Dawn of the Courtezan: Phase 01 (The Eighteenth Shadow)

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Dawn of the Courtezan: Phase 01 (The Eighteenth Shadow) Page 17

by Grafton, Jon Lee


  2) 2.5d: A quasi three dimensional hologram, often paired with a tactile interface on a mobile device such as a holotab. Also used in office monitor applications where a full three dimensional projection is not required.

  2A) Adler Code: The computer programming language developed by Marvin Adler at Darkpool Laboratories, first installed in the Coyote Pack.

  4) AK9MIL DOGS unit: Heavily armored, weaponized fusion powered cyborgs typically the size of a large limousine hovcar. Used only in military applications. These units are not encased in BIOSKIN©.

  5) AK9CIV DOGS unit: Fusion powered cyborgs typically the size of the cloned animal template. The law enforcement canine template is a full size working breed animal, such as a German Shepherd, Rottweiler or Doberman Pinscher. These cyborgs are encased in BIOSKIN© and are visually indistinguishable from their organic counterparts.

  6) Alcovap: Nanosensor designed to detect particles of airborne ethanol disseminated by breathing after one has been drinking alcohol.

  7) Amendment 31: This amendment to the NAUS Constitution banned the non-military use of all carbon based fuels.

  8) Amendment 32: This amendment to the NAUS Constitution (commonly referred to as the “Cage Free Law”) banned Federal agricultural subsidies for ranchers producing commercially processed meat or dairy products.

  9) Amendment 33: This “progressive prohibition” amendment to the NAUS Constitution bans the use of alcohol for all purposes except government research.

  10) Amendment 46: This amendment to the NAUS Constitution requires that all fusion powered cyborgs contain self-destructing code sequences in their operating systems.

  11) Amendment 222: This amendment to the NAUS Constitution requires all military and civilian fusion based cyborgs to be constrained to canine biomorphology. Oversize military grade cyborgs are not permitted a BIOSKIN© wrap.

  13) Antique: Refers to any North American cultural practice that claims its roots in the 20th century or before; Eg., unregistered guns, hand rolling cigarettes, gasoline powered vehicles, rubber tires, music composed and played with actual instruments versus telepathic DJ’ing or AI based compositions.

  15) Architect, The: The reclusive sociopolitical engineer responsible for catalyzing The Progressive Revolution of 2041 and penning the 12 Steps to Vision which ultimately led to the passage of NAUS Constitutional Amendment 33. DEA and EPA oversight are placed under jurisdiction of The Office of the Architect which was founded in 2056.

  17) Autostream: Automated external communication by a computer or drone.

  17A) Battborgs: Non-fusion, cybernetic life form powered by conventional CATS batteries. Includes law enforcement CIV units such as RIOT and MARX borgs.

  18) Behavioral Modification Facility: A hospital, or division within a hospital, which is dedicated to the treatment of alcohol addiction through a combination of group therapy and cultural reeducation (see Bmod).

  18A) Betties: Slang term for young women; eg., “…those betties sure love to play Frisbee.”

  18B) BIODRIVE©: A Lenexa, KS based technology corporation considered to be an economic anchor in the Graphene Prairie region. Established in 2041, BIODRIVE© is responsible for the invention of the Human Biosync Processing Drive.

  18C) BioPex: Flexible, virtually indestructible, biologically adaptive plumbing utilized in exterior industrial applications.

  18D) BIOSKIN©: The living, self regenerating dermal bridge that covers a cybernetic skeletal chassis and genetically mimics the bone, skin and hair of the living animal cloned for base design. Originally created in 2053 by Dr. Marvin Adler and Dr. Sam Goldstein of Darkpool Laboratories.

  19) Blended: Slang term for being intoxicated on marijuana.

  20) Blendies: Slang term for hand rolled (see antique) cigarettes – ½ tobacco ½ jane.

  25) Bmod: Commonly used abbreviation for Behavioral Modification. Bmod psychiatric hospitals service the 30 day drug treatment regimens required by the NAUS government for citizens arrested in possession of alcohol.

  26) Boozebum: Derogatory slang term for an alcoholic or someone who drinks alcohol on a regular basis.

  26A) Borgs: Slang term for any cybernetic/animatronic life form.

  27) Camodrone: Aerial, cybernetic observation drones camouflaged as large domestic birds such as geese, owls, eagles or cranes.

  28) CannabiGene©: The largest government subsidized marijuana producer in The North American Union. Purple Tree Farms is a CannabiGene© subsidiary.

  29) CATS: Clark (cell) Alkaline Traction (battery) System; most common wireless rechargeable power source for civilian cybernetic life forms, both canine (Fido) and feline (Felix) form factors. CSF 1.0 – 2.0. See battborgs.

  30) Centibots: A first release version of closed circuit, robotic millipedes with a one week life cycle. Invented in 2076, first made available to law enforcement in 2082; designed to burrow and detect seismic activity, moisture levels (HLIR) in soil and temporal (fusion) activity.

  30A) Chassis: The cyborg skeleton, either composed of plastic polymers in Fidos and Felixes, or titanalum in the case of military grade cyborgs.

  31) CIVborg: Stronger, faster, more powerful battery powered cyborgs used by civilian law enforcement agencies.

  32) CNED: Community Narcotics Enforcement Division; a government subsidized citizens’ organization that encourages the reporting and arrest of people who are using alcohol, in exchange for a financial commission. CNED membership is a two tiered system. The majority of its membership base falls in the first tier, an all volunteer force. About five percent of CNED members fall into the second tier, that of salaried agents who function either as full time hunters or as educators for new members. CNED works in affiliation with local police and law enforcement groups, though they technically have no more authority than an average citizen to arrest or detain another person. CNED is the driving force behind the slaughterhouse industry (see slaughterhouse or Bmod).

  33) COD: Citizen Observation Drone: The most prevalent form of security drone utilized in all North American United States cities.

  34) Combud: Subdermal, surgically implanted communications relay and personal computing network interface device. See earpad.

  35) Comdot: A small silver disc the size of an antique nickel which is worn in front of the earlobe on the upper jaw bone. The device is removable but when activated functions identically to a combud minus the thought control interface.

  36) Compassionate Reforms Division of the IRS: A healthcare grant system which subsidizes Bmod hospital expenses for citizens who cannot afford to pay for the treatment out of pocket. The cost is deferred in the form of back taxes which accrue at a fixed interest rate.

  37) Courtezan: Little known group of humans who have developed the ability to project their thoughts into other peoples’ minds; an evolutionary adaptation that can manifest anytime from adolescence into the early 20’s.

  38) CSF: Cyborg Strength Factor; cyborg physical capability in comparison to muscular strength and gallop (or flying) speed of template animal upon which the animal’s morphology is based. CSF ratings are typically measured on a common 1 – 10 hierarchical scale.

  39) DEA: Drug Enforcement Administration

  40) Dermaprix: Instantaneous, non-invasive cellular tissue analyzer used by law enforcement and Bmod hospital staff to determine the current level of THC (marijuana) in a citizen’s bloodstream. Only used for individuals who do not have a combud installed.

  40A) Digidollars: The digital currency of the North American United States Union, expressed as D$100. Contextually equivalent to the antique dollar.

  40B) Dixie: A derogatory slang term, especially popular among CNED agents, which implies weakness. A reference to the Mason-Dixon line during the antique American Civil War.

  41) DOGS: D.ubnium O.xygen G.ravotemporal S.ystem (units): this acronym technically describes the chemical and scientific components required to create a stable fusion reaction, however today it is more commonly associated with cybernetic life forms
powered by nuclear fusion versus a battery (see Amendment 222 and/or CATS). Accordingly, DOGS units are the most advanced fusion powered cybernetic lifeforms in the NAUS. DOGS units are divided into civilian grade (CIV) models, which are normally wrapped in BIOSKIN© and look exactly like a regular canine, and military grade (MIL) models which are the size of a hovcar. MIL units are not wrapped in BIOSKIN©. Given the complexity and expense of stabilizing a fusion reactor of any size, and with the advent of more advanced solar battery systems, DOGS units are increasingly rare. In the last decades of the 21st century, they are exclusively used by the military in combat applications. CIV unit CSF 6.0 – 8.0. MIL unit CSF 8.0 – 10.0+ (exponential proportions).

  42) E-joint: An electronic joint nearly identical in design to an electronic cigarette, except the active chemical ingredient is liquid THC (marijuana) instead of liquid nicotine.

  43) Earpad: Slang for an internal HBPD communications and identification device surgically implanted in the majority of NAUS citizens at adolescence. See combud.

  44) FCAPA: Federal Citizens Alcohol Protection Act (33rd amendment).

  45) FCC: Federal Cyborg Commission.

  46) Felix: Common 21st Century North American vernacular for a battery powered cyborg (see battborg or CATS) based on any standard breed variant of the feline house cat; eg., American Tabby-Felix, Siamese-Felix, Burmese-Felix, Persian Gray-Felix, etc.

  47) Fido: Common 21st Century North American vernacular for a battery powered cyborg (see battborg or CATS) based on any standard breed variant of the domesticated canine; eg., Yellow Labrador-Fido, Chihuahua-Fido, Beagle-Fido, Jack Russell Terrier-Fido, etc.

  48) FR Cameras: Facial Recognition cameras (either stationary or installed in a COD) networked by a single citizen database, which is hierarchically accessible by various law enforcement agencies, local, state, and Federal; a division of the Interpol FR Imaging Network.

  49) FUI: Floating Under the Influence; A misdemeanor criminal charge for operating a hovercraft while impaired by marijuana. FUI’s remain a common societal infraction despite the widespread availability of autopilot systems on even the most rudimentary hovercraft.

  50) Ganjacoffee (janecoffee): A 12oz canned beverage containing the equivalent THC content of a single vapor joint and the caffeine content of two shots of espresso.

  51) GEODRONE©: A privately held data exchange corporation responsible for controlling the placement of all NAUS drone traffic, whether human piloted or automated.

  52) GM: Genetically Modified.

  53) Govcloud: A free online data storage solution provided by the North American United States Federal Government to all registered citizens via the Govstream, aka: the stream.

  53A) Graphene: A thin, flexible layer of pure carbon atoms that are bonded together in a hexagonal honeycomb lattice. Graphene is often used as a motherboard construct for quantum computing micro-mainframes such as those found in a DOGS unit or other advanced cyborg.

  54) Gravotemporal: Refers to the scientific means by which a fusion reaction is stabilized at the molecular level in a wormhole continuum.

  55) HBPD: Human Biosync Processing Drive (subdermal “earpad” or “combud”); “always on” micro-computer integrated into the temporal bone typically at the time of birth unless parents file a written request otherwise. All hardware is owned and operated by BIODRIVE© in association with the Food and Drug Administration of the North American United States Federal Government.

  56) HLIR Camera: Hydro Looking InfraRed; Heat sensitive cameras capable of detecting the kinetic friction created by moving water which trips a kinesis alarm.

  57) Holodata: High density digital information transmitted across a holographic based medium.

  58) Holoflage: Electronically projected light camouflage, either cloaking an individual (human, robotic, cybernetic) or a fixed structure such as a building, window or cybernetic vidorb. The most advanced holoflage systems are tactile enhanced.

  58A) Holoflix: Movies projected in standard three dimensional (or 2.5 dimensional) format across the holostream.

  58B) Hologames: Holographic video games.

  58C) Holography: Three dimensional, holographic still image production (vs. two dimensional photography)

  60) Hololicenses: Holographic permits of any nature broadcast by an individual’s holotab; building permits, floater’s licenses, hovercraft registration, proof of insurance, cyborg service date records, etc.

  65) Holoprojector: Any holographic image projector.

  66) Holoscreen: A computer monitor. Typically displays information as a 2.5 dimensional, high resolution hologram.

  67) Holostream: Also called the Govstream; a vast, worldwide cloud based computing system linking smaller computer networks, including applications, two dimensional and holographic sites for personal, government, educational and commercial use. In the North American United States, holostream access is provided free of charge to all registered citizens.

  68) Holotab (slang term; tablet/phablet/phone): Hand held computer interface tablet ranging in screen size from 10 – 25 cm capable of all rudimentary communication and computer functions as well as the ability to display 2.5d static holographic displays. More advanced devices are capable of projecting full three dimensional and tactile holograms. Holotabs are typically interfaced with combuds or are augmented by a private cloud computer with which the device is networked.

  69) Holovision: Basis for all modern home entertainment consoles, capable of operating as a music server, holoflix projector, communications uplink and basic computer workstation.

  70) Holozine: Magazine represented as a hologram. Requires a holotab equipped with a broadband data receiver.

  71) Hovcar: Standard civilian passenger hovercraft which surpassed the automobile as the primary form of NAUS transportation in 2054.

  71A) Hovlev: The NAUS Magnetic Hovway Reapplication System integrated a charged, magnetic conduit system beneath all public roads to provide automated vertical hovercraft thrust. The [hovlev] gradient or traction affects only the degree to which autopilot features are utilized. A hovcar on full autopilot would use a hovlev gradient of ten [10]. A hovcar being floated manually would use a hovlev gradient of zero [0]. The system was fully completed in 2059.

  72) Hovshuttle: Or hovbus, public transit vehicle.

  73) Hovstop: Mass transit pick up and drop off site featuring holostream access, clean drinking water and bathroom facilities in most municipalities.

  74) Hovway: Transit corridors for all hovcar, hovbike and hovtruck vehicles, usually with a terrestrial bike lane as well. Hovways are composed of polymeric asphalt or plasticized cement and follow the long established routes of existing terrestrial roadways.

  75) Humdroid: NAUS slang for people who emerge from SAMCL surgery and wander through life in a robotic, highly structured existence thereafter. Most often associated with employment or affiliation with the civilian Community Narcotics Enforcement Division (see CNED).

  76) HUD: Heads Up Display of data projected via 2.5d hologram.

  78) Hypatia 5: A sprawling, multi-domed, NAUS penal colony on the lunar surface where the most hardened criminals are sent to serve their sentences working in the mineral mines. H5 is also the repository for post-slaughterhouse patients who are unable to reintegrate into society, yet do not seek euthanasia as a viable alternative. These individuals must accordingly repay their debts to society via forced labor.

  78A) Hypersense: A long distance scanning array specifically designed to detect the kinetic ripples in time caused by the micro-wormhole at the center of a fusion reactor.

  78B) Indica: The strain of marijuana typically associated with sedation, relaxation and full sensory body effects. This strain is typically the chemical base for janebeers and other popularized beverages designed to mimic the relaxing effects of alcohol.

  79) IR (mode): Independent Recognition mode allows DOGS units to operate of their own free will, mimicking the psychological profile of an organic dog or cat. Can also refer
to infrared scan frequencies on HUD enabled com devices.

  80) ISS: International Space Station.

  81) Jane: NAUS slang term for marijuana.

  82) Janebev: Examples are janetea/janebeer/janewine (ganjatea/ganjabeer/ganjawine); These are popularized beverages sold to citizens 21 years of age or older which contain varying amounts of THC (marijuana). The development of these beverages was instrumental in the success of passing the 33rd amendment and/or Prohibition II as they were chemically engineered to mimic the taste(s) of a broad range of fermented beverages, including wine and beer.

  83) Javaball: (slang; j-ball); A potent coffee bar beverage typically served hot that contains two shots of espresso and 1,000 mg of liquid THC.

  84) Kinesis alarm: An computerized alert sounded when the motion of liquid within a contained space is detected. Normally used by CNED, DEA and police to discover hidden stashes of alcohol within a moving hovcar or hovtruck.

  85) Kleendroyd©: Manufacturers of commercial and household janitorial robots.

  86) KU: The University of Kansas

  87) Leaf: Nickname for marijuana popularized by hemp farmers in Kansas and Nebraska in the mid 21st century.

  89) Leafstamps: Government subsidized vouchers for personal marijuana purchases; generally provided in conjunction with food “stamps”. The stamp is actually a digital voucher uploaded to a citizen’s combud system and/or holotab.

  90) Levfans: Levitational “float” fans on all hovcraft responsible for maintaining vertical hover; typically suspension mounted to minimize any bumps or irregularities in the hovroad surface.

  91) Levtrain: A high speed, magnetically levitated mass transport system.

  91A) LPD: Lawrence Police Department.

  91B) Lunar Accord: A 2073 UN treaty permitting the use of android labor and cyborg experimentation in the lunar mining colonies. Conversely, the accord banned sentient AI’s utilizing a human form factor anywhere on Terra, primarily to protect the human based labor economy. Humanoid labor robots are permitted and mainstreamed by this legislation.

 

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