Authors: William H. Keith
Who-was:
Rumor, scuttlebutt. Corruption of Japanese
uwasa.
Xeno, Xenophobe:
Human name for the life form that first attacked the human colony on An-Nur II in 2498. So-called because of their apparent hatred or fear of other life forms. Investigations within the Alya system in 2541 proved Xenophobes are machine-organic hybrids evolved from fairly simple organisms billions of years ago. They are defined by their technology, much of which has been borrowed from other civilizations.
Yukanno Kisho:
Medal of Valor. Imperial decoration awarded in ten orders, or
dans,
for bravery in the line of duty.
Japanese Words and Phrases
Baka:
Foolish, stupid, or silly.
Daihyo:
Representative. In twenty-sixth-century usage, the Emperor’s representative to a government or local military force within the Shichiju.
Dan:
Order or ranking.
Fushi:
Eternity, immortality. Era-name of current Emperor Fushi 84.
Gaijin:
Foreigner, specifically a non-Japanese.
Gokuhi:
Secret.
Hema:
Damned mess. Bungled situation.
Kancho:
Depending on how you say it. “warship captain” or “enema.”
Kao:
Face.
Kichigai:
You’re crazy!
Ko-tori:
Bird.
Mon:
A family badge or design.
Nengo:
Era-name, determined by each new Emperor, for purposes of dating.
Nettena-yo:
Wake up!
Nimotsu:
Baggage.
O-nimotsusan
(“honorable baggage”) refers to passengers aboard small and Spartan couriers and packets.
Obake:
Black Goblins. Regimental name for 3rd Imperial Marines.
Sashimono:
Military banners bearing the
mon
of the commander.
Sen-en:
One thousand yen (en in Japanese).
Sensei:
Master. Title of respect for the teacher of a given discipline.
Sheseiji:
“Bastards.” Related to
shesei,
“posture” or “attitude.”
Shoko:
Military officer.
Tatami:
Padded floor or floor mat.
Tenno-heika:
Formal title of address—His Majesty, the Emperor.
Uwasa:
Rumor, gossip.
Yujo:
Camaraderie. It has taken on the special meaning of “warrior’s bond.”
Zugaikotsu:
Skull.
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