"KALATIR: Chain Reaction!"

"KALATIR: CHAIN REACTION!"

FADE IN:

EXT. MARS (OPTICAL) - LONG SHOT

The planet looms alone off in the vvoid of space. We zoom into the planet from deep space. The following appears over this:

PLANET: Mars

DIAMETER: 4,000 Millis

SATELLITES: Two

CITIES: Two

POPULATION: 2.4 Million

EXT. MARS (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

A closer look to the planet revealss a fleet in orbit around it as well as doomed cities on the surface. The ships consist of a Battlecruiser (a huge ship with three large fighter bays bathed in strange green light, is heavily armed and in the shape of a giant wing), three Destroyers (half the size of the Battlecruiser and heavily armored), seven Frigates (half the size of the Destroyers with a small fighter bay and some guns) and 19 Corvettes (quarter the size of a frigate with a very small bay and a few light guns). Each ship has a large Russian Red star painted on its side. Below that are the words: “UNITED COMMUNISTIC FORCE” Some of the other ships have “DEMOCRATIC DEFENSE FORCE” scratched out. Over this appears:

MILITIA FORCE:

Battlecruiser ‑ 1

Destroyers ‑ 3

Frigates ‑ 7

Corvettes ‑ 19

The Minsk is flying among the fleet, she is a corvette.

EXT. MARS CITY (OPTICAL) – CLOSE SHOT

On the surface of the planet is a llarge domed city, large laser guns and missile batteries surround the dome outside. It is not made of plastic or glass but of a visible Quzii shield. Inside everything is made of metal, there are buildings of all sizes. From Skyscrapers to one story buildings. Vehicles of all sizes zip around in the air. Some are civilian and some are military. Everyone goes about their business. A shuttle flies towards the dome, it is going to hit it. At the last second the dome area before it changes color and the shuttle passes through undamaged. After is passes the dome changes back to its normal color.

INT. MARS CITY – MILITARY SECTOR – JOSEPH’S OUTER OFFICE

This is a waiting room that is decoorated with items from Russia’s history. There are paintings of famous heroes and of great battles. There is thick plush carpeting. Everything is fancy and expensive. At the hatch leading out are two armed guards with laser rifle, the same is for the hatch leading to the inner office. In the center of the room is a secretary in a fancy military uniform behind a desk, there are several computer terminals before her which she has to constantly answer and direct calls (like phones) Sitting in some hard metal chairs up along the wall is Codiozianquy Zqiuvxbiea (Codi) and Nikolai Solace. She is a Felinion, a cat‑like creature with the frame of a human but is covered with fur. She has finger-like claws on both hands and feet, pointed ears and whiskers. Her fur is blonde with black stripes. He is about 33 years old, tall, skinny, plain looking and has black hair. They are both is gray dress uniforms with boots, clipped on their belts are same electronic boxes. On his shoulders are golden insignias of half crowns while on hers they are full. He is wearing a special wristband made of strange animal hide and haas heliographics etched into them. Fastened to a metal ring is a gold disk in which half of it has been broken off, it leaves jagged edges. As the secretary continues to work she keeps a constant eye on them, her looks are cold and stern. Codi reaches down and rubs on of her booted feet and groans.

CODI (TO HERSELF, IN DISCOMFORT)

These things are really killing me.

Nikolai leans over to Codi.

NIKOLAI (WHISPERS, COMFORTING)

I bet you wish you were back on the Minsk, there you don’t have to wear anything on your feet.

Codi lets go of her foot.

CODI (WHISPERS, BLUNT)

Yes, I wish I was back on our ship but not because of that.

Nikolai looks confused and Codi loooks to the secretary, when Nikolai looks to her she gives a cold unemotional glare back. Codi is concerned but Nikolai is unaffected.

NIKOLAI (WHISPERS, REASSURING)

Or her, she treats everyone like thhat. Even her boss the Admiral.

Codi shakes her head slightly.

CODI (WHISPERS, UNEASY)

No, there is something in the air… Something different that I can’t quite put my claw on… But trouble is headed our way, big trouble.

Nikolai smiles.

NIKOLAI (WHISPERS, SARCASTIC)

I guess I should be glad I’m not a Felinion like you, I’m not automatically suspicious of everyone and everything.

Codi glares at Nikolai but he smilees back.

NIKOLAI (WHISPERS, REASSURING)

Look, even if we are about to face our doom worrying about it won’t save us.

CODI (WHISPERS, BLUNT)

No but it may prepare us, just thatt may minimize the damage.

NIKOLAI (WHISPERS, REASSURING)

Look, this is playing out like it aalways does. Joseph calls us in, throws his weight around. Does some name dropping and relives some of his past from the war and then sends us on our way. He tries to put us in our place but all we end up doing is nodding our heads and then going off and doing our own thing. It is just a game.

Codi pauses to think and then sighss.

CODI (WHISPERS, FRUSTRATED)

Maybe you are right. Maybe I’m justt over reacting. I guess what really concerns me that he always calls us both down but he only talks to you, I end up out here not knowing what is going on in there. You have to face him alone. Though I am your Kalatir, your bounded friend for life, I can’t help you from out here.

NIKOLAI (WHISPERS, UNDERSTANDING)

I know it is tough on you. Being a Felinion you are always on the outside looking in. You are always mocked and ridicule. Though we have done a lot of great things together for the Force, things I could have never accomplished without you, I’m the one that gets all the credit thanks to the Admiral. It is not fair but it will change soon, I promise.

Codi looks to Nikolai with concern and he sees this.

NIKOLAI (WHISPERS, EXPLAINING)

You forget we are playing the waitiing game. I was sent to Felinia, your home world, not too long ago. There I was prodded and tested to see if us humans were worthy of the Felinion’s attention. As we speak they are deciding which way to go with this. If that comes to be then the flood gates of technology and knowledge will be opened. I’ll become more important than the Admiral. Even more important than my father. Once that happens humans will look to you Felinions in a new positive light.

Codi smiles.

CODI (WHISPERS, PLEASED)

You make it sound so easy.

Codi loses his smile.

CODI (WHISPERS, BLUNT)

But I know it isn’t. Even if the Coourt of Chaw agrees there is no guarantee that anything will be exchanged. It could be just another political game that the Court loves to play. Dangling the Rabotta just out of reach and laughing all the while.

NIKOLAI (WHISPERS, CONFUSED)

How can you be so sure that they woould be so cruel to us?

Codi smiles.

CODI (WHISPERS, SMUG)

You forget that is the same court tthat exiled me out here from my own planet.

NIKOLAI (WHISPERS, CONFUSED)

You never did explain to me how thaat came to be.

Codi glares coldly at Nikolai but hhe brushes it off. He is about top press the matter but he is interrupted.

SECRETARY (COLD)

The Admiral will see you now.

Nikolai and Codi look to her, she sstares coldly at them. Then Nikolai gets up and looks down to Codi, she looks up to him. They exchange looks of concern.

CODI (WHISPERS, CONCERNED)

Be careful in there, Nikolai.

Nikolai only nods and then turns, hhe heads forward the hatch to the inner office. The secretary looks to Codi.

SECRETARY (COLD)

He wants to see you BOTH!

Nikolai stops, turns and looks to CCodi. She in turns looks back to him, they both look like they have seen death itself. After a few moments she gets up and joins him, they both step towards the hatch.

INT. MARS CITY – MILITARY SECTOR – JOSEPH OFFICE

This is a large office decorated wiith expensive furniture, plush carpeting and fancy wall coverings. The walls and desk are covered with awards and metals of honor. Nikolai and Codi enter through a hatch, they stop before his desk and it closes. Joseph Mazeppa is sitting behind it. He is middle aged, wearing a gray uniform with large gold Scepters on each shoulder. The two look to him.

CODI (OFFICIAL)

Codiozianquy Zqiuvxbiea, Commander of the UCF Corvette Minsk reporting as requested Admiral.

NIKOLAI (OFFICIAL)

Nikolai Solace, Exec Officer of thee UCF Corvette Minsk reporting as requested Admiral.

They salute Joseph who salutes backk, the officers stand at attention. He looks them over and then smiles, he seems to be pleased.

JOSEPH (PLEASED)

You can relax, the both of you.

The two warriors take an At Ease sttance and Joseph smiles.

JOSEPH (SMUG)

When I say relax I mean you can sitt down. Save the protocol for the big brass that actually cares.

Nikolai smiles but Codi is not so ssure. He takes his seat and after a few moments she sits down as well but it is apparent she is still on edge. Joseph smiles to both of them.

JOSEPH (PLEASED)

I have some good new and some greatt news.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

I’m glad to hear that!

JOSEPH (PLEASED)

The good news is that I’m transferrring the commander here to a garbage scow. It is a dirty and disgusting duty but it is something appropriate for a dirty and disgusting Felinion.

Codi is unmoved but Nikolai is outrraged.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

What?

JOSEPH (PLEASED)

Which leads into the great news. Wiith the commander out of the way that will allow you Nikolai to take command of the Minsk as your father and I always attended to.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

This has to be some sort of joke?

JOSEPH (PLEASED)

It is no joke but a blessing. You sshould be thanking me, Nikolai.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

You should be thanking me that I doon’t jump over that desk and beat the Sepcor out of you!

Nikolai is about to jump out of hiss seat but Codi grabs his arm, he looks to her.

CODI (CALMING)

Easy Nikolai, let’s first hear the reasoning for this change.

Nikolai glares at Codi but her gazee seems to comfort him somewhat. He nods to her and looks back to Joseph, she lets go of him.

JOSEPH (SARCASTIC)

A Felinion with something intelligeent to say? Now there is a first.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

Just tell us why!

JOSEPH (SMUG)

It is just that it has been such a long time since your visit to the Felinion government. If they were going to favor us with a positive response it would have happened already. It appears that they will turn down our offer of friendship.

NIKOLAI (DEFENSIVE)

It is too early to tell! They told me it could take up to KiloYerks to decide! They have many things to consider, they can’t be rushed into making a decision! That is just the way they are! Tell him Codi!

Codi pauses for a moment to study JJoseph.

CODI (BLUNT)

Somehow I don’t think there is anytthing that I could say to change the Admiral’s mind.

JOSEPH (SMUG)

That is true but it is a moot pointt. It is Command Control that has decided of your failure, not I.

Nikolai points at Joseph.

NIKOLAI (ANGRY)

Deposits! It was you that swayed thhem! It was you who convinced them that we had failed! Miwea told me how you would do anything to get Codi to leave the Force so the Minsk could be mine!

Joseph glares at Codi.

JOSEPH (STERN)

I see your father was untrustworthyy as you are.

Hate burns in Codi’s eyes but she ssays nothing.

NIKOLAI (ANGRY)

It is you that betrayed us! You tolld me in this very room that you had changed your ways! You no longer hated Felinions and didn’t want to kick them off the Force by any means! But no I see that was a lie! You haven’t changed Joseph!

Joseph looks to Nikolai.

JOSEPH (PROUD)

Yes, I admit to that. I was the onee that convinced them your mission to Felinia failed. Your commander was once praised and looked up to like a human. If I tried to do something like this then it would be I that would be demoted and assigned to the garbage scow. But now that I’ve tricked Command Control into looking at her in a negative light I can do with her as I pleased. She will be demoted and the Minsk will be yours as it was intended before she came along.

Nikolai jumps to his feet.

NIKOLAI (DEFIANT)

I don’t want the ship! At least nott like that! I should be placed in command because it is the right thing to do! Not because I have skin instead of fur! Not because my father is the head scientist of Command Control and this is his will! Not because you are living with my mother! I want to earn her as Codi has done!

Joseph jumps to his feet, he staress at Nikolai.

JOSEPH (STERN)

It doesn’t matter what you want! I am in command here! What I say will be your bidding! And I say you are taking command of the Minsk!

Nikolai leans forward towards Josepph.

NIKOLAI (ANGRY)

Fine! I will take command! But I’lll be the worse commander ever! I’ll run that ship into the ground! The crew will hate me until the mutiny! At the hearing I’ll proclaim how I was unfit to command! I’ll tell them how it was you who demoted best commander of that ship just so you could have your own way! I may destroy my career but I’ll take you down with me!

Joseph leans forward towards Nikolaai, they both get into each other’s face.

JOSEPH (ANNOYED)

Fine! I’ll demote you too! You bothh can keep each other company! I’ll send you off to the duty furthest from here! Everyone will forget you both even existed! All the while you will be drowning in your own self pity regretting you ever tried to cross me!

CODI (STERN)

Enough!

Nikolai and Codi are taken aback, tthey look to Codi who glares at them.

CODI (STERN)

It is my head you want Admiral, nott his. I’m more than happy to oblige. You want to demote me, ship me off to Rah Dolva or even have me resign just so you can be rid of yet another Felinion that is fine by me. But this is strictly between you and me, leave Nikolai out of this.

Joseph points a finger at Codi.

JOSEPH (DEFIANT)

You can’t trick me Felinion! If I llet Nikolai off the hook you hope he will use his influence to save you! But it won’t work!

CODI (STERN)

I do this not to save myself but too save him. Though his stubbornness has gotten him in trouble once more I am his friend. I’ll do anything to help him, even if it means taking my life. So please leave him be.

JOSEPH (ANNOYED)

No! He has shown is true colors! Hee is against me! He must suffer with you! I’m going to bury you two so deep his father won’t be able to save you! Not even his own mother will be of any help!

VOICE (RUSSIAN ACCENT, SMUG)

Talking about me behind closed doorr Joseph?

Everyone looks to the hatch, it is wide open. Standing at it is Jaclyn Solace. She is an older woman with brown hair and heavy on the makeup. She is in civilian clothes and has a nametag indicating she is a Select Woman of Command Control. Everyone is shocked but she smiles.

JACLYN (SMUG)

Tsk, tsk, tsk Admiral. That is no way to talk about my son.

Jaclyn steps into the room and the hatch closes.

JOSEPH (ANNOYED)

Jaclyn! How long have you been stannding there?

JACLYN (SMUG)

Long enough for you to hang yoursellf.

Jaclyn stops before the desk. Josepph is shocked for a moment but then smiles.

JOSEPH (SLY)

Nice try but your threats are meaniingless to me. This is the Military sector. You work for Command Control. You have no authorization here.

JACLYN (SMUG)

Normally you would be correct but ffortunately I have one of these.

Jaclyn pulls out a small plastic baadge that is purple in color, it has an official logo on it and some other writing. She tosses in on the desk. The others look in awe to it, even Codi is forced to jump to her feet to look at it. Joseph reaches down to it but hesitates, then he picks it up and looks to it.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

Purple authorization? That is the hhighest there is! No secret or request is beyond you!

JOSEPH (DEFIANT)

This is something unobtainable by eeven me! But as a Select Woman of command Control it is even more out of reach! This has to be a forgery!

Jaclyn folds her arms and smiles.

JACLYN (SMUG)

Check it yourself.

Joseph turns to his computer on hiss desk, he begins to insert the badge into the slot but stops. He pauses in fear but then proceeds, he looks to the screen in anticipation. It beeps positively and states “Purple Authorization confirmed.”

CODI (SHOCKED)

It is in the system so it has to bee true.

JOSEPH (ANGRY)

Oxidation!

Joseph throws the badge down on thee desk in anger. Jaclyn reaches over and picks it up, she holds it so he can see the writing on it.

JACLYN (SMUG)

And as you can see not only does itt have my name on it but also my son’s and his commander’s.

Once he sees this is true Joseph faalls back into his chair, he is a defeated man. This makes Jaclyn smile.

JACLYN (SMUG)

What’s wrong Joseph? You don’t lookk so well.

Joseph glares up to Jaclyn.<

JOSEPH (ANNOYED)

What is this all about Jaclyn?

Jaclyn sits on the edge of the deskk and looks to Joseph, the others look on with mixed feelings. She plays with the badge in her hands.

JACLYN (SMUG)

Your worst fears have come true Josseph. The Court of Chaw just contacted on. They have requested my son here to return to them. There is something they want to say to him in person.

NIKOLAI (HOPEFUL)

I have been proven worthy of their tests and they wish to proceed in friendship?

Jaclyn does not respond, she loosess her smile. This pleases Joseph.

JOSEPH (SMUG)

No, if that was the case she would have already rubbed that in my face.

Jaclyn’s smiles returns.

JACLYN (SMUG)

You are quite correct, Joseph. Theyy didn’t say yes… But then again they didn’t say no. Just that they want to see Nikolai. But before you get your hopes up the king and queen sent the message themselves. They were very Cargill and submissive towards us. Now would they go to all that trouble if they were going to deny us?

The smugness fades from Joseph.

JACLYN (smug)

Exactly. I’m a government official,, I know how the game works. They want Nikolai to come in person so they can make it official. Have a special ceremony and all. When he returns he will be the most influential human alive. Compare to him you will be the insignificant flea that I knew you were all along.

JOSEPH (ANNOYED)

So will you Jaclyn!

JACLYN (SMUG)

But I didn’t drag him into my officce. Threaten and humiliate him. I didn’t tick him off!

Joseph falls back into his defeatedd state.

JACLYN (SMUG)

Now isn’t there something you wanteed to say to him?

Joseph collects himself and forces a smile to Nikolai.

JOSEPH (FALSE REASSURANCE)

Nikolai, my dear boy. You know I woouldn’t have really have demoted you and sent you off to the edge of the galaxy. I was just having a little fun.

Nikolai smiles to Joseph.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

What about Codi here? Were you jokiing as well?

Joseph looks to Codi, it takes him a little more resolve.

JOSEPH (FALSE REASSURANCE)

Of course, I would never dream of hhurting her as well.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

Deposits!

Joseph looks to Nikolai with concerrn.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

You were going to bury us because oof your own ego and greed well when I get back I’m going to do the same to you! I’m going to hit you so hard you won’t know what hit you!

Joseph tries to come up with somethhing to say but can’t, so he hangs his head. Codi looks to Nikolai.

CODI (BLUNT)

I think you are being a bit harsh, Nikolai.

Everyone looks to Codi confused.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

You are joking. Right?

Codi shakes her head.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

Absolutely not. We all said things here we didn’t mean. We all overreacted. I think it would be best to put that all that aside, to forget about revenge and press on to more important matters.

JOSEPH (PLEADING)

She is right!

Nikolai glares at Joseph, he is aboout to unload on him but Codi jumps in.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

As you have reminded me time and time again. It's God's job to judge people. It's ours to forgive our enemies. No matter how heinous the crime or how much they have betrayed us.

Nikolai is taken aback and sighs.

NIKOLAI (FRUSTRATED)

Oh all right.

Joseph smiles but Nikolai points too him.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

But you are on notice Joseph! No moore tricks! No more lies! One more stunt like this and you’re dead! Understand?

JOSEPH (RELIEVED)

Absolutely.

Jaclyn smiles to Joseph.

JACLYN (SMUG)

I swear Joseph, you have more livess than a Felinion.

Codi is confused but Joseph just shhrugs his shoulders, Jaclyn looks to her and Nikolai.

JACLYN (EXPLAINING)

Okay, I have fulfilled the reason wwhy I was given the Purple Authorization. Now it is your turn. You are to hightail it back to the Minsk and head straight for Tethys Major. No detours! Understand?

Nikolai nods.

CODI (BLUNT)

Yes, we had better get going.

Codi turns for the door and so doess Nikolai, they head for it. Jaclyn jumps off the desk.

JOSEPH (FALSE HAPPINESS)

Good luck the both of you!

The two officers open the door and exits, Jaclyn heads for the hatch as well. But when she reaches it she stops and turns back to Joseph.

JACLYN (SMUG)

Nothing personal, Joseph but this iis strictly business. You know you would do the same to me if you were smart enough.

Joseph glares at Jaclyn but she smiiles.

JACLYN (SMUG)

See you at home tonight darling.

Joseph sneers but Jaclyn giggles. SShe then blows his a kiss and leaves, the hatch closes. He slams his fist to the desk.

EXT. MINSK AND THE FLEET (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The Minsk continues to orbit Mars wwith the other ships. The words “22^nd Centroids presents…” appears.

INT. MARS CITY – MILITARY SECTOR – CORRIDOR

This is a metallic hallway with many hatches, humans in military uniforms rush here and there. Codi, Nikolai and Jaclyn walk together. He is really happy, the Felinion is concerned but she is indifferent.

NIKOLAI (EXCITED)

It is great to be on top for once!

JACLYN (BLUNT)

It is a little premature to get cocky darling.

Nikolai stops and looks to Jaclyn, the others stop as well.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

How can you say that after what you just told us?

Jaclyn says nothing but she conveys a look of concern, Codi picks up on this.

CODI (UNDERSTANDING)

You weren’t entirely truthful in there.

Jaclyn sighs.

JACLYN (FRUSTRATED)

I’m afraid so. Though it is true that the Felinion Government did contact us and they do want to see you in person. This wasn’t conveyed by the king and queen but their scribe.

CODI (UNDERSTANDING)

The lowest in the court, not a good sign.

JACLYN (EXPLAINING)

Yes and even she was very curt and abrasive in her message. I fear they are going to turn us down after all.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

But if that is the case then why didn’t they just tell us in the message rather than having us travel all the way out to Felinia?

CODI (EXPLAINING)

It would be rude to deliver bad news by messenger. Courtesy dictates that they must tell you to your face.

Nikolai looks to Codi.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

You knew something was up. That is why you let the Admiral off the hook so easy.

Codi nods.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

Yes, the king and queen would never address us directly when we are outside of the court. At the very least the prince and princess would be used.

JACLYN (FRUSTRATED)

This is very bad.

Nikolai looks to Jaclyn.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Then how by lying has it made things better? When we return from Felinia Joseph is going to skin us alive!

JACLYN (UPBEAT)

To buy you some time. For now Joseph is going to lay low, he is going to distance you from him. You are safe for the moment. It is a mother’s instinct to protect her son at all costs, I had to lie.

Codi smiles to Jaclyn.

CODI (PLEASED)

We understand Miss Solace.

Nikolai pauses to think and then smiles.

NIKOLAI (SARCASTIC)

Who would have thought that after all these KiloYerks my mother is still watching out for me.

JACLYN (HONEST)

I’m just grateful I’m still needed.

Nikolai places his hand on Jaclyn’s shoulder.

NIKOLAI (REASSURING)

You will always be welcomed in my life mother, always.

The words really touch Jaclyn and Nikolai smiles to her, they look lovingly to each other but then she returns to reality.

JACLYN (STERN)

We can get sentimental later. For now you have a job to do.

Jaclyn looks to both of them.

JACLYN (STERN)

Both of you. Though it looks like you are going to Tethys Major for nothing you have to come back with something, anything. You can’t take no for answer even to force them to reconsider would be a victory. Your fates now lie in your hands. There is nothing more I can do.

CODI (REASSURING)

We will do our best.

NIKOLAI (REASSURING)

I promise.

They all exchange looks of concerns.

JACLYN (STERN)

Then get going!

Codi and Nikolai turn and leave, as they go Jaclyn looks to them with great concern.

EXT. MINSK AND THE FLEET (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The Minsk turns and slowly arcs awaay from the other ships, headed for deep space. The words “A Steven Today production” appears.

INT. MARS CITY – CIVILIAN SECTOR – FOUNTAIN

This is an open area with a large mmetal fountain in the center. Instead of water lights flash around it, cascading down. Smoothing electronic tones can be heard. People in civilian clothes sit and walk around this area. Some talk among themselves while other look to the fountain. Jaclyn is sitting on the edge of it. She dips her hand into the light and pulls it out, they slip through her fingers like water. She repeats the process.

VOICE (RUSSIAN ACCENT, SMUG)

That you are.

Jaclyn looks up to see Andropov Dekolivich. He is about her age with blonde hair and a gray beard, he is wearing a UCF uniform with small metal shuttle symbols on his shoulders. She smiles to him.

JACLYN (POLITE)

Hello Andropov.

ANDROPOV (SMUG)

I understand congratulations are inn order.

Jaclyn cocks her head.

JACLYN (CONFUSED)

You talked to Joseph already?

Andropov shakes his head.

ANDROPOV (SMUG)

I didn’t have to. Just walking pastt he was throwing a fit, I knew then you had won.

Jaclyn goes back to playing with thhe lights.

JACLYN (DISAPPOINTED)

Not won just delayed, the rest is uup to Nikolai. But I’m glad I was able to keep Joseph off balance.

ANDROPOV (SMUG)

If you really wanted to do that theen you should kick him out of your dwelling.

JACLYN (EXPLAINING)

I need to stay close to him in ordeer to keep an eye on him, Nikolai is not in the clear yet.

Andropov chuckles.

ANDROPOV (LAUGHING)

You are just using Joseph to get back at your ex-husband Abraham.

Jaclyn looks back up to him.

JACLYN (BLUNT)

That is not true.

Andropov settles down.

ANDROPOV (LAUGHING)

Spare me your lies, Jaclyn. It is mme, Andropov Dekolivich. Your personal pilot. I know the truth. You will use anyone and anything to your advantage.

JACLYN (STERN)

If that was true then why did I help my son?

ANDROPOV (SMUG)

For one thing to wave that purple bbadge in Joseph’s face, reminding him who is the boss. But more so if your son can pull this off he will have a lot of influence. He can open a lot of doors for you. That is something you need more than ever now.

JACLYN (STERN)

How can you say that about me?

ANDROPOV (SMUG)

You have stabbed so many people in the back, you have burnt so many walkways that your back is up against the wall. You allow me to talk down to you because I’m one of the few left you can still trust.

Jaclyn glares at Andropov but he juust smiles back, she sighs and goes back to playing with the lights in the fountain. He laughs.

EXT. MINSK IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - MEDD. SHOT

The fleet and Mars is far behind ass the ship continues away. The two Ultra-Light engines on the back light up. The ship starts to go faster and faster until it is gone out of sight. The words “Kalatir: Chain Reaction!” appears where the ship once was.

INT. MINSK – CORRIDOR

This is a standard hallway. There iis only one hatch in view, it has a large button next to it with a human figure doing chin ups. Standing before it is Lena Pagoda who is a fairly attractive woman with red hair which is tied back in a ponytail who is about Nikolai’s age. She is wearing workout clothes of shorts and a t-shirts, on her feet are slip on workout shoes. Golda Mystroski is with her, she is a lovely blonde in a standard Minsk uniform with golden symbols of computers on her shoulders. Lena looks kind of nervous but Golda smiles to her.

GOLDA (RUSSIAN ACCENT, REASSURING)

You can do this Lena.

Lena quickly shakes her head.

LENA (FRANTIC)

No, I can’t. I don’t even know why I’m here.

GOLDA (EXPLAINING)

Because the man you love is on the other side of that hatch. He is alone, this is your big chance to show your true feelings.

LENA (FRANTIC)

It doesn’t matter how I feel, I already know how he feels towards me. He thinks of me just a friend, that is all.

GOLDA (EXPLAINING)

Many of a We’re Just Friends relationship has blossomed into love.

LENA (FRANTIC)

And many more turned out to be just that.

GOLDA (CONFUSED)

What are you afraid of? That he will say no?

LENA (FRANTIC)

That he will say yes.

Golda giggles and this sets Lena off.

LENA (ANNOYED)

It’s not funny! There is a lot of ppressure involved here! If we start dating I’ll always have to be on my guard! I’ll have to act and think differently! I will always have to be on the defensive! I can’t take this!

Golda settles down and grabs Lena bby the shoulder gently, she smiles and looks her in the eye.

GOLDA (CURIOUS)

Did you have to do all those thing in order to get him to like you as a friend?

Lena pauses to think, then shakes her hhead.

LENA (CONFUSED)

No, I was just myself.

GOLDA (EXPLAINING)

And that is all you have to be heree.

LENA (CONFUSED)

Yes but this is such a big step.

Golda nods.

GOLDA (UNDERSTANDING)

An important step, yes. Big, no. Hee will like you just as you are, trust me.

LENA (FRANTIC)

Yeah but what if-

GOLDA (INTERRUPTING, STERN)

I’m sick and tire of you whining! OOf complaining how you want to do something! How you want to take charge of the situation! Well here is your chance!

LENA (FRANTIC)

But-

GOLDA (INTERRUPTING, STERN)

But nothing! Either you go in theree now or I’ll throw you in.

Golda stares at Lena and she sighss back.

LENA (FRUSTRATED)

Okay… Okay…

Lena turns towards the hatch, pauses too collect herself but does nothing. Golda rolls her eyes, pressed the hatch and it opens. Then she shoves Lena and she stumbles inside.

INT. MINSK – GYMNASIUM

This is a large room. One section has been set aside for working out, weights, treadmills, chin up bars, etc. While the other has been set up for sparing, a soft mat is on the floor. The only one is the room is Nikolai. He is wearing similar clothes to Lena. He is lying on a bench and holds a bar with no weights on it, it has some electronics on it. He struggles as if it weights a great deal. The hatch opens and Lena stumbles into the room. He stops working out and looks to her, she looks to him and looks embarrassed. She recomposes herself as the hatch closes.

NIKOLAI (STRUGGLING)

Hi Lena. What brings you in here?

As Lena looks to Nikolai she freezes up like a deer caught in headlight, he laughs.

NIKOLAI (STRUGGLING, LAUGHING)

It was a joke Lena. Dressed like thhat why else would you be down here?

Lena looks herself over and the smiles,, she leans up against the wall and takes a sexy pose but Nikolai has gone back to working out and is not looking at her. So she walks over to him, she folds her arms behind her back and tries to look more pleasing.

LENA (PLAYFUL)

Oh Nikolai, you are so funny. I likke men who are funny.

Lena does a playful giggle but she reallly over does it. Nikolai stops again and looks up to her, she is still laughing. He shakes his head and continues his workout. When she sees he is paying her no mind she stops and looks to him.

LENA (SEXY)

Oh Nikolai, you are so big and stroong I could just eat you up.

Nikolai stops again and looks to Leena.

NIKOLAI (STRUGGLING, CONFUSED)

Are you feeling okay Lena?

Lena just smiles and plays with her haiir.

LENA (SEXY)

I feel great whenever I’m around yoou, Nikolai.

Nikolai shakes his head again and ggoes back to working out. Seeing he is ignoring her again Lena looks around, she spots a weight station just like his next to him. She goes over it and looks the electronics on the bar over, she pretends to be confused.

LENA (FALSE INSECURITY)

This looks way too complicated for me. I wish there was a strong intelligent man to help me.

Nikolai stops once more.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

That does it!

Nikolai looks to the bar in his hannds.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

Terminate workout!

Nikolai lets go of the bar and it ffloats there, then he gets to his feet and stands before Lena.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Have you been sniffing vapors or soomething?

LENA (CONFUSED)

What do you mean?

NIKOLAI (STERN)

You come in here acting like a gittty school girl. Compliment the Deposits out of me and now you pretend you don’t know how to work some simple workout equipment. You’re the Engineer Officer! You are responsible for everything on this ship! Now what is this all about?

LENA (FRUSTRATED)

I’m sorry but I’m not very good at this!

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

Good at what? I have no idea why yoou came down here!

LENA (FRUSTRATED)

To do this!

Lena grabs Nikolai and kisses him passiionately. At first he struggles but the more she kisses the more he likes it. Finally they break apart. She is happy for what she just did but he is confused.

LENA (SLY)

Now do you understand?

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Actually, I’m more confused than evver.

LENA (ANNOYED)

I’m in love with you fool!

Nikolai looks like he has just beenn hit by truck, she notices this and sighs.

LENA (FRUSTRATED)

But I see you don’t share my feelinngs.

Lena hangs her head and Nikolai regainss himself.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

Actually, I have always felt the saame way towards you.

Lena looks up to Nikolai confused.

LENA (CONFUSED)

Really?

Nikolai smiles to Lena and nods.

LENA (CONFUSED)

Then why haven’t you told me?

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

I was kind of in the same lifeboat as you, I wasn’t sure how you would take it. I may be a fearous warrior but when it comes to love I’m as frightened as a kitten. You don’t know how many times I wanted to tell you my true feelings.

LENA (REASSURING)

It doesn’t matter now. What does iss that we feel the same way and no longer have to hide our feelings.

Lena goes to kiss Nikolai again but he holds her off.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

I’m afraid it is not that easy.

Lena pauses to think and then nods.

LENA (UNDERSTANDING)

I get it, it is that little briefinng you gave with the bridge crew before we left orbit. In all likelihood this is both yours and Codi’s last mission with the Minsk. It is highly probable that when we return you will never see us again. You feel it would be pointless to start a relationship now.

Nikolai shakes his head.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Its not that, I would rather have oonly a few DecaYerk of happiness with you then a lifetime of regret alone. The problem is I’m an officer under you and I’m afraid how the rest of the crew will react. If you earned some merit or were promoted they would always think that it was because you were my girlfriend not that you deserved it.

LENA (EXPLAINING)

Then we can meet in private just liike you did with Catherine, no one would need to know. Not even the commander. It would be our little secret.

Nikolai shakes his head.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

That wouldn’t work. As you rememberr Catherine and I couldn’t keep our secret from the crew. Everyone up to Command Control knew about it. They all thought I promoted her to Exec when I took command after Trotsky’s death just because I loved her.

LENA (CONFUSED)

But there is no in the Regs to stopp us! The Deposits with them! I love you and I want to be with you!

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

I can’t turn them off like that, I have to work with them. I need their respect. If even the Admiral didn’t want my neck I’d still feel this way. I hope you understand.

Lena glares at Nikolai.

LENA (ANNOYED)

All that I understand is that you ccare more about your crew than me!

Nikolai goes to say something but LLena storms out of the room, he hangs his head in shame.

EXT. MINSK IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - MEDD SHOT

The ship jumps out of Ultra-Light aand quickly decelerates. Far off in the distance is a large mass of dark clouds.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Everyone is at their station and moonitoring their screens. Vladimir looks up to Codi.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

We're coming up to Tethys Major, maa'am.

CODI (STERN)

Steady as she goes, gator.

Vladimir nods and looks back down at his coonsole.

IVAN (BLUNT)

I'm picking up two larger ships, thhey're heading straight for us. I take this is our escorts.

CODI (BLUNT)

We’re about to find out.

EXT. FELINION ESCORTS IN SPACE (OPTTICAL) - MED SHOT

The ships head right at the Minsk, heading away from the clouds. The Escorts are similar to frigates but they have no fighter bay, more armament and are sleeker looking.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Everyone is carefully monitoring thheir stations.

IVAN (BLUNT)

Scan indicates the ships are frigatte class. Their identification signaler and markings make them Felinion. Their defenses are on-line and their offensive systems are on the way up. They have the maximum layer of Quziis.

Codi looks at Lena.

CODI (STERN)

The correct Felinion response is too bring all defensive system off-line and take the Quziis down to one layer. See to it.

LENA (BLUNT)

Yes ma’am.

Lena uses her Instructer to issue the ccommands. Codi looks down at Vladimir.

CODI (STERN)

Decelerate to one-eighth.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

Vladimir issues the command, Golda looks upp to Codi.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Ma’am, they're trying to contact uss.

Codi looks at Golda.

CODI (STERN)

Path the communication line to me.<

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Yes ma’am.

Golda looks back at her screen and uses her Instructer.

ERICTROKYZ (OVER HEADSET, COLDLY)

This is Erictrokyz Toteie, Vanguardd of the Felinian Response Fleet. I wish to speak to the Minsk.

CODI (INTO HEADSET)

This is Commander Codiozianquy Zqiuuvxbiea of the United Communistic Force Corvette Minsk. I read you.

The face of a male Felinion appearss on one of Codi's screens. Erictrokyz Toteie has black fur with green spots and is wearing a head band with some strange hieroglyphic symbols on it. Erictrokyz stares coldly.

ERICTROKYZ (OVER HEADSET, COLDLY)

You have the nerve to show your facce once more?

CODI (INTO HEADSET, BLUNT)

I’m just following orders.

ERICTROKYZ (OVER HEADSET, COLDLY)

My orders that I’m to speak with thhe Ambassador directly.

Codi looks over to Golda and nods, when she sees this she uses her Instructer. The image of Erictrokyz appears on Nikolai’s screen, he bows slightly to the Exec.

ERICTROKYZ (OVER HEADSET, PLEASANT)

Ambassador, it is an honor to greett you to Felinia.

Nikolai bows his head too.

NIKOLAI (INTO HEADSET, PLEASANT)

The honor is all mine.

They look to one another.

ERICTROKYZ (OVER HEADSET, PLEASANT)

The Court of Chaw has instructed mee to inform you may once again bring along an advisor down to the planet but this time it can’t be your commander.

NIKOLAI (INTO HEADSET, CONFUSED)

Why is that?

ERICTROKYZ (OVER HEADSET, HONEST)

All that I know is that she is not allowed on the planet.

Nikolai pauses to think.

NIKOLAI (INTO HEADSET, CURIOUS)

I don’t suppose you could tell me tthat if I came all this why for nothing?

ERICTROKYZ (OVER HEADSET, HONEST)

I’m sorry but I have not been inforrmed on this either. Now if you will follow us in.

NIKOLAI (INTO HEADSET, PLEASANT)

Of course, Minsk out.

The screen goes blank, Nikolai sitss there and rubs his chin thinking.

EXT. MINSK NEAR FELINIA (OPTICAL) -- MED SHOT

The ship follows the two Felinion EEscorts towards the planet which is totally obscured by dark thick clouds. The Minsk and the Escorts lock into an orbit around the clouds. A shuttle clears the mist and heads towards the Minsk.

INT. MINSK - CORRIDOR

Nikolai and Codi are walking here iin silence, he is in his dress uniform and is carrying a duffel bag. Something seems to be troubling him and she senses this.

CODI (CURIOUS)

You seem to be awfully quiet. Last time you were on your way down to Felinia you had all these questions.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Last time you were coming with me.<

Nikolai looks to Codi for a reactioon but there is none.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

I just wish my sister was around too see this.

CODI (UNDERSTANDING)

Yes, she was killed when The Legionn attacked the Asterlon colony.

They stop before a hatch with a buttton next to it with a symbol of an elevator. He looks to her.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

How did you know? I have never talkked about her?

Codi pushes the button.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

When I was given authorization to ssearch the crew database while trying to expose the spy that killed Trotsky I ran across that in your file.

There is an electronic chime and thhe hatch opens, Nikolai and Codi step into it.

INT. MINSK - ELEVATOR

This is a small featureless room wiith a small panel next to the open hatch with several buttons on it (each has a unique symbol) After they walk inside Nikolai and Codi turn and face the open door, Codi presses one of the small buttons which has a symbol of a spaceship on it.

ELEVATOR (COMPUTERIZED VOICE)

Hanger level selected.

The hatch slides closed and the eleevator begins to move.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Yes, our mission was to respond to a distress call at the colony but it was really a trap. We were knocked out of Ultra-Light by an Energy Sink and trapped. Fortunately, we had already dispatched out Battleships so we were able to escape. Since our orders were not to engage the enemy but to save the colony we proceeded on. Unfortunately, the delay allowed The Legion to destroy it. By the time we got there nothing was left alive and nothing was left standing. We were able to recover a few bodies before Command Control ordered us back. It is a shame she is not here, she always loved Felinions.

The elevator comes to a stop and thhe doors open.

ELEVATOR (COMPUTERIZED VOICE)

Hanger level.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Speaking of sisters…

Codi glares at Nikolai and his voicce trails off.

CODI (STERN)

You can save your lies! It stated iin your file she requested the transfer to the colony to get away from Felinions!

Nikolai opens his mouth to reply buut Codi has already stepped out, he races after her.

INT. MINSK – CORRIDOR

Codi storms down the hallway as Nikkolai catches up to her.

NIKOLAI (APOLOGETIC)

Look, I’m sorry but I had to try.

CODI (ANNOYED)

As you have tried time and time agaain and every time you have failed! You will continue to fail!

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Why won’t you tell me why your sistter tried to kill you?

Codi stops and so does Nikolai, theey look to one another.

CODI (STERN)

To be quite honest I had consideredd tell you why she wants me dead. Why the Court considers me a traitor. Since the Admiral has given us a death sentence I had planned to do this before you step on that shuttle but you can forget that now!

Nikolai opens his mouth to protest but Codi storms away, he sighs and follows her.

EXT MINSK ORBITING FELINIA (OPTICALL) – LONG SHOT

The ship continues to orbit the cloouds with the two Felinion Escorts. The Felinion shuttle leaves the Minsk and heads for the clouds. It looks strange, on the side of it are hieroglyphic symbols.

INT. FELINION SHUTTLE - PASSENGER CCOMPARTMENT

This is a lavishly decorated room. The walls and ceiling have decorative carvings from Felinia's history which are gold plated. The floor is carpeted with a thick decorative rug. Along the walls are large padded swivel chairs. Nikolai and Ken Keith are seated in the chairs and have a seatbelt on. He is about Nikolai’s age, red hair and has a goatee, he is in his dress uniform. He has gold symbols of a staff with a snake wrapped around it on his shoulders. A pilot and co-pilot can be seen through an opening in the front of the room. Guards are seated and can be seen through an opening in the back of the ship. Ken looks at Nikolai.

KEN (CURIOUS)

So why am I so lucky?

Nikolai looks to Ken.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What do you mean?

KEN (EXPLAINING)

Coming down here with you.

NIKOLAI (SARCASTIC)

No one else wanted to come.<

Ken chuckles and Nikolai joins in.<

EXT. FELINION SHUTTLE OVER FELINIA (OPTICAL) - MED SHOT

The ship gracefully descends towardds the surface of the planet. The clouds mass above radiates bright light in all directions.

INT. FELINION SHUTTLE - PASSENGER CCOMPARTMENT

The room rocks violently, Ken hangss onto his chair for dear life but Nikolai doesn’t seem too concerned. Finally it subsides.

KEN (RELIEVED)

I’m glad that is over.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

The clouds that surround our planett are very dense and make travel through them difficult.

Ken nods.

KEN (CURIOUS)

So what do you think the chances off being accepted by the court is?

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

Not too good, none of them came up to meet us. But even so the trip will be worth it.

KEN (CONFUSED)

Why do you say that?

Nikolai looks forward.

NIKOLAI (TO COCKPIT, BLUNT)

How about letting some light in herre?

The Felinions looks back to him butt seem not to understand. Then he points to the walls and they nod.

The panels on the walls slide down to reveal the planet below and the clouds above, they provide light as if it were daytime. Ken looks to this with awe.

KEN (IMPRESSED)

How can there be light here?>

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

The clouds generate it, the Felinioons have never been able to explain how.

KEN (PLEASED)

This is amazing.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

You haven’t seen anything yet.

EXT. FELINION SHUTTLE OVER FELINIA (OPTICAL) - MED SHOT

The ship continues its descent towaards the planet. Below, the surface is heavily wooded with a variety of trees. Some familiar looking, but all hundreds of feet tall. Below the cloud mass are huge white clouds similar to those on Earth.

INT. FELINION SHUTTLE - PASSENGER CCOMPARTMENT

Ken continues to look out the windoow in awe, Nikolai looks on proudly.

KEN (IMPRESSED)

This is incredible! Everything is sso green! So alive!

Ken then pauses to consider somethiing, he looks to Nikolai.

KEN (CURIOUS)

You think once Earth is fully restoored it will ever look like this?

Nikolai smiles with glee.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Well with the technology that the FFelinions gave us it is possible.

Nikolai loses his smile.

NIKOLAI (FRUSTRATED)

But we’ll just blow it up again.

Ken looks to Nikolai with the same sad look, then he looks back out the window. The Felinions in the front look back and smile, they say something to each other in their native language.

EXT. FELINION SHUTTLE OVER FELINIA (OPTICAL) - MED SHOT

The ship dives down near the surfacce of the planet, it follows a river through the trees. As they proceed a herd of horse-like creatures bolt along side the water, they have needles like a porcupine. The shuttle continues.

INT. FELINION SHUTTLE - PASSENGER CCOMPARTMENT

Nikolai and Ken look out the windoww happily.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

I could live here forever if given the chance.

Ken looks over to Nikolai.

KEN (CONFUSED)

Wouldn’t a warrior like you get borred sitting around?

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

I could get use to it.

Ken looks back out the window.

KEN (UNDERSTANDING)

Me too.

They continue to look out.

EXT. CHAW CASTLE COURTYARD (OPTICALL) - MED SHOT

This is a huge garden filled with eexotic planets. It is surrounded by the castle and huge battlements. There is a huge marble slab in the center of the yard and a matching marble walkway leading to an entrance to the castle. The castle itself is huge and made out of solid gold, jade and other precious materials. Two towers stretch into the sky and everything is lavishly decorated. The shuttle is about 50 feet in the air and slowly descending over one of the walls, moving towards the large marble slab. A pair of guards are waiting here. The shuttle continues to descend and lands on the marble slab. The ship's engines shut down as the ramp lowers. The guards aboard the shuttle rush out and take their positions, two at the top of the ramp and two at the bottom. Nikolai and Ken walk down the ramp carrying their duffel bags. They stop at the bottom and look around, Ken is impressed but Nikolai is displeased.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

No court officials and two messily guards, this is bad news.

The two guards indicate for them too follow, they do so. They lead them towards the castle.

INT. CHAW CASTLE - ROYAL HALL

This is a long marble corridor whicch is trimmed with gold and is lit by electronic lighting. There are several paintings on the walls of famous Felinions. At one end of the hall are a pair of large doors made of solid gold, two Felinions guard them. At the other end are two large metal doors. The metal doors are opened by the guards on the other side. Nikolai and Ken are led through the door by their guards. As the group walks down the hall the guards close the metal doors, Ken looks around impressed while Nikolai looks rather depressed. As the group reaches the gold doors the guards bow and open them. The group walks through the open doors.

INT. CHAW CASTLE - THRONE ROOM

This is a huge dark and dank chambeer, several lit torches scattered around the room are the only source of light. A variety of complete taxidermy alien animals are fixed to the walls. At one end of the room is a huge marble slab, at the other end is a silk curtain. A carpet of alien animal skins and furs runs between the two. On the slab are six large thrones, these are made of blood stained animal bones and the arm rests are of animal skulls. Seated in them from left to right are Ry Zulk, Wactorii Tqwzxcvbyyaao, Queen Ezzlaaaty Mezimallo, King Xjklu Uieoallph, High Priest Poynhidf Tewb and High Priestess Nylgdre Lukjxrt. Ry is a male Felinion with brown fur and purple strips while Wactorii is female Felinion with Gray fur and pink stripes. She is wearing a matching wristband as Nikolai’s. They are wearing head and wristbands similar to the guards, a large solid gold amulet with hieroglyphic symbols and a golden cape. Ezzlaaaty and Xjklu are dressed similar to Ry and Wactorii, but they have scepters made of large bones which have a Felinion head carved into each, small knives in their belts and are wearing a large animal skull as a crown instead of a head band. Ezzlaaaty has green fur with white strips and Xjklu has orange fur with blue stripes. They both have golden bracelets, carved into each are hieroglyphic symbols. Poynhidf is a male Felinion with Blue fur and brown stripes while Nylgdre is a female Felinion with red fur and yellow stripes. They are dressed like Ry and Wactorii. To one side is a large marble desk with a scribe seated at it. The scribe is a female Felinion who is dressed similarly to the guards but has no weapons and holds a strange looking gem. The desk has a stack of documents on it and several spare gems. The scribe is using the gem like a pen to fill out one of the documents. Next to the curtain stands the Presenter which is a male Felinion dressed like the scribe. There are two guards on both sides of the slab and a guard at each side of the curtain. Ken and Nikolai slip from underneath the curtain and walk up to the thrones on the carpet. Ken is disturbed by all the dead animal parts. Nikolai kneels down on one knee and bows his head. Ken notices this and does the same. There is a long pause of silence.

EZZLAAATY (BLUNT)

You may rise.

Nikolai gets up, then Nikolai does.. The King and Queen look them over but they are more interested in Ken since he is new.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

It is an honor to be before you oncce more.

XJKLU (POLITE)

Thank you. I see you have brought aa new aide along this time.

Nikolai indicates to Ken.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

This is Ken Keith, the Lead Medic TTech aboard the Minsk.

XJKLU (POLITE)

Welcome, may you be as welcome as tthe Ambassador here.

Nikolai is not sure how to take it,, the court realizes this but offers no clarification.

EZZLAAATY (POLITE)

Why don’t you introduce the others to your aide, Ambassador.

Nikolai indicates to Xjklu.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

This is Xjklu Uieoallph, King of the Felinia domain.

Ken bows to him as Nikolai indicates to Ezzlaaaty.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

This is Queen Ezzlaaaty Mezimallo.

Ken bows to her, Nikolai points at Ry.

NIKOLAI (PROUD)

And that is Kootawa, Crown Prince Ryquikg Zulk.

Ken bows to him but Ry is not impressed. Nikolai points to Wactorii.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

That is Wactorii.

XJKLU (CONFUSED)

Wactorii?

NIKOLAI (EMBARRASSED)

Er, I mean, Crown Princess Wactorii Tqwzxcvbyyaao. Please for give me.

The king and queen nods to Nikolai. Ken bows to her and she smiles back.

EZZLAAATY (PLEASED)

Well, there are two here that I know you have never met.

Ezzlaaaty indicates over to Poynhidf and Nylgdre.

EZZLAAATY (PLEASED)

Poynhidf Tewb, high Priest of Kazan.

Poynhidf nods slightly.

POYNHIDF (PLEASANT)

A pleasure, I'm sure.

Ezzlaaaty indicates to Nylgdre.

EZZLAAATY (PLEASED)

And Nylgdre Lukjxrt, high Priestess of Kazan.

Nylgdre nods noticeably.

NYLGDRE (PLEASANT)

I have heard so many things about you.

Nikolai smiles.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

I hope some of them were good.

Nylgdre does not respond, this makes Nikolai uneasy.

EZZLAAATY (PLEASED)

They were away when you last visited us.

NIKOLAI (RESPECTIVE)

That was an unfortunate loss for me.

WACTORII (OFFERING)

I think it would be wise to get to the business at paw.

Ry smiles.

RY (SMUG)

But I am enjoying watching him squiirm like a worm.

The court glares at Ry but says notthing.

XJKLU (BLUNT)

Yes, best to get it over nice and qquick.

Nikolai becomes very nervous.

XJKLU (EXPLAINING)

We have completed the evaluation off your trails conducted when you last here. This evaluation is more than the simulation we tricked you into taking. It also consists of certain questions and examples we presented to you.

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTANDING)

Like how the princess tried to presss me into your mating rituals.

RY (SHOCKED)

You knew that was a test?

Wactorii smiles.

WACTORII (SMUG)

I told you he was quite intelligentt.

Nikolai shakes his head.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

I didn’t figure it out until after I had already responded and left Felinia.

Wactorii frowns but Ry smiles.

RY (SMUG)

Not as smart as you thought.>

XJKLU (EXPLAINING)

Though we did get advice and furtheer analysis for others the decision to proceed or withdraw to begin exchanging knowledge between our two civilizations rested on the Court alone. If even one of us decided this was not in our best interest we would have to withdraw. Since the Priest and Priestess were not here they were excluded from the decision.

Nikolai looks over to Ry and he smiiles, the Exec is even more uneasy.

XJKLU (EXPLAINING)

The princess was the only one in faavor of you.

Nikolai’s heart sinks.

XJKLU (EXPLAINING)

But as we talked the Queen came to your side, I quickly followed. So that only left the prince that was still against you.

Nikolai looks concerned and Xjklu ssmiles.

XJKLU (SMUG)

But after further discussion he deccided as we did.

RY (ANNOYED)

Further discussion? You threatened to revoke some of my programs if I didn’t agree.

Ezzlaaaty glares at Ry.

EZZLAAATY (SCOLDING)

Be silent!

Ry sulks and Nikolai is kind of connfused.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Are you saying that I passed?

XJKLU (SMUG)

That is exactly what I am saying.

Nikolai raises his hands over his hhead.

NIKOLAI (EXCITED)

Yes!

But then he notices everyone lookinng at him.

NIKOLAI (EMBARRASSED)

Er, forgive me for my outburst.

XJKLU (SMUG)

That is quite alright, that is exacctly how we feel.

EZZLAAATY (PROUD)

But to make it official we must perrform the Semborz Ascension.

The King and Queen place their sceppters down, Ry gasps.

RY (SHOCKED)

You can’t be serious!

They pull their knives from their bbelts.

XJKLU (STERN)

We most certainly are!

Nikolai stares at the King and Queeen, scared.

XJKLU (FIRM)

Nikolai, please step forward.

Nikolai pauses to collect his couraage and then walks up to the King and Queen. They hold out left paws and cut their palms with their knives. Orange blood slowly oozes out from the wounds. Nikolai stares horrified at their blood.

EZZLAAATY (EXPLAINING)

We know now you truly want peace annd prosperity between our people. You have proven yourself more than once. Because of that, you have gained our respect and admiration. It is time we repaid you.

The King and Queen extend their wouunded paws towards the frighten Nikolai.

EZZLAAATY (STERN)

It is written: We let our enemies eeat our flesh unwillingly.

XJKLU (STERN)

But only do we let our friends drinnk our blood freely.

EZZLAAATY (STERN)

Are you our enemy or our friend?

Nikolai thinks as he stares at the wounded paws.

NIKOLAI (CAUTIOUS)

I am your friend.

XJKLU (STERN)

Then drink.

Nikolai hesitates.

NIKOLAI (CAUTIOUS)

No.

The King and Queen’s eyes widen.

EZZLAAATY (SHOCKED)

What?

This makes Ry smile.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

From where I come from friendship iis something that's not given. It is built on trust. Not some ritual.

XJKLU (STERN)

Maybe. But no one who has undertakeen the Semborz Ascension ritual has ever betrayed the court. Can you say the same about your way?

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

No. But then look at what you are ooffering. You are asking the friendship of not just you. Not just of the Court. But of the entire Felinion society. Who in his right mind would betray that?

The King and Queen think for a momeent.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Did you ever think the reason why yyou had these lasting friendships was not the ritual but the honor of the friendship itself?

XJKLU (ANNOYED)

Are you saying we are being narrow minded.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Yes.

The King and Queen's eyes narrow. RRy is really pleased and Ken is shocked.

NIKOLAI (DEFENSIVE)

But I'm just doing what friends do.. Being completely honest.

The Queen and King lose their sharppness.

EZZLAAATY (STERN)

So you think that a lasting friendsship can be forged without the ritual.

Nikolai smiles.

NIKOLAI (SARCASTIC)

There is only one way to find out.<

The Queen and King think for a momeent, turn to each other and nod. They place their knives back in their belts and pick up their scepters and look at Nikolai.

EZZLAAATY (PROUD)

Let it be known that from this momeent on that you are a full fledged Felinion and honorary member of this Court.

The scribe quickly writes somethingg out on one of the documents.

XJKLU (PROUD)

Let it be written.

EZZLAAATY (PROUD)

Let it be done.

XJKLU (PROUD)

Let it be known.

The scribe writes furiously at her desk with the gem. Ry is too shocked to say anything. Nikolai stares blankly at the King and Queen.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

I must confess that this is the higghest and most wondrous honor ever bestowed upon me... I just don't know what to say.

XJKLU (STERN)

We are not finished yet.

The Queen pulls a solid gold amulett with hieroglyphics from one of the pouches on her belt, she hands it to Wactorii.

EZZLAAATY (PLEASED)

You may do the honors since you shoown us the light to his wisdom.

Wactorii takes the amulet and nods,, she then stands up and walks over to Nikolai.

XJKLU (PROUD)

This will symbolize your position tto everyone.

Nikolai bows his head and Wactorii slips the amulet around his neck, he looks up to her.

WACTORII (EXCITED)

Congratulations.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

I still don't know what to say.

The Queen smiles.

EZZLAAATY (PLEASED)

Your silence honors us.

Nikolai manages to collect himself..

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

Actually, now that we are all friennds we can start the flow of information on both sides.

EZZLAAATY (PLEASED)

What do you suggest?

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

My aide here knows everything aboutt the human body but very little about caring for Felinions. As you know, with our commander being Felinion, it would be advantageous for him to be educated.

XJKLU (COLD)

Yes, it would be a shame if anythinng were to ever happen to her.

Nikolai and Ken look confused.

XJKLU (BLUNT)

Very well. He will be taken to the PTTCP, the royal physician. There he can be instructed in all that he will need to know. Would that be satisfactory?

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Yes, thank you.

The King barks some commands and onne of the guards steps forward, she indicates to the curtain. Ken looks concerned to Nikolai.

KEN (WHISPERS, CONCERNED)

You’re not coming with?

NIKOLAI (WHISPERS, EXPLAINING)

No, I have other business to attendd to. But don’t worry, they won’t hurt you.

EZZLAAATY (CONFUSED)

Yes, you will be completely safe.

Ken looks shocked but Nikolai smilees.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

You just have to remember they can hear everything.

Ken doesn’t seem that relaxed.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

If you need me you just have to calll.

Nikolai points to the electronic unnit on his belt, Ken understands. Ken follows the guard out.

XJKLU (BLUNT)

So what is this other business we nneed to discuss?

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

Readdressing the Prevaricate issue..

The Court groans.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

How about opening up Tethys Minor, the home world of your Prevaricate prisoners so I may speak with them.

XJKLU (CONFUSED)

Did you not learn when you met withh Garth the Traitor?

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

That was just one example. One bad Felinion would not prove all Felinions are bad.

EZZLAAATY (CONFUSED)

But what about the simulation? The Prevaricates killed you. They can’t be trusted.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

That was your interpretation.

RY (SMUG)

Let him go and get killed then we wwon’t have to worry about him bothering us.

WACTORII (ANNOYED)

Shut up!

XJKLU (CONFUSED)

You have just been welcomed into thhe Court and you dare try and pressure us.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

I’m just following my orders and whhat better way to prove your friendship then to grant me this.

EZZLAAATY (BLUNT)

For your own safety we can not openn the planet to you.

Nikolai looks disappointed and the King and Queen glare at him, Ry is smiling but Wactorii considers something.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

Perhaps there is an alternative.

Everyone looks to Wactorii.<

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

My parents lived through the thick of the revolt against the Prevaricates, they are still alive. They are witnesses to the horror that happened. Perhaps the Ambassador would like to talk to them regarding this.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

To prove that I’m flexible on this position I’m will to accept this.

Xjklu looks at Wactorii

XJKLU (INTERESTED)

Do you think this would be acceptable with your parents Wactorii?

Wactorii looks at Xjklu.

WACTORII (PLEASED)

Of course, he is Ambassador and a member of this court now.

RY (CRUDE)

Ha! Your father will eat him alive.

Wactorii turns and faces Ry.

WACTORII (STERN)

My father may seem cruel on the outside but inside he loves having visitors.

RY (CRUDE)

You've got to be kidding!

WACTORII (ANNOYED)

Just because you and he have never managed to get along doesn't mean he hates everyone.

RY (SARCASTIC)

Then name me one other Felinion he's gotten along with.

Wactorii looks away.

WACTORII (ANNOYED)

Don't worry. He'll behave. My mother will make sure of that.

XJKLU (CONCERNED)

Are you vouching for your parents’ integrity?

Wactorii turns back towards Xjklu.

WACTORII (PROUD)

Absolutely.

Xjklu looks at Nikolai again, so does Wactorii.

XJKLU (PLEASED)

Then I see no reason why you shouldn't visit them.

RY (ANNOYED)

I still say it is a mistake.

No one pays Ry any attention.

EZZLAAATY (PLEASED)

Wactorii will give the directions to her parent's house.

WACTORII (HONEST)

They live outside the city. But actually, I'm free this morning. I'd like to accompany the Ambassador there.

RY (WARNINGLY)

Why?

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

So I may introduce him properly. Besides, it has been some time since I've seen my parents. It will be nice.

RY (ANNOYED)

Your place is here... Next to me.

WACTORII (STERN)

My place is where I can best serve this court. And today that is with the Ambassador.

EZZLAAATY (PLEASED)

I think your request is appropriate, Wactorii.

XJKLU (STERN)

As long as you're back in time to fulfill your commitments.

WACTORII (REASSURING)

Of course.

RY (ANGRY)

I forbid you to go!

EZZLAAATY (ANNOYED)

Really Ry. These outbursts are not becoming of a member of the Court of Chaw.

Ry just sits there and fumes.

XJKLU (PLEASED)

Wactorii and the Ambassador may go.

Wactorii jumps to her feet.

WACTORII (PLEASED)

Thank you.

Wactorii rushes up to Nikolai.

WACTORII (OFFICIAL)

You may escort me now, Ambassador.

NIKOLAI (EXCITED)

Thank you, Milady.

Wactorii holds out her arm and Nikolai hooks his around hers. He smiles widely but she does not, Ry fumes. They turn for the exit.

INT. CHAW CASTLE – RYQUIKG’S CHAMBERS

This is a huge fancy room. The carpeting is plush and made of alien animal skins and hanging on the walls are heads of dead animals. In the center is a large fluffy mattress with no frame. In another corner is a large pan full of sand and a sink, it is jewel encrusted. To the side is a large post that has deep claw marks dug into the fine wood, images are carved into the top and bottom. Lying on the floor next to it is a ball of yarn and other toys but they have seen little use. The room is spotless. Everything is made of high quality materials. A Felinion of Codi’s build but slightly older is here, she has pink fur with gray stripes. She is dressed in simple animal hide wrist, ankle and headband. Around her neck is a necklace made of animal teeth. This is Xiiltriiana. She slips a pair of large knives into her ankle bands. Then she picks up a pair of throwing knives and slips one into each of her wristbands. Once she finishes she looks herself over and smiles. Just then the doors on the other side of the room fly open, she spins around to see it is just Ry. She sighs with relief but he is not as happy to see her, he quickly closes the doors and bolts them shut.

RY (SHOCKED)

Are you crazy?

Xiiltriiana smiles.

XIILTRIIANA (SARCASTIC)

You already know that is a definitee yes.

Ry turns towards Xiiltriiana and gllares.

RY (ANNOYED)

I’m serious! If anyone saw you in hhere we would both be in big trouble!

XIILTRIIANA (REASSURING)

I’m your personal aide, it is not uuncommon for me to be here.

Ry rushes towards Xiiltriiana.

RY (ANNOYED)

It is when I’m not around! Especiallly in my sleeping chambers!

XIILTRIIANA (REASSURING)

I could always say I stopped by to pick up my orders for the DecaYerk, it is no big deal.

Ry stops before Xiiltriiana and glaares but she smiles.

XIILTRIIANA (SLY)

Besides, we do some of our best worrk here.

Xiiltriiana licks the side of Ry’s face but he reels back in disgust.

RY (ANNOYED)

You fool!

Xiiltriiana giggles.

XIILTRIIANA (SLY)

Oh the female you sleep with is sudddenly poison to you.

RY (ANNOYED)

If they pick up your scent on me wee are both dead!

XIILTRIIANA (REASSURING)

Fear not, this little game of deception is about to come to an end.

Ry is confused but Xiiltriiana offers no explanation. He looks her over.

RY (CONFUSED)

You are dressed in your assassin geear. Do you intend to kill me?

Xiiltriiana busts out laughing.

XIILTRIIANA (LAUGHING)

No need to worry, you are worth to me more alive than dead.

Ry cocks his head.

RY (CONFUSED)

You don’t make it sound very romanttic.

XIILTRIIANA (BLUNT)

Don’t play coy with me! You have ennlisted my services to strengthen your position while in turn you promised me certain advancement up the hierarchy. This has always been strictly business.

Xiiltriiana reaches out and touchess Ry’s chest, she runs her fingers through his fur and smiles.

XIILTRIIANA (PLAYFUL)

It was just fortunate that we foundd ways of making this partnership more enjoyable.

RY (CONFUSED)

Then who is your target?

Xiiltriiana lowers her hand.>

XIILTRIIANA (SLY)

Whom it has been all along.<

RY (CONFUSED)

Wactorii?

Xiiltriiana nods.

XIILTRIIANA (SMUG)

The courts had been very accommodatting this time. They are sending her off alone with some pathetic humanoid to protect her, it will be an easy kill. The Court will write them off as victims of vengeance, after all she has gained a lot of enemies recently but unknown to anyone that includes us. With her out of the picture and your endorsement of me will make everything right. It will be an unorthodox jump in my career, even for the Court, but thanks to my sisters escapades I have the leverage to make it work.

RY (STERN)

No, Wactorii is off limits to you tthis time.

XIILTRIIANA (CONFUSED)

Don’t tell me you suddenly have acqquired a weak stomach.

RY (DEFENSIVE)

Of course not! I would prefer that you were the one to end her life, I know you would make it slow and painful. She would get everything she deserves. The problem is you couldn’t do it without killing the humanoid.

XIILTRIIANA (SMUG)

Their reflexes and intelligence aree no match for mine, it would not be a problem.

RY (STERN)

The issue is not if you can succeedd or not, I know that you could blindfolded. The issue is that with the humanoid, a member of the Court. A broad and extensive investigation would have to be conducted, this would be one we couldn’t sweep under the carpet. Also, the humanoids are an unpredictable race. It could upset them to the brink of war, after all this humanoid is their ambassador.

XIILTRIIANA (SMUG)

I say bring it on! With Felinion teechnology we could easily wipe them out!

RY (EXPLAINING)

Even after all these KiloYerks afteer the revolt most Felinions still do not have the stomach for war. That is why we have stayed out of the humanoid’s conflict. We would find little support in that venture. In fact, the Court would rather look for someone to blame than fight. I don’t want them to give them an excuse to choose us.

XIILTRIIANA (DISAPPOINTED)

So what you are saying I’m still gooing to have to wait to get what I deserve. Of what my sister deprived me of. I have to continue playing this deception game while Wactorii will continue to have all the glory that is rightfully mine.

Ry reaches out and caresses Xiiltriiiana face.

RY (REASSURING)

Yes but it is for the best. If you act now it could destroy everything. Please do this for me.

Ry smiles to Xiiltriiana but she laaughs, he lets go of her.

XIILTRIIANA (LAUGHING)

I’m no caged kitten like Wactorii! You can’t keep me on a leash and make me do tricks on command! I do what I want when I want!

Ry frowns and Xiiltriiana settles ddown.

XIILTRIIANA (SMUG)

Fortunately, this is one of the feww times your logic prevails. So I will do as you say.

RY (PLEASED)

Thank you.

Ry lets go and turns to the door.

XIILTRIIANA (STERN)

But be warned, my patience is growiing thin. Wactorii’s time in this universe is growing short.

Ry hesitates to consider Xiiltriianna’s words, he nods and then he continues towards the door. She then begins removing her weapons and putting them away.

EXT. ROYALE - FELINION SHUTTLE

The city surrounds the castle for miles in every direction. Beyond that are the dense forests. The shuttle is flying just above the city heading away from the castle towards the edge of the city.

INT. FELINION SHUTTLE - PASSENGER COMPARTMENT

Wactorii is facing Nikolai. All are seated but not strapped in. The duffel bag is at Nikolai's feet. The Princess has a neutral look on her face. The side panels have been lowered to expose windows, the city can be seen below. Four guards can be seen seated through an opening in the back of the ship. Nikolai smiles at Wactorii.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

So Princess, it has been some time since we've been together. How have you kept yourself busy?

WACTORII (COLD)

The King, Queen and the others may enjoy unless banter. I do not.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

Excuse me?

WACTORII

(COLD)

You want to learn about the Vice Sirius'. It is my duty to help fuel your interest that is why I've offered the use of my parents. But I will know that is the only reason why you are here.

NIKOLAI (SURPRISED)

That is not true.

WACTORII (COLD)

Please spare me your attempt to deceive me. Humans are natural liars. Every Felinion knows that.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What?

WACTORII (COLD)

I want you to know that I'm highly in disagreement with the topic you have selected. So just leave me out on your little fact-finding mission.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

I don't understand?

WACTORII (COLD)

So much for human intelligence.

Nikolai opens his mouth but she turns away, he says nothing. He looks at her with total shock for a few seconds, then turns away as well and looks out the window (the ship is now clearing the last of the city) The ship begins to descend.

EXT. FELINIA - TQWZXCVBYYAAO HOMESTEAD

This is a five-room home made of plain stone and large logs. There are a few windows made of clear crystal material. The door is made of heavy metal and is highly decorated with the family history carved into it. Back a few hundred feet behind the house is a large barn made in a similar manner. The immediate area around the dwellings have been cut away as well a large clearing in front. Several trials have been cut into the forest as well. The shuttle sets down in the clearing and the ramp lowers. The guards, with their pistols drawn, rush out of the shuttle and down the ramp. They stop on the ground at the base of the ramp, looking every which way for danger. After they sense none, the Felinions stop and perk their ears up and listen carefully. Again they detect no danger. Finally, they sniff the wind. Once satisfied they turn towards the ramp but continue to hold onto their weapons. One of them barks a command in, Wactorii steps out and down the ramp. Nikolai follows closely carrying his duffel bag. When they reach the both of the ramp the guards move forward around them. As they continue for the house they escort them. The guards continue to sense for any trouble. They head for the front door.

EXT. TQWZXCVBYYAAO HOMESTEAD - FRONT DOOR

The guards surround the door. Wactorii stands before the door, Nikolai is right behind her. She turns and looks at him.

WACTORII (COLD)

Welcome to the Tqwzxcvbyyaao Homestead.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Thank you.

Wactorii ignores Nikolai's comment, she looks to the guards.

WACTORII (STERN)

You know your orders.

GUARD (BLUNT)

Yes, we are to remain out here. We are not to enter this house unless you so command.

The guard looks to the others, he barks an order to them in Felinion. They grunt a response and quickly scattered to the four outer corners of the house. The guard remains where he is. Wactorii turns back for the door and opens it.

WACTORII (COLD)

Follow me, Ambassador.

Wactorii steps through the doorway, Nikolai follows and closes the door behind him.

INT. TQWZXCVBYYAAO HOME - ENTRYWAY

This is long and narrow made of logs and stone. The floor is made of plain stone and the roof is made out of logs. At the near end is the metal door and the far end leads into another room. Nikolai and Wactorii are next to the door and facing down the hall. She looks to him.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

Don’t expect to enjoy your time here.

Nikolai looks hurt and she sees this, Wactorii giggles.

WACTORII (TEASING)

Oh Nikolai, you are so easy to tease.

Nikolai is confused.

WACTORII (TEASING)

I was just having a little fun with you. Are you mad?

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

This is how mad I am.

Nikolai rubs the side of his face against hers on one side and then the other, she is pleased.

WACTORII (PLEASED)

You just marked me, you must still like me.

Nikolai holds up his wristband.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

I’m still wearing this.

Wactorii holds up hers.

WACTORII (PLEASED)

Just like me.

They places their wrists together so the two broken disks form a single one, they smile to one another.

WACTORII (PLEASED)

Come on, you need to meet my parents.

Wactorii turns and leads him down the hall into the next room.

INT. TQWZXCVBYYAAO HOME - LIVING ROOM

The materials that make up this room are like the first (stone floor, wooden ceiling and stone/wood walls) but the room is much bigger. It has no furniture what so ever and a huge animal fur rug covers almost the entire floor. Set into one of the outer walls is a large fireplace, next to it is a large window with metal storm shutters (which are open) Doorways are set into the other three walls. One leads back to the hall, one leads to a rustic kitchen and one leads into a large bedroom (which has an open thick metal door with several dead bolts) The walls for the bedroom are made of strong metal. A short Male Felinion with black spots, brown fur and graying fur around his face waits impatiently here. This is Eulciwz Docqterere. Wactorii leads Nikolai into the room from the hall. She quickly spots Eulciwz, she leads Nikolai up to him. She nods slightly to the Felinion.

WACTORII (PROPER)

Greetings father.

EULCIWZ (PROPER)

Greetings daughter.

WACTORII (PROPER)

It is good to see you.

Eulciwz just nods slightly.

WACTORII (PROUD)

Father, I'd like you to meet Nikolai Solace.

Wactorii indicates to Nikolai and looks at Eulciwz, he shows no reaction.

WACTORII (PROUD)

Nikolai, I'd like you to meet my father. Eulciwz Docqterere.

Nikolai drops his duffel bag and holds out his hand.

NIKOLAI (POLITE)

It is a pleasure to meet you, sir.

Eulciwz refuses to shake Nikolai's hand. Instead, he careful eyes him over as he begins to walk around him. Nikolai lowers his hand, disappointed.

EULCIWZ (COLD)

So this is the human you've ranted and raved about.

Eulciwz continues to study Nikolai.

EULCIWZ (RUDE)

Not much to look at.

WACTORII (ANNOYED)

Father. Please.

EULCIWZ (RUDE)

I hear you are only an Exec Officer, not very impressive.

Nikolai considers his reaction but decides to say nothing instead, he tries to remain calm. Eulciwz stops before Nikolai and gives him a sour glance. The Felinion reaches for Nikolai's neck and he flinches slightly.

EULCIWZ (DISGUSTED)

This is the biggest joke of all.

Eulciwz hits Nikolai's amulet.

EULCIWZ (DISGUSTED)

Full fledged Felinion and honorary member of the Court of Chaw. You're not even worthy to be a servant in the castle.

WACTORII (UPSET)

I will not have you show such disrespect toward Nikolai!

EULCIWZ (ANGRY)

I will show disrespect to anyone I choose, Daughter! Especially in my own house!

WACTORII (SMUG)

Need I remind you whose name this house bares?

EULCIWZ (ANGRY)

Need I remind you that I'm the one who built this house with my own two paws?

WACTORII (SARCASTIC)

If I remember correctly it was my mother's father who built this house.

EULCIWZ (ANGRY)

Your Mother's father couldn't build a-

VOICE (INTERRUPTING, STERN)

Couldn't build a what?

Fear fills Eulciwz face. Everyone turns and looks towards the kitchen. There a female Felinion with bright blue fur and yellow spots standing at the doorway to the kitchen, she also has graying in her face. This is Ulzaopi Tqwzxcvbyyaao. She holds a small wooden tray with two glasses filled with thick dark blue liquid. She gives Eulciwz a cold unforgiving glare. He tries to match the look but fails miserably. Finally, he just throws up his paws in disgust.

EULCIWZ (FRUSTRATED)

Ahhh.

Ulzaopi walks up to the others. Wactorii nods to her.

WACTORII (PROPER)

Greetings mother.

ULZAOPI (PROPER)

Greetings daughter.

WACTORII (PROPER)

Mother. This is Nikolai Solace.

Wactorii indicates to Nikolai.

WACTORII (PROPER)

And Nikolai. This is my mother. Ulzaopi Tqwzxcvbyyaao.

Wactorii indicates to Ulzaopi, the Mother balances the tray with one paw and hold out her paw with the other.

ULZAOPI (PLEASED)

It is an extreme pleasure to meet you, Nikolai.

Nikolai reaches out his hand and receives a hardy handshake.

NIKOLAI (RELIEVED)

Thank you, ma'am. It is an honor for me as well.

Nikolai and Ulzaopi releases each other’s hands, she grabs the tray with two paws again.

ULZAOPI (EMBARRASSED)

You must forgive Eulciwz here, but his manors are atrocious.

NIKOLAI (POLITE)

That is quite all right. I know it is kind of a shock me showing up unannounced like this.

ULZAOPI (COLD)

No, it's not that. He is just inconsiderate and narrow-minded.

Eulciwz throws his arms up again.

EULCIWZ (FRUSTRATED)

Ahhh.

Eulciwz turns away and heads for the bedroom, Ulzaopi notices this.

ULZAOPI (SARCASTIC)

And where do you think you are going?

EULCIWZ (ANNOYED)

I want no part of this.

ULZAOPI (STERN)

You are a part of this whether you like it or not.

EULCIWZ (ANNOYED)

This is YOUR daughter’s affair!

ULZAOPI (SARCASTIC)

She is your daughter too. Aren’t you concerned about her?

EULCIWZ (ANNOYED)

This is madness!

ULZAOPI (HARSH)

Enough! You will stay and you will help! Understood?

Eulciwz glares at Ulzaopi, she returns an icy glance. He is no match for it or her and throws his arms up again.

EULCIWZ (FRUSTRATED)

Ahhh.

Eulciwz turns and faces the others.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

Look, I can see I'm causing a disturbance. Maybe I should leave.

EULCIWZ (SARCASTIC)

That would be wonderful.

ULZAOPI (SLY)

No. Not just yet.

Nikolai doesn't like the response. Ulzaopi holds the tray out to Wactorii and him.

ULZAOPI (PLEASED)

Perhaps a drink would calm your nerves.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

Please forgive me but I don’t drink alcohol.

ULZAOPI (PLEASED)

These are not fermented, please enjoy.

Wactorii picks up one of the glasses from the tray.

NIKOLAI (UNSURE)

Thank you.

Nikolai takes the other drink and looks to it.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

We are the only ones drinking?

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

We are the guests, only when we are served can they partake.

ULZAOPI (PLEASED)

A toast to both of you, may you be successful in what you are about to do.

Nikolai is about to question something but Wactorii holds up her glass to him, he does the same. She downs her drink in one gulp so he does the same, she finds her drink refreshing but he looks like he is going to throw up.

NIKOLAI (DISGUSTED)

What was that?

ULZAOPI (PLEASED)

A combination of various animal intestines.

Now Nikolai looks like he really is going to throw up, this is noticed.

EULCIWZ (HOPEFUL)

Maybe he will be too sick to partake in this madness.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What is this all about?

EULCIWZ (SHOCKED)

You mean you haven't told him?

Wactorii turns and look at Eulciwz.

WACTORII (DISAPPOINTED)

I couldn't. We were never alone.

EULCIWZ (CONCERNED)

You can't commit him to this without informing him of the consequences.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

Perhaps you are right father.

Wactorii places her glass back on the tray, Nikolai does the same.

WACTORII (POLITE)

Please follow me.

Wactorii leads Nikolai towards the bedroom, he picks up his bag as he goes. Ulzaopi and Eulciwz follow.

INT. TQWZXCVBYYAAO HOME - BEDROOM

This is a small room with thick metal door with several dead bolts. The walls for the room are made of strong metal and their are no windows. In the center is a large fluffy mattress. In one corner is a large pan full of sand. In another corner is a large wooden post that has deep claw marks in it. Against a wall is a large cooling unit. Set into another wall is a stone sink. Wactorii leads Nikolai, Ulzaopi and Eulciwz in. She looks to the bed and frowns.

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

Where are the traveling clothes?

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Traveling clothes?

ULZAOPI (BLUNT)

I’ll go and get them.

Ulzaopi turns and leaves.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Now what is this all about?

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

Politics.

Nikolai raises an eyebrow and Wactorii sighs.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

There is a disease that plagues my people, it is called The Wane. I won’t go into detail but the body slowly deteriorates until it can no longer sustain itself. It is a slow and painful process.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Why have I not seen this?

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

Because those affected are hidden from sight by the Court. They are an embarrassment to them. They are to suffer and die alone. It sickens me to be a member of the same Court. It is because of them this disease even exists.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What do you mean?

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

As you know because of the Revolt nine tenths of our population were killed. In order to recover from this the Court instituted Telsathum. Where any male and female must mate. Before this mates would carefully select each other. They used their instincts to decide. Instincts that could detect those you were healthy and those who had The Wane, of course we would refuse the latter. But now we leave it to the Court to decide who mates. We use fertility drugs and other methods to ensure success. This allowed this dreadful disease to spread.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Can’t they identify who has it and prevent them from mating?

Wactorii shakes her head.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

No, it is undetectable even by our science. In fact, someone could carry the disease dormant for KiloYerks before it became active. So it affects both young and old. Once someone has been diagnosed with the disease they are separated from society in internment camps. There they are left to die.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

That is upsetting but what does that have to do with you?

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

There is no cure but the pain and suffering can be eased by a natural plant call Beltorish. It is easy to grow but the Court fears that if they help mass produce it would indicate to the population that this disease even exists so it is forbidden to be grown. Fortunately, I have managed to get my paws on some.

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTANDING)

Now I see why your father is so upset. If you are caught with this plant you could be in trouble.

EULCIWZ (BLUNT)

Trouble would be an understatement. If she is caught she would fair better if she had the disease instead.

WACTORII (STERN)

Regardless of the risk I plan on deliver what I have to the people that need it.

Nikolai pauses to think.

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTANDING)

So the real reason you offered to take me to your parents is so you could have an excuse to slip away.

Wactorii nods.

WACTORII (HONEST)

Exactly.

NIKOLAI (CURIOUS)

But those guards outside are keeping an eye on the house, surely they won’t allow you just to walk off on your own. If that was the case they wouldn’t have made them come along to start with.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

Actually, they will do just that but not like you think. You see, the Court is using you. They have ordered me to sneak you away from here. Not to do as I have told you but to whisk you off to a city called Dellrrunn. This city is like a fortress, it was one of the few cities that did not fall during the Revolt. In order to break their spirits the Prevaricates executed thousands of Felinions in plain view of the city. If there is a city that hates Prevaricates more it is this city. In anticipation of you pursuing your Prevaricate investigation they have taught their citizens to speak in your language.

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTANDING)

They seem to really stack the deck in their favor on this issue.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

Don’t be mistaken, I hate the Prevaricates as much as they do it is just that there are a few that think the Prevaricates should be set free. If you were to speak to these people instead you would never rest until this was done. By, as you say, stacking the deck they were sure you would start seeing things their way after going to this city and talking to them.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

Okay, but that still doesn’t explain how you plan to get past the guards.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

The court knew if they escorted us the citizens you talked to may be speaking in fear from them so it had to look like we snuck away. They have been ordered to let us go off on our own by ourselves but not why.

Nikolai seems to understand.

WACTORII (STERN)

But you are my guest, you are my responsibility. The choice of what I do is up to you. If you do not wish me to go I will stay. I can figure out some other way to get the plants to those that need it. But I really want you to come, to witness the dark side of the Court. It will show you just how dangerous they can be.

NIKOLAI (THINKING)

But if we don’t show up at this city as the Court has planned won’t they know something is up?

Wactorii shakes her head.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

No, afterward we can go to the village and show our faces. So the choice is yours. Do we go against the Court or work for them?

EULCIWZ (STERN)

If you go with her you will be in just as much trouble as she if you are caught.

Nikolai pauses to think, he looks to the wristband and smiles.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

I see this is very important to you so I won’t hold you back, we’ll do it as you wish.

WACTORII (PLEASED)

Thank you.

Nikolai and Wactorii smile at one another, this disgusts Eulciwz.

EULCIWZ (BLUNT)

It is ironic how this is a safe room.

NIKOLAI (CURIOUS)

Safe room?

EULCIWZ (EXPLAINING)

During the Revolt rooms like this were made in every dwelling in case of Vice Sirius attacks. A family could lock themselves in here for CentaYerks with all the necessities for life. Food. Water. Needless to say I spent many of times in here with Vice Sirius pounding on the door.

NIKOLAI (SURPRISED)

Incredible.

Eulciwz walks up Nikolai.

EULCIWZ (WHISPERS)

You want to see something REALLY incredible?

NIKOLAI (CURIOUS)

Sure.

Eulciwz places his paw and Nikolai shoulder, the human is a bit hesitant.

EULCIWZ (WHISPERS)

Watch carefully.

Nikolai and Wactorii focus his attention on Eulciwz, the Felinion smiles. He extends his claws and digs them deep into the human's shoulders, he screams with pain. Wactorii gasps. The male Felinion raises his free paw over his head, pointing his claws down towards Nikolai's face.

WACTORII (TERRIFIED)

Father! No!

Eulciwz slashes towards Nikolai's face but he manages to catch him by the wrist and stops the claws a foot from his eyes. The Felinion looses his smile. Eulciwz pushes down harder on his arm, Nikolai tries to hold it back but he is in too much pain. The claws slowly move towards his eyes. The human tries to move his head out of the path but the firm hold on his shoulder prevents this. The Felinion regains his smile. With his free arm, the human thrusts it up and strikes the forearm to the paw that has his shoulder. The blows forces Eulciwz to release the shoulder and his paw flies off of it. Nikolai then twists the arms he is grasping and kicks out one of the Felinion's legs, this forces him to lose his balance and the human releases him as he stumbles backwards a few steps. Nikolai staggers back a few steps wrenching with pain, he grabs his wounded shoulder with one arm (blood is seeping through his clothes in a few spots) Eulciwz prepares to continue the attack but Wactorii jumps between the two. She grabs her Father by the shoulders and looks deep into his eyes.

WACTORII (TRAUMATIZED)

Father! What in Kazan are you doing?

EULCIWZ (DISAPPOINTED)

Something I have to... Please forgive me.

Eulciwz thrusts both of his arms up and catches both of Wactorii's forearms, forcing her to let go of him. He then pulls one of his arms back and then strikes her across the face with it. The blow sends her flying across the room, she lands hard on the floor. She is still conscious but blood is running out her nose (it is orange and has the consistency of grease), she is highly disoriented. Eulciwz looks at her with deep regret. He shakes it off and looks back at Nikolai, he is still grasping at his hurt shoulder but is focusing his attention on the Felinion. Eulciwz leaps towards the human with his arms out in front of him and his claws fully extended. Nikolai has just enough time to release his shoulder and move his hands in front of him. He manages to grab the Felinion by the wrists and spreads the arms with the sharp claws away from him. Eulciwz's momentum sends both of them crashing to the floor. The human hits hard but manages to hang on the Felinion by the wrists that lands on him. They are chest-to-chest and face-to-face. Eulciwz looks deep into his eyes and smiles. The Felinion opens his mouth wide and exposes several rows of sharp pointed teeth, he prepares to bite Nikolai's neck. The human turns away but can't get out of range, Eulciwz thrusts towards his neck. A paw grabs the Felinion by the fur on top of his head and stops his thrust just inches away from the human's neck. The paw then pulls Eulciwz back and keeps pulling until he is off of Nikolai and the Felinion's back is arched in a painful position. Nikolai looks up to see Ulzaopi standing over him, she is the one grasping his head. She looks down and tries to contain her angry.

ULZAOPI (INFURIATED)

What in Kazan's name are you doing?

Eulciwz just moans with pain. Ulzaopi yanks on his head forcing Nikolai to let go of him, she keeps pulling until he is standing once again. Then she flings him into a wall, stunning him slightly. Wactorii has recovered from her father's attack, she jump to her paws and races over to the human. She leaps onto Nikolai and uses her body as a living shield, he moans from the pain caused by his shoulder. Ulzaopi looks coldly at Eulciwz, he shows fear.

ULZAOPI (INFURIATED)

You want to explain yourself before I start ripping your limbs out of your sockets?

EULCIWZ (STERN)

You know why.

Ulzaopi stares coldly at Eulciwz for a long moment, then she nods.

ULZAOPI (ANGRY)

Unfortunately, I do.

Wactorii looks up and over to her father, she sees that he is contained.

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

Well I don't.

Wactorii rolls off of Nikolai and jumps to her paws, she looks hatefully at her father.

WACTORII (HATEFUL)

Explain to me father why did you do this? What did this human ever do to you?

EULCIWZ (DISAPPOINTED)

I didn't do it because of him. I did it for you.

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

For me? How could this possibly be for me?

Eulciwz takes a step forward but Ulzaopi hold up her paw, he steps back up against the wall. He looks at Wactorii.

EULCIWZ (DISAPPOINTED)

You were about to make a mistake. A terrible mistake. You were going to risk your place on the throne. I could not allow you to do that. This was the only way I knew how to stop you since you care for the humanoid so much.

WACTORII (ANNOYED)

It is I who is on the throne. Don't you think I should be the one making the decision?

EULCIWZ (DISAPPOINTED)

There is more than riding on this decision than just you. The throne represents all of Felinia. And as your father it is my duty to make sure you make the right decision.

WACTORII (ANNOYED)

The problem is what I do IS for Felinia, not myself but you can’t say the same!

EULCIWZ (ANNOYED)

But the Court will not see it like that!

Wactorii points to Nikolai.

WACTORII (PASSIONATE)

Maybe but thanks to him this is something I must do. He helped show me that the Court is not the center of the universe. The Court is to serve its people, not the other way around! Why are you so against me?

Eulciwz looks to Wactorii, he sees the pain in her eyes.

EULCIWZ (CAUTIOUS)

I'm going to be totally honest with you. I'm not proud of my life. I've accomplished little. I've have given nothing back to Felinia. When I'm long gone few will remember me. Those that do will have nothing kind to say about me. It is my doing I blame no one but myself. The only thing I've accomplished that I can hold my head up high and be proud of is you. When I talk about you my heart is filled with so much joy I feel like I'm going to burst. Not because you are the Crown Princess of the Felinia Domain. But because you are my daughter. I'm proud of what you represent and all you've done. I would do anything for you. Even sacrifice my own life if need be.

WACTORII (ANNOYED)

Any yet you are the one that is selfish. You do this to protect yourself, not me. When you die I will be the one that has nothing kind to say about her.

EULCIWZ (STERN)

Now look here…

WACTORII (ANNOYED)

No! You look at him!

Wactorii points at Eulciwz.

WACTORII (ANNOYED)

You attacked him with no provocation! His only crime is that I choose him to be my friend! To help me! But look at him now! Battered and bleeding! He deserves none of it!

Eulciwz looks to Nikolai in shock.

EULCIWZ (SHOCKED)

You are right about everything. I am selfish!

Eulciwz looks to Wactorii.

EULCIWZ (PROUD)

Please forgive me, daughter. I see what you are trying to do is just and right. I will support you in anyway I can.

Wactorii is pleased but Eulciwz is sad.

EULCIWZ (CONCERNED)

Well after the Court learns about my attack what do you think they'll do to me?

Wactorii looses her smugness.

WACTORII (STERN)

I don’t know.

Nikolai moans loudly, the Felinions turns towards him.

ULZAOPI (CONCERNED)

I think you need to attend to your friend.

Wactorii rushes to Nikolai's side. Ulzaopi walks up to Eulciwz and places her arm around him and whispers into his ear.

ULZAOPI (WHISPERS, PROUDLY)

You did right... Even if you are a crusty old Felinion.

Ulzaopi continues to smile.

EULCIWZ (WHISPERS, COLD)

We're not out of this yet. We've got a lot of damage control to do.

Ulzaopi looses her smile. Wactorii rips Nikolai's clothes around his wounded should, this makes his cry in pain. She quickly begins to lick the wound. At first, this causes him to scream more. But the more she licks the less pain he feels. Till finally he is relaxed, she stops and looks down at him and he looks up to her. They both smile at each other.

WACTORII (REASSURING)

That should ease the pain for a while. At least until we can get you bandaged up.

NIKOLAI (RELIEVED)

Thanks Wactorii.

Ulzaopi and Eulciwz walks up next to Wactorii, they look down at Nikolai. The human looks up to them but his eyes lock onto the male Felinion, horror fills Nikolai's face. He quickly scoots away from the group and up against the wall into a sitting position, all the time his eyes are fixed on Eulciwz. Wactorii quickly crawls over to the human, her parents follow. Nikolai presses himself up against the wall. Wactorii notices his fearful expression. She looks to where he is looking then looks back to the human, she forces a smile.

WACTORII (REASSURING)

It's okay, There is nothing to be afraid of.

Nikolai shakes his head defiantly, all the time keeping his eyes on Eulciwz. Wactorii grabs onto one of the human's hands and grasps it with both of her paws.

WACTORII (REASSURING)

I'm here Nikolai. There is nothing to fear.

Nikolai continues to shake his head.

WACTORII (REASSURING)

My father was mistaken. He's on our side now. It is okay.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Mistaken?

Eulciwz kneels next to Nikolai, the human feels very uncomfortable.

EULCIWZ (ASHAMED)

What I did to you was wrong. There is no excuse for it. I expect to pay fully for this crime. I want no sympathy.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

I think I can arrange that.

WACTORII (CAUTIOUS)

Regardless of what my father says. I need a favor of you. I could easily ask this on behalf of our friendship but that would be just tricking you.

Nikolai stays focused on Eulciwz but forces a smile.

NIKOLAI (UNEASY)

When have I ever turned you down?

WACTORII (CAUTIOUS)

I need you to keep my father's attack on you a secret.

Nikolai quickly pulls his hand from Wactorii, he turns and looks at her shocked.

NIKOLAI (EXCITED)

Are you crazy? He is a menace!

WACTORII (CONCERNED)

If the Court ever heard he attack one of their own the punishment would be unspeakable.

NIKOLAI (ANGRY)

That's because that is what he deserves!

Wactorii pause to think, then smiles again.

WACTORII (SLY)

Sounds like someone is holding a grudge.

NIKOLAI (ANGRY)

Grudge nothing! He attacked me!

WACTORII (SARCASTIC)

Isn't it you who always say "It is God's job to judge people. It is ours to forgive them."

NIKOLAI (ANGRY)

He drew blood! My blood!

WACTORII (SARCASTIC)

I'm just repeating your saying. After all, it is YOU who hold your God so high.

Nikolai thinks for a moment, then looks at Eulciwz.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

Can I expect you to attack me again?

EULCIWZ (HUMBLE)

Not for the same reason.

NIKOLAI (EXCITED)

What kind of reassurance is that?

EULCIWZ (HUMBLE)

An honest one. I attacked you because I thought it would stop my daughter from doing what she is about top do. I realize now that won’t stop her, nothing can. So attacking you again for that reason would be pointless.

Nikolai thinks over his response.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

I'll make you a deal. I'll not turn you in if you promise to first DISCUSS with me if something I'm doing is not to your liking.

Eulciwz thinks for a moments, then nods.

EULCIWZ (BLUNT)

Agreed.

Nikolai holds his hand out to Eulciwz and smiles.

NIKOLAI (HOPEFUL)

Promise?

Eulciwz looks down at the extended hand and thinks for a moment. Then he grabs Nikolai's hand and shakes vigorously.

EULCIWZ (BLUNT)

Promise.

The two release each other's hands.

WACTORII (GRATEFUL)

Thank you, Nikolai. Thank you very much.

ULZAOPI (PLEASED)

Now to tend to those wound properly.

Ulzaopi turns and leaves while Eulciwz and Wactorii help Nikolai onto the bed.

INT. CHAW CASTLE – PTTCP OFFICE

This is a large office that of a doctor. On the walls are awards and diplomas written in heliographic. A short frail male Felinion who has graying fur in his face is here. The rest of his fur is tan with purple stripes. This is the Physician To The Crowned Princess (PTTCP) In one paw he is carrying a large suitcase that is covered by some sort of alien fur. He walks towards Ken who is waiting, they smile to one another.

PTTCP (PLEASED)

I understand you are a Physician like me.

Ken nods as the PTTCP walks up to him.

KEN (PLEASED)

My name is Ken Keith, Lead Medic Tech about the United Communist Force Corvette Minsk. But you can just call me Ken.

PTTCP (PROUD)

I'm the Physician To The Crowned Princess.

KEN (IMPRESSED)

That is some title you have there. I hate to hear what your name is.

PTTCP (PROUD)

That IS my name. But if it does please you can just refer to me as Physician.

Physician holds out his paw to Ken, he takes it and the two shake hands.

PHYSICIAN (PROUD)

I've been bred for my royal position. My primary instincts are logic and intelligence. But above those is loyalty.

KEN (CURIOUS)

To the court.

PHYSICIAN (PROUD)

To the Dyrooone. My sole responsibility is to the Princess' health. Whether it is a common cold or the Derangement, I am held accountable. So much in fact that if she were to die of natural causes, Kazan forbid, I would find myself in permanent Prsdlik.

KEN (SHOCKED)

Sounds like an untankable job.

The Physician smiles.

PHYSICIAN (SMUG)

Is that not like all Physicians?

Ken laughs and so does the Physician, then they settle down.

PHYSICIAN (EXPLAINING)

I understand you need to know everything beyond the basics about caring and treating for Felinions as a Physician. Well here is a good place to start.

The Physician lays the suitcase down on the desk and opens it. Inside are a variety of small clear containers. Some have live alien bugs. Some have mossy type plants. Some have items that can't be identified. He pulls out one of the containers that have two pills in it, one is dark blue and the other is bright red. He opens the container and dumps the pills into his other paw. He places the container back in his suitcase. Then with his free paw he grabs the red one and hands it to Ken.

PHYSICIAN (BLUNT)

Here, take this.

Ken just looks to it.

PHYSICIAN (BLUNT)

No, I mean REALLY take it. Bite on it.

Ken looks to the pill unsure.

PHYSICIAN (REASSURING)

The Court has spent a lot of resources on forming an alliance with Humanoids, that is why you are here. They didn’t send me over here to ruin that.

Ken nods and places the pill in his mouth, he bites down and there is a loud crunch. Ken gives a horrid look.

PHYSICIAN (BLUNT)

Now suck on it.

Ken sucks on it and is even more anguished than before.

PHYSICIAN (EMBARRASSED)

Sorry, but Felinion and humans acquire taste differently.

Ken continues to suffer.

PHYSICIAN (BLUNT)

Okay. Now shallow.

Ken does as he is told but almost throws up.

PHYSICIAN (BLUNT)

This should just take a moment.

Ken waits anxiously, his skin turns a bright red but he doesn’t notice this. The Physician smiles.

PHYSICIAN (PLEASED)

Success.

Ken looks to him.

KEN (CONFUSED)

I don’t feel any different.

PHYSICIAN (PLEASED)

Take a look at your hands.

Ken does as he is told and gasps. He looks over the rest of his body and is shocked.

KEN (SHOCKED)

What have you done to me?

PHYSICIAN (REASSURING)

Relax, its affects are not permanate. This is one of my best creations.

KEN (EXCITED)

This is one creation I could do without!

The Physician sighs.

PHYSICIAN (DISAPPOINTED)

Very well.

The Physician hands him the other pill.

PHYSICIAN (BLUNT)

Do the same with this one as you did the first.

Ken does as he is told and then anxiously looks at their hands. After a few seconds the shade of red begins to fade. More and more, until his skin is back to normal. He is relieved.

PHYSICIAN (BLUNT)

Happy?

Ken smiles to the Physician.

KEN (PLEASED)

Very.

PHYSICIAN (EXPLAINING)

This little demonstration was to show you just how powerful Felinion medicine can be. Not just for Felinions but Humanoids as well.

KEN (PLEASED)

Then I definitely need to learn this.

PHYSICIAN (PROUD)

Unlike others in my profession, I feel that organs of the body work in harmony. If one is defective the rest suffer as well. Especially the heart.

KEN (CONFUSED)

Heart conditions run high in Felinions?

The Physician shakes his head.

PHYSICIAN (EXPLAINING)

Not physically, mentally. Happiness and self-worth are important factors. It you have neither of these the body suffers, it has a less will to continue on living. That is why you need to keep everything in harmony as it was meant to be.

KEN (UNDERSTANDING)

So you are a physiatrist as well.

PHYSICIAN (CONFUSED)

Physiatrist?

KEN (EXPLAINING)

Someone who deals with only the brain.

PHYSICIAN (EXPLAINING)

Yes, but I treat the whole body. There are no so called specialists in our society.

KEN (BLUNT)

How is it you know so much about the human anatomy, something Felinions don't usually excel at.

PHYSICIAN (PROUD)

True. But most Felinions don't pursue humanoid anatomy as I have. I've invested a great deal of time and my own personal funds into it. I collect information tapes, medical records, I've dissected a number of humanoids, logs of medici-

KEN (EXCITED)

You dissected humans!

The Physician notices Nikolai's concern and smiles.

PHYSICIAN (REASSURING)

You need not worry, they were all dead before I started.

KEN (CONCERNED)

Some how that doesn't comfort me.

PHYSICIAN (CONSOLING)

I assure you, they did not die by my paw.

KEN (CONFUSED)

Then what from?

PHYSICIAN (BLUNT)

You.

KEN (EXCITED)

What?

PHYSICIAN (BLUNT)

Or I should say from your fellow humanoids. During your war there was an ample supply.

KEN (CONFUSED)

So you were a grave robber.

PHYSICIAN (DEFIANT)

Absolutely not. I purchased all of my bodies from their relatives. Everything was quite legitimate.

KEN (UNEASY)

Regardless, it sounds rather sick.

PHYSICIAN (DEFENSIVE)

Maybe. But where I was trying to learn from the wastes of war you were learning how to kill more efficiently.

KEN (EXPLAINING)

For humans in general, we have been doing that for years. But I came a physician to help people, not kill them.

PHYSICIAN (UNDERSTANDING)

Yes, I understand that now.

KEN (CURIOUS)

So how far advanced are you in treating and caring for humans?

PHYSICIAN (PROUD)

Quite far. I now know why your blood is so thin. Why you have no fur. Why you have no retractable claws. Why you have no tails. And much more.

Ken thinks for a moment.

KEN (CURIOUS)

Do you know how to treat human aliments?

PHYSICIAN (PROUD)

A majority of the curable ones. Here, let me show you.

The Physician reaches back into his bag and pulls out a bottle with orange leaches in it.

PHYSICIAN (PROUD)

For example, these will cure your headache.

KEN (SMUG)

We have pills for that.

PHYSICIAN (EXPLAINING)

But a few MicroYerks of application of this and you will never have a headache again.

KEN (IMPRESSED)

Amazing.

PHYSICIAN (EXPLAINING)

That is the problem with medicine. Not just as humanoids apply it but also most of my Felinion collogues. They use it for short term, they need to look beyond that. If there is anything you walk away from here it must be that.

Ken nods.

KEN (PLEASED)

Please, she me. More.

The Physician is pleased and replaces the bottle, he goes to grab another one.

INT. TQWZXCVBYYAAO HOME – BEDROOM

Nikolai is still lying on the bed, Ulzaopi is kneeling before him. Next to her is a small bag made of animal skin. Wactorii and Eulciwz look on. The older female reaches into the bag and pulls out a large leaf out and lays in down next to her. She then pulls out a small mortar and pestle. She begins pulling out other plants and dead bugs all alien looking, she breaks off precise amounts of there contents into the mortar and grinds them together. Nikolai is not at all comfortable with this.

NIKOLAI (UNEASY)

Look, you don't need to go to so much trouble. All I need is a Medic Kit.

Ulzaopi continues to work and Wactorii smiles.

WACTORII (SMUG)

What do you think that is?

NIKOLAI (SARCASTIC)

A lunch box.

Wactorii shakes her head and Eulciwz chuckles, Ulzaopi continues to mix.

ULZAOPI (PROUD)

Felinions realize that whether you are Felinion or humanoid we were designed to live in the natural world. Not the synthetic ones we now live. Because of this we need to repair the body with natural means.

NIKOLAI (UNEASY)

I'd still prefer a Medic Kit.

Ulzaopi continues to work.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

Do you realize every time you use a bone fuser or pump some drugs into you, even for medical reasons, it is like breaking orbit using Ultra-Light. You put a strain on the system. Even the strongest material will eventually break under stress.

ULZAOPI (EXPLAINING)

This way is better.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

It also takes longer.

ULZAOPI (EXPLAINING)

Once again, putting more stress on the system. This way uses the body’s natural healing ability for a more lasting result.

NIKOLAI (SARCASTIC)

Sounds more like snake oil.

The Ulzaopi stops and looks at Nikolai.

ULZAOPI (CONFUSED)

Snake oil? I didn’t know you knew about natural medicine.

NIKOLAI (FRUSTRATED)

Never mind.

Ulzaopi turns and finishes up. She takes the contents of the mortar and pours it onto the leaf. She spread it around. She then picks it up, turns to Nikolai and places it over his wound. It sticks in place.

ULZAOPI (PROUD)

That should take care of any infection or pain. By the time it needs changing you'll be back.

Nikolai looks the leaf with mixed feelings.

NIKOLAI (UNEASY)

Thanks... I guess.

Ulzaopi picks up her mortar and pestle and stands up.

ULZAOPI (PROUD)

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to clean these things out.

Ulzaopi turns and leaves.

WACTORII (PLEASED)

You are lucky, Nikolai. My mother is the best physician around.

Nikolai looks to the leaf.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Where did she learn all this?

EULCIWZ (EXPLAINING)

Out here you have to be self sufficient. That was even more so during the revolt. She has brought both of us from the brink of death more that once.

Nikolai looks to Eulciwz.

NIKOLAI (IMPRESSED)

She is a remarkable woman.

Eulciwz looks off into the distance and smiles.

EULCIWZ (PROUD)

That she is… She deserves someone much better than I.

WACTORII (REASSURING)

Oh father, you two share the Pull. You deserve each other.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

They pull?

They look to Nikolai.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

It is the Felinion term for love. Speaking of which, have you the Pull with anyone yet Nikolai?

Eulciwz looks to Wactorii.

EULCIWZ (ANNOYED)

Daughter! That is a personal question!

Wactorii looks to Eulciwz.

WACTORII (DEFENSIVE)

I was just curious.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

Yes, I did find someone. I loved her as much as she loved me but I had to turn her away. It is too complicated to explain.

Wactorii looks to Nikolai.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

That is not wise Nikolai, you never may run across another in your life again. You should hold onto her and never let her go.

Nikolai and Wactorii look to one another. Ulzaopi returns. She is carrying some cloaks and various objects covered with fur. She stops before Nikolai. Wactorii goes over to her and her Mother hands her the items she is carrying.

WACTORII (ASKING)

Are you still game to help me Nikolai?

Nikolai nods.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

It will take more than a wounded shoulder to stop me from helping a friend.

WACTORII (PLEASED)

Then get up. We have to prepare for the journey ahead.

Nikolai struggles to his feet. Wactorii hands him a tattered cloak and gloves and boots covered with Felinion fur (so they don't look like boots or gloves) which have wide sweatbands made of alien animal fur.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

Take off your amulet, you comm. unit and any other identifying objects.

Nikolai does as he is told without question.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

Put these on. Make sure you stuff the fur into your sleeves and cuffs.

Nikolai sighs and does as he is told. Wactorii removes her jewelry and clothes and hands them to Ulzaopi. She slips on her cloak and sweat bands that match his. When they are both dressed she hands him a headband made of fur from an alien animal.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

Slip this on. Make sure it is just above your ears.

Nikolai takes the accessory and puts it on as instructed, Wactorii does the same. Wactorii turns to Ulzaopi.

WACTORII (PLEASED)

What do you think?

ULZAOPI (RELIEVED)

When he puts his hood on he will look just like a Felinion. You two look perfect.

EULCIWZ (HOPEFUL)

It just might work.

ULZAOPI (SMUG)

Of course it will work.

WACTORII (CONCERNED)

It had better work.

Wactorii turns and walks over to the cooling unit, Nikolai and the rest follow. The Princess bends down and pushes the cooling unit to one side and reveals a trapdoor, she kneels next to it and looks up to Nikolai. The door is made of heavy metal and has several dead bolts.

WACTORII (SMUG)

This is an escape passage to the barn. There two Muurans are waiting for us.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Muurans?

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

They're a form of transportation. The important thing is while the guards are watching the house we'll be slipping off into the woods.

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTANDING)

This explains the Felinion fur.

Nikolai smiles slyly at Wactorii.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Seams like you thought of everything. I don't know if I should feel proud of your deviousness or frighten.

Wactorii returns a sly smile.

WACTORII (SARCASTIC)

Frighten of course.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

But if the guards have been ordered by the Court to let us escape why do we need to sneak out?

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

You are forgetting you aren’t suppose to know that. And if we just walk out they will know we are up to something. We just need to play their game until we are in the forest.

Wactorii looks down at the hatch and unbolts all the locks on it. She gets up and looks back up to the group.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

Want to give me a hand?

Everyone bends down and grabs onto the trap door, it takes them all to pull it open. Down below is a pitch-dark passageway, they all look down into it.

NIKOLAI (SARCASTIC)

Quaint.

Wactorii looks over to Ulzaopi and Eulciwz.

WACTORII (DISAPPOINTED)

This is where we must part. Wish us luck.

ULZAOPI (POSITIVE)

I have all the faith in you.

EULCIWZ (BLUNT)

If this is what you really want, then you'll succeed... You always get what you want.

ULZAOPI (SARCASTIC)

You're such a smooth talker, Mate.

WACTORII (HOPEFUL)

Are you ready to go...

Wactorii's voice trails off when she is unable to locate Nikolai.

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

Now where did he go?

Everyone looks around the room, they finally spot him kneeling over his open duffel bag. He pulls out a thick aged and tattered book which he slips into the inside pocket of his cloak.

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

Nikolai?

Nikolai turns and looks at the others, he smiles. Then he jumps to his feet and rejoins the group.

WACTORII (CONCERNED)

What was that you slipped into your cloak?

NIKOLAI (DEFENSIVE)

Nothing.

WACTORII (SURPRISED)

You're not going to tell me?

NIKOLAI (SLY)

In due time.

Wactorii looks at Nikolai with sad eyes. He notices this.

NIKOLAI (QUICKLY)

I can be equally deceptive as you.

Wactorii forces a smile.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

We'd better get moving.

Wactorii jumps through the trap door and into the darkness, there is a loud thump. Nikolai looks down into the hole with great concern, but it is too dark to make out anything?

NIKOLAI (FRANTIC)

Are you okay? Wactorii!

There is a long pause of silence.

WACTORII (PLEASED)

I'm fine. The drop isn't far. Come on down.

Nikolai looks back at the remaining group.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Thanks for everything.

ULZAOPI (HOPEFUL)

I wish you all the luck in Felinia.

NIKOLAI (HONESTLY)

I would rather just have your blessing.

EULCIWZ (UNSURE)

Then it is yours.

Nikolai waves to the others and looks back towards the hole. He takes a deep breath and leaps through the open door and into the unknown.

INT. TQWZXCVBYYAAO HOMESTEAD - ESCAPE PASSAGE

This is a damp and very dark passage way lined with stones, the only light is from the open trapdoor above. At the near end it dead-ends, but goes on into the darkness going the other way. Nikolai lands hard right below the door. He looks around but Wactorii is nowhere to be seen.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

Wactorii? Where are you?

There is no response.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

Come on Wactorii. I know you are all right.

There is still no response.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

I saw you land okay.

There is a loud blood-curdling roar, Nikolai jumps.

NIKOLAI (TERRIFIED)

There is some kind of monster down here!

Nikolai presses himself against the wall and looks frantically into the darkness.

WACTORII (LAUGHING)

How do you humans ever survive without night vision?

NIKOLAI (SCARED)

Wactorii?

Wactorii steps out of the darkness and up to Nikolai, he sighs with relief.

NIKOLAI (RELIEVED)

What are you trying to do? Give me a heart attack?

WACTORII (SMUG)

No. Just having a little fun.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

Fun? You nearly frightened me to death!

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

I thought it was funny.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

Well, I didn't.

WACTORII (DISAPPOINTED)

I'm sorry you feel that way.

The two look at each other and try to read each other’s feelings, Nikolai cracks a smile.

NIKOLAI (SARCASTIC)

Now if it was I who was roaring in the darkness and YOU jumping a CentaMillis, now that would be funny.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

Well that is pretty self-centered...

Wactorii cracks a smile.

WACTORII (SARCASTIC)

...I like that in a friend.

EULCIWZ (FROM ABOVE, ANNOYED)

Are you two going to talk all DecaYerk or what?

WACTORII (LOUD)

Good bye, Father.

EULCIWZ (FROM ABOVE, ANNOYED)

Farewell, Daughter.

Wactorii looks back at Nikolai for a few more seconds.

WACTORII (PLEASED)

Shall we go?

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Sure. How do you turn on the lights in this place?

WACTORII (BLUNT)

There is no power down here.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Then you brought a portable light source.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

No.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Then how are we going to see?

The door above is slammed shut and they are both placed in total darkness.

WACTORII (SARCASTIC)

I can see just fine.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

Well I can't!

There is a long pause.

WACTORII (REASSURING)

Here, take my paw and I'll lead you.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

How? I can't see anything thing!

There are sounds of fumbling in the darkness.

WACTORII (REASSURING)

There. Now let's get going.

The sound of footsteps can be heard.

WACTORII (CONCERNED)

You do trust me. Don't you?

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

Would I be here to start with if I didn't?

WACTORII (SLY)

True. But I could easily lead your right into a hole and you'd never know it.

NIKOLAI (CONFIDENT)

I know you wouldn't.

WACTORII (SLY)

But I could.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

If you did then I hope that I would die in the fall.

WACTORII (SURPRISED)

You do?

NIKOLAI (SINCERE)

If I could not trust you I could not be with you. And if you could not be with you I would not want to live.

There is a long pause.

WACTORII (SARCASTIC)

You're good. You are very good.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

I have to be. I'm an ambassador after all.

Wactorii giggles.

WACTORII (WHISPERS)

Okay, we're here.

They stop.

WACTORII (WHISPERS)

There is a ladder here that leads up into the barn. From here on out we have to be real quiet. You know how good Felinion hearing is.

NIKOLAI (WHISPERS)

Over six times better than humans.

WACTORII (WHISPER)

Right. So once we get up their just do as I do and we'll be fine. Once we get into the woods we're home free.

NIKOLAI (WHISPERS)

And until then?

WACTORII (WHISPERS)

It can go either way. Are you still game?

There is a slight pause.

NIKOLAI (WHISPERS)

Fortunately, I love games... Let's go.

WACTORII (WHISPERS)

I love your spirit.

The sound of someone climbing a ladder can be heard.

EXT. FELINIA - TQWZXCVBYYAAO HOMESTEAD

The guards are still posted around the house, they are keeping a close eye but see nothing.

EXT. FELINIA - FOREST TRAIL

This is a winding dirt trail that leads through a thick forest of trees towering over a hundred feet in height. Light shines down through the trees. Wactorii and Nikolai are speeding down the trail on a pair of Yzupaps. These look very similar to rhinoceros but slightly smaller. There skin blends in very well with the forest surroundings. Strapped to their backs are horse like saddles and packs full of provisions. Wactorii and Nikolai are seated in the saddles. The beasts have no bits or reigns, Nikolai’s follows Wactorii’s. The Yzupaps run at a strong gallop. Wactorii looks over her shoulder and down the trail, there is nothing in sight. She smiles and looks forward again.

WACTORII (PLEASED)

We’re in the clear now.

Nikolai sighs with relief, he looks down to the beast he is riding.

NIKOLAI (RELIEVED)

Thanks to these…

Nikolai pauses and looks back to Wactorii, confused.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

By the way. What ARE we riding again?

WACTORII (BLUNT)

Yzupap. I don’t suppose you have anything like them on earth.

NIKOLAI (DISAPPOINTED)

Well, nothing left of the Earth is living. But even when we did nothing was close. Especially those commanded by voice.

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

Don’t tell me you instead jammed a hunk of metal into their mouths and guided them by yanking on the metal?

Nikolai pauses to think then shakes his head.

NIKOLAI (UNEASY)

No. Of course not.

Wactorii is relieved.

WACTORII (PLEASED)

Then how did you guide them?

NIKOLAI (NERVOUS)

Think you could teach me the commands so I could guide my own Yzupaps?

Wactorii pauses.

WACTORII (UNEASY)

Well, I guess. It is pretty easy. We’ll stick with the basics.

Nikolai smiles.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

There are five basic commands. Weltari, which means faster. Deltari, which means slower. Xeltari, which means turn left. Yeltari, which means turn right. And Qeltari that means stop. Try it.

Nikolai looks down to his beast.

NIKOLAI (LOUD)

Weltari!

The direction and speed of the Yzupap does not change.

NIKOLAI (SCREAMS)

WELTARI!!!

The beast still continues on with no changes.

NIKOLAI (FRUSTRATED)

Stupid animal.

WACTORII (ANNOYED)

Actually, it is a very smart. With nearly an IQ that of a humanoid.

Nikolai looks at Wactorii.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

If that is true then why doesn’t it listen to me?

WACTORII (ANNOYED)

Out of loyalty.

Nikolai looks at Wactorii, confused. She sees this.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

I raised both of these creatures. I brought them up in the royal stables. I feed and cared for them. In gratitude for my kindness and care they follow my every command. They would probably die for me if need be. If they were mere stupid animals as you called them then when I told you the commands they would have performed every one of them. Watch. Aeltari!

The Yzupaps color changes to black with white stripes, Nikolai is surprised.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

This is their nature color… Celtair!

The Yzupaps color goes back to blending in with their surroundings.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

See?

Nikolai slumps his shoulders.

NIKOLAI (DISAPPOINTED)

So I’ll never be able to command them.

Wactorii smiles.

WACTORII (REASSURING)

Cheer up Nikolai. There is a command that tells them to follow the orders of the rider temporally. When you are ready I will give it.

Nikolai looks at Wactorii with hope.

NIKOLAI (HOPEFUL)

Really?

WACTORII (REASSURING)

Yes. As soon as you learn the basics. Now what is the command to turn left?

NIKOLAI (THINKING)

Deltari.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

No. That is to slow down. To turn left is Xeltari.

Nikolai sighs, the group continues on.

EXT. FELINIA - SKY

The forest is down below, Nikolai and Wactorii can be seen as the trudge down the trail between the trees. Just above the treetops a Nogard flies. It is about the size of an eagle but has the frame of a dragon. Its eyes are fixed on the Yzupaps below. It is following them.

EXT. FELINIA - FOREST TRAIL

As it was before except Nikolai’s Yzupap is lagging. Wactorii is chewing on a candy-like bar. He calls out “Weltari” and his beast speeds up. When it is even with Wactorii’s he calls out “Deltair” and both beasts run along side one another. She is impressed, Nikolai is proud.

WACTORII (IMPRESSED)

Very good.

NIKOLAI (PROUD)

Thank you.

Wactorii holds her candy bar out to Nikolai.

WACTORII (OFFERING)

Are you sure you don’t want some of my Rodentia bar?

Nikolai grimaces but tries not to show it.

NIKOLAI (UNEASY)

Er, no thanks… I don’t like… Um, riding and eating.

Wactorii shrugs her shoulders.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

Suit yourself.

Wactorii finishes the bar. She wades up the wrapper and tosses it over her shoulder, it lands on the trail behind her. Nikolai notices this.

NIKOLAI (ANGRY)

Qeltari!

Nikolai’s beast stops abruptly.

WACTORII (LOUD)

Qeltari!

Wactorii’s beast comes to a stop, she looks at him. He is giving her a stern look, she notices this.

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

What’s wrong?

NIKOLAI (ANGRY)

My world was destroyed by our foolishness and arrogance! Our total disregard for nature!

Wactorii just looks at Nikolai, confused. He points back down the trail towards the wrapper.

NIKOLAI (ANGRY)

Pick it up!

Wactorii looks down the trail to where Nikolai is pointing.

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

What… No…

NIKOLAI (ANGRY)

And you call yourself a princess!

Nikolai climbs off his Yzupap. He walks towards the wrapper.

WACTORII (DEFENSIVE)

You don’t understand.

NIKOLAI (ANGRY)

I understand all right! You have a lush beautiful planet here! One carved by God’s own hand yet you’re too lazy to lift a paw to care for it!

Nikolai stops at the wrapper.

WACTORII (ANNOYED)

Don’t you think you’re over doing it just a tad.

Nikolai looks at Wactorii.

NIKOLAI (ANGRY)

Not after seeing it happen! My planet at one time, before the Three-DecaYerk Demur, was one big garbage pipe! We tossed our garbage everywhere! Toxic waste! Nuclear refuge! Deposits everywhere! It got so bad both people and animals and even plants were dying left and right! If we didn’t pull together and turn ourselves around we would all be extinct now!

Nikolai looks back at the wrapper.

NIKOLAI (ANGRY)

I refuse to let your planet become the same way!

Wactorii rolls her eyes and looks away, Nikolai bends down towards the wrapper. Suddenly, her ears perk up and her eyes widen. She quickly looks up to the sky, her eyes locked onto a Nogard plunging down towards Nikolai with its talons open extending razor sharp claws. Wactorii gasps.

WACTORII (TERRIFIED)

Look out!

Nikolai stops and looks toward Wactorii, her eyes are fixed turns the sky. There is a blood-curdling screech from above. Nikolai look up to see the Nogard swooping towards him. He leaps backwards and lands on his back. The Nogard swoops down past him, grabs the wrapper in its talons and swoops back up towards the sky. Nikolai and Wactorii watch it fly away.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What the…

Wactorii guides her Yzupap over to him, she dismounts. Nikolai looks up to her.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

I don’t get it. I should be dead right now.

Wactorii looks down to him.

WACTORII (SMUG)

You would have been… If Nogards ate biological prey.

Nikolai looks up to Wactorii, confused. She extends a paw down towards him. He hesitates, then takes it. She pulls him up to his feet, he looks at her confused.

WACTORII (SMUG)

At one time our planet was like you described your own world. One big dumping ground. This was well before my time. But people were sick and dying all around because of it. So our scientists came up with a solution. Animals that garbage would be part of their diet. Through breeding this came to be. Though, the Nogard deals with lesser toxic materials it soars the skies looking for junk to eat, literally. Other species handle various other lines of trash. So you see, when I discarded my wrapper I was actually feeding the Nogard.

Nikolai hangs his head.

NIKOLAI (EMBARRASSED)

Look. I’m sorry for snapping at you.

Wactorii pauses, then smiles.

WACTORII (REASSURING)

It’s okay. I know what happened to your planet must have been really bad. You were reacting on emotions.

NIKOLAI (EMBARRASSED)

That is no excuse. It doesn’t make it right. I’m suppose to be an ambassador. I surely didn’t act like one.

WACTORII (REASSURING)

But you are also my friend. Friends make mistakes. So don’t beat yourself over this.

Wactorii pauses.

WACTORII (SARCASTIC)

Besides, you are every friend’s dream. Always being wrong makes me look so good.

Nikolai laughs. Suddenly, there is a loud scream. Both look down the trail in horror.

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

What is that?

Nikolai ignores Wactorii. He races for his Yzupap, she notices this.

WACTORII (EXCITED)

No Nikolai!

Nikolai ignores Wactorii and mounts his beast, he starts barking commands. They both turn down the trail.

WACTORII (EXCITED)

Nikolai! We can’t get involved!

Nikolai still ignores Wactorii, he and his Yzupap race down the trail. She mumbles a few curses in Felinion, mounts her beast and heads after him.

EXT. FELINIA - SIDE OF FOREST TRAIL

In this area of the trail a Felinion is laying face down next to the trail. He is beaten up and bleeding. Nikolai is driving his Yzupap at full speed, Wactorii is racing on her beast behind him.

WACTORII (EXCITED)

Nikolai! Would you come back here already!

Nikolai ignores her, he guides his beast up to the wounded Felinion and then yells “Qeltari!” The Yzupap comes to an abrupt halt, almost knocking Nikolai from the beast. He jumps off his beast and kneels next to the downed Felinion.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

Are you all right? What happened?

The Felinion moans.

INJURED FELINION (IN PAIN)

Footpads… Attacked… Came out of no where… Ambush…

Wactorii races up on her Yzupap and brings it to a stop. She jumps off her beast and looks towards Nikolai, he reaches for the Felinion laying on the ground.

WACTORII (EXCITED)

No! Don’t touch him!

Nikolai ignores Wactorii and grabs the Bleeding Felinion

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

Where are these Footpads now?

Nikolai careful turns the Felinion over. When Nikolai does he notices that he has a laser pistol and is pointing it right at Nikolai.

INJURED FELINION (SMUG)

Right here.

A pair of Felinions, one male and one female, drop from the trees and gracefully land before Nikolai and Wactorii. They too have guns and point them at them.

INJURED FELINION (STERN)

Let’s see the paws.

Nikolai pauses, then raises his hands. Wactorii looks around for a way to escape, there is none. She raises her paws. The Footpads smile. The Injured Felinion gets up, so does Nikolai. They look Nikolai and Wactorii over.

FEMALE FELINION (DISAPPOINTED)

Hmmm. Not much of a catch.

The Male Felinion walks over to Wactorii.

MALE FELINION (THINKING)

I don’t know…

The Male Felinion looks to Wactorii.

MALE FELINION (SMUG)

This one has stripes, she may be worth something.

FEMALE FELINION (BLUNT)

You are so gullible! You know there are ways to alter that. She is just trying to trick others thinking she is important.

The Male Felinion walks around Wactorii, eyeing her.

MALE FELINION (SLY)

Regardless I like what I see.

The Male Felinion stops behind Wactorii. He grabs onto her mane and yanks it back. She screams in pain and arches back. Nikolai turns and looks at her.

INJURED FELINION (STERN)

Don’t even think about it Felinion.

Nikolai pauses, looks at the Injured Felinion and then at his gun. He hesitates then looks back at Wactorii, he does nothing. The Felinion keeps pulling on her mane, she continues to scream. He looks over to his partners.

MALE FELINION (SLY)

What do you say we have ourselves a bit of Incite Fervor.

The Female smiles, she walks up to Nikolai.

FEMALE FELINION (PLEASED)

In that case you are all mine.

Nikolai turns and looks at the Female, she smiles.

INJURED FELINION (ANNOYED):

Stop!

Everyone stops what they are doing and looks at the Injured Felinion, Wactorii moans with pain.

INJURED FELINION (STERN):

Are you crazy? These are complete strangers! We don’t know who they have been paired with. What kind of diseases they are carrying. This is insane!

There is a long pause.

FEMALE FELINION (BLUNT)

Knowing whom we have done it with in the past you think theirs could be worse?

There is another long pause.

MALE FELINION (OFFERING)

I’ll share mine with you.

INJURED FELINION (QUICKLY)

Let’s find something to tie them up with so we can have Incite Fervor.

The Injured Felinion quickly looks around.

WACTORII (IN PAIN)

That is where you are wrong.

Everyone stops what they are doing again and this time looks at Wactorii.

WACTORII (IN PAIN)

We are DISEASED far beyond that what you can imagine.

The Felinions pause, they chuckle.

MALE FELINION (SMUG)

Desperate words from a desperate Felinion. You’d say anything to save your hide.

FEMALE FELINION (ANNOYED)

See if you can’t find a muzzle as well.

WACTORII (IN PAIN)

No. I speak the truth. And I can prove it.

Everyone stops again.

MALE FELINION (ANNOYED)

Lies.

INJURED FELINION (STERN)

No, let her speak.

FEMALE FELINION (BLUNT)

Yes. If she lies it will be entertaining watching her squirm… But if it is true, it could save us.

The Male Felinion pauses, the lets go of Wactorii.

MALE FELINION (ANNOYED)

Fine. Have your fun. But if this is a trick be assured we shall shoot.

Wactorii nods.

WACTORII (SMUG)

Trust me. When I’m done you’ll thank me.

FEMALE FELINION (ANNOYED)

Stop hissing and start proving.

Wactorii carefully moves over to Nikolai, the others watch her carefully and point their weapons at her.

WACTORII (SMUG)

You want proof. Here is your proof.

Wactorii grabs Nikolai’s hood and quickly pulls it off to expose his human face. The Felinions gasp, Nikolai is confused.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Are you crazy?

The three Felinions point at Nikolai with their free paw in terror.

MALE FELINION (SHOCKED)

Look! Look at him!

FEMALE FELINION (TERRIFIED)

He just has skin! No fur!

INJURED FELINION (HORRIFIED)

He has the Fleeciness Demise!

The three Felinions scream, turn and run into the forest. Nikolai confused.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Fleeciness Demise? What is that?

WACTORII (URGENT)

Forget that! Let’s move!

Wactorii pulls Nikolai’s hood back down. She turns and races over to her Yzupap, Nikolai notices this and follows suit. They both climb onto their beasts and ride them down the path as fast as they can travel.

WACTORII (BLUNT):

We should be safe now.

Wactorii slows her beast down, Nikolai does the same. They ride in silence for a bit.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Who were those Felinions.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

Footpads.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Footpads?

Wactorii doesn’t reply, Nikolai notices this.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What are Footpads?

WACTORII (BLUNT)

Robbers, thieves, brigands, bandits, pilferers, marauders, looters, outlaws. They are a menace to my society.

NIKOLAI (SARCASTIC)

I can imagine if they just go around stealing from people.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

There is more to it than that. They are souls who have broken away society. They travel in the wilderness of the land looting and pillaging. Noble Felinions as well as peasants. Even each other.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Well, I can’t imagine they wouldn’t run into a lot of people out here. And those who they did would probably be armed.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

That is why they have adapted immoral tactics as pretending to be injured. But they don’t stop there. They have gone as to all out attacks of the more minor villages.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Why do they do it?

WACTORII (BLUNT)

Simple. They are dumb, lazy and dead beats that would rather kill you then earn an honest wage. They are the plague of Felinia.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Why don’t you try and stop them?

WACTORII (BLUNT)

We have. But every time they have confronted us they turn tail and run. Using the forest as their covers. They don’t even have the honor and decency.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Yeah. But what of-

WACTORII (INTERRUPTING, COLD)

No more questions!

Nikolai is taken aback. He brings his Yzupap to a stop. Wactorii hesitates before bring hers to a stop.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Is there something wrong?

WACTORII (COLD)

What makes you think that?

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Well, for starters. You won’t even look at me. Plus you’re cold and to the point. Did I do something to offend you?

Wactorii turns and glares at Nikolai.

WACTORII (ANGRY)

Of course you did you idiot! You almost got us killed back there!

NIKOLAI (DEFENSIVE)

I’m sorry. But I didn’t know about these Footpads.

WACTORII (ANGRY)

You’re a menace to everyone around you! Wanting to mess with the Prevaricates is a fine example!

This cuts Nikolai deep.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

What happened back there was your fault!

WACTORII (ANGRY)

My fault? How can this be my fault?

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

You should have briefed me. I’m a stranger in a strange world. You trick me to come out here to put my mission aside so we can do your agenda! I trust you but apparently you don’t trust me!

Wactorii looks to Nikolai, she see the pain in his eyes and understands.

WACTORII (FRUSTRATED)

Your right, you are absolutely right. Just like in the tunnel I forced you to walk blind and you gladly allowed me to lead you. But when the roles are reversed I refuse to take a step. I’m pathetic!

Nikolai smiles.

NIKOLAI (SARCASTIC)

Which is exactly what I look for in a friend.

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

Huh?

NIKOLAI (REASSURING)

It only proves that we aren’t perfect, which is fine by me. Because if we were we wouldn’t need friends. I’d hate for that to happen.

Wactorii smiles.

WACTORII (REASSURING)

I promise I won’t let this happen again, no more trickery. I swear.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Good. Then let’s get going.

WACTORII (PLEASED)

We’re almost there. Just a Milli or two to go.

Nikolai and Wactorii turn their Yzupaps around, they head back down the trail.

EXT. MINSK AND ESCORTS NEAR FELINIA CLOUDS (OPTICAL) – MED. SHOT

The ships continue to orbit them.

INT. MINSK - BAY ROOM

This is a huge room with two shuttlles and four Battleship Fighters on one side and refueling tanks and repair equipment on the other. In the center of the room above a square hole of light is a huge mechanical arm. Lena is here, she is dressed back in her regular uniform. She stares down through the light and can see the cloud mass below, she looks very sad. Codi enters through one of the hatches looks around, she spots Lena, when see sees how sad she is she sighs. Then she collects herself and walks over to her.

CODI (SMUG)

So this is the special project you excused yourself to. You look very busy.

Lena does not look to Codi.

LENA (DISTANT)

If I jumped down there how long do you think it would take me to die?

Codi pauses to consider it.<

CODI (HONEST)

A few MicroYerks. Your body would explode from lack of an atmosphere. You probably wouldn’t feel any pain either.

Lena looks up and glares at Codi.

LENA (ANNOYED)

You are as cold and insensitive as him!

CODI (EXPLAINING)

I’m a Felinion, my senses are more acute than yours but I didn’t need them to know you said those things out of self-pity. This is totally not like you, Lena.

LENA (ANNOYED)

Sorry but when your heart has been ripped out you kind of don’t give a Deposits!

Lena turns to leave.

CODI (UNDERSTANDING)

Nikolai didn’t mean to hurt you.

Lena stops and looks to Codi.

LENA (CONFUSED)

Golda told you?

Codi shakes her head.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

She didn’t have to. I saw how you two looked at each other, how you cared for one another. You tried to mask it behind friendship but I knew better.

Lena clams down a bit.

LENA (FRUSTRATED)

Well regardless what Nikolai intended on doing he still broke my heart.

CODI (BLUNT)

Let me guess, he feared what the crew would think of your relationship.

Lena raises an eyebrow.

LENA (CONFUSED)

How did you know?

CODI (EXPLAINING)

You forget that Nikolai and I have been heavily into training to be each others Kalatir. Though this is purely for friendship you tend to learn a lot about one another. The things that he knows about me would make your skin craw.

Lena cocks her head.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

If you understood Nikolai as half as much as I do you would see he isn’t concerned about his well being but yours.

LENA (CONFUSED)

What do you mean?

CODI (EXPLAINING)

Once we return to Mars you will never seen either one of us again thanks to the Admiral so he could care less about how people on this ship view him. But you will remain behind, you will have to work with these people. If you were to start seeing each other they would not see you as the Engineer Officer but as the Exec’s girlfriend. They would even question how you got your rank to start with. That is why he doesn’t was to date you.

Lena pauses to think.

LENA (HONEST)

I really want to believe you, I really do but I just can’t.

CODI (UNDERSTANDING)

You have been put through a lot over this but remember so has he. He is as upset as you.

Lena studies Codi, she is really confused now.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

Just dwell on it for awhile, I’m sure you will understand.

Codi turns and heads for the hatch. Lena looks to her and is more confused than ever, then she looks back down through the light.

EXT. FELINIA - MOUNTAIN RANGE

The forest is thick here. A range of tall mountains stretch up here, they are almost as tall as the trees. The rocks go straight up and down, they are impassable. Wactorii and Nikolai are here and stand still on their Yzupaps. She is looking at a strange electronic device.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What are you doing?

Wactorii does not look up.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

Making sure no shuttles are around, they tend to check things every so often.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

So we have made it?

Wactorii nods as she puts away the device and barks a phrase in Felinion at the rocks. There is a quick beep, she smiles.

WACTORII (PLEASED)

Come on.

Wactorii drives her beast forward and races at the very rocks, Nikolai is shocked. But as her and her Yzupap hit the rock they are both absorbed into it and disappear. Nikolai is even more shocked. He stares at the point where Wactorii disappear. Suddenly, she pokes her head out of the very rock. Nikolai is stunned.

WACTORII (ANNOYED)

Are you coming or not?

Wactorii pulls her head back in.

WACTORII (FROM THE ROCKS, ANNOYED)

It is just an Illusion Field.

Nikolai pauses, thinks and then nods. He drives his beast forward towards the very same rocks. They both disappear into nothingness.

EXT. FELINIA – HIDDEN VALLEY

This is a huge area of field, forest and stream. High mountains surrounding it protect the entire area. There are crude huts setup and sick and ailing Felinions are everywhere, clumps of their fur have fallen out and the exposed skin is red and raw. It looks like a refuge camp. Some can barely walk but other doesn’t seem as affected. Wactorii and Nikolai appear through a rock and bring their Yzupaps to a halt, they both look around. He is overwhelmed with horror while she manages to contain her sadness.

WACTORII (COLD)

Welcome to the Court’s best kept seecret.

Nikolai looks around in horror. A yyoung male Felinion rushes up to them, most of his fur has fallen out and his skin is well exposed and raw. He grabs onto Nikolai’s leg, he pleads in his own native language. Nikolai looks to him confused.

NIKOLAI (PLEADING)

I’m sorry but I don’t understand yoour language.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

He wants you to kill him. He can’t take the pain any longer.

Nikolai looks helpless and the boy begins to cry. His mother comes and comforts him. She says something to Nikolai in Felinion and Wactorii responds in the same language. The mother smiles and leads the boy away.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

I told them that we have brought soomething to ease their pain.

This doesn’t give Nikolai any comfoort.

NIKOLAI (FRUSTRATED)

But it is only a temporary solutionn. They are all going to die.

Wactorii nods.

WACTORII (HONEST)

Unfortunately.

Nikolai looks devastated but Wactorrii smiles.

WACTORII (REASSURING)

But it will be a painless death thaanks to what we have brought them. It may not mean a lot to you but it means the world to them. That is what counts.

Nikolai forces a smile.

VOICE (EXCITED)

Krrrltarra!

Nikolai and Wactorii turn to see a young male Felinion running towards them. He has blue fur with red stripes. He is ragged like the others in the camp but his fur has not been affected. This is Meeppss.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

Trouble?

Wactorii ignores Nikolai and dismouunts, Meeppss rushes up to her. He hugs her and she hugs him back, he picks her up and twirls her around with joy.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Apparently not.

Meeppss puts her down and they breaak apart. They grab each other’s hands and speak with enthusiasm in their own language, they are very happy to see one another. Nikolai slides off his month and goes up to them. The male Felinion sees this and lets go of her, they both look to Nikolai.

WACTORII (INTRODUCING)

I’d like you to introduce you to Meeeppss, a good friend of mine.

Wactorii indicates to Meeppss.

WACTORII (INTRODUCING)

And in turn I’d like you to introduuce my new friend, Bakeko.

Wactorii indicates to Nikolai, he rraises an eyebrow.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Bakeko?

Meeppss laughs.

MEEPPSS (LAUGHING)

I know that is not your real name aas mine is not Meeppss and hers is not Krrrltarra. We just thought it safer since what we are doing is illegal.

Meeppss settles down.

NIKOLAI (CURIOUS)

You speak my language?

WACTORII (PROUD)

Everyone involved with the Court dooes.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

He is a member of the Court?>

WACTORII (REASSURING)

Ease there Bakeko, he is deceased.<

Nikolai is confused and this makes Meeppss smile.

MEEPPSS (EXPLAINING)

I was next in line to be Kootawa, rright behind Ryquikg. That was until Krrrltarra enlisted me into her services.

Nikolai looks to Wactorii and smilees.

NIKOLAI (SARCASTIC)

Yeah, she is really good at gettingg males to do what she wants.

Wactorii giggles and Meeppss smiless.

MEEPPSS (EXPLAINING)

She opened my eyes to what was happpening out here. That I could do more good else where. So when DecaYerk I snuck out of the castle without my personal guards and what appears to be a harmless ride in the forest. But when my mount returned on its own they feared the worst. They search for me but I was never found because I was hiding in the one place they would never come to, here. So they figured the Footpads got me. Since no ransom was ever offered I was considered dead and forgotten.

NIKOLAI (CURIOUS)

So you are not affected by the diseease?

MEEPPSS (EXPLAINING)

Correct. I live my life here tendinng to the sick and making their suffering as bearable as possible. I let Krrrltarra know what we need and she always manages to come through.

Meeppss looks over to Wactorii and smiles, she smiles back.

MEEPPSS (HOPEFUL)

Speaking of which, did you bring itt?

WACTORII (REASSURING)

Yes and more than expected.<

MEEPPSS (RELIEVED)

Thank goodness, we ran out a few DeecaYerks ago. I’ll start distributing right away.

Meeppss steps towards the Yzupaps.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

No, I’ll take care of that.

Meeppss stops and looks to Wactorii confused.

MEEPPSS (CONFUSED)

And what will I be doing?

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

Showing Bakeko around. I brought him to show the suffering that goes on here and how we are helping. Show him everything.

MEEPPSS (CONCERNED)

Yeah but-

WACTORII (STERN)

We must all do our part without question!

Meeppss hesitates to consider this and then nods.

MEEPPSS (BLUNT)

As you wish.

Wactorii looks to the Yzupap and barks a command only they understand. They instantly start to follow her, she leads them away. But as she goes she sneaks a peak to Nikolai and Meeppss, they look to her kind of sad since she is leaving. This makes her smile, she continues away.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

If I have learned only one thing it is that nothing can stop her from getting her way.

Meeppss nods.

WACTORII (CALLING BACK, SMUG)

I heard that!

They laugh and she leaves. Meeppss begins to walk, Nikolai walks along side.

MEEPPSS (EXPLAINING)

I’m sure she filled you in on the disease and why everyone is here.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Basically the Court should be hanged.

Meeppss stops and grabs Nikolai’s arm, he stops as well. He squeezes him firmly.

MEEPPSS (STERN)

The Court is not evil! They have done great things since the Revolt. They pulled everyone together and provide the resources to rebuild this planet. They provide excellent leadership and guidance to make Felinia the jewel of the galaxy. They should be praised!

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

When why is it they had to force you to fake your own death so you can do what they should be doing?

The fire leaves Meeppss eyes, he sighs and lets go of Nikolai.

MEEPPSS (EXPLAINING)

I never said they were perfect. They make mistakes just like us. It is just in this one area they seem to be blind.

Nikolai pauses to think and then smiles, he puts his hand of Meeppss shoulder.

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTANDING)

I think I see your point. By comparison your government is much caring than mine.

Meeppss takes comfort in the words, he smiles back. Nikolai lets go and they continue walking.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

When she dragged me into this it made it sound like this was her first visit here but I see now she has been here several times.

MEEPPSS (EXPLAINING)

I think that deception was more for her father than you. She has been dying to tell him of our work here but was afraid. Apparently you gave her the courage to do that.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

I think I was more of an excuse to let her father know. Regardless, I’m happy to help in anyway I can.

MEEPPSS (PLEASED)

With that attitude you will fit right in.

Nikolai looks around as they walk.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

So there are no guards to keep them in?

MEEPPSS (EXPLAINING)

This is a refugee camp, not a prison. They can come and go as they please. Of course if they are caught outside they are just shipped back here, there is no other place they can go. Besides, food and shelter can be found here but more important fellow suffers that they can relate to. There is no desire to leave.

As they continue to walk a female Felinion rushes up to them. It is evident she has been effected with the disease but it is in the early stages so she can move around rather well. The two of them stop and she rattles off something in her own language. Meeppss provides a response. It is apparent she does not like what he has said but she accepts it, she sadly walks away.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

Problem?

Meeppss nods.

MEEPPSS (FRUSTRATED)

I’m afraid so. A big wind storm came through last night. It tore up the dwells pretty bad. It is vital for them to hold in the heat since they don’t have all their fur. Those who are able are helping to repair them but I’m afraid there are more that can’t help than can.

NIKOLAI (UPBEAT)

Then what do you say we lend a hand.

Meeppss looks to Nikolai confused.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

I’ll confess I don’t know the first thing about carpentry but I’m willing to do anything to help. Think of me as an apprentice or even a gofer. Either way I want to help.

Meeppss smiles.

MEEPPSS (PLEASED)

Then help you shall!

Meeppss calls to the female and she stops, she turns to them. They rush up to her and he begins to speak to her in a language she can understand. The words fill her heart with joy. Then the three rush away.

EXT. MINSK IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - MEDD. SHOT

The ship races by at Ultra-Light sppeed and continues on.

INT. MINSK - LENA'S QUARTERS>

This is a small modest room with a bed, a chair, a desk and closest. On the desk is a small computer console. Fastened on the wall at waist height is a seat belt like strap. Scattered around the room are hard clear plastic sheets that have schematics on them, the room is a mess. Lena is seated at the desk, she looks very sad. On the screen are several pictures of Nikolai. Some are serious and some are silly but all of them have her in the shot.

LENA (TO SCREEN, SAD)

Deleted selected.

COMPUTER (ELECTRONIC VOICE)

Are you sure?

Lena hesitates, she tries to respond buut she can’t bring herself to it.

LENA (TO SCREEN, FRUSTRATED)

No! I can’t! I just can’t!

COMPUTER (ELECTRONIC VOICE)

Deletion canceled.

Lena slams her fist on the desk.>

LENA (ANNOYED)

Why did the Admiral have to mess evverything up!

Lena slams her fist down again, she loooks very sadly to the screen.

EXT. FELINIA – HIDDEN VALLEY

Nikolai is next to one of the shacks, his cloak lies on the ground along with his gloves. Everyone can see he is a human. As they pass they look to him with curiosity but have far too many problems to worry about him. He spreads some goo with a stick on the top and bottom of the back of a plank of freshly cut wood. He then takes it and carefully presses it up on the frame of the building so the goo touches the supports, he presses it there firmly for a few seconds and then lets go. It stays in place. Nikolai smiles at his work.

NIKOLAI (TO HIMSELF, PROUD)

I’ll be a carpenter.

Nikolai hears a soft moan, he peers through an unpatched opening inside the house. His happiness fades. He pauses to think and then smiles, he grabs his cloak and pulls out the book, he lays it on the ground next to his gloves. He stands up still holding the coat, he walks around the dwelling.

INT. REFUGEE DWELLING

This is a small one room shack. Grass and weeds have been piled up to form a bed. A very sickly young boy is laying on it, he shivers uncontrollably because most of his fur is gone. A tattered blanket covers him but has so many holes it provides little warmth. His mother sits by his side and tries to comfort him the best she can. Nikolai enters still carrying his cloak. Her eyes lock onto him, she jumps to her feet and takes a defensive stance. She hisses at him and he jumps back.

NIKOLAI (CALMING)

I’m not here to rob you but to help.

The mother curses him in her own native tongue, for extra measure she extends her claws and swipes at the air before her. Nikolai quickly mimics using his cloak like a blanket and then points to the shivering boy, this takes some of the edge off of her but she is still wary. So he tosses the coat to her feet, she keeps her eyes locked on him while she picks it up. She sniffs it. He points to the boy. Again she refuses to take her glance off of him but uses the cloak to cover her son like a blanket, he quickly spots shaking. The mother does not know what to make of it, he just smiles to her and turns to leave. But before he can go she rushes up to him and pushes him up against the wall, he looks concerned back to her. She sniffs him over, once satisfied she removes her own cloak which is tattered and torn. She holds it out to him, he shakes his head.

NIKOLAI (URGENT)

No, it wasn’t a trade. You can keep yours.

The mother shoves her cloak into his hands, once he takes it she retreats back to her son’s side. She continues to look to him. Nikolai smiles and bows to her, she bows her head to him slightly. Then he turns and leaves, she focuses all her attentions back to him.

EXT. FELINIA – HIDDEN VALLEY

Nikolai steps out still carrying thhe tattered cloak, he comes face to face with Meeppss. He has his arms folded and does not look happy.

MEEPPSS (STERN)

Only a fool would enter a Felinion’’s dwelling uninvited.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Then I’m a fool.

Meeppss glares at Nikolai but then he smiles.

MEEPPSS (SMUG)

But no bigger a fool than someone wwho gave up a chance as Prince.

Nikolai smiles, he holds up the clooak.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

I figured they could use it more thhan I, but I didn’t want anything in return.

MEEPPSS (EXPLAINING)

The people here may be sickly and ddying but they do have their pride. With what little they have they will gladly share. Especially to someone who has a death wish.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What do you mean?

MEEPPSS (EXPLAINING)

At night it gets rather cold aroundd here. These dwellings aren’t insulated. To a Felinion it can be a miserable night. To a Humanoid without cloak it is an invitation to freezing to death. She just saved you life.

Nikolai looks to the cloak and undeerstands.

MEEPPSS (BLUNT)

But that isn’t the worst. When Krrrrltarra finds out you gave your cloak away she is going to explode.

Nikolai smiles.

NIKOLAI (REASSURING)

Leave her to me.

MEEPPSS (BLUNT)

You truly do have a death wish.

Nikolai laughs and Meeppss joins inn.

VOICE (BLUNT)

Personally, I think you both have aa death wish.

Meeppss and Nikolai stop laughing aand look to Wactorii, she is walking over to them. They smile to her, she stops before them and looks to the Felinion.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

We are just about finished, why donn’t you go on over and finish up then take inventory of what we have left.

Meeppss loses his smile.

MEEPPSS (CONCERNED)

I was hoping to spend some time witth you.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

We all have to do our part.<

Meeppss nods.

MEEPPSS (BLUNT)

As you wish.

Meeppss turns and leaves, Wactorii looks to Nikolai.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

Nice cloak you have there.

Nikolai looks to the tattered coat in his arms.

NIKOLAI (AWKWARD)

Oh… This… I guess you want an explaanation…

WACTORII (BLUNT)

You can see right through that. Morre importantly you are not a Felinion but a humanoid. This will not do if anyone sees you outside this camp they’ll-

Nikolai looks to Wactorii.

NIKOLAI (INTERRUPTING, HONEST)

Are you saying giving my cloak to ssomeone who needs it more than I was wrong?

Wactorii pauses and smiles.<

WACTORII (REASSURING)

No, I expected you to do as such. TThank you.

Nikolai pauses to think and then piinches himself, she notices this.

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

Why did you do that?

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

No reason.

Wactorii pauses for a moment to thiink and then nods.

WACTORII (UNDERSTANDING)

You though this was another apparittion generated test.

Nikolai hesitates.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

The thought did cross my mind but ssince I felt pain I knew it couldn’t be true.

Wactorii smiles, she pulls out Nikoolai’s gloves and Bible and holds them out to him.

WACTORII (PLEASED)

I believe this belong to you.

Nikolai takes them and smiles.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Thanks.

Nikolai stuffs the gloves into his pocket but clutches onto the book.

WACTORII (PLEASED)

Walk with me.

Wactorii grabs Nikolai’s arm and thhey begin to walk.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

Books are obsolete in your society yet it is the only thing that you took on this trip. May I ask why?

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

It has been in my family for generaations, I take it along when ever I can.

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

What makes it so important?<

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

It is the book of my God, written iin his own hand. We call it the Bible.

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

Your God wants you know how his thoought? He is nothing like mine.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

I find comfort in his words, hope iin every sentence. It helps me to focus my Prayers.

Wactorii stops and looks around, hee does the same.

WACTORII (HONEST)

If there is any place that needs Prrayers it is here.

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTANDING)

Amen.

Wactorii begins to walk again and NNikolai is right next to her, they walk in silence. As they do day turns to night, it happens so abruptly like someone throwing a switch. It becomes pitch black.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

Whoa!

They stop walking as they look up iinto the sky, the strange clouds that surround the planet are still there but are not generating any light. The clouds begin to change into brilliant colors that swirl and fade in and out, it is breathtaking. They smile up to them.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

I didn’t realize it changed that faast.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

It reminds us nothing is constant.<

Nikolai looks to Wactorii but she iis still looking up in the sky. He considers saying something but changes his mind, he looks back up. The colors continue to change, they enjoy it in silence. One of them is a pinkish swirl of light.

WACTORII AND NIKOLAI (IN UNISON, PLEASED)

The Heart of Fervor!

They look to each other and smile.<

WACTORII (PLEASED)

You remembered!

Nikolai nods.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

How could I forget? It is said thatt a couple that see one of these together will find themselves uncontrollably drawn to one another. That the mere presents binds their hearts into one.

WACTORII (PLEASED)

I’m glad you were with me when it hhappened.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

I figured that you would rather havve had Meeppss holding your arm instead.

Wactorii cocks her head.

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

What do you mean?

Nikolai just smiles at Wactorii, shhe looks away. She understands.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

He is just a collogue, nothing moree.

NIKOLAI (SLY)

Collogues don’t want to just spend time together.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

Granted, he may view me as somethinng more but he is mistaken.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

I remember when I thought that samee of you but you quickly set me straight. No, I think you feel the same way.

Wactorii glares at Nikolai.<

WACTORII (DEFENSIVE)

I am a Princess, I have my own Prinnce! To consider anything more would be wrong!

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

But you didn’t give me a definite nno.

Wactorii glares at Nikolai and he jjust smiles back. Finally, she breaks down and looks away.

WACTORII (HONEST)

Okay, I admit it. You are right.

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTANDING)

So that night when we were on the ccastle wall and you were wishing Felinions could pick their own mates as they once did. Were you thinking about him?

Wactorii pauses and then nods.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

Yes.

Wactorii quickly looks to him.

WACTORII (URGENT)

But I wouldn’t! I couldn’t ever be with him! My place is with my Prince! My duty is to the Court! What I want can never be!

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTANDING)

You know, you could fake your deathh like he did.

WACTORII (ANNOYED)

Don’t you think I have thought of tthat! That I haven’t dreamed of it! But I have a duty! A responsibility! If I was to die then the supply line to this camp would stop!

NIKOLAI (APOLOGETIC)

I’m sorry if I have offended you.

Wactorii pauses and smiles.<

WACTORII (UNDERSTANDING)

I appreciate your concern, I reallyy do. But there are some things that are out of our control.

Nikolai nods.

WACTORII (SMUG)

Then again there are some things weell within your control.

Nikolai looks confused but Wactoriii just giggles. She begins walking again and drags him along.

EXT. RAH DOLVA

This is a swamp of acid, nothing iss living here. Fumes rise from the bubbling liquid. A dirt path winds through it. It is quiet here, only the bubbling of the acid can be heard. Suddenly, Codiozianquy Zqiuvxbiea (Codi) stumbles into view on the path. She is a Felinion, a cat‑like creature with the frame of a human but is covered with fur. She has finger-like claws on both hands and feet, pointed ears and whiskers. Her fur is blonde with black stripes, it is so thick that we can’t see her private parts. She falls to the ground and choughs heavily from the fumes. She looks up and her eyes are red and bloodshot, she is in really bad shape. She struggles back to her feet and continues down the path, she staggers more than walks. As she presses on she stumbles again, this time she falls off the path and into the acid. She flounders in the liquid as screams in pain, as she struggles in the acid we see her skin being burnt off and her flesh is eaten away. Finally she succumbs to her torment, she slips under the liquid and disappears for ever. Only the bubbling acid can be heard again. Suddenly, there is a deep hideous laugh that echoes loudly.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. MINSK - CHAPEL

This is a small room with four rowss of metal pews. At the front of the room is a small altar, above it on the wall is a large crucifix. Codi is sitting in the front, she appears to be uninjured. She wears a small gray vest and shorts with no boots, on her shoulders are two golden insignias of a crown, clipped to her belt is a specially made headset with a microphone. A woman dressed in a standard Minsk uniform with small metal crucifixes on her shoulders is sitting next to her. The Pastor has short blonde hair, is middle aged and is looking to Codi.

CODI (BLUNT)

And that is what Rah Dolva is like..

The Pastor is looking to Codi in hoorror, it takes a few moments to regain her composure.

PASTOR (UPBEAT)

Well, there are some religions thatt share your view of Hades. Where the evil and wicked are tormented and tortured.

Codi cocks her head.

CODI (CONFUSED)

You misunderstand. This is the placce where Kazan’s, my god, has set aside for the good and kind. He believes no one deserves to be treated nicely. We all must be tormented.

The horrified look returns to the PPastor and Codi sees this.

CODI (CONFUSED)

You God is different?

The Pastor regains herself again.

PASTOR (REASSURING)

Much different. He sent down his onnly Son to die for our sins. All those who believe in him will have ever lasting life with him. Where there is no pain, for ill feelings, no evil.

This makes Codi smiles.

CODI (PLEASED)

It sounds beautiful.

PASTOR (REASSURING)

It will be.

Codi loses her smile.

CODI (CONFUSED)

Will be? Aren’t those who died befoore us there now?

The Pastor shaker her head.<

PASTOR (EXPLAINING)

No, you see when we die we sleep. WWe feel no pain or the passage of time. But as it is written that is only until God’s son returns to us. He will resurrects us from the dead, wakes us up. Then the good will go with him. It is as it is written.

CODI (CONFUSED)

But if we are good why must we waitt? Why can’t we go as soon as we die?

PASTOR (EXPLAINING)

Well if that was the case we would live with God in heaven but when his Son returned we would all have to die again so we could be resurrected to go with him to fulfill his writings.

Codi nods.

CODI (UNDERSTANDING)

I see your point. Your religion seeems more complicated than mine.

The Pastor pauses to consider sometthing.

PASTOR (CONFUSED)

Why did you come to me asking my beeliefs commander? You have your own religion, your own god.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

Well with the passing of my father it has gotten me thinking. I never truly believed in Kazan, someone that evil wouldn’t want for us to die to torment us he would do it now. So I’m seeking the true about death.

PASTOR (BLUNT)

Would you like me to continue?

Codi smiles.

CODI (PLEASED)

Yes please.

The Pastor continues to speak and CCodi listens intensely.

INT. REFUGEE GUEST DWELLING

This is like the other shack but itt seems to be kept up better and cleaner, also there are two beds here. Hanging from the ceiling is a small removable light, it has a solar panel on the side. Wactorii leads Nikolai inside, she leads him over to a small box on the floor in the center. She kneels before it and he does the same, in the process he put down his Bible and cloak.

WACTORII (PLEASED)

Are you in for a treat!

Nikolai looks to her curious while Wactorii has a sly smile. She opens the box and reaches inside, she pulls out large chunks of beef jerky. They both smile to it.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Is that real meat? I haven’t had meeat since I…

Nikolai’s voice trails off.<

NIKOLAI (UNEASY)

Is that Rabbotia?

Wactorii smiles.

WACTORII (SMUG)

What other kind of meat would you eexpect on Felinia? I knew how much you enjoyed it last time so I brought some along.

Wactorii holds out some of the meatt to Nikolai, but he shakes his head.

NIKOLAI (UNEASY)

Er… No… That is alright.

WACTORII (URGING)

But you have to eat something.

Nikolai pauses to think, then he siighs.

NIKOLAI (FRUSTRATED)

Unfortunately, you are right.

Nikolai takes out of the hunks fromm Wactorii, he looks to it as if it is death itself. Then he closes his eyes and takes a tiny bit. He expects the worst but he gets the exact opposite.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

This is actually good.

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

Are you saying that the food you haad at the castle wasn’t good?

NIKOLAI (BALKING)

Er… Of course not…

He digs in and starts chomping downn, she starts eating too.

WACTORII (EATING, EXPLAINING)

As a special treat I had it marinatted in this special way.

NIKOLAI (EATING, EXPLAINING)

You know, I bet Meeppss would love to have some of this. Why don’t you go and take some to him.

WACTORII (EATING, BLUNT)

You are my responsibility, Nikolai.. My place is with you.

NIKOLAI (EATING, EXPLAINING)

It has been a long DecaYerk. After I eat finish eating I’m turning in. So go ahead over to him, I’ll be fine.

Wactorii smiles.

WACTORII (EATING, PLEASED)

I appreciate what you are trying too do but I will see Meeppss again. As far as you who knows. That is why I want to spend time with you.

Nikolai smiles.

NIKOLAI (EATING, PLEASED)

Thank you.

They continue to eat. Nikolai pausees while she continues, she rubs his wounded shoulder and groans. Wactorii notices this.

WACTORII (EATING, CONCERNED)

Your wound giving you trouble?

Nikolai shakes his head.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

No, but my body is. Being stuck on a ship I don’t get much opportunity to exsert myself.

Wactorii finishes up.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

Lie on your stomach please.<

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Why?

WACTORII (BLUNT)

Do it and I’ll show you.

Nikolai pauses and then lies on hiss stomach on his bed. Wactorii crawls over next to him, he is a bit concerned. She begins to massage his back, he is very tenses but as she works her magic he begins to loosen up. She extends her claws and carefully uses them, he is in heaven.

NIKOLAI (RELIEVED)

Ry is the luckiest Prince in the unniverse.

Wactorii continues to work but frowwns.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

He wouldn’t think so if he was heree now, he’d kill you.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Because we are helping these refugeees?

WACTORII (BLUNT)

Because I’m here alone with you.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

But we’re just friends.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

It doesn’t matter to him, he gets eextremely jealous. He has an ego the size of Felinia. He is arrogant and mean.

As Wactorii rambles on she gets anggry, she digs her claws into Nikolai’s back.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

Ow! Don’t take it out on me!>

Wactorii stops.

WACTORII (APOLOGETIC)

Sorry.

Nikolai sits up, he pauses to thinkk.

NIKOLAI (CURIOUS)

I was wondering, the last time I caame to Felinia everyone seemed to frown on my commander and aide. I was wondering if you could shed some light on this.

Wactorii shakes her head.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

No, I can’t.

NIKOLAI (CURIOUS)

You don’t know anything about it?

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

I know everything about it but I waas force to swear to the Court that I could not reveal what really happened.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Why? What is the big secret? What hhappened?

WACTORII (BLUNT)

I’m sorry but like I said I can’t ssay anything more.

Nikolai sighs and looks very sad, WWactorii notices this.

WACTORII (CONCERNED)

This is really killing you.<

NIKOLAI (FRUSTRATED)

She is my commander but more importtantly she is my friend, my mentor. I’m very concerned about this.

Wactorii studies Nikolai for a momeent, she shakes her head.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

I still can’t tell you exactly whatt happened but maybe I can led you in the right direction.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Oh?

Wactorii pauses to collect her thouughts.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

Felinions can only have two types oof markings, spots and stripes. Which do I have?

Nikolai looks to Wactorii.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Stripes.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

And what does Meeppss have?<

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Stripes.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

And those others on the court?

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Stripes I think.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

Do you know any other Felinion closse to you that have stripes?

Nikolai pauses for a moment and theen gasps.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

Codi! Does that mean she was on thee Court?

WACTORII (BLUNT)

Again I can’t comment on that.

Nikolai pauses to think.

NIKOLAI (THINKING)

Those Footpads that we ran into menntioned that those who have stripes are important, so she had to be involved with the Court in some capacity. But how? And how does her sister fit into this?

WACTORII (BLUNT)

These are questions that can only bbe answered by her, I can’t supply any more information.

Nikolai smiles.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

I know you went out on a limb here,, thank you.

Wactorii smiles to Nikolai.<

WACTORII (CURIOUS)

Well I helped you understand somethhing from your personal life, now it is your turn.

Nikolai looks confused and Wactoriii sees this.

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

This, er love of yours. Why did youu turn her down?

Nikolai pauses to think.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

There is not much to say. She is onne of my subordinates. If I start dating her the crew and even the commander would think she is just seeing me because I outrank her. Anything good she would do would be over shady by this.

Wactorii cocks her head.

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

And this concerns her?

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

Actually, no.

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

Then why does it concern you?

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

Because she doesn’t know any betterr. I’m doing it to protect her.

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

But it sounds it can only harm her if she lets it. The only one that seems afraid is you.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

You just don’t understand!

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

It seems to me that you are the onee that is confused.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

That does it! End of discussion!

Nikolai lies down, he grabs his clooak and uses it as a blanket. He tries to go to sleep. Wactorii sighs, she reaches up and turns off the light. She goes over to her bed.

EXT. FELINIA – HIDDEN VALLEY

It has changed to day once more andd the clouds are generating light again. The refugees are up and going about their business.

INT. REFUGEE GUEST DWELLING

Wactorii and Nikolai are still sleeep, he is still in his bed but she is not. She is lying on top of him and purring like a kitten. He stirs and opens his eyes, he tries to get up but can’t. Then he looks to see why, he gasps. He pushes her off of him, she rolls and ends up in a defensive crouching position with her claws extending. She looks around quickly, he sits up and glares at her.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

What kind of sick and demented indiividual are you?

Wactorii settles down.

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

What ever do you mean?

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

Trying to have Incite Fervor while I was sleeping!

Wactorii retracts her claws and staands up.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

I saw you shivering so I used my boody to keep you warm. It is a very common practice between Felinions.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

A likely story!

Wactorii folds her arms and groans..

WACTORII (BLUNT)

I don’t know how your species reprooduces but ours can’t while you are wearing clothes like you are.

Nikolai looks himself over.<

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTANDING)

Oh yeah.

Wactorii unfolds her arms and pointts to Nikolai.

WACTORII (ANNOYED)

You humanoids are all alike! Ready to accuse another of something they did not do! Ready to blame someone else! I thought you were different but I see I was wrong!

A voice in Felinion calls from outsside, both Wactorii and Nikolai look towards the door. Wactorii barks something and the mother of the sickly boy enters, she is carrying the cloak Nikolai gave her which is neatly folded. The princess questions her but she is ignored, instead the female steps before him and offers him the coat and bows her head in respect. Nikolai is confused.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

I thought we agreed that you were tto keep it for the boy.

Wactorii translates for him, the wooman does not look up but responds back. Wactorii is saddened.

WACTORII (SAD)

She says he dies last night in his sleep.

Nikolai looks equally saddened.

NIKOLAI (EMPATHETIC)

Please give her my condolences.

Wactorii translates Nikolai’s wordss, the woman looks up. She has a tear in her eye but a smile on her face, she says something only the Princess can understand.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

She says though that the boy was noot her kitten, no one out of the Court knows who their kittens are, it was as if he was her own. His passing saddens her. But at the same time he died nice and warm with a smile on his face, his last few Yerks were the most consoling and comforting he had ever had. The only way she can repay this kindness is to return you cloak.

Nikolai looks to the woman and smilles, he shakes his head.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

My kindness was but a blink of an eeye compared to yours. You were by his side DecaYerk in and DecaYerk out. You cared and protected him. Though he is gone I want you to still keep the cloak, as a reminder of the happier times you shared together. It is my gift to you.

When Wactorii translates the woman loses it, she bursts into tears and hugs Nikolai. He in turn hugs her back, he is a bit moved himself. The Princess has to wipe a tear away herself. The woman rattles off some more between her weeping.

WACTORII (MOVED)

Though you are an alien on this worrld you have a heart of a Felinion. You will always be welcome her.

They break apart and the woman bowss to him, Nikolai bows back in respect. The woman turns and leaves, he watches her go and reflects on the moment. Wactorii looks to Nikolai in awe.

WACTORII (PROUD)

You are enigma to me, Nikolai.

Nikolai looks to Wactorii confused..

WACTORII (PROUD)

Every time I think I have to peggedd, when I think I know who you are you surprise me.

Nikolai smiles.

NIKOLAI (REASSURING)

I was just trying to comfort her, yyou would do the same.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

I would have told her how sorry I wwas and empathize with her. She would have left as sad as she came in. But you, you made her leave happy. To think that the world was not against her. I’m proud of you.

Nikolai smiles but doesn’t know whaat to say, Wactorii steps up to him.

WACTORII (APOLOGETIC)

Because of that I must apologize foor my rude behavior.

Nikolai shakes his head.

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTANDING)

No need to, I was a jerk before we went to bed. We’re both under a lot of stress right now. I’m not going to hold it against you.

WACTORII (PLEASED)

Neither will I. Thank you.

Wactorii and Nikolai stare into eacch other’s eyes, they try figure out what their true feelings are. Suddenly Meeppss enters, he is carrying an armful of odd looking mushrooms that are black.

MEEPPSS (PLEASED)

Look what I found!

Nikolai and Wactorii looks to Meepppss, she is pleased but he is disgusted.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

They look like Deposits.

WACTORII (REASSURING)

They are food.

Meeppss steps up to Wactorii and shhe takes a few.

MEEPPSS (PLEASED)

The camp got up early this morning and picked them for the both of you. A way of saying thanks for all your help.

Meeppss steps up to Nikolai and he takes a few.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

You will have to be thanking them ffor us, we have to get moving.

Meeppss looks to Wactorii sadly.

MEEPPSS (CONCERNED)

You are leaving us already?<

Wactorii sighs.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

I am afraid so, we have to get to <Dellrrunn before they get suspicious of us. Please get our Yzupaps.

Meeppss sighs and nods, he turns and leaves. Wactorii digs into her food and Nikolai reluctantly joins suit, to his surprise it tastes rather good. They continue to eat.

EXT. DELLRRUNN – GATES

This is a large village that has a high stone wall all the way around it, there are heavy metal gates set into it that are opened. On the ground and on the walls are guards with swords, spears and crossbows. The forest at one time had been cut back away but has started to grow back. A dirt path leads into the trees.

EXT. DELLRRUNN – VILLAGE SQUARE

In the streets are Nikolai and Wacttorii, he is dressed in the ratty cloak but his hood is down so everyone knows he is human. He is talking to different citizen as she looks on. They explain dramatically of great battles and sorrows, as they continue he notices that the guards of the city are always within earshot.

EXT. DELLRRUNN – GATES

It is later in the day but little hhas changed here.

EXT. FELINIA - FOREST TRAIL

Wactorii and Nikolai are off on thee trail again, they are riding their Yzupaps at a quick trot. His hood is up to hide his identity, he looks to her.

NIKOLAI (CURIOUS)

How much further?

Wactorii looks to Nikolai.

WACTORII (REASSURING)

Not far. It should take us less thaan a Yerk.

Nikolai smiles to Wactorii and she smiles back. Suddenly, a vine that is lying across the path is pulled taunt. Before they can realize it is catches them across their chests, they fall off their mounts which continue on without them. They land hard on their backs. He lies their and moans while she manages to sit up, she comes to face with two Felinions. One of them is Caarlotta, she is about her age with orange fur and red spots. She has an extensively long mane. Around her wrists and ankles ribbons of multicolor have been wrapped around, similar ribbons are in her hair as well. Set into her ears and nose are gem studs. Around her neck is a metal collar with three gems set into it (red, green and black) The other Felinion is a male that is about the same age with brown fur and white spots. He is very muscular and fit, his mane is very short and he only wears a collar just like her’s but it is set just with only glowing black gems. This is Zez. They each hold two larger clear gems. Wactorii looks to them.

WACTORII (DEFENSIVE)

Who are you?

Caarlotta smiles as she looks to thhe gem in her hands.

CAARLOTTA (SLY)

It is not important who I am but whhat you are, and what you are is my prisoner.

Wactorii jumps to her feet and hissses at them.

CAARLOTTA (SLY)

No need to be rude, I have a presennt for you.

Caarlotta tosses her gem to Wactoriii. Instinctively she catches it, as soon as she does it flashes brightly. She screams with pain and drops it, before it hits the ground she collapses unconscious.

CAARLOTTA (SMUG)

Foolish kitten.

Nikolai notices this.

NIKOLAI (FRANTIC)

No!

Nikolai jumps to his feet, he racess over to her and tries to revive her. Caarlotta looks to Zez and points to the human but he shakes her head. She points to her own collar and fear comes over him. He reluctantly sneaks up behind him and pokes him with his gem, like before it flashes brightly briefly. He groans with pain and then falls unconscious to the ground next to Wactorii, Caarlotta smiles menacingly down to them.

CAARLOTTA (SLY)

Now to check out my catch.

As Caarlotta crouches down and begiins to poke Wactorii from head to toe as Zez picks up the other gem, he looks to them and considers about using them on her.

CAARLOTTA (SLY)

I do hope you don’t plan on using tthose on me Zez, it would only seal your fate for sure.

Zez hesitates to think and then sigghs.

ZEZ (FRUSTRATED)

Of course not, mistress.

Caarlotta giggles evilly as she conntinues to poke Wactorii.

CAARLOTTA (PLEASED)

This one will do, she is nice and ffirm with little fat.

Caarlotta then goes to Nikolai and starts poking him, right away she frowns.

CAARLOTTA (DISPLEASED)

While on the other paw this one is extremely disappointing. In fact…

Caarlotta grabs his hood and pulls it off, it reveals that Nikolai is human. Zez gasps but she smiles.

CAARLOTTA (SLY)

Just as I thought.

ZEZ (SHOCKED)

Look at him! He has some disease!

Caarlotta rolls her eyes.

CAARLOTTA (ANNOYED)

He is a humanoid you nit.

Zez looks Nikolai over.

ZEZ (CONFUSED)

A humanoid? They are rare to Feliniia as it is but way out here they are even rarer. He was to be important!

CAARLOTTA (SMUG)

They aren’t that uncommon. I have hheard of some bribing Felinion traders to smuggle them onto the planet. They think of us as all humanoids do, stupid. They think they can take over and boss us around but they usually just end up dead. Those who have the interest of Felinia in mind will be found in the Court, those that work against it will be found out here. This one has to be as much of a scoundrel as us. I hate competition!

Caarlotta glares at Nikolai.>

CAARLOTTA (STERN)

This one must die!

Caarlotta stands up and looks to Zeez.

CAARLOTTA (STERN)

Take his down to the river and drowwn him, then send his body down stream. It will look like and accident. The last thing we need is attention.

ZEZ (CONCERNED)

No, I’m no murderer.

CAARLOTTA (STERN)

You are my slave! You will do as I say!

Caarlotta reaches up to her collar and rubs it, when he sees this it sends shivers up his spine.

ZEZ (PLEADING)

Okay! I will do it!

Caarlotta hesitates as Zez trembless in fear, she toys with his feelings. Finally, she lowers her hand. He hands her the gems in his hands and then picks up Nikolai, he throws him over his shoulder and carries him off into the forest. She focuses her attention on Wactorii whom is still unconscious, she folds her arms and smiles slyly down to her.

CAARLOTTA (SLY)

As for you my dear, when you wake uup you will have wished your fate was that of your friend.

Caarlotta laughs insanely.

EXTERIOR: FELINIA - RIVERBANK

This is a small river that meanderss through the forest. Zez carries Nikolai, who is still unconscious, into the scene. He carefully lays him down next to the river, he grabs his head and prepares to drown him in the water. But he stops and looks down to him.

ZEZ (TO HIMSELF, DEFIANT)

No! I may be caught in Caarlotta’s trap but I will not drag you down with me!

Zez lays Nikolai gently down.

ZEZ (TO HIMSELF, BLUNT)

Kazan has forgotten about me but perhapss you god will not.

Zez gets up, turns and walks back iinto the forest. Nikolai lays there still unconscious.

EXT. FELINIA - FOREST TRAIL

Back with Caarlotta, a wooden wagonn with a pair of Yzupaps has been pulled up here. Wactorii, who is still unconscious, is lying in the back spread eagle. Her wrists and ankles have been chained to large metal rings set into the sides of the wagon. A metal muzzle has been fastened over her face too. The captor is busy tying a rope from around the neck of Wactorii’s Yzupap to the back of the wagon. When she finishes she draws her attention to Wactorii, she rubs the leg of her victim and smiles.

CAARLOTTA (SLY)

Borsh will have a fun time with you.

Zez steps out of the trees and up to the wagon, Caarlotta does not have to look up to sense him. She continues to rub Wactorii’s leg.

CAARLOTTA (SLY)

I take it by your return the humanooid is dead.

ZEZ (BLUNT)

Just like you wanted, mistress.

Caarlotta continues to rub but lookks up to Zez.

CAARLOTTA (SLY)

For someone who didn’t want to killl that didn’t take you long.

Zez hesitates.

ZEZ (BLUNT)

I figured it was best for both of uus if we got it over quick.

Caarlotta studies Zez for several llong moments, this makes his uneasy. She smiles.

CAARLOTTA (SLY)

Maybe there is hope for you yet, Zeez.

This gives Zez no comfort. Wactoriii begins to stir, Caarlotta stops rubbing her and they both look to the captive. She slowly comes around and looks up to them, the captor smiles to her.

CAARLOTTA (SLY)

Awake already my dear? You definiteely have a defiant spirit. It will take you a long time for you to die, this could be fun.

Wactorii tries to reason to her capptors but the muzzle prevents her from being understood. Realizing this she looks herself over and sees she is confined, she quickly begins to tug and pull and her restraints. Carlotta glares at her.

CAARLOTTA (STERN)

Settle down or you’ll hurt yourselff! You will be no use to me if your are bruised!

Wactorii continues to struggle, Carrlotta grabs her leg and extends her claws. She presses them against her fur firm enough to get her attention but not enough to draw blood.

CAARLOTTA (STERN)

Don’t make me kill you!

The claws and the harshness of Carllotta’s voice is enough to get Wactorii’s attention, she stops struggling.

CAARLOTTA (STERN)

There is no escape for you! Don’t mmake your suffering any worse!

Wactorii pauses and then nods, Caarrlotta gives her one final cold glare and then let’s go. She looks to Zez.

CAARLOTTA (STERN)

Let’s get going.

Zez nods to Caarlotta, they both waalk around the wagon and climb into the seats in the front. She barks a command in Felinion and the Yzupaps start moving, they begin to pull the wagon down the trail. As they go Wactorii looks to her restrains with uncertainty.

EXTERIOR: FELINIA - RIVERBANK

Nikolai is still laying here unconscious. His Yzupap moves into the scene, it goes up to him and begins to lick his face. He stirs and it continues to lick. He stirs some more.

NIKOLAI (DELIRIOUS, PLAYFUL)

Lena, stop it.

He laughs as it continues to lick his face. Finally, his eyes spring open. The Yzupap pulls back and Nikolai’s eyes spring open.

NIKOLAI (TO HIMSELF, SHOCKED)

Wactorii!

Nikolai snaps into a sitting position, he quickly looks around.

NIKOLAI (FRANTIC)

Wactorii!

Nikolai jumps to his feet and looks around in a panic, as he does his Yzupap nudges him. He ignores it.

NIKOLAI (TO HIMSELF, CONFUSED)

Where am I? More importantly where is she?

The Yzupap nudges him again but it goes unnoticed.

NIKOLAI (TO HIMSELF, FRANTIC)

I don’t even see the road.

The Yzupaps nudges one more time, he glares at it.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

Would you stop doing that! Wactorii is in trouble!

The beast looks to Nikolai, it looks as concerned as he does. He sees this.

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTANDING)

Then again maybe you already know that.

Nikolai pauses to think, he rubs his chin.

NIKOLAI (TO HIMSELF, THINKING)

You have the intelligence of me but the senses of a wild beast, maybe all I need to find her is you.

Nikolai quickly mounts the beast, even before he is fully on it takes off running. As it goes it sniffs the ground like a bloodhound.

INT. CAARLOTTA’S FORTRESS – DUNGEONN

This is a large cavern, dank and daark. The only light provided are from a few torches set into the wall. At one end is a large sealed door with no hinges and handles. At the other end is a small balcony with a doorway, a fraid rope is ties to it and dangles down just above the floor. In the center is a large cage that hangs from the ceiling by a chain, locked inside is Wactorii. She is free of her restrains and muzzle but is still a prison, there is a large lock on the door. Caarlotta is on the floor, following her is Zez carrying a large wooden bucket. They step up to Wactorii, the captor smiles to her while the male is indifferent. The princess glares at them.

WACTORII (ANNOYED)

Who are you?

Caarlotta grasps one of the bars.

CAARLOTTA (SLY)

As I explained before, I’m your capptor and you are my prisoner.

WACTORII (ANNOYED)

Don’t you have a name?

Caarlotta lets go and sighs.>

CAARLOTTA (BLUNT)

My name is Caarlotta if you must knnow.

Wactorii looks around her cage.

WACTORII (ANNOYED)

Every captor has a motive.

Wactorii looks to Caarlotta and sneeers.

WACTORII (ANNOYED)

Even one as demented as you.>

CAARLOTTA (SLY)

A compliment, you are most kind.

WACTORII (ANNOYED)

What is this all about?

CAARLOTTA (EXPLAINING)

It is quite simple. I have this speecial pet, he is very near and dear to me. Because of which I take great care in what he eats. Only the most choice are chosen for him.

WACTORII (FRUSTRATED)

Let me guess, I’m part of his diet..

CAARLOTTA (SMUG)

Yes, and because of such you will bbe fed well.

Caarlotta nods to Zez and he beginss to reach into the bucket and pull out large hunks of meat, he begins to toss them into the cell.

CAARLOTTA (EXPLAINING)

I have decided he will only eat Fellinions. Just in the up chance that my enemies will turn against me, he will be very useful.

Zez finishes and Wactorii reaches ddown, she grabs on of the hunks and looks to it.

WACTORII (DEFIANT)

I could foil your plan by not eatinng, I would be less apprizing to your pet.

CAARLOTTA (BLUNT)

That would be very foolish of you. After all, you would serve me no purpose and I would have to kill you.

Wactorii smiles to Caarlotta.

WACTORII (SMUG)

I’m going to die anyway.

CAARLOTTA (STERN)

There are many ways to die, those mmore painful that others. Those that end up as a meal for my pet are will be unconscious and feel no pain, those that refuse to cooperate will have very long and painful deaths. Now which would you prefer?

Wactorii pauses as she considers heer options. Finally, she begins to eat the meat in her hand. Caarlotta smiles.

CAARLOTTA (PLEASED)

Yes, you are better off than your ffriend.

Wactorii stops eating and looks aroound the room.

WACTORII (CONCERNED)

What did you do with him?

CAARLOTTA (SMUG)

Unfortunately, he drowned in the riiver. It was very sad.

Wactorii drops her meat and grasps the bars, she glares at them.

WACTORII (ANGRY)

I’ll kill you! I’ll kill you both!<

Zez looks concerned but Caarlotta ssnickers.

CAARLOTTA (SMUG)

I do love this part.

Wactorii pushes and pulls on the baars of her cage frantically but it is to no avail, she continues to try and escape. This pleases Caarlotta, she looks around with glee. That is until she sees the remains of a Felinion skeleton on the floor.

CAARLOTTA (ANNOYED)

I thought I told you to keep this pplace clean!

Zez is confused.

ZEZ (CONFUSED)

I have, mistress.

Caarlotta points to the skeleton.

CAARLOTTA (ANNOYED)

That is not keeping it clean!

Caarlotta turns to Zez, he trembless with fear.

CAARLOTTA (ANNOYED)

You know what happens when you lie to me!

ZEZ (PLEADING)

No… Please… Not that…

Caarlotta reaches up to her collar..

ZEZ (PLEADING)

It was a mistake! I swear!

Caarlotta presses the red gem on heer collar, it flashes brightly for a moment. Energy shoots from Zez’s collar into his body, he screams in pain. It is so intense he drops the bucket and falls to him knees, he moans with pain. The scene is so horrifying that Wactorii stops trying to escape, Caarlotta points to the skeleton.

CAARLOTTA (ANNOYED)

Now clean this up or I’ll press thee black one!

Zez struggles to his feet and pickss up the bucket, he staggers over to the bones. She starts to collect them and put them in his bucket. Seeing that he is working Caarlotta smiles, she turns and goes over to the rope. She climbs up it with ease and leaves through the doorway. Wactorii looks on in continued horror.

EXT. CARLOTTA’S FORTRESS

Outside there is a cave with a thicck metal door on it, it has a big lock. Parked outside is the wagon with Wactorii’s Yzupap still tied to it. Nikolai rides up on his mount and the beast takes him right to the wagon, the Yzupaps are happy to see each other but it just makes him more concerned. He slips off his mount and frees the beast, he looks around.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

Well Wactorii can’t be too far behind.

As he looks around his eyes lock onto the door. But before he can to anything it swings open. Nikolai slaps the beats in the rear and they dart into the woods, then he tries and hides behind the wagon the best he can. He peeks over to the door. Zez storms out carrying the bucket of bones, he is furious. He curses to himself in his native language as he heads into the woods. Once he is gone Nikolai goes over to the door and peers inside.

NIKOLAI (TO HIMSELF, CONFUSED)

This is either the worst trap ever… Or the biggest blunder…

Nikolai thinks for a moment, then sighs.

NIKOLAI (TO HIMSELF, FRUSTRATED)

With Wactorii’s life on the line I don’t have much choice.

Nikolai takes a deep breath and sneaks inside.

INT. CAARLOTTA’S FORTRESS – DUNGEONN

Wactorii is alone here, she sits inn her cage and looks very depressed. Her spirit is crushed.

VOICE (SMUG)

Mind if I join the party?

Wactorii quickly looks up to see Niikolai standing at the doorway, the sight brings as much joy to her as it does to him.

WACTORII (EXCITED)

Nikolai!

Nikolai slides down the rope and thhen races over to Wactorii, but her happiness quickly fades. She glares at him as he makes it to the cage.

WACTORII (EXCITED)

You have to get out of here Nikolaii!

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

I plan to… Once I have set you freee.

WACTORII (PLEADING)

You don’t understand. There is somme crazy female running around here. She plans on feeding me to her pet. If she catches you she’ll kill you.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

Then we will just have to make suree that doesn’t happen.

Nikolai looks the large lock to thee cage over, Wactorii sighs.

WACTORII (FRUSTRATED)

It is hopeless. You need the key too free me and I don’t even know where it is.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

There are more ways to open a lock than with a key.

Wactorii is confused but Nikolai smmiles, he reaches into his boot and pulls out a pair of large lock picks.

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

What is an Exec Officer doing carryying around a pair of lock picks.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

What is a princess doing locked up in a cage?

Wactorii is even more confused as NNikolai begins to use the picks on the lock.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

A girl very dear to my heart got mee hooked on a game called D & D.

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

D & D?

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

It is a fantasy game where you can be anything you want to be. She chose to be a Paladin. Fortunately for you, I decided to be the Rouge.

Nikolai continues to work as Wactorrii looks on.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

Thanks to VR Spectacles we had to llearn real skills, I excelled in picking locks. As a joke I carried my picks where ever I went. It is just lucky I remembered I still had them.

As Nikolai continues to work there is a distinctive click and the door swings open. He smiles and puts his picks away.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

We are just fortunate that Felinionn technology hasn’t excelled in locks.

Nikolai reaches up and helps Wactorrii down to the floor, she smiles to him.

WACTORII (PLEASED)

Won’t your friend be surprised whenn you tell her how that game just saved my life.

Nikolai looses his smile.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Unfortunately, she is no long with us.

Wactorii looks sadly to him and Nikkolai notices this.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

Well we will join her if we don’t gget moving.

Nikolai and Wactorii turn towards tthe rope but to their horror they see Caarlotta standing on the balcony smiling down to them.

CAARLOTTA (SLY)

Well look at this, it is a shame thhat your death was exaggerated humanoid. I guess I’ll have to correct that myself.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Let me guess, this is the crazy femmale you were talking about.

CAARLOTTA (SLY)

Crazy? For shame, saying such nastyy things after all my hospitality.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

Well there are two of us and only oone of you!

CAARLOTTA (SMUG)

Correction!

Caarlotta turns and pulls a lever oon the wall, the large door at the other end falls to the ground. It reveals a hideous beast that has the body of a Tyrannosaurus Rex and the head of a bear, it stands about ten feet tall. Though rather large it moves swiftly, before they can react the monster rushes up to them and looks between them not really sure which one to eat. Nikolai and Wactorii look to one another.

WACTORII AND NIKOLAI (IN UNISON, FRANTIC)

Run and I’ll hold it off!

Caarlotta laughs.

WACTORII (STERN)

No! You are my guest! You are my reesponsibility! I dragged you into this mess! I will be the one to stays.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

No! You are a member of the Court! More importantly if anything were to happen to you the refugees would suffer! I am but one man but I will not be saved so many more will suffer!

WACTORII (STERN)

I will not leave you to die!>

NIKOLAI (REASSURING)

No one is going to die, I’m just gooing to keep it busy while you deal with you’re her. A human would be no match for a Felinion hand to hand.

Wactorii looks over to Caarlotta annd smiles.

WACTORII (PLEASED)

I see your logic and like it.

The monster roars at them and they look to it.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

Go!

Wactorii turns and races for the roope while Nikolai glares at the beast, its attention is on him. He takes a defensive stance. The creature lunges at him with his mouth but he manages to dodge it. The beast lunges again and he dodges that attack too. The process repeats. Wactorii jumps up and starts climb up the rope, Caarlotta stands next to the rope and extends her claws.

CAARLOTTA (DEFIANT)

If you think you’re going to get paast me then you are dead wrong!

As Wactorii reaches the top Caarlottta goes to attack her but the princess swings her feet up and catches her in the face with her feet, the captor flies back and lands on her tail.

WACTORII (SMUG)

My intension is not to get by you bbut go through you.

Wactorii jumps up onto the balcony and towers over her, Caarlotta sits up and hisses.

CAARLOTTA (ANGRY)

You’ll pay for that!

Wactorii kicks Caarlotta in the facce and she falls back down, the princess smiles.

WACTORII (SMUG)

By allowing me to kick you tail? I like your strategy.

Caarlotta has recovered but Wactoriii grabs her by the scruff of the neck, she hauls her up. Before she can realize it the princess drives her head into the wall and she moans with pain. Then she slams her head down on the railing of the balcony. Theses attacks severally stun her, she moans with pain.

WACTORII (STERN)

You promised me a long painfully deeath so now it is my turn!

Wactorii smashes Caarlotta’s head iinto the wall again and then into the railing once more.

CAARLOTTA (IN PAIN, PLEADING)

Please! No more! I beg of you!

WACTORII (ANNOYED)

I’m sure all of those that came beffore me plea in the same matter but you ignored their cries so I will show you no mercy!

Wactorii continues to beat up Caarllotta. While back with Nikolai, he continues to dodge the attacks of the monster. It pauses to groan with frustration, this makes Nikolai smile.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

Ready to give up?

The creature roars and then spins aaround, as it does it uses its tail like a club. Nikolai is struck in the head and thrown the ground, he lies there stunned. The beast turns back to him and prepares to finish him off. Back above Caarlotta is in no better condition, she is near unconsciousness. Wactorii’s anger has faded and has been replaced by pity.

WACTORII (SMUG)

She’s not as tough as she led on Niikolai!

Wactorii looks down to Nikolai to ssee he is in danger. She gasps and let’s go of Caarlotta, she falls to the floor and moans with pain. The monster is about to eat him! The princess quickly jumps up onto the rails and the dives off towards the monster, she roars as she goes. She lands on its back and digs her claws into it, the attack does little damage because of its tough hide but it does divert its attention to her. The beast roars in anger and it twists and turns trying to fling her off, she stops her attack and hangs on for dear life. The creature roars in frustration.

WACTORII (URGENT)

Run Nikolai!

Nikolai groans and moans, he is stiill out of it. Back above Caarlotta has recovered, she gets up and looks around confused. Then she spots the battle below and hisses.

CAARLOTTA (ANGRY)

No!

Caarlotta jumps off the balcony in the same manner, she lands on Wactorii. Her momentum knocks both of them off, they land next to Nikolai which by this time has recovered. They all jump to their feet and the monster looks them all over. Caarlotta smiles, she points to them and looks to the beast.

CAARLOTTA (SMUG)

Kill them my pet!

The monster roars and this pleases Caarlotta.

CAARLOTTA (SMUG)

Now you are in for it.

Caarlotta looks back to the others to see they are already running away towards the rope.

CAARLOTTA (ANNOYED)

After them my pet! Don’t let me esccape!

But as Caarlotta looks to the monstter it is only looking at her, it moves in for the kill. She holds up her hands as if she can push him away.

CAARLOTTA (FRANTIC)

No! I am your mistress! You must obbey me!

As Caarlotta screams in terror the monster attacks her and wolfs her down, nothing remains of her. Then the creature looks around for the others but Nikolai and Wactorii are safety on the balcony, it glares at them in defeat. They pause to sigh with relief.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

Why is it that every time I come too visit I nearly die?

Wactorii giggles.

VOICE (STERN)

What have you done with my mistresss?

Everyone looks to see Zez at the dooorway, he is holding the two stunning gems and is ready to use them.

WACTORII (REASSURING)

There is no need for that Zez, Caarrlotta is dead. You are free now.

Zez glares at them.

ZEZ (ANNOYED)

No! No one can kill her!

NIKOLAI (REASSURING)

It is true, I swear.

ZEZ (ANNOYED)

This is some kind of trick! She is always trying to trick me!

Zez steps forwards to stun them. Suuddenly, the beast below begins to gag. Everyone looks to it just in time to see it spit out Caarlotta’s collar, as it hits the ground the green gem glows briefly. The collar around Zez’s neck clicks distinctively, then it opens and falls to the floor. He looks down to it is awe as they look to him.

ZEZ (SHOCKED)

It is true! It is really true! I’m free!

Zez drops the gems and falls to hiss knees.

ZEZ (SHOCKED)

Your god has saved me!

Zez grabs Wactorii’s legs and hugs them.

ZEZ (HORRIFIED)

The nightmare is over! It is finallly over! Thank you!

Zez lets go and looks up to Wactoriii.

ZEZ (EXPLAINING)

I’m sorry for what I did to you. I’’m sorry I could not have helped you. But I was as much of a prisoner as you. Please forgive me.

Wactorii smiles.

WACTORII (REASSURING)

I know, I forgive you.

Zez nods and stands up.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What are we going to do with him?

Wactorii looks to Nikolai.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

Like I said, I forgive him. He is ffree to return home.

Zez frowns.

ZEZ (FRUSTRATED)

My home was burnt to the ground andd all my family and friends are dead thanks to Caarlotta.

Wactorii looks around.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

Well with all your pain and sufferiing I think you have earned to live here.

Nikolai points to the monster beloww.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Of course you will have to deal witth that.

Everyone looks to the beast disgustted but Zez smiles.

ZEZ (REASSURING)

Fear not, I will train it not to feeed on Felinions.

Zez looks to the others.

ZEZ (EXPLAINING)

I plan on undoing all the evils thaat Caarlotta has done.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

From what I heard you are going to be very busy.

Wactorii smiles to Zez.

WACTORII (REASSURING)

I have all the faith in you.>

Zez smiles to Wactorii.

ZEZ (PLEASED)

Thank you.

Zez looks to Nikolai.

ZEZ (PLEASED)

Both of you.

Everyone stands there and smiles att one another.

EXT. CARLOTTA’S FORTRESS

Wactorii and Nikolai are here, theyy climb onto their Yzupaps. They look at each other.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

I have to admit, there is never a dull moment around you.

Wactorii giggles.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

So now what do we do?

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

We get back to my parents as fast as we can. We should just make it before they start getting suspicious. Then we return to the Court and you tell them after speaking to the citizens you agree that we are handling the Prevaricate situation correctly.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

But I don’t know that?

WACTORII (BLUNT)

I know but to do anything less would raise suspicion. Or worst, they may consider you a threat and revoke our agreement of cooperation between our two races.

Nikolai looks sadly down to his mount and Wactorii sees this.

WACTORII (CONFUSED)

I know you feel like you are being manipulated, Nikolai. And to some extent you are, but that is what happens in politics. You have to play the game, I hate it as much as you do.

Nikolai pauses to think and then smiles, he looks to her.

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTANDING)

I guess you are right. Let’s go.

Wactorii smiles to Nikolai. Then they both command their mounts and they race off into the forest.

EXT. CASTLE CHAW - FRONT GATES

These are huge gold and iron gates at the front of the castle that face the city. A squad of Felinions are on guard here, all is quiet.

INT. CHAW CASTLE - THRONE ROOM

Wactorii and Nikolai are here with the rest of the Court, they are back in their official clothes. She sits on her throne as he stands before them all as he talks.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

The citizens Dellrrunn were very hospitable and answered all my questions.

XJKLU (PLEASED)

Though it was not our intention that you were to run off on your own Nikolai, we are pleased that the princess did so.

Everyone looks to Wactorii and smiles, she smiles back. They look back to Nikolai.

EZZLAAATY (PLEASED)

So you see now all we have done against the Prevaricates has been right and just.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

Actually, all it has proven that you have tricked and manipulated me.

The Court is shocked but Wactorii is more so.

RY (ANNOYED)

How dare you accuse the court of this!

Nikolai glares at Ry.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

And how dare you choose politics over our friendship!

POYNHIDF (CONFUSED)

Why do you think in such a way?

Nikolai looks to Poynhidf.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

Because I know us going off on our own was your intension all along!

Ezzlaaaty glares at Wactorii.

EZZLAAATY (ANNOYED)

You have betrayed us?

Before Wactorii can respond Nikolai jumps in.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

She didn’t have to! The guards that accompanied us stayed well away from the dwelling, they didn’t insist to come in.

XJKLU (EXPLAINING)

It would be unthinkable for a mere soldier to enter the dwelling of the parents to a member of this court!

NIKOLAI (STERN)

They were her personal guards! Theiir sole job was to protect her! They would defy anyone in order to do that! They were just there for show!

Ezzlaaaty glares at Nikolai.>

EZZLAAATY (ANNOYED)

That is where you are wrong!

NIKOLAI (STERN)

No you are wrong if you think I’m going to believe you! It was just so convenient that the citizens knew my own language! Also how the guards stayed nice and close so they said just the right things!

XJKLU (ANNOYED)

They stayed close to protect you!

NIKOLAI (STERN)

From whom? They had never heard of me so how could there be any grudges? But what really tipped me off of how they were all waiting for me at the gates with a grand celebration. Kind of hard when we weren’t expected.

XJKLU (MUMBLING, ANNOYED)

Remind me to have that administrator skinned alive.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

With all that has been revealed can you all stare me in the eye and tell me you lied to me!

Poynhidf stares Nikolai in the eye.

POYNHIDF (BLUNT)

We did not lie!

NIKOLAI (STERN)

Do you swear to say that against the honor of this Court? The same Court that represents all of Felinia!

The Court balks on this.

XJKLU (BLUNT)

Very well, we admit it. We set thiss all up as you stated. But not to trick or deceive but to show you the Prevaricates are deadly and dangerous, they due deserve to be locked up as they are. I will swear on that.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

If that is true then why did you doo this?

EZZLAAATY (EXPLAINING)

All it would have taken is one Feliinion to say something positive about them. Just one little sentence to make us to appear to have lied about them. If that were to happen you and your people would never rest until we set them free. This could lead to war, this is something we will not allow to happen.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

If everything you say is true then no one would speak against you.

POYNHIDF (EXPLAINING)

Prospective is a dangerous thing. TThere are those who weren’t alive during the Revolt and even more that only remember the ending days of how the battle was on our side. They could easily view us as the aggressors. After all, if every Felinion saw it through our eyes there would have never been any rumors that first brought the Prevaricates issue to your attention.

Nikolai pauses to think.

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTANDING)

I can see your point… Because of thhat I will not hold this incident against our friendship.

XJKLU (ANNOYED)

Well I do!

Everyone is taken aback, especiallyy Nikolai.

XJKLU (ANNOYED)

We have offered you the paw of frieendship and you use it to claw our eyes out! You do not deserve to be considered our friend!

NIKOLAI (AWKWARD)

If I offended you or this court I aam truly sorry.

Xjklu jumps to his feet and rushes up to Nikolai, he gets in his face. The human flinches.

XJKLU (ANNOYED)

It is too late for apologizes! It iis too late for pleading! This alliance is at an end!

Xjklu grabs the amulet around Nikollai’s neck and rips is free, he throws it to the ground.

XJKLU (ANNOYED)

You are no longer a member of this court and no longer welcome on this planet! I forbid any humanoid to come within sight of Felinia! To do so will mean instant death! Tell that to your government!

Xjklu turns and steps back to his tthrone, Nikolai looks down to the amulet a broken man. Wactorii notices this and looks to Xjklu.

WACTORII (DEFIANT)

No! It can’t end like this!<

Xjklu stops and glares at Wactorii..

XJKLU (STERN)

And who are you to tell me what I ccan and can’t do?

WACTORII (DEFIANT)

And who are you to put your ego aheead of the interest of Felinia!

Xjklu glares at Wactorii and she gllares back, Ezzlaaaty looks to her.

EZZLAAATY (CURIOUS)

What is on your mind?

Wactorii’s glare softens and she loooks around to the others.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

The humanoids have shown us kindnesss and concern, they have worked in our best interests. If that were not the case Nikolai would not have been invited here. They have proven to be worthy of our attention. You know this to be true.

Xjklu pauses to think, then sits doown.

XJKLU (BLUNT)

All that they have proven they are determined to bite the paw that feeds them.

WACTORII (STERN)

Listen to yourself! Listen to what you just said! You make it sound like you are the master and they are the pet! You don’t treat them as equals! That is where the problem is!

Xjklu glares to Wactorii.

XJKLU (STERN)

You are dangerously close to insuboordination princess!

Wactorii pauses to collect herself..

WACTORII (HONEST)

That is not my intension. What is tthat there need to be trust among the two races. We need to both go out on a limb to reach one another.

Xjklu looks back to Nikolai.>

XJKLU (BLUNT)

I have reached out but it seems likke you are more interesting is cutting the branch I stand on.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

Though the ambassador can be a bit stubborn at times it is just because he is so determined for this to work, just like you.

Xjklu looks to Wactorii, he sees thhe concern in her eyes. Ezzlaaaty places her hand on his.

EZZLAAATY (HONEST)

Every relationship is not perfect.<

Xjklu looks to Ezzlaaaty, she smilees to him and he smiles back.

XJKLU (UNDERSTANDING)

You are right of course.

Wactorii is pleased but Xjklu frownns, he looks to Nikolai.

XJKLU (STERN)

But there are also those relationshhips that aren’t meant to be. I’m afraid that is the one we share.

WACTORII (PLEADING)

But-

XJKLU (STERN)

I have heard enough!

Wactorii pauses and then bows, Xjkllu stands up and Ezzlaaaty lets go. He glares at Nikolai.

XJKLU (STERN)

I truly feel in my heart that our rraces can never get along.

Nikolai hangs his head in defeat.

XJKLU (STERN)

But if I was to make that decision right here now I would be doing neither race justice. I must give as much consideration of dissolving this friendship as much as I did to create it. The guards will escort you back to the shuttle, you will be joined with the one you came with. You will return to your ship and await our decision. That is all.

Nikolai bows to Xjklu.

NIKOLAI (RESPECTIVE)

I and my people thank you.

XJKLU (ANNOYED)

I said that is all!

Xjklu sits back down and the guardss step up to Nikolai, they escort him out. As they go he looks down to the amulet on the floor. The court has mixed feelings but Ry is smiling ear to ear.

EXT MINSK ORBITING FELINIA (OPTICALL) – LONG SHOT

The ship continues to orbit the plaanet, the two escorts are still with her.

INT. MINSK - MESS HALL

This is a small room with a few long tables each with a metal bench fastened to it. Against one wall are some vending machines. They have many lights, buttons and a clear plastic door on the bottom. Ivan, Golda, Vladimir, Lena, Codi, Nikolai and Ken are here at the tables eating. Before them all are plates filled with small cubes of different colors. Everyone is eating but Nikolai, he is playing with his. Lena notices this but tries not to look concerned. Codi looks to Nikolai.

CODI (CONFUSED)

Is there something wrong with your food?

Nikolai shakes his head but does not look up.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Not with my food but with my life, I’m such a Sepcor!

CODI (CONFUSED)

Why do you say that?

Nikolai glares at Codi.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

Please! I’m not in the mood for your psychology!

Everyone in the room stops eating and looks to Nikolai, he seems not to care.

LENA (REASSURING)

Nikolai, you are among friends. There is no need to be rude.

Nikolai looks to everyone and they smile back, he shrugs his shoulders.

NIKOLAI (APOLOGETIC)

Sorry.

Nikolai looks back to Lena.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

I understand why the rest feel that way but how can you feel that way about me? After I rejected you like I did?

LENA (EXPLAINING)

Though things may not have worked out as I would have liked we are still friends. We will always be that way.

Nikolai looks to Lena and smiles, then he smiles back. He looks to Codi.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

Well to answer your question I had it. I had everything. The Court thought of me as their son. They had given me their blessing. All I had to do was sit there and keep my mouth shut.

IVAN (EXPLAINING)

Their was a big conspiracy within the court, they tried to deceive you. You had to do what you did.

Nikolai shakes his head.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

No, I should have just agreed with them. Said that the Prevaricate issue was resolved to my satisfaction.

VLADIMIR (CONFUSED)

You should have lied?

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

That is exactly what I should have done. Then I wouldn’t be stuck in the mess that I am now. I should have waited to allow our friendship to take root instead of going in with the lazs a blazing. Now everything has gone to Deposits!

GOLDA (REASSURING)

The Court hasn’t made a finally deccision, there is still a chance they will reconsider.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

No, I got a bad feeling about this one.

LENA (REASSURING)

Well at least the Court hasn’t repoorted back to Command Control about this, had they would have recalled us. You are still safe from the admiral.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

But for how long? Even if they do cchange their mind and he catches wind of this the admiral will have justification to do with me as he wishes.

CODI (BLUNT)

It seems that you are more concerneed about what might happen than what is happening.

Everyone looks to Codi.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

No matter what the outcome may be yyou just have to remember one thing. You did exactly what you should have. You exposed the lie right away before it was allowed to take root. You confronted the Court with your problems. That is what you do in a relationship. If they Court can’t deal with that then Oxidation to them!

LENA (REASSURING)

Codi is right. You did the right thhing, no need to beat yourself over it.

Nikolai pauses to think and then smmiles.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

Well, maybe. But there is one rightt I can still correct.

Everyone is confused and Nikolai waalks over to Lena, he looks down to her.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Please stand up.

Lena looks up.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Why?

Nikolai doesn’t responds but just kkeeps looking down, reluctantly she stands up.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

What I do now I do freely before evveryone, I don’t care who knows about it.

Nikolai grabs Lena and kisses her ppassionately, every one looks shocked. She is confused at first but then grabs him and kisses him back. Finally stop and look loving at each other.

NIKOLAI (PROUD)

I love you Lena Pagoda, more than aanything in this universe. Do you still love me?

LENA (SLY)

Let me answer that approximately.

Lena kisses Nikolai, they both enjoy thhe moment. Then they stop and look to one another.

LENA (CONFUSED)

What changed your mind?

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

Wactorii convinced me, I shouldn’t worry about what others think but what I feel. And I feel I want to be with you with what little time I have left.

LENA (PLEASED)

And I want the same.

Codi smiles to the couple.

CODI (SMUG)

Well the Exec has had a long strenuuous mission, I think it would be wise that he have someone to relax him. Don’t you agree Lead Medic Tech?

Ken smiles.

KEN (SMUG)

Yes, that is my medical opinion as well.

CODI (PLEASED)

Nikolai, Lena, you are off duty unttil further notice.

Nikolai looks to Codi.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Thank you.

Lena looks to Codi.

LENA (PLEASED)

Thank you very much.

With that said Nikolai and Lena breeak apart, they walk away hand in hand. The others are happy for them. Golda is so pleased she instinctively grabs Ivan’s arms and holds it lovingly, he looks to her confused as well do the others. After Lena and Nikolai leave she notices this. She pushes him away.

GOLDA (ANNOYED)

Leave me alone you pervert!<

Ivan shrugs his shoulders and the oothers laugh. Golda is embarrasses and buries her face in her food.

EXT MINSK ORBITING FELINIA (OPTICALL) – LONG SHOT

The ship continues to orbit the plaanet, the two escorts are still with her. As the ships continue the words “THE END” appears over the Minsk.

FADE OUT:

ROLL CREDITS:

THE END