a freak. You're a sensitive, kind being. What do you call yourself now?
NIKKLO
Tarek the Great Forger calls me Nikky.
MARC
You are just the way you should be, Nikky. We need to tell those goddamn people of yours to fuck off. Is Cheri okay with the pregnancy?
NIKKLO
Houk, she’s grieving for me and accepting the baby but she’s in counseling because my changes have pushed her to the limit.
MARC
Then I’m sure I’m staying here. You need someone to keep you going and coax your fire back. You need to blast their asses like you blasted Hadeon’s ship and I’m going to help you do it. Houk?
NIKKLO
Houk.
Nikklo stood again.
NIKKLO
Would you be my Executive Officer?
MARC
I’d be honored.
NIKKLO
I need someone with organizational skills to make sure the humans and the crystallines work seamlessly with each other.
MARC
That dark guy at your side was the crystalline?
NIKKLO
Yep, that’s Yuri, this ship’s Artificial Intelligence. He and his kind run the ship. We run everything else. That’s how we got this ship off the ground so quickly.
MARC
Why does he look humanoid, then?
NIKKLO
That’s the form he took with the natural Gasbajans.
MARC
The Zuran Sjujeenyas didn’t have A.I.s.
NIKKLO
That’s because the crystal parasites who interface with the machinery hated Zurans and jumped ship.
MARC
Oh wow, I can understand their dislike.
NIKKLO
This is the last Gasbajan ship that was abandoned when they asked the Astrisi to join them and teach them their Gasbajan fighting techniques. He was warned I would come to ask the Euryanassa to help with the great war I was warned would come. I literally stumbled onto it. It was quite a find. So while Hadah has the Kumani grounded, I’m fighting the war with the Euryanassa.
MARC
I thought that was the name of your Uncle’s ship?
NIKKLO
It was. My uncle has always been an historian, read about a ship by that name and gave it to his space yacht. When he learned I had found the original one, he relinquished the name.
MARC
That’s why you said you were repeatedly visited by a mysterious Saili who told you that your warrior skills were improving?
NIKKLO
Yes, that was my Tauian father Tarek in Saili disguise as the Great Forger. He arranged for the Astrisi to train me in warfare.
MARC
They did a great job. You’re unrivaled as a warrior.
NIKKLO
But they’re beating me.
MARC
You just haven’t found the right tactic yet. I know you’ll figure it out. Just take one step at a time. Hey, maybe you need a fellow tactician to see things in a fresh perspective since you’re so exhausted. It took both of us to defeat Hadeon.
NIKKLO
Don’t remind me of that ni'yaroi! He raped Cherna. She’s still working through the emotions he left in her! Oh, and I need to warn you, Cherna’s not the same, either. She’s occupying a Saili body right now.
MARC
How the hell did you do that? How can she be in a different body?
NIKKLO
Tauians are more advanced technologically. Tauians can move souls from one body to another.
MARC
Wow, you’re not kidding when you said they’re beating you.
NIKKLO
Nui, my friend, they play dirty psychological war. Be wary of mental attacks. They managed to turn Arcas and Cheri against me. Arcas’ soul was moved to this razorwing on my back and Cherna’s soul was moved to a Saili body so they both could keep fighting for me.
MARC
That razorwing that peeked from your hair?
Arcas moved to Nikklo's shoulder.
MARC
Hi, Arc, sorry to hear you died.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
I was stupid, Marc. Nik was generous to save my soul and put it in this body.
NIKKLO
Arcas is still a fine warrior. I still need him. Razorwings are deadly. It’s appropriately named because it can even slice a Tauian with the wings taunt. As long as his wings are floating around him, he’s not attacking. Don’t be in his line of sight when his wings are taunt.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Aw, I won’t slice Marcayo!
MARC
That’s good to know.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Have you been fed, lately?
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Haela fed me while you were swimming in the lava pool. Your hamburgers don’t taste too bad.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
She gave you one of my hamburgers?
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
You were rushing around so much, she wasn’t able to ask you if you wanted seconds so she let me eat it.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I was all over that place. It’s okay.
ADDISON (V.O.)
Commander Daniels, report.
Marc pulled out his communicator.
MARC
Daniels, here, I’ve been talking to General Damirateyak and the situation here is complicated. Pay closer attention to FLIR sensors. The Astrisi’s opponent is only detected through light disturbances. Otherwise, the Tauians are transparent.
ADDISON (V.O.)
They’re fighting something they can’t see?
MARC
Correct, Captain, and they mean to conquer all sentient species in the Alliance.
ADDISON (V.O.)
How the hell do we fight transparent invaders?
MARC
We have to learn from General Damirateyak. Only the Saili know how to combat these invaders. That’s why I wish to remain on board the Euryanassa to learn, first hand, what we’re up against.
ADDISON (V.O.)
You’re the alien specialist. Keep me updated regularly. Cochran, out.
Marc put away his communicator.
NIKKLO
That’s what they call you now?
MARC
Pretty much or I’m the Diplomat’s Kid. I’m called on when there’s non-humans involved.
NIKKLO
So where’s Amber and Amaranta?
MARC
Still on Earth. Amber and I have become distant. I tried to keep it together, I really did.
NIKKLO
I know you did. Sometimes the changes we go through in life can strain our relationships to the breaking point. That’s why I’m having to repair my relationship with Cheri.
MARC
Sorry to hear that.
NIKKLO
We’re starting joint counseling with a Saili psychiatrist to work things out.
MARC
Including your new situation?
NIKKLO
That’s greatly complicating things.
MARC
Really, the warnings were there if you think about it, Nik.
NIKKLO
Looking back, I can see what you’re saying. That doesn’t make it easier for me to learn to live with the knowledge.
MARC
I didn’t say it would be easy, just that the signs were there. Cheri always said you were a man of uncommon emotional sensitivity. You were always more powerful than the other Saili. You immediately saw causalities that the rest of us took longer to see. You always seemed super-humanoid. Now we know you are super-humanoid.
NIKKLO
I just brought more trouble to your part of the galaxy.
MARC
If I thought you were wrong, I wouldn’t stay, so take my help and stop complaining.
NIKKLO
You’re right, I’ll stop complaining.
MARC
So show me your new ship.
NIKKLO
I really haven’t seen much of it, myself, so we’ll take that tour together, my friend.
MARC
Lead on, General.
Arcas nestled onto Nikklo’s back again.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
I’ll just perch here and snooze in case you need me.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Nothing better to do, Arc.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Good thing you have broad shoulders.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Shut up, Arcas.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Shutting up now.
MARC
This looks a lot like the Sjujeenya the Zurans flew.
NIKKLO
The Zurans stole the Sjujeenyas from the Gasbajans.
Di'ok intercepted them and waved to Marc.
DI'OK
Hey want a guide? I’ve been checking the ship out for days while Nik’s been zipping around the galaxy on light beams.
MARC
Good to see you, Di'ok.
DI'OK
Good to see you too, Marc. I’ve been so busy translating things for people, I now know how it’s like to be a part of the command team. It’s crazy, Nik!
NIKKLO
I could have told you that. You’re the one who wanted to come along.
DI'OK
I’m the one who unlocked this ship through translations.
NIKKLO
Quite true.
DI'OK
So I wanted to be a part of moving it too. Yuri is so interesting. We’re always talking when he’s not concentrating on any of the systems. The history he has in his memory about the Gasbajans is a treasure I want to share beyond this ship.
NIKKLO
I’m giving you some help. I asked Marc to be my Exec Officer.
DI'OK
You’re bailing on the ADF?
MARC
After Hadeon-
DI'OK
I so can sympathize with that. Your ship did treat you dreadfully.
MARC
Yes, I find I’m less trusting of my shipmates now. I’m at an age where I can retire with full benefits so I’m seriously considering that option.
DI'OK
So welcome back.
MARC
Fa’arata. I’ve actually missed the Astrisi since the Zuran War.
NIKKLO
I know you have.
DI'OK
Have you eaten, Nik?
NIKKLO
Not you too?
DI'OK
Houk, Danu told me to ask each time I saw you.
NIKKLO
I ate a burger Haelatika fed me after my surgery. So I have eaten.
DI'OK
Good. Surgery? Were you badly hurt?
NIKKLO
Di, I’m a hermaphrodite and I was violated.
DI'OK
Holy shit! Really? How did Danu not know?
NIKKLO
Not formed normally. A baby girl was aborted because I couldn’t nurture her.
DI'OK
No wonder Cheri told me to drop it earlier. I’m so sorry, Nik.
NIKKLO
It's okay, Di, Cheri is carrying the baby now. She'll be okay.
DI'OK
Cheri's pregnant with your baby? How did you pull that off?
NIKKLO
Tarek moved the baby from me to Cherna because she's birthed successfully twice.
DI'OK
Wow, this is mind-blowing.
NIKKLO
It’s a condition I have so if I want to take the form of a female, I can. My form is unstable and it’s going to get more unstable if I take on too many forms.
DI'OK
Then I’d limit how many forms I would take.
NIKKLO
That’s what I’m being advised to do, reuse forms I’ve previously taken and only take on a new form if it is unavoidable.
MARC
Wow, you’ve taken on the form of a girl, a tree, a puddle of gold.
NIKKLO
I think I only imagined myself as a tree and a puddle of gold but I actually took on the girl form, my Tauian crystal form, my Saili form, and a wall. Each time I take on a new form, it will mutate my base form. I can keep a crystal with a default form stored in it but too many resets will wear on my ability to reform myself.
DI'OK
So do you, you know, have a-
NIKKLO
Houk, Di'ok, I do have one but I don’t want to discuss it in a public hallway.
DI'OK
I guess learning about that would be a bit embarrassing.
NIKKLO
Very.
MARC
Combined with rape, devastating.
DI'OK
Yeah, devastating. The Tauians are trying to rip you apart, Nik. You have got to stop them.
NIKKLO
I know, Di! I’m trying.
MARC
That’s why I’m going to help. Nik needs a back-up strategist to support him.
NIKKLO
Enough about me. Let’s get this tour going.
Nikklo moved down the hall.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
INT. TAUIAN PRISM SHIP
Ezron felt an unusual feeling of reluctance as he phased to the Grand Chamber. He landed on the crystal floor and immediately bowed.
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
You summoned me, master?
Beken’s aura crackled around him.
BEKEN (PSI V.O.)
Did you really have to rape Nikklo?
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
Ilanit’s attraction to Nikklo frustrates me, master. I wanted to force him to confront his unstable form to break him. I didn’t know he would become so enraged that he would shatter my Prism. He is very creative.
BEKEN (PSI V.O.)
I want that creativity to work for me, not against me, Ezron! He is the only known sentient pulsar! If you drive him insane, he could ruin everything! I want to channel that destructive power to my own aims, not drive him to destroy everything!
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
I apologize for being too harsh, master. I will restrain myself.
BEKEN (PSI V.O.)
Do you know much about this new ship Nikklo has taken as his own?
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
It is of an ancient design from a former race that interbred with the Astrisi. Many of their defensive techniques were taught to them by that ancient race. The Astrisi are very excited about finding this ship.
BEKEN (PSI V.O.)
And it was handed to Nikklo without hesitation?
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
It has to do with the legend of the Tsikakayu. The word means Great Defender in the Saili language. They think he will save their race from extinction.
BEKEN (PSI V.O.)
Tell him we will save his race from extinction. If he works for me, his precious Saili will live.
Ezron bowed again.
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
I will do as you say, master.
BEKEN (PSI V.O.)
And leave Ilanit alone. She’s not worth the aggravation. She’s served her purpose.
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
Yes, master.
BEKEN (PSI V.O.)
Why did he have to kill Hadeon? He was the best deviant soft shell I found.
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
You knew Sannaro was Nikklo?
Beken made a ball of lightning around Ezron.
Ezron writhed as agony coursed through him yet he stood paralyzed.
BEKEN (PSI V.O.)
I know my kin when I sense them. I tried to use the pirate Hadeon to kill Nikklo while he couldn’t remember who he was because Sannaro feared pirates. Hadeon failed because Nikklo has a very loyal group of protectors around him. Now that the pulsar has awakened, he is three times more powerful than Sannaro at his best. I will give you a new Prism and a new crew. Don’t aggravate Nikklo to shatter this one. He must do my bidding. Make sure he understands why he must serve me.
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
Yes, master.
The lightning pulled back into Beken.
Ezron dropped to the floor, paralyzed for a minute before he stood again.
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
I know how you can make Nikklo do your wishes, master.
BEKEN (PSI V.O.)
Tell me this.
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
I have heard several times through Ilanit that Nikklo calls the female he loves his anchor. Perhaps if we capture the one named Cherna, he’ll do whatever you say.
BEKEN (PSI V.O.)
It is true that he pursued Cherna to win her back when Hadeon captured her. Find a way to capture the female Cherna and bring her to me.
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
I will do as you say, master.
PHASING VISUAL
Ezron grabbed a light beam, relieved to be released from Beken’s presence. He chuckled to himself as he landed on his new Prism ship with a new plan in mind.
INT. WANAKAYA'S OFFICE, EURYANASSA
Cherna sat in an armchair with her legs folded under her and reveled in the feeling that they were there. Still, what broke the mood was that she sensed Nikklo was busy with settling in Marcayo and chatting with Di'ok. He promised he’d take some time to talk with her and Wanakaya and still she waited.
Wanakaya sat on the next couch.
WANAKAYA
He’ll come, Cherna. Can you sense his emotions are still running strong?
Cherna laid her hand on her swelling stomach.
CHERNA
I do. The loss of the baby has him torn to shreds. At least I could ease his pain by bearing his pregnancy for him. How much more can he take before he crumbles?
WANAKAYA
I fear the answer to that question. How do you feel?
CHERNA
I hurt for him. He shouldn’t have learned about a congenital condition so cruelly. He’s so sensitive. You know, other boys on the Kumani used to tell Sannaro he was a crybaby? He would show such hurt looks and say he was a telepath so he sensed much more than they did. I had no idea how much more he did sense.
Cherna rubbed her temple distractedly.
CHERNA (CONT.)
And he’s had to sense all this from the day he was born.
WANAKAYA
We Saili are natural telepaths, but Nikklo is also a Tauian and a sentient pulsar. Both of those forms only communicate through telepathy so he may be more sensitive than we Saili are.
CHERNA
That thought is almost overwhelming. How does he handle it?
WANAKAYA
He loves you. He says repeatedly, you are his anchor. You bring him back to, well, in your world, the deck plates.
CHERNA
He’s told me that before. I do believe him.
WANAKAYA
Yet you still have doubts.
CHERNA
I don’t know why I still doubt. He’s a highly compressed star and I’m just a humanoid. Now that I know, we’re so mismatched, like a- I’m not good with animal knowledge, but a huge dragon the size of a shuttle loving a domesticated cat like he loved on Regalis. The size difference is ridiculous.
WANAKAYA
Emotions have little relation to a person’s outward form. Nikklo has an enormous capacity to show affection to those he cares about. It may be intensified because pulsars are naturally solitary entities. He’s known immense loneliness and doesn’t want to feel it again.
CHERNA
He can be so playful. It makes me feel like a child again; it’s so exhilarating. When his eyes dance with that wit of his, they sparkle. His grin can be so impish, it’s infectious. It hurts me to see the pain he feels right now in his eyes. Now that I can see his aura, his emotions just dance around him like a supercharged corona. I guess that’s the aura Marcayo said he could feel so intensely, it made him react. Why didn’t I feel it?
WANAKAYA
Are you sure you didn’t feel it? You said you loved to snatch connection with his telepathy as often as you could. Were you also reacting to his intense aura and you never realized it?
CHERNA
I think I did sense the aura and it drew me to him. He was so sad and lonely those first years while he was getting his skin grafting. Sometimes, I’d find him crying softly in a corner, hugging his arms tightly to his chest. Usually it was because he’d had more grafting surgeries and Zhad had to allow some time for him to not reject the graft before he could be rapidly healed. I’d try to say something silly to draw him out of his misery. Before we knew, we were giggling about something ridiculous. He hurt so badly then.
WANAKAYA
He’s hurting as badly now, Cherna.
CHERNA
Yes, he is. Part of me wants to protect myself from his pain but I tell myself that’s cowardly. He said similar when I had been pregnant with Andu and Ambri that he’d want to shield himself from my discomfort but told himself not to turn away and bear it with me. Now, I guess it’s my turn to be the supportive mate. It’s just worse that his pregnancy was so short and tragic. Maybe mine will help him feel better.
WANAKAYA
I think that’s a good insight, Cherna.
Cherna sensed a blur from her peripheral vision. She stood up to concentrate on the blur.
CHERNA
Nikky?
Cold stone hands wrapped around her arms. Reds, oranges, purples and sickly greens whirled around the strange Tauian form.
EZRON (PSI V.O.)
Wrong, but we have need of you, Cherna.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Nikky, help me!
Cherna felt her stomach bottom out like she felt when Nikklo would phase her. Her vision blurred then turned black.
Her mind exploded with pain and she sank into unconsciousness.
INT. HALLWAY, EURYANASSA
Nikklo stopped in the hallway and reeled into the wall.
NIKKLO
Nui! Not again! Will they stop snatching people?
MARC
What? Who?
NIKKLO
Ezron stole Cherna and Rakulinea!
DI'OK
Crap.
Nikklo looked up to choose a light beam.
Di'ok grabbed Nikklo’s shoulder.
DI'OK
Don’t you dare phase alone to rescue her. Last time you went alone, you came back pregnant!
MARC
I sure don’t want you to go alone, either! Let’s make this a team offensive. By the way, what is phasing?
NIKKLO
Remember what I sent to you about the trial when I said I travel by light beams?
MARC
Oh, that’s called phasing?
NIKKLO
Houk.
MARC
Then, no, you’re not doing that alone. That’s what they’ll expect from you. We need to plan your response.
Nikklo saw a blur from the corner of his eye and whirled around with his arm swinging.
Di'ok and Marc immediately ducked.
Tarek stumbled into the wall and grunted in pain as he changed forms.
TAREK
Wow, you have a pile driver fist.
Nikklo rushed across the hall and pressed his arm into Tarek’s collarbone.
NIKKLO
I’m your fucking Great Defender. Now Ezron stole Cheri!
TAREK
Could you please stop choking me so I can talk to you?
Ambrika appeared down the hall.
AMBRIKA
Hey, Ya, stop manhandling Ki’ya?
Nikklo hugged Ambrika.
NIKKLO
He brought you?
AMBRIKA
He brought my whole division cause they took Cha. We’re here on our own warship to help you get her back.
Nikklo lowered his head to cover his face with his hair when he felt his eyes fill with tears.
NIKKLO
Their cruelty knows no bounds.
AMBRIKA
I sensed all you went through and hurt for you. That’s why I screamed at the Great Forger to let me help you.
TAREK
She threatened to rip my head off if I didn’t help her get to her father in a blink of an eye when her troops were ready to fly.
AMBRIKA
Rakulinea and Chali will be brought home. Please dry your eyes and lead us, Tsikakayu. We await your command.
Nikklo looked up again and saw Ilanit stood behind Ambrika.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
Please, Tsikakayu, lead us. We Tauian insurgents await your command.
Nikklo dried his face with his arm.
NIKKLO
Let’s get to the bridge.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
All hands, prepare for astral phase.
MARC
What the hell is astral phase?
DI'OK
That means hold on tight to something bolted down cause we’re going to travel very far, very fast!
Nikklo rushed down the hall.
NIKKLO
Marc will be the central command on the Euryanassa. Pirates are working with the Tauians so Ambri will work with Tisa to lead the Vizha’i and her forces to attack the pirates. Ilanit, you’ll lead the Tauian insurgents to hold off the Tauian fighters. If you need to communicate with Marc, send through Yuri. He’ll relay the message. I’m going straight for Beken because he’ll be expecting me to confront him about taking Cherna. I’ll keep each of you updated by telepathy. These attacks are coming so fast, I feel off balance.
AMBRIKA
You’ve said it, yourself, Dad, going too fast causes mistakes.
MARC
I agree with Ambri. We should observe ways to turn their speed against them.
Danu joined them from a second hallway.
DANU
You’re taking Arcas with you to watch your back.
NIKKLO
I won’t argue that, Danu. He's already on my back.
Arcas' talons detached from Nikklo's back and waved over his shoulder.
DANU
Good or I was going to smack you across the head.
NIKKLO
You?
DANU
I was sure going to try.
DI'OK
Fausa, I would’ve grabbed his arms to give Danu the chance to land a good solid smack!
NIKKLO
Double teaming me like when we were kids?
DANU
Sure as hell!
NIKKLO
I love you guys.
DI'OK
We love you, too, and that’s why we make you stop and think.
They stepped through the hatch to the bridge.
YURI
We’re ready for phase, Tsikakayu.
TAREK
I’ll phase Ambri’s ship close behind you.
NIKKLO
Then you’re returning to Sailia.
TAREK
I started this.
NIKKLO
I know you did. I’m the fighter, you’re the scientist.
TAREK
It’s time for me to stop hiding and face my brother at your side. This is it, kiddo, this is what I’ve been influencing you to face. We both have lost so much in the centuries we’ve been hiding. I beg you to let me face what I did so maybe even I can find some peace.
Nikklo carefully studied the face so much like his own.
NIKKLO
Even you need closure. Okay, we face this together. Tarek and I will change form and prepare for phase.
Tarek waved to Ambrika.
TAREK
Come on, kiddo. I’ll take you back to your ship before I phase it.
Ambrika stepped beside him.
AMBRIKA
Coming, Grandfather. Dad, I like your father.
NIKKLO
He’s not so bad once you get to know him. Safe flight, Ambri.
AMBRIKA
You two, swing safely on those light beams.
NIKKLO
I will.
TAREK
You bet, kiddo. See you soon, Nikky.
Both changed form and rose from the Euryanassa.
INT. BEKEN'S PRISM SHIP
Cherna dangled helplessly as she drifted through the crystal halls.
She drifted to the floor in a big room and saw shifting lights before her. As she squinted to see through the light, she recognized the face she saw was similar to the one she’d known all her life but the aura around him was more violent yet no less passionate.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
So you’re Beken.
Beken drifted toward her.
BEKEN (PSI V.O.)
Welcome home, Cherna.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
This isn’t my home.
BEKEN (PSI V.O.)
It is now.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
It’s not going to work. You’ll never convince him.
BEKEN (PSI V.O.)
But I now have his most prized possession, you. He’ll come.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
He’ll come, all right, but with a vengeance. He hates you.
BEKEN (PSI V.O.)
Just as long as he comes. Do you know what he is? Ah, I sense you do and that doesn’t scare you?
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
What he is does scare me but I know who he is and I have confidence he can control himself because I’ve seen him do it. You want to strip that self-control away and that’s what scares me more.
BEKEN (PSI V.O.)
He’s the ultimate weapon, Cherna. He’ll be better off once he accepts that.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
He accepts that, he just doesn’t want to work for you.
BEKEN (PSI V.O.)
What if I told you I could stop the suicide protocol in your Astrisi body?
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
You know, Beken, I don’t know if I want to return to my Astrisi body. Now that I’ve felt true telepathy, I don’t want to go back to that blindness. Sannaro was right when he told me humanoids were so limited, trapped inside their telepathy blind heads. That’s why I craved his telepathy as often as I could grab it. Your brother gave me a wonderful gift. I don’t want to give it back.
Beken looked at her middle.
BEKEN (PSI V.O.)
Ah, I sense you took on Nikklo's pregnancy. How sympathetic. Now I understand why you want to remain in this body. Nikklo will come for those he cares about. Then I will call someone to show you to your room and await Nikklo’s arrival.
Cherna rose off the floor, seemingly without aide and drifted through the halls again to an empty room. She was lowered to the floor. She looked around but couldn’t seem to see a door. She sighed, lowered herself to the floor and settled herself for the wait.
CHERNA
Oh, Sanna, you’re going to be so pissed when you get here. It scares me. I hope there is someone looking out for us fragile humanoids in this ethereal conflict or we're all dead.
Cherna stared at the streaming lights that danced on the walls.
FADE OUT.
THE END