Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
“BAMASHA'S REVENGE”
EPISODE 97 CIVIL WAR
By: Lyssa Thorne
FADE IN:
EXT. KOBIHOK RIDGE MOUNTAINS – DAY
Steve grasped his throat and drew in wheezing breaths.
STEVE
He used to be my friend.
NIKKLO
Then why didn't you value him more? He's an extraordinarily talented person who desires respect.
STEVE
I wasn't on the Yorktown!
NIKKLO
You've known Marc since he came here to find the Brocana Killer. You saw how Marc had to endure rude comments from other Patrolmen. You never spoke up in his defense.
JIM
I did. Hadeon was brutal to Marc.
MARC
And your help was appreciated.
NIKKLO
You could have made a difference in the ISP because he was an indigenous person from your colony. You were complicit and you're still acting complicit. Is that retirement worth this loss of life happening around us?
STEVE
I got into the patrol to save lives.
NIKKLO
Then what made you turn away from that noble goal?
STEVE
You did.
Nikklo pointed at himself.
NIKKLO
Me? What did I do to you to hate me?
STEVE
I saw you in a dream. You were surrounded by blindingly bright light. You raised your arms and the world crumbled under your feet and exploded. You drew all that massive energy into yourself and stood in the blackness with a smug look on your face.
NIKKLO
In all the years you've known me, have I ever acted like a megalomaniac?
STEVE
You did that to the Tauian home world!
NIKKLO
Your dream was coercer induced. I was chained to a table getting my arms and legs cut off my body while I begged for mercy. When the pain became more than I could endure, I did release a wave of energy that destabilized that world but it took weeks for the planet to explode. That's quite different than the dream you had. I consider it my worst nightmare I don't ever want to repeat.
Marc sighed.
MARC
You're repeating what the Tauians did, Steve. My people are being slaughtered out there just like the Tauians slaughtered the humanoids of their world.
NIKKLO
(heavily)
Prisean, they were called Prisean. I have some Prisean lineage.
JIM
Are they gone now?
NIKKLO
As far as I know, there are only a few of mixed Prisean and Crystallos lineage.
JIM
Crystallos are?
NIKKLO
The crystal arthropods you call Tauian are Crystallos. There was another race on Tauia who were humanoids called the Prisean.
Steve looked toward the shouting that echoed through the hills not far from where they were.
STEVE
I guess we are doing the same.
Marc pulled Steve off the ground.
STEVE
Then help us end this fighting and come to a peaceful agreement.
Steve leapt through the bushes and ran.
Nikklo changed to TAUIAN FORM and phased right before Steve.
Steve bumped into Nikklo's chest and dropped to the ground.
Nikklo returned to his SAILI FORM.
NIKKLO
Running was very stupid. I am much faster than you.
Nikklo grabbed Steve's arm and pulled him to his feet.
Steve cringed.
Nikklo saw blood dripping from Steve's hair.
NIKKLO
Sorry you bumped your head on the fall but I'm sure you're not going to try that again. Look at me.
STEVE
No.
Nikklo grabbed Steve's chin and pulled his head up.
NIKKLO
Open your eyes.
STEVE
No!
NIKKLO
Damn it, Steve, I'm trying to check you for a concussion! Would you rather I scan your mind to check it for injury?
STEVE
Don't try to play nice, Destroyer of Worlds!
NIKKLO
Fine, keep your pain to yourself!
Nikklo phased Steve to a rock above the fighting.
NIKKLO (CONT.)
Now look at the carnage you started! I can't believe I'm talking to a grown man like he's one of my children! I thought better of Humans once! You don't need Tauians to dominate because Humans want to take their control for themselves!
STEVE
No, that's not true!
NIKKLO
We Tauians are living on New Sailia and leaving everyone alone. You're not leaving others alone! You're killing others for petty pride. You're supposed to be a Policeman, an enforcer of the law! Is it lawful to be slaughtering people for violating their land?
STEVE
No.
NIKKLO
Then be a Policeman and end this violation of the law!
STEVE
I'll get in trouble.
NIKKLO
Then the wrong people are choosing how the Police conduct themselves just like Selik did. Marc told me the corruption was weeded out by the Council. It seems not all corruption was handled and you're too blind to see it.
Steve sighed.
STEVE
I got too used to looking the other way. I guess you're right, I began to think my pension was worth throwing away my conscience.
NIKKLO
Is seeing this worth your pension?
STEVE
People I know are dying down there.
NIKKLO
Yes, because you called them in! You call me the Destroyer of Worlds? I guess you want to join me in that title. Difference is, I regret destroying my world. Will you regret destroying yours?
STEVE
Fly me away from here! I can't take it anymore!
NIKKLO
Help me and Jon Daniels end the fighting!
STEVE
Okay, I'll help you if you'll take me away from here!
NIKKLO
If you change your mind and try to sell me and my team out again, I'll know so don't even think about it.
STEVE
Sometimes your telepathy has its uses but most of the time, it's annoying!
NIKKLO
That sounds just like my Grandmother who thought I was only a tool to be used when she had a reason but the rest of the time, she didn't want anything to do with me.
Steve went pale.
STEVE
I'm sorry. No one should be used as only a tool.
NIKKLO
Isn't that what you just said? My telepathy is only good when it has a task it needs to be used for.
STEVE
I said I was sorry. You're right, what I said sounded like I was devaluing you as a tool.
NIKKLO
I'm going to phase us back to the family.
Steve held out his arm.
Nikklo grasped his forearm and phased them back to where the family waited.
As soon as they appeared, Marc rushed up to them.
MARC
Steve, damn it, don't you understand that Nik can move quicker than you can?
STEVE
I do now. How do you intend to stop the violence?
MARC
You started it!
JON
Marcayo, no progress can come from accusations. Who is telling you to target Brocana for containment, Steve?
STEVE
New San Francisco Councilman Creorel.
JON
Jamal Creorel is adding to the hate? Right, he has high stakes in Kobihok Ridge mining.
STEVE
He told everyone that the fire was set by a Brocana.
MARC
The fire was caused by a Human who didn't allow a large piece of Gelstone to be sent to be purified of a parasite infection. The Brocana insisted it had to be purified and the Human fought to take it away from him. The Human snatched it away and threw it toward the outgoing pile but it smashed an electric lantern. The broken lantern caught the gelstone on fire!
Steve withered.
STEVE
I wasn't told that.
MARC
Of course you weren't! Creorel wanted everyone to believe the Brocana were to blame so he could convince people to lash out at the Brocana!
JON
Nik, could you phase us to New San Francisco so I can ask the City Council for an audience?
NIKKLO
Link us together and I'll take you there.
JON
Nik, I'll give you an image of the Council House.
NIKKLO
That would help.
Nikklo saw a large white brick building with a domed roof in his head the phased everyone to New San Francisco. He phased around a bit until he saw the building from his thoughts and landed them at the side of the building.
NIKKLO
Jon, please think about how this Councilman looks and I'll scan for his location.
JON
Okay.
Nikklo saw a middle aged man with silvering hair who was a bit overweight.
Nikklo scanned the building until he sensed thoughts of frustration that containing the Brocana was not being as easy as he thought. Nikklo locked on to that mind and phased them into his chamber.
CREOREL
What the?
The man leapt from his chair. He moved to touch a pad on his desk.
Nikklo phased to the man and pulled his hand away from the pad.
NIKKLO
Sorry, we need to speak to you alone.
CREOREL
Jon, dear friend, why are you visiting me in this manner?
JON
Dear friend? You're the person who told the ISP to detain me. I think the term friend is questionable.
CREOREL
Only for a short time, I assure you.
JON
Thankfully, my son Marcayo had other ideas. And one of those is to tell you to pull the police back from fighting the Brocana.
CREOREL
Easier said than done, Jonathan.
JON
I realize that but some of my wife and children's relatives could be harmed in this disagreement and I want the fighting to stop.
Creorel scoffed.
CREOREL
You tell the Brocana to stop fighting and maybe I will call off the police!
JON
We need to make this a concerted effort. Neither will back off until we broker a cease fire.
CREOREL
You're the Ambassador. I'm just a councilman.
JON
I am willing to be the negotiator but we must show a willingness to seek a cease fire so I need the leaders of the council to be a part of the negotiation team.
CREOREL
How are we going to set up a cease fire meeting so quickly?
NIKKLO
I can cut down on travel, at the least.
JON
That will help, Nikky. While I speak with the Brocana elders to ask them to meet with the council, Jamal, I want you to talk to other councilmen to ask if they're willing to meet with the Brocana and when we get enough people to have the meeting, we'll choose a neutral spot and Nik will transport everyone there.
CREOREL
You treat the Tauian Warlord like a son!
JON
Councilman Creorel, General Nikklosannaro Damirateyak is not a Tauian Warlord. He has not instigated war, only defended himself and his people from instigation. One step in agreeing to a cease fire is to not allow bias to limit your ability to be open to negotiation.
Creorel's face turned red for a second before he calmed down.
CREOREL
You're right, Ambassador Daniels, General Damirateyak has not instigated war but he does tend to meddle in affairs he's not wanted to be a part of.
JON
He's trying to initiate peace by using his unique talents to hasten the process. I welcome it.
CREOREL
So you invited him to come?
JON
I only contacted my son to tell him I was worried that with the heightened tension between the Humans and Brocana, I feared I would be detained. Marcayo decided on his own to ask his employer to transport him to his home planet to help his father. It was completely Marcayo's decision, not mine, but I welcome Nikklo to volunteer his unique talents to help me end the violence.
CREOREL
Why are you here, Commander Leighson?
STEVE
At first I thought I was General Damirateyak's prisoner but I'm beginning to think of some uncomfortable questions.
CREOREL
You're not turning on me now, are you?
STEVE
Why did you tell me to detain Ambassador Daniels?
CREOREL
I told you I wasn't confident in his loyalties.
STEVE
I'm beginning to see that his loyalties are for peace between all the races. Back when everyone worked together, they weren't perfectly behaved but we knew we could rely on them for their part in society. Now, all the distrust of each other is breaking that society.
MARC
How can there be lawful citizens when they don't know who will be considerate toward them?
NIKKLO
It's a basic trust that must be maintained that has been allowed to decay because of Human distrust?
JON
When no one is sure they will have their basic needs met, they become fearful and argumentative. That's where we are now.
Creorel pointed at Nikklo.
CREOREL
It's because of his kind that has brought this breakdown!
NIKKLO
Coercers can only exacerbate feelings that were already there. I know we exacerbated it because of our civil war that took too long to resolve but while I was dormant, my grandmother didn't have to influence Humans. My father and I were trying to get away from the violence. I never wanted it to follow us but it did. We had to finally face it and end it. Now that my grandmother is dead, there's a lot of broken cultures we need to help fix.
CREOREL
Haven't you done enough?
NIKKLO
What have I done? Have I caused your distrust? Have I caused you to strike out at Brocana?
STEVE
You just said the distrust was already inside us!
NIKKLO
So if the distrust was already there, what did I do to you to be a target of your ire?
CREOREL
You're meddling in another planet's social unrest!
JON
That brings us back to me warning Marc that I feared I would be detained and he chose to return home to help his father. So by contacting Marc, I indirectly invited Marc and Nikklo to come to Alpha Centauri to help me.
NIKKLO
And this shaman brand says I am an honorary Brocana so you are threatening a group of people who showed me their appreciation for helping to contain a wildfire that was burning their land!
MARC
A land that you are trespassing on!
JON
Okay, easy, boys.
JIM
Marc has a point. The Brocana treaty did say that New San Francisco and some patches of mining areas were land for Humans to occupy. The rest of the wilds were for the Brocana. Brocana and Humans were supposed to have a cooperative mining effort so that the Brocana could apply their knowledge of how to contain gelstone and keep it free of contamination and the Humans could sell the gelstone for use in Human machines. We violated that treaty when a Human instigated the Kobihok Ridge wildfire.
CREOREL
Whose side are you on, Tech Officer Meyers?
JIM
The side of reason. Nikklo, may I suggest that since Steve and I are not trusted among Brocana that we help Councilman Creorel gather together other councilmen to meet
with the Brocana?
JON
That sounds reasonable, Jim. Do you agree with Jim, Steve?
STEVE
I'm beginning to think my tech officer is wiser than me. Yes, I'll help Jim get Creorel's council together.
NIKKLO
Okay, I'll be ready to phase you to the Brocana when you're ready, Ambassador Daniels.
JON
Thank you, General Damirateyak. I wish to talk with Clan Kelhidi first.
NIKKLO
I've been to their current camp so I can take you straight to it. Connect yourselves so I can phase you.
Jon laid his hand on Marc's shoulder.
Nikklo laid his hand on Marc's shoulder, changed tO TAUIAN FORM and phased back to the Clan Kelhidi camp.
EXT. CLAN KELHIDI CAMP, KOBIHOK RIDGE MOUNTAINS – DAY
Nikklo landed near the elder's tent.
NIKKLO
Daniko told me before we left with Candora that he wanted us to end the violence so I'm sure we'll be met warmly.
Nikklo picked up threatening thoughts from a human mind nearby.
GROUND POLICE PILOT PSI V.O.
Registering the ghost bogy at five o'clock low. Doubling back to get a lock.
GROUND POLICE DISPATCH PSI V.O.
Roger, Alpha-charlie sixty-four.
NIKKLO
Shit! You go on to the meeting with Daniko. I'm sensing a patrol locked on me. I'll divert their attention.
MARC
Be careful, Nik.
NIKKLO
I'll try but my main objective is to get their attention away from this meeting.
Nikklo changed to TAUIAN FORM and launched into the air deliberately toward the ISP cruiser.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
PHASING POV
GROUND POLICE PILOT PSI V.O.
Shit, I'm locked!
GROUND POLICE DISPATCH PSI V.O.
Are you sure it's a Tango being?
GROUND POLICE PILOT PSI V.O.
FLEER confirms a Tango.
GROUND POLICE DISPATCH PSI V.O.
You have permission to engage the Tango. Repeat, you have permission to engage the Tango!
GROUND POLICE PILOT PSI V.O.
Roger, Base, engaging the Tango.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
We're not getting married after all? I'm terribly disappointed!
GROUND POLICE PILOT PSI V.O.
Shut up, Asshole!
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Well, if you're going to be verbally abusive, it's definitely off!
The cruiser dove to meet him and fired his laser.
Nikklo swerved to avoid it.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Aren't you going a bit overboard? Plasma bolts inside an oxygen rich environment? Trying to restart the Kobihok Ridge fire?
GROUND POLICE PILOT PSI V.O.
I'm not going to fucking stand on a wing throwing rocks!
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Why not? I'd love to see that! Send your TO out right away!
Nikklo dodged a beam that came a bit too close. Mind back on the battle, Nik, he said to himself.
The cruiser pulled a tight Immelman and fired again a bit too close.
Nikklo swerved but the plasma phased through his hand that clutched the light beam.
Nikklo lost feeling in his fingers and the light slipped from his grasp. He plummeted through the air on his back. He frantically waved his hand to get the numbness to ease.
Before he could get a good grip on another light beam, he plunged into darkness and slammed into rock.
INT. UNKNOWN DARK CAVERN, ALPHA CENTAURI 7
Nikklo sat up and shook his head. He looked around him. Everything was dark. He knew that just a minute ago, he was in full sunlight.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Wow, I must be getting rusty. That was a new-color mistake. Crystallines, do I have any serious injuries?
CRYSTALLINE PSI V.O.
No, you have only minor fractures and we are already working on sealing them.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Good. Can I change forms?
CRYSTALLINE PSI V.O.
Give us a minute more.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Okay.
Nikklo entranced himself to preserve power.
CRYSTALLINE PSI V.O.
Healing is complete, Nik.
Nikklo changed to his SAILI FORM. His photo-receptive sight adjusted to the darkness so he could see the glowing minerals in the rock around him. He gasped at the crimson that shimmered around him.
He was surrounded by gelstone rock formations. How did he fall into a cave? Well, there were many caves in Kobihok Ridge.
He carefully stood up and scanned the area around him with his telepathy. There was a fissure above him but it was too far for a light beam to shine down to the floor so he was going to have to find another way out. At least he didn't have a broken leg this time.
He carefully walked through the cathedral cavern to sense if he could climb a stalagmite until he reached outside light.
He stopped at a large stalagmite and visually followed it up into the darkness. It was large enough to stretch high into the cavern but small enough to not be difficult to climb.
He changed back to Tauian form for the added protection of his crystal chitin and began to climb.
He saw small light beams that allowed him to pull himself up a little quicker with his phasing power until the light defused. Then he would resume his climb by grabbing hand holds in the pitted calcium carbonate.
Finally, he saw an overhang above him and made a quick phase over to it. He sank down on the rocky seat to rest.
A booming female voice sent to his mind in a lilting tone that made him think she may be from the British Isles on Earth.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
I have not sensed a sentient being in a long time.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Do you know a way out of here?
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
If I knew how to extricate myself, I would not say I hadn't sensed a sentient being in a long time.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Forgive me. I'm tired from a long climb.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
If you help me free myself, I will help you leave here.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Where are you?
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
In the rock like you are.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Okay, I'll shut up. I'm not helping anything.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
I sense you have the ability to follow mental essences to their source. That ability could help me.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I can do that if you give me a few minutes more to rest up.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
I have infinite time. Take as much time as you need.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
How do you have infinite time? There are people being slaughtered on the surface!
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
I hear their cries and I mourn for them but I am unable to help them in my present circumstances. I have infinite time but you do not so take as much time as you need. I can wait.
Nikklo carefully stood up on the ledge and scanned for the voice's telepathic signature. Once he had a lock, he began to climb toward the signature.
It took a while to climb and shift to align himself to the signature but he finally entered another cave to a sight that stopped him in his tracks. Before him was a towering dragon formed of gelstone.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
You have finally found me. Well done.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
What are you?
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
You already know what I am.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I see a huge gelstone formation in the shape of a dragon.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
That is what you see but you are slightly inaccurate. I am a dragon trapped inside a gelstone shell. I would like to be freed.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I've never heard of dragons on Bamasha?
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
I am a space traveler like you.
Nikklo walked farther into the cave to get a better look at the dragon then recoiled.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
You're the source of the gelstone parasite!
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
I am not the source of the parasite. I am infected with the parasite.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
If I free you, a huge incursion will happen. I can't allow that.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
You wear the shaman brand of the Brocana! It is your duty to cure someone afflicted with the gelstone parasite! Am I not worthy of your cure because I am not a bipedal humanoid?
Nikklo bowed his head.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I am the Great Defender. It is my mission to defend those who have been harmed by prejudice.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
Can you think of any crueler fate than to be sickened with a parasite then sealed in a gelstone shell, never to be free from pain or confinement ever again?
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Not really. What is your name?
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
Hesshiawasashewahoshea.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Wow, now I know how it feels when someone is told my whole name.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
You may shorten my name to Hesshia for convenience.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Okay, Hesshia. I will bring some of the cure to try to cure you but you are the largest patient I've ever treated.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
You have physician friends you could ask for advice.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
So can you see me?
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
Dragons see more of the visual spectrum. You are a crystal arthropod of considerable skill.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
(sarcastically)
Like it helped me get out of here.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
Like my massive draconic form helped me escape from a gelstone shell?
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
You have a point. I don't know how long it will take for me to return but I will return for you.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
I would not impose if I had other options, Nikklosannaro-tarek-rakul-minek-lovak.
Nikklo chuckled.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
At least we know each other's name. So now I have to continue to find my way out of here so I can, as you say, ask my physician friends about how to treat you.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
If you think about it, how did a being as large as I am get into this cavern?
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
You have a point. I'll look for it.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
Follow my tail and you'll find it. You're welcome. Now please find a way to heal me.
Nikklo walked toward her flank until he reached her tail. He continued to follow her tail down a wide tunnel. Even after he reached the tip of her huge tail, he could barely see any light ahead of him. He walked until he emerged into early nightfall shortly after Aldumu had sunk beyond the horizon and Balda was just above the horizon. Marc's family must be worried about him considering he disappeared hours earlier.
Nikklo changed to TAUIAN FORM. He phased to the Clan Kelhidi camp.
EXT. CLAN KELHIDI CAMP, KOBIHOK RIDGE MOUNTAINS - CONTINUOUS
Nikklo tiredly sank down beside the central fire and changed back to SAILI FORM.
Soon after, Marc rushed up with Daniko and Candora.
MARC
Where the hell have you been?
NIKKLO
I got hurled out of the sky by an ISP cruiser and I fell into a deep chasm. It's taken me hours to climb back out.
Candora squatted before Nikklo.
CANDORA
Are you injured?
NIKKLO
Not badly. I healed myself of the worst of it.
MARC
How?
NIKKLO
The crystallines on my arms and legs did the healing.
CANDORA
What crystallines on your arms and legs?
Candora studied his extremities.
NIKKLO
You can't see them but they're there. They are healing my crystal carapace to reattach my arms and legs in that form by interfacing with my nervous system. They also do some small heals if I need it. But I found something incredible in a cavern deep within Bamasha.
CANDORA
What did you find?
NIKKLO
I found a – this may stretch believability but I found a dragon that looks straight out of Earth mythology encased in Gelstone.
MARC
(incredulously)
A dragon? Nik, you're the biggest flying creature on Bamasha. We don't have anything resembling dragons here.
NIKKLO
I know, Marc, but I saw a dragon and she spoke to me. She's afflicted with the gelstone parasite and encased in gelstone. She wants us to free her and heal her.
MARC
Free a dragon? She's an invasive specie. She doesn't belong here!
NIKKLO
But she is here. She told me she hadn't sensed a sentient being in a long time which means she's been trapped here for a while.
CANDORA
And if she's afflicted with a large amount of the parasite, we must destroy them.
NIKKLO
That's what she wants but she's as big as a small spaceship. How could we treat someone so massive?
CANDORA
A large hot salt bath.
NIKKLO
But I would be concerned that the heat may harm Hesshia.
MARC
That's her name?
NIKKLO
Well, that's the shortened version of her name.
MARC
Damn, another being with a ridiculously long name?
NIKKLO
I didn't even want to pronounce it.
MARC
That's bad if you didn't want to try it. Anyway, dragon lore says that dragons can usually endure higher temperatures because they have tough scales on their hides.
MARC
So you think we could treat her in a large scale herb salt bath?
DANIKO
We have people dying on the plains and you talk about giving a, a dragon a bath?
CANDORA
Just the parasite concentration is a danger, Daniko!
DANIKO
So are the Humans slaughtering Brocana!
NIKKLO
As Shaman, it is our duty to destroy such a large incursion of the gelstone parasite now that we know about it. We will get the ceasefire meeting put together soon but this
parasite threat needs to be addressed now.
Jon gripped his chin with his hand in thought.
JON
Daniko, if you're that concerned, we can visit closer Clans by Sinvati while Candora and Nikklo address the parasite incursion.
DANIKO
I don't like it, Jonathan, but I think that is a good enough compromise to allow our Shaman to address the parasite threat.
NIKKLO
Daniko, do you have a full large jar of the remedy made?
CANDORA
I will take you to the apothecary, Nikky. I believe we can gather together a large jar of the remedy.
NIKKLO
Marc, what are you going to do?
MARC
I think you can defend yourself and Mother quite well so I will go with Father and Daniko as their guard.
NIKKLO
Sounds like a good idea to me.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
If you meet with any problems you need help with, shout at me and we'll come.
MARC PSI V.O.
You know I will. Good luck with treating your, uh, dragon.
QUICK MENTAL PICTURE OF HESSIA IN INFRARED LIGHT.
BACK TO CLAN KELHIDI CAMP.
MARC PSI V.O.
Shit, you weren't kidding if that's her!
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
That's her sealed in gelstone.
CANDORA
(whisper)
The two of you chatter like women!
NIKKLO
We're sharing important information about our missions.
CANDORA
You may maintain your belief.
Candora arched her eyebrows and turned to walk across the rocky ground.
Nikklo rolled his eyes and followed her.
CANDORA
I saw that. You do remind me of my son Nikaro. He was also the headstrong one who always chose to do his own thing whether anyone approved or not.
NIKKLO
He had a better childhood than I did.
CANDORA
I will grant you that. You have survived despite great odds.
NIKKLO
But I didn't know I was helped to survive by my father Tarek who hid in the form of the Saili Great Forger.
CANDORA
From what I have heard, he was quite effective about leaving few traces of his meddling.
NIKKLO
Until I stumbled and he'd grab me back and warn me not to do that.
CANDORA
The warnings were what made you look for him when you needed to find him.
NIKKLO
Sometimes I long for the old days when I had no worries beyond doing my duties on the flight deck.
Candora lead Nikklo into a tent stacked with ceramic pots.
Nikklo wandered around and opened pots. He grabbed the pots that were mostly full and some that were low that could be added to the pots that were slight depleted.
NIKKLO
Okay, I think we have enough. This dragon looks like she's the weight of 20 full size Humans.
CANDORA
We have enough to treat about 30 full size Humans.
NIKKLO
Now we have to find a hot spring close to her location so I don't have to phase her too far to immerse her.
CANDORA
Should we look for a natural hot spring? Would it be better to find a Human made reservoir so the groundwater would not be contaminated?
NIKKLO
It may be beneficial for the groundwater to have the remedy to kill more of the parasite.
CANDORA
Or it could cause an imbalance.
NIKKLO
Would we be able to use a reservoir without Humans panicking because we're there bathing a huge winged lizard?
CANDORA
Good point. It may cause the Human population to panic. It may also cause Brocana to panic. Yes, you are right, we need to use a hot spring that no one is near. We are using natural plant extract that is already present on Bamasha.
NIKKLO
Now how am I going to transport so much of the remedy?
Candora picked up a long rope, strung the pots together through their handles and gave him both ends of the rope.
Nikklo arched his eyebrows.
NIKKLO
That will work.
Candora laid her hand on Nikklo's forearm.
CANDORA
Let's find your hot spring.
Nikklo changed to TAUIAN FORM and phased back toward the cave he'd emerged from after finding Hesshia. Instead of landing at the cave, he flew around the area to find a hot spring.
Finally, he landed on the top of a dormant volcano with a lake inside the cone.
Nikklo returned to SAILI FORM.
CANDORA
Will this fit your dragon?
NIKKLO
I could only approximate her size but I think this is large enough.
CANDORA
Now, since we're going to boil a living being, I think I would be more comfortable if we had one of your doctors with a monitoring machine to make sure she doesn't go into distress.
NIKKLO
Now you're thinking like a modern consort to an ambassador.
Candora smiled.
CANDORA
That's my first job before I was privileged to have this job.
Candora pointed to her shoulder with the shaman leaf brand on the bicep.
NIKKLO
Both are very honorable jobs.
CANDORA
I never regretted leaving the Brocana to be Jonathan's wife. He will always be the love of my life. I am very happy that the Brocana have decided to give women jobs traditionally given only to men because of the loss of life during the Kobihok Ridge fire.
NIKKLO
I'm happy about that too. I think I was given this brand only because of the fire. I would have never been given it before the fire because I'm an alien.
CANDORA
Probably not but your people are more natural than Humans.
NIKKLO
That doesn't mean my people are any kinder.
CANDORA
I remember someone said that Tauians have the same failings or goodness of any other sentient specie.
NIKKLO
I said that!
CANDORA
My point?
NIKKLO
Is received. I'll go get Danu to monitor our procedure and once he's set up, I'll phase her to this hot
spring.
Nikklo changed to TAUIAN FORM and phased to where Euryanassa was hid.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
INT. EURYANASSA BRIDGE
Nikklo landed on the bridge of Euranassa. Nikklo changed to SAILI FORM.
YURI
(shout)
Commander on board!
Cherna turned around with her eyes wide.
CHERNA
Why didn't you give warning?
NIKKLO
I'm sorry, I was distracted. Things are getting complicated on Bamasha. I need to talk to Danu. We found a trapped dragon on Bamasha that we need to get out of there.
Cherna gasped.
CHERNA
Dragon? You mean a large lizard who breathes fire?!
NIKKLO
A large lizard but I don't know if she breathes fire. She's trapped in parasitic gelstone and we need to destroy this large infestation before it makes many people on Bamasha sick.
CHERNA
But there are Brocana dying on Bamasha and you're more concerned about a sick dragon?
Nikklo pointed to the shaman brand.
NIKKLO
We save a lot of people from dying just so they can die slowly and agonizingly from a parasite?
Danu stood with his arms crossed as he stood before the bridge door.
DANU
Both ways, people die.
Nikklo crossed his own arms.
NIKKLO
Both ways, people live.
DANU
You're twisting my words!
NIKKLO
Right now, Jon is talking to Brocana Clan leaders about gathering to talk out a cease-fire so I need to give Jon the chance to do his job. If we destroy this large infestation while Jon negotiates, we can stop two war fronts.
DANU
Why do you need me?
NIKKLO
We need to bathe a dragon in a large remedy bath so that we can liquify the gelstone she's trapped in while destroying the parasites. We're concerned about her suffering while she's in the bath. We want to monitor her vital signs. That's what we want you to do.
DANU
I don't know how to treat a dragon.
NIKKLO
I understand that but Candora and I want to take her out of the bath if she gets critical before the parasites are wiped out.
DANU
Okay, you have a good reason for me to be a part of this procedure. I wouldn't trust any of my techs to go into a war zone so I will agree to go with you.
NIKKLO
Thank you, brother.
CHERNA
Why do you think rescuing this dragon is so important, Nikky?
NIKKLO
This parasite infestation is the largest ever seen. It's as much of a threat as the war above. If it is released, it would be catastrophic to everyone still alive. Since we have to try negotiating with the Humans and Brocana, I thought it was a good time to address the trapped dragon to get her out of there.
DI'OK
Us translators don't have much to do with invasive species. But I can tell you from listening to news feeds that an unchecked invasive specie has to be addressed quickly or it can spiral out of control easily. I agree with Nik that with progression slowed on Bamasha, this infestation needs to be addressed while he has the time.
CHERNA
Okay, I'll accept that explanation, Di.
NIKKLO
I'm glad we're at a consensus since I know I'm going out on a limb here.
Cherna sighed with relief.
CHERNA
I'm glad you two worked it out.
DI'OK
They can have some spectacular arguments.
NIKKLO
And you are good at speaking the obvious!
DI'OK
(apologetically)
And some spectacular make-ups.
NIKKLO
(reluctantly)
Good recovery.
DANU
I'll go put together my equipment and be back soon ready for travel.
Danu and Nikklo left the bridge and walked to the medical suite.
Danu took several minutes to put together a field pack and slung it on his shoulder.
DANU
I think I'm as ready as I can be.
NIKKLO
Okay, we need to go. Candora is waiting for us.
Danu laid his hand on Nikklo's shoulder.
DANU
So take us there.
Nikklo changed to TAUIAN FORM and phased.
Nikklo phased them to the hot spring where he left Candora.
Nikklo changed back to SAILI FORM.
NIKKLO
While you set up, I'm going to go back to the dragon to figure out how to transport her.
CANDORA
We'll prepare for your arrival.
Nikklo nodded then changed to TAUIAN FORM.
Nikklo went to the old salt flat where they had set up the fire suppression camp to fight the Kobihok Ridge fire to look for leftover equipment. He found a water bucket the shuttles had used to dump water in the mountains and phased that to the hot spring.
He phased back to the cave he had exited from and followed the cave back to the trapped dragon.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
I am glad you have returned.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
It took me a while to work out all the details but I'm sure we have a viable treatment to free you and kill the parasites.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
So, now that you have that figured out, how will you remove me from this dreadful cave?
Nikklo looked around. There was a little light in the cave he could use.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I think I can travel short distances several times until I reach more sunlight then make the final jump to the hot spring.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
Hot spring?
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
We're going to give you a nice warm salt bath with herbs to kill the parasites and liquify the gelstone.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
Liquify the gelstone?
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Gelstone doesn't have a high melting point. When heated, it turns into a kind of fluid magma. When it cools, it becomes as hard as stone. You may have been caught in a sudden flow of melted gelstone and got trapped here. I have a physician who will monitor your vital signs during the procedure and I will scoop the liquified gelstone out of the water as soon as it melts off. By the end of the bath, you should only be in herbal salt water and you'll be able to move again.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
It sounds like you have thought of almost everything. Please proceed.
Nikklo found the thinnest part of the gelstone around her left back leg and touched the solid ruby red stone. He grabbed the light and phased. He landed and realized he had lost the dragon. He phased back.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I'm sorry, I thought I had a better connection with you.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
I'm sure you have never tried to phase someone encased in gelstone. You may try again.
Nikklo stared at the light for a few minutes.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I will be back soon.
TAUAIN Nikklo phased to the hot spring and scooped hot water into a water skin.
DANU
What are you doing, Nik?
Nikklo whirled to face his friend.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
How did you know I was here?
DANU
I was testing my machinery and picked up your stats.
NIKKLO
That makes sense. I'm getting hot water to liquify some of the gelstone so I can get a better connection to the dragon.
DANU
But if you liquify some of the gelstone, could you accidentally free some of the parasites?
NIKKLO
I'll be mindful of that and kill them if any get free.
DANU
Just checking to see if you thought of that possibility.
NIKKLO
Hopefully, I'll be back soon with the dragon.
Nikklo phased back to the cave. He walked through the long cave until he saw the frozen dragon.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
What happened?
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I tried to phase you but the gelstone interfered with my connection and only I phased. I came back with some hot water to thin the gelstone so that I can get a better connection with your hide.
Nikklo walked around the dragon with intent to focus in on a patch he could thin to get to her skin.
He stopped at a rear foot and noticed a talon was almost poked out of the red stone. He pulled out the hot water and carefully poured it on the toe. The red stone began to sag and drop away. Nikklo touched the tough skin and phased down the hall. He dropped back to the ground. This time, the dragon was with him.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Okay, we're getting somewhere. I'm going to phase again. I hope we can get to the mouth of the cave with a few more phases.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
You have done more for me than anyone else has.
Nikklo phased again.
This time he saw more light.
He phased again but dropped back to the floor short of the exit.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Okay, I have enough light to make the last phase.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
I anticipate freedom.
Nikklo phased toward the hot spring and landed at the shore.
DANU
Fausa, that's a big dragon!
Nikklo changed to his SAILI FORM.
NIKKLO
I was speaking the truth!
CANDORA
Jonathan has shown me pictures of Earth dragons and this looked very much like one of those pictures!
NIKKLO
Okay, I will drop the herbs into the water and stir it well then phase the dragon into the water.
NIKKLO CHANGED TO TAUIAN FORM.
Nikklo phased into the air and dropped the herbs into the hot spring. He plunged into the water and swam around to mix the herbs then climbed out onto shore.
Nikklo changed back to SAILI FORM.
NIKKLO
That swim was actually enjoyable. We can bring the dragon into the water now.
Danu held up the reader.
DANU
This should be very interesting.
NIKKLO
Hesshia, Danu who has the machine in his hand is a surgeon of medicine. He specializes in multi-specie medicine. The woman is Candora the Brocana shaman who specializes in the purification and eradication of the gelstone parasite. I am also a Brocana shaman who is trained in the purification of the parasite. I am a crystal arthropod who can travel on light and change forms. That is how we met. I am a protector of Brocana because they gave me the honor of becoming a shaman.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
I thank you all for helping me.
Nikklo changed to TAUIAN FORM and moved the dragon form into the hot spring.
Hesshia gasped.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
Ah, this so warm and comforting!
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Okay, the gelstone is dropping away. I'm going in to scoop gelstone.
DANU
Her stats are stable.
CANDORA
Nikky, the water needs more herbs. The parasites are not dying quickly enough!
Nikklo poured more herbal mixture into the water then used the scooping of the molten gelstone to disperse the herbs.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Ugh, this is like swimming in spaghetti noodles but I know too well it's worms!
DANU
(moaned)
Ew.
CANDORA
Be brave, Nikky. It's working.
The water bladder he had brought to contain the molten gelstone was filling quickly.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
There's still a lot of parasite in this container but we can strain them out after Hesshia's free.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
I'm getting a bit hot here.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Most of the gelstone is sloughed off so your skin is probably finally feeling what you haven't felt in a long time. Danu, is her temperatures reaching dangerous levels?
DANU
Slightly elevated but not dangerous.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Okay, let's continue until she's completely free.
The gelstone cracked and splashed into the water.
Hesshia roared and fluttered her wings.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
Oh, this feels wonderful! I haven't moved my wings in so long!
Danu whirled around to keep the water from splashing his equipment.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
I apologize, surgeon! For the first time in a long time, I can move!
DANU
Understandable, Hesshia.
Nikklo scooped more gelstone and poured it into the container.
The container was now the size of a shuttle spaceship.
Finally, the glorious green dragon that shimmered with red overtones waddled out of the water with parasites hanging from her scales.
Nikklo flew around her and burned the parasites off her with redirected beams of light.
Once she was clear of parasites, Nikklo finished scooping the gelstone until the water was cloudy but mostly free of the red goo.
Candora looked up at the huge red container.
CANDORA
You have an impressive harvest, Nikky. Brocana would need several months to extract this amount.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
It is yours to do with to benefit Brocana, Candora.
Hesshia stumbled then crashed to the ground.
Danu rushed to her.
Nikklo changed to SAILI FORM and rushed to Danu.
NIKKLO
What happened?
DANU
Muscle weakness. She's been frozen for too long but I don't know if we can take care of her on our ship.
Hesshia's FORM SHIMMERED and a HUMANOID woman with aurburn hair was curled on the shore.
HESSHIA
(tired whisper)
Is this better?
NIKKLO
A lot better.
Nikklo pulled his muslin Brocana shirt off and laid it over her nude body.
NIKKLO
We'll take you to my ship and help you get better.
Hesshia hugged the shirt around her.
HESSHIA
Thank you, dear.
NIKKLO
Candora, I will transport Hesshia and Danu to Euryanassa first, then I will return to move machines and the gelstone and return you to Jon's side.
CANDORA
I will await you, Nikklo.
Nikklo carefully picked up Hesshia into his arms and moved over to Danu.
Danu touched Nikklo's arm.
Nikklo changed to TAUIAN FORM.
Hesshia jumped out of Nikklo's arms, grabbed Danu then shoved Nikklo into the gelstone container.
Nikklo tried to grasp light to phase out but the gelstone was too thick.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
What the hell? Let me out of here!
Hesshia looked to the sky.
HESSHIA
There, I did it! Now can I have my freedom?
DANU
(yelled)
Why did you do that?
HESSHIA
You heard me, physician! I was trapped there to capture the Tsikakayu or stay trapped forever. My part of the deal is done.
Danu reached out to grab Hesshia.
Hesshia undulated from his hand and CHANGED BACK INTO DRAGON FORM. She grabbed the cables on the top of the container with her massive talons and leapt into the sky with a shriek of unbridled joy.
Danu spent a few tear-filled minutes watching the dragon disappear into space.
DANU
(whispered)
Why did she do that?
CANDORA
We need to learn who planted her to trap Nikklo.
DANU
I am telepathic but I don't think I could reach Cheri or Di'ok to tell them what happened!
CANDORA
You did not bring a communication device?
DANU
(frustrated)
Stupid me.
CANDORA
How about the devices you brought to monitor the dragon? Can they send a message to your ship?
Danu returned to his equipment and studied them.
DANU
No, but there's still my connection to Varanani. She is a much stronger telepath.
DANU PSI V.O.
Vara, please hear me!
VARANANI PSI V.O.
I hear you, my love. Why are you so distressed?
DANU PSI V.O.
We freed the dragon but she trapped Nik inside the gelstone container and flew away with him in her grasp! I don't know where she went!
VARANANI PSI V.O.
This is grave. Is Candora still with you?
DANU PSI V.O.
Yes.
VARANANI PSI V.O.
I will send Toko to pick you up since the people of Alpha Centauri Seven know we're here. It will take about fifteen minutes. Let me scan your mind so I have a sense of your location.
DANU PSI V.O.
My mind is yours always, my love.
CHANGE TO DANU'S INNER SIGHT OF THE HOT SPRINGS
RETURN TO HOT SPRING
VARANANI PSI V.O.
I know what I need to know. Toko will be on the way soon.
DANU PSI V.O.
Fa'arata, love.
Danu looked at Candora again.
DANU
I talked to Nik's sister and she's sending a transport.
CANDORA
I had confidence you could figure out how to contact your ship.
DANU
I've always been the science geek. Nik was always the action hero.
CANDORA
Don't disparage your skills or your knowledge, Danu.
DANU
Nik was always larger than life. It's not easy to be eclipsed by his glaring heroics.
CANDORA
Yet, when he came home injured, who healed him?
DANU
Zhad did or I did.
CANDORA
Would he have been better off not having you as his friend and brother-in-law?
DANU
I guess not.
CANDORA
Then you are more valuable to Nikklo than you think you are.
DANU
But without him, how are we going to stop the violence on this planet?
CANDORA
With good old-fashioned diplomacy my dear husband is so skilled at and my eldest son leading your ship, we'll get these stubborn people talking to each other and look for where the conniving dragon took your brother.
DANU
I guess that's a good plan as any until we know more.
CANDORA
I will help you pack up your machines so we will be ready for your transport.
Candora and Danu quietly packed his medical supplies to await Toko's shuttle.
EXT. UNKNOWN SPACE
Nikklo forgot to struggle to get free of his crimson prison because he was so fascinated that the giant dragon above him flew with powerful wing strokes across incredible distances through space he would have thought impossible for a large lizard.
HESSHIA
I'm not a lizard.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I'm not a block of red stone either but that doesn't seem to bother you.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
If you think it doesn't bother me, you're not as sensitive a telepath I first thought you were.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
You're not in a hurry to free me either.
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
You will understand more soon, Tauian.
She flew toward a planet that looked habitable.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Uh, you do know how to enter an atmosphere without destroying yourself and what ever you're carrying?
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
I'm not a hatchling. I know how to land us safely.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Just wondering.
Hesshia dove toward the planet and wrapped her wings around her lower body to protect her softer underside and the gelstone block. She broke through the stratosphere then extended her wings to slow their descent. She resumed her wing strokes once she was at a slower speed and began her descent to the ground.
She dove through a vast tunnel then landed in a large hall with mosaic tiles covering the floor and classic European columns that made a high arching dome above them.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Interesting. I know we're not anywhere near Earth so why does this place look like an ancient Greek pavilion?
HESSHIA PSI V.O.
Personal style built in an alien land.
Hesshia landed then released the strap of the gelstone container and walked back from the cube.
A man's suave voice was heard from the shadows.
ARES
So you did your mission after all. I'm impressed.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
You're mental signature seems familiar to me but I'm not recalling from when or where?
The man had swarthy skin, dark hair, goatee and mustache and wore black leather armor.
ARES
Aw, you don't remember me, Nikklo? What a pity. I am enjoying you in the damsel in distress mode.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I think you have the wrong person.
ARES
I heard you had amnesia for a few centuries but you don't remember past lives?
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I'm drawing a blank here. Could you enlighten me?
ARES
Anyway, you have been told several times by the Titans to stop interfering with the Micros. Yet, here you are again disguising yourself as a Micro to meddle in their affairs.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
What your talking about is ancient Greek myth.
ARES
Oh, no, Nikklo, not mythology. Just forgotten. Obviously, you have also forgotten.
Nikklo began to open his core to melt the gelstone so he could be free of his containment.
ARES
Temper, temper. Keep your pulsar contained or I may be forced to
increase your containment.
Nikklo closed the protective orb that contained his core.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
How do you know about that?
ARES
I know many things.
Hesshia changed to her humanoid form wearing Nikklo's muslin Brocana shirt.
HESSHIA
Ares, stop toying with him.
ARES
Keep your tongue and dress yourself in more proper attire, wurm.
HESSHIA
I will dress myself but, remember, he's not to be played with! Even you don't need the ascended to intervene!
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Ares? You mean Ares the Greek god of warfare?!
ARES
That is one name I have been called over the course of time.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
The mythology about Ares said he also liked to meddle in the affairs of humans to incite violence and war.
ARES
That is my reputation.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
So are you meddling with Humans to make them less trusting and threatening to non-humans?
ARES
Why do you think the Titans treat me the same as they do to you?
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I don't know. Amnesia? You tell me.
ARES
Because I'm not a titan.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I'm getting annoyed with the pace of this conversation and that I'm stuck in a block of gelstone!
ARES
You were always impatient, Nikklo. You always spoil a good chess game.
Hesshia returned to the hall dressed in an ornate purple dress.
HESSHIA
I told you to stop toying with him, Ares!
ARES
Wives, can't live with them! Can't live without them!
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
You encased your own wife in hardened gelstone?!
ARES
You always were a sucker for a damsel in distress. How else was I going to divert your attention?
Nikklo tensed inside the stone block until it shattered into shards around him.
ARES
Well, I did not realize even a Tauian was strong enough to shatter gelstone. You win that round, Nikklo.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I can tell right now why you don't like me around! In any age, I would keep you from getting what you want!
ARES
Now they are without their champion! Without your meddling, the fight between the Humans and Brocana can follow a natural progression!
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
No, it can't because I know you're involved and you are aggravating the
argument! That's what you like to do.
ARES
Oh, change forms, chameleon, since you broke out of my containment so I don't have to have your voice inside my head!
Nikklo changed to his SAILI FORM.
Ares put his arm before his face.
ARES
Not that glaring form! Take your Human form.
Nikklo shifted to HUMAN FORM.
Hesshia handed him his shirt.
HESSHIA
Thank you for sparing me from exposing my human form embarrassingly.
NIKKLO
Just trying to be a gentleman.
He pulled his shirt on.
ARES
But that's the problem. You're not Human. You're from the Macroverse. You don't belong here.
NIKKLO
You don't either.
ARES
Yes, I do. You see, Nikklo, unlike you, I am a Micro.
NIKKLO
But if mythology is right, you are as old as I am. That makes you not human.
ARES
I am immortal so it is true I'm not quite Human but closer than you. You belong on a higher plane than
this one. That's why you shouldn't be here.
NIKKLO
What do you mean? This is the only reality.
ARES
Do Hadron Pulsars usually walk around inside crystal shells?
NIKKLO
As far as I know, I'm the only one.
ARES
Right, you're the only one because all the others don't want to break away from their role in reality to do what they were never meant to do. That is, except for you. Ever impatient, ever restless Nikklo had to break away from his fixed position to wander wherever he chose to in defiance against the laws of Reality! Why? Because he wanted to!
NIKKLO
And right now, while we're discussing who should be here and who should not be here, Humans and Brocana are fighting on Bamasha over a petty little argument!
ARES
Let them! Let them argue, Nikklo!
Ares picked up a shard of gelstone.
ARES (CONT.)
Let them throw rocks at each other! It's their nature!
NIKKLO
There are people I love involved in those arguments! What's wrong with helping them?
ARES
You don't belong here helping them!
NIKKLO
If I'm a macro, as you say, I want a macro to come tell me why I shouldn't help those I have lived with for three-hundred years! Until then, I'm out of here!
Nikklo reached for a light beam.
The hall suddenly plunged into darkness.
Nikklo's hand grasped air.
FADE OUT.
THE END