Dyphen



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    “So, I was thinking about why I’ve been throwing up. I think some of it is the actual, physical properties of the taumoeba, but I honestly think half the battle is the taste. See, humans use smell and taste to tell us if food is going to make us sick, like it’s moldy or smells weird, that sends a signal for disgust to our brains to stop us from eating it, and that triggers nausea.”

    “I feel this way about all human food,” I say, and Grace rolls its eyes.

    “Sure. But I think my brain is being overprotective about the taumoeba. It’s the same reason why human kids get picky or people throw up during pregnancy, even when the food they’re eating is perfectly edible. My brain is signalling to me that I shouldn’t want it in my body, mostly because -- well, I don’t. It smells like mildew and algae and has the texture of chia seed pudding that was forgotten at the back of a fridge. But that’s making me nauseous when I even think about putting it in my mouth, which makes me more likely to throw up.”

    “But how would you eat without using your mouth?” I ask.

    Grace grins at me. “That, my friend, is exactly the question I’ve been asking myself. And I think the answer might be something called a nasogastric tube."

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    20 Jul 2026

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    "Many stages in Eridian reproductive process. Rocky Adrian laying cycles finally sync up recently. So, Rocky Adrian think finally time for eggs. Adrian lay five eggs, very good. Only, strange thing happen. Rocky only lay one egg."

    “Oh,” I say. “That’s unusual, right?”

    "Very," Rocky hums.

    My throat tightens. "Does that mean there's something wrong? Are you sick?"

    Rocky makes a gesture I usually interpret as "not exactly". "Not sick," he says. "But doctors still worry. When Eridian start to make fewer eggs, this usually means laying period of life is over soon. Rocky very young for this. Rocky supposed to be in ideal time of life for laying. Rocky younger than Adrian, even." He shifts on three of his feet. Already, my mind is racing ahead, wondering -- "Doctors told Rocky to ask Grace, is this radiation side effect, question?"

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    20 Jul 2026

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    “Hold still, lovely alien,” the Eridian croons, snapping a claw closed around the hem of my cardigan. “♫♬♩ will be so gentle, yes.”

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    20 Jul 2026

  4. Public Bookmark 18

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    A few lighthearted moments during the long, long journey to Erid. Featuring some typical Grace introspection, speculation about the Eridian language, and creative insults necessitated by lack of cursing.

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    19 Jul 2026

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    After some of the most traumatic weeks of his life, Ryland could really use a hug. Too bad his only friend and ship-mate isn't physically capable of hugging.

    Eridians, humans, and how we physically express social bonds.

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    19 Jul 2026