Chapter 36: Building Bridges
Beau walked like a new man in the suit, he could feel things, hear things that he couldn’t before. A whole new world had opened up for him and he was only just learning the perspective.
“Glad to see you’re adjusting well,” Ryo’s voice was directly inside his minds ear, accompanied by the sensation of soft snowfall at night, Beau blown away a voice could feel like that.
The kid’s broken english was gone, replaced with clear sentiment and the blind, reckless sarcasim only a teenage boy could muster.
“I wouldn’t say that,” Beau admitted, “you were feeling this all along? No wonder you were so irritated…” Everyone around him was different, the soldiers that escorted him were blades and hammers, the humans were snapshots into their past lives. He could almost taste the summer sun whenever he stood closer to Jasmine and a wide open river when the Alien Dr Xant spoke directly to him.
“Oh?” the young man looked at him side-eyed, lips never opening to say a word, all thoughts. Ryo had been lasping more and more into ‘telekinesis’ and now that Beau could hear him he understood why. “So you find it unpleasant?” a genuine question, the level of sincerity was another thing Beau would have to get used to, no more discerning truth from lie. It was as plain as his own thoughts.
“Not unpleasant, just overwhelming…” Beau admitted.
“I’d say you get used to it but,” Jasmine chimed in, “it’s pretty life-changing, I certainly can’t go back to silence,”
Beau shook his head, it was all so new and uncontrolable, he just needed to sit and soak it all in. Really get a feel for how the emotions coming in and going out affected one another.
“We can adjust the translator once we are back at the yacht if you feel the input is too much,” Dr Xant reassured Beau, “you might be uniquely sensitive due to your advanced age,”
He heard- no, felt the pair of kids laugh.
“I’m old, but I’m not that old,” Beau corrected.
“Ah, I meant no offence,” Xant bowed his head, Beau had noticed that Xant, despite being completely alien otherwise, felt the most human. That fact bothered Beau more than he would’ve liked to admit.
“You're practically ancient compared to everyone else here,” Jasmine replied, “unfortunately, most of them don’t live past 40,”
Beau let out a disappointed ‘tsk’.
“All this biotech and you barely live past middle age? That ain’t right,”
Beau felt the soldiers around him shift, it was subtle, like his observation hurt them in some way.
“Oh, about your regalia Sargent Beau,” Xant was quick to change the topic, probably for tension's sake, “The Engine Lord advises that it will not be as durable as galactic standard due to your poorly efficient bodily functions, so your continuous use has been downgraded to an [8 month] duration,”
“So I don’t have to get out of this suit for [8 months]?!” Beau exclaimed.
“Not if you don’t want to, the suit is self-regulating but can only process so much of your body waste at one time, I’m sure future iterations will be more efficient in containing your anatomy,”
There was a brief silence between the group as the humans took in the information.
Ryo stared at the suit made for him, swinging in captain Rynards grip, classic black with red high lights, as per his request.
“Getting stabbed in the feet in exchange for not worrying about when you’re going to take a piss sounds alright,” Ryo replied off-handedly.
Jasmine shook her head in distaste and quickened her pace, Xant following close behind.
Beau gave a small chuckle as Ryo shared a devious grin.
The soldiers stopped just shy of the yacht, standing at attention once their ward was safely in front of them.
“We have delivered you safely to your quarters Namegiver,” the largest of the dino-soldiers growled.
“Thank you Captain,” Jasmine acknowledged, her demeanour firm and dignified, “Send Lieutenant Commander Nako my thanks, your escort was proficient.” she bowed her head lightly and raised her right arm up to her left shoulder
The captain saluted with an arm straight across his chest, beating his breast plate once before ordering his small squad of knights to return to their stations. Jasmine relaxed and exhaled, clearly unused to the formalities.
“Namegiver…” Beau repeated in thought, “Is that what they call humans or is that what they call you?”
Jasmine leaned up against a rail, looking for the right words, but grinning from ear to ear.
“It’s my title,” Jasmine explained, “titles are very important to the Aliens, lets them know where in the hierarchy you sit, or how powerful your ‘Freq’ is, but it’s got to mean something to you,” She tapped her heart, “it sounds a little corny but the more you connect with it the more powerful it becomes. Princess, Your Grace, those titles didn't sit right with me, but Namegiver…” Her light enveloped him, a sort of reverence and respect was demanded of him, but it wasn't out of fear, it was comforting, “That’s a title I would be proud to wear,”
“It’s a good title,” beau nodded, “how’d it come to you?”
She shook her head.
“I’m not the one who came up with it...” Jasmine replied being coy.
“So who came up with it? Him?” Beau asked pointing at Xant, who flattened his ear in reply.
“Well, maybe you should go down deck and ask Spades for your self?” Jasmine answered.
Beau blinked, and the penny dropped, without another word the man charged below deck to find his partner. Xant sighed and turned to Jasmine,
“Should I brace for a Freq-bomb pulse?”
“Nah,” she smiled, “I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”
Beau didn't have to look for them, he could feel them, their aura, presence, Frequency, lifeforce, whatever mambo-jumbo word you wanted to attribute to it. It was like having real-life superpowers, or the force
He found Spades lying on a bed beside the golden retriever, she was like running through wet grass on a spring day, bright happy, wonderful and Spades…
Spades felt like a hot day, stuck between the sweat of Louisiana and the arid air of Kandahar, he was old and tired, but the world became brighter when he saw his friend.
“Beau!” Spade's ears stood up and Beau broke down.
“Spades you beautiful bastard,” the dog dove in for a hug and the old soldier gladly gave it,
“You can talk! You can hear!” the dog barked excitedly as the translation echoed in Beau’s skull, his loyal friend could understand him, one on one, and still trusted him.
“Yeah boy, I hear you, loud and clear…” The memories they had together, the good, the bad, and the truly, truly awful. Spades licked the salt water from his namegivers face.
“Namegiver Beau!” a bouquet of flowers was thrown in if face as Sieglinde crawled over to the edge of the bed. Beau reached out and tosseled her ears.
“Namegiver Beau,” He sniffed with a grin, “How come you don’t call me that?”
“Because we are partners,” Spades replied with as deep as a conviction as the creature could muster, “I am Spades, you are Beau, not Namegiver or Friend, Partners.”
Hearing his voice, the final foot of distance between them had been closed, no longer human and animal companions, they were true brothers in arms.
“Partners, I like the way you think, ain’t none of that fancy stuff between us…”
But their tour wasn’t over yet.
“Spades, We’ve been through hell and back, I ain’t ever leaving you behind again, but we can’t relax yet. We got one more mission before we can go home-” Both Seiglinde and Spades ears shot up at the mention of the word home, Earth was clearly missed by all, “WE gotta make nice with all these aliens, but after that, I promise, I’ll get us Home.”
The dogs launched an assault on Beau’s face, wet tongues and noses smothered him with love.
“Hey hey!” he chided while pushing their snouts out of the way, “not in the face okay, everywhere else is fine,”
“Okay!” the dogs replied wagging their tails, Beau gave them both a tossel of the ears before he noticed something off. Seiglinde’s glow was brighter than spades, but not because she was stronger, beaus fingers traveled down her coat and rested over her belly.
He could feel the puppies inside.
“You’re pregnant?” he blurted out loud.
“Yes!” Sigi barked “I will be a Lifegiver soon!”
“Our pups,” Spades added and Beau could barely contain the tear in his eye.
“You’re telling me you’re going to be a father?!” Beau could only laugh, “Right, I’m a Namegiver, right?”
“Yes!”
“So, I’mma going to give you you’re names, LifeGiver Sigi, and PackLeader Spades,” the pair wagged their tails excitedly.
“What about Friend Kimiko?” Sigi asked.
“I’ll give her, her name when I meet her,”
“Okay!” the dogs agreed, Beau sat back and thought about his own title. He had been through some shit in his life, stuff he was proud of, stuff he was ashamed of, but in the end, it all made up apart of him. What was he going to be moving forward?
He had to keep an eye on Ryo, offer his help to Jasmine and protect the incoming puppies, theyre were all just kids after all.
He needed to protect, guide and fight, like an old jedi knight.
He laughed to himself, he did have the super powers to go with it now, and Master Chef was too on the nose.
Sargent would do for now.
Ryo stood out on the topmost deck, staring at the world around him, while Beau was learning how loud the aliens world was, he was appreciating the quietness of his own mind. He watched the alien engineers work on the fighter craft beyond the makeshift car yard, pumping chemicals in and out of the ships. They were too far away to feel, but they moved like bees in a hive, ever busy and never getting in each others way.
He remembered how everyone moved instantly out of his path as he walked through them, the sense of power had been gratifying in his manic state, now it felt isolating.
He had spent so much of his life pushing people away, now he could command it at will, but was that what he wanted? It’s what the shadows wanted…
“Hey!” Jasmine called, the bright pesence interrupting his philosophising. She climbed up the last ladder and crossed the helipad to join him “I was wondering how you got up here,”
“I took the stairs, like a normal person,” Ryo sassed.
“Yeah right, cause there isn’t a million sets of stairs on his ship” Jasmine crossed her arms and leaned on the guard rail beside him, “so what are you doing up here? Besides enjoying the view,” she waved out at the sea of steel.
Ryo thought about telling her about the spaceships, or the engineers walk paths, but that would lead to a monotonous conversation. He didnt want that.
“Promise not to laugh?” he asked, tentatively offering an olive branch.
“Cant promise not to laugh after you’ve explicitly told me not to, that’s like human psychology 101,’ she replied, but he didnt feel any maliciousness from it, she joked alot with Beau, it must have been an Australian quirk. Ryo rolled his eyes and leaned forward on the rail, staring at the alien workshop.
“I was thinking about my own title, I don’t think namegiver suits me…” he admitted.
Jasmine didn’t laugh.
“Ah, do you want someone to bounce ideas off?”
“...yeah,”
“So, what you got?”
He paused, unsure if he should share the names, he wanted something cool but, the act of saying so invalidated the coolness of it.
“Shadow, Ghost, Esper, Umbras…” even as he said it it loud the names made him cringe, but still Jasmine didnt laugh. She was quiet with thought, having had more practise with concealing them, there was flashes and whisperes but nothing concrete he could grasp.
“Phantom?” She offered up, but he shook his head,
“I don’t know, it just doesn’t feel right…”
“Hey, you don’t have to decide here and now,” she tipped her head back to look at the steel sky, “it’s not something you should make a hasty decision on, the stronger connection to your name the more respect it’s going to command.” she returned upright and offered up a smile, “Beau rigged up the theatre room downstairs, were going to watch a movie, wanna join us?”
Ryo hesitated, looking back out at the sea of cars,
“Well, the invitations always open,” Jasmine replied starting to head downstairs, “and I’ll do my best to figure out a name for you, one you’ll like better than ‘Ryo’,”
Ryo’s eyes widened, staring at her in shock.
“How long have you known-”
“Since we first met,” she answered, “it didn't ‘feel’ like your name,”
“... it was a friend’s,” He confessed, “he helped me get out of Tokyo,”
“Good friend?”
“Not really,” a strong memory of cigarette smoke surfaced, tattoo’s, gold teeth and a snarling dog. A friend in name only, bought and paid for.
“Well, hopefully you’ll find some better ones,” Jasmine offered, stretching before she started walking back across the helipad, “we’re all on the third deck, Beau wants to watch Independence Day first and I’m going to tell him why its a terrible idea,” she waved absently and began her descent down the deck ladder.
“Itsuki!” he blurted out suddenly, stopping Iasmine in her tracks, “my name, it is Itsuki Sugawara…”
Jasmine stared back, the vague darkness that surrounded him came sharply into focus, the young, battered man in the night’s snow.
“Thank you and, I’m sorry for (lashing out, insulting you, hurting everyone) everything…”
Jasmine nodded her head, a wave of relief swept over the pair of them, warm, summer sun had begun melting the snow.
“Thank you, Itsuki…”
End of Book 4
Appendix
Species of the Galactic Council
Creator level speices
Qzetillia/Qzetillian (Ket-Zil-Li-An)- Determined, intelligent and bold, the grey-skinned amphibians were the first to reach the stars and realise the full potential of genetic engineering. Their defining characteristics are opaque grey skin, subject to spot and speckled patterning, large craniums, the size indicating age, and almond-shaped black eyes. They prefer slender body types.
Names- Qzet names are two syllables for both first and second names with the last containing a double vowel: Salhor Laandi, Marsen Duuarn, Aldan Ceaan.
Sulin (Su-Lin)- Sociable, hardy and diligent, the Sulin encountered the Qzetillia while exploring the nearest cluster looking for suitable colony locations. The reptilian species have varying body types based upon job description, the slender and sleek entertainers, the lithe-bodied, large-headed STEMs, and the bulky and athletic soldiers. They have the longest tails which are flexible and strong enough to be used as a third manipulator.
Names- Sulin names focus on harsh consonants, T,D,R,S,K being favourites, there is also no ‘i’: Kyda Jess, Tend Krydon, Derjan Rynard, Tana Myra, Ro Nern, Dos Nyk.
Zenthi (Zen-Thee)- Receptive, patient and curious, the Zenthi were welcomed into the council after sharing their communication technology. The Zenthi are mammalian, with a wide variety of patterned skin (visible only under UV) with colours ranging from green to dark purple. The long triangular ears are very expressive but are often folded atop the head. Males are top heavy with broad shoulders and chests, females bottom-heavy, wider hips with thicker legs and tails.
Names- Zenthi names are a little complicated. The first name has three syllables and is hyphenated, usually representative of birthplace and family, the last name a ‘meaning’ or blessing:
Uru’Nav Xant (Born in Uru, from Nav bloodline, Xant ‘Taught by stones’)
Ava’Dar Tifera (Born of Ava, from Dar bloodline, Tifera ‘Boisterous voice of the wind’)
Arvas(Arr-Vas)- Tenacious, devoted and agile, the Insectoid race was primarily responsible for ushering in the ‘Salvation Dynasty’. The Arvas are the tallest of the races, the shortest average being 7. Six eyes of red, green, and blue allow them to see the full spectrum, two sets of arms, one at the shoulders, a smaller pair at the waist. Legs are half their body height. Arvas have three genders, Asexual, Male, and Female, all with distinct physical differences. They range in all colours.
Asexual: one set of wings on the abdomen
Males (Princes): one set of wings on the thorax, one set on the abdomen, thicker carapace
Females (Princesses and Queens): two sets of wings on the thorax, one on the abdomen, larger abdomen.
Names: Arvas names indicate social status. The lower tier has fewer syllables and consonants, more being more complicated, with Queens having only one long name.
Su Pa, Ko Na (first Tier-labourers)
Au Isk, Ra Suk, Di Arc (second Tier-technicians, warriors)
Tar Nako (third Tier-’Prince, Squire’)
Kira Antani (fourth tier-’Princess, Maiden’)
Asiralanta (Highest tier- Queen)
Modifier level
Crenek - Amphibious, slimy, full of small sharp teeth, generally unpleasant to everyone.
Savori - Tall lanky primates with white fur and clawed fingers. They use radio waves to communicate through long distances.
Khiitarish - Feline bipedal creatures, strict hierarchy system.
Lobodi - Avian appearance, powerful beaks no wings.
Falmanaus - Six limbed lumbering herbavors, four feet two arms typically record keepers and other tedious jobs. Like philosophy.
User level
Umin’gi - One eyed celapod like creatures. General maintenance participants.
Lilii - Fluffy flying rodents, ship messengers and companions.
Talphor - Nocturnal, four legged mammals, rehabilitated security units.
Translators / Frequencies
Frequency/Freq - An invisible electrical signal used for communication.
Freq-able -The ability to produce and manipulate ‘Frequencies’.
Broadcast - To send out the signal.
Receive - To receive the signal.
Freq-frying - When the nervous system has a Frequency too strong for it to handle it burns out and kills the cells.
Zenthi/Natural Frequency - Frequency used by Zenthi.
Emotional Frequency - Frequency used by Arvas.
Military Grade Frequency - An individual capable of using both Zenthi and Arvas Frequencies.
'Zenthi’ or 'Natural’ Frequency.
Zenthi have the ability to, in simplified terms, communicate telepathically. The Zenthi have an over-developed nervous system that allows them to project the electrical signals from their brain. Much like a telegraph or radio signal. As these signals are sent directly from the brain there was little to no miscommunication. As Zenthi could directly communicate via this signal, they never developed a written or spoken language until first contact with the Qzetillian and Sulin races.
They were classified as Modifiers until Zenthi scientists many years later developed a translator that took the signals and translated them into sound. The translator works on the signals attributed to meaning and intention. Whether you say Midori, Verde or Green, it triggers the same signal in the brain.
The Natural Frequency is also capable of receiving signals that translate into physical reactions. Trained Freq-ablers can influence another's nervous system to the point of moving their opponent's limbs against their will. This however is far more costly to perform than simply ‘locking down’ the opponent's body all together.
All Zenthi are capable of receiving and broadcasting.
Emotional Frequency
The Arvas have the Emotional Frequency. Their will, passion and ambitions flow freely and can sway the minds of the receivers.
Emotional Frequency can be especially dangerous, overloading the senses, frying the nervous system and in the case of the receivers, a loss of personal will. If the broadcaster of an Emotional Frequency sends out the signal for too long they can overload their own system to the point of physical damage.
This is because the amount of energy used in an Emotional Freq output is enormous, Princesses and Princes have been known to Freq-fry themselves in the heat of battle for refusing to allow their own nervous system to ‘cool down’.
Asex are only capable of receiving, males can both broadcast and receive, while females can only broadcast.
Military Grade
Military Grade Freq is granted to only those commissioned to serve and protect the GC space from the looming threat of Rajava hunting cells and the ever growing pirate factions in unclaimed space.
To be “Military Grade” is to be a being with the combination of Zenthi and Emotional Freq organs, trained specifically to be a weapon of war.
Commander- Those who lead troops into battle and can give out orders up to [1km] away.
Freq-bombers - Those able to produce and withstand almost lethal doses of Freq pulses
Nullifiers/Equalisers - Those who can cancel, intercept or block a Freq signal.
Humans produce both Zenthi and Emotional Frequency, but are unable to broadcast and receive without a translator. They are also capable of sending visual and memory data far more easily than other races thanks to the dual hemisphere of their brain. Their energy transfer and containment is far more advanced than other races of the Galactic Council so humans are able to process and produce much larger waves of Frequency. They are the only Creator race born with Military Grade Frequency capability.
Dogs can communicate along the same manner as the Zenthi, but are unable to automatically translate out of their own ‘Namegiver’ learned language. Dogs have the same processing capabilities as humans do, so are not as susceptible to human outbursts as the other GC races.
Council Dynasties
The council has arranged its history after significant events and themes.
One
All species are isolated from one another and ther is only ‘one’ history to tell. Ancient history of Qzetillians on Clentessia.
Heavens
When the Qzetillians took to the stars, mapping out their local star system.
Revelation
First contact between the Qzetillians and the Sulin and the tech/trade advancements made during negotiations. The Rajavan inititive is founded.
Prosperity
The two species working together create ships compatible of jumping great distances within space. Contact with other species, planets and unrestricted growth and trade for all.
Divided
The invention of the universal translator, uplifting the Zenthi to Creator level species while various interplanetary conflicts occour due to the adoption of new technology.
Painful
The ruling party of Rajavans turns on the general populous, genocidal war across the entirety of known space. Thousands of species exterminated. The council is founded by the remaining 12 speices.
Salvation
First contact with the Arvas, push back against and defeat of the Rajavans with overwhelming numbers. Rajavan rule removed from Clentessia.
Rejuvination
Current dynasty, restoration of the lost worlds and cultures of the Council. Trade with Arvas space and reclaiming of Rajavan strong holds.
Xeno Expressions
Akira/ Akira’s - (Arvas) - Goddess of the Arvas people, said to have spawned the stars & planets of the universe and is the embodiment of ambition. Also the name of their moon, and the first Queen to colonise it.
Audchive - (GC Space) - Audio Archive, most records are kept as audio recordings rather than written records.
Backstabbing - (Zenthi) - While probably the closest in meaning to its human counterpart, Backstabbing in the Zenthi insult has the added implication of destroying the victim's potential or wellbeing for your own gain.
Bulge brains - (GC Space) - A rather terrible insult slanted toward Qzetillians and the scientist class in general, comparing them to the Rajava.
Calling - (Arvas) - Roughly translated as ‘destiny’ or ‘duty’, a Citizen’s calling can dictate their position in life and their passion in pursuing it.
CitNet - (GC space) - Citizen Network. Information network access for citizen models only, mostly social media and entertainment.
Courting gift - (Arvas) - A gift between potential mating partners, usually from the persuer.
Corporate Judiciary - (GC Space) - Law enforcement specifically for corporate interests.
Corp-Net - (GC Space) - Corporate Network. Information network access for corporations only. Manufacture records, job listings and projects management.
Drone - (Arvas) - Specifically a subservient male with no will (will is granted by Akira) who can only perform simple tasks.
Dosed - (GC Space) - Over-medicated, similar to ‘High’ or ‘Stoned’.
Depressors - (GC space) - medicinal chemicals designed to cool nerves from over-charged Freq pulses and extreme emotional expression.
FabriChem - (GC space) - a chemical replicator, used in the fabrication of every day chemical compositions and biotechnology.
Frequency Aggression - (GC-Space) - The act of manipulating ‘Frequencies’ to do others harm or to persuade them into action. Frequency Aggression is illegal in most public spaces and can only be done there in states of emergency or war. Freq-ablers are to be trained and registered with the Galactic Council, Corporate Governance and the Arvas Domains.
Freq-abler - (GC Space) - A being capable of manipulating Frequencies. Emotional, Sensation and Zenthi.
Freq-bomb -(GC space) - a very powerful and destructive blast of Emotional Frequency, causes nerve damage and exhaustion.
Freq-proof - (GC Space) - Freq signals are not able to penetrate it. Usually reserved for prisoner or specimen cells.
Freq-Recorder - (GC Space) a device that records and plays back the Freq-Pulses of an individual.
Galactic Council - (GC Space) - The governing body formed of the 11 surviving species of the Painful Dynasty. Separate from the Arvas Imperium and the Reclaimed regions.
Galactic Council Space - (GC Space) - Planets and void currently under the control of the Galactic Council.
Jitterjacked - (GC Space) - If VEFS isn’t treated properly, it can leave permanent damage to the neural receptors. In the cases where the body doesn’t completely shut down, the signals can be erratic and victims can lose muscle control
Mil-Net -(GC Space) - Military network. Information networks for military personel only. Highly restrictive, ship logs, military campagines, and pirate information.
Khitariish Procession - (GC Space) - The Khitarii are a Modifier race belonging to the GC, known for their long and complicated hierarchy. Inheritance is decided by a Matriarch’s male heir. If a Ruler has a son and a daughter, then the Son will reign as king, but it will be his sister's son who takes the throne after him, not his own heirs. Unstable family dynasties are common and the order of first and second princesses and princes will change according to who is present. To address Khitarii out of order is considered a grievous faux pas.
Pirate Princess - (Arvas) - A rogue Princess who has taken command of a raider ship. Can command entire armadas outside GC Space.
Praetor - (Arvas) - Title given to the male mate of a queen, often accompanied by ‘first’ ‘second’ denominations inferring favourtism or virillity.
Progenitor Company - (GC Space) - Progenitor Companies are corporations prestigious enough to hold the genscripts of the GC space population.
Progenitor beneficiary, benefactor - (GC Space) - Someone who has invested in a Progenitor Company to produce Citizens for a government, company or private use.
Pre-pain time - (GC Space) - Before the Painful Dynasty, time did not matter, everyone was safe and healthy, mortality was an afterthought. Human/English equivalent would be: ‘All the time in the world’.
Radhazard - (GC Space) - radioactive hazard or something extremely toxic and should be avoided.
Rajava/n - (Qzetillian) - Former rulers of the galaxy. Giant engineered brains whose singular goal is the subjugation of the galaxy.
Rajavan Amalgamation - (GC Space) - A being produced to serve the Rajava, workers without true sentience.
Rajavan Vassal - (GC Space) - A being produced to serve the Rajava, soldiers without true sentience.
Society Planners - (GC Space) - Civil servants of the council, usually present on Clentessia.
Stiff it - (GC Space) - Advanced cases VEFS can lead to total body shut down, to “stiff it’ is to lose complete control of your body whilst still being conscious.
Short names - (Sulin) - are supposed to be a kind of shorthand for 'we're really close friends but I (don't have the brain capacity/you won't be around long enough) to remember your long name'. Typically only Users and soldiers have short names.
Snarl - (Sulin) - A vocal argument.
Vat-Fresh - (GC Space) - Referring to a newly formed council model, Military or Citzen included. The equivialnt of a newborn baby.
Vat-sprog - (Arvas) - insult, a dispariging way to refer to a Galactic Council Citizen.
VEFS - (GC Space) - Acronym for ‘Volatile Emotional Frequency Syndrome’. The result of overexposure to Frequency Aggression. VEFS symptoms include muscle spasms, pain, erratic behavior and nervous system shutdowns.
Your Grace - (Arvas) - The polite way to address a Freq-able female. ‘Your Honour’ for male.
Zenthi One Priest - (Zenthi) - Freq-abler in service of ‘The One’. The concept in which all living beings are connected and are able to experience others’ emotions, memories and sensations.
Turn of Phrase
“Akira weeps for the universe” - (Arvas) - Your actions are so stupid the goddess herself is fearful for all of existence. Could be accurately translated as “For god’s sake,”
“Integrity of a Praetor Prince” - (Arvas) - Praetor Princes are the escort of a Planetary queen, and are seen as the height of Arvas society. Leading by example, they must uphold the values of Loyalty, Honour, Bravery and Sacrifice.
“Focused on the prey, and missing the herd.” - (Arvas) - This could be translated as the human/English phrase “Can’t see the forest for the trees” but with more emphasis on danger and risk.
“Easier than a Sulin in heat.” - (Qzetillian) - Pretty self-explanatory really; Sulin still have a sex drive even though natural conception is no longer the norm. They are terribly susceptible and have impaired reasoning skills whilst in this state.
“I have offered you a bowl of rotten fruit.” - (Qzetillian) - To offer a deal or an apology that holds no value to the recipient.
“Ill that buried under his shell,” - (Arvas) - an unsettling feeling that lingers longer then it should. anxiety.
“Break the glass.” - (Sulin) - This is a multi-layered expression, as most weapons are held within glass cases and the street name for glucose is ‘glass’. To ‘Break the glass’ is to perform an action that is both exhilarating and will result in collateral or physical damage, or to have fun without regard for consequence.
“How high your tails are in the air!” - (Sulin) - Translated as the Human/English equivalent “Asking to be fucked/fucked over.”
“Patience and time are great teachers, provided you are an obedient student ” - (Arvas) ancient proverb
Xeno Food
Waurdess Taasai - Sashimi. Finger-sized slabs of raw meat in neat little rows on the plate. Rynard(Sulin) likes this.
Waurdess Shhai - Meat paste. A small plastic bowl filled with a meat-red paste, with a disposable Chinese-style spoon. Essentially the same meat product as Waurdess Ah’tau, except now it was ground into a paste and cooked even less. Favoured meal of the Qzetillian.
Waurdess Ah’tau - Jerky. Jas' normal meal, is small squares of a meat-textured food product. Zenthi Staple.
‘Chta - (Arvas) - adding ‘Chta to a name indicates a meal/consumable in the Arvas native tongue.
Aksi’chta - Glossy pesto. A sort of green and red swirl paste. An unusual mix of fresh ground mint, roasted hazelnuts and cilantro, with just a hint of salt.
Titkian’chta - A sizzling platter of Waudress, drenched in alien lime and mango pieces. A sweet and salty dish.
Siku’chta - Fruit salad. Green and white cubed pieces of fruit in a mint-smelling sauce. The white cubes taste like mango with the texture of watermelon, the green is very similar to cucumber. Unknown if a salad or a dessert dish.
Min’chta - Virgin sour mojito. A clear, green-tinged liquid, with a mild white froth sitting on top.Kykaki - a small green fruit, a cross between a lime and grapefruit with a hint of mint
Dog Expressions
Namegiver - The term for Humans, owners and other people dogs trust.
Lifegiver - Dog term for ‘mother’
Taker - The name for any creature the dog does not trust, trespassers on their territory or anyone who ‘takes’ an item from them.
Friend - Similar to Mr./Ms./Miss, prefixes to identify a dog’s standing. A friend is a clan-mate or a trusted dog. There is no prefix for an unknown dog, they are simply ‘Takers’ until they become ‘Friends’.
Vet - Short for veterinarians or those in scrubs. Generally derogatory.
Naming words - Most dogs can only understand a little of human speech, mostly terms that are repeated over and over again.
The Howl - The name given to the sound of human grief.
the Bad Sands - Spades name and recollection of his and Beaus tours in the Middle East.
Nightscares - nightmares.
The naming words - dogs recognise the use of human introductions when someone gives them their name.