Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
“BAMASHA'S REVENGE”
EPISODE 96 – SEARCH FOR MISSING PARENTS
By: Lyssa Thorne
FADE IN:
INT. KOBRIHOK RIDGE MOUNTAINS – DAY
MARC finally guided the group up into the mountains away from renegade ambush areas and breathed a sigh of relief.
Suddenly, Hikiya shifted.
Marc twisted around to see NIKKLO was no longer sitting behind him. Marc looked around and saw his friend was squatted near a boulder.
NOTE: Nikklo is in BROCANA FORM until further noted.
MARC
Hey, would you warn me before you phase away?
NIKKLO
This patch of kaluka grass is looking much better!
Nikklo snapped off some leaves.
MARC
This really isn't the time to be harvesting!
Nikklo walked up to the sinvati and reached out with his hands flat.
Both animals licked the leaves off Nikklo's hands and munched happily.
NIKKLO
I noticed the recovering plants. It gave me hope that this land is healing.
MARC
(sighed)
Get back up here. Have you been scanning for any clans?
NIKKLO
Ahead on the road. I didn't call it because I knew we were going to meet it anyway.
MARC
Great. Nik, talk to me instead of read my mind and assume I'll just stumble onto it?
NIKKLO
Cheri's been doing hide and seek with an ISP cruiser for several hours. I thought that since we were plodding along with no threats around, I could track for her and help her keep Euryanassa from being seen on their scope.
MARC
And you just decided to tell me this?
NIKKLO
They just broke off their search and on there way here so I was trying to blend in more.
MARC
Now they're searching for you?
NIKKLO
Yep.
MARC
Great.
LASHANTI
Your friend is very strange.
MARC
He always has a lot on his mind anymore.
ZAKOTI
But he is acting like a Shaman. Many shaman leap off Sinvati when they see a good plant to harvest.
MARC
You've got a point, Zak. Let's go, Nik.
Nikklo appeared behind Marc.
NIKKLO
I'm ready.
MARC
Have you scanned for my mother recently?
NIKKLO
My mind was in space but I'll resume my scan for her.
MARC
You give a whole new meaning to spaced out, Nik.
NIKKLO
Do you really want me focused?
MARC
When you're focused, you're deadly!
NIKKLO
Okay, so let me be spaced because that's when I'm in scope mode.
MARC
Okay, be in scope mode.
NIKKLO
Ah, somebody's thinking worriedly about Jon.
MARC
That sounds like my mother.
NIKKLO
She's not in the clan just ahead. She's farther in the mountains.
Marc ground his teeth.
MARC
Is she in hiding?
Nikklo concentrated for a minute.
NIKKLO
No, she's foraging for medicinal plants to try to take her mind off her worries.
MARC
She might as well be hiding, in my opinion. She doesn't want to be found.
NIKKLO
I can find her.
MARC
I know you can.
ZAKOTI
She can explain she is only foraging for plants and the clan would believe her.
MARC
Her decision may have been a good one.
Marc whistled Hikiya on.
Both Sinvati trotted up the road.
NIKKLO
Uh oh, avoid the clan ahead. They've got an ambush for any stranger that approaches.
Marc shook his head.
MARC
Ambush? A clan is using Renegade tactics? Not good.
ZAKOTI
Light weapons?
Nikklo concentrated for a minute.
NIKKLO
No, at least they're armed with sling shots.
Further up the road, Nikklo placed a hand on Marc's shoulder.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Keep the sinvati as quiet as possible. A guard is nearby. I'll stealth us so we remain unseen but if the sinvati make too much noise, the sentry may doubt the misinformation I'm sending to him.
MARC
(whispered)
Zak, keep as quiet as possible. Nik will have to trick minds to get us past the clan unseen.
ZAKOTI
I will be hunt quiet.
LASHANTI
So will I.
Zakoti voiced a sound like clack, clack, pop, pop, pop.
The sinvati immediately quieted except for the scraping of their hooves on the ground.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
What was that noise Zak made?
MARC PSI V.O.
That would be new to you. It's a hunt mode all sinvati are trained to do.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
That will help me maintain the stealth illusion.
MARC PSI V.O.
That's why Zak called that command. Tell me if anything changes.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
About a kilometer ahead, we'll come to the first lookout.
ZAKOTI PSI V.O.
I hope we will remain unseen.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
We will remain unseen.
ZAKOTI PSI V.O.
I am new to this mind reading.
MARC PSI V.O.
It can be useful, Zak. Nik will share any thoughts he thinks needs to be shared with the group.
LASHANTI PSI V.O.
I do not think I like that he listens to all thoughts.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
(irritated)
I do not listen to all thoughts. I only listen like someone in a noisy room who hears bits and pieces of discussions around them and responds to discussions that is deemed important to respond to. If I heard all, as you say, I would drown in never ending noise and loose my own identity. Why would I want that?
MARC PSI V.O.
He values his own identity and respects your identity, Lashanti. Now you should respect his restraint even though you find his telepathy strange.
LASHANTI PSI V.O.
I will do as you say, Harak.
MARC PSI V.O.
I'm not just speaking as Harak. Nikklo is my friend and he has not violated my confidence or my mind and I have served under him two times and many months long. Trust me that my friend will not betray your trust.
LASHANTI PSI V.O.
I hear you, Marcayo.
MARC PSI V.O.
Now we are approaching the first lookout. Allow Nik to concentrate so we will remain unseen.
Lashanti bowed her head and stared at Zakoti's back.
LASHANTI PSI V.O.
I will be quiet now.
They topped the hill and saw the signs of a Brocana camp nestled into the next valley.
Marc carefully looked around for the guard.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Behind the rocks to the left.
MARC PSI V.O.
I see him now.
Beyond the cluster of rocks was a tall rock jutting from the ground.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Marc, there's another guard on top of the tall rock.
MARC PSI V.O.
Shit, I didn't see that one.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I almost didn't sense him either. He has a mind with some innate shielding.
Hikiya slipped on rocks as the road began to slope downward again.
LOWER BROCANA GUARD
What?
MARC PSI V.O.
(snapped)
Cover blown!
Nikko pointed to a cluster of loose rock near the higher guard. Rocks tumbled from the jut.
The lower guard snapped his head to look up at the higher guard.
LOWER BROCANA GUARD
Be more careful!
UPPER BROCANA GUARD
I know not why the rocks shifted!
LOWER BROCANA GUARD
Just be more careful up there!
By the time the guards stopped arguing, they were into a field of livestock.
Marc snickered into his hands.
MARC PSI V.O.
Nice diversion, Nik!
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
(smug)
Thank you, And thanks for the Brocana translation.
They climbed the hills away from the Brocana camp.
Nikklo returned his telepathy to tracking Marc's mother.
NIKKLO
Three degrees left.
ZAKOTI
What?
MARC
Just go where I guide Hikiya. He's speaking in piloting terms.
ZAKOTI
I do not know this language so I will follow you.
NIKKLO
Up the hill.
They climbed the hill and they faced another ridge that had been made by a past landslide of rocks of varying sizes.
MARC
(scowling)
Did she have to choose such dangerous terrain?
NIKKLO
Protection.
MARC
We're going to have to dismount and guide the sinvati up this rock slide.
They dismounted and climbed carefully up the ridge. Nikklo stopped in a crevasse and looked closely.
MARC
What?
NIKKLO
(excited)
Chalmea!
Nikklo carefully plucked the plant and carefully placed it in his bags.
Marc chuckled.
MARC
You are acting like a shaman.
NIKKLO
Chalmea isn't easy to find since the wildfire.
MARC
It's just amusing that you've taken on the title so enthusiastically.
ZAKOTI
It makes him believable.
CANDORA
Nice job, Nikklo. I missed that one.
A woman swathed in muslin white said as she stepped around a boulder on the top of the ridge.
MARC
Mother, I'm relieved to see you!
CANDORA
I could not find Jonathan so I came to Kobihok Ridge out of protection.
NIKKLO
It was wise of you. People are acting badly and we don't know where Jonathan is either.
Candora looked into the sky.
CANDORA
We must travel to my cave and take shelter. A storm sweeps through the mountains. It will rain soon.
They lead the sinvati to the top of the ridge and followed Candora to a small cave further up the mountain.
Candora stirred the embers of her dying fire then added more kindling to stoke the fire.
Thunder rumbled through the cave and shook the ground.
CANDORA
We barely made it before the rain.
Nikklo sat on a rock.
NIKKLO
How did you know it was me, Candora?
Candora chuckled.
CANDORA
Jonathan told me you may be a shape changer but you cannot change your face.
Nikklo nodded.
NIKKLO
And a dead giveaway that I was foraging.
CANDORA
Exactly. Your brand is still fresh on your skin, even in Brocana form. I must admit, you do make a handsome Brocana.
NIKKLO
Thank you.
Candora turned to Marc.
CANDORA
You were quick to search for me, my son.
Marc leaned against the wall as he tied Hikiya's tether to a rock.
MARC
Father called the Euryanassa to tell me he was worried about the violence the Humans were showing to Brocana and that the Brocana were retaliating with energy weapons. When we tried to return the call to say we were coming, Father didn't take the call. When Nik and I came to Bamasha, we asked Zak and Shanti to bring us native clothes to blend in. They told me you had gone to the Clan and they hadn't heard from you. I was concerned so I asked Nik to track you.
Candora nodded.
CANDORA
Nikklo is a very talented scout.
NIKKLO
I'm going by Nikkaro right now.
CANDORA
As much as I know, my son Nikaro is still in San Francisco.
NIKKLO
That's why I thought it wouldn't hurt for me to use his name.
MARC
It was a passable disguise.
CANDORA
I agree. I will call you Nikkaro.
MARC
So now that we've found Mother and she doesn't know where Father is, our next move is to track Father.
NIKKLO
I sense that's not going to be as easy as it was to track Candora.
MARC
Do you sense my father?
Nikklo pointed upward.
MARC
Aw hell, they took him from Bamasha?
Nikklo nodded then leapt to his feet to look downhill.
MARC
What?
NIKKLO
A shout of pain. It was from Jim Meyers.
MARC
My former partner?
NIKKLO
It is clearly his mental signature.
MARC
Shit.
NIKKLO
He's with Steve Leighson.
MARC
Sh'kukte!
NIKKLO
They were searching for us. They stumbled on a renegade ambush.
Marc rushed to the entrance of the cave. Through the rain, they saw a column of smoke rise from the foothills.
MARC
I thought Steve was smarter than this!
Candora rushed to gather her belongings.
CANDORA
I must return to Clan Kelhidi!
MARC
We'll go with you, Mother.
CANDORA
That would be good, Marcayo. We must all stay together.
LASHANTI
How will we all fit on two sinvati? We are now five.
NIKKLO
Simple, I'll travel Tauian until I need to be seen again. Candora will travel on Hikiya with Marc.
MARC
That may be risky, Nik.
NIKKLO
Your mother is right, we must stay together. She will explain our presence with the Brocana.
MARC
I agree we need to remain together but I'm not sure you should go Tauian. What if there are FLEER detectors around that could pick up Tauian signatures? You could be seen.
NIKKLO
Good point. I'll go Abroc and run beside you. If anyone sees a cat, they'll think you're hunting me.
CANDORA
I've heard of some Brocana making kralidon as hunting pets. Abroc look similar to Kralidon.
NIKKLO
Then I'll be Marc's Kralidon pet.
MARC
(irritated)
Rachi.
NIKKLO
Rachi but explainable.
ZAKOTI
You changed language.
CANDORA
They spoke Astrisi.
Nikklo gripped his Tauian crystal to store his Brocana form then concentrated on his ABROC FORM and willed the shift. He yowled at the painful transformation and fell to the ground.
NOTE: Nikklo will be in ABROC FELINE FORM until furter noted.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Damn, that never gets any easier!
Nikklo slipped out of the clothing.
Marc put Nikklo's clothing into his travel pack and returned it to Hikiya's back.
Zakoti and Lashanti hugged each other frantically.
Candora and Marc looked down with amusement.
MARC
Oh, that's what you look like in Abroc.
CANDORA
You look much like Dr. Hyan Yriss.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
You have met Hyan?
CANDORA
He sometimes visited Jonathan to ask advice about negotiating with the Humans about Abroc relations. We offered him a guest room but he felt more comfortable sleeping in cat form in the garden. We had to warn the staff so they wouldn't be alarmed to see a big black cat in the yard.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
That sounds like something Hyan would do.
They packed the two Sinvati then guided them out into the gentler rain and mounted up.
Marc whistled for them to move forward.
Nikklo loped beside the sinvati with his telepathy in passive mode since Candora would guide Marc to the Kelhidi Camp.
MARC
You actually look like you're having fun down there!
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Your mother is doing the guiding so why can't I enjoy the downtime?
MARC
Good point. Have fun. Just don't forget your form and start singing.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Oh that would be hysterical!
LATER
After an hour of traveling, they stopped.
MARC
Mother says Clan Kelhidi is ahead. I think you should return to Brocana form again.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Throw me my pack so I can dress again.
Marc unhooked the pack and tossed it to Nikklo.
Nikklo picked up the pack with his teeth and trotted behind a rock.
Nikklo changed back to Brocana form and dressed. He walked from behind the rock and rejoined them.
NOTE: Nikklo will be in BROCANA FORM until noted.
Nikklo walked beside the Sinvati until they met sentries on the road.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
Candora slid off Hikiya and spoke with the two Brocana men.
After a few minutes, Candora walked back to them.
CANDORA
We can enter the camp. They were surprised that I left alone and I'm returning with most of my family.
I told them you traveled to me to warn me of Jonathan's absence. Nik, they think you are my son Nikaro. I didn't correct them. I will leave it to you to reveal yourself if you think it is necessary.
NIKKLO
Thank you, Candora, uh, Mother.
Lashanti joined Candora and Nikklo while Marc and Zakoti lead the Sinvati to the pens.
When Marc and Zakoti returned, Candora lead them to the elder's tent.
NOTE: It is implied that Marc sent translations to Nikklo as the elder spoke.
DANIKO
I was not expecting you back from your foraging for several more dark-times, Candora.
CANDORA
Marcayo had Zakoti and Lashanti guide him to my common forage places because he got a report from Jonathan's workers that he disappeared several dark-times earlier. He wanted to warn me.
DANIKO
Jonathan is missing, Marcayo?
MARC
Yes, Elder, my father is not to be found. I fear with the violence between Humans and Brocana that my father's absence is because of the violence. They say they doubt my father's loyalty to Human-kind.
DANIKO
This is troubling. I know Zakoti and Lashanti but I know not this other Brocana.
NIKKLO
I am Statukuimoyo in disguise.
DANIKO
Show me your brand.
Nikklo pulled his arm from his sleeve and showed his leaf brand.
DANIKO
The skin is colored brown. You are Statukuimoyo.
NIKKLO
You changed my brand?
DANIKO
We brushed the brand with molten gold while it was hot just before we pressed it into your skin. In your Saili form, it blends with your skin because it is your natural color. In any other form, your brand will appear gold brown. Forgive us, Statukuimoyo. We needed to have a unique mark to warn us when you change your form. It also proves to us you are who you say you are. We welcome your help, Tsikakayu.
NIKKLO
In any other situation, I would be annoyed but I welcome this revelation. I am here to help, Elder. But in order to help you, we need your help. An ISP metal bird has just hit ground by renegades and we need to speak with the Humans about where Jonathan may have been taken. Can you talk to the renegades about allowing us to speak with the Humans?
DANIKO
Forgive me, Tsikakayu. We have no love for the violence Renegades are giving Humans. They should not use the sun guns even if a piece of Bamasha makes the fire. You tell the renegades to stop the violence and you talk to Humans.
Nikklo sighed in frustration.
NIKKLO
Forgive my frustration, Elder. I wished for more help but I will do my job. Thank you for hearing me.
CANDORA
Daniko, you should not put this on Tsikakayu's shoulders alone!
DANIKO
He is not alone. Fierce warrior Marcayo is at his side as always.
CANDORA
Then I will go with my son. My husband is missing. I will find him!
DANIKO
It is your choice and we honor your will to find your husband. Your children are fierce hunters. You will be in our thoughts, Candora.
Candora glared for a few seconds.
CANDORA
Stay in your safety. At least you see my children as great warriors. Come, children, we must travel on before suns-down.
DANIELS TEAM
Yes, Mother.
Marc, Nikklo, Zakoti and Lashanti followed Candora out of the tent.
Marc and Zak went to the pens to prepare Hikiya and Koharo while Candora, Lashanti and Nikklo waited in the center of camp.
Nikklo looked down the valley.
Candora stepped beside him.
CANDORA
You look worried, Nikky.
NIKKLO
I sense a lot of unrest on the plains around the crash site. I wish we could get there quicker.
CANDORA
Be patient. Once we're out of camp and beyond where anyone can see us, you could phase us closer to the trouble spot if you chose to.
Hikiya snickered as Marc and Zakoti lead the sinvati up to them.
Nikklo turned back to camp and climbed up into the saddle.
MARC
Wow, you actually climbed into the saddle straight!
NIKKLO
There are people watching us very carefully.
MARC
I'm not surprised. Even I can feel the tense emotions around here.
Daniko walked up to them with a sinvati.
DANIKO
Candora, you can use one of my sinvati since you have too many for two sinvati. This is Evanga.
CANDORA
I thank you for this privilege, Daniko. I will care for Evanga as if my own.
DANIKO
Please bring peace to Bamasha, Statukuimoyo.
NIKKLO
I will try, Daniko.
Marc climbed up in front of him and settled in. He whistled two times and all three sinvati walked toward the edge of the camp.
Once they traveled down the ridge, Nikklo poked Marc's shoulder.
MARC
Hey! What the hell are you doing?
NIKKLO
Let's stop and cluster together to prepare for phase.
MARC
I don't know if Zak or Shanti will like being introduced to phasing.
NIKKLO
I know it may be disturbing to them but I think it's necessary.
MARC
Okay.
Marc whistled three times and the sinvati stopped.
CANDORA
Marcayo?
MARC
Nik wants to take his shortcut.
CANDORA
I see.
ZAKOTI
What shortcut?
MARC
Nik wants to fly on light.
Lashanti's face paled.
LASHANTI
Does it hurt to fly on light?
NIKKLO
How can I explain this?
CANDORA
It will feel like sliding down a sand slide but Nik catches you before you hit ground.
LASHANTI
He should keep his hands to himself!
CANDORA
I will not touch you. Zakoti would touch you and Candora can touch Marc. Then I will touch Marc and Zakoti to take us all with me as I fly on the light.
MARC
And Zak, Mother and I can touch the sinvati to bring them too.
CANDORA
I do not fear Nik flying on light. I have experienced it before.
MARC
And I have trusted Nik to take me across the darkness from far worlds. He will take us safely to the plains. He will not show disrespect to you or mother.
Zakoti stopped his sinvati and dismounted.
ZAKOTI
I will accept Nikkaro's short cut. You will be safe, Lashanti.
Lashanti dismounted and wrapped her arms around Zakoti's arm.
Zakoti touched Koharo.
Candora took Marc's right hand and touched her mount with her left.
Marc touched Hikiya.
Nikklo gripped Marc and Zakoti's forearms. He changed to his TAUIAN FORM.
CUT TO PHASING VISUALS.
Nikklo phased them toward the column of smoke.
SWITCH TO BROCANA NIKKLO
EXT. RENEGADE CAMP, KOBIHOK RIDGE MOUNTAINS – CONTINUOUS
As Nikklo passed over the crash site, he felt relieved that most of the ISP cruiser was intact. He saw a cluster of boulders and traveled them beyond the boulder then landed them back to the ground. He returned to his BROCANA FORM.
NIKKLO
The wreckage is beyond these boulders. No one saw us land.
LASHANTI
Oh, that was almost fun!
CANDORA
And no harm came to you.
NIKKLO
We must find somewhere to tie up the sinvati. We will have to scout around on foot.
They found a grotto and tied the reigns to the local brush. They left some kaluka grass for the sinvati to eat then traveled back to the crash site.
Marc and Nikklo investigated the wreckage for several minutes.
NIKKLO
This wreckage shows how skillful Steve Leighson is as a pilot. This ship could be repaired.
MARC
Steve was always a master pilot.
A male voice rang across the field.
RENEGADE GUARD #1
Kueko naka wakyu.
MARC
Kuto iya nawaru.
NIKKLO
Suketa naibi jhumani.
MARC
(whisper)
Not too bad pronunciation.
NIKKLO
Thanks, your mother was thinking it but was reluctant to speak it so I said it.
MARC
You're learning.
CANDORA
You're welcome.
RENEGADE BROCANA GUARD #1
You wish to see jhumani?
MARC
We wish to see jhumani.
Two Brocana stepped from around some rocks.
RENEGADE BROCANA GUARD #1
You come with us.
MARC
We will come with you.
They followed the renegades to their camp.
An older man joined them.
CHECHIKI
Your names. You do not bear yourselves like true natives.
MARC
Harak Marcayo Daniels, Lady Shaman Candora Daniels, Shaman Nikkaro Daniels, Zakoti and Lashanti.
CHECHIKI
So where is the great negotiator Jonathan Daniels? He chose not to involve himself in this violation of Brocana territory?
MARC
(snappy)
Negotiator Jonathan Daniels is missing by Jhumani hand!
CHECHIKI
So Clan Daniels also has grievance with Jhumani this time? That is a surprising change.
MARC
Can we have audience with the jhumani violators?
CHECHIKI
They may speak to you more willingly than they are speaking to us. Torkoril will take you to the tent where they are being kept.
They followed Torkoril to one of the tents in the center of camp. They were allowed to enter the tent unaccompanied.
Two slightly scorched ISP officers looked up from the center pole they were tied to.
STEVE
Well, if it isn't traitor commander Marcayo Daniels and his family. What brings you back from the wild rim worlds?
MARC
You should be lucky we have enough trust among the Brocana to be allowed an unaccompanied visit with captured trespassers. I wish you had stayed away from Bamasha, Jim.
JIM
You left a lasting impression on me, partner.
MARC
At the wrong time, unfortunately.
NIKKLO
Which brings things to the point of why were you trespassing?
STEVE
Why are you trespassing, General Nikklosannaro Damirateyak?
Nikklo paled at his commonly known name. He pulled his sleeve up to show his shaman brand on his shoulder.
NIKKLO
This makes me an honorary Brocana so I'm not trespassing. Your people are detaining Brocana. That makes it my problem, Commander Leighson.
STEVE
Alpha Centauri ground police have been attacked by Brocana who have suddenly decided it's okay to pick up energy pistols and shot police officers! They have become a direct threat to the Human colony here! We have the right to defend ourselves against their sudden aggression toward us after centuries of peaceful coexistence!
NIKKLO
(annoyed)
Was that wildfire that ravaged Kobihok Ridge a show of peaceful coexistence? Was it your right to send gelstone infested with parasites to other Human colonies and cause an unnatural introduction of an invasive specie to foreign worlds because Humans didn't want to interrupt their acquisition of money from the sales of gelstone?
STEVE
We investigated the sales of infested gelstones and arrested the people who sold them while knowing they were infested with parasites. We did our job, General Damirateyak, and we're still doing our jobs by insisting you go the hell back to your region of the Alliance!
JIM
How do you know he's Sannaro?
STEVE
Remember I told you he can take a different shape but his facial features remain mostly the same? Look again, Tech Officer.
Jim looked intently at Nikklo.
JIM
Yeah, take out the blue tint and add yellow to the skin tone and that is clearly San. Nice disguise.
NIKKLO
It's a talent of mine.
STEVE
Your bridge crew is quite clever, General. I tried all my Intergalactic Space Police tactics to draw the Euryanassa out of hiding.
NIKKLO
I train them well.
STEVE
You don't belong here. Go back to Gasbaja.
Steve kicked the sand toward Nikklo.
Nikklo gathered the sand and formed it into a stone and dropped it back to the ground.
NIKKLO
Thanks a lot. That will take me weeks to get all the sand out of my chitin. I'm looking for Jonathan Daniels.
MARC
Where is my father, Commander Leighson?
STEVE
At Jayma in lock-up. Just know he's being housed respectfully.
MARC
But he's still not free to leave the station on his own cognizance, now can he?
STEVE
I'm following orders, Daniels.
MARC
Why?
STEVE
Some important people are concerned about how much Ambassador Daniels sympathizes with the Brocana. I'm beginning to believe you don't know how to follow orders, Daniels. Why did you throw away an illustrious career with the ADF to follow that crystal chameleon?
Marc pulled his own arm out of his sleeve. On Marc's shoulder was a symbol of an animal like a sheep that fashioned the letters K H.
NIKKLO
This Harak brand on my own skin gives me a different perspective, Commander. I have had to split my loyalty between the Humans and the Brocana. When events began to corrode the relationship between the two cultures, I found that I had to choose which side I felt more sympathy for, especially when Selik handed me over to Hadeon to be tortured!
STEVE
(sarcastically)
Ironic that Hadeon, another Brocana, drove you away from your Human career!
MARC
For all the similarities between us, I understood some of Hadeon's decisions. What I couldn't understand is why Selik was so vicious about his criticisms of all beings not born of Earth!
Leighson pointed at Nikklo.
STEVE
That's why.
MARC
You haven't even tried to get to know the Tauians.
STEVE
They are invaders in our territory. That's all I need to know!
MARC
There's more to it.
STEVE
You're the one who's been brainwashed, Marcayo Daniels. General Damirateyak, take your crew back to Gasbaja and stay out of Alpha Centauri Seven's business!
MARC
(shout)
You are rounding up my people and keeping them in cages! I will not go back to Gasbaja and ignore my people's cries! My father's words have failed but my actions will not! We're done here.
Marc rushed from the tent.
Zakoti and Lashanti followed Marc.
NIKKLO
Enjoy your continued accommodations, gentlemen. Jim, since you know something about Brocana interaction, I hope you can arrange better accommodations from the Renegades.
JIM
I doubt I'll get through to them. They're not very happy with us, San.
NIKKLO
You've helped Marc with many investigations. Use the skills I know you have to work it out with them. Now, excuse me, I need to catch up with my friend.
CANDORA
James Meyers, I know you are an honorable gentleman. Remember well what my son has taught you.
Nikklo and Candora left the tent to find Marc.
As Nikklo and Candora walked through the camp to return to the hidden Sinvati, a renegade on a bedraggled sinvati ran into camp.
Nikklo quickly formed the connection with Candora.
RENEGADE #3
Chechiki, Chechiki, jhumani have taken Brocana to be contained in fences! We found them!
The renegade elder they had spoke with earlier rushed from his tent.
CHECHIKI
Gather together hunters! The humans cannot go unpunished! Our brothers and sisters must be freed!
The renegade camp erupted into confusion as weapons were handed out and sinvati were prepared for travel.
MARC PSI V.O.
What's going on? We're hearing shouts from the renegade camp.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
The renegades are preparing to rush to battle against the Humans who are keeping Brocana locked in fences.
MARC PSI V.O.
Sh'kukte, not good. We're coming back to camp!
CHECHIKI
You! Clan Daniels! Guard Jhumani! We must free our brothers and sisters!
NIKKLO
Forgive me, Chechiki, we would do better going with you! We are the children of Negotiator Daniels! We know how to talk to Jhumani!
MARC PSI V.O.
Cool it, Nik, you keep up that tone with Chechiki and push him too fast, he may attack you and expel you from camp! Get back to Brocana communication ritual right now!
Chechiki walked up to Nikklo and glared down at him.
CHECHIKI
You step out of your place, Shaman!
Nikklo glared back.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
Nikklo calmed himself again and pulled up his sleeve to show his brand.
Chechiki stared at the green-tinged brand.
CHECHIKI
You have a golden brand. You are Statukuimoyo. That explains your confrontational words.
NIKKLO
Yes, I am statukuimoyo. I am here because Jonathan Daniels needs my help to be freed from Human bonds. Now Brocana need to be freed from Human bond. I am here to defend Brocana.
CHECHIKI
The Great Negotiator sent the Great Defender. This is concerning to me.
NIKKLO
It should be concerning, Elder.
Marc and Zakoti ran up to them.
CHECHIKI
No, he explained his obstinance. He is statukuimoyo in disguise. So what would you have us do, Statukuimoyo?
NIKKLO
I will drop the deception now.
CHECHIKI
That is good of you.
NOTE: Nikklo is now IN SAILI FORM until noted.
NIKKLO
I will take Steve Leighson and Jim Meyers with me and we will go to where the Humans are keeping the Brocana. I wish to speak to the Humans to ask why they are keeping Brocana and negotiate their release in exchange for Steve Leighson and Jim Meyers.
CHECHIKI
Then what should we do?
NIKKLO
You will arm your people for battle and if my words fail to release the Brocana, I will allow you to attack the Humans to free the Brocana.
CHECHIKI
This plan is acceptable to me.
NIKKLO
I am pleased that you accept my plan. I will leave you to prepare your hunters while we prepare the policemen to travel with us.
CHECHIKI
We will meet on the battle field.
NIKKLO
And may we hope we will not have to shed blood this day.
CHECHIKI
But we will shed blood if we must!
NIKKLO
We will shed blood if we must.
Chechiki walked to a cluster of armed renegades amid the organized gathering of warriors preparing Sinvati for skermish.
Nikklo noticed the stark difference of the pastoral quiet clan camps compared to the renegade camp that was more geared toward fighting and the warrior way.
Nikklo went back to the tent containing Steve and Jim.
Steve and Jim watched Nikklo reenter.
STEVE
So now you're showing your true colors!
Nikklo snorted.
NIKKLO
If I showed my true colors, it would be beyond your ability to see but I did reveal my Saili form to the Renegades. Now the Renegades know where some Brocana are being held against their will in a fence. So the Renegades told me to guard you while we travel to the containment site.
Steve rolled his eyes.
STEVE
The Renegades are allowing you to stay?
NIKKLO
The renegades win this argument, Steve. Especially since you're tied up. Once I release you, don't try to escape because I can move faster than you can.
JIM
I need to stretch anyway.
Nikklo released Jim before he released Steve.
NIKKLO
Marc, guard Jim and I'll guard Steve. Zakoti, bring the Sinvati to the tent.
Zakoti's eyes were wide as he nodded and rushed from the tent.
MARC
Come on, partner.
NIKKLO
Let's go, Steve.
STEVE
I really don't like this situation.
NIKKLO
I'm sure you don't. Consider how Jon Daniels feels up at Jayma Station. Have you ever ridden a Sinvati?
STEVE
Never.
NIKKLO
They're a bit hypnotic after a while.
STEVE
Thanks for the warning. I wouldn't want to fall asleep while in your restraint.
NIKKLO
It would be better than being in Hadeon's possession, I assure you. I don't molest my prisoners. Zakoti is almost to the tent, Marc. Move out.
They walked from the tent.
Chechiki strode out of his own tent with two web belts in his hands.
CHECHIKI
You take the police machine belts.
Nikklo took them.
NIKKLO
Where are the guns?
CHECHIKI
They are a piece of Bamasha. They will remain with us but the other machines, you take.
NIKKLO
The piece of Bamasha, as you say, are still jhumani machines that still displease Aldumu and Balda.
CHECHIKI
How do you know of those matters?
NIKKLO
Marcayo Daniels spoke of them to me.
CHECHIKI
Bamasha wills us to take back what is ours. We will make peace with Aldumu and Balda once Bamasha is free. Now guard the police so we can ready our hunters. You are Statukuimoyo but you do not lead here.
Nikklo returned to Marc and handed him a utility belt.
NIKKLO
I guess we should wear these so we know where they are at all times.
Marc put the belt on with practiced skill.
MARC
These belts still have devices that can come in handy even though they kept the pistols.
Zakoti joined them with the sinvati.
LASHANTI
We are more than before. How will we all fit on three sinvati?
Nikklo shuttered and looked down the mountain.
NIKKLO
We've run out of time.
Nikklo ran to Chechiki.
NIKKLO CONT.
Chechiki, we have no time to travel by sinvati. The disagreements in the valley are becoming more threatening!
CHECHIKI
What do you think we should do? We will take hours to ride sinvati to where Brocana are being held!
NIKKLO
I can ride all of us on light and we will be there in one minute!
Marc yelped in pain.
Nikklo turned to see Steve had the communicator from Marc's belt to his lips.
STEVE
(shouting)
Alert! Tauian Warlord on the ground!
NIKKLO shifted to TAUIAN FORM and flew back to Steve. He disarmed Steve and pulled him away from Marc.
NIKKLO shifted back to SAILI FORM.
NIKKLO
That was a really stupid move, Steve. Do you want a bloodbath down there?
STEVE
If you leave Alpha Centauri 7, I'll call for the police force to back off.
NIKKLO
I'm not concerned about myself. I'm worried about all those Brocana being detained down there.
STEVE
If you leave and let us handle this situation ourselves, everything will go smoother. You're a menace!
Steve struggled to pull out of Nikklo's arms.
MARC
Stop, Steve. You're in a grip stronger than steel. You're not going to break free unless Nik allows you to.
STEVE
(shout)
You're blind, Daniels! You've betrayed your own people!
MARC
I am among my own people right now. They are not acting like I betrayed them. They are welcoming me to fight beside them to free Brocana brothers and sisters. It took me too long to learn which side I should be on.
STEVE
You disgrace the uniform you wore.
Marc's face turned a livid purple.
MARC
Selik betrayed the uniform he wore and betrayed me to pirates for torture! Don't speak to me about betrayal, Steven Leighson!
NIKKLO
Easy, Marc, let's gather everyone for the phase.
MARC
Yeah, sorry for loosing my temper, General.
NIKKLO
It's all right. Steve hit a sore spot and if he keeps it up, I'm going to hit a sore spot on him!
Marc walked to Chechiki to gather the Brocana fighters into a chain to be linked with Nikklo for the phase.
Jim stood beside Candora and looked very uncomfortable.
NIKKLO
I'm glad you're not adding to this situation, Jim.
JIM
I don't know what to think anymore, San. I've been through so much with Marc and have been a guest in Madam Candora's home for private visits and formal political parties. I've been under your command and fought a ship full of Zurans at your side. But I've served with Commander Leighson who is a distinguished officer. I'm watching my Alliance, I've been loyal to, harm people for being born on another planet or for looking different than we look. I'm not very happy right now.
MARC
Nik, we're linked together.
Nikklo pulled Steve with him to where Marc stood.
Jim calmly walked with Candora to the cluster of people. Jim touched Marc and Candora. Candora touched Nikklo's shoulder.
NIKKLO
Changing forms. Prepare to phase.
Nikklo switched to TAUIAN FORM and used one free hand to do the phase.
PHASING VISUAL
BACK TO KOBIHOK RIDGE MOUNTAINS – CONINUOUS
Nikklo landed the group a few hills away from the Brocana containment camp.
BACK TO SAILI NIKKLO FORM.
NIKKLO
Chechiki, the Brocana are held three hills that way.
Nikklo pointed to his left.
Nikklo saw the beam of light lance toward him. As he prepared to shift forms to avoid the bolt, it slammed him and surrounded him with a globe of electricity. He tried to move to take the quill out of his shoulder but his arm failed to move.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Ugh, a light prison! Marc, pull the quill from my arm!
Marc rushed to Nikklo to remove the quill but pulled away when lightning traveled up his arm.
Steve walked up to Nikklo.
STEVE
Now you're stuck there and you'll have to watch everything and know you're helpless to prevent it.
Ground and Intergalactic police ships rose up from hiding behind hills and juts while ground forces rushed them from the higher ground.
The Brocana bellowed challenge and spread out to take on the Humans.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
(shouting in broad frequency)
No! Stop!
Nikklo tried to lift his hand to pull the quill from his arm but he still couldn't move.
Nikklo concentrated on his inner core and willed it to open a sliver. Nikklo felt heavier and a bright aura surrounded him.
MARC
Everyone, hit the dirt now!
Marc rushed to his family and pulled them to the ground.
MARC (CONT.)
Nik, what are you doing releasing your pulsar energy?!
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Destroying the damned electrical gun!
The light channeled through the quill that drew a bright line from the quill to the gun in the policeman's hands.
The policeman screamed and dropped the gun. He pulled his charred hands to his chest and collapsed.
The electrical field collapsed from around Nikklo.
Nikklo reached for the quill and pulled it from his arm. He stretched carefully to return feeling to his body.
Steve ran for the electrical gun.
Marc rushed Steve and tackled him to the ground.
Steve pulled himself to move out from under Marc.
Marc encircled Steve's waist and rolled both men around. Marc freed one arm and punched Steve in the side at the nerve bundle Nikklo taught Marc to find.
Steve arched his back.
Nikklo rushed Steve and pulled him from the ground.
Marc scrambled off the ground to stand beside him.
NIKKLO
Are you happy you started a bloodbath, Steve Leighson? Now we're going to find Jon Daniels and we're going to free him. Maybe he can talk you brain-dead humans to stop this fight since you hate my presence here. You can go fight the conflict you began.
Nikklo shoved Steve away from him.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Candora, I'm going to phase you, Zakoti and Lashanti to Euryanassa then Marc and I are going to free Jon.
CANDORA PSI V.O.
Forgive me, Nikky, but I refuse your transport. I belong with my own people here. Please go rescue my husband.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Okay, I respect your choice. Marc and I will rescue Jon.
Steve looked panicked as Nikklo touched Marc then changed to TAUIAN FORM and phased to the Jayma Station.
INT. FLIGHT DECK, JAYMA SPACE STATION
Nikklo landed in a dark corner of the flight deck on Jayma Space station.
Nikklo returns to SAILI FORM.
MARC PSI V.O.
Did you have to land us in one of the busiest parts of the station?
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Yes, I did. It seems this station's skin and viewing ports have been sealed to prevent Tauians phasing into the central part of the station. This was the best landing place I could infiltrate.
Marc frowned.
MARC PSI V.O.
So they're fortifying the ADF against Tauians.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
That's my guess.
MARC PSI V.O.
We're going to have to use your good old stealth technique?
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Looks like it.
MARC PSI V.O.
Okay, so go into stealth mode and let's track my father.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Have you been here?
MARC PSI V.O.
A few times but I was never posted here.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
At least you have some knowledge about what areas are the ISP station.
MARC PSI V.O.
You know, it kind of bothers me that we're infiltrating an ISP precinct?
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I understand you were once an ISP officer but you said we need to rescue your father?
MARC PSI V.O.
Okay, what are you getting at?
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
There are heat sensors in the hallways. I sense they are less in the ISP wing so we should be careful about those sensors. I can disrupt the power for a very short time to the sensor but I'm concerned that the security may notice a pattern
to the jamming and alert the ISP.
MARC PSI V.O.
We're in the ISP landing bay so you brought us to the right area.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I'm going to search for your father to get a rough heading.
MARC
Okay.
Nikklo extended his telepathy and carefully scanned the station. He sensed Jon's mental signature and locked on.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I found him. He's not happy that he's locked in a secluded cell. But I know where we're going now.
MARC PSI V.O.
Lead on.
Nikklo concentrated to put a bubble of false image around them and carefully moved out.
He scanned his surroundings to sense a power surge near the walls to warn him of a security device and deliberately wove them around ships to block their heat signatures.
They entered a hallway.
MARC PSI V.O.
Hey, Nik, instead of blacking out the camera, can you make the camera see empty hall?
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I can only do that to sentient beings.
MARC PSI V.O.
Like the security officer who watches the camera's feed?
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Ah, I understand now. I can make the watcher not see what the camera sends.
MARC PSI V.O.
It might work long enough for us to get to Dad. But we would still need to get out of here.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
We've fought our way out of a Zuran warship. How can this be any harder than a Zuran warship?
Nikklo psi v.o.
Difference is I had no feelings for Zurans but these are Humans.
MARC PSI V.O.
These are people I once worked with!
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I won't kill unless I have to.
MARC PSI V.O.
I know that but we have to get my father out of here!
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
We'll face that problem after we free your father.
MARC PSI V.O.
Okay.
They slipped into a hallway and stopped.
Nikklo used his telepathy to follow the camera's wiring to the security room. Once he sensed the Human woman who sat before the viewing screen, he connected with her visual center to make her see the empty hallway.
Nikklo moved down to the end of that hall.
MARC PSI V.O.
So far your plan to fool the security officers is working but it's slow going.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Take your time. We need to get through here without being seen more than to consider speed.
Nikklo nodded and moved them further down the hallway.
In the center of the next hallway, Nikklo ducked them into a broom closet.
Nikklo wrinkled his nose.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
ISP use some strong smelling cleaning supplies that makes it hard to breathe when you're surrounded by this stuff!
MARC PSI V.O.
Yeah, I actually like your Astrisi citrus based cleansers better because they're less overwhelming. Why do we always have to hide just once among cleaning supplies?
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Because there is a group of people leaving a meeting room and I would rather hide than to use too much power to fool that many minds.
MARC PSI V.O.
Okay, that makes sense.
After about five minutes, Nikklo had them emerge from the closet and resume their travel down the hallways of the ISP Precinct.
Several times more, Nikklo had to send false images to the security officers until he stopped at a door.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
We're near your Father.
MARC PSI V.O.
Let's go.
Nikklo carefully walked down to a door in the center of the hallway.
Marc pulled his magnakee out of a pocket and touched the device to the lock.
The lock clicked.
Marc pulled the door open.
He and Nikklo slipped through the door.
Jon looked up from his cot. He looked a bit in disarray but he seemed unharmed as he stood to meet them.
JON
Marcayo, why are you here? I was not imperiled. I was biding my time.
MARC
The Brocana need you. The ISP and ground Police were in direct conflict when we left. We need to find a way to end the slaughter. That's why Nik and I came to take you out of here.
JON
The police are fighting directly with the Brocana?
MARC
Yes.
NIKKLO
I tried to prevent it but Steve Leighson wouldn't let me intervene!
MARC
Easy, Nik. Your energies are pressing painfully into my head.
NIKKLO
Sorry, Marc.
JON
We must get to Bamasha!
NIKKLO
That's what I thought. Nik, it's time to figure out how to get us out of here.
NIKKLO
Convenient that this room is on the skin of this station. I'm going to punch out of here.
MARC
What? You crazy sentient pulsar in a crystal prism body, you could kill us!
NIKKLO
Not if I grab both of you as soon as the room looses atmosphere and I phase to Bamasha.
MARC
I know you can go that fast but it still makes me nervous.
NIKKLO
Okay, both of you touch each other before I punch through the wall.
Marc settled his hand onto his father's shoulder.
MARC
Ready.
Nikklo stepped ahead and concentrated.
MARC'S POV
Marc was anxious when Nikklo dropped his head to concentrate.
Nikklo's aura intensified and danced like lightning around his body. A column of bright white light extended from Nikklo and slammed against the wall. The wall arched before it blew out. Nikklo disappeared then Marc's sight went black.
EXT. KOBIHOK RIDGE MOUNTAINS, ALPHA CENTAURI 7 – DAY
When Marc's sight returned, they were on Bamasha.
JON
(in awe)
What did Nikklo do?
MARC
He opened his core. We saw what he truly is as much as any humanoid can see him.
JON
Astounding.
NIKKLO
I only opened my core a crack. I didn't want to incinerate the whole space station.
Nikklo spun around and shot a beam of light toward a boulder.
A clatter sounded as a rifle skittered across the rocky ground.
NIKKLO
(angry)
Steve Leighson, you are getting on my nerves!
Steve jumped up and waved his red hands through the air. He suddenly leapt for the rifle.
Nikklo disappeared then reappeared with the rifle in his hands. He swung the butt around and cracked the stock across Steve's face.
Steve spun to the ground with his mouth dribbling blood.
Nikklo pulled Steve off the ground and wrapped his arm around Steve's waist.
Steve pushed his hands against Nikklo's arm to get free.
MARC
Like I told you earlier, Steve, you're not going to break free of Nikklo's restraint!
JON
We need to end this violence!
Foliage rustled and Candora sprung through it along with Zakoti, Lashanti and Jim Meyers.
CANDORA
Jonathan!
Candora rushed to him.
Jon embraced her fervently.
JON
I am so happy to see you again!
CANDORA
Oh, Jon, the Renegades and Humans are fighting!
JON
I know, Candi. Nik and I are going to find a way to end the violence.
STEVE
It's too late.
NIKKLO
(snarling)
It's never too late!
STEVE
Oh really? Was it too late for your own people to beg you not to explode their world?
Nikklo rolled Steve over his shoulder and slammed Steve to the ground. He dropped to his knees around Steve's waist and pressed his hands around Steve's throat.
NIKKLO
Listen, you mindless lackey! Those people you call my people genetically engineered me to destroy worlds but they intended their ultimate weapon to be a submissive fool who would do anything they wanted him to do! What they didn't count on is that my father gave me genetics from a humanoid race to think for myself! That same humanoid race the Tauians wanted me to destroy were my people too! Yet here I am, busting my ass to get Tauians and Humans to get along! You humans still want to fight the Tauians because we have scary powers. Look at yourself!
STEVE
(coughing)
You're choking me!
Marc squatted beside Nikklo.
MARC
(gravely)
Release the choke hold, Nik.
NIKKLO
(rasping)
I could do much worse than choke you. I could make you grains of sand to add to this tortured world!
MARC
(calmly)
Let go, Nik.
NIKKLO
But I won't because a close friend of mine is begging me to spare your life.
Nikklo surged to his feet.
Steve grasped his throat and drew in wheezing breaths.
FADE OUT.
THE END