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 91 – THE CURE
BY: LYSSA THORNE
FADE IN:
EXT. KOBIHOK RIDGE – day
TAUIAN NIKKLO jumped from one beam to another until he saw a patch of green. He changed direction and landed them within the green. Nikklo changed forms.
SAILI NIKKLO
Candora looked around.
CANDORA
I do see some vegetation here but no kaluka grass.
Nikklo squatted down to look at a weed.
NIKKLO
This looks like one.
Candora squatted beside him.
CANDORA
Look at the leaves closely. They are too pointed. This is kuikite. It's similar to kaluka but it doesn't have the healing properties.
NIKKLO
Oh, I didn't notice.
CANDORA
That is all right. You are new to searching for plants.
NIKKLO
Think of how kaluka grass looks like in your head.
Candora concentrated.
Nikklo lightly scanned her mind.
NIKKLO
Oh, I see now. There is a difference in the shape of the leaves.
CANDORA
I will also take seeds with me so we can grow the plants away from salt laced ground. So now we move on.
They stood again.
TAUIAN NIKKLO PHASING VISUAL
The next location Nikklo stopped at was a wetland.
Candora winced as the water closed around their ankles.
NIKKLO
Sorry about that. I didn't want to land in the ashes.
CANDORA
I understand.
Candora moved around to look at the vegetation.
CANDORA
Do you see this fern?
Nikklo joined her to look at the plant with the long leaves that was curled so it formed a pipe. It was a pretty purple and green.
NIKKLO
Is this the shimitea?
CANDORA
Yes. We must pinch off the whole leaf where it connects to the stalk.
They took several minutes to break off the leaves.
Candora put the harvested leaves in a satchel.
CANDORA
It's good you found a big cluster of the shimitea. This should be adequate for making a large batch of the remedy.
NIKKLO
Now we need the other ingredients.
CANDORA
Yes, we should continue to hop to other green patches. We may find the other herbs close together and harvest more seeds. Your phasing is making the search easier.
The rest of the day, Nikklo phased them to different patches of green. Through many attempts, they found the chalmea and kaluka grass to make the recipe.
Nikklo was tired but happy when he finally phased them back to camp.
TAUIAN NIKKLO PHASING VISUAL
EXT. SALTFLATS, ALPHA CENTAURI 7 – DAY - CONTINUOUS
CANDORA
You did well. I will tell the elders you are ready for your test to show you can be a shaman.
NIKKLO
Thank you for training me, Candora.
He watched her walk into the tent.
Marc walked up to him.
MARC
How did it go? You were gone for hours. Aldumu is almost set.
NIKKLO
The damage out there is shocking. A lot of foliage was burnt. We had to jump over a dozen times to find what we needed. Then we had to scour the green patch to see if there was still any plants healthy enough to use.
MARC
Ouch.
NIKKLO
Bamasha has a lot of healing to do.
MARC
Indeed it does.
Candora returned to the tent flap.
CANDORA
Nik, please enter.
NIKKLO
I have to take a test to see if I know enough to be a shaman. See you later.
Nikklo walked into the tent and bowed to the elders.
NIKKLO
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to become a shaman.
TERAMAR
Please sit down, Nikklo.
Nikklo sat on a pillow on the ground.
The elder pulled a piece of fabric off the ground.
On the ground was many of the plants that Candora found on their trip.
TERAMAR
Remove the plants needed for the parasite remedy.
Nikklo noticed that some of the plants were the ones Candora said were similar but not acceptable. He looked closely at the shape of the leaves and chose the plants. He set them aside.
The elder picked up a plant.
TERAMAR
Why did you not choose this one?
NIKKLO
That plant's leaves are too spiky. It is not the right plant.
Teramar picked up a red and green reed.
TERAMAR
Why did you not choose this one?
NIKKLO
That one is not broken off where the leaf meets the plant. The most important curative of that plant is at the base where it grows from the stalk.
TERAMAR
Why not this kaluka grass?
NIKKLO
It's singed. The healing properties of that plant may have been destroyed by the heat that came close to it.
Teramar picked up a mossy plant.
TERAMAR
Why not this one?
Nikklo looked closely at it.
NIKKLO
It has white spots on it that could mean it has fungus that may add a harmful ingredient to the recipe.
TERAMAR
You are correct in your choices.
Nikklo sat back and sighed in relief.
TERAMAR
You are hard on yourself, Nikklosannaro.
NIKKLO
I apologize, Elder. The health of my people is important to me.
TERAMAR
As it should be when you are a shaman. I have heard a Human saying: You can please some people some of the time but not all people all of the time. I find this saying to be wise.
NIKKLO
I have heard that saying as well. It is wise.
TERAMAR
Then you should not try to please everyone. It is too much work and very disappointing.
NIKKLO
Does that mean you will not allow me to be a shaman?
TERAMAR
I will allow you to be a shaman. It is a skill you need for your plan. I hope you find what you seek out there in the never-ending darkness. Now, join us so we may show you how to use the elixir to purify the gelstones. Then we will show you how to make the medicine to cure those afflicted with the gelstone parasite.
NIKKLO
And just what is my plan, elder?
TERAMAR
Your plan is to convince the Humans that we who are not Human are useful. We Brocana support your plan.
NIKKLO
Yes, that is my plan. Thank you for your support.
Teramar stood up and came back with a chunk of hardened gelstone.
Nikklo winced.
TERAMAR
Yes, you should fear this, Nikklosannaro. Look deep within the stone.
Nikklo scanned it lightly with his telepathy and sensed the cluster of parasite minds in the crimson orb.
NIKKLO
It's infested with parasites.
TERAMAR
Yes, enough to make many sick.
He walked over to a boiling cauldron.
TERAMAR
This is boiling salt water. Place the ingredients into the water.
NIKKLO
What is the water to salt ratio?
TERAMAR
Good question. This pot is what humans call a pound of salt to two gallons of water.
NIKKLO
So roughly double the water for each pound of salt?
TERAMAR
Yes.
NIKKLO
That's a lot of salt. You just drop them into to water?
TERAMAR
Yes.
Nikklo picked up the correct plants and dropped each plant into the water carefully.
TERAMAR
Now we must wait for ten minutes for the plants to soften.
Teramar sat down.
Nikklo sat beside him and closed his eyes. He concentrated to pull in the sunlight that filtered through the tent fabric.
TERAMAR
What is this you do?
NIKKLO
I'm feeding on the light. I traveled so much today, my powers are depleted.
TERAMAR
This is an interesting way you eat.
NIKKLO
My Saili body needs to eat like any humanoid but my Tauian power needs light.
TERAMAR
This meditation will pass the time nicely.
The elder closed his eyes and remained silent.
After ten minutes passed, the elder went back to the cauldron.
TERAMAR
It is ready.
He picked up the gelstone and carefully slipped it into the pot.
Nikklo watched the gelstone liquify in the water. After a few minutes, the parasite floated to the top.
The elder took a ladle and scooped the dead parasite out of the water and threw the carcass into the fire.
He pulled over a ceramic vase with a shaped orb of salt inside it and set it beside the cauldron. Below the salt orb was a strainer that sat over the rest of the vase. On the side of the vase was a channel. When the vase was in position, the elder tipped the cauldron and the crimson liquid poured down the chute into the salt orb. The water poured over the top of the orb and flowed through the strainer into the vase.
TERAMAR
We must wait for the vase to cool before we can handle the salt orb and store the elixir. The elixir can only be used one time more before a new batch must be boiled.
NIKKLO
This is a slow process.
TERAMAR
Yes it is but it is the safest and surest way to kill the parasite.
NIKKLO
Can we keep multiple cauldrons boiling gelstones at the same time?
TERAMAR
We have had many cauldrons boiling gelstones when there was many to purify.
NIKKLO
Can more than one stone be in one pot?
TERAMAR
You must have salt orbs for each stone or you will risk it overflowing into the liquid and you would have to separate it many times before it cools.
NIKKLO
So is it possible to make many vases that can be filled then stopped and put another vase in its place to fill another?
TERAMAR
That would become very complicated to do.
NIKKLO
Can it be done?
TERAMAR
It has never been done that way. If the gelstone cools too much in the elixir, it would have to be boiled again and separated. If the elixir is heated up too many times, it will loose the potency to kill the parasite.
NIKKLO
So if it stays hot until the cauldron is empty, many vases could be filled?
TERAMAR
It is possible. The elixir can only be boiled for a half of an hour before the potency fails.
NIKKLO
Thank you for answering my questions, elder. I know I think differently than a Brocana, but I want to understand the limits to this process so I don't do the process wrong.
TERAMAR
I understand, Nikklosannaro. Now I will show you how to make the cure.
He went to another boiling cauldron.
TERAMAR
Place the ingredients in the cauldron.
Nikklo put the plants into the boiling salt water.
NIKKLO
Same salt to water ratio?
TERAMAR
Yes. Again we must wait for ten minutes.
They sat down again to meditate.
After ten minutes, the elder returned to the pot.
TERAMAR
This time we must take the strainer and remove the remains of the plants.
He used the strainer to remove the boiled plants. He emptied the strainer into another pot.
TERAMAR
We keep the remains to make a powder to store for emergency cures.
NIKKLO
Useful.
TERAMAR
We do not waste, Nikklosannaro.
NIKKLO
I understand why you would not want to waste anything concerning this terrible illness.
Teramar returned to the cauldron and swung the arm away from the fire.
TERAMAR
The elixir must cool. Once it is cool, you may give patients near you a two tablespoons of the elixir to cure them.
NIKKLO
Won't the salt water leave a residue in the pot?
TERAMAR
Ah, yes, you know something about salt water when it cools. The salt thickens the elixir and if left long enough will crystallize the elixir. We can treat people urgently with the cooled thickened elixir but we can then harvest the crystallized elixir to store to be distributed to other locations that need to cure the illness in those far from us.
NIKKLO
Does the crystals need to be refrigerated?
TERAMAR
No, the dry crystals will keep their potency as long as it is not melted.
NIKKLO
So they need to be stored in a cool dry place?
TERAMAR
An average day will not melt the crystals but they will need to be contained in a dry place.
NIKKLO
Like a ceramic container?
TERAMAR
Ceramic or metal will do. Ceramic tends to keep the temperature more constant, though.
NIKKLO
You're methods are simple yet valuable.
TERAMAR
Money valuable, Nikklosannaro?
NIKKLO
No, valuable to the restoration of people's health, elder. Now how do you treat the people when you have the crystallized elixir?
TERAMAR
You must shave a tablespoon of dry salt and add two tablespoons of water until the elixir is dissolved then you have the patient drink it.
NIKKLO
Thank you for offering me this information, elder.
TERAMAR
You are a shaman, Nikklosannaro. Use this knowledge well to cure people. Your training is complete
Teramar walked away.
Nikklo stepped outside into the darkness.
He sensed Marc stand up from the ground not very far away and walk to him.
MARC
You're finally done?
NIKKLO
Yes, it was a demanding test but I know how to cure the parasite virus now.
MARC
You were given a privilege few are offered.
NIKKLO
I know it is.
MARC
So when are they going to give you your shaman brand?
Nikklo felt the blood drain from his face.
NIKKLO
Shaman brand?
MARC
Yeah, all ranks among Brocana are worn as brands.
NIKKLO
They said nothing about a brand.
Candora joined them.
CANDORA
You do not have to wear the brand since you are not a native Brocana. That is why you were not required to go through the branding ceremony.
NIKKLO
Will they make you do it, Candora?
CANDORA
I asked for mine to be what you humans call a tattoo. It is less painful. They agreed to allow me the tattoo.
Marc placed his hand over his brand.
MARC
I'm glad they're doing that. I may not remember the branding of the Harak because I was a baby, but I cringe at the thought every time. Being burned hurts like hell. I can't imagine choosing to be burned deliberately.
CANDORA
That is why I begged Jabayu not to brand you but he did not listen to me and had you branded anyway. I was quite angry at him for years for ignoring my pleas.
NIKKLO
I should wear the brand.
MARC
You have got to be kidding!
CANDORA
You could choose the tattoo?
NIKKLO
No, the physiology of the Saili makes tattoos impossible because the dyes react weirdly with our chemistry and our blood clots into metal plating. Only a brand would be permanent on Saili skin. After the branding, I could ask a modern doctor for the dermal regenerator to heal it into a scar quickly.
MARC
I'm still your executive officer and I think you're crazy for deliberately inflicting injury on yourself!
NIKKLO
You're acting like a Human, Marcayo. It's the way of your people and I want to honor their tradition because they gave me the rare chance to become a Shaman. You brought up the Shaman brand first! They were going to let me walk away without it. Now, I choose to take the Shaman brand!
MARC
Rachisai!
NIKKLO
I'll accept that observation. I am crazy but I will go through it.
Teramar stepped from the tent.
TERAMAR
Candora says you wish to accept the brand?
NIKKLO
I do, elder.
MARC
When did Mother talk to you?
TERAMAR
While you brothers argued.
MARC
We're not brothers. My brother is living in New San Francisco.
NIKKLO
We're arguing like we're brothers. That's what he means, Marc.
MARC
Oh, well, I guess we are. Okay, go to your branding, you crazy gold statue who walks!
NIKKLO
Brace me, brother?
MARC
Okay, I'll brace you.
NIKKLO
What would that name be in Brocana?
TERAMAR
Statukuimoyo. That's without the crazy.
NIKKLO
Statoo'koo'ee'moy'yo. I guess that's my Brocana name. Lead on, elder. I'm ready.
Teramar lead them to a fire pit with a brand in the flames.
TERAMAR
Remove your shirt, Statukuimoyo.
Nikklo swept his shirt off and dropped it to the ground. Nikklo squatted in a defensive stance with his arms straight before his chest.
Marc pressed his chest against Nikklo's right arm.
The elder picked up the brand and held it near Nikklo's left arm to center it in the right place then thrust it against Nikklo's arm.
His eyes were beginning to tear when the elder pulled the brand away.
Nikklo crossed his arms over his chest and blinked back the tears.
Marc helped Nikklo to the Human medic for the dermal regerator and pain medicine then to the mattresses to sleep.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
(LATER)
The next morning, Nikklo sat up and checked his left arm. It now had a golden brown leaf design on his shiny yellow gold bicep.
MARC
Inspecting the damage?
NIKKLO
You could sat that.
Nikklo stood up and pulled his shirt on again.
NIKKLO
But when Zhad sees that, he's going to flip.
MARC
Hey, you're over forty years old. I think it's a bit late to get a lecture from your Father.
NIKKLO
He'd give it anyway. I'm going to go harvest the ingredients to take back with us. Hopefully, we'll be ready to travel back to Gasbaja before suns-down today.
MARC
You did a great job giving my people a chance to put out this fire.
NIKKLO
I did it for your Brocana more than the Humans although I respect your father immensely.
MARC
This argument between aliens and Humans bothers me too, Nik. This fire wouldn't have ravaged half my planet if the Humans hadn't argued with the Brocana.
NIKKLO
Yeah, how did that start?
MARC
A Brocana miner picked up a large chunk of cooled gelstone to put it on the contaminated pile. The Human told the Brocana to put it back because that volume of gelstone would get them a hefty price. The Brocana said it was infested so it had to be cleansed. The Human struggled with the Brocana to take it away and threw the chunk at the pile to ship out. The chunk smashed an electric lamp and sparked the whole pile. The fire spread quickly.
NIKKLO
Stupid argument. If the chunk was infested, it had to be refined for everyone's safety. A lot more money was lost here than to melt a big cluster of gelstone to be reshaped into smaller stones.
MARC
You'll get no argument from me about that. My people are hurting because of that stupid argument.
NIKKLO
I'll be back as soon as I can. I need a shoulder bag to hold the plants.
MARC
I can get you that.
Marc trotted away toward the Brocana camp.
Several minutes later, Marc returned with a large shoulder bag.
Nikklo took it and slung it over his head.
NIKKLO
Fa'arata.
MARC
Ni'chawei, phase safely.
MONTAGE OF NIKKLO HARVESTING PLANTS
Nikklo spent most of the day foraging for the plants. This trip by himself made him feel like there was more damage out here than it had looked like with Candora helping him to find the plants. At first he thought that he could check smaller patches of green because he could resist more heat than Candora but he soon realized that the plants he found were too withered to use. He went back to finding the larger patches and had more success. Several hours after midday, he returned to camp.
EXT. SALT FLATS, ALPHA CENTAURI 7 - DAY
Marc waved his hand before his face.
MARC
Ho, Nik, you seriously need a wash!
NIKKLO
Yeah, I do need to get cleaned up.
He pulled off the bag and set it on the ground.
MARC
Did you find everything?
Nikklo walked across camp to the shared bathroom/shower room to wash.
The Elder rushed toward him.
TERAMAR
Statukuimoyo, you went out to harvest again?
NIKKLO
I did, Elder.
TERAMAR
This is good. We may offer a trade to you? Yes?
NIKKLO
I'm listening.
TERAMAR
It would be easier to travel the never-ending darkness with the rock salt remedy than to take the plants. I offer to give you the rock salt remedy in trade for the fresh plants?
NIKKLO
I was going to refine my own batch but that sounds like a very good offer, Elder. Right now I am desperate to wash the soot off me.
TERAMAR
I will leave you to wash. Then I will give you a whole batch of the rock salt for the plants and the rock salt you made yesterday.
NIKKLO
I will gladly accept your offer once I am washed.
Once Nikklo was clean with new clothes on, he went back to the elder with the fresh plants and accepted the trade.
He returned to the mattress with several sacks of the rock salt remedy.
Marc stepped up to him.
MARC
That's it?
NIKKLO
Yes, this is the transportable form of the remedy. The elder was willing to trade the fresh plants for the refined remedy because it's hard for them to forage successfully right now.
MARC
Makes sense. So now you have what we came for.
NIKKLO
And the firemen are beginning to pack up to go back to New San Francisco. How about the Sinvati we brought with us?
MARC
My father transported them back to the estate to be more comfortable weeks ago.
NIKKLO
Good, so we can just go.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Ilanit, gather the Tauians together for the return trip to New Sailia.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
I will do as you command, Nikklo.
NIKKLO
Marc, we have a prism ship above. You can travel with all the Tauians or I can take you back solo. It may be uncomfortable for you since you won't be able to see anything around you but you'll stand on something solid.
MARC
That does sound scary. Can we go back solo?
NIKKLO
Okay, I understand. I'll take you back the way I usually transport you.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Ilanit, lead the Tauians back to New Sailia on the prism ship. I will transport Marc and me to Gasbaja. I'll contact you if I need anything or you need something from me. Everyone did a great job on Alpha Centauri 7.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
We know we did. Many people there had pleased thoughts toward our help. It was nice to sense Humanoids who do not wish to show violence toward us.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I'd like to sense more of that.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
Your plan seems to be changing attitudes about us. I sense you wish to be on your way. I will leave you to your travel and attend to mine. Until we meet again, Nikklosannaro.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Until we meet again, Ilanit.
TAUIAN NIKKLO PHASING VISUAL
Nikklo changed form and grabbed a light beam.
INT. BUNKER, GASBAJA - DAY
Once they were at the bunker, Nikklo released the light and landed them just beyond the elevator.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Cheri, Marc and I are home.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Yuri just told me he sensed your approach. Were you successful?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
We were. I'll explain everything once we're face to face. Call a meeting with the senior members so I only have to give this report once. Did anything unusual happen while we were gone?
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
The repairs are complete. We were waiting for your return to do a shake-down flight.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Good, we'll prepare for that next. We're coming in.
They took the elevator down to the ship bay and the door opened.
Nikklo smiled up at his refurbished ship.
NIKKLO
That's a sweet sight to return home to.
MARC
Yes it is.
They walked through the hatch to the living area.
NIKKLO
I hate to cut this meeting short but I think I need to get this remedy to Regalis. Later, I'll draw pictures of large pots I want Andu to make for me to purify gelstones and make more remedy.
ANDOKU
I'll be ready when you are.
Nikklo pulled the canvas bag off his shoulder and set it on the table. He pulled out four white rocks about a meter in diameter each.
MARC
That's all they're getting?
NIKKLO
This is actually a decent amount. This may treat about ten people. If they need more, they can ask for more. I should be back no longer than a half hour.
CHERNA
And if you're not?
NIKKLO
You can call me for an explanation and if I don't respond, you can mount a rescue party.
MARC
You sure you want to do this alone?
NIKKLO
I began the deal. I need to finish it.
MARC
I know you made the deal. How about some armed backup?
NIKKLO
Do you still have your ADF issue pistol belt with all the equipment?
MARC
I sure do. It's in my quarters.
NIKKLO
Ok, suit up in black battle gear wearing your police pistol belt and meet me here.
MARC
You mean I get a creepy cool firebird helmet?
NIKKLO
That's Astrisi battle gear.
MARC
Yakeekee!
NIKKLO
Glad you're so excited.
Marc raced from the room.
Marc rushed back in dressed in the black flight suit and the black helmet with the firebird framing the face plate under his arm.
Nikklo laid his hand on Marc's shoulder.
NIKKLO
Ready, Marc?
MARC
I'm ready.
TAUIAN NIKKLO PHASING VISUAL
EXT. TALON RIDGE, BRISTOL, REGALIS - DAY
Nikklo landed them on the mountain above Bristol and looked down at the very different city below them.
MARC
So this is where you were born?
NIKKLO
Yep, though it was very dilapidated when I lived here. The school is the same. They just repaired it.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Sam, this is Sannaro. I have the remedy for the gelstone parasite.
SAM (PSI V.O.)
Took you a while.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
A wildfire complicated the gathering of ingredients.
SAM (PSI V.O.)
That's why the parasites were allowed to spread?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Yep, no one was purifying the gelstones because the fields were burning.
Nikklo sensed Sam's mental wince.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Yeah, brings back uncomfortable memories, doesn't it, Sam?
SAM (PSI V.O.)
It does. Where do we meet?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Same place as last time.
SAM (PSI V.O.)
How much?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Ten thousand credits for ten cures.
SAM (PSI V.O.)
Ho, that's a lot of money.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I had to help to suppress a wildfire then forage through burned fields for remaining healthy plants.
SAM (PSI V.O.)
Yeah, sounds like it wasn't easy to get. Okay, I'll have a secured card ready for you.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Sorry, but I don't have a Terran Alliance bank readily accessible.
SAM (PSI V.O.)
Shit, that's right, you Astrisi have your own alliance now. How are we going to do this?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Give me the equivalent in seranium stored in a tanker ship I can take with me. I can drop it back here if you want me to once I've off-loaded the seranium.
SAM (PSI V.O.)
I'll do it. Give me a half hour to get the ship and the fuel for you.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I can do that.
MARC (PSI V.O.)
Great, a delay.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Cheri, this is going to take a little longer since we just realized normal payment won't work now that we Astrisi are not in the Alliance so I arranged for us to be paid with cargo ship of seranium.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Good trade.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
That's what I thought so we'll stay here until Sam has it.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Okay.
MARC
So where was yours and Vara's house?
NIKKLO
Our house was the fifth house on the road away from that big building that processes the seranimite.
Nikklo remembered how his house looked and sent the image to Marc.
MARC
Wow, that was your house before the fire? It was dilapidated.
NIKKLO
That's how many houses looked here back then.
He pointed to another large building on another road leading away from the school.
NIKKLO
There's the general store. It's bigger now. It used to be no bigger than a house. Another house used to be right beside it. That lot is now a part of the new store.
MARC
This town looks nicer than your memories.
NIKKLO
A lot nicer. But you know the expression; a brighter the picture, the darker the negative. The company may not be nicer now than it was before. They may just be covering it up better. Sam is climbing the hill so you need to hide.
Marc climbed up the ridge and found a large boulder to duck into the shadow.
Nikklo mentally tracked Sam as he climbed up the hill.
Sam finished his climb.
SAM
Nice to see you again. So you had a tough time at Centauri 7?
NIKKLO
A wildfire almost completely burned Kobihok Ridge.
SAM
I'll take your word for it.
NIKKLO
Anyway, have you arranged the payment?
SAM
It's in orbit. Do you have the cure?
NIKKLO
I have the cure but I would have to give you a pharmaceutical recipe too because it has to be mixed into an elixir.
Sam held his head.
SAM
No!
NIKKLO
What?!
TAUIAN NIKKLO leapt into the sky. His head exploded in pain and he lost grip on the light beam. He frantically tried to grab another light beam but it slipped through his fingers. He slammed into the ground.
FADE TO BLACK
INT. BRISTOL TOWN, REGALIS -DAY
Nikklo opened his eyes and the first thing he saw was the gold smear of his own dried blood left forty years ago. He tried to move his arms but they were painfully bound. He shuddered as he tried to slip his bonds. For some reason he felt very weak like he had minimal access to his core. He shifted to climb to his knees. He sensed many people stood around him.
HUMAN #1
The boss is coming.
HUMAN #2
The big boss?
HUMAN #1
The big boss.
MARC (PSI V.O.)
Should I come yet?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
No, wait. Everyone is anticipating the arrival of the big boss. We should wait until the big boss gets here.
MARC (PSI V.O.)
It pisses me off that we were betrayed.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
That's why I accepted your offer to back me.
He looked up to see a pair of legs in front of him sheathed in a navy blue skirt. He looked up and noticed it was a full conservative dress but the face he was becoming to know and dislike all too well.
HUMAN #1
Madame Geode, we found Sam Turner speaking to this alien up on Talon Ridge.
KELLIN
Hello, Nikklo.
NIKKLO
Kellin.
KELLIN
Isn't it a strange coincidence that you're right back where you started?
Nikklo scowled at the smear of blood.
NIKKLO
You're the big boss?
KELLIN
I've always been the boss, dear. I own Pallas Mining Company.
Nikklo arched his neck to glare at her.
KELLIN
Yes, I've always owned you. I tried to keep your father here to keep you from your destiny. Blame your father for that blood smear. If he hadn't instigated the fuel dispute, you may have also become a miner under my employ. I would have kept you healthy and happy.
NIKKLO
My father was sick because of you!
KELLIN
Giovano? Don't you understand he was just a pawn all along? I'm talking about your father Tarek. He destroyed your life here to force you to become a warrior.
Nikklo gritted his teeth and pulled his arms to try to break the cuffs from around his wrists.
KELLIN
That will do you no good, child. Those are especially made to restrain you; all of you.
NIKKLO
Tarek said Beken had been searching for us and couldn't find us!
KELLIN
Ah, Beken wasn't the brightest of my children. He couldn't find Tarek but I did. I left him to bumble around looking for you to keep Tarek's attention because, unfortunately, Tarek is my smart child despite his illegitimate heritage. I disguised myself as a human business woman and made my fortune any way my coercers could coax it. I bought Pallas Mining Company because your Saili father was looking for work and no one wanted to hire a weird Saili. I knew Tarek was trying to make his simpering Saili braver and took the opportunity to convince small minded humans they'd make great mining laborers. I had many of my mining colonies go out of the way to hire as many Saili as they could find and I watched over all of them until the child with the unique aura of Nikklo was born to them. I tried to have my staff keep Giovano here any way they could, to the point of impoverishing the people here. Then Arlington and Aldinon's greed got in the way and brought pirates to steal the fuel and set up the dispute with the Kumani. The idiots gave Tarek the perfect opportunity to get you into the hands of the perfect warrior trainers, the only warriors who effectively fought off the Zurans we sent to draw Tarek out of hiding.
NIKKLO
Do you hear this? Your big boss kept you starving to further her own schemes! She brought the insidious Zurans to steal everything we owned and kill us indiscriminately! All our misery was caused by her!
KELLIN
You started it. If you had paid your debt for that body you control, you would have spared everyone the misery of drawing you out of hiding.
NIKKLO
Give them the cure!
KELLIN
I will when I feel like it. Thank you for delivering such a valuable commodity, dear.
NIKKLO
They're sick, Kellin. If you truly mean what you say that if I had remained here, I would have been healthy and happy, then they deserve to be healthy and happy too. That parasite is insidious and resistant to all medicines except those that grow in their native soil.
Kellin put a hand on Nikklo's chest.
Nikklo felt her mental pull. He grunted in agony.
Kellin's hand held the crystal orb that sealed his core.
KELLIN
This is the first time I've actually been allowed to see the real you. You are truly lovely to behold.
NIKKLO
Put it back!
KELLIN
I could snap the connections.
NIKKLO
And the pain of severing me from my body may cause me to release a massive atomic pulse that may destroy this whole planet and you'll be at ground zero.
Kellin rolled the orb from her fingers.
The orb disappeared back into his chest.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
Nikklo screamed and curled up to ride out the spasms that wracked his body.
TAREK
Let him go, Mother.
Nikklo looked around and saw Tarek stood in the crowd.
Tarek emerged and squatted down beside Nikklo. He pressed his hand against Nikklo's chest.
Nikklo's pain eased.
NIKKLO
Thank you.
TAREK
So the Humans have been your pawns all along. I feel sorry that they took my place in your life. Even they were not deserving of that fate.
KELLIN
You ran away. Good children should never run away from their mothers.
TAREK
Good mothers should never be so cruel to their children as to convince them to run away.
KELLIN
And how about what you did to your son? You caused him to be burned. He's crouching on his own blood you forced him to shed for your grand plan!
TAREK
What I did to him? You were starving him! You were keeping him with people who were cruel to him! I arranged a better life for him where he could have dignity and pride in his accomplishments! He would have never been happy to be a miner anymore than Giovano had been happy to be a be trapped on your world!
KELLIN
You wanted Giovano to become mutated so he would father your defender tribe! You are such a wonderful Great Forger!
TAREK
I mutated them so they could protect themselves from you!
NIKKLO
Stop it! Shut up! You talk like I'm a prize to be won! I am owned by no one! I choose my allies!
Nikklo felt his core respond to his anger and he directed the energy to disintegrate the cuffs around his wrists. He leapt off the ground.
KELLIN
What? How?
NIKKLO
I'm the ultimate weapon. I can do many things.
He turned to the stunned crowd.
NIKKLO
I have the cure. Even if she takes what I have on me, I can make more. Sam asked me to get the cure because he knew from past experience that the company wouldn't provide it without heavy conditions. I went to great lengths to get this cure because I was born here and, as she said, my blood stains this ground. I am the lost child the rescuers spent weeks searching for and was never found.
The crowd chattered to each other loudly for several minutes. They no longer believed that Kellin would save them from the terrible sickness.
Kellin threw a massive wave of energy toward Nikklo.
Nikklo whirled around, held his hands out and redirected the energy into the sky. He rose off the ground.
NIKKLO
Not here, Kellin. Innocents can get hurt.
TAUIAN NIKKLO phased toward the mountains.
As he rose into the air, his vision blurred and he saw the town was burning again.
Ghostly forms reached for him from all sides.
GHOST #1
Help us, Sannaro! We're burning!
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
No! That town is no more!
GHOST #1
Save us!
TAREK (PSI V.O.)
Nik, it's Kellin's coercers! They're making you think the ghosts are possessing you again!
A ghost flew toward Nikklo.
Nikklo flew into the ghost and flashed a quick energy burst.
A scream ripped through the air.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Ah, I think I caused a feedback when I attacked the ghost.
Nikklo saw another ghost and flew toward it.
The ghost flipped around and fled.
You can try but I'm a fighter pilot, Nikklo smirked to himself as he jumped light beams to pursue the fleeing ghost.
He closed in on the ghost and launched an energy bolt.
Another scream echoed across the canyon.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I don't know if these apparitions are the coercers or the energy is traveling back through the telepathic link but I'm hurting someone.
Nikklo whirled around as he released another burst of energy.
Many ghosts screamed and mental screams echoed through his mind.
Damira hovered before him.
DAMIRA (PSI V.O.)
Stop this right now, Sannaro!
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
You're not my mother. You're a ghostly manifestation of an image of my mother. I will not stop.
Damira held her hand up.
Nikklo felt an aggressive presence enter his mind.
Nikklo pushed the mental presence from his mind.
The attacker pushed back.
Nikklo locked his mental powers into forcing the attacker out.
The attacker resisted strongly.
Nikklo felt frustrated.
The attacker chuckled mentally and pressed the attack.
Nikklo saw his mother's ghost with a twisted grin on her face.
Nikklo pushed a bolt of energy through her.
Damira's scream was two tone male and female. Her form expanded then dissipated.
KRONIL (PSI V.O.)
I killed you once. I can kill you again.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I've been looking forward to meeting you face to face, Kronil.
KRONIL (PSI V.O.)
I never look my prey in the eye.
Nikklo dove for Kronil's mental signature behind a rock. He dropped on top of the rock and blew it to dust.
Kronil looked up with his aura dancing frantically around him.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
First time for everything.
He grabbed Kronil around the throat and launched back into the air.
PHASING VISUAL
Kronil began to struggle then went rigid.
NIKKLO
So, the meanest coercer has a paralyzing fear? You don't like to phase.
Nikklo jumped around many light beams in succession.
KRONIL (PSI V.O.)
Please, set me down.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
You ignored my pleas when you took over Cherna to beat me to death. Now it's your turn.
Nikklo dove toward the ground and slammed Kronil into the rock.
Kellin dove toward him.
Nikklo waited until the last second to phase away.
Kellin slammed into Kronil.
Nikklo rose higher to get beyond Kellin's reach.
Kellin leap into the air.
Nikklo waited until Kellin was almost to him. He flipped around and kicked her back to the ground.
Dirt and rock exploded into the air on Kellin's impact.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
If only I were home playing sports for fun instead of beating up my manipulative family.
TAREK (PSI V.O.)
Don't get cocky, Nik.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I know better than that!
Kellin stayed on the ground over Kronil's broken body.
KELLIN (PSI V.O.)
You destroyed his core!
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
So you do have a heart. I wish you had feelings for your children instead of wanting to destroy us for not measuring up to your standards.
KELLIN (PSI V.O.)
Kronil never failed me. You and your father did and now I will destroy my children for defying me!
Kellin phased off the ground again. Her aura was all shades of red and black.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Tarek, she's lost it!
TAREK (PSI V.O.)
Now she'll be the most deadly. Be careful, son.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I will be careful.
MARC
This battle is insane, Sam! She's not going to give you any cure for your people!
SAM
I think you may be right, Astrisi.
MARC
Is there something that can, at least stun Kellin so that Nik can get away from this insanity?
SAM
We do have a high voltage electricity gun that should stun her long enough for San to get away. I'll go get it out of the equipment shed.
SAM
Fly out of here, San. Thank you for showing that we've been used terribly for so long.
He launched a card into the air.
SAM (CONT.)
This is the control card for your seranimite transport.
Nikklo swooped down to catch the card.
SAM (CONT.)
Now, give us the cure, Kellin. We have people to heal. Then you can crawl back to your pretty office and let us moles get back to our digging.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Sam, break off about a teaspoon of the powder and mix it with two teaspoons of fluid. That makes one remedy to cure one person.
SAM
Thank you, Nikklosannaro.
KELLIN (PSI V.O.)
This isn't over, Nikklo, I assure you.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
That doesn't surprise me, Kellin.
KELLIN (PSI V.O.)
Although you did do a brilliant job on Centauri 7. You are a master strategist. I won't underestimate you next time.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
We'll see.
Nikklo grabbed a light beam, grabbed Marc and phased away from Regalis.
PHASING VISUAL
TAREK (PSI V.O.)
We got lucky.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
But things are changing. The Humans broke from coercer control that time. We just need to continue to weaken their hold.
INT. FUEL TRANSPORT
NIKKLO, TAREK AND MARC landed on the cargo ship Nikklo knew was his payment from Sam's mind.
Marc sighed noisily as he pulled off his helmet.
MARC
That was damned scary.
NIKKLO
Yet you weren't huddled on top of your own dried blood.
MARC
That's really where you impacted the ground while you were on fire?
NIKKLO
Exactly where I landed.
MARC
That had to be unsettling.
NIKKLO
It was.
Nikklo rose off the ground before Kellin.
EXT. BRISTOL CAMP ON THE GROUND, REGALIS – DAY – CONTINUOUS
Marc pulled off his helmet and stepped up beside Sam.
Sam was gone for a minute then returned with the strange gun. He targeted Kellin and fired.
A stream of electricity flowed from the ground through Kellin.
Kellin shrieked and stiffened.
Nikklo looked down and saw Sam had a special gun in his hand.
Nikklo sat in the pilot's seat and inserted the card.
COMPUTER (V.O.)
Identification confirmed.
NIKKLO
Report manifest of cargo.
COMPUTER (V.O.)
The cargo on this vessel contains three hundred seventy-eight thousand, five hundred forty one liters of seranium fuel partitioned into four tanks.
NIKKLO
Nice. I want to phase this to Gasbaja right now before we push our luck.
TAUIAN NIKKLO PHASING VISUAL to a synchronous orbit near Gasbaja.
NIKKLO
Let's park it here and phase the rest of the way back.
TAREK
Why not take it to Gasbaja?
NIKKLO
I'm not willing to trust the cargo completely yet. Let's go.
TAUIAN NIKKLO, TAUIAN TAREK AND MARC PHASING VISUAL
INT. NIKKLO'S APARTMENT, BUNKER, GASBAJA - DAY
They returned to his apartment. Cherna and Yuri met them at the door.
NIKKLO
We're back.
CHERNA
We're you able to deliver the medicine?
NIKKLO
Houk, and we got paid nicely. There's a cargo ship packed with seranium in orbit. Yuri, I want you to attach some of your people to the ship to give it a stem to stern inspection. I want to make sure that ship doesn't have any unexpected surprises on board before we offload the seranium.
YURI (PSI V.O.)
I will ask for some of us to visit the ship, Nikklo.
NIKKLO
Once we're sure we can use the seranium, I want us to prepare the Euryanassa for the test flight.
YURI
I will make the preparations, Nikklo.
CHERNA
Will you allow yourself some rest soon, Nikky? You just returned from a wild fire on Centauri 7.
NIKKLO
You're right, I need some time to slow down, lover. I don't know how much time I'll have to relax since Kellin will press the attack now that she was humiliated on Regalis. Only good thing is that it seems the Humans are beginning to resist the coercer's control.
CHERNA
You're grimy, Nikky.
NIKKLO
Very.
MARC
Nik was beat up again.
TAREK
It was Kellin. Never underestimate that woman. She never gives up willingly.
CHERNA
Do you need to visit Danu?
NIKKLO
I'm no more than bruised. I just need a good shower and some rest.
MARC
I'm surprised since I saw you plow into the ground when you realized Sam was double-crossing you.
NIKKLO
My crystaloid body makes me more resistant to injury. Believe me, I'm glad it takes more to injure me but even I'achi'awei can probably smell me right now. I haven't had any downtime since before I went to Alpha Centauri 7. I want a shower. I want to hug my children and spend some personal time my wife. Please excuse me.
Nikklo felt a sudden weight on his shoulder and scanned the area with his telepathy.
NIKKLO
I missed you too, Linea.
LINEA (PSI V.O.)
I'm happy you're home, mommy-daddy.
NIKKLO
Just Daddy, Lini. I'm still very happy for the hug but I'm going to the shower and you can't go with me. Go back with Cherna, please.
LINEA (PSI V.O.)
You were gone long time.
NIKKLO
Houk, I was gone a long time and I'm glad to be home. I really need to get cleaned up then I would love to spend more time with you. Now go back to Cherna, sweetheart.
The weight on his shoulder lifted. He smiled and gathered what he needed for his shower.
INT. BRIDGE, EURYANASSA
Nikklo felt very pleased to be on the bridge of the newly restored Euryanassa although it was essential personnel only for now.
NIKKLO
Okay, Arc, raise her into the air out of the cavern.
SAILI ARCAS
Preparing for vertical take-off.
YURI
All systems are green.
Nikklo nodded.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Ilanit, is your prism ships ready for operation: refraction?
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
We are ready and awaiting your command to phase.
The view screen showed dark rock for several minutes before horizon was seen.
The bridge crew cheered.
NIKKLO
Take us into orbit.
SAILI ARCAS
Angling the nose and increasing to breakout velocity.
Nikklo felt the shudder caused by the ship slicing through the upper atmosphere into space.
SELIK (PSI V.O.)
Forgot about me, Nikklo?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Nope, I didn't forget you, Selik.
Nikklo scanned the area for Selik's mental signature. When he found it, he relayed the knowledge to Ilanit.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Ilanit, lock onto Selik and maneuver the prisms into place.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
Maneuvering Prisms, Nikky.
SELIK (PSI V.O.)
I downed your ship once. I can do it again.
YURI
I'm picking up Selik's ship closing in on us.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Ilanit, phase now to set coordinates around Selik's ship.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
Phasing now.
NIKKLO
Di, launch vizha'i and have them make a defensive perimeter around Euryanassa. All Astrisi ships are to do the same.
DI'OK
Houk, Nik.
Di'ok bent to his communications desk to relay the messages.
SELIK
Too late!
The hated ship that once sliced his cherished ship in two began to glow.
YURI
It's firing.
MARC
Shit!
NIKKLO
Wait. Be calm.
The ship fired.
The hated beam lanced toward Euryanassa.
The beam bent wildly in a zig-zag and returned to the ship that fired it.
The ship bent mid-ship then snapped in two.
SELIK (PSI V.O.)
How the hell?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Thank the Tauian Prism ships who redirected your beam back to you before you meet your own death. Ilanit, phase away.
NIKKLO
Yuri, fire on Selik's ship.
YURI
Gladly.
Yuri concentrated and the intense batteries of the Gasbajan Euryanassa lanced out at the broken spaceship.
The remaining pieces flashed into pure energy then settled into a fireworks display as it dissipated.
NIKKLO
I've heard enough from you, Commander Selik.
The bridge crew cheered.
MARC
That's our Tsikakayu!
KELLIN (PSI V.O.)
You'll pay for that move, child!
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
It's about time we ended this, Kelin. We will no longer be your pawns.
A blinding light flashed across the screen.
A minute later, the bridge crew could see again.
YURI
Secutiry breech! Nikklo is no longer on board!
MARC
Oh shit.
FADE OUT.
THE END