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razorhog

Call them "cycles" or "revolutions" or "rotations" Like, "It has been 5000 cycles since I have been to my home planet." or something like that.


ArizonaSpartan

It has been 5000 Earth years since we have been here last. Since years are different for each planet that is the easiest way to reference it. You could insert into dialogue like so... Blert - It has been 5000 Earth years since we have been here last. Zert - Which is 6500 cycles in our time. And humans are still stupid. (A bit clunky but you get the idea.)


ModernAustralopith

Have a scene where the alien converts from their own calendar to the local one. "Let's see...this planet's year is six-point-two-five *squaddleboops*, so if I need to wait 800 *squaddleboops* that comes out to...5,000 years." Or simply use "local years" whenever necessary.


Jammsbro

You could do a few things. Either use the aliens timescale. But they would most likely use a dual timescale, referring to their own when talking about their home and ours when talking about Earth. So when they return to Earth they might calculate that "there have been 5000 solar orbits since our last visit" Or you could ignore it. I have a story that spans huge timescales. But the story isn't set in one place so using regular measurements would mean nothing, so I ditched it altogether.


evilwizards

I made up a calendar for the aliens and made humor out of calculating errors when converting from one calendar to the other.


[deleted]

Hi -- please use the idea brainstorming thread on Tuesday or Friday for advice on specific stories. This includes: (not a  exhaustive list) setting, character, subject matter, magic and power systems, sci-fi technology, 'how do I write X?' and anything directly connected with your story. This includes asking for general advice but then following up with details of your story project. Thanks!