Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
WARNING:
CONTENT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR GENERAL AUDIENCES DUE TO EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT.
“SHATTERED EXPECTATIONS”
EPISODE 89 – TAREK'S PAST
BY: LYSSA THORNE
FADE IN:
INT. GYM, BUNKER, GASBAJA -DAY
Later, Nikklo was working out in the temporary gym, glad to be alone for now.
Tarek's mental voice came to his head.
TAREK (PSI V.O.)
Okay, you have some down time now. Do you want to meet me at the New Sailia Governor's office so I can answer some of your questions about my past?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I'd like that. I have to inform Marc then I'll be there. Marc?
MARC (PSI V.O.)
Yeah, Nik.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Tarek has offered to talk to me about his past at New Sailia. I really need to understand why my Tauian family is so fucked up.
MARC (PSI V.O.)
I think you do too. I'll keep you updated on the repairs to Euryanassa.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Good, I'm phasing there now.
TAUIAN NIKKLO PHASING VISUAL to New Sailia.
EXT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING, NEW SAILIA -DAY
Nikklo landed outside the government building and saw Tarek sat on a stone bench.
Tarek stood up and walked to him.
TAREK
There you are. The Tauian town is in the mountains. I'll phase us there.
Nikklo laid his hand on Tarek's shoulder.
TAUIAN Tarek PHASING VISUAL
Nikklo looked around and saw this town looked a lot like Algail on Belvas with pyramidal glass buildings.
NIKKLO
Did the Tauians steal the Belvan building design or did Belvas steal the Tauian design?
TAREK
Tauians borrowed the Belvan design because it's a lot like the Prism ships and it lets in a lot of light to feed on.
NIKKLO
It makes sense to have the most light.
Tarek entered a building and walked through to a common area with crystal benches that sat beside a manufactured stream populated with fish. He approached a woman with long red hair. The woman stood and held her hand out to Tarek.
TALIA
Tarek, you finally came to see me.
TAREK
You know it's hard for me.
TALIA
I know. So I finally get to meet Nikklo?
TAREK
Yes, this is my son Nikklo.
TALIA
I can see some of Rakul's likeness in him.
TAREK
Nik, this is my twin sister Talia.
NIKKLO
Twin sister?
TAREK
Yes.
NIKKLO
Okay, hello, Aunt Talia.
TALIA
You don't have to call me Aunt, Nikklo.
TAREK
She was my only joy in my bleak childhood.
NIKKLO
You mind telling me from the beginning?
TAREK
Okay, Minek was our father.
NIKKLO
Yeah, and you told me Lovak was your mother but now Kellin is saying she's Beken's mother but not yours? Do you mind explaining that?
TAREK
Minek was married to Kellin and had Beken. After Beken was a few years old, Minek had an affair with a Prizean woman.
NIKKLO
But Prizean were enemies of the Krustallos!
TAREK
That's right.
NIKKLO
Oh great. That had to start one hell of a controversy.
TAREK
It did.
TALIA
Kellin found out about us and confronted Lovak. She became so enraged, she burned Lovak and stole Tarek and me from our Prizean home.
TAREK
Talia and I became Kellin's unwanted step children. We were treated with much derision because, not only were we living proof of Minek's infidelity, but we were half-humanoid.
NIKKLO
So the Prizean were Humanoid?
TAREK
Yes, we shared Tauia unaware of the other's existence because, like all Humanoids, the Prizean couldn't see them. One day, a Prizean saw a Krustallos and devised a machine much like the Human FLIR to see them. The war broke out between the Prizean and Krustallos because the Prizean feared the powers of the Krustallos. Minek fought in that war as a limited shape-changer like me and Talia but found that not all Prizean were bad. He fell in love with Lovak and took on Humanoid form to have a relationship with her. During that war, Talia and I were born. Kellin found out about us, killed Lovak and stole us from our Prizean home. Talia and I were hybrids in an intolerant society and treated like servants to the Krustallos. When I showed that I was a genius who was exceptionally talented in genetic manipulation, Beken decided to use my talents to make the super children to fight against the Prizean. I shouldn't have helped him but Kellin told me I had the obligation to end the war because I was never going to find peace for myself as long as we were trapped between two warring factions.
NIKKLO
I can see where this is going.
TAREK
Yes, now we're mostly back to what I've told you before. I designed the super powered children to defeat the Prizean. The Krustallos were successful and made the remaining survivors of the Prizean servants to the Krustallos but it didn't stop there. Beken decided he had to travel through space to find all Humanoids to conquer them or destroy them. When I modified my own child with the pulsar core, I realized the war was going too far and tried to hide you.
NIKKLO
Now that I defeated Beken, Kellin is angry with me. She gave Selik the technology to contain me and slice my ship in half. She told me that since she couldn't kill me because that would destabilize our whole region of space she wanted to torture me by destroying everything I care about.
TAREK
I can tell you, Kellin is a mean person. I'm surprised she didn't keep you as her personal attendant, Talia.
TALIA
I hid from her. She was too busy paying attention to Beken when they found you, I took on my Humanoid form and hid deep in the sea habitat on Oronio. When I heard Nikklo's announcement that he was now the leader of the Tauians and Ilanit announced a gathering point, I returned to the Tauians to live here. I was starving for light on Oronio. It's more pleasant here on New Sailia.
TAREK
I missed you, sister.
TALIA
I missed you, too, Tarek, but Kellin and Beken had you so convinced you were doing right, I couldn't get through to you.
TAREK
I should have listened to you. I'm sorry. I didn't realize my mistake until it was too late. My beloved wife and two children were dead and my new born was missing. That time I spent on Earth in my Prizean form taught me a lot about what it meant to be Humanoid. That's why I created the Saili and took on the Saili form, so I could live in peace, if only for a limited time. Then I realized I had to give up being Nikky's father for his own survival. That hurt me deeply. Now do you have a better understanding about why I don't like to remember my childhood?
NIKKLO
Yeah, Kellin hurt both of you very badly. Now what do I do about the stepmother from hell?
TAREK
I wish that was solved so easily. You'll have to work on getting the Humans to not be manipulated by Kellin and her coercers so she can't make you miserable. Then when she doesn't have her toys, we can work on our problem with her.
NIKKLO
That's a place to start once my ship is repaired.
TAREK
We'll repair it.
TALIA
Don't forget to visit me.
TAREK
I'll be back when I can.
NIKKLO
I wish I could promise but I have so much to do. I'll try to visit again.
TALIA
Thank you for that much, Nikklo.
Nikklo nodded before he changed forms.
TAUIAN NIKKLO PHASING VISUAL back to Gasbaja.
INT. NIKKLO'S QUARTERS, BUNKER, GASBAJA
Nikklo reappeared at Gasbaja in his quarters.
Cherna wrapped her arms around his chest and laid her head on his back.
CHERNA
You're home again.
NIKKLO
For now.
CHERNA
So I better grab some time with you before you disappear again.
Nikklo turned around in the circle of her arms and kissed her.
NIKKLO
I guess you better. I need to tell Marc I'm back.
CHERNA
Then he'll pull you away for something.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Marc, I'm back but Cherna wants me to spend time with her before I'm hauled off for some administrative work.
MARC (PSI V.O.)
Then you better humor her or she'll kick your ass.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
That's what I'm thinking.
MARC (PSI V.O.)
Okay, I'll leave you alone for as long as I can.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Fa'arata.
NIKKLO
Okay, I told Marc I need some personal time to spend with you.
CHERNA
Good boy.
NIKKLO
I need a shower since I was exercising before I went to New Sailia.
CHERNA
Then let's get you into a shower.
She grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the bathroom.
INT. BUNKER, GASBAJA -DAY
The next day, Nikklo woke early to join the rebuilding crews to phase parts to the engineers.
MARC (PSI V.O.)
Hey, Nik, you want to come down to see the list of parts my Father has managed to get for us?
TAUIAN NIKKLO PHASING VISUAL back to the floor beside Marc.
SAILI NIKKLO took the pad from Marc's hands. He scanned over it.
NIKKLO
I do want to see it. It's coming along. We may have this ship ready for trial flights in a few weeks.
Marc looked at Nikklo from head to toe.
MARC
Kind of light on the clothes?
NIKKLO
I'm wearing leggings, a muscle shirt and ankle boots. What do you want me to wear? A sub-zero coat? It's a warm day and I'm moving around welders.
MARC
You forget that people stare at you when you're wearing light clothes?
NIKKLO
I'm eating sunlight. Too much clothes blocks absorption.
MARC
Okay, but don't blame me when you pick up telepathic thoughts of how toned your muscles are. You'll have to try not to blush. It's your call.
DI'OK (V.O.)
Everyone outside the bunker, clear the outside landing site; incoming Kumani!
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Di, is the fleet arriving?
DI'OK (PSI V.O.)
Houk, the fleet is arriving from Belvas in ten minutes. Only the Kumani needs to land. The other eleven ships will take up orbit around Gasbaja.
NIKKLO
Ha'iko! The Astrisi fleet are making final approach!
MARC
Great, they're finally here.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Welcome home, brothers and sisters!
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
How are you feeling, Tsikakayu?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I'm feeling better. We're piecing Euryanassa back together. We'll be doing flight tests in a few weeks. How bad is Kumani?
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
We're still having trouble with some systems. That's why I requested for us to land.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Yuri is volunteering the Crystallines to help you with repairs.
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
That would be appreciated. I'm going to concentrate on our final approach now. See you soon, Nik.
TAUIAN NIKKLO PHASING VISUAL to the town that was made the last time the Kumani had to be grounded and stared up into the sky.
BACK TO SAILI NIKKLO
After what seemed like too many minutes, he heard a roar in the sky.
The sunlight was eclipsed by a very long arrowhead shape.
Nikklo braced himself against the wind that roared at the three kilometer long ship's approach. He covered his face with his arms and watched his former home ship come to rest on the reenforced ground and become quiet.
The underbelly just fore of the lower retrieval deck opened a hatch and the ramp lowered to the ground.
Nikklo ran to meet it.
Hadah walked down the ramp.
HADAH
I'm so glad we made it.
Nikklo caressed a landing pylon.
NIKKLO
That's my girl; tough to the end.
HADAH
I thought she was my ship? Euryanassa's yours.
NIKKLO
But she was my protector as I grew. I love her for that protection.
A slender woman with long curly copper red hair walked down the ramp.
A.I. KUMANI
Thank you, boys.
HADAH
Who are you? Lazha? I thought you still couldn't walk?
A.I. KUMANI
I'm a manifestation of Kumani. We crystallines are evaluating the damage so we can fix her. I was built to communicate with you.
NIKKLO
You look like Lazha.
Her face took on a far away look.
A.I. KUMANI
The records say she is a direct descendant. That explains the similarity. My appearance was taken from the visual records of Kumani, the shipbuilder.
NIKKLO
Oh, so now the Kumani has an artificial intelligent interface?
A.I. KUMANI
That is correct, Nikklosannaro.
HADAH
Whoa, this is a shock!
NIKKLO
They are very useful. Yuri is indispensable to me.
HADAH
Where are your people, Nik?
NIKKLO
We're living in the rear rooms of the bunker.
HADAH
So our houses we built on the last grounding aren't being used?
NIKKLO
Nui.
HADAH
Okay, I'll have my people move back into these above ground homes while we do repairs. How bad is yours?
NIKKLO
Ten meters of my mid-ship was disintegrated. We scooped as much debris from around Belvas that we could find. I'm still having Jon Daniels smuggle parts out here for us.
HADAH
Owe. That's a lot of damage.
NIKKLO
Tauian.
HADAH
So you were right when you told the council you suspected Tauians were influencing Humans?
NIKKLO
Painfully.
HADAH
We'll both fly again.
NIKKLO
I know we will. It's just painful to see my ship needs that much reconstruction.
HADAH
Tell me about it.
NIKKLO
Well, I need to check in on a new guest who has already helped me a lot.
HADAH
Anyone I know?
NIKKLO
Hyan Yriss.
HADAH
The Abroc you rescued when you were seventeen?
NIKKLO
The same. He now has a doctorate in Zoology so I asked him to advise me about the Human aggression. He decided to come because he thought the Abroc wouldn't see peace until the Human aggression was defused.
HADAH
Sounds good.
NIKKLO
So I'll leave you for now to go back to my ship.
HADAH
Later, Nik.
Nikklo walked across the grass of Gasbaja to preserve his energy and soak in more sun when ZHUNI intercepted him.
ZHUNI
Hey, pretty boy. I hear you've become a lot looser than when you were a kid. I still want very much to taste you.
NIKKLO
You heard right, Zhuni, but I'm still very protective of my heart. I don't think I can ever relax around you and I can be very dangerous when I'm not relaxed.
ZHUNI
You're still a fine-looking man. The people who have your heart are lucky. You've become a very powerful man. I'm glad I was able to see you blossom into the leader you are now. Take care, sweety.
She stepped closer to him and whispered in his ear.
ZHUNI
Can I have a little grope?
NIKKLO
I don't think so. If you try to grab it, I'll disintegrate you before you'd know what happened.
Zhuni stepped back again.
ZHUNI
Well, you probably still wear your jewel case anyway. Can I, at least, stare?
NIKKLO
Won't stop you. Your thoughts are your own.
ZHUNI
At least I have that much. Later, babe.
NIKKLO
Later, Zhuni.
He sidestepped her and continued on his way.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
INT. BUNKER, GASBAJA -DAY - CONINUOUS
Nikklo went to Marc's apartment.
Marc opened the door to greet Nikklo in.
NIKKLO
The Kumani is safely on the ground and the rest of the fleet are in orbit.
MARC
That's good to hear.
NIKKLO
Marc, I finally got time to hear from Tarek and some of the things he told me has me concerned. Tarek told me the surviving Tauians on Saili say the Coercers aren't with them on Sailia. I have a bad feeling they're trying to prevent themselves from being found.
MARC
That's concerning.
AMBER
Coerce means to force. So if a group of people are called Coercers does that mean they force people? What do they force?
NIKKLO
It's the mental ability to force a person to do something they would choose not to do.
MARC
Like you forced Hadeon to walk across the room against his will?
NIKKLO
I did that, didn't I?
MARC
He was quite pissed.
NIKKLO
He didn't want to go to the shuttle to be taken to Earth to face his crimes. I wanted to show him I could force him to go so it was in his best interest to take himself to the shuttle. He chose to go to the shuttle and find another way to escape later. Anyway, in the case of Tauian talents, a Coercer uses their telepathic abilities to influence another person's thoughts to do what the Coercer wants them to do. They manipulate a person's thoughts. I'm not saying I'm not capable of doing these things, but I do believe I follow my conscience to do what's right. Coercers seem to ignore conscience to get what they want.
AMBER
Wow, Marcayo, you really touched a sore spot.
MARC
Sorry, Nik, you're right you released your control of Hadeon when he chose to go voluntarily.
NIKKLO
Cherna died because of a Coercer and beat me to death. Now we're both in different bodies because of that Coercer. I went back to my original Tauian body after my limbs were reattached and Cherna's soul occupies a Saili body Tarek formed for her. Her Astrisi body is still in stasis at Sailia.
AMBER
You can move your soul? You are powerful!
MARC
Oh boy, you don't want to see Nikky pull his soul out of his chest. The light will blind you.
NIKKLO
Cherna's soul is more delicate but Tarek didn't want her to die. I don't like Coercers because of what they did to Cheri and me while they were doing what Beken wanted them to do. Now that they're doing whatever they want to do, they're much more dangerous.
MARC
Yeah, we need to figure out how to get these Tauians to stop playing with Human minds.
DI'OK (PSI V.O.)
Nik, you have a private message in email format with the header that it's urgent.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Okay, route it to my personal in-box and I'll view it. Fa'arata, brother.
NIKKLO
Well, I have some administrative work to do so I'll be moving on now.
MARC
Later, Nik.
AMBER
Yeah, later, Nikky.
Nikklo left Marc's apartment.
INT. NIKKLO'S APARTMENT, BUNKER, GASBAJA - DAY - CONTINUOUS
Nikklo sat at his computer and brought up his email. On the page was an email from Sam Turner on Regalis. He opened the message. A video screen activated with Sam speaking.
SAM TURNER (V.O.)
I know there's some seriously strained relationships between the Alliance and the Astrisi, Nikklosannaro, but I need to talk to you about an urgent matter that's not being addressed by Pallas Mining Company. I don't know who else to turn to. Can you sneak onto Regalis again and meet me on Talon Ridge above Bristol? It's a matter of life or death so please come.
NIKKLO
Fausa, what now?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Tarek, I have something I want to discuss with you.
TAREK (PSI V.O.)
I'm visiting with Talia on New Sailia right now so if you want to join us, you can.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Marc, I need to discuss something with Tarek on New Sailia.
MARC (PSI V.O.)
Okay, I'll watch over the rebuild. You go on.
TAUIAN NIKKLO PHASING VISUAL
INT. TAUIAN CITY, NEW SAILIA - DAY
Nikklo appeared at the park bench on the bottom level of the pyramid building with the winding park.
Tarek sat beside Talia to watch a small waterfall.
TAREK
What's up, Nikky?
NIKKLO
I received a message from Sam Turner. He says there's an urgent matter of life and death on Regalis that Pallas Mining Company isn't addressing. He seemed frantic.
TAREK
This may be a break in the coercer's control we've been looking for.
NIKKLO
You think I should meet with Sam as he requested?
TAREK
It sounds worth investigating if he thinks it's urgent enough to go around the controls of his situation to speak to you.
Nikklo felt a weight on his back and scanned behind him. His senses told him that Rakulinea had her arms wrapped around his neck and her body dangled dangerously down his back.
NIKKLO
Linea, I told you to stay with Cheri!
Tarek stepped behind Nikklo and gently pulled Rakulinea from his back.
TAREK
Hey there, little nugget, you're causing your father a lot of worry.
LINEA (PSI V.O.)
Not father, mother!
TAREK
He's told me he's had this talk with you before. We may know the truth but when you talk to others, they will get confused.
LINEA (PSI V.O.)
Others don't hear.
TALIA
I hear.
LINEA (PSI V.O.)
You hear?
TALIA
I do and you're causing your mommy a lot of worry. Do you see how I look, Linea?
LINEA (PSI V.O.)
I see.
TALIA (PSI V.O.)
I don't look like Tarek or Nikklo, do I?
LINEA (PSI V.O.)
No, you look like Cherna but you hear me.
TALIA
I look like Cherna and you look like me because we are of the gender called girl. Tarek and Nikklo look like the gender called boy.
LINEA (PSI V.O.)
But Nikklo, my mommy.
TALIA
You know that and we know that but the others don't know that. They see Nikklo looks like Tarek so he shouldn't be able to be mommy. You see the confusion now?
LINEA (PSI V.O.)
So I call Nikklo daddy?
TALIA
Right.
LINEA (PSI V.O.)
I can't talk like you. Why I can't talk like you?
TALIA
I don't know.
LINEA (PSI V.O.)
Danu wants to do something to know why I can't talk but Nikklo so busy he can't take me to Doctor.
TALIA
Would you like for me to help you?
LINEA (PSI V.O.)
I would like more than Nikklo to hear me.
NIKKLO
Maybe we could make a machine to help you talk? I remember that machine from the trial that picked up my thoughts and projected it in pictures to give my telepathic testimony to non-telepathic people. Tarek, can't we modify that machine so that it picks up telepathic speech and repeats it out loud?
TAREK
I don't see how it would be hard to modify it. I can discuss it with Jahium and see if the Belvans can help us make a device small enough for her that will help her vocalize.
NIKKLO
It sounds like a good idea.
TALIA
And I think you need a nanny who can pick up what she's saying and keep her from phasing indiscriminately?
TAREK
Would you be willing to do that, Talia?
TALIA
I really want to be involved with the family again. I'd love to be my niece's nanny. In the meantime, little Linea and I need to get to know each other.
Talia bounced Rakulinea in her arms.
Rakulinea waved her arms happily and smiled.
NIKKLO
I think we should go to Gasbaja to have Talia meet Cheri and tell her that Talia will help her hear Linea and keep her safe.
TAREK
Good idea. Talia?
TALIA
I agree.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Marc, Tarek and I are coming to Gasbaja with a guest. Linea phased to me so I'm returning her home.
MARC (PSI V.O.)
That girl! She needs to stop phasing and stay here!
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
That's what I'm trying to work on. See you soon.
Talia bounced Rakulinea in her arms.
Rakulinea waved her arms happily and smiled.
TAUIAN NIKKLO, TAREK, TALIA and LINEA PHASING VISUAL
INT. BUNKER, GASBAJA -DAY
Saili Nikklo, Saili Tarek, Humanoid Talia and Saili Linea appeared near the Euryanassa and walked into the living area.
Nikklo guided them to his apartment and walked inside.
Cherna looked up from her frantic scurrying.
CHERNA
I can't find Linea! She was supposed to be napping but her crib is empty!
NIKKLO
I know where she is. She phased to me on New Sailia. I brought her home.
CHERNA
What a relief! She's driving me crazy, Nikky!
NIKKLO
That's why I'm introducing you to Tarek's sister Talia. She wants to get to know us and care for her grand neice.
CHERNA
You have a sister, Tarek?
TAREK
She's my twin sister.
CHERNA
Why am I just now learning this?
NIKKLO
Because I learned it recently too.
TALIA
I stopped talking to Tarek because I disagreed with his choice to give Nikklo his body. I hid from him and the rest of our family out of protest but now I've returned because I want to help Tarek end the abuse.
CHERNA
Sounds like someone in your family has some sense!
NIKKLO
Cherna!
TAREK
No, Nik, Cheri's right. Unfortunately, if I had listened, would we be distanced from the abuse now, Talia?
TALIA
Probably not. So even though I thought I was right, I may have actually prolonged our suffering. So I've decided to get to know my family and make sure this little live wire doesn't hurt herself and everyone else.
CHERNA
That would be appreciated! I raised two children with less problems than I'm having with Linea!
NIKKLO
And I'm so busy all the time, I meet myself coming and going. And about being busy, I need to talk to Marc about that message I received before visiting New Sailia.
TAREK
Let's go do that.
TALIA
And Linea needs a diaper change.
Cherna took Linea from Talia.
CHERNA
I'll show you her changing table and the rest of her supplies.
Nikklo and Tarek left the apartment to return to Euryanassa's storage bunker.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Marc, can you meet me and Tarek beside Euryanassa?
MARC (PSI V.O.)
Coming.
Marc stepped into the bunker.
NIKKLO
We may be seeing a breaking of ranks among the Humans, Marc.
MARC
Oh?
NIKKLO
I got a message from Sam Turner on Regalis that there's an urgent matter of life and death that the Pallas Mining Company isn't addressing and he wants to speak to me about it.
MARC
That place is poison to you.
NIKKLO
Only if I'm exposed to Seranium for long periods of time.
TAREK
This is the first time we've been contacted by someone loyal to learn what's going on with the isolation of the Humans. I think it's worth the risk for us to gain insight into what's happening with the Humans who don't agree with the popular sentiment.
MARC
We may not get another chance. Okay, Nik, find out what Sam Turner wants.
TAREK
I'll listen in case something doesn't go right.
MARC
I like that idea. We need to keep track of our Tsikakayu for everyone's protection.
NIKKLO
Okay, I'll prepare to go to Regalis.
Tarek phased away.
Nikklo went back into the living area of the bunker.
EXT. TALON RIDGE, BRISTOL, RAGALIS -DAY
Nikklo sat on the mountainside above Bristol and looked down at the bustling modern town it had become after the fire. He could still see burn scars in the boulders all around but they had begun to fade.
He heard footsteps walk carefully through the rolling rocks and weeds and looked down the hill.
SAM
Okay, I'm here, Sannaro.
NIKKLO
Sam Turner, it's been a while. It's Nikklo now.
SAM
If those people down below know I'm talking with an Astrisi, I'd be thrown in jail.
NIKKLO
Oh, I know you would since they refused to refuel my ship Euryanassa.
SAM
I could turn you in for being here.
NIKKLO
But I know you won't.
SAM
Why shouldn't I?
NIKKLO
Because you asked me to come here even though I'm allergic to seranimite.
SAM
What if I asked just to get you here to arrest you?
NIKKLO
Because I'm telepathic. Your mind isn't on arresting me but I won't pry further. So why did you ask me to come here?
SAM
The company never paid us adequately for the raw back-breaking work we do. We fuel your spaceships and you don't think twice about the pain it took for one of us to remove it from the ground.
NIKKLO
But I do think about it. My body under this pretty shiny skin is as burnt as these rocks I sit on.
SAM
You're right. I still stop at the smear on the ground and imagine you plowing into the stones like a flaming meteorite.
NIKKLO
Anyway, do you like how the Alliance has gone since the split?
SAM
Hell no. Everyone's arguing with each other. When we all hated the Astrisi, we had a mutual complaint. Now everyone is griping about if you can trace your bloodline to Earth and if you can't you don't deserve to be served at the diner. It's fucked up.
NIKKLO
So did Selik do everyone a favor?
SAM
No, we're worse now than ever. When we lived peacefully with the aliens, we prospered. Now Centauria is pulling back on selling Gelstones so we don't have enough crystals to make a good plasma beam to split the rock. What Gelstone we get isn't properly checked for that damned parasite. We're getting sick.
NIKKLO
Parasite?
SAM
Yeah, you didn't know about the parasite?
NIKKLO
No, I'm a grunt.
SAM
Yeah, you're much like your father was, a hands on man. You know the gelstone has to become molten again to make the plasma beam?
NIKKLO
Yeah, then once it's discharged, it cools again until it's heated up again.
SAM
If the gelstone isn't properly checked for a parasite, it get's released into the air on discharge before it hardens again. Only the Brocana know what kills the parasite to keep the gelstone pure.
NIKKLO
And the Brocana aren't Human.
SAM
Yeah, we fucked ourselves.
NIKKLO
Then it looks like Selik hurt Humanity instead of helped it.
SAM
Can you ask the Brocana how to detect the parasite? Could they tell us how to kill it?
NIKKLO
I would not be able to promise anything but I can ask.
SAM
This disaster could be worse than the fire that almost killed you. Please see what you can do.
NIKKLO
It will cost you. I'm a rogue alien doing business with an Alliance world.
SAM
We'll pay it to keep our kids from being sick.
NIKKLO
Okay, I'll ask.
SAM
How do I contact you to learn if you have the information?
NIKKLO
I'll contact you. Speak nothing of our arrangement. Wait for your name to be spoken in your head. If you don't respond, the deal is off.
SAM
I'll be listening for you.
NIKKLO
Go now, Sam.
Sam walked down the trail to go back to town.
Nikklo changed forms and phased back to Gasbaja.
INT. BUNKER, GASBAJA -DAY
He looked up at the Euryanassa with pride. The rebuild was nearly finished.
He turned away and went deeper into the bunker to Marcayo Daniels' apartment and knocked on the door.
Marc was at the door when it opened.
MARC
Hey, Nik. I'm working on my report about the rebuild. Did you talk to Sam?
NIKKLO
I did. Do you know a lot about Gelstone?
MARC
Gelstone? I only was forced to mine for Gelstone for about a week. Otherwise I don't know a lot about it.
NIKKLO
Was Clan Kelhidi involved in mining?
MARC
No, my clan were mostly Klevie herders. Why?
NIKKLO
Have you heard of the Gelstone Parasite?
MARC
Every Brocana has heard of the Gelstone Parasite; insidious vermin.
NIKKLO
How is it detected? I hadn't heard of it until now.
MARC
That's because the Brocana clans who have traditionally mined Gelstone knew what to look for.
NIKKLO
The Brocana are no longer checking the Gelstone imports.
MARC
Sh'kukte, did you find one here?
NIKKLO
No, Sam Turner told me the miners who discharge the laser rock cutters are getting ill and it's spreading to their children. He asked is there a cure for this parasite.
MARC
I barely paid attention to that stuff. I wasn't chosen for shaman training anyway. I know there's a remedy but I don't know what it is.
NIKKLO
So we'll need to talk to your father?
MARC
My father may convince the Brocana miners to offer their expertise. That's all I can tell you.
NIKKLO
This is fucked up.
Nikklo rushed away to talk to Di'ok.
Marc rushed after him.
MARC
Yeah, it's fucked up. The Humans didn't think how much they're dependent on alien technology for their advanced society. Now it's biting them.
NIKKLO
Let's call your Father and see what he has to say about it.
Di'ok was manning the station where he had originally disarmed the barrier around Euryanassa.
NIKKLO
Di, send a message to Alpha Centauri 7 that we wish to speak with Jon Daniels about an urgent matter.
Di'ok's fingers worked the keyboard and he spoke for a minute.
DI'OK
They say they don't know where Jon Daniels is.
NIKKLO
Shit!
MARC
How can they not know where my father is? He's a senior diplomat. He always tells his staff where he goes at all times.
NIKKLO
It is strange. Ask them if he has contacted anyone on his whereabouts.
Di'ok spent a few minutes talking into his headset.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
Di'ok shook his head.
DI'OK
They say he went to speak to the Brocana and he hasn't been heard from since.
MARC
Nik, we must track my father!
NIKKLO
But then I'd have to leave the Astrisi and Saili unguarded. Kellin could make a move while I'm gone.
MARC
Ambri is quite capable as your senior fighter pilot. She can lead if she has to and call on you to come back in a blink of an eye to do your job. If no one knows where my father is, there's something wrong!
NIKKLO
The Brocana aren't checking the gelstones and Jonathan Daniels is missing. Gelstones are spreading the parasite throughout the Alliance. Yes, Marc, we need to find your father. We will go to Bamasha. I'll take on my Human form for this mission so the Human colonists will pay less attention to us.
MARC
We should stay away from the Human colonies and remain within Brocana land as much as we can until we get leads on my father.
NIKKLO
At least this time I'll be able to see.
MARC
Yeah, now that you know you can change forms and you can carry a pair of sunglasses.
NIKKLO
And I won't be the victim of a kidnapping. I'll be going by my own choice. I still won't like that you'll be my only translator.
MARC
Technophobia will be worse this time because of the Humans badmouthing aliens.
NIKKLO
I'll be glad I'll have a wilderness expert then.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
My family, please join me at my apartment. I need to announce something important.
They walked to his apartment.
INT. NIKKLO'S APARTMENT, BUNKER, GASBAJA – DAY - CONTINUOUS
Cherna met him at the door.
CHERNA
What's going on?
NIKKLO
Jon Daniels is missing and the Brocana aren't checking the Gelstone exports for an insidious parasite that could kill us all.
DANU
How did you learn this?
NIKKLO
Sam Turner on Regalis contacted me and told me the laser operators are getting sick in record numbers and the illness is spreading quickly.
AMBRIKA
We don't use a lot of Gelstone.
NIKKLO
We don't but eventually when we exhaust the gelstone supply we have, we'll need to order some. The only people who know how to treat Gelstone parasite is the Brocana.
DANU
Do you know how to treat this, Marc?
MARC
No, I was a sheep herder. We wouldn't use Gelstone anyway. Other clans mined gelstones and sold them to Humans. It became Centauri 7's main export. That's the only reason the Humans allowed the Brocana to have as much autonomy as they were given. I don't know why my father's missing or why the Brocana who know how to treat the parasite aren't sharing the knowledge.
NIKKLO
But if we don't find Jon and find out why the Brocana aren't checking for the parasite, we could all face a plague that will spread quickly from the Human Alliance out to us. We need to find out what the cure is and convince the Brocana to treat the Gelstones for the parasite again before we all succumb to this illness. That's why I've decided that Cherna is going to assume Second-in-Command of the Euryanassa while Marc and I travel to Centauri 7 to track Jon Daniels and investigate what's happening with the Brocana.
CHERNA
Me take over the Euryanassa?
NIKKLO
Yes, Di didn't like that Marc and I will both be absent but I think the current situation with the Astrisi fleet on Gasbaja gives us the greatest opportunity to investigate Centauri 7.
DANU
I don't like that both of you will be leaving at the same time.
VARANANI
But Nik is right that the rest of us will have massive protection right now. This may be the best time for them to investigate.
AMBRIKA
And we can always call on Tarek to help, too.
NIKKLO
Okay, so Marc and I are going to prepare to go undercover at Centauri 7 to track Jon Daniels and the Brocana. I'll inform the Council of Commanders that I will be gone but only a telepathic shout away.
They came together with backpacks on their backs.
MARC
Did you bring everything you need to survive?
NIKKLO
Yes, but I hope when I take on a male human appearance, I won't have facial hair. I hate facial hair.
MARC
I can teach you how to shave if you get facial hair.
NIKKLO
Now that I think back to my life as Nicholas, I think I did wonder why I wasn't shaving yet although I was seventeen. George said not every boy gets enough facial hair at seventeen to need to shave. He assumed it may have been because of my oriental descent. I never understood it.
MARC
So in your human form you look like-
NIKKLO
An Asian who could be Chinese or from that region.
MARC
Interesting. Okay, I'm ready for phase when you are.
TAUIAN NIKKLO touched Marc's shoulder.
PHASING VISUAL
INT. JON DANIELS ESTATE, NEW SAN FRANCISCO, ALPHA CENTAURI 7 -DAY
Nikklo and Marc came out of phase under the grand chandelier in Jon's entryway.
Nikklo thought of his Human form and changed.
HUMAN NIKKLO
For clarification, Human Nikklo will be Nikklo.
MARC
Nice look.
Nikklo pulled out his sunglasses and hooked them on his maroon tunic.
Marc looked around.
MARC
Where is my father's staff? We should have been greeted by now.
NIKKLO
I smell smoke.
Marc went to the grand bay window beside the double doors and moved the curtains. The mountain range beyond the city was shrouded in smoke.
MARC
Dear Balda and Aldumu! The Gelstones are on fire!
Nikklo joined him to look out the window.
NIKKLO
This is very bad! An unlimited supply of gelstone can feed the flames for decades!
MARC
Now what do we do?
NIKKLO
We find your father.
MARC
The Humans have gone too far.
NIKKLO
Let's not declare war on Humans, yet, Marc. Di called someone here or else he would not have gotten a reply. Let's find out who answered here. I found someone.
Nikklo walked through the opulent house to the back rooms.
An elderly man sat over a cup of steaming tea at a small table in the kitchen.
Marc rushed over to the man.
MARC
Stewart, what happened here?
STEWART
Master Marcayo, you finally came. I fear the house is quite the mess and I am remiss in my duties.
MARC
Where's father?
STEWART
He rode out to the clan with Madam Candora.
MARC
How long ago?
STEWART
Perhaps a week ago.
Stewart wiped the ash off the table.
STEWART
I should find the maid. There's soot everywhere. Master Jonathan will be displeased when he returns.
Marc hugged the old man.
MARC
You will always be my father's best servant, dear friend.
STEWART
I'm worried about your father, Master Marcayo. He usually informs me how long he will be away.
MARC
I'll look for him, Stewart.
Marc looked at Nikklo with worry darkening his alien three colored eyes.
Nikklo walked to the back door and stared at the usually impeccable lawn that now was covered in gray soot.
Marc joined him.
MARC
I'm afraid this has driven Stewart past his endurance, Nik.
NIKKLO
It's sad to see.
MARC
We should go out to the klevie pens to see if there's anything out there that might be of good use to us out there.
NIKKLO
We will need breathing apparatus for you. I can change to Tauian form and not breathe but you're going to have problems.
MARC
I'm now a member of an endangered race.
NIKKLO
If anyone knows how to survive on this planet, it's your people, Marcayo. Don't give up hope yet.
Marc went to his father's office suite.
Nikklo followed him.
Marc opened a panel in the office and punched in a code on the keypad.
A thick bank door opened.
Marc went through the contents until he found a crate and pulled it out. He pulled out two sets of breathing masks and air tanks.
MARC
I knew he had all kinds of equipment here.
He handed a set to Nikklo then pulled it on his shoulders and walked out of the vault.
He closed the door and the heavy locks clanked back into place.
They went back down the stairs and geared up.
They rushed across the gray lawn to the stables a kilometer away from the mansion.
Marc opened the doors and rushed through the stables.
He heard a frantic whiny and went up to a tall animal with a thick body and a long skinny neck.
MARC
Hikiya, I'm here, girl. Let's get you brushed off.
Marc took a brush and quickly brushed her tan fir.
Two shadowy forms slunk out of a sinvati stall.
MARC
Who's there?
ZAKOTI
(anxiously)
By the suns, is that you, Marcayo?
MARC
Zak! We're looking for my father. Do you know where he is?
ZAKOTI
We have not seen him for many suns.
MARC
Where did he go?
LASHANTI
He and your mother went to Kobihok Ridge to speak with the elders of our clan, Marcayo. Candora promised they would return long ago. Now the air burns!
ZAKOTI
We have stayed with the Sinvati because we know nothing else to do!
LASHANTI
We are afraid, Marcayo!
MARC
Do you have food and water?
LASHANTI
I go back to main house to get more when it runs low. Stewart sits at the kitchen table talking sadly to himself.
MARC
I fear this has broken his mind. Sannaro and I are going to track down my father to find out why Kobihok Ridge is burning.
ZAKOTI
You and Sannaro are our only hope, Marcayo!
MARC
Keep hiding here and we'll return when we know more.
Zakoti and Lashanti went back into their hiding places.
Marc laid Hikiya's blanket over her back and expertly buckled her saddle onto her back.
He turned to another and did the same.
MARC
You can ride Kanaya. Me and Hikiya go way back.
Nikklo took Kanaya's reigns and pulled himself into the saddle.
NIKKLO
I seem to remember how to ride a Sinvati from the last time we were here.
Marc climbed into Hikiya's back.
MARC
I'm glad. We can go faster if you know what you're doing. Do you remember the clicks?
NIKKLO
I think it's one to stop, two to walk and three to run.
MARC
Got it. Let's go.
NIKKLO
Don't expect me to get that weird whistle of yours though.
MARC
Why? I don't see any Zurans to distract.
Nikklo chuckled.
MARC
Let's go toward the plains of Tekitri. I don't want to be anywhere near Kobihok ridge.
NIKKLO
Considering it's on fire? I hope not. I'd like to scan around to get a lay of the land and where I sense concentrations of minds.
MARC
Good as any to start. Remember that your telepathy upsets Sinvati, though.
NIKKLO
They are sensitive creatures. I'll give Kanaya's reigns to you and dismount when I do a scan.
Nikklo handed the reigns over and slid down to the ground.
NIKKLO
Damn it, even in Human form, I'm short.
MARC
Like you say, somethings don't change.
Nikklo opened his shields and scanned around him. No matter what functionality the mind had, they seemed to be going roughly in the same direction. Nikklo pointed to his right.
NIKKLO
What's out that way?
MARC
Salt flats from a massive dry lake bed. The heat is the most intense.
NIKKLO
Why would everyone run toward the dry lake?
MARC
White salt is a barrier against gelstone.
NIKKLO
So, what happens to gelstone when it gets near white salt?
MARC
It solidifies. Salt molds are used to form the gelstone crystals and store them. The salt interrupts the flow of light through the gelstone.
NIKKLO
Then the salt flats would be a barrier that would suppress gelstone from burning?
MARC
Yes.
NIKKLO
A safe place from the plasma but the drawback is that the salt reflects light and traps midday heat. What a trade off.
MARC
What else can they do? They either get burned by raging plasma or baked on a white hot surface.
NIKKLO
Anyway, we have to go toward the dry lake.
Nikklo took back the reigns and climbed back on the Sinvati.
MARC
When you lived as a Human, what was your name?
NIKKLO
Nicholas Turner.
MARC
What an average name.
NIKKLO
Since I was found wandering the desert alone and just told people I was Nikklo, they guessed I was saying Nicholas because I was a toddler who didn't speak very well. I was placed with a foster family whose name was Turner so they called me that because they couldn't find any information on me. I guess it's better than John Doe. Then when I met Tarek who called himself Darek, he said he was going by the last name Ruckel. That last year, I called myself Nicholas Ruckel before they forced us back to Tauia.
MARC
It doesn't sound very Chinese.
NIKKLO
Tarek said he was the son of an American service member and a Korean woman. Everyone accepted it because he didn't have any records either but the history of Earth of that time caused people to consider the possibility that his story could be true.
MARC
Believable. For all the records they kept at the time, there was still a lot of misinformation. Wasn't it just before the digital age?
NIKKLO
Yes, I saw the beginning of the digital age. I got to own one of the first personal computers that were made. It was a little faster than a hand held adding machine.
MARC
Wow, to have honestly lived two hundred years ago is mind-boggling.
NIKKLO
I slept through most of it.
MARC
We're approaching a canyon that is usually watched by Renegades.
NIKKLO
Hopefully the canyon isn't on fire and the Renegades have fled. I'll scan ahead to find out.
Nikklo handed over his reigns and slid down to the ground. He walked a few paces away then scanned ahead.
NIKKLO
No minds but I think there's fire ahead.
MARC
Sh'kukte!
NIKKLO
I can try to phase us past the canyon but the fire will make it a wild ride.
MARC
Can you take the Sinvati, too?
NIKKLO
As long as we're touching the Sinvati, I can take us all across. Just to be safe, I may entrance them so they won't panic during the phase.
Nikklo walked in front of the Sinvati and put his hand on both their foreheads.
NIKKLO
Touch Hikiya and my shoulder now, Marc. As soon as we're touching, I'll phase us.
Marc touched Nikklo's shoulder.
TAUIAN NIKKLO PHASING VISUAL
He kept his cool as he jumped from one swirling light beam to another until he saw the vast dry lake bed. He continued to grab light beams until he found one that was directed at the ground. He let go and dropped them to the dirt. He fell to his knees.
HUMAN NIKKLO
EXT. SALT FLATS, ALPHA CENTAURI 7 – DAY - CONTINUOUS
NIKKLO
Fausa, that was a crazy ride!
MARC
Are you alright?
NIKKLO
I'm all right. Riding a convection oven is not fun. I'd rather phase across vast distances of space then to have to jump so many light beams to get anywhere.
They stood up again and saw an astonishing amount of people and animals huddling on the white ground.
FADE OUT.
THE END