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 87 – ADHARA
BY: LYSSA THORNE
FADE IN:
EXT. ABROC LANDS, ADHARA – DAY
Nikklo's vision cleared up to the sight of rolling green hills and towering purple mountains. He looked around and saw a huge blue-black panther sat on the ground.
The cat stood up and began to change shape until he stood on two feet with pink skin and only the blue-black hair was on his head.
HYAN
So, we meet again, Nikklosannaro. Your message sounded urgent. What can I do for you?
NIKKLO
My ship has been split in two and I need parts to repair it. The Belvans can build the parts but it would take months and we know a war is looming so I need pre-made parts quickly. The Humans of Adhara have shown less tendency to attack the indigenous people.
HYAN
We're not free of all violence toward us. We Abroc let Humans settle on our world and now they're treating us like we're lesser beings who have no rights to this land.
NIKKLO
I know you are still facing protests but less have been reported compared to other worlds. I wish I didn't have to say that seems to be a common misconception among Humans. Are they corralling your people yet like you said in the meeting?
HYAN
Not yet but they're talking about it.
NIKKLO
Then it may not be too late to do what I'm thinking. I wish I didn't have to do what I'm asking you to help me do but they're giving me very few options.
HYAN
So what do you need me to help you do?
NIKKLO
I need some serious spaceship parts. I want to disguise my self as an Abroc who wants to buy these parts and have them put in a shipping box. Once I have the parts, I'll disappear and no one will know where the parts went.
HYAN
You want to steal spaceship parts?
NIKKLO
Not steal them. I will pay Alliance credits to buy the parts.
HYAN
And disguise yourself as an Abroc? Wouldn't that be a bit hard to do since you're obviously a Saili?
NIKKLO
I've learned that I can also morph but, unlike you who only have two forms, I can take on many forms as long as I'm careful about not taking on too many forms.
HYAN
You can change into more forms than Saili and the form you travel in?
Nikklo concentrated on his male Human form. He felt his form settle again and looked up.
HUMAN NIKKLO
HYAN
Wow, you still look like you but you now look like a Human they call of South East Asian descent. How can you do this?
HUMAN NIKKLO
I'm actually a Tauian. I hid among Saili and was hunted by my own kind because I refused to conquer worlds for them.
HYAN
I watched the news while the Astrisi fought against the Tauians. You saved the whole Alliance from those invaders and ostracizing you is the thanks they give you? Humans bite the hand that feds them repeatedly. But even a Human doesn't completely look like an Abroc in bipedal form so how do you intend to pull this plan off?
NIKKLO
By mimicking your physiology. I could use my telepathy to watch the shifts you make to take on each form. May I do a telepathic scan of your form?
HYAN
Go ahead.
Nikklo concentrated on Hyan's mind and gripped the crystal at his throat. He willed his current form to be coded with his default Tauian and Saili forms. He thought about the Abroc cat form and activated the information. He felt a very unsettling feeling as his body shifted to the new form.
For CLARIFICATION, Humanoid Nikklo and Humanoid Hyan will be called Nikklo and Hyan.
FELINE NIKKLO
FELINE NIKKLO
Yowrl!
HYAN
Oh wow, even though your form shimmered and came back as a cat, that looked a bit uncomfortable. You really turned into a cat! Your fur looks like your Saili hair, a blue black. You look like you could be my litter mate but your face is a little more round and you look like a runt!
Feline Nikklo struggled to stand again.
FELINE NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Yeah, I always look like a runt.
HYAN
So any form you take has some similar traits?
FELINE NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Yep, some traits seem to be hardwired into each form. My facial features remain mostly the same and I'm always a bit smaller than the average being of that race because of my arrested development.
HYAN
Maybe you should run around for a while to get used to moving like an Abroc. I'll change forms and we'll run together.
FELINE HYAN returned to cat form and walked up to Feline Nikklo.
FELINE NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
That sounds like a good idea.
Feline Nikklo carefully walked a few steps then increased speed.
Feline Nikklo lost the rhythm and plowed face first into the ground.
Feline Hyan stopped and rumbled with laughter.
FELINE NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Thank you so very much, Hyan Yriss!
FELINE HYAN (PSI V.O.)
Hey, I respect your courage. Few bipedal beings would brave to venture into the quadrupedal world. It was just funny to see you sprawl like you did.
FELINE NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Can I connect with your motor center so I can learn from you how to time the movement?
FELINE HYAN (PSI V.O.)
Sure.
Feline Nikklo sat down to concentrate on making the connection.
FELINE HYAN (PSI V.O.)
You and Cheri still inseparable?
FELINE NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Yep, we have two grown children now. One is already married and the other is in a relationship. We have a two month old daughter named Rakulinea, too.
FELINE HYAN (PSI V.O.)
Wow, time really got away from us.
FELINE NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I heard you and your father repaired your relationship.
FELINE HYAN (PSI V.O.)
We did. I left for a while to get a doctorate in Zoology.
FELINE NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
You got a doctorate? That's impressive. Should I call you Doctor Yriss now?
FELINE HYAN (PSI V.O.)
No, just Hyan, please. Do you want me to call you Commander Nikklo?
FELINE NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
No, just Nikky.
FELINE HYAN (PSI V.O.)
I joined a survey team until we made a similar mistake the Humans made on Adhara. I realized I was naive to think I could keep Humans from stumbling into acting out of ignorance. After that, I returned home and had that talk with my father I should have done years earlier. I found that I wasn't that far off from what my father had wanted me to be. I've been an advocate of the Abroc to the Humans since then. I thought we were settling into a good relationship until that Selik turned up and badmouthed anyone not human. Then our relations with Humans turned sour.
FELINE NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Wow, you've had just as exciting a life as I have.
Feline Nikklo stood up again and moved into a trot. As he became comfortable with the rhythm, he increased speed. A rumbling laugh burst from him.
FELINE HYAN (PSI V.O.)
Liberating, isn't it?
FELINE NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Now, I just want to enjoy this run.
FELINE HYAN (PSI V.O.)
Okay, I'll be quiet now.
MONTAGE OF HYAN AND NIKKLO RUNNING THROUGH FIELDS
Nikklo stopped and flopped to the ground.
FELINE Nikklo (PSI V.O.)
Okay, I'm spent. Now to work on changing to the bipedal Abroc form.
FELINE HYAN (PSI V.O.)
That is primarily shifting the alignment of your arms and legs to stand upright on two legs and making your body hair shorter so it looks like it disappears.
FELINE NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Okay, I will keep my link to you while you change and I'll analyze your shifts as you do them.
Feline Nikklo concentrated on how HUMANOID HYAN made the shift until he was a man on his hands and knees on the grass.
HUMANOID HYAN
Feline Nikklo added the shifting information to his crystal then willed himself to modify his own form in the same way. Nikklo sat down on the grass and took a deep breath.
HUMANOID NIKKLO
NIKKLO
That transformation is more complicated than you think.
Humanoid Hyan sat down beside him.
HYAN
We're taught how to do it after we're a month old by our mothers. It's natural to an Abroc. I wish I could shift with clothes like you did. I had this body suit made for me when I was on the survey team to wear when I changed forms. Nudity bothers Humans.
NIKKLO
I have to wear a body suit too because changing from an exoskeleton to an endoskeleton is a shock for me.
HYAN
You mean similar to the crustacean?
NIKKLO
Yep, we're like crustaceans but when I turn Humanoid, I become endoskeletal.
HYAN
Is your shape shifting an illusion?
NIKKLO
No, I really take on the physiology. Right now, if a doctor were to examine me, that doctor would think I was a natural Abroc. Only another Tauian could sense the transformation pattern.
HYAN
I can see why Humans fear Tauians who lack restraint but I also know that Humans fear Abroc just as much because we're predators who could easily maul a Human to death. They fear that since we still like to hunt and eat raw meat, we may choose to eat a Human.
NIKLLO
That's a common Human attitude so it seems Tauians and Abroc have similar grievances with Humans because we're both very skilled warrior races.
HYAN
Humans seem to think if they enslave us warriors, they can prevent us from preying on them.
NIKKLO
As a zoologist and Humans are animals as much as the rest of us, are Humans trying to exert dominance because they fear we have more skills to dominate them?
HYAN
That's a good observation, Nik. Fear does seem to motivate them in this situation.
HUMANOID NIKKLO
They're acting like scared animals who believe if they don't strike back proactively, they will become extinct.
HYAN
I think you're right. Your choice to isolate yourselves from that aggression seems to be your best move for now but it's backfiring on you because the Humans have what you need; the parts to fix your ship.
NIKKLO
The Belvans could build the parts but they don't have most parts already made in their inventory. It would take months for them to build the parts I need. The Humans have a stockpile of these parts but refuse to export them to our new Saili alliance because they want to prevent me from defending myself from their aggression.
HYAN
You have a difficult dilemma.
NIKKLO
I don't intend to steal the parts, just buy the parts and smuggle them over the Terran Alliance border to Gasbaja to repair my ship.
HYAN
You're still violating Human law by smuggling them over the border.
NIKKLO
True. I have a problem with the Terran Alliance government, not with the craftsmen who made the parts. I want the craftsmen to be paid for their work. That's why I want to disguise myself as a legal shopper to buy the parts. Then I'll violate trade laws by taking them over the border of the Human alliance.
HYAN
Okay, I'll help you get the parts but I still have to live here on Adhara.
NIKKLO
I thought I could make up a story that I was a cousin of yours who doesn't visit often and needed help to get these parts.
HYAN
There are other prides living in different parts of the mountains. I can get away with saying you're from another pride who came to ask me for help with interacting with the Humans but they may find it odd that you're a space faring Abroc because that's not common.
NIKKLO
You're a space faring Abroc. I could say that I admire you for having the courage to travel beyond Adhara and I am making my own spaceship so I can explore the Alliance like you did.
HYAN
At first, I wasn't an explorer. I was kidnapped and smuggled from Adhara.
NIKKLO
But after I helped you return home, you did become an explorer who went to college and became a surveyor of newly discovered worlds. You're also very brave for stepping outside your Abroc culture to go to a Human college.
HYAN
That wasn't easy for me, my friend. I spent an insane amount of time in this shape, it threatened to drive me crazy.
NIKKLO
I'm sure it did. I don't like to remain in my crystalline form for long because Tauians don't vocalize. After living for so long as Sannaro, not vocalizing drove me crazy.
HYAN
So how do Tauians communicate?
NIKKLO
They're purely telepathic with no vocal folds.
HYAN
I don't think I could take that. It's bad enough when I try to form words in my cat form and people ask me to repeat myself because I couldn't form the words right.
NIKKLO
Yep, I can understand why you found that frustrating.
HYAN
Now, if we're going to pull off you being Abroc, we need to chose an Abroc name for you.
NIKKLO
Well, your name is Hyan and your father is Abau.
HYAN
Actually, my name is more pronounced Hi-ern. You have to consider how a cat forms sounds.
NIKKLO
So you would pronounce my name Nikro?
HYAN
Pretty close, and Sannaro would be more like Sanro.
NIKKLO
I can go by Sanro for now. Most people have heard of my name Nikklo anymore because of that jerk Selik's rants about me so they may be thrown off by Sanro.
HYAN
Okay, I will call you San, short for Sanro. I really haven't talked about my rescue by you in years and we'll be mostly talking to Humans who really don't know me well, personally. You will be from the -
NIKKLO
How about the crystal mountain pride?
HYAN
There isn't a crystal mountain.
NIKKLO
Do the humans know the pride names?
HUMANOID HYAN
No, nor do they know the names of each mountain we've named. I'll say you're from the Ridgeback mountain pride. They don't come down to the plains often.
HUMANOID NIKKLO
Okay, we have my name and my cover story. Now we need to find a supply store and ask them if they have the parts I need or can order them to arrive in a few days.
HUMANOID HYAN
It's weird seeing you look like an Abroc, San.
HUMANOID NIKKLO
It's still weird to me that I can change to these different forms.
HUMANOID HYAN
If it's any consolation, you look like a handsome Abroc.
Nikklo stood up again.
NIKKLO
Thanks. Direct me to the nearest major Human settlement, please, Hyan.
HYAN
If you're going to act like an Abroc, how do you say my name?
NIKKLO
Hi-ern.
HYAN
Right.
Feline Nikklo yelped as he changed back into a cat.
Feline Hyan dropped down in cat form beside him.
FELINE HYAN AND NIKKLO
FELINE HYAN (PSI V.O.)
You sound like a kitten who just learned to change shape.
FELINE NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I'm not a kitten but it's still painful.
FELINE HYAN (PSI V.O.)
I won't argue that. Let's go.
The two blue-black cats ran full speed until they began to see ground traffic and slowed to remain safe.
Feline Nikklo noticed Human mothers and fathers would pull their children close to them with looks of distrust as he and Hyan casually walked past.
Feline Hyan stopped before a big store. Hyan jerked his head toward the door.
The sign read Carlin's Spaceship Parts Store.
Feline Nikklo shifted to Humanoid Nikklo shape and stood up.
HUMANOID NIKKLO
A man walked past.
HUMAN #1
Animal.
NIKKLO
Takes one to know one.
HUMAN #1
What did you say?
NIKKLO
I said, Humans are animals and Abroc are animals, but thank you for your observation.
The Human backed up and towered over Nikklo.
Nikklo deliberately smiled to reveal his sharp teeth.
NIKKLO
It wouldn't be in your best interest to fight me, sir. Please, let's make our peace and move on.
HUMAN #1
You're a runt.
NIKKLO
Yes, sir, I am the runt of my litter so I had to fight twice as hard to do my first hunt. Please, don't offer me a reason to give a demonstration of my skills.
Humanoid Hyan stepped beside them both.
HYAN
Sir, I am Hyan Yriss of the Abroc Liaison committee. Please stop taunting my cousin. He is only here to shop like you are. He is not familiar with Human pleasantries because he is from a remote Pride. Please forgive his transgression.
HUMAN #1
I've heard of you, wimp.
NIKKLO
My cousin is no wimp. And you have no manners, even for a Human.
Nikklo grabbed the man's arm.
PHASING VISUAL
EXT. OPEN FIELD, ADHARA - DAY - CONTINUOUS
Nikklo released Human #1 at the center of a field then Nikklo disappeared.
Human #1 looks around in confusion.
PHASING VISUAL
BACK TO TOWN
NIKKLO
There, he'll have a good trek home. Let's go.
HYAN
To the field we were sitting in. We didn't need a fight but that's where his mind was going. I stopped him.
HYAN
Wow, that was harsh but effective.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I either dumped him in a field or show that my fighting style is Astrisi. We don't need authorities to be asking why an Abroc knows Gasbajan Martial Arts.
NIKKLO
Let's go in.
They walked into the warehouse.
Hyan looked around in awe.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
Nikklo shrugged and walked up to the customer service desk.
The woman at the counter had wide alarmed eyes when he stepped up to her.
STORE CLERK #1
How can I help you, um, sir?
Nikklo pulled back the collar of his black body suit and pulled out a paper list. He set it down before her.
NIKKLO
This is a list of what I need.
She picked up the list and read over it.
STORE CLERK #1
This is a lot of essential spaceship parts, sir.
NIKKLO
It is. I would like to know how long it would take for you to gather together these parts in a shipping container and a rough estimate of the cost.
STORE CLERK #1
Sir, you're Abroc. Why would you want these parts?
NIKKLO
I want to build my own spaceship.
STORE CLERK #1
These parts are for a ship measuring kilometers in length.
NIKKLO
They are. I want to make a big ship.
STORE CLERK #1
Not all the parts are here to make it run, though.
NIKKLO
True, I already have some of the parts. These are the ones I'm having more trouble finding. Can you get them?
STORE CLERK #1
Abroc usually don't make spaceships.
NIKKLO
My cousin Hyan Yriss has a doctorate in Zoology. He wants to do an exploration flight. I wanted to help so I went to Alveria for an engineering degree. He wants his own ship to be comfortable for Abroc.
STORE CLERK #1
Well, Dr. Yriss is well traveled, that's true. Did he really survive living with space pirates?
NIKKLO
He did. That was quite a scary time for our family. We thought we'd never see Hyan ever again. It's a miracle he survived and returned home to be such a great advocate for the Abroc.
STORE CLERK #1
Oh, yes. I'll see if we can find these parts for you.
NIKKLO
Thank you. We'll wait.
HYAN (PSI V.O.)
So you can be a smooth talker. That was pretty good for a warrior.
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I can be convincing when I want to be. That Human out front ticked me off. I wanted him to disappear so I made him disappear.
HYAN (PSI V.O.)
That's quite a talent. You didn't kill him?
NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Nope, I dumped him in an empty field then came right back. He'll survive if he's smart enough to find his way back or call for help.
STORE CLERK #1
Mr. Yriss?
HYAN
Yes?
STORE CLERK #1
Oh, I mean your cousin.
HYAN
Oh, Sanro, she wants to talk to you.
Nikklo returned to the desk.
NIKKLO
Yes.
STORE CLERK #1
We have found all the parts but it may take a few days.
NIKKLO
And how much?
STORE CLERK #1
Two hundred million credits.
Hyan gasped.
NIKKLO
Not bad. Please order the parts.
HYAN
Really?
NIKKLO
Cousin, spaceships aren't cheap. The quote is less than I planned. This quote is acceptable to me.
HYAN
You're the engineer. You know what you're talking about.
NIKKLO
Please, place the order.
STORE CLERK #1
It will take us two days to gather all the parts. You'll have to also buy the container. That was included in the estimate.
NIKKLO
That's acceptable. We'll return in two days.
Nikklo and Hyan leave the store.
INT. HYAN'S HOUSE, ABROC VILLAGE, ADHARA – DAY
Hyan took Nikklo to his house that is a simple wood structure with minimal furnature.
HYAN
Now, we don't have the same amenities as you do. When we sleep, we sleep in quad form on soft mats on the floor.
NIKKLO
Okay.
HYAN
We have running water and I have a full bathroom.
NIKKLO
Nice.
HYAN
We have some food preparation equipment but we mostly like to eat food in a natural state raw.
NIKKLO
That's going to take some getting used to. Saili eat food cooked like Humans do.
HYAN
How do you eat as an Tauian?
NIKKLO
Osmosis.
HYAN
You feed on light?
NIKKLO
Yep.
HYAN
But you still eat food?
NIKKLO
My Saili form and any Humanoid form I take needs the food.
HYAN
Sounds like you have to take care of both forms at the same time.
NIKKLO
Well, when I'm in Saili form, I care for the Saili form but I still draw in light to keep my Tauian energy up if I need it suddenly. I mostly live in Saili form. But if I have to do maintenance on my Tauian form, I have to change to that form to care for it.
HYAN
Sounds complicated.
NIKKLO
It can be.
An older Abroc man walked through the door.
ABAU
Hyan, who is the strange Abroc that came home with you?
HYAN
Oh, Abau, I'd like you to meet Nikklosannaro, the man who rescued me from the pirates.
ABAU
What? This man is Abroc. You confuse me.
HYAN
Father, you know of the Tauians?
ABAU
I am aware of the Tauians. I've seen the news feeds. Not that I like to watch them right now with all the violence reported. A Human named Selik just bragged that he personally brought down the flag ship of the Astrisi.
Nikklo ground his teeth.
NIKKLO
That was my ship! He attacked Belvas because the Humans were rioting and we told them to end the violence or we would expel them from Belvas!
Instead, those ships attacked the Astrisi ships in orbit around Belvas to gain an approach to attack Belvas! That is a clear act of war!
HYAN
This man who rescued me from the Pirates was a Tauian in disguise. He's polymorphic. Right now, he took the Abroc form to blend in with us until he can get all his spaceship parts.
ABAU
That's dangerous, Hyan. Doesn't he realize we're about to be rounded up by the Humans and restricted to reservations under full Human control?
NIKKLO
I do know about it. I voted for the Saili/Astrisi secession. We're fighting back against the Human oppression but my ship is damaged. I can't do my job as the Great Defender if my ship is grounded on Gasbaja.
ABAU
Huh, you all but abandoned us because we can't be in your new Alliance, Great Defender?
NIKKLO
If I had abandoned you, why would I be here?
ABAU
For selfish reasons, apparently. You need your ship parts.
NIKKLO
I can travel across parsecs of space instantaneously.
ABAU
Then why do you need a spaceship if you can travel parsecs instantaneously?
NIKKLO
Because the people who support me need the environment of a spaceship to survive! In the meeting for secession a few days ago, I pledged to Hyan I would defend the Abroc if they needed me. I don't call that abandoning your people, Abau.
ABAU
We're just not conveniently placed on a planet near yours. So we have to deal with the Humans and hope they don't decide to commit genocide.
NIKKLO
If they decide to attempt genocide, I'll come and slaughter the Humans.
ABAU
Oh really? Do you have the teeth to do it?
NIKKLO
I'm what the Humans call the Destroyer of Worlds. I have the teeth to do it, Abau.
ABAU
You brought the Destoyer of Worlds here?!
HYAN
If he was a marauder like the Humans say he is, do you think he'd be disguised as an Abroc and ordering one-hundred thousand credits of ship parts? He would have attacked them straight off and took what he wanted! He lived for forty-two years as just another Astrisi interacting with Humans peacefully! Now Humans are shoving the Saili, Astrisi and Belvans into their corner of space and putting up fences to keep them out just like the Humans want to do here!
ABAU
Okay, I'll concede that.
HYAN
Thank you! He's following Human rules because he wants to prevent violence! Please, let him try, Father.
ABAU
If it fails, we'll be in worse conditions than before!
HYAN
So we protect ourselves while the Astrisi fight for their lives? You just accused Nikklo of doing that! Have a heart, Abau.
ABAU
I'm afraid for us, Hyan.
HYAN
So am I but I can't forget the mercy Sannaro showed me when he freed me from Pirate control. I was hunting him, Father. The pirates had me so starved for meat, I may have tried to eat Sannaro's gold/carbon mixed body before it hardened and became inedible. He could have killed me for hunting him but he freed me and allowed me to come home. Now he's the one who needs mercy.
NIKKLO
If you would have tried to eat my meat, the caustic acid in it may have killed you.
HYAN
That may have been merciful to me at the time, Nik. You saved my life because I was on the verge of committing suicide when you freed me.
Nikklo and Abau bowed their heads.
HYAN
What the Humans are trying to do to us all is making us slaves to them. I was a slave once. I do not want to be a slave again, Abau. I will fight them until the last drop of my blood feeds the ground!
ABAU
You are a brave warrior, Hyan. I wish I was as brave as you. Okay, I will trust your lead. Welcome to our pack, Nikklo.
Abau walked out.
NIKKLO
Have I just been adopted?
HYAN
Yes, you were just adopted. You are now one of Abau's sons.
NIKKLO
Whoa.
HYAN
You must now scratch your Abroc name into a village marker as a warrior who pledges you will protect the pack.
NIKKLO
Okay, take me to this marker.
Hyan walked out to the edge of the town and stopped at a wooden post.
HYAN
This one isn't marked. You must now take quad form and use your claws to carve Sanro into the wood. Then the ritual will be complete.
FELINE NIKKLO
Nikklo changed to cat form and clawed at the wood until his name was carved there. He changed back to the bipedal form.
BACK TO HUMANOID NIKKLO
NIKKLO
There, it's done. That was harder than I expected it would be. Claws just don't have the same abilities as fingers.
HYAN
Don't I know it. Now you can eat with us. I'll provide us with some food for the evening.
He guided Nikklo to a central fire and sat down.
HYAN
You're a very daring guy, Nik.
NIKKLO
Oh?
HYAN
You are willing to experience alien cultures.
NIKKLO
Well, all my life I have not been in my native culture. I was separated from my father as a toddler and raised by foster parents on ancient Earth. I didn't even know I was Tauian until the hunting party found me again, reintroduced me to Tarek and forced us back to Tauia. I thought getting to know Tauian culture was a shock since I was thrown into a war and told I had to be the ultimate weapon in that war. I didn't like that.
HYAN
So that's why you destroyed Tauia?
Hyan handed Nikklo a strip of raw meat.
NIKKLO
Destroying Tauia was my loss of control as I reacted to the pain of being dismembered.
HYAN
Dismembered? You mean parts of your body were being severed from you while you were alive?
NIKKLO
Yes, as a punishment for my refusal to destroy another planet.
HYAN
You mean like a finger or a hand?
NIKKLO
No, my arms and legs.
HYAN
What was the purpose for maiming you like that?
NIKKLO
I don't know. It was just cruel!
HYAN
I can guess to limit your movement and make you reliant on someone else.
NIKKLO
I can't phase without a limb to grip the light and channel it through my body!
HYAN
That's why they didn't kill you. They wanted you alive to use your power but make you go only where they wanted you to go.
NIKKLO
While they were tearing me apart, I distracted them by causing a molecular instability in the structures around me. They panicked and ran from the building. As Tarek picked up my limbs and phased us away, the instability rippled out and disintegrated Tauia over several days.
HYAN
Ah, a mortal response to a life threatening situation.
NIKKLO
You're the first person to say that.
HYAN
I'm a zoologist. It's my field of study.
NIKKLO
I have said over and over again, if they hadn't been tearing my limbs off, I wouldn't have destabilized Tauia! But because I destabilized Tauia in a response to violently inflicted agony, I'm called the Destroyer of Worlds! Some of the people of that world evacuated and the leader spent hundreds of years trying to find my pieces to thoroughly destroy them.
HYAN
That's quite a grudge.
Nikklo tore a piece of meat off with his teeth and chewed on it thoughtfully.
NIKKLO
Yep. Tarek hid among the Saili and helped them evolve into the race they are now so I could have some kind of life in Saili form while he found a way to reattach my limbs. Then I was burned on Regalis, kidnapped by the Astrisi and they raised me after that.
HYAN
Oh, so you have a detachment disorder caused by personal trauma so you always search for a place you can fit into. That explains your willingness to experience multiple cultures.
NIKKLO
Thanks for the diagnosis, Doctor.
HYAN
I'm sorry, Nikklo. I was only curious.
NIKKLO
I'm also polymorphic so I can take on multiple appearances. To fit into that appearance, I need to learn the culture or it's just a mask. I don't even understand myself half the time.
HYAN
You are a complicated person. You have to learn about yourself, layer by layer, like an onion.
He picked up the vegetable from a basket and cut into the top with a knife to show the inside.
HYAN
Each layer signifies a part of the whole.
NIKKLO
I want to saute that onion and eat it.
HYAN
Okay, then we can saute this onion so you may eat it.
Hyan put a pan over the fire, sliced the onion and put it in the pan.
NIKKLO
Do you have butter?
HYAN
Watch the pan and I will get the butter from storage.
Hyan stood and walked across to a reinforced structure in the center of the village.
After less than a minute, he was back with a crock. He scooped out butter from the crock and dropped it into the pan.
The pan sizzled for a minute as it melted.
HYAN
I will return the butter.
Hyan went back to the structure and returned to sit by the fire again.
HYAN
There, your onion is cooking. Does that please you?
NIKKLO
It does. Is that structure a communal refrigerator?
HYAN
It is and it also can freeze food we want to preserve longer. We mostly hunt and gather our food on a daily basis to remain close to nature so we don't become too Human.
After a few more minutes, Hyan poured the onions into a bowl and handed it to Nikklo.
Nikklo happily chewed on the meat and onions.
NIKKLO
You have useful knowledge. Would you consider returning to Gasbaja with me so I can ask you more about why this is happening and how I can defuse this mess?
HYAN
If defusing this mess, as you call it, would bring back peace to Adhara. I will go with you.
Nikklo set down the bowl.
NIKKLO
Thank you for the meal. Now to wait for the parts.
(LATER)
Early the next morning, Nikklo wanted to take a run to stretch and burn off restlessness. When he returned to the village, he saw hover cars on the edge of the village. He stopped near the car and sat in the shadows. It was good that his pelt was blue-black that would merge with the darkness.
POLICEMAN #1
Elder Abau, we're investigating a large order that was placed at a local spaceship parts store by Hyan and another Abroc named Sanro. We're curious about why Abroc would be ordering spaceship parts.
ABAU
Hyan has a Human doctorate in Zoology. You should know he goes off world periodically to renew his credentials.
POLICEMAN #1
That's true but in the past, he's taken public transports. Who is this Sanro?
ABAU
He has recently returned from college to become an engineer. He thinks it would be more comfortable for Hyan if he had his own ship designed for the Abroc.
POLICEMAN #1
Where's he from?
ABAU
He is my sister's cub from a pride in the mountains. He left his pride to learn to build Human ships out of curiosity.
Nikklo noticed that on the edge of the Humans, Hyan was speaking with another police officer.
END ACT 2
ACT 3
Nikklo slunk closer to Hyan.
HYAN
Ralph, doesn't it bother you to continue to live as Human?
RALPH
You know I didn't know I was Abroc until I was an adult, Hyan. It's what I know.
HYAN
Why are they getting worked up about this? I just want my own spaceship made to my comfort and the Humans are interrogating us?
RALPH
It's that Selik. Many Humans are listening to him. I can't stand him.
He's so hysterical. He says the Tauian aliens are dangerous and will kill us all. The Humans need to do something first before the Tauians strike at us. He says they are aggressive beings who won't stop, especially the one they call the Destroyer of Worlds. Selik says that guy is uncommonly mean and will do anything to get his way.
HYAN
You shouldn't listen to them. They're not relating the whole story, Ralph.
RALPH
I'm not surprised they're not telling the whole story.
HYAN
You know Humans can be just as deceptive.
RALPH
You don't have to tell me that, Hyan. I'm a police officer. I see deception all the time.
HYAN
Don't they treat you with distrust because you're Abroc?
RALPH
I deal with it. They're not blaming us for what the Saili and Astrisi have done. We just have to ride it out until things calm down.
POLICEMAN #1
Hey, Danner, we're done here.
RALPH
So am I. Later, Hyan.
HYAN
Be careful, Ralph.
RALPH
I can take care of myself. Thanks for the concern, though.
They climbed in and drove away.
HYAN
You can come out now, San.
Feline Nikklo changed to Humanoid Nikklo and walked from the shadows.
NIKKLO
How did you know I was there?
HYAN
I smelled you.
NIKKLO
Did Ralph notice?
HYAN
No, he isn't as attuned to his senses because was raised by Humans.
ABAU
I gave your cover story. I hope it works.
HYAN
Ralph said we Abroc aren't being blamed for what the Saili and Astrisi did so they're not going to move on us.
NIKKLO
I need to keep up my disguise so you won't be blamed.
HYAN
It's working so far.
ABAU
For now.
Abau walked away.
Hyan sighed, turned, leapt into his quadrupedal form and sprinted across the grass land.
FELINE HYAN AND FELINE NIKKLO
Nikklo changed form and sprinted after him. He found Hyan sitting on a rock that had an old blood stain on it. Nikklo sat down at the base of the rock.
BACK TO HUMANOID NIKKLO AND HUMANOID HYAN
Hyan changed form and touched the stain.
HYAN
This is my blood that colors this rock. I was kidnapped and taken to Kwamin here.
NIKKLO
Kwamin is an ass of a colony. Not even the Astrisi liked to do business with them because they're so closed minded.
HYAN
Abau and I had a fight that night because he didn't like my friendship with Ralph. I was just running across this field to burn off my frustration when I was shot in the leg right here. I woke up in a cage on a transport to Kwamin to become the Sultan's pet. I thought I was clever to escape Kwamin when I was sold to the pirates.
NIKKLO
Then I freed you from those pirates and brought you home.
HYAN
That's right. Abau is so frustratingly old Abroc. I thought Ralph was so cool because he lived in the Human world. It's frustrating, I don't fit as old Abroc but I don't fit in the Human world, either.
NIKKLO
You sound like me. I don't fit as a Tauian or Saili. I found more acceptance with the Astrisi even though I look nothing like them. I could look like them if I wanted to but I already fathered two Saili/Astrisi children so I choose to keep my Saili form because I'm most comfortable with it.
HYAN
Now my father is nipping my ear again because of something I did.
Nikklo snorted into laughter.
NIKKLO
I apologize, Hyan. I envisioned Abau biting your ear instead of thinking about the metaphor. That was so alien of me.
Hyan smiled.
HYAN
You are alien.
NIKKLO
I see Abau's point, though. I do think we're endangering your village now that the Police are asking questions. I should see how many parts have been put in the moving crate and phase it Gasbaja so I won't cause your people any more harm while there isn't a warrant for my arrest.
HYAN
Then let's go to the store to grab that crate.
They changed to FELINE NIKKLO AND FELINE HYAN again and ran toward the city.
When they arrived at the store, HUMANOID Nikklo guided HUMANOID Hyan to the side of the building.
NIKKLO
Sorry, my friend. I want you to stay here while I go Tauian so I can disappear. Once I found the crate, I'll come back for you to take you to the crate and phase us to Gasbaja.
Hyan nodded.
TAUIAN NIKKLO
HYAN (PSI V.O.)
You smell strange. You have a similar scent but it also smells more salty.
TAUIAN NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
I have a crystal shell in this form.
HYAN (PSI V.O.)
You are very fascinating, Nikklosannaro.
TAUIAN NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
So are you, Hyan Yriss. I'm going to find the crate now.
One employee thought about putting more parts into the crate so Nikklo phased to that employee and followed him to the back storage yard. He was guiding a hovering flatbed with parts on it. He stopped at a large white box the size of a shuttle and opened it. He hovered the flatbed into the crate and lowered the parts to the floor.
He followed the employee out of the box and the box was closed again.
A large contingency of policemen in full battle gear stepped out from around the boxes with guns pointing at him.
The employee ran back into the building.
Ralph walked through a side gate with Hyan in handcuffs.
POLICEMAN #1
We can see you there, Nikklo. These helmets have FLIR and telepathy blockers. Surrender now or we'll shoot.
Nikklo phased the payment card he had set up for this job to his hand and set it on the concrete.
POLICEMAN #1
What are you doing?
TAUIAN NIKKLO (PSI V.O.)
Hyan, tell them it's their payment.
HYAN
He says he's paying for his supplies.
Nikklo stood up again.
POLICEMAN #1
You're not escaping with those parts. Surrender now!
Nikklo grabbed a light beam to Hyan, grabbed the Abroc then grabbed a light beam back to the crate.
PHASING VISUAL
EXT. BUNKER, GASBAJA -DAY
He landed the crate in a field near the bunker doors on Gasbaja and changed to his Saili form.
SAILI NIKKLO
NIKKLO
They may be able to see me but Human reflexes don't trigger a gun at the speed of light. We're at Gasbaja.
HYAN
That was scary, Nik.
NIKKLO
Yes it was but I knew I could move faster than they could. We're safe now.
The elevator opened and Di'ok walked out with a hand held tablet in his hand. He handed the device to Nikklo.
Nikklo looked at the screen and saw Selik's face on it.
SELIK
I have a warrant for your arrest from Adhara for stealing ship parts and kidnapping Hyan Yriss, Nikklosannaro Damirateyak. When next we meet, you will be fired on.
NIKKLO
Not that you haven't fired on me already and split my ship in two. Your attack on Belvas was despicable. You want a war with the Astrisi, Saili, Tauians and Belvans, you have your wish. Nikklo out.
He turned off the device and shoved it back into Di'ok's hands.
NIKKLO
Have the engineers and Crystallines install these parts as quickly as possible.
DI'OK
I'll pass on the command. It's been forever since I last saw you Hyan. Welcome back to the Astrisi.
Di'ok walked back to the elevator.
Hyan looked around at the rolling green hills and the towering mountains in the distance.
HYAN
So this is the planet of the Astrisi?
NIKKLO
No, but this is a planet that was, kind of, acquired by marriage. It's become our home port. We currently live underground through that elevator Di'ok came from. I'll walk it and reserve my energy.
Nikklo called the elevator.
Hyan followed him to the elevator.
They entered and took it for several minutes down to the floor of the cavern.
The door opened to the huge bunker.
Hyan stepped out and stopped in his tracks to look up at the two sides of the towering broken ship sparking with welding flashes from people fixing new skin panels onto the gap between the hulls.
HYAN
That's yours?
NIKKLO
Yep, twenty levels; two kilometers in length. This is the ancient Gasbajan Lost Sjujeenya named Euryanassa abandoned at the end of the first Zuran War. The survivors of that ship married into the Astrisi and taught them how to use the Gasbajan methods of defense.
HYAN
Wow, that is an incredible wedding gift.
NIKKLO
That's why I wanted to repair it. Our living quarters are at the back of the bunker.
Nikklo walked past the spaceship and entered a hatch into the living area.
HYAN
Oh, Nik, not to be fussy, but I still have handcuffs around my wrists?
NIKKLO
I know you do. I'm going to Marc Daniels to ask him to use his magnakee to unlock your bonds.
HYAN
Oh, okay, just wanted you to know I was still cuffed.
NIKKLO
I understand why you would feel catty about it.
HYAN
Oh really? Well, I wanted to make it crystal clear.
Nikklo laughed.
HYAN
You're as much a smart ass as I remember!
NIKKLO
Just a thirty years older smart ass.
HYAN
Some things never change.
NIKKLO
Nope.
He stopped at a door and knocked on it.
Marc was at the door when it opened. He stepped out and pressed a cylindrical object onto the locks of the cuffs and took them from around Hyan's wrists.
MARC
There, you're free.
NIKKLO
This is my first officer Marcayo Daniels, Hyan.
Hyan looked closer.
HYAN
Excuse me for being rude but are you a Centaurian Brocana?
MARC
That's half of what I am. I'm also Human.
HYAN
I thought Brocana were less likely to interact with Humans than Abroc?
MARC
My father's a diplomat. He talked my mother into marriage and a life in the colonies.
HYAN
I'm very happy to meet you, Marcayo Daniels. I am Dr. Hyan Yriss of the Abroc.
MARC
Doctor of what?
HYAN
Zoology.
MARC
So you want to study Nik? Good luck with that.
HYAN
Among other things. I came to advise him about Human behavior.
MARC
They're confusing as hell right now, too.
HYAN
If the Abroc want peaceful coexistence with Humans again, we need to learn what is aggravating the Humans.
MARC
Good find, Nik.
NIKKLO
Thanks.
MARC
Did you get the parts?
NIKKLO
Most of them.
MARC
Give me a list of what you don't have and my Father says he'll get the rest. Did you really have to thieve those parts from Adhara?
NIKKLO
Your father is going to thieve the rest so why are you getting pissy with me?
MARC
Because you ran off by yourself again and left me to take the crap.
NIKKLO
Tarek told me to get creative to fix my ship so that's what I did!
MARC
You Tauians can be so dense at times. My Father's a diplomat. He can talk a cat into handing over his whiskers! No offense to the Abroc.
Hyan arched his eyebrows.
NIKKLO
I'm dense?
MARC
You're made of crystal and you go too damned fast! I'll fix your ship, Nikklo. You just be the Great Defender, got it?
Nikklo glared for a half a minute before he walked down the hall.
Marc followed him.
MARC
Where are you going?
NIKKLO
To beat up an inanimate object.
Marc put his hand on Nikklo's shoulder.
MARC
I'm sorry for being rough on you. I just want you to do what you're good at. You're a battle tactician. Be a battle tactician. I'll make your ship fly. Okay?
NIKKLO
Okay. It was fun to run around as an Abroc, though.
MARC
It sounds like something you'd have fun doing. I thought you weren't supposed to be taking on more forms?
NIKKLO
Tarek said not to take on too many forms indiscriminately but that the Abroc form could be useful so I went. I guess I fucked up again.
MARC
No matter what you do, you'll be made out to be the bad guy. I decided to watch some of these videos my Father sent to me and he really demonizes you, Nik. He's acting very hysterical. He's dangerous. I think you're right that his mind is being played with.
Nikklo pointed to Hyan.
NIKKLO
That's why I brought him. Between a Zoologist and a Psychiatrist, we may be able to get through the hysteria to the true problem. And Hyan can smell a Tauian in any form.
MARC
What?
HYAN
Tauians smell saltier.
MARC
Smells saltier?
HYAN
I don't know why but because of the exoskeleton, Tauians smell saltier than endoskeletal humanoids. Now that I've smelled Nik in his natural form, I smell his higher saline scent even in his Saili form. It's because my Abroc hunter nose is more sensitive. Thirty years ago, I smelled a Coygyn who tried to hide from us and helped Sannaro take him out.
MARC
You smelled a Coygyn? Shadow people are annoying to find in stealth! So even if another polymorphic Tauian tried to infiltrate us, you'll smell the new Tauian?
HYAN
I think I could.
MARC
Okay, now I really think it was a good idea for you to bring him.
NIKKLO
At least I did something right today!
Nikklo walked down the hall to go to the temporary gym set up inside the bunker.
FADE OUT.
THE END