Chapter 7: A language of our own

"My teacher taught us about different languages today. She said that every planet has their own language," Gary said, sitting at the table as Jack made him an after school snack.

"Yes, they do. I find planet Earth the most interesting. There are so many different languages and dialects. I chose to study American English before travelling to Earth to apply for the Infinity Guard, because the headquarters are located in New York City," Jack informed him, setting a plate of freshly sliced fruit, and a single cookie, in front of the boy. Last but not least, a healthy glass of milk.

"Do Greytrexians have their own language?" Gary asked, picking up the cookie first.

"Of course, we do," the alien told him, sitting down across from him with a cup of tea.

"Then why don't you speak it?" the boy asked, but it came out muffled from the cookie he was chewing.

"Don't talk with your mouth full. It's impolite. To answer your question, I suppose it's because there are very few Greytrexians on Earth to speak to," the little man sighed, smiling wistfully.

Gary thought that over as he ate. It must be lonely for Jack, being so far away from his planet. Decision made, the boy steeled his shoulders, and announced, "You can talk to me. I want to learn your language."

Jack seemed surprised to hear this. "You do?"

"Yep!" Gary said. "Teach me!"

"Alright then," Jack said, smiling happily. "Let's start with the basics. Greytrexian words are long, and, quite often, an entire phrase is held within one word. 'Zeevahgreypargreylexxtravlovaxx' is our daily greeting. It translates to 'I wish you a good day, and good health for your loved ones," Jack said.

"Zuh-gray-lex-tran…" Gary attempted to say, but it felt like his tongue was trying to tie itself into knots.

"It's a bit easier to learn when you hear it said every day. Also, it's easier if you piece it out into individual words," Jack stated. "Zeevvah means I wish you. Grey is the word for Good. In fact, the word Greytrexian itself translates to 'Good People of the Water.'"

"Why 'the water?'" Gary asked, curiously.

"My species used to have gills. Of course, we evolved beyond the need for them, as we now live on land. But many Greytrexians still tell tales of living in the oceans, and being protected by the Lady of the Water," Jack informed him.

"The lady of the water?" the boy asked, his interest piqued.

"Yes. It is said that she created our species from sea foam. They are old tales, of course, and no one knows if there is any truth to them. Back to our lesson. Par means day, and Lexx is health, and Travlovaxx roughly translates to for your loved ones. The full greeting is 'Zeevvahgreypargreylexxtravlovaxx.'"

"Zeevvahgrey…" Gary trailed off, feeling an ache beginning in his head.

Jack smiled reassuringly. "It's okay if you can't remember the whole word. Why don't we start with the first part, and, over time, we can add more to it."

"Okay. Zeevvahgrey!" the boy announced, grinning happily.

"Zeevvahgrey, Gary," Jack replied, grinning back.


"Zeevvahgreypar, Jack," Gary said, giving the Greytrexian a little bow. Apparently Greytrexians bow quite a bit. It's a sign of respect.

"Zeevvahgreypargreylexxtravlovaxx to you as well, Gary," the petite alien answered, bowing back.

John blinked at them over his coffee. "What are we doing?" he asked, feeling left out.

"Jack is teaching me to speak Greytrexian!" Gary yelled, clambering up onto the seat next to his father.

"He's a fast learner," Jaxx admitted, pouring himself a cup of coffee.

"I see. What was it you said again?" the captain asked.

"I can't say the whole thing yet. It's reeeeeally long. But it starts with 'Zeevvahgreypar' and means… Um, what does it mean again?" the boy asked, blinking over at his other guardian.

"Zeevvahgreypar would mean I wish you a good day. The full phrase is 'Zeevvahgreypargreylexxtravlovaxx' and means I wish you a good day, and good health to your loved ones. It is the traditional Greytrexian greeting," Jaxx informed them.

"That's… definitely a mouthful," John admitted.

"Yes. Greytrexians are fond of saying what needs to be said all at once. We're also quite fond of the word 'Grey.' And, I suppose, of the letter 'X.' Most Greytrexian words have double or triple 'X's' in them," Jaxx said.

John choked on his coffee, attempting to hide an amused smile at the rather… adult meaning behind that statement.

Jaxx blinked at him in shock, then narrowed his golden eyes. "Don't you dare make that joke. Gary is far too young to hear it."

"Sorry, sorry," John wheezed, turning away in an attempt to hold in his laughter.

"What joke?" the boy asked.

"Never you mind," Jaxx answered, setting a bowl of cereal in front of the child. "Honestly, vahlor soulmarexxxcoolorzentrenexx reetraexxconsalexx."

"What?" the two humans echoed, blinking at him in amazement.

Jaxx couldn't stop himself from blushing when he realized that he'd just said, 'You, my soulmate, have a very dirty mind.' Thankfully it was in Greytrexian, and John had no idea what it meant. "Nothing important. Finish eating, Gary. It's almost time for school."

"It's nice to hear you speaking your language, Jack," John commented, once Jack had settled into a chair on the other side of the table. The little alien glanced up at him, startled. "What I mean is that you shouldn't feel you have to hide your culture from us. It's great that you're willing to teach Gary your language. I'll try to learn some too, but I can't promise I'll be much good at it."

"Ah, yes. I'm more than happy to teach Gary to speak Greytrexian. And… I don't mind teaching you a few phrases, as well," Jaxx answered, doing everything he could to keep from squealing. John wanted to learn more about him! His soulmar wanted to learn about his culture! Oh, how he wished he could just blurt out the truth.

"And by the way, I'll be back late tonight. I have a date," the captain said, tussling his son's hair.

Ah yes. The reason he kept the truth to himself. Jaxx felt his heart sink at those familiar words.

"Ugh, I don't like it when you go on dates, dad. I want you to stay home with me and Jack," Gary groaned, dramatically flopping his head down onto his arms. A single eye peeked up at his father in annoyance.

"Don't you want a mother some day?" John asked, smiling at him.

"I don't need a mother. I have Jack," the boy answered, sitting up quickly, his eyes meeting the alien's golden ones.

"Thank you, Gary, but if your father wants to date… then we shouldn't stand in his way," Jaxx said, despite his inner voice screaming 'No, he's MY soulmar! If anyone should be dating him, it should be me!'

"Fine, whatever. Jack and I are going to have a great night WITHOUT you," the little boy grumbled, glaring at his half-finished cereal.

John threw the pilot an apologetic glance. Gary could be fussy when he didn't get his way, so he was probably going to sulk most of the night. "Come on, kiddo. I'll drop you off at school. Then Jack and I have to get to work," the captain said, patting his son on the back. He got up from the table to finish getting ready.

"I have flight simulations with the junior pilots today. What about you?" Jaxx asked, following the human into the hallway.

"I'm in meetings all day, and then out for a dinner date. I should be home around 9 to tuck Gary in," the man said, adjusting his uniform in the mirror.

"Don't worry about us if you happen to stay out later than that," Jaxx said, trying to sound casual.

"Thanks, Jack. You're a great friend," the captain informed him, clapping him on the shoulder.

"Thanks. It's really no trouble," Jaxx lied. He adored spending time with Gary, but his heart longed for his soulmar to return his affections. It couldn't be helped. They were just not right for each other, no matter what the universe chose for them.