[center][h2][b]Wodan[/b][/h2][/center]

[hr]

On the question of translation during their meeting, Wodan’s answer might not have been particularly encouraging. He did indeed have programs dedicated to the translation of alien languages. They were based upon the algorithms used by the Yenge during their first contact to establish communications with Humanity. Once the translation was finished, Wodan would be able to upload translation programs to their devices to allow them to seamlessly, in real time, translate to and from this alien language to any Human language. Once they could communicate effectively, it would not take much longer afterwards to do the same for their written languages. However, the act of translation itself was no easy task. Wodan was already running every recording he had made of the natives through the algorithms, but usable translation software could be weeks, or months, away. An entire language was far more complex than an exchange of a few simple words or phrases. It had to be able to parse an entirely alien form of communication, with potentially new types of grammar rules, tones, sounds, and perhaps body language. It was completely possible that particular body motions could augment or change the meanings of words. There was no guarantee that all of the sounds would even be in the range of Human hearing. The algorithm had to account for every variable that could possibly be involved in communication. On top of that, Wodan was operating on auxiliary power, so he could not think nearly as quickly as usual. For a challenge of that magnitude, an estimate of months may have been generous. 

[hr]

After she had messaged Mallory, Wodan’s ravens appeared before Zey in her quarters. The eyes of the two in the back kept darting between Zey and the one in the center, while the largest of the ravens was fixated on the Captain herself. “I may guess at least one of your questions, Captain. Whether the natives understand it themselves is unknown, but we have found no explanation for these occurrences that is not wild speculation.”