Good afternoon, everyone. I think it's time for me to acknowledge and give thanks to some of the sources of inspiration for the science-fiction books I self-published (Away: Beginnings, Away: Keepers of the Alliance, The Legend of Team 9 and Tales of Section Zero). I'm still looking for finance work these days and the job market seems strong. This is probably a good time to do this before I possibly go back into finance mode in the near future.
At the risk of spoiling the fun for those who share an affinity for the same works, I'll mention some of the more obvious sources of inspiration for what I wrote. The Motara cycle that wreaks havoc on Owghen prescience was named after the eponymous nebula from Star Trek: Wrath of Khan. Nasguhl was (subconsciously) from Tolkien. By the way, the name choice wasn't intentional; I just thought it'd be a great name for a ruthless god. Also, it turns out that Nazgul is a Persian name that probably pre-dates Tolkien by many years. Ironically (perhaps), it's for girls and means "delicate flower". Also, Thusla Reparaha's name is based on the long-lived biblical character Methuselah (fittingly, his name apparently means "his death shall bring judgment"), and on Te Rauparaha, a Maori warrior and leader of the early 19th century. I'm not Maori; nevertheless, having been born on a Pacific Island (I'm Filipino-American), I've always been fond of New Zealand although I've never been there. And based on my limited knowledge of that country, the Maori are an indelible part of New Zealand's culture and history. Maybe one of the most well-known aspects of Maori culture is the haka, which is a war dance or war chant. There are many hakas, but perhaps the most famous one is the Ka Mate, which Te Rauparaha wrote. I don't play rugby, but I understand that one of the most renowned rugby teams in the world, the New Zealand All Blacks, performs the Ka Mate before international matches. This is its translation in English:
Tis death! 'tis death! (or: I may die) ’Tis life! ‘tis life!
’Tis death! ‘tis death! ’Tis life! ‘tis life!
This is the hairy man
Who brought the sun and caused it to shine
A step upward, another step upward!
A step upward, another... the Sun shines!
Awesome. The Ka Mate was my inspiration for the chant that Thusla's people, the Kek, sing as they prepare for battle in Away: Keepers of the Alliance.
‘Tis Death… Yes… ‘Tis Life… Yes…
Today I die… Yes… Today I live… Yes…
The Great Sun rises into the sky honoring me… Yes…
Like a thousand kisses showered upon my head… Yes…
So my sword never errs… Yes…
So my body never tires… Yes…
We are the Kek… Yes…
Invincible and eternal… Yes…
I debated including an official "thank you" in Keepers of the Alliance itself, but the Ka Mate is so widely known and my book sales have been so negligible that I didn't feel it was necessary. In hindsight, I should've done it anyway. It's important to give credit where it's due. Like many, or possibly most, writers, I did occasionally use other analogs from the real world and prior fictional works for my writing, but many of those are more personal. Plus, part of the fun is hoping my readers will pick up on those analogs. In any event, I think these are the ones that should be mentioned to prevent misunderstandings. I don't want to seem an ingrate. Many thanks to these sources of inspiration and to their creators. Aside from my own personal enjoyment of them, my use of these works has enriched my writing and for that, I am truly grateful.
