What's in a name?

I have discussed this topic before but in The Ark Lords, it comes into play once again. Sometimes I'm not sure how far I can push this but it does amuse me so I'm going to believe I did not go too far. As you are well aware, because the Vuduri are the people of the future and we first meet them among the stars, I have given the more important ones names which are star names or constellation names.

For example, the leader of the Vuduri on Deucado was Pegus, named for the constellation Pegusus. The leader on Skyler Base was Commander Ursay, named for the Big and Little Dipper. Even the woman who wanted to mate with Rei on Helome was named Virga, named after the constellation of Virgo.

For the mandasurte, I tried to take English words and make them name-ish. For example, take Rome's parents Fridone and Binoda, I kind of patterned them after a pasta dish and a breath freshener. Trabunel, the leader of the Ibbrassati, was just a variant of tribunal, a meeting of leaders.

For the Deucadons, I just took my previous stepson Stephen and grabbed his and his friend's English names and twisted them a little bit. Like Bukky (Bucky), Steben (Stephen), Malloy (Melloy) and Triden (Trident?), well maybe that last one is a stretch.

When it comes to the Essessoni, I usually named them after people I know or variations of people I know. For example Rei Bierak was named after my father, Rei's mother's name was Ruth, the same as my mother. Rei's father's name was Edward, my grandfather. Even Rome and Rei's children, Aason and Lupe are named after my own children. Sussen was named after my cousin Susan. However, there are times when I pick the names to have a certain dramatic effect.

Take Captain Keller, the head of the Essessoni contingent on Deucado. I wanted his name to remind you of a killer. After all, the Vuduri name for us is Garacei Essessoni which means the Killer Generation. However, even better was the name of the US Space Force Colonel who was the armed forces representative within the Ark program. His full name was Colonel Harmon Slayton. Harmon = Harming. Slayton as in he kills people. I think it was my finest name that convey qualities.

If you ever pick up a copy of The Vuduri Companion, you will meet Colonel Slayton when Alexander Haynesworth first introduces the Ark program to the world. Our friendly Colonel was in on that presentation.

You'll find out what dastardly deeds Colonel Slayton promulgated tomorrow.