by A. K. DuBoff
Tararian (Tayr-ayr-ee-an) - Someone from or residing on the planet Tararia.
Tararian Guard - The military and peacekeeping arm of the Taran Empire. The military side is known colloquially as the Guard, and the personnel on the policing side are known as Enforcers.
Tararian Selective Service (TSS) - A quasi-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. TSS Headquarters is located inside the moon of the planet Earth. Additional Militia training facilities are located throughout the Taran worlds and there are numerous TSS bases throughout the Empire. Since the end of the Bakzen War, the TSS has also engaged in more academic pursuits so many Agents can pursue careers related to the sciences rather than being ‘soldiers’.
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 (Try-on) - The lowest tier of TSS Agents. Typically, Trion Agents will score a CR below 5.9.
Priesthood of the Cadicle - The institution formerly responsible for oversight of all governmental affairs and the flow of information throughout the Taran colonies. During its rule until 2050 AD, the Priesthood had jurisdiction over even the High Dynasties and provided a tiebreaking vote on new initiatives. The organization perpetrated many secret experimentations on Taran citizens and was voted out of power by the High Council. All known associates have been arrested or were killed in the fall.
Primus (Pree-mus) - 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.
Primus Elite - A special classification of Agent above Primus signifying an exceptional level of ability.
Vaenetri Dynasty (Vayn-E-tree) - High Dynasty overseeing the First Region of Tararia. The family operates VComm, a corporation specializing in telecommunications.
VComm - A telecommunications corporation owned and operated by the Vaenetri Dynasty.
Voydite - A unique crystalline substance used to make the nanotube casings for PEMs. The Monsari Dynasty holds a complete monopoly on the secret source of the material.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A.K. (Amy) DuBoff has always loved science fiction in all its forms—books, movies, shows, and games. If it involves outer space, even better! She is a Nebula Award finalist and USA Today bestselling author most known for her Cadicle Universe, but she’s also written a variety of space fantasy and comedic sci-fi. Now a full-time author, Amy can frequently be found traveling the world. When she’s not writing, she enjoys wine tasting, binge-watching TV series, and playing epic strategy board games.
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