So, you've made it this far, have you? It takes dedication to find this page hidden deep within the Tagonist Knights Website.
Congratulations!
As a reward, I present to you five new ways to immerse yourself within this novel. Some of it is insightful, other aspects of it is meant to make you laugh and smile. Hopefully, by the time you're done, you'll be eager to explore the book if you haven't already, or take a moment to read through it once again knowing what you do now.
“You are absolutely the strangest, most peculiar individuals I have ever encountered. I like that. Now then, follow me. Might as well get this suicide mission over with.” – Zoon
Say Hello - The Cast of Parallax's Paradox
“Dad always said I had a little bit of chaos in me.”
Lexia
Starship Captain
“I hope you do realize I have no interest in your validation for my actions.”
Parallax
A.I. and Pilot
“Even if you decide, don’t follow me into the dark unknown, as captain I will feel that it is my duty to override such orders. I assure you. We will go looking for you.”
Glen
Swordsman
“The captain will be most displeased if Tedorn is eaten under my watch.”
Brent
Android Zenobiologist
"Ah’py ya’op ba’in wa’ta na’iv ma’!”
Tedorn
Large Talking Gerbil
“With each new life that enters the universe, hope is given strength."
Dryad
Humanoid Plant
“The dead cannot learn.”
Gold
Pilot and Counceller
“You organic creatures are so limited in your understanding of what constitutes as a life form.”
Dobuho
Spherical Life Form
“I may be an idiot, sir, but I am not that kind of idiot!”
Zoon
Synthetic Being
“Yay me, an entire race of godlike beings wants to kill me. I’m so happy I could scream with joy.” – Lexia
Relevant Memes/Artwork
“When you’ve gone up against something that could destroy the entire Universe, twice in a lifetime, being shot between the eyes doesn’t seem all that threatening by comparison.” - Lexia
Origin Story:
If only...
Parallax's Paradox was meant to be another stand alone story just like the previous two books in the series. Parallax would be tempted to become what she once was, have a confrontation with Lexia, and somehow resolve their differences by the end of the story. If only it was that simple. Then again, if it was, I wouldn't have four novels to finish the story arc. It was worth it.
I knew going into the story how it would end for Dryad. I heard this song that the entire scene played out in my mind nearly a year before writing the book. The idea of this tragic event leading to her opening up her mind to the multiverse (AKA the Mattiverse) was perfect.
Beyond that, I had no clue where the story was going. At one point Dryad sneaks on board the Oria ship using the twins to cloak her position and she observes the fate of the Swogs. Parallax detects her presence and tries to save her using the twins to send her somewhere else, linking to the ending that was kept.
Another changed concept was that Parallax comes back with Lexia, then turns traitor. Attacking her, and that leads to Dobuho saving her, going back in time, Dryad gets captured. It essentially made Parallax do an unexpected change of personality to become the antagonist allying herself with the Oria. I hated it. So, it had to be fixed.
I made it a point that Dobuho tells Dryad to bring her helmet, setting up for the end. It makes sense for a being that can see in the future. Plot hole averted due to this.
The Oria? Maybe...
Inspiration for Jamahe
Origin Story:
The Muppet Show!
Going into the story, I needed inspiration for new life forms and characters. I had been wanting to make a "Pigs in Space!" throw away joke for awhile now and thought, eh? Why not. Let's do this. From that point forward a multitude of characters were directly inspired by the works of James Maury Henson, AKA Jim Henson.
What I find absolutely fascinating is that Jamahe brought these creations to life, each with their own personalities and yet, if he chose to do so, he could communicate through them. This is much like each individual puppet had their own personality separate from the puppeteer, yet it was the puppeteer controlling them. I never imagined that Jamahe and his children would continue to play a major role in future books.
Being a huge Jim Henson fan, having my version of Gonzo the Great joining the crew of the Starship Sunfire was a dream come true. Adding a little bit more comedy in the form of Zoon also helped balance the grim, darker tones of what was happening at the end of the book. I learned how to do this in the Age of Shadows books, a splash of humor to balance out the darker setting.
To fully explore all of these sources for these various characters, you can read more about each one down in the Easter Eggs section of this page.
“Let us not speak of the cookie, for it may be the cause of a horrifying destruction on a level that not even I can possibly grasp, and I am well versed in the impossible.” – Dobuho
Easter Eggs and Inspiration
Telling Time
A "rotation" is one year, inspired by the phrase "rotation of the galactic axis" from the movie: Galaxy Quest.
Boldly Go Where...
The Cosmic Union was greatly inspired by the Star Trek Universe, The Next Generation being my favorite.
Cruisin' Along
The scene with Lexia's legs propped up while Parallax pilots the ship is inspired by a panel from a Batman Comic Book.
Favorite Android
Brent is named after Brent Spiner, who played Data on Star Trek: The Next Generation
Alien Invaders
The scene of the attack on the planet was greatly inspired by the movie: Starship Troopers.
Origins in a Car
The Starship Sunfire is named after my second car, a Pontiac Sunfire.
Soldier Life
Officer Dean derived his name from the lead actor from Starship Troopers, Capser Van Dien. Yes, intentional spelling difference.
Final Words
The red visor sliding into place and, “We die.” A homage to the movie: The Last Starfighter.
Former Engineer
On page 4, Tinker, a former crew member is mentioned. He was in the first two books of the series.
Dangerous Snake
On Page 9, Dryad's confrontation with a snake creature occurred in Book 2: Tinker's Treasure.
Did you catch this?
Tedorn gets his name from rearranging the letters in the word "Rodent".
How about this?
Tedorn's species, the Nimrev, is the word "Vermin" spelled backwards.
Activate!
Dryad activates her energy shields by saying, "Engage". This is a reference to Captain Picard from Star Trek: TNG.
Lizard Warrior
Rua'So'Nid, a former crew member, left the series at the end of the second novel.
Android Community
The race of androids that Brent belongs to is called the Erocatad. It is the words Data Core spelled backwards.
Bigger is Better?
On page 14, Lexia says, "We're going to need a bigger gun." A reference to a line from the movie: Jaws.
Mutiny? Again?
This line spoken by Glen refers to the first novel, Lexia's Legacy, where her crew stole her ship.
Giant Insect
A Grootill that is mentioned first appeared in the opening scene of Lexia's Legacy.
What is in a Name?
Glen is named after the creator of Battlestar Galactica, Glen Larson, since he was once Nolyc.
Aye, aye, Captain!
Captain Stewart is named after Patrick Stewart who played Captain Jean Luc Picard on Star Trek: The Next Generation.
The Lovers
Frea and Ferno are former crew members that departed the series at the end of the first novel: Lexia's Legacy.
Golden Idea
Gold is inspired by Guinan from Star Trek: Next Generation who was played by Whoopie Goldberg, thus the name "Gold".
Mystery Container
On page 33, the stone block container in Dryad's room was first introduced int the first book: Lexia's Legacy.
No Dreams
Dryad says she doesn't dream. This is a set up for the next novel concerning the dreams she experiences for the first time.
Muppet Galaxy
The Henson Galaxy is named after James Maury Henson. One of many references to him.
Two Parts
On page 43, Glen mentions the Vostok can separate into two parts. The Enterprise could do so in Star Trek: TNG series.
You're Chicken!
Milla is named after Camilla, a chicken from the Muppets television series.
Who are you?
Milla peering down from a large pedestal refers to a "demon" questioning the heroes in the novel: The Phantom Tollbooth.
One! Ah, ah, ah...
Milla says a vampire taught her how to count, a reference to the Sesame Street character: "The Count".
It's a joke.
Waka is named after Fozzie the Bear's famous line, "Waka, waka" He was inspiredby that character.
Giant Worm
Milla refers to trying to eat "Slim". Slim appears in the first two books and is inspired by the Earthworm Jim character.
He Doesn't Like You
The encounter on page 53 is inspired by a scene from the Star Wars movie when Luke is threatened at the cantina.
Muppet Labs
Dobuho is modeled to resemble and named after Doctor Bunsen Honeydew from the Muppets.
I solute you!
On page 57, Dryad's salute is a blending of one used in the Futurama TV series and in the movie: Spaceballs.
We are doomed!
The quantum fissure mentioned on Page 60 occurred in the novel: Tinker's Treasure.
Alien Cats
The word Grimalkin mans "old female cat", first introduced in the novel: Lexia's Legacy.
Cat Herbs
Pintac, the home world of the Grimalkin, is the word "Catnip" spelled backwards.
Famous Name
Gene Douglas Lucas, is named after Gene Rodenberry (Star Trek), Ray Douglas Bradbury (Science fiction author), and George Lucas (Star Wars).
Who's Device
On page 70, Lexia mentions a "sonic wrench", a reference to the Sonic Screwdriver from the Dr. Who television series.
Scary Snake!
Apophis, named after an Egyptian snake god, appeared in the novel: Tinker's Treasure.
The Final Frontier
On page 73, “…to go boldly where there was the unknown.” This is a homage Star Trek’s famous opening credits quote.
Mischevious Cat
Ter is named after and her appearance is that of Tyger, a cat I adopted. She was named after the William Blake poem.
In the Beginning
“…misfits, refugees, and lost souls.” refers to the back of book text for Lexia's Legacy.
Joke Prop
The Rubeken is a combination of the two words: Rubber Chicken. Fozzie the Bear would often use it in his comedy act.
Pigs in Space?
Professional information gatherer, or P.I.G. for short. This refers to a skit on the Muppet Show was called "Pigs in Space!"
Tortured Past
How Glen was introduced back into Lexia's life and was transformed, is found within the novel: Lexia's Legacy.
Wild Assistant
Dobuho's assistant's appearance is inspired by Doctor Bunsen Honeydew's assistant: Beaker.
He did what?
Dobuho's tasks for his assistant are all related to events that occurred before the opening of Lexia's Legacy.
And now... My Favorite.
When I created the concept of Tagonist Knights Publishing, I had the idea of five knights. One being Paradox, Knight of the Cosmos. Never did imagine him playing such an important role in this series. Teasing at him in Tinker's Treasure, but it wasn't until this book I knew who he was underneath the mask. Parallax's reaction to him at the end hints at the truth.
Kitty Toys
In Chapter 6, Dryad offers Ter toys associated with cats: A ball of yarn and a cloth mouse.
Hologram Man
On Page 104, Dryad mentions a man from the 1950s, featured in the novel: Tinker's Treasure.
Secret Code
Gold gives the code: BG9171978 This stands for Battlestar Galactica 9/17/1978, the first air date of the original series.
Oh no!
When Dobuho says, "Dooomed!" This is a nod to a scene from Futurama where Bender makes a similar statement.
Happy Birthday
Dobuho mentions focal point 9241936. 9-24-1936 is the year Jim Henson was born.
Frozen Beings
On page 115, the Iozen is a combination of Ice and Frozen, a race of ice beings that a former crew member, Frea, belongs to.
Element-ary
The Eleriont gets its name from a combination of he words "element" and "periodic" table.
Piggie
Swog is a combination of the words "Swine" and "Hog", both terms used for pigs.
Swog Names
Ork is short for Pork. Mah is "Ham" spelled backwards. Bac is short for Bacon.
It's bliss...
Oria is derived from a longer word, Euphoria, a state of blissful happiness.
Don't probe me!
The Oria take various forms, but present themselves as standard gray aliens in abduction stories.
Cheat Code
Chapter 8 has an elaborate reference to the Konami code. The code is: Up, up, down, down, right, left, right, left, B, A, Start.
Video Games
All of these were linked to Konami games: Cast = Castlevania, Cont = Contra, and Suik = Suikoden
A frog?
The green being that tells the crew how to find Jamahe is inspired by Kermit the frog.
Neverland
The crew are told to follow the second of two suns. A sun is a star. Peter Pan's Neverland, “Second star to the right and straight on until morning.”
Crazy Drummer
The race of furry creatures Lexia and Parallax encounter are inspired by a character from the Muppet Show named Animal.
Oh really...
Lamina is Animal spelled backwards. Sheal is Leash rearranged, since Animal would often have one like a pet.
Robo-Citizen
Sophia, the ship’s computer, is named after the first artificial intelligence/android that was given citizenship.
Orange Cat
Gar six one nine one nine seven eight, the code given by Dryad, is the first publication of Garfield the Cat, 6/9/1978.
This is a-MAZE-ing.
The labyrinth and the perils they encounter was inspired by another Jim Henson movie, entitled: The Labyrinth.
Blue Weirdo
Zoon is modeled after and inspired by my favorite Muppet: Gonzo the Great.
Candy Galore!
On page 184, Dobuho is referring to the Halloween tradition of "Trick or Treat".
Another world?
On page 185 Dobuho quotes Dargom, who is from the novel: Eclipse of the Sun, proving he's been to other realities.
Past Events
On page 188, Lexia's time spent on board the Vostok, abandoning her crew, occurred in the novel: Lexia's Legacy.
Former Crew
On page 188, Avatar is mentioned. He is a former crew member that departed at the end of Lexia's Legacy.
We are the Borg
The Oria says, “Do not attempt to resist…” This is a reference to Star Trek’s "The Borg" and the line, “Resistance is futile.”
Child of Nature
Phyte, Dryad's race of beings, is a suffix which means plant or something related to a plant.
Great and Powerful
The scene with the floating head is a reference to the Wizard of Oz in how the Wizard greeted Dorothy and her companions.
Puppet Master
Jamahe's name and appearance is inspired by James Maury Henson, creator of the Muppets.
A New Hope
At the end of page 205, Jamahe makes a reference to the opening of Star Wars, “A long time ago, in a galaxy far away…”
Happy Birthday
On page 207, Jamahe's birthday refers to what the Opportunity Rover did each year.
Opportunity Lost
Jamahe says, “My batter died, and darkness claimed me.” This refers to, “My battery is low and it’s getting dark.”
Living Ship #1
Ayomutmog derives its name from two living ships: The first is Moya from the Farscape.
Living Ship #2
Ayomutmog derives its name from two living ships: The second is Gomtu from Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Visiting Aliens
In Chapter 12: June of 1947 refers to the crash landing of an alien ship in Roswell, New Mexico.
Loss of Life
On page 243, “A chorus of voices…” refers to when Obi-Wan Kenobi felt the loss of life when a planet is destroyed in the original Star Wars movie.
Oh boy...
Lexia's time traveling, the next leap home, her saying, "Oh Boy..." is all references to the TV show: Quantum Leap.
Cosmic Knight
Paradox is modeled after the artwork originally created for Tagonist Knights Publishing.
How may I help?
On page 283, "What is the nature of your emergency?" is a reference to the holographic doctor on Star Trek: Voyager.
Lexia's Return
The Telectric first appear Lexia's Legacy, during a flashback when she first met Avatar.
Secret Code
Mintz 1949 refers to the birth date of Brent Spiner. For two years he was Brent Mintz, named after his stepfather.
There is no try.
On page 292, Lexia's statement concerning not trying, is a reference to Yoda from Star Wars, "There is do, or do not."
“Of all the lessons that Lexia has taught me, when confronted with a situation where there does not appear to be a positive solution, one must not accept the inevitable. In other words, I refuse to give up and neither should you.” – Parallax
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