Jackers (44 page)

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.