This image comes from a little known planet on the edge of the Butterfly Nebula (NGC 6302). This is the homeworld of a race of intelligent insectoid collectives known as the Balicks. This entire sector is perpetually embroiled in military conflict as it is a local real space junction point of no less than thirteen worm hole outlets. As you are no doubt aware, the economic benefits of controlling this junction point are astronomical in terms of galactic (and in at least two cases, intergalactic) commerce.
The Balick themselves are only about three centimeters long, roughly termite-like, and, as individuals, are not terribly intelligent. However, as collectives, the hive mentality rivals that of most of the most intelligent races of the known galaxy. Generally, they exist as would expect a termite hive to look like. However, when necessary, they assemble into a vaguely humanoid form with a surprisingly solid exoskelton.
The “flower” in the picture is actually a military commendation known as the Rerwthistycen teck Shallys. This roughly translates to “Flower of Distinctive Bravery with Stamen.” The flower indicates that the collective served with honor above and beyond the call of duty during military action. The “Stamen” designates that the bearer (or hive) lost more than 75% of the collective in combat and still survived. No Balick collective has ever received more than three stamen.
The flower is meant to remind all members of the Balick of their origins. Legend has it that over three thousand Earth Years ago, the entire race had been enslaved by an intelligent plant-like race known as the Teshie. The Balick were responsible for maintaining the Teshie nurseries. The Teshie themselves were parasitic (much like holly) and once the Balick rebelled, the Teshie quickly died out, unable to adapt and evolve into the new environment.
They are master brewers of the local equivalent of honey mead. And, I suspect, there ARE side effects on human physiology.
karen marie,
November 12, 2009 at 9:15 am :
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
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my first thoughts are an artificial flower or a button
Red poppy? Artificial?
It is a Red Poppy – why a Red Poppy? here
Pin cushion?
This image comes from a little known planet on the edge of the Butterfly Nebula (NGC 6302). This is the homeworld of a race of intelligent insectoid collectives known as the Balicks. This entire sector is perpetually embroiled in military conflict as it is a local real space junction point of no less than thirteen worm hole outlets. As you are no doubt aware, the economic benefits of controlling this junction point are astronomical in terms of galactic (and in at least two cases, intergalactic) commerce.
The Balick themselves are only about three centimeters long, roughly termite-like, and, as individuals, are not terribly intelligent. However, as collectives, the hive mentality rivals that of most of the most intelligent races of the known galaxy. Generally, they exist as would expect a termite hive to look like. However, when necessary, they assemble into a vaguely humanoid form with a surprisingly solid exoskelton.
The “flower” in the picture is actually a military commendation known as the Rerwthistycen teck Shallys. This roughly translates to “Flower of Distinctive Bravery with Stamen.” The flower indicates that the collective served with honor above and beyond the call of duty during military action. The “Stamen” designates that the bearer (or hive) lost more than 75% of the collective in combat and still survived. No Balick collective has ever received more than three stamen.
The flower is meant to remind all members of the Balick of their origins. Legend has it that over three thousand Earth Years ago, the entire race had been enslaved by an intelligent plant-like race known as the Teshie. The Balick were responsible for maintaining the Teshie nurseries. The Teshie themselves were parasitic (much like holly) and once the Balick rebelled, the Teshie quickly died out, unable to adapt and evolve into the new environment.
I can’t recall – what is that hallucinogenic elixir that the Balick are so famous for producing? I ask because you’ve clearly been nipping some.
I’m with Farley, pin cushion.
I knew it was a VFW Poppy.
They are master brewers of the local equivalent of honey mead. And, I suspect, there ARE side effects on human physiology.
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/flanders.htm
The red poppy was once a popular remembrance of the fallen soldiers following WWI.
Karen Marie – thanks, I had not read the story behind that famous poem.