Orz

Orz

OrzComm.png *Happy Campers*

Homeworld: Gamma Vulpeculae I Coordinates: 371.3 : 253.7 Member of: New Alliance of Free Stars (optional) Ship: Nemesis

The Orz are — or perhaps "is" — an alien species first encountered by The Captain in the space near where the Androsynth had been known to reside. Despite a notable distaste for the human-derived Androsynth and for the mysterious Arilou, the Orz happily joined with the New Alliance of Free Stars and provided its powerful Nemesis starship designs to aid in the Second War.

Description

Orz appear as gill-breathers who resemble yellow parrotfishes with eyestalks, though it is not known if this is their actual true form. It is likely that Orz come from another dimension, and when asked about their origins, Orz explain that the Arilou are from *above* and that Orz is from *below*. The precise meaning of this explanation is still up to debate, although the Arilou make it clear that the Orz are not from QuasiSpace.

There has been some discussion that the Orz as they are seen in normal space are actually a projection of some higher-dimensional being studying our reality. The Orz-entity refers to what is seen of itself in the known dimensions as its *fingers* and explains that it is not like other races who are *many bubbles*. The Orz sometimes refer to themselves in the singular third person, although whether this is another quirk of the Orz's odd speech pattern or a reference to their true essence is unclear.

Origin

The Orz are a newcomer to TrueSpace that appeared suddenly in the vicinity of the Vulpeculae constellation, the adopted homeworlds of the Androsynth. As the Androsynth vanished about the same time the Orz arrived, it is reasonable to think that the Orz did something to them, but asking the Orz about the subject infuriates them. It is possible that the Dimensional Fatigue experiments that were being performed by the Androsynth (and perhaps the Taalo before them) brought the Vulpeculae constellation to the Orz's attention.

Just where the Orz resided before arriving in the area of Vulpeculae is unknown. The Orz indicate that they like TrueSpace and even prefer it over their origin dimension and are now in the process of fully moving into TrueSpace.

Relations with other races

Only a few of the races in Star Control II mention the Orz at all. This is not surprising as they appear to be new in TrueSpace. The relations that they do have are as mysterious as the Orz themselves.

Androsynth

The appearance of the Orz coincided with the disappearance of the Androsynth from the same location. In fact, both the Arilou and the Orz themselves suggest that it was the IDF research of the Androsynth which enabled the Orz to come to TrueSpace.

Whether the Orz themselves were the cause for the disappearance of the Androsynth is the subject of a lot of speculation. Evidence for it exists, but is very circumstantial. Whatever their involvement, asking enough about the Androsynth is enough reason for the Orz to attack you.

Arilou LaLee'lay

Dialogs with both the Arilou and Orz suggest that they have had contact outside of TrueSpace. The Orz do not like the Arilou very much, and complain that the Arilou always "*jumping in front*". Conversely, the Arilou warn not to trust the Orz, as they are dangerous.

Melnorme

The Melnorme know of the existence of the Orz, and that they appeared when the Androsynth disappeared. Whether they've met them in person is unclear. While there is a Melnorme trader in Orz space, the Orz never mention Melnorme.

Spathi

The Spathi also mention that the Orz entered this space when the Androsynth disappeared. They think that they are creepy and warn against an alliance. This is all based on their own speculation though and arguably the Spathi would object to an alliance with almost any race on this basis. Whether they have met the Orz in person or only heard about them from description is unclear.

Taalo

The Orz mention the Taalo on several occasions. They seem to have been in contact over a longer period of time. According to the Orz, the Taalo have fled Truespace to some space where they can go to themselves. The Orz refer to Delta Vulpeculae as the Taalo playground, where the Taalo "are making *Time jokes*". As the Orz's language isn't very clear, it may be that this is all in the past though.

VUX

The Orz briefly mention the VUX, as being "*silly cows*" for asking too many questions about the Androsynth, which prompted the Orz to attack the VUX.

Theories

There are various theories to explain the various mysteries surrounding the Orz.

The Orz are Them

There are theories that the Orz are in fact the ghost-like creatures that the Androsyth IDF researchers ran into. They are mostly based on the fact that They were coming into this world just before the Androsynth disappeared, which was when the Orz appeared.

Even when accepting that the timing of the appearance of the Orz is not a coincidence, they do not have to be Them. They could have detected the Androsynth in the same way as They did.

The Orz killed the Androsynth

This is based again on the timing of the appearance of the Orz and the disappearance of the Androsynth, combined with the fact that the Orz refuse to talk about the Androsynth. If this is true, then the Orz would be responsible for the violent land war that wiped out the Androsynth civilization. This is suggested by both the Melnorme and the Spathi. In the same dialogs however, it is made clear that they don't actually know that. However, a reliable source explicitly asserts that the Androsynth were indeed "snagged" by the Orz entity¹.

The Orz are protecting races by killing those who ask too many questions about the Androsynth

This reflects the remarks made by the Arilou about parasites from beyond that can detect you when you show yourself. If you reject the theory that the Orz killed the Androsynth, this would provide an alternative explanation that connects 'Them', the disappearance of the Androsynth, and the Orz. In this case, the Orz, like the Arilou, would be attempting to keep TrueSpace races ignorant of and thus invisible to the extradimensional parasites.

The Orz seek to take advantage of indigenous races in some undefined way

The Orz say they dislike the Arilou because they are "jumping in front." The Arilou claim to have changed humans to protect them from the "parasites" that would like to find them. It may be that the Orz want space and races that the Arilou do not control as these would be easier to conquer or manipulate.

The Androsynth have become the Orz

This theory is mainly based upon the fact that the destruction of one race and the emergence of another both happen to coincide in the same region of space at approximately the same time. Assuming that "They" are dangerous to the existance of humanity, it is possible that "They" modified the appearance of the Androsynth as some sort of punishment. The question then arises why the Orz willingly ally themselves with the Captain and therefore, humans.

The Taalo are using the Orz as "testers"

Since it is clear that the Taalo have been in contact with the Orz, it would be fair to assume that the Orz are being used by them as a sort of testing device for the eventual return of the Taalo. This theory explains the reference to "fingers" (ie. the Taalo are controlling them in some way) and the unusual speech patterns of the Orz (Sending signals between different dimensions may influence the clarity of the transmission just as long distances degrade the quality of radio signals). This theory therefore puts to question whether the Orz are actual sentient beings or not. Furthermore, the Androsynth, who were allies of the Ur-Quan, were thus immediately treated as enemies of the Taalo who were not only almost destroyed by their former allies (the Ur-Quan), but are also known to be an angry species which further exlains their reasoning for war with the Androsynth. Finally, this theory is validated by the fact that the Taalo also originated in the Vulpeculae system.

Translating Orz Communications

Translating Orz speech is problematic at best. The Orz sense of reality is likely completely different from ours. Even the most sophisticated and powerful translators can't fully process its bizarre alien language, having to use many lingual best-fits in conversation. These are marked in text by surrounding the word with asterisks (*). It is possible that all words that appear in (*) can have more than just one meaning.

• *above* — where the Arilou come from, QuasiSpace
• *below* — where Orz comes from
• *camper* — races in TrueSpace? starfaring or sentient races? an individual or species that is liked by Orz? — "Happy *campers* are the best." Could also be a non-immortal creature, as 'camper' tends to mean one who stays temporarily and moves on, thus signifying that the Orz are/is immortal, or close enough as to make no difference, which is why they're willing to hurl their own people into space in nothing but armed tin cans.
• *dance* — combat — "I am *frumple*. It is *dancing*."
• *dissolving* — destroying a ship, dying
• *fat* — important, serious "These are *fat* words."
• *fingers* — an "individual" Orz; see *many bubbles*
• *frumple* — to become, or the state of being angry or sad or violent — "Do not ask about [the Androsynth]. You make me *frumple*."
• *game* — the action being done presently
• *GO! GO!* — space marines
• *heavy space* — Adjective for TrueSpace, *heavy* is also used. — "These are best for letting go near *heavy space* planet bodies." An example of universe/dimensional differences.
• *juice*/*squeezing the juice* — obscure. It is something relating to when the Orz are angry (or *frumple* as they call it) that they do to calm down: "It is always! Nnnnggaaahhhhh! There is *juice squeezing* and then we are not so *frumple*."
• *many bubbles* — the numerous distinct individuals of a species, or possibly organic cells or even atomic particles — "Orz is not *many bubbles*, Orz is *fingers*."
• *new town* — new/previously unknown universe
• *open* — advance your mind/understanding/technology
• *other* — the unknown enemy of the Orz
• *party* — alliance? conversation? opportunities for *dancing*? If *dance* means combat or battle, then *party* may mean war. Party may refer to something far more sinister/extreme that humans cannot understand yet. Orz refer to parties a lot, signifying its importance. It seems that it is somehow related to *campers* and may be the reason they are here in our dimension. They say, "We can not have *parties* when Arilou always *jumping in front*." Just as we cannot fully understand the Orz words/ideas, they may have misinterpreted our word "alliance" to mean something else. However, they allow you to build their ships, give you pilots and once explicitly speak of an "alliance".
• *playground* — Orz gives the coordinates of Delta Vulpeculae as the location of *playground*. The significance of this star system to Orz is unknown, although it is inside the general area that they occupy. Also, Delta Vulpeculae IIc is the location of the Taalo Shield and the former homeworld of the Taalo, possibly giving the Taalo some significance. The Taalo may have changed space there, making it a good space for *sliding*. Something with a significant amount of gravity.
• *quick time* — An example of differences between universes/dimensions. "We can have extra fun for future *parties* in *quick time*"
• *relatives* — allies
• *sad animal* — one who is disliked by the Orz — "The Kohr-Ah are *sad animals*."
• *sauce* — related to *juice*. *sauce* is apparently better than *juice* in some way, plus the Orz seem to aquire *sauce* through killing. "After the *dancing*, Orz think you will make good *special sauce*. Maybe even for other Orz *party*." It would seem this is likely to be something sinister.
• *silly cow* — one who annoys the Orz, *silly* is often used independently to mean annoying — "First the VUX, but they are such *silly cows* ... they ask so much about the Androsynth we must *dance* with them."
• *slide* — dimensional travel. Some interesting quotes using this: "*Happy campers* not going to *heavy space* *slide* near Chandrasekhar. Especially not ever! These are *fat* words." "Arilou can *slide*. Also Taalo." "Finally we find you, the *happy campers* and the Taalo *playground* for sliding through."
• *slippery places* — dimensional portals, usually formed with IDF
• *slow time* — An example of differences between universes/dimensions. "It is not fun on the surface in *slow time*"
• *smell* — perceive in some unknown way/from another dimension. Also being used by the Arilou.
• *squishy* — good, goodness
• *sticky* — unable to move between dimensions.
• *suprising toys* — secret weapons. "Do you want to see our suprising toys? NO! Do not!" could also mean their true existance, i.e., the sight of an extra-dimensional being could very well destroy a creature's mind, thus you do not want to see their surprising toys.
• *the middle* — not *above* or *below*, between *above* and *below*?, this dimension (ie, TrueSpace)?
• *wax* — possibly the same thing the Arilou call *easy places*.

Notes and references

¹Fred and Paul, when asked about the Androsynth's fate in a 1998 chat, stated that the human clones "were snagged by the entity who/which projected its fingers into our dimension (which looked to us as the Orz.)"