Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
BAMASHA'S REVENGE
EPISODE 95 URGENT MESSAGE
By: Lyssa Thorne
FADE IN:
EXT. ALPHA CENTAURI 7 (BAMASHA) - DAY
Candora, a woman with long dark hair with blue-tinged skin wore a natural muslin robe with a sash that went around her neck, crossed her chest between her breasts and tied in a knot around her waist.
Candora hiked her skirt up until she could see her sandals before she squatted to the ground to check on a patch of shimitea. The last time she had been around there, she had been concerned that this patch had been tinged an unhealthy brown. The plant life was still recovering from the fire. Sandstone nearby still showed scorch marks from the wildfire that swept through the area. She smiled in satisfaction that the browning seemed less.
MAN #1
Lady Shaman?
Candora leapt from the ground and turned toward the voice.
CANDORA
Why do you bother me? What do you want?
MAN #1
Why are you out here alone? Don't you know it's dangerous here in the mountains?
CANDORA
I know how to defend myself.
MAN #1
What are you looking for? I may be able to give you some pointers.
CANDORA
I do not need your help.
The man rushed to her and grabbed her arm.
MAN #1
You're going to show me what you're foraging for and what remedy it's used for!
Candora reached for her belt knife.
CANDORA
I will not!
A man in white native attire rose up from a cluster of rocks and shot a laser gun at the man she struggled with.
The man screamed and fell to the ground with a blackened chest.
Candora backed away from the corpse and stared at the man behind the boulders.
CANDORA
(shout)
You used a sun gun!
RENEGADE #1
I did. The scum Jhumani will not bother you again, Lady Shaman. Continue your foraging.
CANDORA
(shout)
Sun guns are forbidden!
RENEGADE #1
The gelstone inside is a piece of Bamasha. The machine adds controlled fire and nothing more. Jhumani will not burn our lands again, Lady Shaman. They will not steal our knowledge. We promise.
CANDORA
Thank you, renegade.
Candora untied her Sinvati from the tree she secured him on and climbed back into the saddle. She whistled for the animal into a run. Once she was out of sight of the renegade, she pulled out her communicator.
CANDORA (CONT.)
Jon, are you there?
The small screen lit up with the face of a middle aged Human man with dark blond hair.
JON
What's up, my love?
CANDORA
I was just attacked by a Human as I foraged. He wanted to know Shaman knowledge.
JON
(face tightening with worry)
Did you fight him off?
CANDORA
I was about to fight him off but a renegade came out of hiding and shot my attacker with a laser!
JON
What? He used a laser?
CANDORA
Yes! He said the gelstone is a piece of Bamasha and the Human device puts controlled fire through it so he chose to use the Human machine because they will stop Humans from burning Brocana lands again.
JON
Oh, this is grave. How much longer will you be out foraging?
CANDORA
I need a few more days.
JON
Candy, be careful out there.
CANDORA
I will begin my return trip to Clan Kelhidi camp to return home.
JON
Please come home soon. This renegade using a laser gun worries me.
CANDORA
It worries me too. I will see you soon.
She returned the communicator to the inner folds of her white robes and adjusted her headscarf to make sure it shielded her better from the punishing dual suns of Alpha and Beta Centauri.
INT. WARSHIP EURYANASSA – BRIDGE
DI'OK looks like a normal Human with light pink skin and wild short red hair. (Any clothing can be worn.)
Di'ok saw a call was coming in on his communications board on the Astrisi Warship Euryanassa from Alpha Centauri 7. He turned to Marc Daniels who spoke quietly with Nikklosannaro in the center of the bridge as he opened the channel.
Marc is a tall humanoid with dark blond hair and a bluish skin-tone.
NIKKLO is a short stocky muscular humanoid with shiny brownish-yellow gold skin, dark blue colored straight hair down his back. He tends to wear black leggings and muscle shirts of maroon red or a blue hue.
NOTE: Nikklo is a shape changer so from here on, until noted, he is in SAILI FORM.
DI'OK
Astrisi ship Euryanassa. How may I help you?
A monitor lights up with JON on the screen.
JON
Hello, Di'ok. Nice to hear you again. This is Ambassador Daniels.
DI'OK
Oh, hello, Ambassador Daniels. It has been a while since we spoke. How may I help you?
JON
Can I speak with my son Marc?
DI'OK
I'll ask if he can take your call. It will take a minute.
JON
Of course.
Di'ok muted the line before he turned toward the center of the bridge.
DI'OK
Marc, there's a communication for you from your father, Ambassador Daniels.
Marc shared a concerned look with Nikklo before he walked to the communications station.
MARC
I'll take it, Di.
Marc took the headset Di'ok offered him and put it on.
Di'ok took the line off mute.
MARC
Marc Daniels, here. How is the rebuilding of Centauria going, Dad?
JON
Not as well as we would like it to be going.
MARC
What's happening?
JON
Something very grave, Marc. The Brocana renegades are becoming violent.
MARC
(concerned look)
They're fighting the clans?
Jon Daniels frowned deeply.
JON
A year ago, I thought this would be inconceivable. They're fighting Humans – with laser guns.
MARC
(shout)
Sh'kukte! What?! They're using lasers against Humans?
JON
Yes, the Renegades say that the gelstone the lasers use is a piece of Bamasha and the laser only introduces controlled fire to the gelstone so they have been using it to defend Brocana from the Humans.
The Human government wants to send troops out into the Plains of Tekitri to round them up or kill them. Because my colleagues say I'm too sympathetic with the Brocana, they have nearly stripped me of all my authority and confiscated my private space ship. I'm terribly worried.
MARC
You should be worried. It sounds like the Brocana need some intervention.
JON
But if the Euryanassa comes, it could be considered an act of aggression, Marcayo.
MARC
To hell with what the Humans think! Humans are moving against my people with aggression so the Euryanassa would only be responding to the aggression the Humans have already expressed. I'm going to talk to Nik and advise him that we defend Bamasha from the Human aggressors. I'll call back with his response.
JON
Marcayo, let's think this through and give a reasonable response!
MARC
You're practically under house arrest for marrying a native woman and you still think they can be reasoned with? Didn't you learn anything from being captive to the Zurans? There are situations where reason won't work! Let me talk to Nik about how we want to respond to this and I'll get back with you soon to give you our decision!
Marc pulled off the headset.
INT. DANIELS ESTATE – ALPHA CENTAURI 7 – DAY
Jon Daniels turned away from the computer to stare out the window at the grudgingly slow recovering plant growth showing on Kobihok ridge while he waited for his communication with the Euryanassa to resume.
The quiet from the earphones at his ears was interrupted by a popping sound like the connection was interrupted. He turned back to the computer.
Commander Steve Leighson of the Alpha Centauri Space Patrol stood beside the computer with the headset jack in his hand.
JON
What is the meaning of this, Commander Leighson?
STEVE
I'm sorry to interrupt you, Ambassador Daniels. I have been told to take you to Jayma Station for questioning about the Brocana disturbance. Who were you talking to?
JON
As I said, Commander, what is the meaning of this intrusion?
STEVE
I'm sorry to interrupt you, Ambassador Daniels. I have been told to take you to Jayma Station for questioning about the Brocana disturbance. Who were you talking to?
JON
As I said, Commander, what is the meaning of this intrusion?
Steve looked at the screen.
STEVE
These coordinates are for the vicinity of, I think, Gasbaja? Why are you calling out there? Are you talking to your traitorous son? You know, he was an upstanding fine ISP officer until he lived with the Astrisi during the Zuran War. I guess the Zurans changed him and you, Ambassador Daniels. Now remove the headset and come with me.
Jon sighed and placed the headset on the desk.
JON
Steve, I wish you could understand the situation with the Indigenous people here.
STEVE
I understand enough, Ambassador Daniels. I understand you've been wanting to turn on your own people for a while now.
Steve took Jon's forearm.
STEVE (CONT.)
It's time to answer some questions, Daniels.
Jon shook his head resignedly and allowed Steve to guide him to the ISP cruiser in front of his grand estate.
Steve locked Jon into a restraining chair the ISP used to immobilize detainees then took the controls of the patrol ship. Minutes later, the small ship angled toward the sky and flew toward high orbit to Jayma Space Station.
INT. JAYMA SPACESTATION
Once they landed at the Space Station, Steve walked Jon to a interrogation room.
STEVE
Take a seat, Ambassador Daniels.
Steve sat in the chair opposite of Jon.
STEVE
We've been concerned that since you married a Brocana woman, your loyalties have been divided.
JON
Commander, did you see the Kobihok Ridge wildfire?
STEVE
Not personally. I was in charge of controlling incoming traffic to Centauri 7 to minimize taking
advantage of the dire situation on the ground.
JON
I was a refugee on the salt flats, surrounded by fire and breathing that ash. It was terrifying.
STEVE
I'm sure it was but how did Marc and that friend Sannaro suddenly show up on the ground? How did they get through our barricades?
JON
Marc wasn't allowed to be concerned that I suddenly disappeared without my staff knowing my whereabouts?
STEVE
They seceded from the Terran Aliance. They are the ones who chose not to be welcomed to Terran Alliance worlds!
JON
And if you had been on Belvas and saw the Human population riot after repeatedly telling them to end hostilities and return to their homes, would you have defended their right to tear apart a city?
STEVE
Were you on Belvas too? It seems you are in many places astonishingly fast, Ambassador Daniels. What's your secret?
JON
I wasn't on Belvas during the riots. I am a part of the Terran Alliance Council. It's my business to know about civil unrest that can threaten the Terran Alliance. The Kobihok Ridge fire also threatened the Alliance because gelstone distributors were distributing parasite infested gelstones to many buyers that started a plague! Because Marc and Nikklosannaro violated your barricade, they stopped the parasite plague! I think that exonerates them from violating your barricade!
Steve stood up.
STEVE
I can see why you're the speaker of the Terran Alliance Council, Ambassador Daniels. You're good at avoiding giving a clear answer. That doesn't mean I'm going to free you but I'll make sure you have a private holding cell.
Steve knocked on the door.
The door was opened by an armed guard.
Steve stepped out and the door was locked behind him.
JON
(whisper)
Marcayo, please come soon. I don't know how long I can take this.
Jon slid deeper into his chair and stared at the ceiling.
INT. EURYANASSA BRIDGE
Nikklo placed his hand on Marc's shoulder.
NIKKLO
Hey, what's got you so aggravated?
MARC
The Brocana have become violent toward the Humans and the Renegades are using lasers to fight the Humans. Dad's under house arrest by his colleagues who think he's a Brocana Sympathizer. Nik, we need to do something about this!
Nikklo brushed his hand over his Brocana shaman brand he had been honored with for helping to suppress the Gelstone Wildfire and helping to stop the spread of the Gelstone Parasite plague.
NIKKLO
I am an honorary Brocana Shaman and you are Harak. At the very least, we need to find out more about what's causing the Brocana to respond violently toward the Humans but the Humans may consider the presence of the Euryanassa as an aggressive act too since we are a warship.
MARC
My technophobic people are firing lasers at Humans! That's an extreme response! We have to find out why!
NIKKLO
I agree we have to find out why the Brocana are using technology they previously shunned but the Humans are now calling me the Saili Warlord! They won't like it if a Warlord shows up in their orbit and demands what's going on.
MARC
You can use your Tauian technology to hide the Euryanassa while we go under cover to learn the reason for the violence.
NIKKLO
That would be a less aggressive approach. Or we can leave the Euryanassa at Gasbaja and phase there to go under cover.
MARC
I'd be more comfortable if we had some backup to call on. If things get out of hand, no one left on the Euryanassa can phase it to Bamasha if we call for backup.
NIKKLO
Tarek could travel to Euryanassa to phase him to Bamasha.
MARC
(frustration mounting)
That may be wasted minutes we won't have to spare!
CHERNA is a petite humanoid woman with blonde hair to her shoulders who stood beside Di'ok.
CHERNA
I think Marc's right. If we were hidden nearby Bamasha, we could respond to your distress call better than if we're parsecs away in need of a Tauian to phase us to you.
DI'OK
Jon needs our help. I think we should give it to him but be cautious about how we give it to him until we know more about the reasons for the conflict. Let's phase Euryanassa near Bamasha so we can hide while you assess the situation.
MARC
(shout)
Thank you, Di'ok, Cheri!
NIKKLO
Okay, Cheri, let's research where would be a good place to hide a large spaceship while Di'ok and Marc call Bamasha to tell Jon we're coming to assess the situation and how we should respond to it.
Nikklo and Cherna went to a station where they could access astral charts.
Marc and Di'ok turned back to the communications board.
Di'ok worked his board and listened for a few minutes. He shook his head.
DI'OK
The line Jon used to call us with is not responding.
MARC
Sh'kukte! He would take the call unless there was something wrong, Di!
DI'OK
I would agree.
MARC
Nik, my Dad didn't respond to our return call!
NIKKLO
(shout across the bridge)
Fausa, ok, Cheri and I have a coordinate I can use to hide Euryanassa. I'll have to phase it precisely to avoid detection.
MARC
(shout)
But this is urgent, Nik!
NIKKLO
(shout)
I realize that, Marc! Even Tauians have to have a margin for error since we surf on light waves that can bounce all over space because of floating debris and dead space! I need to be careful about where I set Euryanassa back into normal space because is still made of metal that can be vulnerable to asteroid strikes!
MARC
(calming)
You're right. I'm getting too anxious. You need to find a safe place you can phase us too that will avoid detection by the Alpha Centauri monitoring systems.
NIKKLO
(shout)
Thank you! We'll continue to look while you monitor the bridge.
Nikklo returned to the computer console that he and Cherna used earlier to resume researching coordinates to phase the Euryanassa to.
After a few minutes more, Nikklo turned toward the center of the bridge.
NIKKLO
Prepare for phase.
Marc sat in the closest chair.
Nikklo's body shimmered then disappeared.
NOTE: NIKKLO (TAUIAN) can only be seen by ultraviolet light. He is a being that has an angular crystal carapace that is articulated like a scorpion. His facial features are still with slanted eyelids over dark eyes and his mouth still moves because of softer chiton. His head is bald. He can only speak telepathically in this form.
NIKKLO reached out and grabbed light like it was solid.
The bridge visuals shimmered.
CUT TO BLACK.
INT: EURYANASSA BRIDGE CONTINUOUS
When everyone could see again, Nikklo (SAILI) reappeared on the bridge. The main screen showed asteroids and rainbow colored dust.
NIKKLO
Yuri, monitor for floating debris. We're in an asteroid field near Alpha Centauri 10. This is as close as I can get us to Alpha Centauri 7 and avoid detection. Cheri, you have command. Marc, let's prepare to hide among your people to find out what's going on here.
MARC
I'll call my brother to prepare indigenous clothes for us and arrange a place for us to meet him.
NIKKLO
Sounds like a plan.
Marc pulled out his personal communicator.
MARC
Hey, brother, can you get me and a friend some clan threads?
NIKARO
What are you doing, Marcayo? Don't you realize I'm being watched?
MARC
I'm not surprised you're being watched but can you have Zakoti get it?
NIKARO
Well, they're not watching Zak as much and Shanti might as well be invisible.
MARC
Send Shanti to get the threads then tell Zak to revisit Etana's death site for a memorial.
NIKARO
You really want to reopen that wound of loosing Etana?
MARC
If that gets the threads for the trade-off, it's necessary.
NIKARO
Okay, I'll get Zak and Shanti to get clan threads and meet you on Hikiya.
MARC
I'll give them four hours to meet for the memorial.
NIKARO
I'll pass it on. Nikaro out.
Marc returned his communicator to his belt.
MARC
Okay, that's finished.
NIKKLO
Let's go pack.
Marc and Nikklo left the bridge.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
INT. EURYANASSA HALLWAY CONTINUOUS
MARC
I'm worried that if you appear as Human, with my people so upset, they may not accept you.
NIKKLO
That's been on my mind too. I may have to take on another form and make myself Brocana.
MARC
You sure? Your form count has doubled since you learned your true form.
NIKKLO
I worry about that too. But I think going Brocana is needed unless my facial features would be too much of a giveaway that I'm not natural Brocana?
MARC
There are some Brocana with slanted eyes. It's not a common trait, though. Another problem is you're not conversant in Brocana.
NIKKLO
There is that too. I could ask for a translation and repeat what you're thinking but I worry that I may mispronounce some words. Di says I still mispronounce some Astrisi words after all this time.
MARC
Or you could be a mute?
NIKKLO
(frowning)
Right, a mute Brocana Shaman. How can that be rationalized?
MARC
You didn't have to speak to prove you knew enough about herbology to be given the brand.
NIKKLO
True.
MARC
There are some different Brocana dialects spoken by different clans so if you mispronounce anything, it can be attributed to differences in dialect.
NIKKLO
Okay, then I'll repeat what you're thinking but that means you'd have to be quick to tell me what to say or I could appear awkward.
MARC
You're just trying to translate the different dialects and that's why you speak slower.
NIKKLO
I'll take your word for it but I'll play it be ear and if I sense too much doubt, I may have to reconsider how we do it.
MARC
Good enough. I'll take your lead since you're the full telepath.
Marc parted with Nikklo to go to his quarters.
Nikklo stepped into his quarters. It didn't take long for him to gather what he needed in a simple muslin sack because he knew the Brocana were technophobic.
INT. EURYANASSA BRIDGE CONTINUOUS
Once packed, Nikklo met Marc back on the bridge.
NIKKLO
Yuri, keep watch for Interstellar Patrols. We cannot be seen.
YURI
Houk, Nikklo.
NIKKLO
Cherna, if we are seen, take appropriate steps to duck out of their sight and keep them from
finding us again. Don't deploy Vizha'i unless there's no other option. If it becomes impossible to remain hidden, call Tarek to phase Euryanassa away.
CHERNA
Houk.
NIKKLO
Marc, think of a place you want us to appear at and I'll phase us there.
Marc closed his eyes to concentrate.
P.O.V. OF MARC'S INNER SIGHT.
Nikklo picked up an image of a rocky spire thrusting from an otherwise flat plain.
END MARC'S INNER SIGHT P.O.V.
RETURN TO EURANASSA BRIDGE
NIKKLO
Wow, prominent feature.
MARC
Yes, it's called Aldumu's Point.
NIKKLO
Named after your more prominent sun god. It seems fitting.
MARC
I told Zak to meet us there because he would remember that was where his intended bride Etana died at the hands of a criminal called “The Brocana Killer.
NIKKLO
Wow, I'm sorry it was a place of tragedy for Zak.
MARC
Yeah, but it was a place he would remember to go to without me going into suspicious details.
NIKKLO
The less anyone knows about our drop, the better.
MARC
Etana wasn't kind to Zak anyway. He's much happier with Lashanti who was once my intended.
NIKKLO
That's right, you told me Brocana do arranged marriages.
MARC
Yes.
NIKKLO
I don't like marriage arrangements. It doesn't always end up happy.
MARC
That's why I rejected it and married Amber. Although I have always liked Lashanti, my feelings for her was never strong enough to want her as a mate. Zakoti and Lashanti are very happy as a couple.
NIKKLO
It all depends on a person's feelings toward another person. I can't entirely relate to your situation because I chose to marry the person of my first crush.
Cherna chuckled.
CHERNA
And if he hadn't I would have wiped the mat with him.
NIKKLO
(grinning)
Houk, I would have been in the hospital for several days to heal from the injuries. I'm so glad I didn't go there. Now, I need to scan your physiology, Marc.
DI'OK
You're going Brocana for this mission?
CHERNA
(frowning)
Danu won't be happy about you taking another form.
NIKKLO
I know the risks but I think this is necessary.
Marc stepped closer to Nikklo.
Nikklo laid his hand on Marc's forearm and concentrated for a minute.
Nikklo's form shimmered and settled on his Human form but with the slightly blue tint to his skin.
NIKKLO
Brocana aren't that different from Humans. Their variation mostly has to do with the natural protections they have developed to endure their twin suns.
MARC
Now you fit your shaman brand on your shoulder. If someone asks what Clan you come from, just say you're Renegade. It would be simpler than us trying to find a tribe your facial features would reflect.
NIKKLO
It would also explain why I wouldn't have problems with touching a Human machine. I could even go one step further and say I'm mixed blood like you and one of my parents is a Human of Asian decent.
MARC
That's believable.
NIKKLO
Now, I'll change forms so I can phase us to Aldumu's Point.
Nikklo changed to his crystal Arthropod TAUIAN FORM and reached out for a light beam. He jumped from beam to beam on a course to Alpha Centauri 7.
CHANGE P.O.V. TO NIKKLO'S PHASING BLURRED SIGHT.
Nikklo (TAUIAN)watched the Plains of Tekitri blur under him until he saw the prominent spire rise from the ground. He grabbed a light beam that was directed down. About twenty feet above the ground, he released the light beam and landed Marc and him onto the yellow sand between boulders a hundred paces away from the monolith.
EXT. ALDUMU'S POINT, TEKETRI PLAINS, ALPHA CENTAURI 7 – DAY
Teketri plains looks like the Mohave Desert with course sand and tan rocks littering the flat lands with tufts of course plants and cacti speckling the landscape. In the distance is a sandstone spire towering over the flat lands.
Nikklo returned to his new Brocana form and telepathically checked Marc to sense he was okay.
Marc took a deep breath.
MARC
Phasing still unnerves me and I used to get frustrated when Jim would accuse me of launching our patrol cruiser too quickly.
NIKKLO
We pilots know what we can do. Unfortunately, non-pilots aren't so sure so I understand why a non-Tauian would be anxious about prism light bending as a mode of travel.
MARC
So your Tauian body is a huge complex prism?
NIKKLO
Pretty much.
MARC
Zak and Shanti are supposed to meet us here on Hikiya. They aren't as fast as we are so I can take you to a cave near here where I was kept prisoner by the Brocana Killer.
NIKKLO
You haven't spoken much about that mission.
MARC
That's because it was rough for me. At the time, Shanti had still wanted me to recognize our arranged marriage. My Uncle Jabayu had just died of injuries inflicted by the Brocana Killer and we learned that Zak's intended Etana had been helping him. It was a stressful time.
NIKKLO
I sounds like it was very stressful. Now let's get out of the midday suns. You always say it's not good to be in the presence of Balda and Aldumu for long.
MARC
Their sunlight can be very hard on a person's skin.
Marc walked toward the monolith and entered a cave at the base.
Nikklo had to spend a few seconds to get used to the darker interior and suppress his claustrophobia.
NIKKLO
Brocana see differently than Humans or Saili. It's quite an adjustment.
MARC
I'm sure it is.
Marc sat down on a boulder in the cave.
Nikklo settled on another boulder.
NIKKLO
I see old fire pits all over this ground.
MARC
Many Brocana and non-Brocana use this cave as shelter when they are crossing this region of the plains.
NIKKLO
So the Brocana Killer wasn't Brocana?
MARC
No, he was a human with a grudge toward Brocana. He disguised himself in Brocana clothing, hiding his face with the scarf we wear on our heads for protection from the suns and a filter for our noses and mouths during sand storms.
NIKKLO
I can understand the head covering around here. His deceptions must have been very distressing to the Brocana.
MARC
Yes, very distressing but, surprisingly, Hadeon told me that if Hellerman could disguise himself as Brocana to prey on Brocana, he decided he could disguise himself as Human and prey on Humans.
NIKKLO
So you think Hellerman taught Brocana a new skill that may be contributing to this current problem?
MARC
I don't think it's inconceivable.
Nikklo looked up to the vaulted ceiling above them.
NIKKLO
Kind of like Bamasha is finally taking revenge for Humans encroaching on their home?
Marc arched his eyebrows.
NIKKLO
Planets are living things too. I have a bit of a different perspective since my core is a Hadron Pulsar. Planets have some awareness and they accept the parasites on their surface to be a part of them. Just like Humans don't like alien parasites on them, like ticks or lice, and aggressively move to get rid of them, a planet could come to decide to expel undesirable parasites, too.
MARC
I never thought of that. Does Bamasha think I'm an unnatural parasite?
Nikklo concentrated.
NIKKLO
Not as much as the full Humans. The Humans who speak for Bamasha are more tolerated, though.
MARC
Like my father?
NIKKLO
Yes, your father is a spokesman for Bamasha. Bamasha is welcoming my intrusion because it knows I'm here to help its natural parasites.
MARC
Wow, I never considered myself a parasite.
NIKKLO
A parasite is another living creature who lives off another creature. Humans tend to think they are the highest intellectual life form.
MARC
Yeah, Humans are a prideful bunch.
NIKKLO
But they are one of many and some are of higher intellect than they are.
MARC
Like Tauians?
NIKKLO
I wouldn't call Tauians a lot smarter but they have harnessed more of their nature to their advancement than Humans.
Marc chuckled.
MARC
Wow, Nikklosannaro, if I didn't know you better, I'd say your insulting your own kind!
NIKKLO
I'm a chameleon who is never who I appear to be. That's why I evaluate things in a slightly detached way.
MARC
It sounds like you're beginning to understand yourself more. You're finally adjusting to your new reality.
NIKKLO
I'm getting better but I'm still the mother of a young mute child who is pretending to be that child's father because that's my primary gender. I still have more internalizing to do.
MARC
At least you're breaking down less.
NIKKLO
Yes, I am more stabilized.
LATER
NOTE: NIKKLO IS STILL IN BROCANA FORM.
Several hours later, Nikklo sensed approaching advanced mental signatures.
NIKKLO
I think Zak and Shanti are approaching on Hikiya.
MARC
Good.
Marc and Nikklo left the cave and took up sentry near a large boulder. In the distance was a cloud of dirt that rose from the ground.
NIKKLO
Yes, I recognize Zak's, Hikiya's and Kanaya's mental signatures from the time I met them at your father's
Alpha Centauri Consulate on Earth.
MARC
Another stressful time.
Nikklo chuckled.
NIKKLO
Do we experience any other times?
MARC
Not often.
NIKKLO
He's coming with a female of advanced mental signature.
MARC
That's Lashanti.
NIKKLO
They should be here soon.
As the Sinvatis came nearer, a complicated combination of whistled tones that sounded like Marc's Sinvati summon drifted through the air.
Marc repeated the whistle.
Nikklo saw two animals as tall as a man, with backs as broad as two horses side-by-side trot up to them on long, spindly legs. The eyes stood out like two emeralds on the gaunt ostrich-like head complete with the long skinny neck.
The Sinvatis stopped and two people shrouded in white muslin from head to toe climbed to the ground.
A man's voice came from the leading figure.
ZAKOTI
Marcayo?
MARC
I'm here, Zakoti.
ZAKOTI
Begnatsu, Marcayo. Chakche wuyaga?
NIKKLO
I'm Sannaro in disguise.
Zakoti met Marc and clutched his forearm in greeting.
ZAKOTI
I did not know you knew Brocana?
NIKKLO
I get the telepathic translations from Marc's mind.
ZAKOTI
Ah, yes, you are mind-reader Saili.
NIKKLO
Yes.
Lashanti looked nervously at Marc and Zakoti.
MARC
You can speak to him, Shanti.
LASHANTI
I am Lashanti, Zakoti's woman.
NIKKLO
Hello, Lashanti. I am Nikklosannaro, a Saili in Brocana disguise. You can call me Nik.
ZAKOTI
Marcayo spoke about the great warrior Sannaro. I greet you, great warrior.
NIKKLO
Thank you for your kind greeting, Lashanti.
Zakoti walked back to Hikiya and pulled a bag off her saddle. He returned to Marc and handed him the bag.
ZAKOTI
I brought two full sets of native clothing as Nick told me to.
NIKKLO
Funny, I used your brother's name Nikaro when I was trapped in the Coercer's dream and there was two Sannaros. We said we were twins, Sannaro and Nikkaro. It worked.
MARC
You told me about that trippy dream, Nik. That had to be quite bizarre.
ZAKOTI
We will need to call you something. You do not look like Statukuimoyo.
NIKKLO
Good point since it means statue that walks.
MARC
Nikaro is in New San Francisco and doesn't intend to come out here so you could use the name Nikkaro again.
NIKKLO
Some may ask if I'm your brother.
MARC
Let's go to the cave and change into the native clothes and get going.
Nikklo and Marc returned to the cave to change.
After a few minutes, they returned to Zak and Shanti.
MARC
Sorry, Zak, me and Nik will take Hikiya.
ZAKOTI
Hikiya was Jabayu's mount and you are now Harak. So I understand. Shanti and I will ride Kanaya.
MARC
Nik, we need to find my mother. Dad said she was visiting the clan.
NIKKLO
And Brocana clans migrate.
MARC
Right. Who knows where they are now so I need you to track her so we can tell her that Dad is missing again.
NIKKLO
Your mother was surprised about how quickly I could find the ingredients
for the parasite cure. I didn't tell her I used my tracking ability because I really didn't want to take too long to forage through that burned out landscape to find the plants by natural foraging.
MARC
I don't blame you. It must have been disturbing out there.
NIKKLO
It was. A few times, I thought I was going to loose my nerve, yet she stayed calm and dedicated to the task.
Marc climbed into Hikiya's saddle.
Nikklo settled behind Marc.
MARC
You got up here easily even though the stirrups are adjusted for taller people.
MARC
Phasing can be very convenient.
MARC
You road light to get up here?
NIKKLO
Hikiya wasn't bothered by it.
MARC
Since you learned you were Tauian instead of Saili, you've gotten lazy!
NIKKLO
Hey, I'm a full head shorter than you. I always have to work harder to reach things. If anyone is lazy, it's you tall people because you assume that everything is going to be designed for your height!
Marc turned his body to look back at Nikklo in astonishment.
MARC
Wow. But you do have a point. We do expect for everything to be designed for our height. I concede to your argument.
ZAKOTI
Marcayo, you and Nikklo argue like brothers.
MARC
You're not the first person to mention that. I don't deny it, either.
NIKKLO
They aren't wrong.
MARC
Now we must ride like Brocana until we come to the region Clan Kelhidi roams before we begin to track so you don't have to spend the whole time concentrating, Nik.
Marc turned Hikiya toward the looming mountains then whistled twice and both Sinvati sprinted across the barren landscape.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
EXT. KOBIHOK MOUNTAINS – DAY
NOTE: Nikklo is still in BROCANA FORM.
They rode quietly for several hours until the mountains loomed higher before them.
MARC
We're beginning to come to Renegade territory. Nik, keep your senses on alert for ambushes.
NIKKLO
You know Hikiya may get skittish if I actively use my telepathy?
MARC
I know. I'll keep her reigned in. We need warning if any Renegades are set up for ambush.
NIKKLO
Okay, expanding my telepathic circumference now.
LASHANTI
(gasped)
Oh, a chill rushed down my back!
MARC
Easy, Shanti, that's just our nerves reacting to Nik's telepathic electrical field. It's normal to feel it around him.
Hikiya and Kanaya pranced nervously.
Marc and Zak tightened their reigns and nudged the Sinvati to stay the course.
As they crossed into the foothills, Nik closed his eyes to concentrate on the minds he was sensing.
NIKKLO
Animal life is recovering nicely.
MARC
That's good to know.
ZAKOTI
Jon spoke with many people who study animals to find animals around Bamasha to move to damaged ground and restock wildlife.
MARC
Good idea. My Dad's real savvy about finding solutions to problems he champions.
NIKKLO
He is very dedicated. Not much different than the man I'm riding behind.
Marc stopped Hikiya and turned his body to gape at Nikklo.
NIKKLO
What? You're surprised that's why I employ you to be my Executive Officer?
Marc blushed deeply.
MARC
I just – didn't consider myself as skilled as my father.
NIKKLO
Different styles but just as skilled.
Lashanti laughed.
LASHANTI
Marcayo has always doubted his talents.
Marc scowled.
NIKKLO
Hey, Marc, don't get so mad at Shanti. She just means you've always been humble about your abilities.
ZAKOTI
Except when flying metal birds!
MARC
Well, yeah, I've always been a bit of a showoff about my flying. You've seen nothing till you watch Nik piloting. He's better than I am!
Nikklo leapt into the air above Hikiya, changed to TAUIAN form and flew toward a blurry form who peeked over a boulder. He released a light beam right above the Renegade, landed on the man's back and drove him into the rocky ground.
NOTE: THE NEXT LINES ARE IMPLIED TRANSLATIONS OF BROCANA.
MARC
(shout)
What the hell?
ZAKOTI
(shout)
Nik disappeared!
NOTE: NIKKLO RETURNS TO BROCANA FORM HERE. MARC, ZAKOTI AND LASHANTI ARE STILL MOUNTED ON SINVATI.
BROCANA NIKKLO walked from around the boulder.
NIKKLO
Ambush. I took him out before he could even see me.
LASHANTI
How did he move so fast?
MARC
Light phasing. Nik literally moves the speed of light when he senses a threat.
NOTE: NIKKLO'S TAUIAN PHASING SEQUENCE. BROCANA NIKKLO REAPPEARED ON HIKIYA BEHIND MARC AGAIN.
NIKKLO
Just like that.
ZAKOTI
By the suns!
MARC
And that is Nikklo's talent. He can hold the light of the suns in his hands as if it is solid and ride on the light to wherever he chooses.
ZAKOTI
That is quite a talent! You can know Renegade threatens you and attack them as fast as lightning!
NIKKLO
I suggest we move on because word may spread about us coming through.
MARC
I agree.
Marc whistled for Hikiya to move on.
Kanaya scrambled to catch up with Hikiya.
INT. JAYMA SPACE STATION
Steve Leighson looked through one sided view glass and shook his head. He and some of his other officers had been interrogating Jonathan Daniels for several hours and he still hadn't caved.
ISP OFFICER #1 stepped into the viewing room and looked through the glass beside Steve.
ISP OFFICER #1
Ambassador Daniels is one tough man.
Steve frowned.
STEVE
Jon Daniels and his son Marc are definitely cut from the same cloth. Only difference is that Jon Daniels remained loyal to the Terran Alliance. Who the hell knows where Marc and his whole family disappeared to. And to think I once admired the Marc and told people how he had such a promising future in the ISP/ADF.
ISP OFFICER #1
You never know what can happen in the course of a career.
The computer on a desk chimed that he had an incoming call.
Steve sat down at the computer and opened the line.
CPT. CORMAN
Leighson, has Daniels talked about anything?
STEVE
Not one useful word.
CPT. CORMAN
Well, the situation has gone from bad to worse. The Bureau of Space Transportation thinks they picked up a blip of an uncleared ship. From what little they picked up, we think it's the – Euryanassa.
STEVE
Oh god, that means -
CPT. CORMAN
Yes, Tauians, more specifically Warlord Nikklosannaro the chameleon. We know he's very sympathetic to the Brocana since he was instrumental in controlling the Kobihok Ridge Wildfire. I want you to go back to Alpha Centauri 7 and find him. Tell him in no uncertain terms, we want him to butt out and go home.
STEVE
And how do I find a chameleon on a planet full of people?
CPT. CORMAN
One thing, he's been reported to wear a Brocana shaman brand on his shoulder now and his face doesn't change much from the pictures he surrendered when he reapplied to become a citizen again. Watch for someone who looks like a person of oriental facial features and is on the short side. Everything else can change.
STEVE
That still sounds difficult.
CPT. CORMAN
He'll probably be poking around the protesting Brocana or in their Clan camps.
STEVE
That's still a lot of ground to cover. When he's disguised, does he still have a Tauian signature or a Saili signature?
CPT. CORMAN
We don't know that. You could include those scans in your search parameters.
STEVE
Will do. Okay, we'll put Daniels in his holding cell for a rest while I search for a very dangerous Tauian.
Steve turned off the computer.
STEVE
Let's stop for today.
ISP Officer #1 nodded.
Steve walked into the interrogation room. Steve shifted his head toward the door.
ISP OFFICER #2 left the room.
JON
I wondered when you'd show today, Commander Leighson.
STEVE
Come on, Jon, we've known each other for a long time. Why are you being so resistant?
JON
Why are you detaining me? I've done nothing wrong.
STEVE
When I entered your house, you were at the computer talking to someone. Who was it? Were you talking to Marc?
JON
I know he's not a child anymore. Is there a law I don't know about that states I can't reach out to talk to my own son?
STEVE
There's no law that states you can't talk to your son, however, where did he go after he abruptly left the ADF?
JON
Somewhere around Belvas, I think.
STEVE
What did you think about your son shifting to support the alien resistance?
JON
Well, he is half Brocana and he was treated quite dreadfully by Captain Selik. Abuse of command can turn someone against an authority that was once respected and trusted.
STEVE
I understand how he felt betrayed by Selik, but to turn on the whole ADF?
JON
You know a lot about Marc's career with the ISP and ADF. Did you see people hassle him about his mixed heritage?
STEVE
I tried to intervene on those occasions when I was present.
JON
But you weren't present when Selik turn on him. Were you?
STEVE
No, I was here on Jayma Station. The ADF was known to call on Marc to go out to negotiate with anyone of alien origin because they recognized his skill in alien relations. I thought that was a very good place for his considerable skills. I didn't think he would be targeted for having those considerable skills.
Jon sighed.
JON
Neither did I.
STEVE
Is Marc still in contact with the Tauian Nikklosannaro?
JON
They have been friends since the Zuran War. You're the one who suggested he serve on the Kumani because he would be more open to working with aliens.
STEVE
Yes, I did. Does he still talk to Nikklosannaro?
JON
Talks to him, yes, but I don't know how involved he is with the Tauians. He and Nikklo have had their share of disagreements over the years that caused some hard feelings in both men.
STEVE
Okay, that the most anyone has gotten you to talk. We'll take you back to your room for some rest.
Jon snorted.
JON
Thanks for your generosity.
STEVE
Command still tells me to detain you, Ambassador. We're not going to harm you. Just know where you are.
JON
I don't know where my wife is. She was visiting her clan. I'm sure she's very worried about me.
STEVE
Right now she may be safer with her clan.
Steve walked to the door and knocked on it.
ISP OFFICER #2 opened the door.
STEVE
Escort Ambassador Daniels back to his room. I don't know how long I'll be gone. Treat Ambassador Daniels well while I'm gone.
ISP OFFICER #2
Yes, sir.
Steve stepped out of the interrogation room.
INT. JAYMA SPACE STATION HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Steve stepped around the corner and stopped beyond anyone's sight. For a minute, he was lost in thought before he moved on with more purpose in his stride.
He went to the ISP offices of the station and knocked on a door.
A man's voice was heard from the speaker beside the door.
JIM
Come in.
Steve stepped in the opening door.
INT. JIM'S OFFICE, JAYMA SPACE STATION, CONTINUOUS
Steve stopped before a desk.
JIM MEYERS is a Human male with short brown hair wearing an ISP flight uniform.
JIM
What are you doing visiting the Tech Officers wing?
STEVE
TO Meyers, I want to ask you some questions about your former partner.
Jim looked up.
JIM
Which one?
STEVE
Marc Daniels.
JIM
Oh, I haven't talked to him since he left Selik's command at New Sailia.
STEVE
You know him better than anyone except his father. Where did Marc move to?
JIM
Last time I talked to Amber, she was going out to Belvas to meet him there. She told me and Malia that she was missing him terribly and Jon was flying to Belvas to speak with the native Belvans about their civil unrest. That's the last I've heard about any member of Marc Daniels' family.
STEVE
Is Marc still on speaking terms with the Tauian now known as Nikklosannaro?
JIM
Those two fight like brothers. Sometimes they're on speaking terms and sometimes they're not. It depends on both men's moods.
STEVE
So you don't know much about what Marc is doing out on the rim?
JIM
Not really.
STEVE
You two were once like brothers.
JIM
Selik tore many lives apart, Steve. I saw how Selik loathed Marc's alien heritage. Selik allowed Hadeon to torture him and San until both were covered in blood and bruises. That kind of abuse changes a man.
STEVE
What do you think about Sannaro's revealed disguise?
JIM
Like I said, that kind of abuse Hadeon forced on Sannaro can change a man. He just transformed more than anyone expected him to. Nobody ever knows what a person is capable of until they're pushed beyond tolerance. Both Marc and San were pushed beyond their endurance. It's their lives. I was glad to be a part of both men's lives years earlier.
STEVE
Well, I need you to help me with a tall order.
JIM
I've been involved in some tall orders in my career. So what's the tall order?
STEVE
The Euryanassa was pinged in Alpha Centauri before it disappeared from scopes. I need to find it.
JIM
Euryanassa is an ancient Gasbajan ship with unique systems that only Sannaro and his crew have actively used!
STEVE
And Nikklosannaro is now known as a Tauian Chameleon! It's going to be tough finding him. At least you've worked under his command. I hope your insights into how he did things before his transformation can help me find him.
JIM
Sannaro was a master of stealth before he knew he could change forms!
STEVE
Bring up his dossier on his reapplication to become a citizen of the Alliance again.
Jim typed on his computer and brought up the file.
Steve stood beside Jim and watched as Jim changed pages.
STEVE
Shit! He can turn into a male or a female in the appearances of Saili, Human and Abroc? How the hell did he meet an Abroc? Oh, right, he rescued an Abroc when he was a teen the first time he defeated a whole pirate ship and freed all the slaves. He talked about it during the Zuran War.
JIM
And he went to Adhara to steal a huge amount of spaceship parts! Dr. Hyan Yriss was implicated before he suddenly disappeared! He's been MIA since the conflict during the Alien Cessation.
STEVE
Doctor? What is he a doctor of?
JIM
Zoology.
STEVE
A felinoid who studies animals? Interesting.
JIM
To Zoologists, all sentient creatures are animals.
STEVE
True. I just realized! Nikklosannaro is really pulling in some talented people! You left Marc with him and Dr. Yriss disappeared with him too! Damn.
JIM
(hard voiced)
You're right.
STEVE
You don't sound enthused about my observation.
JIM
I was under Sannaro's command. He's a very intelligent strategist. Forgive me for not quite believing all the hype that he's become a supernatural warlord. He always said that warriors tend to choose life because they can decide who lives and who dies and death is so ugly.
STEVE
Like you said earlier, you never know how people can change when they're subjected to extreme abuse. Do you know Nikklosannaro? You only remember Sannaro.
JIM
I did say that. Well, I'll help you find him but I'll reserve my judgment until I know more about what he's become.
STEVE
That's fair.
Steve and Jim left the office.
INT. ISP CRUISER - SPACE
Hours later, Steve was still doing sweeps through the Centauri system while Jim was bent over his tech board watching for anything unusual.
STEVE
Have you found anything?
JIM
There's a lot of moons and asteroids around here. It's hard to home in on any certain object.
STEVE
Great, and I thought this was going to be the easy search!
JIM
Sorry, Astrisi are experts at hiding.
Steve sighed.
STEVE
Yeah, they are experts at hiding and I hear Nikklosannaro is one of the best at hiding. Let's head to Alpha Centauri 7. I hope we'll have better chances of finding Nikklosannaro.
Steve turned the cruiser around and flew back to Alpha Centauri 7.
INT. ISP CRUISER FLYING OVER ALPHA CENTAURI 7 - DAY
As Steve flew over Kobhihok Ridge to find a Brocana Clan camp he whistled.
STEVE
Wow, will you look at the damage?
Jim nodded sadly.
JIM
I've traveled these mountains several times. They were crowded with trees, brush and wildlife. It's now glaringly barren! Is this the first time you've been out here?
STEVE
I mostly stay in New San Franscisco when I'm not on Jayma Station or doing patrols. I didn't think about looking at the effects of the wildfire.
JIM
Nikklosannaro has been accused of many wrongs but choosing to take a major part in suppressing this fire was something he did right.
STEVE
I'm not denying he was a great help in containing that fire. He's just gotten a bit too wild since he learned he was Tauian. About Tauians, set up the FLEER to pick up Tauian heat signatures. Maybe that can help us find that chameleon.
JIM
Okay, setting up the FLEER to read Tauian and Saili heat signatures. You know, Saili heat signatures are always a bit hotter than Humans?
STEVE
They are metallic beings.
JIM
More accurately, they're carbon/metal beings. Humans have trace metals but Saili have higher metallic content but still carbon based.
STEVE
I didn't know that.
JIM
Techs have to know that stuff. You just have to know how to fly the plane.
STEVE
True. How about Tauians?
JIM
They have pulsating heat signatures because their bodies are complex prisms.
STEVE
Crazy.
JIM
It's quite breathtakingly pretty.
STEVE
Their behaviors aren't pretty.
JIM
They're like any other sentient being. There are good one and there are bad ones.
STEVE
What's Nikklosannaro?
JIM
Neutral good. He will follow the rules but if he thinks the rules are too constricting, he's willing to do some bending to do what he thinks needs to be done.
STEVE
Not the kind of people us police like.
JIM
Well, San is a General who's responsibility is to protect his people. An ADF officer abused his position as the captain of a dreadnaught to forcibly turn him over to pirates. We didn't know how widespread the pirates had infiltrated the ADF until he brought it to all of our attention!
STEVE
I really don't like the freedom he's given by the Saili and Astrisi.
JIM
Those cultures have never quite agreed with Humans because they have been in space longer and developed different rules governing their interstellar relationships.
STEVE
Yeah.
Jim concentrated on his board watching the blips that passed in awkward silence.
INT. EURYANASSA BRIDGE – SPACE
Cherna stood in the center of the bridge with a distracted look on her face. She sensed Linea was deep in sleep and sighed with relief.
SUDDEN BLARING KLAXONS
Cherna looked at Yuri.
CHERNA
Yuri, report.
YURI
That was proximity alarm. An ISP cruiser is sweeping the area for our location.
CHERNA
Fausa! Evade their sensors, Yuri.
YURI
Do I have permission to move the ship independent of your commands, Cherna?
CHERNA
Houk, do what you must do to keep us safe.
CHERNA PSI V.O.
Nikky, we have an ISP cruiser looking for us!
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Would you allow me to scan space around the Euryanassa through you?
CHERNA PSI V.O.
That would help us avoid the patrol.
Cherna felt Nikklo enter her mind. She gasped when her mind opened to his vast telepathy then she calmed herself.
NOTE: Cherna spoke in her normal voice but with Nikklo's inflections and dialogue style.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Crap, it's Steve Leighson and, huh, Jim Meyers? Two very skilled policemen. I'm going to talk through you to Yuri. Is that okay?
CHERNA PSI V.O.
You have my permission.
CHERNA/NIKKLO
Yuri, this is Nik speaking through Cheri.
YURI
I hear you, Tsikakayu.
CHERNA/NIKKLO
Arc, let me take the helm.
Arcas stood up and held onto the edge of the pilot's station.
ARCAS
All yours, Boss.
CHERNA/NIKKLO
Yuri, we're going to have to be creative to outmaneuver Cdr. Leighson and throw off Jim Meyers. He's a very savvy Tech Officer but I don't think he's too happy to be on this mission. I may be able to get him to miss some details because of his frustration.
YURI
I will follow your lead, Tsikakayu.
CHERNA/NIKKLO
(frustrated)
Damn, these huge ships don't turn like an interceptor!
ARCAS
I could have told you that!
CHERNA/NIKKLO
It's okay, I'm getting the other crystallines to help to maneuver quicker.
DI'OK
It's weird to hear Nik's speaking style come from Cheri!
ARCAS
I've heard it before when Nik as Sannaro back then merged with Cheri to help her home after her interceptor was damaged.
DI'OK
Right, I remember that now. It was creepy then, too.
ARCAS
My team had to guard his interceptor while he was busy flying Cheri's interceptor.
CHERNA/NIKKLO
(frustration mounting)
Come on, Jim, take the bait!
Di'ok snickered.
DI'OK
Wow, hearing that talk from Cheri is surprising.
CHERNA/NIKKLO
Can it, Di. I'm concentrating on a tough situation!
DI'OK
I'll try to jam his signal.
Di'ok turned back to his board.
CHERNA/NIKKLO
That's helping. Now to get some asteroids between us to make Steve think it's too risky to continue pursuit.
ARCAS
Damn, I've never seen Euryanassa do so many quick maneuvers!
CHERNA/NIKKLO
Thanks to the crystallines, they're telling me how much stress the ship skin can take when I start these crazy moves.
YURI
You're welcome, Tsikakayu.
CHERNA/NIKKLO
Okay, Steve just did a crazy corkscrew to avoid colliding with a meteor. That will turn him around. Yep, he's thinking he's coming up with nothing and they need to break off. Shit, now he's thinking about finding me on Bamasha. Giving Cheri back control so I can help Marc.
ARCAS
Nice job, Boss.
Cherna stood up from the helm and pushed her hair back out of her face.
CHERNA
I wish I could fly like that. Since he's learned to phase, he's gotten even better at flying. He left us in a defensible position. Now we wait until he contacts us again. Nice radio jamming, Di.
DI'OK
I decided it was better than pissing Nik off with my witty remarks.
CHERNA
He was getting annoyed about it.
TOKO
Wow, I've never gotten to see that before and you've said he's done that stunt before?
ARCAS
He doesn't do it often. It's mostly done in extreme circumstances when he has no other choice.
CHERNA
Merging with Nikky to act concurrently has been amazing. I can see so much when we're connected.
YURI
You and Nik make a very formidable team when you merge your minds.
Cherna smiled.
CHERNA
Wingmates in all things!
DI'OK
Since they were children!
CHERNA
We've had our rough patches but we've always managed to work things out.
YURI
I recommend that I shut down the ship except for essential systems.
CHERNA
I agree, Yuri. Shut down all but essential systems. Di, go dark until further notice. I will get essential news from Nikky.
YURI
Going dark.
Cherna sat down in the command chair.
CHERNA
Now we wait.
The bridge changed to dim light.
Fade out.
THE END