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 86 – SOCIAL UNREST
BY: LYSSA THORNE
FADE IN:
INT. HOSPITAL, EURYANASSA
Nikklo woke to the rustling of fabric as Danu broke down the healing tent.
As soon as Danu drew away, Tarek stepped up and waved a sensor over him.
TAREK
I hear you've been giving Danu a lot of trouble.
NIKKLO
The Kumani was nearly destroyed. I had to save it. Are the rest of the fleet here now?
TAREK
They're all here, thanks to Ferex. I'm not seeing any internal damage and your core containment is strong. Why didn't you tell me that sand cloud hurt you so badly?
NIKKLO
I didn't pay attention to it at the time. In the heat of battle, I've been taught to concentrate on maneuvers and pay attention to the pain later. Then I got the urgent telepathic message from Hadah that most of their systems were down and they were being hunted. I rushed to their aide without a thought about myself. I paid for it.
TAREK
Yes, you did pay for it. You almost killed us all by letting yourself get so weak, you almost broke the containment of your core. Now, Danu told me he wants me to do a complete Tauian physical on you to make sure you can astral phase safely again.
NIKKLO
I do want to phase safely again. I really don't like pain.
TAREK
I know you better than anyone else does. I know you don't seek pain. You haven't been taking care of yourself correctly either and I blame myself for that. I should have done my job as your father and taught you Tauian self-care when we had time to spend with each other. I'll correct that now. Please change to your Tauian form.
Tarek waved a sensor over Nikklo body.
TAREK
Okay, I'm not seeing any internal damage. Danu, could you please bring us about a dozen sheets of fine course sandpaper then give us some privacy?
DANU
Sandpaper?
TAREK
You humanoids have to wash your skin to keep your body healthy. Tauians have to smooth their shell to keep the refraction clean for traveling on light waves.
DANU
A Tauian bathing ritual?
TAREK
Yes.
Nikklo covered his eyes with his hands.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Aw, shit, why didn't I think about something so simple?
TAREK
That knowledge may have been lost because of your amnesia. You may have thought that the rituals you did to keep your Saili body healthy took care of the needs of your Tauian body. After I returned you to your Tauian body, I didn't tell you the Tauian form needed special care.
Danu stepped out and returned a minute later with a stack of sandpaper. He set them down and left again.
NIKKLO
Now what do I do?
TAREK
Are you still naked?
NIKKLO
Yes, my clothes were cut off me so I could get cleaned up and go into the healing tent.
TAREK
Change to your Tauian form.
Nikklo changed to Tauian form.
Tarek pulled the blanket from around Nikklo.
TAREK
This will only get in the way.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Great, I'm totally naked and your going to scrub me all over like I'm a child.
TAREK
At least in Tauian form, we have no external genitalia. I'm not going to see anything naughty.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Ha, ha.
TAREK
I did sculpt your Saili form so I have seen everything.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
And how did you do that when I was a fetus in Damira's stomach?
TAREK
I sculpted your adult Saili form first as an exact copy of your Tauian body in stasis then shifted your DNA code into an ovum harvested from Damira. I injected the fertilized ovum into Damira and she carried you to term. She gave birth to you without knowledge I ever intervened in her pregnancy.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Did Giovano father me?
TAREK
No, I did.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
So you fertilized another man's wife with your own child?
TAREK
It wouldn't have worked right with Giovano's DNA. I know I asked a lot of Damira and Giovano to set up your destiny.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Do you regret doing these things, Tarek?
TAREK
I regret many things, Nikklo. My whole life has been a string of regrets. You are the light in my life that keeps me going. I do not regret being your father. Now let's get this done.
Tarek handed him a sheet of sand paper. He looked closely at him.
TAREK
You are pitted and you have some particle buildup on your shell. We need to smooth all this from your shell.
Tarek took a sandpaper and held up Nikklo's left arm.
TAREK
Now gently rub the sandpaper on your shell. If you find a snag, work on sanding it until it no longer catches. I'll do your back and you start with your front.
Nikklo began to scrub his chest. He found resistance and scrubbed harder.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Owe.
TAREK
Not so hard. Just use a little pressure with even strokes. This will take longer than normal because you've never done it before and you have three months of buildup.
MONTAGE OF SANDING
TAREK
Where does Danu store his towels here?
Nikklo walked over to a cabinet and pulled out a towel.
Tarek took another towel.
TAREK
Now to polish you.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Polish?
TAREK
Of course, we have to get the scoured dust off your shell. Sit down again.
Nikklo sat on the treatment table again.
Tarek vigorously rubbed his back.
Nikklo rubbed his front.
NIKKLO
Wow, this feels good.
TAREK
Now your shell is smooth and polished. You should be able to phase easier.
Nikklo looked at the table that was covered in dirt.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Wow, I was very dirty.
Danu peeked in.
DANU
Are you finished?
TAREK
We are.
DANU
Wow, this room is a mess!
TAREK
Nik had a lot of buildup on his shell. I'll clean it up if you want me to.
DANU
No, I'll have my staff clean it and sanitize the room. Is Nik better now?
TAREK
He should be.
DANU
Is he still here?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I'm here, Danu. I need new clothes.
DANU
Okay, we'll bring you new clothes.
A few minutes later, CHERNA stepped in with a stack of clothes.
CHERNA
Brought you something to wear.
TAREK
I'll step out and leave you two alone.
Tarek walked through the door.
SAILI NIKKLO dressed.
CHERNA
I asked you not to hurt yourself further but you almost killed yourself.
NIKKLO
I'm sorry. The Kumani was in critical condition. If I hadn't rescued it, all our remaining family would have died.
CHERNA
I know that but you could have asked for help and you didn't.
NIKKLO
No one else can fight like I can. That's why I'm the Tsikakayu.
CHERNA
But others can fight, not like you, but they can fight. Make a Tauian team for yourself like your Red team on the Kumani so you don't end up like this again, Nikky!
NIKKLO
You're right, I should. I'll look into it.
Cherna stroked his cheek.
CHERNA
I do love you, Nikky. I also fear for you because you're so reckless.
NIKKLO
I wasn't so reckless as Sannaro.
CHERNA
You had more structure back then. You had leaders to listen to and rules to follow. Now you're making your own rules and answer to no one. Reign yourself in before you kill yourself.
NIKKLO
I'll try.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Am I cleared for duty again, Danu?
DANU (PSI V.O.)
Is he, Tarek?
TAREK (PSI V.O.)
He's completely healed. It's your call since this is your ship, Danu.
DANU (PSI V.O.)
Okay, you're cleared for duty.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I need to get back to Belvas. Can I phase or are you still restricting me to shuttle flights?
DANU (PSI V.O.)
Tarek?
TAREK (PSI V.O.)
He's safe to phase.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Thank you.
DANU (PSI V.O.)
Try not to hurt yourself again.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I'm getting tired of hurting myself.
NIKKLO
Cheri, I need to get back to Belvas for the emergency meeting of our allies.
CHERNA
I know. I still can't believe the Humans would turn on us. We need to figure out what to do about this.
NIKKLO
We do. This is too grave to ignore. I know it's hard but try to keep Linea on the ship.
CHERNA
It wasn't my fault she disappeared!
NIKKLO
I know. She phased to me because I thought of her meeting Zhad and Adara.
CHERNA
Are they alright?
NIKKLO
Yes.
CHERNA
Did you see my parents?
NIKKLO
I didn't see them. The communications are down right now so calling is out. I'll ask Hadah about them at the meeting.
CHERNA
How did you see Zhad and Adara? Both are retired.
NIKKLO
Adara must have sensed my presence and ran to beg me to stop hurting myself. Zhad followed with a med kit. He may be retired but he says he'll never stop being a physician.
CHERNA
They're still sensitive to your telepathy.
NIKKLO
Houk, Adara said she had missed my presence on the Kumani. I asked them if they wanted to move to Euryanassa to be closer to their grandchildren. They told me they would discuss it. I need to go.
CHERNA
Be as safe as a star rider can be.
NIKKLO
I'll try.
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
Nik, can you come to the Kumani landing site?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
What's wrong?
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
We just found Ku'an. He's dying.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
How?
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
He was helping to staunch a fuel leak during the attack and was doused with seranium. He's got severe chemical burns.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Iachi'awei Ushi!
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
My father's dying?
HADAH (PSI V.O.)
I'm sorry, Cheri.
CHERNA (PSI V.O.)
Nikky, take me with you!
DI'OK (PSI V.O.)
Me too!
DI'OK burst through the door and tackled Nikklo.
Nikklo braced himself and took Cherna's hand.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Danu, Cheri, Di and I are going to Kumani. Ku'an's dying of chemical burns.
DANU (PSI V.O.)
I heard. I'll tell Marc.
TAUIAN NIKKLO PHASING VISUAL
Nikklo felt like he was sliding wildly and more rapidly than usual. He grabbed an upward beam to slow them down. He didn't want to slam himself and his best friends into the ground.
He let go of the light and they dropped a short distance to the ground beside the blackened skin of their childhood ship.
SAILI NIKKLO
They ran up the ramp to the elevator and took it to the medical suite.
They burst out into the reception area.
HADAH met them.
HADAH
You'll have to scrub to be near him.
NIKKLO
I need a containment suit. I don't want my Gonkacha to react to the seranium.
HADAH
How about the suit medics wear when you're bleeding?
NIKKLO
That will work.
A medic handed Nikklo a silver jumpsuit and a clear face mask.
INT. BURN UNIT, KUMANI - CONTINUOUS
They went into the scrub room and washed up.
As soon as Nikklo toweled himself dry, he pulled on the containment suit.
Cherna and Di'ok pulled on medical clothes.
Hadah nodded and pressed the button for the inner door to open.
They went through the door.
Hadah closed the door and went back into the hall.
Beside the bed, BA'IA stood up and rushed to her children.
CHERNA
Mother, we're so sorry!
Di'ok's lips were quivering unable to speak.
BA'IA
Nikky, baby, don't stay at the wall.
You belong here, too.
NIKKLO
I can't touch you! I'm allergic to seranimite!
BA'IA
I know you are. I'm glad you brought my children. Di, honey, you're rarely speechless. Let your tears go.
DI'OK
I'm sorry, mother.
KU'AN
Hey, is everyone going to just stand around and talk about me?
NIKKLO
You have to keep your gruffness, even when you're dying, Ku'an?
KU'AN
Hey, you should know handling seranium is a tough dangerous job. That's why you're in that suit, golden boy. Just don't want all of you to ignore the reason you're all here.
Cherna rushed over to him. She held up her hand but hesitated.
KU'AN
I wish I could touch you too, hala, but my skin is paper thin and almost eaten away.
Nikklo walked up beside her and took her hand.
He saw that his lean father-in-law's skin was fire red, almost liquified, and his brown hair was wisps on his head. His brown eyes were full of pain but he had a twinkle in his eyes.
KU'AN
She's all yours now. I know you've taken good care of my little girl.
Di'ok walked up and leaned on Nikklo's other shoulder.
DI'OK
I know I have said some unkind things to you but I never stopped loving you, Father.
KU'AN
I know, Di'ok. I had to see you're just as brave as your sister for daring to talk to worlders to get their cooperation. I have very heroic children. I can return to Astris with pride knowing my children are respected Astrisi warriors. Even you, nugget.
Nikklo sobbed.
NIKKLO
Damn mask.
KU'AN
Don't get sick because of me. You have to protect my family. Ba'ia, don't be alone. If you want to go to Nik's ship, do it.
BA'IA
I'll think about it, Ku'an.
KU'AN
I put you through the worst with my attitude but you're as tough as the leather you stitch. I didn't appreciate you like I should have, too.
He gasped and his body shook with spasms.
NIKKLO
Who is treating you? I'll call them.
KU'AN
Too late. They've done all they can. That's why Hadah yelled at you in your head. I hear you had another baby?
NIKKLO
Houk, her name is Rakulinea.
KU'AN
Ba'ia, you should see her for me.
BA'IA
I will, Ku'an.
Ku'an rolled into a ball and his body shook. He gasped then was still.
PSYCHIC VISION
Nikklo saw Ku'an in his inner sight. He looked healthy and robust again.
KU'AN
See you, Nikklosannaro. Iachi'awei, fly me home.
A bird formed of pure fire swept up from the astral tear and enveloped him. She flew into the tear and Ku'an's mental essence faded from his mind.
BACK TO NORMAL VISION
Sannaro hugged Cherna and cried hard.
Di'ok drapped himself on Nikklo's back and poured out his own tears.
Ba'ia hugged all three and nestled her tear-soaked face into the crook of Nikklo's arm.
They remained huddled until their tears dried.
BA'IA
Let's leave here so Nikky can get out of that suit.
They separated and went into the scrub room.
Ba'ia, Cherna and Di'ok scrubbed again to make sure the chemical was washed from their skin.
Nikklo pulled off the bodysuit and placed it into the laundry container.
The rest pulled off the scrubs and they went into the hall.
INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY, KUMANI – CONTINUOUS
HADAH
Is he gone?
BA'IA
Yes, he's dead.
HADAH
I'm sorry, Ba'ia.
BA'IA
I know but at least he died doing what he loved to do.
NIKKLO
He really came to accept me.
Ba'ia
I'm glad, Nikky. I knew since the first day I watched you for Adara's request to marry Zhad when you were seven years old that you were a good man. It just took Ku'an longer to see it because he was sick. I'm glad I stayed by his side to help him heal.
HADAH
Have you heard anything about the meeting, Nik?
NIKKLO
I sense Jahium wants us to attend soon, but Marc sent him a message that I was addressing a private matter.
NIKKLO
Do you wish to remain here or return to Euryanassa?
Ba'ia burst into tears.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
Di'ok turned to hug his mother.
CHERNA
We'll wait here until you're done. Mother needs us.
Hadah stepped up beside Nikklo.
NIKKLO
We'll be back as soon as we can.
TAUIAN NIKKLO touched Hadah's shoulder and phased to Algail.
EXT. ALGAIL, BELVAS – DAY
They were shocked at the state of the city. The end of the streets on either side had barricades blocking the old city from the new city.
NIKKLO
Wow, those weren't here before I phased you!
HADAH
This is disturbing.
They walked into the main building.
INT. COUNCIL BUILDING, BELVAS – DAY - CONTINUOUS
Alrian met them.
ALRIAN
I'll guide you to the meeting hall.
Nikklo was surprised to see so many people in the hall waiting for them.
A large black panther stood up in the corner. He stretched lazily. Suddenly, his fur drew in to his skin. His legs straightened out and his cat ears moved to the side of his head. His face hair receded but the hair on his head remained. He stood up. He was now wearing a blue-black bodysuit. His eyes were slanted and still inhuman.
JAHIUM
There you are. We were getting concerned.
NIKKLO
I had a death in my family.
DUSTI
Who?
NIKKLO
Cherna's father.
DUSTI
Ku'an, the senior fuel handler?
NIKKLO
Yes.
BAS-ALEUS
Tragic.
HADAH
My ship is nearly destroyed.
NIKKLO
Because Humans aren't willing to forgive that Kumani caused the fire on Regalis and raised me as a warrior to become Tsikakayu. Other Astrisi ships were attacked but Kumani was attacked the most brutally.
MU-POLRED
You started this, boy!
NIKKLO
I'm sure you've started your share of fights, Polred. How many have relived the grudge?
FUR-ULMA
That's the point. How many people we know attack over and over again because of a past grievance? The Regalis fire happened forty two years ago.
WO-CHI'ON
Because they want Nikklo.
NIKKLO
How many times do I have to be punished for the past?
BAS-ENU'US
You did explode a world!
NIKKLO
While my limbs were being severed from my body!
BAS-ENU'US
Maybe if we surrendered you to the Alliance, the attacks will stop?
Nikklo felt the blood drain from his face.
TAREK
Absolutely not. I will not sacrifice my son for an easy fix!
MU-POLRED
You're more to blame for this mess, Great Forger! You're the Tauian who started all of this! What right did you have to create your own race of beings for your entertainment?
DEVASRU
Wait, I resent you saying the Saili only exist for Tarek's amusement. We of New Sailia are our own sovereign colony! He may have helped our evolution but we became our own race. Tarek is still honored as the Great Forger, the father of our race.
JAHIUM
Enough! Finger pointing will get us nowhere!
HYAN
My Abroc are being corralled in walled fields and we had nothing to do with the attack on Regalis or the destruction of Tauia!
JON DANIELS
The Brocana are also being rounded up! How can handing over Nikklosannaro convince the citizens of the Terran Alliance to stop harming people not of Human descent?
MU-POLRED
You're of Human descent!
JON DANIELS
Yes, I am but I married a Brocana! My first born son, a half-Brocana, is serving as Nikklosannaro's first officer on the Euryanassa! My point is that the violence is going beyond grudge toward an attack that happened over forty years ago and is now becoming a witch hunt, motivated by pure Human irrational fear!
JAHIUM
I agree with Ambassador Daniels. My people had nothing to do with the attack on Regalis yet we have had to wall off our city from the new Human city and segregate them because they are causing violence in our city! They took over our abandoned city while we were hiding from the Zurans! Once we returned to help the Humans push the Zurans back to their region of space, we allowed the Humans to remain among us! Now they riot and cause us harm. We cannot rationalize with them! I am about to deport every Human who expresses hatred toward us. How is surrendering Nikklo going to solve this violent behavior? It may soothe it for a short time until we do something that stirs the irrational fear again!
HYAN
I agree!
DI'OK (PSI V.O.)
Nik, Hadah is needed at the Kumani!
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
What's wrong, brother?
DI'OK (PSI V.O.)
Humans are congregating around the ship and shouting angrily. Eron is getting anxious and thinks he may have to send the fighter pilots out to push them back.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
This is not good. We just started the meeting.
DI'OK (PSI V.O.)
Things are heating up fast here.
HADAH
What's wrong, Nik? You're getting that far away look like someone is speaking to you in your head.
NIKKLO
I am receiving a message from Di'ok. He says Humans are demonstrating around the Kumani and Eron is considering sending out the fighter pilots to protect the ship.
HADAH
Fausa!
JAHIUM
This is what I'm talking about! My people are not equipped to deal with this kind of violence! We are a peaceful people with only one defender to quell dissidence!
NIKKLO
Then we'll have to help him. The Astrisi have more experience with countering violence.
MU-POLRED
Now you want to declare war on the Humans, Tauian? Your kind seem to be very good at conquering other planets.
NIKKLO
I fought against my own kind to stop them from conquering planets! I want peaceful coexistence too but it seems we're not going to get it from many Humans at this time! They need time to calm the hell down and become rational again!
HADAH
Let's secede and throw their asses out of our former alliance's space! This area of space was ours way before the Humans colonized space!
JON DANIELS
Excuse me, Hadah, but the Brocana were never a part of your alliance.
HYAN
Neither were the Abroc. Adhara is deep inside Alliance Territory. We'd become isolated if we seceded.
JON DANIELS
So would Alpha Centauri 7.
JAHIUM
That is a problem.
WO-CHI'ON
You may have to remain sympathetic to us but try to quell violence toward you.
JON DANIELS
I'm still in the Council of Representatives. I can try to talk the Human population into calming down and open negotiations.
NIKKLO
You may have to try to work on it from the inside. However, we'll be here to back you if the Humans step up the aggression.
HYAN
We can pull back to our mountain prides in rural areas of Adhara if things get too intense for us.
NIKKLO
We would also be there to back you if you need help. Since the rest of us are on the edge of the Terran Alliance, we could seal ourselves and offer each other more support. We Astrisi have ownership of Gasbaja as our home port. We still know the location of Cashanaya if we have to expand to another planet.
HYAN
I don't like having to dig in and wait out the storm.
DI'OK (PSI V.O.)
Nik, we need Hadah now.
NIKKLO
This discussion will have to wait. Hadah is being urgently summoned to defend his ship.
JAHIUM
Yes, you must protect your ship. Alrian will have to go with you to show Belvan support of your defense.
TAUIAN NIKKLO PHASING VISUAL
Nikklo flew to the downed Kumani.
INT. KUMANI BRIDGE
HADAH
Report, Retal!
RETAL
Finally, you're here! We've got a crowd of Humans outside yelling that we give them Nikky or they'll tear our ship apart!
NIKKLO
So we should give them what they want. However, I'm not going with them peaceably. They'll have to fight me.
RETAL
You can't take on a whole riot, Nik!
NIKKLO
I can take on a whole riot. I can fight a whole space battle without a ship.
RETAL
Danu told me you were on an independent stubborn streak. I see what he was talking about.
NIKKLO
I love you as Danu's father, but I'm doing what I think needs to be done!
HADAH
You're not going to do that after you collapsed phasing the Kumani here, Nik. You've only been a few hours out of the healing tent.
NIKKLO
They could all jump me then I can phase them all to Earth and phase back in less than a minute. Then there won't be a riot anymore and Jahium will get them deported. Two problems solved in less than a minute.
HADAH
Then if there are any more remaining on Belvas, they'll storm us again. I think we need a better strategy here, Nik. Not that I don't want to do it. I think that may be a good alternate plan in a crunch.
NIKKLO
Okay, me and Alrian take our hlatutara out there and scare them with two diving bugs? It would be less extreme but it would disperse the crowd. Then if Alrian and I need backup, we can tell Eron to send Vizha'e in with stun weapons. It would be a more conventional riot strategy.
HADAH
Huh, that sounds a bit better. Let's go with your second plan and if things spiral out of control, implement the expulsion plan.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Arcas, take Hlatutara form and phase to me.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
I think this is a bit crazy but I am your hlatutara and must obey my master. On my way.
The air distorted before him and Arcas' rainbow winged flying spider form appeared hovered in the air.
Alrian stepped forward and looked closer at Razorwing Arcas.
ALRIAN
That's what they look like naturally?
NIKKLO
That's a natural hlatutara.
Alrian pulled out a metal weapon with the rainbow wings hanging from the legs and the legs spread out.
ALRIAN
Zelzen looks very different.
NIKKLO
They still respond the same. Let's go, Defender.
Razorwing Arcas landed on Nikklo's shoulder.
Zelzen pulled his legs back together.
Alrian put him back into his sheath at his belt.
ALRIAN
I'm with you, Great Defender.
Nikklo led them up the stairs out of the bridge to the elevator.
They took the elevator to the storage deck with the external hatch. They walked down the ramp and looked around at the crowds across the field.
EXT. KUMANI LANDING FIELD, BELVAS – DAY - CONTINUOUS
Eron walked behind them with a team of fully armed fighter pilots in full flight gear.
NIKKLO
Nice to see you again, Eron.
ERON (V.O.)
Been a while, Nikklosannaro.
NIKKLO
You know you can call me Nik or just fall back to calling me San like the old days.
ERON (V.O.)
I know but I'm not excited about fighting a ground riot.
NIKKLO
I'm not anymore eager, my friend.
HUMAN #1
That's the Destroyer of Worlds! Give yourself up, murderer!
NIKKLO
Disperse this crowd and return to Algail or Alrian and I will have to force you to leave.
HUMAN #1
Are you the Destroyer of Worlds?
NIKKLO
I have only caused the destabilization of Tauia while my arms and legs were cut from my body. Tauia destroyed itself. Now return to Algail peacefully or we will force you to leave.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Arcas rise into the air.
Razorwing Arcas launched into the air and spread his wings. He stayed in hover above Nikklo's head.
HUMAN #1
What the hell is that?
Alrian pulled out Zelzen and tossed him into the air.
Zelzen spread his wings and hovered a short distance from Razorwing Arcas.
NIKKLO
They are the Defender weapons, the hlatutara. They will swoop down on you to slice you if you don't withdraw now.
Some of the crowd pulled back in fear but not enough for Nikklo's liking.
HUMAN #1
Don't fear them! We are many and they are a few! Hand over the Destroyer of Worlds or we'll take him to justice!
Razorwing Arcas swooped toward the crowd.
People screamed and scattered.
Zelzen joined Razorwing Arcas to swoop over the crowd.
NIKKLO
I think this would've worked better if I had just transported everyone away! Eron, open fire.
ERON (V.O.)
Vizha'e, fire at will!
Eron's team rushed down the ramp and ran toward the crowd as they shot their guns at the remaining crowd.
NIKKLO
This is a mess.
ALRIAN
I don't think it's bad enough for the expulsion yet. We're pushing them back quite well. I do this several times a day anymore.
NIKKLO
It's still insane.
ALRIAN
I won't deny that, Nikklosannaro.
NIKKLO
During the Tauian war, when I tried to use conventional tactics, the success was short-lived. Many times, I had to resort to my Tauian powers to put an end to the offensive.
ALRIAN
I know you're holding yourself back, Tsikakayu. Please be patient.
TAUIAN NIKKLO rose into the air, phased above the crowd then grabbed an upward light beam. He barely gripped the light so he slid down the beam in a controlled fall and pulled energy with him. He spun himself around the light and blew the energy across the field.
People flew to the ground like a great flower blooming explosively across the field.
The Astrisi Vizha'e crossed their arms before their helmets and fought to remain on their feet.
Razorwing Arcas arched high into the air to regain control and returned to hover beside Nikklo in the air.
NIKKLO
That's a very small demonstration of my power! Disperse now or you will be harmed.
People picked themselves off the ground and sprinted back toward Algail.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
All Vizha'e, withdraw to Kumani.
As everyone was regrouping at the base of the ramp, TAUIAN Nikklo touched ground among them.
SAILI NIKKLO
ERON (V.O.)
That was a small demonstration of your power?
NIKKLO
Very small.
ALRIAN
That was scary. You are very powerful, Tsikakayu.
NIKKLO
I didn't resort to the expulsion like you told me. I just thought it was taking too long. Now we can secure the Kumani and get back to the meeting to give a report.
Alrian and Nikklo walked up the ramp into the Kumani.
RAZORWING ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Can I return to my Saili form, Nik? I would like to talk to a few people now we're visiting home again.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Go ahead, Arc. You want to talk to Iara again?
RAZORWING ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
I miss her! I have so much to apologize to her for being stupid. I hope she'll give me another chance.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I wish you the best, my friend.
Arcas shimmered and turned into his SAILI ARCAS.
SAILI ARCAS
Fa'arata.
NIKKLO
You'll have to ask Hadah if you can move around the ship since we're not residents of the Kumani any longer.
SAILI ARCAS
I know, it's so strange.
Alrian stopped and stared.
ALRIAN
Where did your Hlatutara go?
NIKKLO
Alrian, this is Arcas.
SAILI ARCAS
Hi.
ALRIAN
Now I am confused.
NIKKLO
Arcas is a warrior and a proficient pilot. I moved his soul into the body of a Hlatutara to save him from death. Once the war was over, Tarek gave him the ability to change shape to a Saili form so he could pilot the Euryanassa when he wasn't needed as a Hlatutara.
ALRIAN
There's a lot Arcas can do that Zelzen cannot do. You are most definitely the Tsikakayu.
INT. BRIDGE, KUMANI - CONTINUOUS
Hadah rushed them.
HADAH
What the hell was that maneuver, Nik?
NIKKLO
I would call it a vortex maneuver. I twisted light and generated an energy wave to blow across the field. The demonstrators got frightened and ran.
HADAH
It shook the whole ship!
NIKKLO
The energy I generated was of moderate strength so I'm not surprised it shook the ship. The demonstrators have fled.
HADAH
And that was a small demonstration of your power? I'd hate to see a big one.
SAILI ARCAS
You wouldn't survive it.
HADAH
What the hell? Arcas? You were a razorwing. Now you're Saili but you look like you did as an Astrisi?
SAILI ARCAS
Tarek gave me the ability to take on a Saili form.
HADAH
Right, Nik did ask Tarek to not leave you in the form of a bug during the celebration at New Sailia. Nice to see you again. Nik treating you well?
SAILI ARCAS
He's a merciful and fair master. I'm now Senior Mothership pilot of the Euryanassa when I'm not in Hlatutara form.
HADAH
You do have the skills for that job.
SAILI ARCAS
Can I have permission to speak with Iara? I miss her.
HADAH
You can try but I can't speak for her if she wants to resume a relationship with you.
SAILI ARCAS
I would like to try. Fa'arata, Hadah.
HADAH
Good luck, Arc.
NIKKLO
You can stay here while we go back to the meeting.
SAILI ARCAS
You're kind to me.
Arcas climbed out of the command well of the bridge.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
HADAH
He's changed.
NIKKLO
Near death experiences can change a man. I wanted to give my friend a second chance at life.
HADAH
You and Tarek are gods. We can't defy death like you can.
NIKKLO
Not gods, just more powerful. I can't completely defy death. If I hadn't been there as Arcas was dying, I wouldn't have been able to move his soul to a Hlatutara. He would have permanently died.
HADAH
But aren't gods people who have more power than you?
NIKKLO
By Human definition, yes, but there are powers out there that are greater than mine so I think we're just a little higher on the evolutionary scale than you but not by much.
HADAH
Well, let's get back to that meeting.
NIKKLO
Alrian, are you ready to go with us?
ALRIAN
I am, Tsikakayu.
TAUIAN NIKKLO PHASING VISUAL
INT. COUNCIL ROOM, BELVAS - DAY
Hadah, Alrian and Nikklo appeared inside a room in disarray.
Jahium meet them.
JAHIUM
Dispersing the protest around the Kumani only aggravated the Humans more, Nikklo.
NIKKLO
Shit, I was afraid of this. We may have to threaten deportation if they don't calm down.
JAHIUM
Then we'll have to announce cessation to justify the mass deportation.
NIKKLO
Jon, Hyan, I think I need to phase both of you home so they won't know representatives of Centaui 7 and Adhara were present for this move against the Alliance.
JON DANIELS
It is getting alarming out there. Oh, and I have to tell you something before we go.
NIKKLO
What is it?
JON DANIELS
Amber came with me.
NIKKLO
Amber, Marc's wife?
JON DANIELS
Yes, she was wanting time to ask you a question but things are getting bad here.
NIKKLO
She should go back with you.
JON DANIELS
She won't go back with me. She wants to talk to Marc.
NIKKLO
If she stays, she'll be cut off from all Humans.
JON DANIELS
Just talk to her, Nik.
NIKKLO
I'll phase to her to speak with her quickly then I'll be back to take you and Hyan home.
JON DANIELS
Thank you.
TAUIAN NIKKLO PHASING VISUAL
SAILI NIKKLO landed into a hotel room in the Human part of Algail.
INT. AMBER'S INN ROOM, ALGAIL, BELVAS - DAY - CONTINUOUS
A woman with auburn hair and brown eyes spun around from looking out the window.
AMBER
Sannaro!
NIKKLO
Sorry for the rude entrance. I wasn't willing to appear outside your room for fear I could be seen by Humans who would attack me.
AMBER
Uh, Sannaro, oh sorry, Nikklo, do you have room for another communications specialist?
NIKKLO
You're asking for me to hire you to work on the Euryanassa?
AMBER
That's what I'm asking.
NIKKLO
You hurt Marcayo, you know.
AMBER
I've been thinking hard in the last few months since Marcayo left. He's a good man.
NIKKLO
He is a good man.
AMBER
I've decided I need to repair my relationship with him. Would you give me this chance, Great Defender?
NIKKLO
I think you need to ask Marcayo if he would give you that chance. Once you have his answer, I would consider extending you an apprenticeship.
AMBER
I am an experienced space traffic controller.
NIKKLO
I know you are but communications on an Astrisi ship is very different because they must be multilingual and fluent in Astrisi. You would have to learn how to speak Astrisi and learn how to use our systems before you can be certified as an Astrisi Communications Specialist. I would give you the apprenticeship so you could try to pass certification.
AMBER
Oh, I understand now. That is a reasonable arrangement.
NIKKLO
Okay, you may talk to Marc. He's become indispensable to me as my Executive Officer and Amaranta seems to be very interested in Andoku. I think they're- well, falling in love.
AMBER
My Ama and your Andu?
NIKKLO
Yeah, Andu helped Ama navigate Astrisi culture and now they can't seem to be pulled apart. I think he may refuse to attend his Usuata os Tasra.
AMBER
Is that bad?
NIKKLO
I wouldn't call it bad but Astrisi councils are getting tired of my family bringing non-Astrisi on board as mates. It may be different on the Euryanassa because I run my ship in an nontraditional way. My ship is completely a war ship where the Astrisi ships are arks with defenses. No one has permanent citizenship unless they ask for it. I employ my crew. Question I want to ask in my son's behalf is would you be willing to accept your daughter's feelings for my Saili son?
AMBER
Can I get a feel for this new situation first?
NIKKLO
That's a fair request. If you don't mind me asking, what made you reconsider your strained relationship with Marc?
AMBER
The news. I heard all that hateful talk toward anyone whose lineage didn't hail back to Earth and thought about all the garbage Marc has faced from the ISP and ADF all these years. You know, the first time I saw Marc at a restaurant on the Earth/Mars Spacestation, he was so shy. He feared I would reject him because of his strange eyes. He'd gotten a lot of hassle from his command about being half-Brocana. My people from Mexico once faced similar attitudes. My Mother June told me the people of fair skin once called my Heritage terrible names. Now that Humans are traveling to other planets and meeting people from other worlds, that meanness was redirected to you and Marcayo. Ama was right. I guess I got too comfortable with not being a minority like my ancestors were.
I need to embrace the wildness of my husband and experience his and my daughter's world instead of being as intolerant as those people on the news. So that's why I'm asking to have another chance with my wild Brocana man.
NIKKLO
That sounds like a good reason to me. I wish to encourage you. I need to transport Jon back to Centauri 7. Do you want to go with him? If you stay, you may be cut off from the Alliance because of the violence.
AMBER
I don't want to go back with him. My place is with my husband.
NIKKLO
Okay, I'll take you to Euryanassa soon after I take Jon home. You should be safe here for now since you're Human.
She hugged her chest and looked out the window at the running people below.
AMBER
I don't feel proud to be Human right now, Nikklo.
NIKKLO
It's not a shining moment for Humanity so I can understand your feelings. I'll be going now.
TAUIAN NIKKLO PHASING VISUAL
INT. COUNCIL BUILDING, BELVAS – DAY - CONTINUOUS
Nikklo returned to the meeting hall.
SAILI NIKKLO
JON DANIELS
She's not going with me, is she?
NIKKLO
No, she wants to talk to Marc. She thinks, in this crisis, she needs to be with her husband. I'm encouraging her decision because Marc has been very lonely without her. I think he'll be happy to see her again.
JON DANIELS
I'm glad. I was sad to hear that she refused to go with Ama. That's my son's family and their pain is my pain too. I hope she's willing to heal her relationship with my son now.
NIKKLO
I hope so too. Hyan,I think I should phase both of you at the same time so we can get you home quickest. I'll phase to Centauri 7 first since it's the closest to Belvas then I'll phase to Adhara.
HYAN
That might be best.
Jon walked over to Hyan and laid his hand on Hyan's shoulder.
JON DANIELS
We're ready for transport, Nikklo.
TAUIAN NIKKLO touched Jon's shoulder.
PHASING VISUAL
INT. JON DANIELS ESTATE, ALPHA CENTAURI 7 - DAY
Nikklo landed them at Jon's opulent house on Centauri 7.
Jon looked around at his home.
JON DANIELS
Now that's service, Nik. Straight to my main hall.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
You're welcome.
JON DANIELS
You can't vocalize in Tauian form?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
No, I have no ability to vocalize in this form.
JON DANIELS
Thank you for bringing me home. Go on to Adhara so you can get back to your crisis.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Kohura naki.
JON DANIELS
I assure you, we will meet again, Nikklo. You employ my son and give shelter to my granddaughter.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
That's my promise to you. Hyan, prepare for phase.
Nikklo laid his hand on Hyan's shoulder.
PHASING VISUAL
EXT. FIELD, ADHARA - DAY
TAUIAN NIKKLO landed it a field on Adhara.
HYAN
Not so close to my home like you did for Jon.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I apologize. I've been to Jon's home. I've never been to your home. Turn toward that direction and think about how it looks like and I'll phase you there.
Hyan adjusted his heading.
HYAN'S PSYCHIC VISION
Hyan thought about a small village of wooden homes.
PHASING VISUAL
EXT. HYAN'S ABROC VILLAGE, ADHARA – DAY - CONTINUOUS
Nikklo landed in that small village.
HYAN
Yes, this is home. Thank you for transporting me.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I need to return to Belvas.
HYAN
Yes, it is sad to see the Humans are behaving badly toward you. Travel safely, Nikklosannaro.
Hyan changed to FELINE HYAN black leopard form and loped away.
PHASING VISUAL
INT. AMBER'S INN ROOM, ALGAIL, BELVAS - DAY
Amber stood at the window but her bags were packed and arranged at her feet.
Saili Nikklo stopped at Amber's side.
The air smelled like smoke and the streets were littered with trash.
NIKKLO
It's worse than when I left.
AMBER
The native Belvans constantly sound messages for the Humans to stop the violence and return to their homes but they're still marauding in the streets. This is crazy. They call the Aliens barbarians but I see the Humans are acting more barbaric than the native Belvans.
NIKKLO
I'm not happy to say welcome to my world, Amber, but you made that step into it when you made your vows to be Marc's wife.
AMBER
It's time for me to accept that world.
NIKKLO
I want to phase you to Euryanassa now.
Nikklo picked up some of her luggage.
Amber picked up the rest.
NIKKLO
Since my hands are full, I'll press my arm against yours so I can carry you along when I phase.
AMBER
So you have to have skin contact to phase someone else?
NIKKLO
Yes, or I only phase myself.
He touched her with his elbow.
TAUIAN NIKKLO PHASING VISUAL to Euryanassa.
Marc turned around.
MARC
It's about time Nik. Uh, Amber?
MARC rushed to hug Amber.
She dropped her luggage and dove into his hug.
They kissed hungrily.
MARC
Oh, baby, I'm so glad to see you!
AMBER
I saw the news about all the violence toward non-humans and thought I should be with you and Ama. Jon was asked to come to the meeting on Belvas so I asked to come with him to be reunited with you, my love.
Marc covered his face.
NIKKLO
It's okay, you can leave the bridge to Yuri. Take your wife to your quarters.
Marc nodded and turned toward the hatch.
YURI
You're looking fatigued, Nik. Danu told me to warn him if I observe signs of fatigue.
NIKKLO
You can tell him if you want to, Yuri, but my father-in-law just died of massive chemical burns and Belvas is rioting. I don't have the time to slow down right now.
TOKO
Incoming ships with weapons powered up!
NIKKLO
Shields up and prepare for battle.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Ambri scramble Vizha'i. The Humans are responding to the violence on Belvas.
AMBRIKA (PSI V.O.)
Scrambling, Dad.
NIKKLO
Great, half my normal bridge crew are on the Kumani!
YURI
We will do our best to serve you, Nik.
NIKKLO
I know you will.
Marc rushed back through the hatch.
MARC
What's got you tense?
NIKKLO
Incoming Human ships with powered up weapons.
MARC
They need to quit this!
NIKKLO
Is Amber secure in your quarters?
MARC
I dropped her off and came right back.
NIKKLO
Good.
ARCAS (PSI V.O.)
Pull me back, Nik, you need your best pilot.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Arcas, to me!
RAZORWING ARCAS appeared then shimmered into his SAILI ARCAS.
Toko stood up and Arcas sat down.
ARCAS
These are armed civilian vessels. Don't have any specs on them, Nik.
NIKKLO
Do your best, Arc.
Arcas nodded.
NIKKLO
Get some space between us and the rest of the fleet.
YURI
They're deploying Vizha'i too.
NIKKLO
Nice of them but I sense this is my fight. They're after my blood.
ARCAS
They keep yelling surrender the Destroyer of Worlds! Why the hell are they calling you that? You haven't destroyed any Human worlds.
NIKKLO
I destroyed Tauia. They think that's enough justification to call me that.
ARCAS
This is crazy.
NIKKLO
Tell me about it.
ARCAS
One ship is breaking off from the rest of the fleet and approaching us.
NIKKLO
Evasive maneuvers, Arc.
ARCAS
Doing evasive maneuvers.
Arcas' fingers danced over the control panel.
YURI
I sense a surge of alarming power on that ship.
NIKKLO
Arc, keep going. I'm going to phase out to fight this on two fronts.
ARCAS
Right.
TAUIAN NIKKLO PHASING VISUAL into space.
EXT. SPACE
Nikklo swooped in toward the ship of immense power Yuri was worried about.
A beam of energy drew a column of light directly at Nikklo.
Nikklo phased away from the beam.
The beam followed, shined through him and formed a ball of light around him.
He froze unable to move.
Another beam shot toward the Euryanassa and split the hull cleanly through mid-ship.
Nikklo screamed mentally and opened the containment around his core slightly. A vortex swirled around him.
The heaviness of his pulsar energy forced the light bubble to explode.
Nikklo went to his stricken ship.
PHASING VISUAL
Nikklo phased the forward part to the bunker on Gasbaja, then phased back to move the aft to the bunker.
SAILI NIKKLO dropped to the floor in a shivering heap and cried bitterly.
FADE OUT.
THE END.
The ringleader pulled a gun and rushed the Astrisi.
Most of the crowd rushed behind the ringleader with either energy weapons or any household item that could do damage.
NIKKLO
Justice is not yours to administer!
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Arcas, go!