Soulbound (Final Space. Jackspeed fic)

Ch 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.