Lyssa Thorne's
Science Fiction Novels
Double Dragon Ebooks
WARNING:
CONTENT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR GENERAL AUDIENCES DUE TO EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT.
SHATTERED EXPECTATIONS
EPISODE 93 - ENDINGS
BY: LYSSA THORNE
FADE IN:
ACT 1
INT. HOSPITAL, NEW SAILIA – DAY
Aureliana pulled the leads off Linea's throat. Aureliana showed some concern.
Tarek and Nikklo looked at each other anxiously.
AURELEANA
She seems to have Vocal Cord Paresis.
NIKKLO
What's that?
AURELIANA
Partial paralysis of the nerve that stimulates the vocal folds. Did Linea experience a traumatic event?
NIKKLO
Her birth was a traumatic event. Cherna was forced into premature labor on a prism ship.
AURELEANA
Was she injured during the birthing?
NIKKLO
I pulled Linea out of the birth canal, myself but I was very careful. She was in Tauian form at the time so her carapace should have been tougher than skin.
AURELEANA
Any other trauma after her birth?
NIKKLO
Well, Ezrik pulled me into fighting him to free us and then, oh shit, I disintegrated his prism ship then returned to grab Cherna and Linea who were floating in space. Linea formed a carapace around Cherna to keep her from dying. I phased them to the Euryanassa after that.
AURELEANA
Did she get struck by debris?
NIKKLO
I don't know.
LINEA (PSI V.O.)
I not get hurt but was scared for Chali Cheri.
AURELEANA
Thank you for telling us that, Linea. So, we can't be sure that Linea can't speak because of injury or that the trauma of being in an explosion shortly after birth scared her into being mute. As she gets older, we can place her in therapy to see if she can learn to speak. Right now, we can give her a device that Tarek requested we make for her like the same technology we used for your Saili trial on Arcturus.
TAREK
Thank you, Dr. Aureliana.
Nikklo picked up Linea then he and Tarek returned to the waiting room where Varanani, Gavasno and Talia waited for them.
TAREK
I have a gift for Linea.
Tarek brought out a new Tauian pendant. The necklace was filigreed and more like a gorget.
TAREK
The ornate metal georgette that attaches to the crystal is a telepathic device that picks up Linea's thoughts and speaks for her out loud.
Linea phased to the floor before Tarek.
Tarek affixed the georgette around her neck.
A LITTLE GIRL'S VOICE SOUNDS FROM THE GEORGETTE NECKLACE
LINEA
It makes me talk?
Linea's eyes widened.
LINEA
You can hear me now?
NIKKLO
Yes, Lini, we can hear you now.
LINEA
I have to call you Daddy now everyone can hear me.
NIKKLO
Yes, you do. Aunt Talia will work with you to speak better but you'll eventually have to join Astrisi school to begin your training.
TAREK
She can use this device until we can find out if she can be taught to speak or if she'll remain mute.
Linea phased back to Nikklo's shoulders and wrapped her arms around his head.
LINEA
I want to hug Chali Cheri. She is very worried.
NIKKLO
You and me both, baby. Let's go home.
Varanani put her hand on Nikklo's forearm.
VARANANI
Let's go home.
GAVASNO
See you next time, Nik, Vara and little Linea.
NIKKLO
Later, Gavasno.
TAUIAN NIKKLO PHASING VISUAL
INT. BRIDGE, EURYANASSA
Saili Nikklo, Varanani, Talia and Linea appeared on the bridge.
Cherna met them and hugged Nikklo.
CHERNA
Nikky, you're back and you found Vara and Linea!
MARC
We were so worries all of you disappeared!
NIKKLO
When I killed Selik, Kellin was enraged and kidnapped the three of us to place us in a dream state to force me to agree with her that Tarek was truly despicable and I was too wild an inept. Vara was instrumental in breaking the coercer's control.
MARC
Did you stop Kellin?
NIKKLO
Kellin is dead but not by my hands.
MARC
Who did it?
NIKKLO
I shattered her carapace in a fight. Tarek was going to allow her to ask crystallines to help heal her but she chose to have Kronil kill her by her request. I'm glad that's over.
MARC
I thought you killed Kronil on Regalis?
NIKKLO
I thought so too but Kronil was a master coercer who even fooled Kellin for a time before he showed up again at her prism ship. Now that the coercer control is broken, we have to find out how the Humans will react to being free of control and what they want to do about their shattered alliance.
MARC
I can ask my father to report on the Humans before we make a move.
NIKKLO
You do that while I settle my family again. I'm worn out and need some time to rest.
MARC
You do that and I'll man the bridge.
NIKKLO
Thanks, Marc.
Nikklo lead his family to their quarters with great anticipation toward dreamless sleep.
LINEA
Hi, Mommy, I can talk now.
CHERNA
How can you talk?
LINEA
Gampa gave me pretty necklace that talks for me!
Linea phased to Cherna to hug her shoulders.
CHERNA
Whoa, Lini, I'm happy to see you too!
NIKKLO
Dr. Aureliana tested Linea and told me that Linea has Vocal Cord Paresis.
CHERNA
What's that?
NIKKLO
Partial paralysis but we're not sure if it's from an injury when the prism ship disintegrated or that she was so frightened that it happened, she was too traumatized to speak. We'll have to find out what it is through therapy. So Tarek asked Jahium to modify the Saili telepathy video machine they used for testimony in court to say out loud what Lin is telepathically communicating. She may need to use the necklace to communicate to non-telepaths for her whole life.
CHERNA
At least she'll have that device to help her.
NIKKLO
I told her that when she's old enough to join school, she was going to have to go to Astrisi school like any other child.
CHERNA
Talia has been valuable when she's been able to be around. She senses when Lini thinks about phasing away. Then Talia phases to Lini and stops her from leaving. Lin has been staying home more. She told Vara during the wild fire that she didn't want to travel to where you were because the images from your mind were scary.
NIKKLO
They were scary. I'm glad she didn't come. Andu, would you shape air tight ceramic pots to store the remedy? I have the cure and will begin to disperse it so I need them to be large enough to hold several kilograms of rock salt.
ANDOKU
Of course, Dad.
NIKKLO
Later, I'll draw you pictures of large pots I want you to make for me to purify gelstones and make more remedy.
ANDOKU
I'll be ready when you are.
Cherna drew the leaf design on Nikklo's arm with her finger.
Nikklo squirmed and ducked away from her.
CHERNA
What's that on your shoulder?
NIKKLO
Brocana Shaman brand. That tickled!
CHERNA
So it's a permanent scar?
NIKKLO
Yep.
CHERNA
I let you leave home for nearly a month and you go get a tattoo!
NIKKLO
It's not a tattoo. Saili can't get tattoos.
CHERNA
Same thing!
Marc chuckled.
CHERNA
What are you snickering about? I'll bet you had something to do with him getting the brand!
MARC
I told him not to do it! He blew me off and took it anyway!
NIKKLO
It was a requirement for me to become a Brocana shaman to be given the cure. It was the ritual so I did it. Once the brand was several sub-dermal layers deep, I was allowed to visit a Human doctor for healing.
MARC
Then he had to be dragged to bed! He was barely conscious. I think he was foolish to accept the brand when they would've let him pass on it.
DANU
So why did you take it if they were going to allow you to pass on it?
NIKKLO
Because it was a huge gesture of trust to even allow me to learn the cure. I wanted to give them a return gesture that I would respect the knowledge they trusted me with.
DI'OK
That kind of trust isn't easily given. We translators have to be careful how we talk to other cultures so we don't offend them. Nik was in a position to easily offend Marc's people so I can see why he chose to offer the Brocana the gesture that he would take the pain to prove he would respect their knowledge.
NIKKLO
I'm glad you understand, Di.
Nikklo lead the group through the door to his and Cherna's living suite.
NIKKLO
The fire on Centauri 7 is out.
CHERNA
It was shocking to hear that Centauri 7 was burning!
DI'OK
Yeah, I didn't hear it over communications.
NIKKLO
They hadn't sent the distress message out yet when we got there. They were scrambling to evacuate people.
ARCAS
So in a twisted way, it was good that you had to go to Centauri 7 so you could get help quickly!
NIKKLO
In a twisted way.
TAREK
Was it because Jon helped us?
NIKKLO
No, the fire wasn't because Jon helped us get parts for the Euryanassa although people were aggravated that he did help us. The fire was caused because a Human miner didn't want a Brocana to put a large chunk of Gelstone into the purification pile. He grabbed it from the Brocana and threw it into the outgoing pile and smashed a lantern. The broken lantern ignited the Gelstone.
ARCAS
Stupid!
NIKKLO
That argument cost Alpha Centauri 7 severe damage. I'm hoping that since the Tauians were instrumental in returning the Brocana's ability to purify the gelstones that some Humans will think better of the non-humans.
CHERNA
But don't be surprised if I trace that brand. It really is a nicely ornate leaf design.
Nikklo tried to turn his arm around to see the brand.
NIKKLO
I haven't seen it. What I can see of it has a lot of curly ques.
CHERNA
So connect to my visual cortex and see it for yourself.
Nikklo concentrated for a few seconds.
NIKKLO
Wow, I look really scruffy.
CHERNA
Your arm, silly.
NIKKLO
It is a nice pattern. But since I've been living on a dry lake bed covered in salt for the last month and locked up twice, it's no surprise I look scruffy. My hair has gone a bit frizzy. I need to work on that.
CHERNA
You are such a diva!
VARANANI
It's the Nikole part of him, Cheri.
CHERNA
Houk, she can be so picky.
FEMALE NIKKLO
FEMALE NIKKLO
Hey, I resemble that remark!
Everyone burst into laughter.
MALE NIKKLO
Nikklo laughed with them.
CHERNA
You are such a trickster!
NIKKLO
Uh-huh!
DI'OK
He admits it!
DANU
That's our Nikklo!
VARANANI
He still makes a lovely woman.
NIKKLO
Hey, you're still my sister!
VARANANI
Just making an observation!
TAREK
He has a lovely female form.
NIKKLO
Father!
TAREK
Yes I am and I'm glad I'm finally getting to see your joking side.
CHERNA
That's why I love him, Tarek. He can be so fun.
TAREK
I got to see a glimpse of how fun he could be at the party on New Sailia when I got him a bit drunk. That was very entertaining and I learned he sure can sing.
NIKKLO
I can do more than fight!
MARC
But that maneuver with the Tauian prisms to redirect the slicing light weapon was ingenious!
CHERNA
When you rushed to the shake-down flight with the Euryanassa and got attacked by Selik what happened? We were celebrating that you killed Selik and then certain people disappeared!
NIKKLO
Kellin phased us all away so she could lock us in an alterative reality to show me how evil Tarek and I are. It worked for a while but I caught on.
CHERNA
Alternate reality?
NIKKLO
Yeah, I met a version of myself that wasn't kidnapped by the Astrisi but still managed to survive his burns. It was a very elaborate virtual reality. We almost relived the whole Saili Civil War before we broke the coercer's control and went after Kellin.
VARANANI
I thought Verano's Rehabilitation Center was scary when we were taking it over but now that I was an inpatient, that was horrendous!
NIKKLO
Were you drugged or just under coercer control?
VARANANI
Thankfully only under coercer control. They did not drug me. That's why I was able to resist as much as I did to give you clues about what was going on without my coercer knowing I was dropping clues.
NIKKLO
It hurt my heart to see you so lethargic.
TAREK
Kellin painted me as such a degenerate. I loved Damira but I knew she had to be sacrificed for you to be trained by the Astrisi. I had nothing but respect for Giovano and Damira and what I asked them to do for us.
NIKKLO
I know you respected them. Kellin was a toxic person who didn't realize she aggravated people in all her interactions. That's why Sam finally stunned her at Bristol to allow us to get away. She just couldn't accept she was loosing control.
MARC
I convinced Sam to get the electronic gun cause he was disturbed that your argument could harm others.
NIKKLO
I was worried about that too but she wasn't giving me a way out of the fight.
CHERNA
How did you explain two Sannaros?
NIKKLO
We told everyone we were twins. I was Nikkaro and he remained Sannaro. I actually used Altarian's life to explain why Nikkaro went missing after the Bristol fire! I told everyone that Fenyang stole me from Bristol when he came to pick up his black market fuel and the Astrisi rescued me from slavery years later! I said I learned Astrisi while I was on the Kumani after they defeated Arlington's boarding. It's a good thing we convinced everyone it was true.
MARC
That was an elaborate yet plausible cover story. You know I have a brother named Nikaro?
NIKKLO
Sorry for stealing your brother's name. I didn't have a lot of time to make up a cover.
MARC
It's close enough to Nikklo and I don't think my brother's really going to care.
CHERNA
I'm glad you escaped but is she dead?
NIKKLO
She's finally dead. Her core was impaled by a crystal post. But the Alliance is a wreck because of her. But before I can face that problem, I desperately need to relax.
MARC
We should leave and give you that time. I'll watch the bridge.
YURI (PSI V.O.)
Nikklo, you have an urgent message from the Terran Alliance.
Nikklo walked to the computer and connected to the message.
Jon Daniels showed on the screen.
JON
Nikklo, it's good to see you especially after the violence we were reported you had when you finally flew the repaired Euryanassa.
NIKKLO
I was forced to kill Selik.
JON
He gave you no choice. That is why I'm calling you. The Terran Alliance wishes to extend an official cease fire with an offer for negotiations for peace with the indigenous races we alienated. We request your presence at the negotiation meeting as the thirteenth Commander of the Astrisi and the leader of the Tauian Race.
NIKKLO
I agree to this meeting, Ambassador Daniels, on behalf of the Astrisi ship Euryanassa and the Tauian Race.
JON
Then I look forward to meeting you in three weeks time. Sorry for the long time out since some of the other invited guests need travel time.
NIKKLO
I understand. I look forward to seeing you then.
MONTAGE OF ASTRISI FLEET WITH SHIPS FROM NEW SAILIA, SAILIA, ILANIT'S TAUIAN PRISM SHIP AND BELVAS VOYAGING TO EARTH WITH EURYANASSA AT VANGUARD.
END ACT 1
ACT 2.
INT. EARTH COUNCIL CHAMBER – DAY
Nikklo sat with the Astrisi Council of Ships awaiting the arrival of the Terran Alliance deligates.
Ilanit sat at Nikklo's side quiet and pensive.
Hyan had his own delegation near.
Jahium sat with Alrian and a small group of Belvans.
Jon Daniels entered with another man unknown to him and stepped to the podium.
JARVIS
My name is Sebastian Jarvis. I will lead these talks because Ambassador Daniels has declared Alpha Centauri 7 as an aggrieved party in these proceedings. This is not a proud time for the Terran Alliance. The civil unrest generated by Tabir Selik and the Pallas Mining Company has caused immense harm to relations with indigenous races we once seemed to live peacefully with. We can no longer turn a blind eye to the prejudice we Humans have toward non-human peoples yet we must find a way to co-exist and prosper with minimal violence.
WO-CHI'ON
You sure did bite yourself in the ass with allowing a rabble-rouser like Selik to cause so much argument that it started a wild fire and set off a plague no one could counter until Nikklo brought in his people! And you think the Tauians are the only instigators of violence?
BIN-KITO
Well, it didn't help that Nikklo's evil grandmother used her coercers to aggravate Selik to rabble-rouse!
NIKKLO
Coercers can't plant a belief into a person's mind! They explore how a person feels already and if there is a seed of distrust, they can aggravate it until a person acts on it. The prejudice was already within Humans before any manipulation was done.
JARVIS
Nikklo is right, the distrust and prejudice was already there. As Nikklo has stated before, Earth has an extensive history of famous public figures who had no other power than their voice whip up similar frenzies to convince a group of people to react violently to another group of people so in this case, I would say the Tauian influence is no more supernatural than anything done by Adolph Hitler or Benito Mussolini. Since life went on after those historical situations, we must continue as well to repair the emotional and physical damage that was encouraged to be done by Tabir Selik. Already repairs are begun on Alpha Centauri 7 to rebuild buildings, reseed plant-life and recover the gelstone mines that can be quickly returned to activity. The Abroc that were restricted have been freed.
HYAN
We were not a part of the Tauian argument. We Abroc allowed Humans to share our world. Humans violated the trust we extended to them.
JON
It is the same for the Brocana. The native population trusted Humans to live peacefully along side them because they feared Human technology would wipe them out. A wild fire killed many Brocana because of an argument from a Human who chose profit over the health of many. This behavior can't all be just because Kellin Geode, a Tauian in disguise as a Human business woman, was using coercers to play with Human minds. This is also an attitude the Humans show repeatedly. Kellin Geode just accentuated what was already there. Can we continue to trust that Humans can restrain their attitudes?
JARVIS
You're Human, Ambassador Daniels.
JON
I married a native and I was trapped on the Salt Flats in very intense heat with the Brocana. I felt their fear and grief. I'm not very happy with my own kind at this time!
JAHIUM
This is why we Belvans expelled the Humans from our world. We repeatedly told them to settle and end the violence but they became more violent! The Euryanassa was sheared in two above our world for trying to protect the Astrisi from that violence! We are a peaceful people! We cannot tolerate this aggression!
NIKKLO
We surviving Tauians have been suppressed by Kellin Geode and her coercers for over 200 years. We have suffered under her and have fought long for our freedom. We want to live peacefully and that's why we helped to fight the wild fire on Alpha Centauri 7! We wanted the Brocana to cure the people of the Gelstone parasite!
JARVIS
There have been reports all over the Human worlds that they are grateful you suppressed the fire and the Parasite cure is back in distribution. The parasite was quickly approaching plague proportions among those who use more gelstone in their industries.
NIKKLO
We Tauians can do more than conquer. We are tired of being forced to conquer worlds for slave masters with no respect for any life form.
JARVIS
I admit this situation has revealed some serious attitudes among many Humans. We did harm ourselves by pushing away our non-human neighbors. Many did not even instigate the violence yet were subjected to violence. I'm just not sure there is a quick solution to healing the rift we have caused that has separated us from the other sentient races. But is separating us from each other an effective way to heal our damaged relationships?
JON
That's a good question, Jarvis. Of course, I won't speak for the Saili, Astrisi, Belvas Alliance. But since Alpha Centauri 7 is deep within the Terran Alliance, I think it's in my planet's best interest to try to keep the Terran Alliance together and begin some initiatives to rebuild trust between the races.
HYAN
I agree with Jon Daniels. Adhara is also deep within the Terran Alliance. We should attempt to repair the trust that was lost.
HADAH
Since the Astrisi have 13 ships, we would have to discuss this question among us to decide if we want to return our worlds to the Terran Alliance. We would return to give our decision.
JAHIUM
I will discuss the decision with the Astrisi and cast my vote with their vote.
TAREK
And all the Saili will follow suit and give one decision on if we will choose to return to the Terran Alliance.
NIKKLO
And I will discuss with the Tauians if they want to continue to seek peace with Humans.
JARVIS
Then we will adjourn until the Astrisi, Belvan, Saili Alliance makes their decision.
Jarvis, Jon and Hyan left the room. All who remained was Jahium, Tarek, Ilanit and the 13 commanders of the Astrisi.
KITO
Why the hell should we trust Humans again?
NIKKLO
Because they're not all bad. Amber Daniels asked to join my crew because she wanted to repair her relationship with Marc. I can respect that.
KITO
And we all know you took on that Brocana as your Second in Command.
CHI'ON
Cut the name-calling, Kito. Nik had every right to choose who he wanted as his SIC.
HADAH
I flew with Marc Daniels in the Zuran War and I would have jumped at the opportunity to work with him again. He's very competent. Bottom line is, we haven't had good business since we broke off from the Terran Alliance. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm scrounging to find everything my people need! Jahium has been most kind to supply much of it!
JAHIUM
It was my pleasure, Hadah.
DUSTI
Hadah's right. We have been scrambling for what our people need since we broke off. We became too accustomed to being independent shippers who could easily find someone who needed to ship something and pay us handsomely. We don't have that security anymore.
UNLA
But they almost exploded half our ships before Nik and Tarek saved us!
HADAH
Those attackers don't represent all Humans. They were probably employed by Kellin to attack us to break apart the Alliance.
NIKKLO
I had a closer look at most of our attackers and they were mostly pirates.
JAHIUM
The Humans on Belvas weren't under Kellin's employ.
TAREK
But Selik was under Kellin's employment to deliberately upset the Human population that was already unhappy. Who knows if those videos Selik sent out did not have a Tauian coercer carrier wave that specifically aggravated Humans?
NIKKLO
Like when Marc and I were marooned on that forested moon while Hadeon was hunting us, the pirates used a certain tonal frequency that aggravated Saili so that me and Jeremy were nearly paralyzed in pain.
TAREK
That's a similar tactic.
JAHIUM
Even if we decide to rejoin the Terran Alliance, I'm not willing to allow Humans to reside permanently on Belvas!
NIKKLO
That would be your right, Jahium.
HADAH
So, we should put it to a vote. Should we return to the Terran Alliance to resume our business as Independent Shippers or do we continue to learn how to live in a separate Alliance?
MONTAGE OF VOTE
HADAH
Okay, it looks like we would rather go back to the Alliance to resume our business of shipping under the conditions that the ADF protect us from further attacks. Is that what I'm getting?
Chorus
Houk.
HADAH
Tarek, Jahium, Ilanit do you agree with this decision?
JAHIUM
As long as I can refuse Humans permanent residence on Belvas for now.
ILANIT (PSI V.O.)
We are dependent on the New Saili to get what we need. We would follow what Nikklo and Tarek choose.
HADAH
That's a reasonable request. Tarek?
TAREK
It is acceptable to me. I have contacted Devasru and Hiamovi about this vote and they agree.
HADAH
Are we ready to announce this to the other delegate?
CHORUS
Houk.
Jarvis, Jon and Hyan walked back into the room.
HADAH
We are ready to give our answer.
JARVIS
All right, what is your answer?
HADAH
The Astrisi, Belvans, Saili and Tauians wish to reapply to the Terran Alliance.
JARVIS
Thank you. I believe this will be best for all. But, before I close this meeting, I must inform Nikklo of certain conditions for becoming a citizen of the Terran Alliance.
NIKKLO
I'm listening.
JARVIS
Nikklosannaro, in order for you to reapply to become a citizen of the Terran Alliance, we require you to give us a document that details all forms you can assume in appearance. All Tauians would also be asked to give documentation of the appearances they can take, including Tarek of Sailia.
Nikklo and Tarek frowned.
NIKKLO
That is a stiff demand, Mr. Jarvis.
TAREK
I agree.
JARVIS
There have been Humans who were also documented to take aliases. It's not something we just thought up for Tauians. Tauians are just more proficient at assuming aliases.
TAREK
Not all Tauians can assume aliases.
JARVIS
Okay, then we need to know which Tauians can assume aliases and which Tauians can't.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Should we agree to this, Tarek?
TAREK (PSI V.O.)
If we want to live in peace, we may have to.
TAREK
I want to clarify some things before we agree to this condition. Would the information only be used to identify Tauians and not for controlling us?
JARVIS
It would be only for identification and nothing more.
NIKKLO
I want you to have the ADF crack down on piracy so the Astrisi are attacked less as a compromise to the Tauians disclosing who can change appearance.
JARVIS
General, our council of representatives have acknowledged that piracy is a huge problem and we are resolving to better enforce anti-piracy laws.
NIKKLO
Then I will divulge all my appearances.
TAREK
I will also divulge my appearances. I only have 3 forms.
NIKKLO
My list is going to be a bit longer but I'll start on it once this meeting is finished.
JARVIS
Once you have that finished, you may reapply you and your ship for citizenship. This meeting is adjourned.
INT. JARVIS' OFFICE, EARTH - DAY
Nikklo knocked on Jarvis' door. The door opened and Nikklo stepped in. He held up a booklet.
NIKKLO
Here's documentation of all my forms.
Jarvis took the book and flipped through the pages.
JARVIS
Holy smokes! You can look Male or Female Human, Male or Female Saili and a Male or Female Abroc?!
NIKKLO
Yes.
JARVIS
By the pictures you supplied, it seems you keep several distinct facial features?
NIKKLO
That's hard-wired genetics I can't change.
JARVIS
So if law enforcement did a background check on any of these forms, they would be able to identify that person as you?
NIKKLO
Yes.
JARVIS
Okay, you've fulfilled your requirements. Tarek gave me a smaller report that says he can look Tauian, Human and Saili of only male gender. Why can you do all this?
NIKKLO
I'm a polymorph so I can shift appearance more than Tarek can.
JARVIS
I can see why the Tauians wanted to control you. You're quite talented.
NIKKLO
Kellin wanted to use my more advanced talents to her advantage. I refused so she hunted me for two hundred years.
JARVIS
I met Ms. Geode several times as a diplomat and I noticed she did not like to take no for an answer.
NIKKLO
She did not.
JARVIS
What names have you used?
NIKKLO
Well, Nicholas, Sannaro, Nikklosannaro, Sanro, Nikkaro, Nicole. Oh, and Verano had me go by the name Fenuku for a short time. I really hate that name, though.
JARVIS
Nicole is your preferred Female name?
NIKKLO
Yes.
JARVIS
All right, we'll add this to your reapplication for citizenship.
NIKKLO
We're working on documenting the surviving Tauians on New Sailia. Since that is a whole city of Tauians, it's going to take longer to finish it.
JARVIS
Do you think you could have it done in two weeks?
NIKKLO
We can try.
JARVIS
Keep us updated and if you need more time, we can negotiate for an extension.
NIKKLO
I'll pass that message along. Now, I have to prepare ships for the voyage back to our home ports so I will take my leave, Mr. Jarvis.
JARVIS
I appreciate the effort the Astrisi, Saili, Tauians and Belvans are offering to heal our broken Alliance, Nikklo.
NIKKLO
You should feel lucky old habits are hard to break, Mr. Jarvis.
JARVIS
I do feel lucky, General Damirateyak. Have a safe travel home.
NIKKLO
Thank you, Mr. Jarvis.
Nikklo left Jarvis' office.
EXT. EMANCIPATION PARK, NEW SAILIA – DAY
Nikklo walked up the stairs of the stage with his head down as Lifeblood played some anticipatory strums and the crowd clapped in time. He wore a blood red sleeveless metallic muscle shirt, black leggings and semi-soft black ankle boots. His new shaman brand shown prominently a burnish gold brown on his bicep. He gripped the microphone and centered himself. He raised his arm above his head.
NIKKLO
(singed)
How can anyone know my pain?
(beat)
Gonkacha runs through my veins
Poisoned from the cradle
Flowing hair the color of darkness
Skin the color of light
Till a wall of flame burned it off my body
(HOWL)
Alive by an act of mercy
Firebird's children raised me from the flames
healed my body and soul
Never alone yet always lonely
A warrior swift and deadly
TOKO
(stage whisper)
You're getting closer!
NIKKLO
(singed)
Forged in fire under crushing gravity
My life was shattered
body wracked with pain
Forced awake to a nightmare not remembered
(beat)
Betrayal runs deep in the children of rock
Hard-shelled and uncaring.
Ripped the limbs from my body
and left me for dead.
Stop killing me, I screamed
and shattered their world!
Earthquakes ripped it apart as
grieving Father held broken son and vanished.
(beat)
Tsikakayu woke from hundred year sleep
Forged in fire under crushing gravity
Charged with guarding the children of metal
(beat)
Children of stone return
burning for vengeance
Father says,
TOKO
(singed)
Dry your eyes
Do your job,
Tsikakayu
The band played a metal bridge representing the fight. Nikklo danced around skipping in front of the band, his hair flying around his head.
NIKKLO
(singed)
Formed in fire and blood
under crushing gravity
I rip open the fabric of space
A Black hole
Feeds on a megalomaniac of stone
Never to emerge from the darkness
(beat)
Euryanassa awaits me.
Pained and bloody,
I return to the light
Victorious
(beat)
They call me-
(howled)
Tsikakayu!
Nikklo dropped his head and released the microphone.
The park spends a minute in stunned silence before they break out in raucous clapping.
Nikklo took a deep breath and held his head high as the sound wave from the audience electrified the air around him.
TOKO
Tsikakayu Nikklosannaro Damirateyak! We are Lifeblood!
Nikklo waited for the rest of the band to set down their instruments.
NIKKLO
I didn't ask all of you here just to hear me sing, although I hope you enjoyed it. Senior Scientist Jahium of Belvas, Great Forger Tarek of Sailia, Governor Devasru Masanateyak and all 13 of the Astrisi Commanders have decided to dissolve our alliance and rejoin the Terran Alliance.
The crowd erupted with talking among themselves.
NIKKLO
I know this is a controversial decision but the Astrisi haVE been struggling to find what each clan needs to maintain their populations. We won't know if we can heal the rift between us and the Humans unless we try to work with them again. Please, be comforted that Belvas and New Sailia have declined to allow long term residencies to Humans for the foreseeable future. No matter what we face in the future concerning our interaction with the Humans, I will be vigilant and intervene when necessary.
The crowd clapped and they stepped down from the stage.
Tarek met Nikklo with his eyes wide.
TAREK
Wow! I knew you had that much intensity but I've never seen it unleashed outside of battle!
NIKKLO
It was liberating, to tell you the truth. I wrote that after the last battle with Ezron while we were sailing back to Gasbaja. It helped me to heal from the horror of how I killed Ezron. Although, Toko suggested I howl, I wasn't sure how people were going to take it.
TAREK
It was powerful.
NIKKLO
After seeing myself as if I had not been healed, it caused me to think a lot about who I became as Sannaro. I got to live a full life that was violently stolen from me as Nikklo. Thank you for giving me that life even though it was mostly without you. That was your greatest gift to me.
Tarek blinked back tears.
TAREK
Thank you. Hardly anyone has expressed appreciation for anything I did.
NIKKLO
Now is the Tauian War truly over?
TAREK
I think it is.
NIKKLO
But it tore apart the Terran Alliance. I don't know how we will rebuild all the damage.
TAREK
We take one day at a time.
NIKKLO
Before Sam called me to Regalis, I had a dream I was back in Nevada and saw our prism ship with our family's remains. Now that we can travel in Terran Alliance space again, I'd like to go back to see if our ship is still there.
TAREK
I would like to join you if you don't mind.
NIKKLO
That's why I brought it up, to give you the option to join me.
TAREK
I want to.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
EXT. MCCOULACH MOUNTAINS, NEVADA, EARTH – DAY
TAUIAN TAREK and TAUIAN NIKKLO stood at the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains.
SAILI NIKKLO AND SAILI TAREK looked sadly at the shattered remains of Tarek's prism ship. Tarek carried a small crate with him.
NIKKLO
I'm surprised not much has changed in the last 200 years.
TAREK
Especially since the Humans built extensively around here during that time. They may have decided that since there is a major flood wash canal near here, it would have been too complicated to build on.
Nikklo and Tarek walked across the rocky ground to the gaping hole in the crystal wall only they could see.
INT. TAREK'S WRECKED PRISM SHIP – DAY – CONTINUOUS
The dark hallway stretched a few dozen paces before they entered the wider control room.
Scattered on the floor were limbs of their lost family.
Tarek set down the crate and crouched beside a broken carapace.
TAREK
I wish I could have returned sooner, Rakul. I still miss you.
Nikklo crouched beside another crystal body.
NIKKLO
Was this Petra?
TAREK
Yes and the last was your brother Kotar. They believed in me and I let them down.
NIKKLO
It wasn't just you, Tarek. You did what you thought was right at the time. Ezron told me all social interactions were only a means to an end. He never had any affection toward anyone, not even his own daughter.
TAREK
I thought that if I did what my half-brother wanted me to do, I would be treated better and even see some acceptance. I was terribly wrong. All I was given in return was more demands and ridicule. When I tried to make up for what I had done, I was hunted mercilessly and my family was destroyed.
NIKKLO
Except for me because of what I am.
TAREK
Yes.
NIKKLO
Could we please move the bodies into the crate and leave here? This place still creeps me out.
TAREK
It is eerie but I didn't want to leave their carapaces here unseen and forgotten. Let's get this done.
Tarek and Nikklo pick up the pieces and placed them in the crate. They two man carried the crate outside.
TAUIAN NIKKLO AND TAUIAN TAREK PHASING VISUAL to Sailia.
INT. CRYSTAL CAVERN, MISIPATASUTISGA, SAILIA
Three more boxes were in the cavern along with the stasis chambers that held the bodies of Saili Sannaro and Astrisi Cherna.
NIKKLO
It's getting crowded in here.
TAREK
I could widen the cavern if it bothers you.
NIKKLO
It's not bothering my claustrophobia. It's just that once the one stasis chamber was here and now there is five.
TAREK
Yes, but now all my family is here under my care. I prefer it this way. Because of all your hard, painful work, I can bring them to one place. Rakul, I could not return you home but I welcome you to my new house. I still love you and our children.
NIKKLO
I wish I had been able to meet you, Mother. I'm sorry I destroyed our home planet but I welcome you to our new home. Please rest in peace here.
TAREK
Thank you for your kind words, Nik. I'm sure she would be pleased to know that you wish you had known her, Petra and Kotar.
Tarek closed the coffins.
NIKKLO
Well, I'm going to go back to Euranassa. I have a lot to do.
TAREK
I have to attend a meeting with Hiamovi and Devasru, too.
NIKKLO
Putting the Terran Alliance back together is not going to be easy.
TAREK
No it's not. We can only take one step at a time, Nik. See you later.
NIKKLO
Until next time.
Nikklo changed forms and phased back to the Euryanassa.
Tarek went back to Rakul's coffin and touched the lid in quiet grief.
INT. EURYANASSA, STORAGE BAY
Nikklo stood beside a hand-shaped urn with all his family somberly around him.
NIKKLO
Although Ku'an and I tended to have an adversarial relationship, I always respected him as Cherna and Di'ok's father. So lets give Ku'an a proper Astrisi burial. He was a very spiritual man who believed in the Firebird. He was very picky about how the fuel stores were kept and for good reason since Seranium is so caustic. I want to tell my family a story about the one mission we took together alone while we were preparing to assist Sailia to convince the Humans to give up their invasion. It was an eye-opening experience for me in many ways than one.
Nikklo concentrated.
NIKKLO'S PSYCHIC VISION
INT. NEW SAILIA SPACEPORT - DAY
Sannaro couldn’t contain his dread as he watched Devasru’s personal spaceship Euryanassa be prepared for flight.
He turned just as Ku'an dropped a heavy leather bag on the tarmac beside Sannaro’s feet.
SANNARO
What are you doing?
KU'AN
Coming with you. I know these people. If I’m not there to prove to them you’re the General, they won’t talk to you so you’re stuck with me.
SANNARO
Oh, I’m I supposed to be flattered?
KU'AN
Take it however you like. Don’t worry, Sannaro, I won’t tease and taunt you like I did in the past.
SANNARO
That’s good to hear.
KU'AN
So, how does she handle?
SANNARO
Pretty well. She’s got good speed.
KU'AN
It took a lot of guts to go rescue your foster sister like you did.
SANNARO
It almost cost me everything I’d worked for.
KU'AN
Somethings are just worth fighting for even at the cost of your career.
SANNARO
Are you implying that kidnapping Cherna was worth it?
KU'AN
At the time, I thought it was right. You’re sister taught me why it wasn’t the best choice I’d made, but do you blame me for wanting to protect my girl?
SANNARO
No. If I thought Ambrika was in danger, I’d protect her just as fiercely. But I wasn’t a threat to your daughter.
KU'AN
And I had to learn that, but a father’s love for his daughter can be strong, even if it’s misguided.
SANNARO
You’ll get no argument on that point.
KU'AN
Remember that when it’s your kid in peril.
SAILI FLIGHT TECH
General, the Euryanassa is ready for flight.
SANNARO
Thank you. Shall we board and ready for flight?
KU'AN
Will we need fuel stops?
SANNARO
Nui, she’s got a pretty good fuel tank for a mid-size ship.
KU'AN
Good.
Ku'an picked up his bag and slung it on his shoulder.
Sannaro showed Ku'an where to stow his bag and where his room was before they moved on to the bridge.
KU'AN
Nice little ship.
SANNARO
Yeah, at least I can fly her a bit more calmly this time.
KU'AN
Can you? I saw how pale you were while they were prepping this ship.
SANNARO
You said it, yourself, am I going to hide from the past or get this chemical to help Sailia stop these greedy businessmen? I’m not going to hide, but it doesn’t mean I won’t control dread the whole time. I almost died on that planet. I saw my mother and brother die before my eyes as we ran to my father who was dying at that very moment. The second and third degree burns were just part of the injuries I received that day, Ku'an. Did it hurt you to see my family destroyed?
KU'AN
I was angry at your Foreman for denying us our fuel, but I warned those pilots to be careful shooting around there because I knew Seranimite was extremely volatile. They obviously ignored my advice.
SANNARO
That wasn’t my foreman, it was my fathers. I was a seven year-old innocent child caught in the middle of an adult argument that almost killed me.
KU'AN
More people died that day than was necessary for getting our fuel. We made quite a few mistakes that day and you payed the highest cost for our mistakes. Would it make any difference if I said, I’m sorry?
SANNARO
No, you didn’t shoot that laser that washed me with flames. However, you did threaten to launch me out the airlock.
Ku'an laughed humorlessly.
Sannaro snapped his head up and glared.
KU'AN
Okay, I’m sorry for threatening to launch you out the airlock. You actually make a better son-in-law than space debris.
Sannaro rolled his eyes.
KU'AN
Okay, seriously, you demand change from everyone you meet, whether it’s Astrisi or your own Saili. We may resist the change you bring, kicking and screaming, but you keep beating us over the head with it until we concede that the change you bring is for the better. Do you want me to be any more honest?
SANNARO
No, that’s honest enough.
KU'AN
Thought so.
INT. SPACE YAGHT EURYANASSA - SPACE
Sannaro sat at the controls and glanced at them periodically while he played a video game and listened to his music through his headset.
Ku'an walked into the cockpit and sat down.
KU'AN
How do you keep yourself from going crazy in this restricted space?
Sannaro turned the volume down a bit on his music but continued to play the game.
SANNARO
Like this. Video games keep my reflexes honed and passes the time.
KU'AN
I can hear that noise you call music out here.
SANNARO
Is it too loud? I can turn it down more. My uncle calls it cacophony.
KU'AN
He was another man brave enough to try to guide you.
SANNARO
He's done better than most, actually. He and Gavasno taught me much about my own kind.
KU'AN
I'm surprised you'd say that about your uncle. I thought you wanted to rip him apart after he made you move to Belvas.
SANNARO
The Saili Civil War and living with them on the Kumani until New Sailia was created changed my opinion about him.
KU'AN
Still got your hair long.
SANNARO
It's Saili genetics. Shoulder length is the shortest for Saili. Our hair doesn't die after it grows beyond our scalps.
KU'AN
Weird, but my girl says she likes your eyes, those odd ears and that you're quite muscular.
SANNARO
She does like my ears.
KU'AN
Aren't Saili ears an erogenous zones?
SANNARO
They do have sensitive nerves to pick up neural frequencies. They're telepathic antennae so when they're touched, they immediately make a, well, like connecting a live wire to a direct current.
KU'AN
So you get zapped?
Sannaro bowed his head to hide in his hair.
KU'AN
You do get zapped! Does she know it?
Sannaro
She thinks it's amusing.
KU'AN
I always knew she was mischievous! No wonder she says she can't live without you.
SANNARO
She likes to be connected to me telepathically.
KU'AN
I've seen plenty of your kind. Aren't you a bit shorter than most?
SANNARO
I'm on the short side for a Saili male.
KU'AN
I can't deny that both my children are very loyal to you. Your sister would do anything for you. You have an effect on people. They seem to either like you to the point of adoration or hate you enough to want to kill you.
SANNARO
I noticed that.
KU'AN
I'd like you to know for the sake of peace, I've learned to see that you have talents people need. I'm not one of your adoring fans but I don't want to kill you anymore. If I did, I don't know who would kill me first, Cherna, Di'ok or my own wife. They love you.
SANNARO
I love them.
KU'AN
Because they love you, I accept that you're a part of my family.
SANNARO
I'm glad you no longer want to kill me.
KU'AN
You're still too pretty to be a man, though.
SANNARO
I can't help that unless I want to mutilate myself. I've been in a lot of pain in my life and I wouldn't want to do that. Cheri would get mad if I did that anyway.
KU'AN
She would twist those ears and leave you sobbing on the floor.
Sannaro cupped his ears and hissed.
SANNARO
Owe. Aw, fausa, got vaped.
KU'AN
Kasai. I'll leave you alone to play your game.
Ku'an stood up and left the cockpit.
INT. SPACESHIP EURYANASSA, STORAGE BAY
Nikklo opened his eyes and looked at his tear-filled family.
Nikklo scoffed.
NIKKLO
It was then I knew that Ku'an finally forgave me for being a part of his family. And the amusing part is weeks later when we were infiltrating Sailia and Ambrika crashed her shuttle into the side of Misipatasutisga, I fiercely went to her rescue just like Ku'an said I would.
Cherna rushed forward and hugged Nikklo.
DI'OK
You always had a tougher time than the rest of us because father couldn't forget you were alien.
NIKKLO
There you go again! You're the only one who can insult me and get away with it, you linguistic fanatic!
Di'ok smiled despite his tears.
DI'OK
I take advantage of it too!
CHERNA
I'm glad Ku'an told you before he died. You needed to hear it.
DANU
Right, a full working powerful telepath who still needs verbal reassurance!
VARANANI
Because Nik and I have been among non-telepaths for so long, we know that what people think has to go through internal processes to support or negate the thought. When a non-telepath finally speaks it, they have gone through the deliberation process. It was more important for Ku'an to speak it because he found it to be truth in his thoughts. I'm glad he confided in you.
NIKKLO
So am I. When he did die, I think he died at peace with his family. It was great to see him tell Di'ok he was brave to speak to Worlders all the time and that he was proud of Cheri as a powerful warrior. His last gift to us was that he healed his family as his body was dying. What a great gift he left us with.
Ba'ia smiled sadly.
BA'IA
Houk, for one last time, I heard the man I married many years ago. His anger was truly gone.
Adara hugged Ba'ia and Zhad hugged both women.
Little Rakulinea appeared at their feet and tried to hug all three adults.
LINEA
(humphed)
Arms too little!
Zhad picked Linea up. Ba'ia and Adara hugged Zhad and Linea. Nikklo, Cherna, Di'ok, Danu, Varanani, Andu and Ambrika joined the hug. After a minute, they pulled back.
NIKKLO
With family unity, we consign Ku'an's ashes into the arms of Iachi'awei Ushi. May he find his way back to Astris, the first home of the Astrisi.
Ba'ia picked up the urn and set it into the airlock. Once she was inside the storage room again, Nikklo closed the hatch and the airlock cycled and opened.
The urn floated into space.
NIKKO
And before this meeting, Tarek and I finally were able to go back to Earth to retrieve my mother, sister and brother's carapaces to be interred on Sailia after hundreds of years forgotten in the crash site of our family's prism ship. I finally got to see Tarek have his closure too. It was good to see.
VARANANI
It's good for you and Tarek to finally bring your Tauian family to Tarek's home so there can be closure there too.
NIKKLO
Now for the long process of healing this star system. I have a feeling it's not going to be an easy process.
Nikklo left his family in the storage room.
INT. EURYANASSA BRIDGE
Nikklo stepped onto the bridge with Di'ok following to return to his communications station.
NIKKLO
Let's get this ship back to Gasbaja. I don't feel like using the energy to phase. There's no pressing need to get there fast.
YURI
Preparing the engines for flight, Nik.
Linea appeared on Nikklo's shoulders. Nikklo shook his head then grasped her little calf for stability.
Talia walked through the hatch and took Linea off Nikklo's shoulders.
TALIA
Second time today, Linea! The big ones didn't want you at the funeral and I wasn't finished with my lesson, little one. You need to allow the big ones to do their job and you need to concentrate on learning.
Linea pouted.
LINEA
I wanted to give m, uh, Daddy a hug!
TALIA
Okay, Daddy is hugged. Now back to the lesson.
Talia carried Linea out of the hatch.
ARCAS
Well, everything's back to normal! As normal as it get's on Tsikakayu's ship Euryanassa!
The bridge crew laughed.
CUT TO EURYANASSA FLYING THROUGH SPACE.
Fade out.
THE END