by Amy DuBoff
Initiate - The second stage of the TSS training program for Agents. A trainee will typically remain at the Initiate stage for two or three years.
Jump Drive - The engine system for travel through subspace. Conventional jump drives require an interface with the SiNavTech navigation system and subspace navigation beacons.
Junior Agent - The third stage of the TSS training program for Agents. A trainee will typically remain at the Junior Agent stage for three to five years.
Lead Agent - The highest ranking Agent and second in command to the High Commander. The Lead Agent is responsible for overseeing the Agent training program and frequently serves as a liaison for TSS business with Taran colonies.
Lower Dynasties - There are 247 recognized Lower Dynasties in Taran society. Many of these families have a presence on Tararia, but some are residents of the other inner colonies.
Sacon - The middle tier of TSS Agents. Typically, Sacon Agents will score a CR between 6 and 7.9.
Tarans - The general term for all individuals with genetic relation to Tararian ancestry. Several divergent races are recognized by their planet or system.
Tararia - The home planet for the Taran race and seat of the central government.
Tararian Selective Service (TSS) - A military organization with two divisions: (1) Agent Class, and (2) Militia Class. Agents possess telekinetic and telepathic abilities; the TSS is the only place where individuals with such gifts can gain official training. The Militia class offers a formal training program for those without telekinetic abilities, providing tactical and administrative support to Agents. The Headquarters is located inside the moon of the planet Earth. Additional Militia training facilities are located throughout the Taran colonies.
Trainee - The generic term for a student of the TSS, and also the term for first year Agent students(when capitalized Trainee). Students are not fully “initiated” into the TSS until their second year.
Trion - The lowest tier of TSS Agents. Typically, Trion Agents will score a CR below 5.9.
Priesthood of the Cadicle - A formerly theological institution responsible for oversight of all governmental affairs and the flow of information throughout the Taran colonies. The Priesthood has jurisdiction over even the High Dynasties and provides a tiebreaking vote on new initiatives proposed by the High Dynasty oligarchy.
Primus - The highest of three Agent classes within the TSS, reserved for those with the strongest telekinetic abilities. Typically, Primus Agents will score a CR above 8.
About the Author
Amy has always loved science fiction—books, movies, shows and games. After devouring some of the classics like Dune and Ender’s Game in her tween years, she began writing short stories.
In the ensuing years, Amy attended the Vancouver School of Arts and Academics in Vancouver, Washington, where she studied creative writing. She eventually became a Psychology major at Portland State University, but also pursued a minor in Professional Writing. After graduating, she stumbled into a career as a proposal manager.
Amy currently lives in Portland, Oregon. When she’s not writing, she enjoys travel, wine tasting, binge-watching TV series and playing epic strategy board games.