Pandion (Genera #1)

Glossary

AEM the Anti-Empath Movement. A disgruntled group of people who have strong opinions about another group of people they hardly know but resent, probably because they have too much time on their hands and need someone to blame for whatever is wrong with their own lives.

AME , a subtype of DEFD with clinical deficiencies in Attention, Motivation and Emotional regulation

BCI , Brain–Computer Interface, a direct communication pathway between the brain and an external device, in this case usually a computer.

BtI, Brain to Interface

Dampening , the act of muffling or stifling the link (the connection between two organisms). Alternatively, wetting a piece of terry cloth until it’s thoroughly moist and dripping, then wringing and dabbing the link when it’s feeling a bit parched.

DEFD , Developmental Executive Function Disorder. This is not a real DSM-5 diagnosis, but used as a fictional umbrella term for impairment in executive functions.

Empath , a person who has undergone organism implantation, passed the mandatory training and has a valid licence to work as an empath. The job descriptions vary, but many of them utilise the empathic link the organisms facilitate between two empaths. The organism can also act as a bridge between the human brain and the BCI, so some jobs do not require linking up. However, most empaths choose to pair up early on to cultivate a better link, potentially enjoy better job benefits and to keep their options open. As the organism’s development is severely stunted if it’s not connected to another organism, the capabilities of individual unlinked empaths can be very limited.

When the term ‘empath’ was first coined, the organisms were thought to only be picking up or reading each others’ emotional states. Later research showed that they were capable of a whole range of empathic/telepathic communication, but that some of these capabilities were either diminished or improved upon implantation. The exchange of emotions remained one of the easiest abilities for humans to access. Even so, there were a few proposals to change the name, but because it would have required an expensive overhaul of all of the official instances where it’s used, the proposals were eventually scrapped.

The EA / The Empaths’ Association , an association regulating and governing the empaths, also in charge of things like banking, employment and unemployment benefits.

JufO , Justice for the Organism. A fantastic club for the activist types, who enjoy screaming, raving and doing some really rather despicable things for a cause, regardless of what that is, so long as they can polish their halo and look cool while doing it. Suitable for people who don’t like big words or boring stuff like science, and can ignore any nasty little details that might prove them wrong or challenge their worldviews.

Katsu sandwich (katsu sando), a Japanese pork cutlet sandwich.

Katsudon , a Japanese dish. A bowl of rice topped with a deep-fried breaded pork cutlet, egg, vegetables and condiments.

Konbini , a Japanese convenience store.

Link , the primarily empathic connection between two implanted organisms or colloquially the person one is connected to via said link.

Link transcript , a transcript of people a given empath has been linked to.

Mochi , Japanese soft, round rice cakes.

Osprey , Pandion haliaetus , a bird of prey. A model of a port extension, used to connect to the BCI.

Pandion , a genus of birds of prey, with only one extant species, the ospreys.

Port , an access point at the back of the head where the organism is connected to tech.

Projecting , literally purposely projecting one’s own emotional or mental state or inner dialogue through the link. When done right, this can at least partially override the receiving person’s own mental state or perception of sensory input. The degree of success depends on the developmental and skill levels of the organisms and the empaths involved, especially at the sending end, as well as the willingness of the recipient. This is a relatively difficult skill to master beyond just sending bits of inner dialogue.

SAI , Stand Against Invasion, an organisation primarily concerned about the possibility of an alien invasion after watching a few too many alien invasion films. They probably accept tin-foil hats as a valid choice of apparel.

Senpai , an honorific term/suffix used by juniors in educational institutions for their seniors.

Sensei , an honorific term/suffix used for teachers, professors, doctors, authors etc.

Shinkansen, the , the Japanese bullet train

Sokutai , a traditional Japanese outfit with several layers, worn by courtiers, aristocrats and the emperor at the Japanese imperial court.

Tōgarashi , Capsicum annuum , a spicy red pepper, a common spicy flavour in Japanese snacks.

Wasabi , Eutrema japonicum or Wasabia japonica , Japanese horseradish. It is similar in taste to hot mustard or horseradish.

Yaki Udon , Japanese stir fried noodles tossed in a savoury sauce.