| Powerful being on UP-Duel, titled the Keeper. She appeared as an aged crone, though whether or not this was her true appearance is unguessable. Together with Sinofar, she controlled the Power, the weapon that ended a thousand years of war. Openly excited by Travis" ruthlessness and aggression, she interfered with the Duel arranged by Sinofar, almost leading to Blake's death. Like Sinofar, she "didn't ask to be chosen", but appeared to resent her situation more. Her relationship with Sinofar was an uneasy one - as Sinofar said to her at the end, "You keep us prisoners". | |
Dr A.J. Globbs" name was seen on Renor Leesal's medical record.
The Charl of the Tents of Goth, who had conspired with his brother, Rod, to have his father imprisoned. Gola then seized the throne and expelled Rod. At some point he had suffered head injuries and was healed by the cybersurgeon Lurgen during his stay on the planet. Gola intended to take Jenna as his wife (or "pair bond"), despite the reservations voiced by his sister Tara. He also had Vila instated as his fool, but later had him thrown into the dungeons. After defeating Rod in single combat, Gola was poisoned by Tara, who took the throne for herself.
Keiller noted that gold had been virtually mined out everywhere except on Zerok, where it was relatively abundant. It was bought by many people, including the Federation who used it as currency in fringe deals with "frontier planets lacking computer link-up". Gold was ferried from Zerok to Earth on the pleasure cruiser Space Princess, albeit listed as a consignment of fruit. At the mine on Zerok it was rendered temporarily worthless by a computer-coded process as an additional security measure.
A gong was sounded in the church on Cygnus Alpha as Vargas prepared to sacrifice Gan.
Derogatory epithet, used by the space rats in reference to Dayna and Vila. Originally used by U.S. military personnel, referring to the people of South-East Asia.
A neutral planet which Blake visited in search of Lurgen. The atmosphere was toxic: Jenna observed that prolonged exposure would "rot your lungs eventually", suggesting that sulphur dioxide was present and Jenna did specifically mentioned sulphur. The population lived largely underground, although trees were plentiful on the surface. Rats were seen underground. Docholli described the people of Goth as "a crude lot", and the technology there was unsophisticated. Weapons included swords and spears, although the crossbows used by many warriors fired bolts that exploded on impact. "We are a warrior people," said Gola at one point, a statement difficult to deny. Goth was ruled by a king or Charl, probably inherited through the male line (though Tara appeared to assume rule once both her brothers were dead).
The planet was visited by Blake, Jenna and Vila. Servalan and Travis had arrived some days sooner. Named Goths were the royal family: Gola, Rod and Tara. Tara passingly mentioned the "Lost Time", possibly implying early colonisation from Earth, but no meaningful details were given.
Tok, the proxy bidder on Domo, took bids for Avon from Natratof of Gourimpest. Gourimpest may have been a planet, city, race etc - exactly what was never specified.
Various references suggest that Federation society was stratified into four or more grades: Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta. Blake was an Alpha, and Vila claimed to have grown up in the "Delta service grades". Coser was a Beta class/Beta grade technician (both terms were used). No-one was ever stated to be Gamma.
Other references are based on occupation, probably independent of a social stratification system. Rashel was a labour grade slave (specifically, a bond slave), and she also spoke of the "free grades". Councillor Joban mentioned labour grades. Jarvik had resigned his captaincy to join the construction grades, and he later referred to troopers as the security grades.
If nothing else, it would seem that Federation society was distinctly grade conscious.
| Sarkoff owned a gramophone, on which he played Tommy Steele's Singing the Blues and Kathleen Ferrier's Blow the Wind Southerly. |  |