Faster-Than-Light (FTL) Travel

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While humanity developed its own powerful engines to take them to the edge of the Solar System, their current mode of interstellar transport incorporates technology from another galaxy and species altogether. Discovered embedded in an asteroid in the 22nd century, human scavengers removed the wreckage from the icy rock, and engineers proceeded to derive the plans for a faster-than-light propulsion system from these parts. FTL, or warp drives, are now commonly installed on private vessels and are standard equipment on all ADF Fleet ships, allowing for quick military response times and the ability to explore far regions. Interplanetary travel takes a matter of days rather than years. Ongoing research continues to push the limits of this travel; scientists hope to one day progress from accelerated speed to instantaneous jump drives.

Robotics & Artificial Intelligence

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Androids and service robots have been commonplace in daily life since the 23rd Century, though their numbers declined during the great migration due to transport limitations. Most robots are primitive in design and function, performing menial labor or tasks that would otherwise be dangerous for humans, such as manufacturing or maintenance. Private ownership is typically limited to the wealthy, who can afford the costs of upkeep and licensing fees. Robots can range in size and appearance, from small household cleaners, to flying surveillance drones, to welding bots in shipyards, to large heavy weapons combat mechs, to incredibly human-like companion androids. The latter is the most restricted, due to ethical and practical concerns in regarding potential sentience and civil rights. However, it's a known secret that some are put to use in the red light district on Antillia.

While advanced programming and personality imprinting is permissable, any research project that falls under "Artificial Intelligence" is highly restricted in the Alliance. Only a few corporations have been authorized to conduct research in the field. Independent developers must be very cautious, and very clever, to avoid detection, as all assets will be locked down and seized. Unauthorized A.I. creation is a felony crime. Unlike humans, a synthetic consciousness can exist in multiple places at once and conduct multiple tasks simultaneously without any difficulty, and can be downloaded into physical bodies or projected as holographs.

advancements

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As of the 27th century, the average natural human lifespan has been extended to a minimum of 120 YEARS OF AGE. Physical maturation occurs at the same rate, though the social bracket for middle age and senior status has been shifted slightly upwards to compensate.

Among the many advancements made over the last few centuries, MEDI-GEL has been essential in preserving lives during emergencies. The topically applied ointment seals and sterilizes open wounds, acts as a superficial analgesic, and stimulates immediate tissue regrowth. Although it is not a remedy for deep tissue injury, medigel can sustain the injured until proper medical treatment is available. Surgery and physical therapy are still necessary to the recovery process.

While many of Earth's deadliest diseases have been cured or reversed, the solution to the common cold remains elusive. Worse yet, exposure to new environments and foreign organisms has led to the discovery of new virus strains, as well as congenital disorders. Although Alliance biochemists are quick to develop remedies, inoculation and vaccinations are not always widely available to colonies further out in the system or beyond the gate, and unrestricted space travel makes outbreaks difficult to contain.

Despite the ethical controversy surrounding eugenics, it is perfectly legal, albeit expensive, to conceive genetically modified children. These 'selected' individuals are not uncommon among upper class citizens, putting them in the position of being doubly privileged, though genetic segregation and discrimination is strictly prohibited by law, and human cloning is still considered a violation of medical ethics.

cybernetic augmentations

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While medical facilities are capable of rapidly growing replacement organs and other tissues, it is still incredibly common to replace entire body parts with artificial devices. CYBERNETIC PROSTHESES are more realistic than ever, with all the advantages of being inorganic. Constructed from ultralight alloys, they are more durable and powerful than bone and muscle tissue. Sensors embedded into the synthetic tissue sheath are hardwired into to the brain's somatosensory nervous system, allowing for precise motor control and simulated tactile perception.

Most cybernetics are installed on amputees for whom the procedure is vital to their health or lifestyle, but some transhumanist individuals choose to alter or enhance themselves with body mods, ranging from the cosmetic to functional.

Although cybernetic enhancements are not restricted, they don't come cheap. Extensive surgical procedures make installation and maintenance costly. Urgent or emergency cases will often receive financial subsidizing, but elective alterations must be paid for in full by the recipient. Upgrades are also excluded from standard health care, which is how manufacturers make their profit. This exclusivity has generated a demand for parts and programming on the black market, though it is risky to seek outside servicing.

definition + origin

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NEUROGENIC - noun - a human born with a rare genetic mutation that grants them extensive psychokinetic, telepathic, and other preternatural abilities. The most common manifestation is the ability to manipulate and control the physics of an object and their surroundings through thought (AKA telekinesis), allowing the individual to manipulate objects, as well as create barriers around themselves. Others can read minds, detect emotions, enhance their senses, and have precognitive visions. Usage of these powers puts a physical strain on the human body, ranging from mild fatigue to debilitating migraines, seizures, or even fatality. However, these limitations can be gradually extended through rigorous training and experience. (Compare to: Force users in Star Wars, biotics in Mass Effect. Questions about specific abilities should be sent to our dropbox.)

First seen in the population of second generation settlers, this mutation was attributed to exposure to elements native to the Penglai system that were improperly terraformed. Documentation of this early research has been made classified by the Alliance; allegations of abuse in experimentation were made, but swiftly denied by project leaders. Anyone who displays the genetic markers for the trait at birth must be placed on the official registry. Ostensibly, this is for the protection of the neurogenic individual, so they cannot accidentally hurt themselves or others. Ultimately, it is measure of public safety to keep track of any potentially dangerous individuals. However, not all who display the marker are guaranteed to manifest the full powers of a neuro (and some may never have any abilities) - though all those who develop abilities have the gene from birth.

Having two parents with the N-gene increases the risk of offspring inheriting the trait, but sometimes the mutation appears at random in an individual. Scientists have been able to replicate the mutation and successfully inserted it into the genetic code of “bred” individuals, turning natural evolution into a trait that can be bought, though they were once considered less potent than those who naturally evolved. Neurogenics are still highly uncommon, with a 1 in 1000 chance of possessing the marker and slimmer rate of developing any abilities, though they do not face as much social stigma as they once did and it is illegal to discriminate.