Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
“BAMASHA'S REVENGE”
EPISODE 98 WAR OF THE ASCENDED”
By: Lyssa Thorne
FADE IN:
INT. ARES UNKNOWN CENTAURIAN HALL
Nikklo was still trapped in a large hall with mosaic tiles covering the floor and classic European columns that made a high arching dome above them.
Hesshia had mysteriously taken Nikklo to a confrontation with the chaotic ancient Greek god Ares.
Dim red lights turned on for minimal sight.
ARES
Now I have lowered the stronger containment. You can't leave here without light to travel on.
Nikklo slid into a hand-to-hand defensive stance.
NIKKLO
You think my only skill is to travel on light?
ARES
I really don't care.
Ares pulled his long sword.
ARES
I'm an expert with swordplay.
NIKKLO
Whatever, I'll just let my jiujitsu do the talking.
Nikklo rushed Ares.
Ares raised his sword up for a downward stroke.
Nikklo stopped just before Ares and sandwiched the blade between his hands.
Ares pressed his sword downward.
Nikklo twisted to his right, pivoted the blade to the right and downward.
Once Ares arms were twisted uncomfortably, Nikklo pushed the sword into Ares' stomach.
The sword clattered to the floor as Ares woofed and bent forward.
Nikklo bent his left arm and elbowed Ares' face.
Ares sprawled backwards to the ground.
Nikklo pulled away and resumed his defensive stance while he ignored the twinge in his
left knee.
Ares chuckled.
ARES
You're good but I heard your knee shift during that move. The body isn't so young anymore, is it, Nikklo?
NIKKLO
I still floored you in less than a minute.
ARES
But you left my sword.
Ares picked the sword up again.
NIKKLO
It doesn't matter to me whether you're armed or not. I'll floor you again.
ARES
All I have to do is keep you busy until all your joints ache. I still win.
NIKKLO
Aren't you being a bit premature in your assumption?
ARES
Not at all.
NIKKLO
You're not young either.
ARES
True, but I have you in a sealed room with minimal light. You're going to get hungry. However, I am not dependent on light like you are.
Both men stopped when they noticed the gelstone shards bounce on the ground like an earthquake was building below them. The shards flew together and formed a humanoid figure. The crimson stone absorbed into the figure until a man stood with dark black hair down his back and his face had the bluish tinge of a Brocana. He wore the muslin breeches and tunic of the Brocana.
ARES
Who are you and why are you interrupting me?
ALDUMU
(in a deep voice)
You are fighting in my domain, ascended ones. I take offense to that.
Nikklo bowed.
NIKKLO
I apologize, Aldumu. This encounter was not of my choosing.
ALDUMU
You are here by my request, Tsikakayu. This one came to aggravate my children to fight the unnatural ones.
ARES
Aw, come on, Al, you've been itching for this fight as much as your children? Why are you getting worked up about me aggravating them?
ALDUMU
My children were brought here to get away from constant fighting and do not address me as Al, Initiator of War!
Ares chuckled.
ARES
A fragile ego to match the fragile constitution of the plasma rock you're shaped from.
NIKKLO
What constant fight are you talking about, Aldumu?
ALDUMU
You should know. It is your history as well.
NIKKLO
(confused)
I don't understand.
ALDUMU
You have more in common than the leaf brand you wear.
ARES
Well, I know when I'm not wanted but the rabble have been roused. Have fun trying to settle them down!
Ares disappeared.
HESSHIA
(yelled)
How about me? I'm too exhausted to fly across a galaxy!
They listened for Ares voice for several minutes but no reply came.
Hesshia slumped her shoulders and turned to Nikklo and Aldumu with tears in her eyes.
HESSHIA
I suppose I am left with begging for mercy.
NIKKLO
It was rude for him to leave you behind shortly after I freed you.
ALDUMU
The choice of how to address Hesshia's slight is up to you, Nikklo. Unlike you, I do not like to assume a micro form.
Aldumu's form resumed the crimson shape and dropped to the floor in a puddle of molten gelstone.
Hesshia waved her hands and the dome reopened to the strong light of the twin suns.
Nikklo gasped and shuddered at the rush of energy.
NIKKLO
Whoa, that's a surge!
Hesshia crumpled to the floor.
Nikklo rushed over to her prone form and scanned her for injury. He didn't sense injury but he sensed she was very weak from her prolonged entrapment in the parasitic gelstone. Nikklo picked her up and scanned the sky for Euryanassa.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I'm returning home with the dragon.
CHERNA PSI V.O.
After what she did to you?
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
She was forced to do what she did to me and she just collapsed. I want to keep her contained but I don't want to leave her in this weakened state.
CHERNA PSI V.O.
You're the Tsikakayu. I'll warn medical to prepare the room you kept Ilanit in to treat the dragon.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Fa'arata, love.
Nikklo changed to TAUIAN FORM and phased to the Euryanassa.
INT. EURYANASSA MEDICAL SUITE
Nikklo changed to SAILI FORM and appeared in the medical suite.
Kahea met him with a gurney.
NIKKLO
What? Where's Danu?
Cherna and Varanani stepped through the hatch.
CHERNA
Toko didn't return from transporting Danu, Nikky. Ambri has been sweeping Bamasha from a safe distance.
VARANANI
Ambri hasn't found Danu yet, Nikky. I'm worried because I can't sense him either!
NIKKLO
Vara, please help Kahea place the patient into Ilanit's secured room to treat her. She can change form into a huge dragon of immense strength but she needs treatment.
KAHEA
Cherna warned us to prep the contained room. She'll be treated.
Nikklo watched Varanani and Kahea wheel Hesshia out of the medical suite.
NIKKLO
Okay, I'll go back to Bamasha to find Danu and Toko but first I need to discuss something with Tarek.
Tarek appeared beside Cherna.
TAREK
You mentioned me?
NIKKLO
Yeah, I did but I was going to call you telepathically after I rested a bit.
TAREK
I was just wanting to cut down on your work and travel to you. So, what's bothering you, kid?
INNER SIGHT MONTAGE OF NIKKLO'S FIGHT WITH ARES
RETURN TO EURYANASSA MEDICAL SUITE
TAREK
Ares? If there is a master coercer, he's it. He was here in Centauri?
NIKKLO
He said I needed to stop helping the Brocana and allow the Humans and Brocana to fight it out without a macro meddling. He said I was a macro and he is not so this is his layer of reality and I'm not where I belong. He said I didn't remember where I belong because of my amnesia.
TAREK
Your amnesia should be reversed now that you're back in your Tauian form. Macro is a word that mean large and micro means small.
NIKKLO
He also mentioned Titan but I told him that was Greek mythology. He said they do exist and I am a Titan.
TAREK
Titans were known as gigantic beings. Your true form is a highly compressed Hadron Pulsar. Pulsars live in space and can't usually be on a planet unless the planet is being destroyed by the pulsar's tremendous power emissions.
NIKKLO
So I'm supposed to only live in space because macros are dangerous to planets?
TAREK
And micros live on planets and die in space.
NIKKLO
But some Titans can change form and appear on planets. Aldumu took a micro form but told me, “unlike you, I don't like to take on a micro form.
TAREK
Aldumu is the name the Brocana gave to the gas giant star the Humans call Alpha Centauri.
NIKKLO
Right, so basically, Alpha Centauri showed up to help free me and scare Ares away because he said he invited me here. So how could my connection with the Brocana be more than just the brand on my shoulder?
TAREK
This even stumps me, Nik. Maybe your answer is on Bamasha?
NIKKLO
Good idea. I need to return to find Danu and Toko then help Jon Daniels with the request for cease-fire.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Ambri, report.
AMBRIKA PSI V.O.
Dad! I'm really glad to hear you! We thought you were lost, too.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I managed to escape. Now what have you sensed about Toko and Danu's disappearance?
AMBRIKA PSI V.O.
The emotions are running high down there so finding Danu's essence is like finding a needle in a haystack on fire.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Okay, I'm going to have to do a personal recon to find him. It sounds like Jon Daniels is having a tough time down there too so retreat your team and stand down.
AMBRIKA PSI V.O.
Houk, retreating Blue team.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Marc? Are you still with your father?
MARC PSI V.O.
Yeah, what's up? Did you free the dragon?
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I did but I had an unexpected situation after I freed the dragon and now Toko and Danu are missing. Did Toko return Candora?
MARC PSI V.O.
No, we thought she was with you.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Shit, so three people are missing. I'm going to search for them. I'll keep you updated on what I find as I learn more.
MARC PSI V.O.
Okay and I'll tell my father. Please find my mother, Nik.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I will do my best, my friend.
NIKKLO
Not good. Now I'm told Candora has not been returned to Jon and Marc.
CHERNA
Then they went missing soon after Toko left but he didn't send a message he was in distress to Di or he would have reported it to me.
NIKKLO
Okay, I'll start at the hot spring. See you both later.
Nikklo changed to TAUIAN FORM and phased back to Bamasha.
He landed beside the hot spring and wandered around their work area.
He identified his foot prints were the same in both forms.
He noticed Candora's and Danu's footprints were quite predictable compared to his memory of their movements during the procedure.
Once he isolated those, he concentrated on the new prints of movement after he was kidnapped.
Danu set his bag down on the dirt and there were scuff marks from packing equipment away. Higher up on the ridge where the grass began, Nikklo saw the pad prints of the shuttle where it landed.
Danu and Candora walked up to the shuttle.
Toko's prints weren't on the ground so he assumed Toko stayed inside. Nikklo felt like he had hit a visual dead end.
He closed his eyes and scanned the ground around him.
NIKKLO'S INNER TELEPATHIC SIGHT
Danu was walking around to pick up his equipment.
The wind whipped up.
He turned to see an Astrisi shuttle with the six polyhedrons forming a star on the door and top of the passenger pod was lowering to the ground on a ridge above the hot spring.
Candora handed the sensor device to Danu.
CANDORA
Danu, I think you forgot this.
DANU
Thank you, Candora.
Danu opened the pack and stored the device away.
They climbed up to the shuttle.
Danu stopped and craned his head upward.
An ISP cruiser swept down on them.
TOKO
(yelled)
Hurry! Get in!
Danu and Candora rushed up the ramp.
The ramp drew into the undercarriage and the hatch closed. The shuttle rose off the ground and flew into the air.
Toko did some complicated maneuvers to shake off the ISP cruiser.
Danu helped Candora strap into her seat and he strapped himself in.
Candora sat shaking in fear.
Danu put his arm around Candora.
DANU
It will be all right. Toko is a master pilot.
RETURN TO HOT SPRING
Nikklo launched into the sky to follow Toko's residual memories. He had to change light beams multiple times to stay on Toko's trail.
NIKKLO'S INNER TELEPATHIC SIGHT
Candora screamed.
BACK TO BAMASHA SKY
Nikklo was in free fall. He frantically reached for light beams and regained control of his descent. He landed on a towering rock in the desert and crouched down. He knew the shuttle had to be around here but he couldn't sense anything more than simple minds.
NIKKLO
(amused)
Wasn't there a band in twentieth century Earth by that name? Yes, I told Toko about them.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Don't you – forget about me.
TOKO PSI V.O.
As you walk on by, will you call my name? Will you walk away? Or will you call my name? Will you call my name?
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Toko, where are you?
TOKO PSI V.O.
Hey, it worked! You did call my name. We're in a sink hole. Took some damage. Tried a controlled crash but it broke ground and we dropped.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
How are Danu and Candora?
TOKO PSI V.O.
They sustained minor injuries. Danu is treating them. My electrical system is out so I couldn't call home for help. Glad you went searching for us.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Glad you remembered I told you about that song and completed the lyric so I knew it was you.
TOKO PSI V.O.
It's weird to hear you talk about music that hasn't been known for hundreds of years then we do archive searches and they're there. I can't help you find us because I didn't see of any landmarks before we hit dirt.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Now that I have a lock on your mental signature, I can track you with telepathy. Hang in there. I'll find you.
Nikklo dropped to the ground then changed to his BROCANA FORM.
He followed Toko's mental signature while trying to stay in any shade he could find.
After several minutes, he found a sink hole that still had a sand cloud like it had been recently made.
He checked the skies to make sure there were no humans near to see him.
He changed to TAUIAN FORM and lowered himself into the hole.
Once the light faded, he dropped to the shifting sand, skidded a distance then stopped waist deep in a pile of loose dirt.
He climbed out of the dirt into more solid ground.
He changed to his Saili form to have the better sight in the darkness.
Several minutes later, he saw a strange design on the solid wall. He stopped to look at it. It was strangely familiar.
He used his hand to shift the dirt from the petroglyph to see more detail. He gasped and dropped his hand.
The petroglyph drew a picture of a land that was devastated by fire and earthquakes.
People were running to spaceships while they clutched anything they could carry as they boarded.
The next petroglyph showed the spaceships traveling through space. The next showed the ships had landed on a new planet with two suns prominently in the sky.
Under this last petroglyph was a script Nikklo couldn't believe that he could read clearly!
NIKKLO
Never again will we touch machines so we may hide here from the Destroyer of Worlds! - Prisean Council!
He stepped back and hugged his arms around his chest.
TOKO PSI V.O.
What's wrong, Nik?
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I can't believe it!
TOKO PSI V.O.
What?
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
The Priseans hid here!
TOKO PSI V.O.
What's that?
Nikklo wrapped his hand around the leaf brand on his bicep.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
What Aldumu meant to tell me! I found Lovak's descendants!
TOKO PSI V.O.
Sorry to interrupt you but we're not in a secured position right now!
Nikklo ran down the tunnel until he came out beside a cavern.
The shuttle was teetering on the edge of a deep chasm.
Nikklo created a magnetic field with the skin of the shuttle and pulled it back into the tunnel onto firmer ground.
The hatch opened and three bedraggled people climbed out.
Nikklo sighed in relief.
NIKKLO
Sorry I took so long. I can't believe what I just saw. I'll have to research that later. I'm glad you're all mostly okay.
CANDORA
What did you see, Nikklo?
NIKKLO
I saw a glimpse into the past of Bamasha!
CANDORA
What did it tell you?
NIKKLO
We are related, Candora. That's all I can say for now. We need to climb out of here. I wish we had more Brocana clothing because we're going to have to go native.
DANU
Why can't you just phase us back to Euryanassa?
NIKKLO
Because the ISP are scanning the skies for Tauian heat signatures and I'm not willing to give away Euryanassa's location if I haven't done it already.
TOKO
That's a grave thought.
NIKKLO
Tell me about it, my friend.
Nikklo led them through the dark tunnel until he came to the rock slide.
NIKKLO
I'm going to have to phase us up to the surface but as soon as I land on solid ground, I'm changing form and I will keep that form for as long as I can.
TOKO
You know, we're not going to make believable Brocana the way we're dressed?
Toko looked down at his dark gray flight suit.
NIKKLO
I realize that. At least I'm still wearing my Brocana clothes.
DANU
I'll look more believable in white scrubs.
CANDORA
I'm most believable and I can say that Nik is my son Nikaro. Everyone knows he does what he wants to do. Nik can say that Toko flew him out to the Brocana lands to join his family and they were shot down by the fighting. Danu can pass well enough in his scrubs if no one looks too closely at him although his bare head will be questioned.
NIKKLO
Link together so I can phase us out of here.
Once everyone was touching, Nikklo changed to TAUIAN FORM and phased them above ground.
EXT. ALDUMU'S POINT, ALPHA CENTAURI 7 – DAY
Nikklo landed then immediately changed to his BROCANA FORM.
NIKKLO
Candora, do you recognize the territory we're in? Ah, spoke too soon. There's Aldumu's point in the distance.
Nikklo pointed to the towering spire of rock.
Candora shook her head.
CANDORA
We are far from Kobihok ridge.
Nikklo sighed.
NIKKLO
Yep, quite far and we don't have sinvatis.
TOKO
But if you phase us, we could get attacked!
NIKKLO
I'm painfully aware of that. I found the dragon after I was launched across the sky from a highly concentrated plasma laser brushing my hand. First, we need shade and water. Then we'll figure out how we're going to get back to the mountains.
DANU
(irritated)
You didn't tell me you injured your hand!
NIKKLO
I've barely had any time to slow down, Danu! As soon as I escaped from Hesshia's husband from hell, I was told you and Toko were missing!
DANU
Okay, that's an adequate explanation but when we have time, I want to examine your hand.
Nikklo clenched and unclenched his left hand.
NIKKLO
I will welcome it. It does feel a bit sore.
TOKO
Can't you telepathically call Marc to meet us?
NIKKLO
Yes, but they could take hours to
travel to us and under twin suns, you two would succumb to dehydration faster than me and Candora.
Danu wiped sweat off his face.
DANU
I can already feel the heat sapping my moisture.
TOKO
Yeah, you're of fairer skin tone than I am. I'm quite hot too.
DANU
That's one drawback of living your whole life in a controlled environment. We become unaccustomed to our bodies adjusting for varying temperatures.
Candora pointed.
CANDORA
That cluster of stone over there looks like good amount of shade.
NIKKLO
Let's move out. Candora, would you take lead so you can make sure we're walking on safe ground? I'll take the rear to guard us from behind.
CANDORA
That is wise, Nikklo.
Candora began the walk.
TOKO
You ahead of me, Doctor. I'm trained as a warrior and I want to keep an eye on the medic.
DANU
All right, that sounds reasonable.
Danu followed Candora.
Once Toko followed Danu, Nikklo took the rear with his telepathy on high alert.
After about 20 minutes, they gratefully dropped to the sandy ground under the towering shale rock.
Nikklo searched for a sharp shard. Once he found one, he searched for a barrel cactus and carved the top off.
He broke off the quills then filled it with cactus water. He brought the bowl to his party.
Danu pulled out a scanner and checked the fluid.
DANU
Okay, it is water with some fleshy cactus meat in it. My scanner says it's quite nutritious.
Danu accepted the bowl and drank.
Toko eagerly took the bowl and drank deeply.
TOKO
Oh, that's good! It's slightly sweet.
Candora accepted the bowl from Toko and drank a few gulps.
CANDORA
It's great emergency water. Thank you, Aldumu, for your saving food.
NIKKLO
He hears you and appreciate your thanks.
CANDORA
How can you know that? No one has seen Aldumu unless he is in the sky.
NIKKLO
Well, I'm not exactly natural to this plain and I have seen a bit more than most people experience. I don't want to get into too much detail right now. Since we're in a safer spot, I'll talk to Marc about helping us off the Plains of Tekitri.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Marc, I found Toko, Danu and Candora. Unfortunately one of my shuttles is trashed in a sink hole on the Plains of Tekitri. Now we're stuck on the plains several leagues away from Aldumu's Point.
MARC PSI V.O.
That's pretty far from where we are. Why can't you phase?
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Remember I dropped you off at Clan Kelhidi then launched back into the air?
MARC PSI V.O.
Yeah. What happened?
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
The ADF has the ISP scanning Bamasha for Tauian heat signatures and a cruiser attacked me. I pulled it away from your meeting to distract the Humans. I was shot on the hand and fell from the sky into the cavern where I found the dragon. Now I'm concerned that people I transport could be harmed if the ISP finds me and attacks.
MARC PSI V.O.
Oh wow, that is a big concern. Okay, I'll put together a Brocana rescue team.
DANU
(whispered)
Nik, I'm scared!
NIKKLO
I'm sure you are.
DANU
I'm sure you're not!
NIKKLO
That's where you're wrong, brother. I'm not immune to fear. I just work through my fear and solve the problem.
DANU
We're on a vast flat land with two blazing suns above us!
NIKKLO
I spoke to Marc and he's sending a rescue party on sinvatis to take us back to the mountains. We'll get out of here.
DANU
That's your solution?
NIKKLO
Unless I want to put you, Toko and Candora into danger if we get an ISP cruiser swooping in to shoot me down.
DANU
I guess you're in a position a lot like if I had to decide if I should do surgery or wait to see if a less invasive treatment will reverse the condition.
NIKKLO
I would say that's an adequate analogy.
DANU
Sorry for doubting your expertise.
NIKKLO
That's okay. You're usually not in a dangerous situation.
DANU
No, it's not okay. Vara told me I was getting too critical of you since your transformation and I'm beginning to see she's right.
NIKKLO
I even think I've become very moody since my transformation!
DANU
When Cherna beat you to death, I got really scared then she came back in a Saili body, it was just too much for me to internalize.
NIKKLO
You and me both, brother! Wanakaya has helped Cheri and me a lot. Maybe we should set up a time to talk it out with Wanakaya when we're not crash-landed in a desert?
Danu chuckled.
DANU
Good idea. It's weird to see you looking like Marc.
NIKKLO
I'm only doing this because my Saili form is more vulnerable to heat injuries from exposure to the twin suns.
DANU
Because the Saili are mainly subterranean and live under heavy methane clouds.
NIKKLO
Right. I recently modified my human form to take on the Brocana melanin production to run with Marc as if I'm another Brocana. It's still considered a human form.
DANU
Don't you think you're pushing the forms a bit much? Tarek said to be careful how many forms you took on.
NIKKLO
If I wasn't being careful, I would just find the nearest sinvati and copy that form to take us to the mountains.
DANU
Good point.
NIKKLO
So here we sit under a slanted rock to await rescue by Marc.
Danu reached over and lifted up Nikklo's left hand.
DANU
This is a second degree burn!
NIKKLO
It could have been worse if I hadn't been in Tauian form. I've just been enduring the pain because I couldn't slow down.
Danu pulled out a sensor and waved it over the injured hand.
DANU
Good, no tendon damage. Since that we have to wait until the rescuers come, this gets treated now.
Danu stored the sensor then pulled out a hand held dermal regenerator and shined it on Nikklo's hand.
After a minute, Danu shut it off.
Nikklo flexed his hand.
NIKKLO
Fa'arata, kaiho.
DANU
Nichawei.
Suddenly, an ISP cruiser dove from the sky and fired.
Nikklo pushed Danu away from him just as he was bathed in a beam of strong light. His body froze in the shoving gesture and he screamed in frustration.
The cruiser lowered to the ground with the beam of light still targeting Nikklo.
Steve Leighson walked down the ramp.
STEVE
We finally caught you.
NIKKLO
(gasped)
Let me go, please!
STEVE
Nikklo of Tauia, Destroyer of Worlds, you're under arrest for obstruction of justice.
CANDORA
This is non-sense! He has done no obstruction of justice!
STEVE
Madam Ambassador Daniels, I would advise you to keep your counsel to yourself or I will arrest you next.
Danu jumped to his feet.
Toko took Danu's arm.
TOKO
Sorry, my friend. As a warrior, I know when it's a good idea to submit and this is one of those times. Save the fight for later, Doctor.
DANU
But he's my brother!
TOKO
Yes, he is but we're overpowered here. Stand down, brave Physician.
Jim stood at the hatch of the cruiser.
JIM
Take the pilot's advice, Doctor.
DANU
I can't believe you're involved with this, Jim Meyers!
JIM
Like you, it would be worse if I resisted.
Candora walked up to Cdr. Leighson.
CANDORA
My husband will definitely hear about this and he will not be pleased!
STEVE
I'm sure he won't!
Candora walked into the cruiser.
Toko and Danu reluctantly followed Candora.
NIKKLO
What about me?
STEVE
We'll just haul you behind us.
NIKKLO
Not in this form! A Brocana form won't resist the wind sheer!
STEVE
Then change forms.
NIKKLO
I'm paralyzed!
STEVE
That's how I want you to be.
DANU
(shouted)
For mercy's sake, let him change forms at least!
STEVE
What was that, Doctor?
DANU
That's right. I am the doctor and if you injure him, I have to heal him of your torture! Show him some mercy, Policeman! Because if you don't, I will lodge a charge of Police brutality inflicted on my patient!
Steve scowled.
STEVE
Lower the power on the tractor by half so he can change forms, Meyers. But if you let him go, I'll arrest you for freeing him.
Jim walked through the hatch.
Shortly, the beam's power weakened.
Nikklo could barely move but he triggered the form change back to his TAUIAN FORM.
Toko gasped.
TOKO
Wow, that's really how you look, Nik?
SWITCH TO TOKO'S INNER SIGHT.
Nikklo now was his angular form that shimmered with multicolored light.
BACK TO ALDUMU'S POINT
NIKKLO
Yep, that's how I look when I'm surrounded by light.
The beams power increased again and Nikklo shuddered in pain.
STEVE
Everyone strap in and let's go.
Everyone but Steve looked downhearted as they walked into the cruiser and the hatch swept closed.
Nikklo sighed as the cruiser powered up and rose off the ground and he was pulled along behind the ship against his will, buffeted by stressors he usually sliced through when he was in control.
The cruiser flew to the place where the skirmish was happening and they landed on a ridge above the violence.
Jon, Marc and Daniko stepped from around a rock.
JON
Sorry, Nikky, this was the fastest way I could retrieve you from the Plains of Tekitri.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
(flatly)
Well, it worked.
The hatch opened and everyone walked out.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Hello, I'm a bit uncomfortable here. If I promise to cooperate, can you drop the tractor that could harm others and allow me to change form?
STEVE
Daniels, help Meyers get the restraint device out of the cruiser's cargo hold.
MARC
Let me make this clear I'm doing this under duress because I no longer have an active commission in the Alliance Defense Force.
STEVE
Duly noted, Daniels.
Marc scowled as he joined his former partner and pulled out a hard plastic crate.
Jim pulled out a thick belt of woven metal and held it up.
JIM
(heavily)
The device is out and ready. You can drop the tractor on your discretion.
STEVE
I'll keep you to your word, Nikklo.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I will honor my word, Commander Leighson.
Steve went into the cruiser and shortly after, the tractor blinked off.
Nikklo changed to his Brocana form.
Jim moved in and clipped the belt around his body with his arms restrained at his side.
Jim turned it on and mesh of light beams wove around Nikklo.
JIM
Trying to get Brocana sympathy?
NIKKLO
No, using the form that has the best protections against this harsh environment.
JIM
Can't blame you there.
Jim stepped away.
STEVE
Now why didn't you change to your Saili form?
NIKKLO
Because the Saili are vulnerable to strong sunlight and I didn't want to harm myself unnecessarily.
STEVE
This shit adds to the distrust.
NIKKLO
You trusted me years ago. Only my appearance has changed.
STEVE
That's enough reason to distrust you.
NIKKLO
I wasn't lying. That is who I truly believed I was.
STEVE
Then it became a lie. That's the problem.
NIKKLO
I didn't realize you were so prejudiced when I fought at your side in the Zuran War. I guess our friendship was a lie too.
STEVE
If I didn't know how damn good you are at hand-to-hand combat, I would beat your ass.
NIKKLO
How fast your confidence crumbles when you meet a person you know you can't best in combat.
STEVE
Only because you're the Destroyer of Worlds, one of the most hated beings in this universe.
NIKKLO
And was once your ally.
STEVE
So you're not denying you're the Destroyer of Worlds?
JON
Enough, Commander Leighson.
Jamal Creorel stepped up beside Jon.
CREOREL
So we finally have you under arrest, Destroyer of Worlds. It's about time. You stand accused of inciting the Brocana into violence toward the Humans of this colony.
NIKKLO
How did I incite the Brocana into attacking the Humans?
STEVE
You tell me? You're the telepath!
NIKKLO
Then I guess you have no proof that I instigated violence between the Brocana and the Humans.
Creorel grabbed Nikklo's upper arm.
CREOREL
Then what's this?
NIKKLO
It's a Brocana Shaman brand because I was trained to be an herbologist who specializes in making the gelstone parasite cure. Would you please stop grabbing me in an aggressive manner?
DANIKO
Stop. He did not incite the Brocana to fight Humans.
Chechiki rushed to Daniko's side.
CHECHIKI
No, I did because our lands are burned! We Renegades have to range farther to hunt food! Humans killed much of our roaming herds with their heartlessness! So we picked up their gelstone melters to fight them for what they did!
CREOREL
Heartless! We are not heartless, miscreant!
DANIKO
And he is not a miscreant for wanting to protect his clan members!
NIKKLO
(shouted)
Please, calm down, everyone. Aldumu does not wish for his children to die! This argument has to end! He does not fault his children for using Human machines to fight the wrongs of the Humans! We are all Lovak's children! We have seen much sadness yet we survived!
Daniko gave Nikklo a stunned look.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
DANIKO
You are not of this world! How do you know about the ancient story of Lovak?
NIKKLO
I am Nikklosannaro-Tarek-Rakul-Minek-Lovak. I am a child of Lovak and Minek in their attempt to stop the war between the Prisean and Krustallos. I know you left Tauia in the last days of the earthquakes that tore it apart and came here to begin a new life. You vowed to never take up machines to hide from the Destroyer of Worlds but I never directly meant you harm because I was trying to continue to seek peace. Now I am here again to try to make that peace I couldn't bring to the Prisean. Some may call me the Destroyer of Worlds but I am also the Great Defender!
DANIKO
He speaks the ancient words of our identity! Only privileged Brocana know this story!
CREOREL
Who cares? That has nothing to do with now!
DANIKO
It has everything to do with now!
NIKKLO
I don't care if you call me Destroyer of Worlds or Tsikakayu! I wear your shaman brand so I promised to be one of you! The Krustallos came and doused the flames that fed on Kobihok Ridge!
MARC
That's right, they did! How can they offer any more to make up for past wrongs than to save us from death? They are siding with us Brocana. But I do say, lay the past to rest because the problem with Humans is now. How can we solve our problem with the Humans that much of our food supplies have been destroyed?
JIM
Yeah, we Humans have tried to destroy the Brocana multiple times!
STEVE
Whose side are you on, Meyers?
JIM
I have seen Marc mistreated by Humans because he was Brocana for many years. Now he was asked to help his family because they were accused of sympathizing with natives who say their food was destroyed by a wildfire a Human started! Why are the Humans acting so offended by the Brocana grievance?
STEVE
(yelled)
They're breaking the law!
JON
We broke the law first by violating the treaty we Humans drew up with the Brocana before we were allowed to build our colony here! We were wrong but we left the Brocana to starve and restore the land mostly without our help!
CREOREL
You idiots! Don't you realize the only reason we kept you Brocana around was because only you knew how to eradicate the gelstone parasite?! The gelstone is our property! Get back to purifying the gelstone or we'll continue to kill your worthless kind until you know your place!
JON
What?
CREOREL
Yes, even that cherished wife of yours, Daniels, so be a good negotiator and get them back into the gelstone production! I'll keep your wondrous Great Defender as a trophy.
JON
This move is despicable, Creorel!
A battalion of ADF marksmen stood up on every hill and around rock formations with laser rifles trained on everyone in the field.
Nikklo stressed the woven bands to test if he could snap them. The weaving stretched slightly but it was greatly limited and resilient. The closed circuit light beams would keep him inside the restraints if he tried to phase. He was stuck for now.
MARC
Nik?
NIKKLO
Go with them for now.
DANU
What about Toko and me? We aren't Brocana and we don't know how to live like them!
NIKKLO
Stay with Jon, brother.
CREOREL
Yes, stay with Jon, gypsy. They may need a real doctor to treat their booboos!
TOKO
Hey, Nikky, the good old days weren't all that good and tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems.
NIKKLO
So we're keeping the faith, yeah, yeah, yeah, keeping the faith.
Toko raised his index and middle finger in a salute.
CREOREL
Stop talking gibberish!
Creorel pulled Nikklo into the cruiser.
Jim sighed as he looked at Marc.
Marc jerked his head toward the cruiser.
Jim quickly saluted Marc then followed Creorel.
STEVE
Glad you chose your own kind, Meyers!
Steve rushed past to the pilots seat.
JIM
(whispered)
Yeah, good for me.
NIKKLO
Keeping the faith
Jim nodded then moved to the tech officer's controls.
JIM PSI V.O.
I'm not quite sure what you mean, Nik.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I mean believe that we can find a way to salvage this situation.
JIM PSI V.O.
Okay, I can do that. I have to concentrate on my controls.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Thanks for sticking with me, Jim.
JIM PSI V.O.
But I may have to act like I betrayed you.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
I know you will but I will also know it's an act. I'll be quiet now.
JIM PSI V.O.
Thanks.
STEVE
Hey, Meyers, get your mind on your job.
JIM
I will. Just thinking that once Marc Daniels was my partner and this is where it got him.
STEVE
He betrayed us. It's what he deserves. Mind on the mission, TO.
JIM
Yes, sir.
Nikklo forced a form change to TAUIAN FORM since Creorel anchored his containment to the deck plates and didn't even ask if he wanted to sit down. His humanoid muscles were aching. The carapace took the strain off his tendons.
Creorel watched from his more comfortable seat.
CREOREL
So that's your Tauian form?
Nikklo ignored him.
JIM
Hey, Councilman, Nik can't talk in that form. Maybe if you had offered him a seat, he might be in the mood to answer you.
CREOREL
You were under that thing's command during the Zuran War?
JIM
That thing is an intelligent arthropod and a damn good interceptor pilot. He can out-fly Marc Daniels and I know damn few pilots who can do that. He also has a kind heart and he's the father of two awesome children. So, yeah, I was under General Damirateyak's command during the Zuran War and he was instrumental in forcing the cease fire on the Zurans.
STEVE
You know, I can't take my TO to task for that lecture. I saw General Damirateyak's skills in the cockpit personally and he's as good as Meyers says he is. He is a warrior of the highest caliber. I just don't like some of his attitudes but you could have sat him down.
CREOREL
Like you just said, Commander Leighson, he betrayed us as so this is what he deserves.
Steve turned to look at the councilman with a stunned look on his face.
JIM
Uh, Commander? Do you want me to take the piloting controls?
Steve turned back to his control board.
STEVE
No, Meyers. I've got it.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Huh, did that bother Steve?
JIM PSI V.O.
I don't like this at all, Nik. It's so wrong to me.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
It's not right for Creorel to mistreat me and keep me as a trophy to force the Brocana to return to work.
JIM PSI V.O.
(heavy)
I feel for you. We're approaching the Police Landing Field.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
Would you coax out the sympathy Steve seems to show sporadically so he'll become more willing to help us?
JIM PSI V.O.
I can try but Steve Leighson can be a stubborn man.
NIKKLO PSI V.O.
People who choose a career in defense usually are stubborn.
Jim buried his head against his chest to try to cover up his grin.
STEVE
What's so amusing?
JIM
I was just remembering some fun times we had between skirmishes in the Zuran War.
STEVE
Okay, well, coming in to the landing field. Prepare to land.
JIM
Roger.
Creorel brought his communicator to his ear.
CREOREL
Is the transport at the airfield and ready to pick me up? I'm bringing in a special package that needs armed transport. Get it here quickly.
(beat)
You will get it to the airfield soon or there is going to be trouble for you. You understand me?
(beat)
That's better. We'll be landing in several minutes.
Nikklo forced the change back to BROCANA FORM.
NIKKLO
Having trouble with your staff?
CREOREL
Now you feel like talking, alien?
NIKKLO
I'm just communicating my amusement that you have to force others to do what you want. I don't think you have as much support for what you're doing than you'd like to have.
CREOREL
I liked it better when you were silent, alien.
NIKKLO
Yes, yes, I'm an alien and if I can find a weakness in this jacket, there's going to be trouble for you.
CREOREL
That jacket, as you call it, is fool-proof.
NIKKLO
We'll see.
Creorel stood up and stopped close to Nikklo to glower down at him.
CREOREL
How can a runt like you be such a pain in the ass?
NIKKLO
Size means nothing. That's a concept that Humans seem to have trouble understanding.
CREOREL
Walk out of here, pain in the ass.
NIKKLO
Only if I am assured better treatment than you leaving me standing for this flight.
CREOREL
Why should I?
NIKKLO
Because even slaves want some reciprocation for compliance.
CREOREL
Oh my, suave tongue! Now you're trying to convince me you're educated, Gypsy?
NIKKLO
You're assuming I'm not educated, Colonist.
CREOREL
And you assume I just got here.
NIKKLO
No, you are not Brocana so you are a colonist.
CREOREL
And you only look Brocana.
NIKKLO
So if I'm not Brocana, why are you keeping me as collateral for Brocana compliance?
CREOREL
Because you came to Alpha Centauri Seven to help them. They lost their greatest ally so I'm counting on their disappointment to make them go back to work. Simple.
NIKKLO
So encourage their compliance by being a gentlemanly enforcer and allow your prized prisoner some creature comforts?
CREOREL
Oh, you're good. Okay, I will allow some creature comforts to the prisoner to encourage compliance but if they rise up and fight me again, deal's off!
NIKKLO
That's reasonable.
Nikklo walked heavily through the hatch.
Jim stopped beside Creorel.
JIM
Nik has a masters degree in Saili telepathic tracking and combat piloting. He's not stupid, Councilman Creorel. Stop trying to belittle his intellect.
CREOREL
However ill mannered your advice has been given, I will heed your advice, Technical Officer Meyers.
Creorel followed Nikklo down the ramp.
EXT. KOBIHOK RIDGE MOUNTAIN BROCANA HOLDING CAMP – DAY
Danu looked very lost and stricken, nearly to tears, as he watched the cruiser fly away.
Marc laid his hand on Danu's shoulder.
MARC
Don't worry, I know Nik won't stay gone.
Toko nodded.
TOKO
We have to trust Nikky that he'll find a way to escape. For now, we have to take care of ourselves.
Jon joined them.
JON
I have told the Brocana to treat you with great respect as a Shaman of considerable skill.
Candora stepped up with a cloth in her hands.
CANDORA
We quickly drew a symbol of a leaf on this cloth so you can tie it around your arm and all will know you are a Shaman.
Danu numbly presented his arm.
Candora tied the cloth around his arm.
DANU
I won't surrender my medical equipment.
CANDORA
We would not ask you to surrender your medical equipment. We may need it.
MARC
So, what now, Father?
JON
We are surrounded by armed troops. Let's gather the leaders together and have a meeting to decide how we will respond to this new situation.
A look of panic crossed Danu's face.
MARC
Hey, don't panic. Stick by me so Toko and I can guide you.
Danu nodded.
They walked through the numb Brocana and Marc would stop to talk to anyone with a brand on his arm. Either they would point to an elder or they stood up to follow Marc.
Once they were through their area, Marc led them back to where they first stood.
A few minutes later, Jon and Daniko returned with more tribe elders.
JON
First thing I want to say to all of you is, do not bring up clan affiliations. Right now, we are all refugees trying to survive.
HARKORIL
Not all of us are miners!
JON
May I be given your name?
HARKORIL
Harkoril is what I am called.
JON
That is true, Harkoril, many are not miners but we are being told to take the roll as miners.
MARC
At least this time, I won't be treated as badly as I was as a slave to Dorian Rasmuler! I am not a miner but what I suffered in the mines was torture.
AMERIL
I, Ameril, remember that time. It was awful.
CHECHIKI
We lived through it once and we can live through it again.
Many nodded.
AMERIL
Those of us who have skills as a miner will guide others about how to do it.
JON
So, for now, we will allow them to take us to the mines. When Marc or I have more information from the Tsikakayu about his next move, we will make it known to you leaders and decide what we will do after that.
MORTARIK
I, Mortarik, don't like it but it would be better than dying like cornered kralidons.
JON
So you prepare everyone to move out while I inform the Police that we will return to work.
CANDORA
(shouting)
Jonathan!
Jon turned toward the landing area in time to see a civilian transport rest on the ground.
The hatch opened and four Brocana in Human clothes were pushed down the ramp.
JON
Nikaro, Nyala, Tashika, Jayanti, did they harm you?
Nikaro rushed to his father's side.
NIKARO
No, Father, we are unharmed.
NYALA
They came to my office and told me I had to round up the rest of us in New San Francisco because we were being evicted! I didn't know what else to do so I guided them to Nikaro and Tashika, then we brought Jayanti from the estate. Then they brought us here.
JON
I'm glad you're all unharmed. I regret to inform you that we are all being driven into the Kobihok Ridge mines or our guards are told to shoot anyone who tries to leave.
Nikaro rolled his eyes.
NIKARO
This again?
MARC
Unfortunately, this again.
NIKARO
Hey, why are Astrisi here?
MARC
They came with me and Nikklo then got caught up in this madness. You've met Danu but the man in grey is Toko, a shuttle pilot from my ship.
Jayanti gripped Zakoti's arm.
JAYANTI
Father, I do not know how to be Brocana!
Zakoti put his hand over his son's hand.
ZAKOTI
Friend Danu does not know how to be Brocana, either. We who have lived Brocana will help you.
MARC
We must join the others who prepare to travel to the mountains.
Danu looked longingly toward New San Francisco before he followed Marc to join the Brocana.
VARANANI PSI V.O.
(worriedly)
Danu, what's happening down there? Your mind is so sad!
DANU PSI V.O.
Nik is in a closed light restraint and under arrest! Me and Toko are with Jon and Marc but we're being forced to walk into the mountains to work the gelstone mines or the Police will shoot us!
VARANANI PSI V.O.
This is grave. What should I tell Cherna to do?
DANU
(whispered)
Toko, what should I tell Vara to tell Cherna to command Euryanassa?
TOKO
(whispered)
I would say that Euryanassa should stand by for further instruction. I think Marc would agree.
Marc looked up from talking to his father and joined them.
MARC
Definitely. I wondered when Vara would ask for an update. We need to wait to hear from Nik and an opportune time to make a move. Tell Vara to pass on the command to stand by for further orders.
DANU PSI V.O.
Okay, Vara, Marc says to pass on the command to stand by and wait until further orders.
VARANANI PSI V.O.
I'll pass that on. Are you okay, sweetheart?
DANU PSI V.O.
I'm scared but I have Marc and Toko protecting me and the Brocana gave me an armband with the shaman leaf on it to identify me as a Shaman. They're letting me keep my field med kit for emergencies so I am being given a purpose here.
VARANANI PSI V.O.
I'm glad they're helping you to cope. I'll check up on you periodically so you can update me on the situation down there. I hope Nik is all right because I can't sense him.
DANU PSI V.O.
It's probably caused by the containment they have him in. I do think he's miserable but on his guard.
VARANANI PSI V.O.
Okay, I'll break off for now. Later, Koio.
DANU PSI V.O.
Later, Koia.
TOKO
Hey, Danu, we're moving out.
Danu shifted his med kit to a more comfortable position on his shoulder.
DANU
Okay, I'm ready to go.
A long line of muslin clad people began to move along the trail toward the towering mountains in the distance.
INT. CREOREL'S OFFICE, NEW SAN FRANSCISCO, ALPHA CENTAURI 7 – DAY
Nikklo wasn't impressed with his accommodations since all he was given was a reclining chair and a side table in Creorel's office.
CREOREL
Did you think we wouldn't get you for punching a hole in Jayma Station?
NIKKLO
You had Ambassador Daniels detained unlawfully and we needed his skills so I broke him out.
The computer on the desk alerted Creorel there was a message coming in.
Creorel opened a communications line.
CREOREL
Creorel. What to you want to report?
Steve spoke from the monitor.
STEVE
The Brocana have surrendered and they're moving under guard to Kobihok Ridge.
CREOREL
So taking their strongest ally broke them. Excellent. Now we're getting progress.
STEVE
On foot, this journey will take several days.
CREOREL
Then it takes several days. They don't like machines so they can travel on foot.
STEVE
I really think that's a bit cruel considering that we intend to take them to the mines as soon as we arrive.
CREOREL
They're Brocana. They have always said they were born for hardship. Let's see how true that is.
Steve sighed loudly.
STEVE
I'm not sure I like this.
CREOREL
I'm sure you like your pension, Leighson.
STEVE
We shouldn't be forcing hundreds of people to hike into the mountains with nothing more than what they have in their hands and on their backs!
CREOREL
They started an insurgence with us! This is what they get for shooting at us! If you won't do your job, I'll find someone more willing!
STEVE
Okay! I'll do my job. I just think it's below human-kind to force cruelty when we have due process of law!
The monitor flashed then returned to the Alpha Centauri 7 symbol.
NIKKLO
Look at that symbol you took for yourselves! Two sinvati holding a banner in their teeth that says, “We will persevere,” yet you lower yourself to pure torture of the indigenous people you took that imagery from.
CREOREL
Shut up, crustacean.
NIKKLO
I'm not a water arthropod. I'm a land arthropod so that makes me not a crustacean. You're not a Brocana but you show a Brocana inspired symbol to show your dominance of this planet while treating that people badly.
CREOREL
The key word is dominance of this planet. We dominate this planet so we can choose any symbol we wish to use and make the indigenous people mine the mineral that makes this planet worth our domination.
NIKKLO
As always with Humans, it's all about how much riches they can gain from anything they occupy yet they cheapen anything they touch with your egocentric attitudes.
CREOREL
We didn't destroy a whole planet like you did.
NIKKLO
Not yet but you're getting closer to doing that here and all you see is gelstone to purify for weapons to wage more war. You're following the same path I fought to convince Tauians to abandon.
CREOREL
We're nothing like the Tauians.
NIKKLO
You're right about that. Tauians would have fertilized the galaxy with your ashes if we had known about you during the height of our conquests! Because I'm trying to guide the surviving Tauians to live peacefully with Humans, we're holding back and trying to talk to a very stubborn race who greatly inflate their skills in warfare!
CREOREL
Says a man who is trapped in a suit of light and stuck in a chair! Yet you insult our skills of warfare!
NIKKLO
You didn't create this technology yourself! You bought it from a Tauian to contain a Tauian because they didn't want to stop conquering! They sure conquered you by using what you value the most! Money!
CREOREL
(yelled)
I did not!
NIKKLO
Did you buy this technology from Madam Kellin Geode?
CREOREL
Yes, honest business woman until you killed her!
Nikklo laughed.
NIKKLO
She was my grandmother! You bought that a Tauian Warlord was a good upstanding business woman and you call me a warlord!
CREOREL
(yelled)
Shut up, arthropod!
NIKKLO
You're learning!
Creorel stepped toward Nikklo.
Nikklo strained the mesh belt and the belt stretched farther.
Creorel stopped.
CREOREL
I can see why people say your a master tactician. You almost convinced me to hit you.
Creorel turned and swept out the door.
Nikklo continued to stretch the belt more until he felt like he could curl his fingers around the bottom edge to push it up toward his shoulders.
EXT. KOBIHOK RIDGE MOUNTAINS - DAY
It felt like the hundredth time that Danu shifted the shoulder strap of his field med kit on his arm and the skin of his collarbone was seriously chaffed.
Toko stepped up beside him and took the bag.
DANU
Fa'arata, Toko, but I think I should keep it with me in case there's an emergency.
TOKO
I respect your intent, Doctor. I also think you're showing great fatigue and I don't want our only surgeon to collapse. I'll remain by your side to hand you the med kit when there's a need.
DANU
You're enduring this better than I am.
TOKO
It's rachi to think this but performing music on a stage regularly builds endurance.
DANU
I'm sure it does.
Jon and Candora walked nearby with their children around them.
JON
I understand how you feel, Danu. I'm quite tired.
Candora sighed.
CANDORA
They are driving us like klevie to the market.
NIKARO
That's a disturbing image. I try to live my life like an average Human and this is what I get.
NYALA
As a member of the council, this is what I tried to prevent.
TASHIKA
It didn't work!
JON
We clearly have more work to do.
CANDORA
At least, we are half way to the mines now.
NIKARO
Half way too short!
MARC
Nick, I know this is not your idea of fun but verbally attacking your family isn't going to change anything. Hopefully, Nikklo will be able to escape Creorel soon and then we can make our move.
NIKARO
You may be used to abuse, Marcayo, but I am not!
MARC
I have experienced it many times but that doesn't mean I like it. I just know that once I get a telepathic message from Nikklo, I'm going to beat the shit out of some of my former colleagues!
TOKO
That's a promise!
JON
Until then, let us not show aggressive behaviors or our guards may separate us from the rest.
MARC
I agree with you, Father. We should calm down now.
NORMAN
Is there a problem here?
MARC
No problem here, Norman. You know how sisters can be.
Norman rolled his eyes.
NORMAN
Don't I know it. Okay, just checking.
Norman went back to his former guard position.
MARC
That was close.
JON
Enough, walk quietly.
TOKO
(whispered)
Now I see why you say Nikklo and Marc argue like brothers!
Danu chuckled quietly.
DANU
Houk, you're getting to see where the belief came from.
Everyone quieted and walked up the mountain road.
FADE OUT
.
THE END