Academic Journal Entry 1
A Video Introduction to the APAJ of Dr. Kehhmáhil
[A video begins playing. It is set in an old-timey library with a fireplace roaring in the background. The walls are lined with wooden shelves, which themselves carry what very well might be thousands of books- paper books, at that. In the center of the screen sits a white, scaled creature with a face reminiscent of a dragon from human mythology. He has a slender build- his snout has a slight taper down to the nose, giving him a vaguely elegant appearance. Horns jut out from the back of the skull, angled back towards the spine. These horns are accompanied by small spines which start at the mid-forehead and grow larger as they move down the neck. His eyes are multi-colored, though are predominantly amber and brown. The tips of what look like fangs peek out from his lips, glistening when the firelight catches them right.]
Hello, there. [There was a brief pause, and the shuffling of papers off-screen.] I am Doctor Kehhmáhil Ji’ayú Današálo yice Torúņa, in accordance with the Özítr naming conventions- the abbreviation that you may use, though, is Kehhmáhil. Doctor Kehhmáhil, if you would please.
[Kehhmáhil’s voice is deep and rough. It is not difficult to understand, but it is clearly alien. By the expression on his face, it is evident that he is a little lost. There is a faint ping, and he looks to his side, presumably to another screen. His ear, vaguely reminiscent to that of a goat’s, has multiple golden piercings that clink together with the movement. Some matching rings on his left horn are visible as well. Kehhmáhil quietly grumbles before looking back to the camera, rolling his eyes before continuing.]
Following a lengthy vetting process, led by the Duchess Ayacíján and the Foundation of Özítr & Ökžálan Studies, my public academic journal- which you’re currently watching- has been approved. To any officials looking to validate these credentials, my certificate is hosted on the Foundation page for your convenience. If you don’t believe those for whatever reason, I implore you to reach out to Duchess Ayacíján and the rest of the approval committee. They’ll help you more than I can- or, really, more than I want to.
[Another pause. Kehhmáhil shuffles some papers offscreen once more before continuing.]
Right. Well. I should talk about myself, I suppose. I was born on Kethandris, and I am obviously a Kethandrid. When I was young- very young, much too young to be moving from one planet to another like I did- I ended up on Öz’vatizjúrúbye in the city of Tákarenti Jágaran. I remember Kethandris, and I remember enough of it to notice cultural differences. I am knowledgable in Özítr culture, but I am not yet inured to it- is anybody, really? [He pauses very briefly, then shakes his head to dismiss the thought.] That’s... beside the point. I have not lost the ability to… well, to see the traits that a native just couldn’t. Some could, I suppose. Not most. Nobody who counts, anyway.
[Kehhmáhil snorts, then continues.]
Ah, I shouldn’t say those kinds of things. This journal will study all aspects of Özítr culture and history, focusing in on the myths and misinformation that run rampant. I’m not going to claim that the Özítr have no flaws- I’ll highlight those, as well. That’s targeted at you, Ayacíján, I know you’re watching.
Anyway. [Kehhmáhil shifts in his seat.]
If you want to contact me to ask questions or harass me or just… talk to me, I guess- send me a message. My contact information is listed somewhere, you’ll find it. I’ll answer it on this journal as long as it is reasonable. I kindly ask that you remain as professional as you can, but I will answer anything that has merit- even if it is strange. I’ll also request that you use the standard message format. Do not bother contacting me using a cipher or a language other than Iniyalösg, Kethandriyösg, or Standard, because I won’t answer.
Just- send me a message if you have any requests for what you would like me to share next. [Kehhmáhil shrugs, and the faint tapping sound can be heard off-screen. It stops when he begins to speak once more.] There’s so much to share and so much more to learn, and I… I don’t know where to start. [He sheepishly grins before snapping back into a more professional expression.]
I will try to publish a few times a week, but these things take time- more likely than not, this journal will go through periods of inactivity before coming back to life. I will endeavor to include Özítr news in my commentary so I can connect the past to the present. However, this is not a political journal…
…though, perhaps it is. Özítr culture is inherently political. If I were to ask you to find me an Özítr that wasn’t involved in the political sphere- religious, social, or governmental- you wouldn’t be able to do it. I mean, they exist, of course they do, but they’re not your everyday Özítr. It would be like asking somebody to find a Kethandrid who doesn’t like freshly made cútúcawu! [He lets out a short exhale of breath before continuing.] I kid, but really, there is something to be said about the interweaving of politics into Özítr culture. Even in the fringe colonies! Why? The easy answer is just that it’s how they evolved, but I don’t think that’s it. I don’t think that’s it at all. To condense a long history into a few words-
[There is the sound of knocking at the door. A loud voice calls out, muffled by the thick walls. The unseen person speaks in a mixture of Ketandriyösg and Iniyalösg, with the occasional heavily accented standard word thrown in. The speaker sounds young, as well, though it is impossible to gauge an accurate age. Kehhmáhil sighs and looks over his shoulder.]
Hold on, anakca’iti.
[Kehhmáhil looks back to the screen and clicks his teeth together twice before speaking, his expression one of fond exasperation.]
I apologize. I have something to attend to- I’ll publish tomorrow. Maybe. Hopefully. We’ll see.
[Kehhmáhil reaches forward and clicks off the camera, but not before the person who had called out steps into the room. She is smaller than Kehhmáhil with white scales, though a black pattern is visible on her face. The video ends just as the unknown Kethandrid opens her mouth to speak.]