Andalite Taking Deep Breath Before Talking

[Tim Bruening]

Page 135 of paperback "The Decision": Ax takes a deep breath before telling Andalite commander Galuit that Captain Samilin of the Ascalin was a traitor.  However, Ax uses thought speech.  Why would he need to take a deep breath before engaging in thought speech?  After all, thought speech doesn't require air.

[redtailedsaffa]

KASU?

Jeez, man, you notice a lot.

[Sorunome]

Maybe it is meant metaphoric

[Cloak]

I disagree, Saffa. People don't just take deep breaths just to use spoken words. It can be used to steady oneself before saying something unpleasant. Or to release stress slightly. Or a variety of other reasons my sleep-deprived brain can't think of right now.

[redtailedsaffa]

Sor can be right; maybe it was meant metaphorically.

[Aluminator (Kit)]

I'm with Cloaky on this one. You know how, sometimes, if you're trying to calm your nerves, you take a few deep breaths? Because it increases oxygen in your system and helps allay some of the feelings of panic? There's no reason to assume this wouldn't also work with Andalites. The way I read that one, it was literal, with a slightly deeper meaning of Ax steeling himself for what he was about to say. It makes sense to me. Just because Andalites don't require a breath in to speak doesn't mean breathing doesn't affect them in other ways.

[Kitulean]

Indeed, breathing deep is often used to calm yourself, as well as increase the oxygen to your brain to let you think more clearly. It makes sense in plenty of ways that don't involve speaking.