As I noted earlier, this tends to be published on an irregular schedule. I’ve tried making promises to do better, but somehow they never seem to work out. This is the glossary I mentioned earlier. I will be adding to it as I find words or phrases that need explaining, especially ones brought to my attention by readers.
––– # –––
Anderson drive – A thrust source that pushes against the “fabric” of space, thus achieving acceleration where the reaction is effectively applied to the entire universe and is unnoticeable. The Anderson drive is the drive used by everything from personal lift units and flyers to interstellars (transluminals) and is a component in blasters. Named for Poul Anderson who described it in his novel Starfarers.
Blaster – A weapon that fires infinitesimal bolts of plasma (mostly cesium oxide, but other elements that ionize easily are also used) at near the speed of light thereby delivering extremely high energy to a concentrated target. It uses Anderson drive technology to accelerate the bolts without noticeable kick. Bolts can be rapidly pulsed to produce a stream effect, but the energy source is depleted rapidly for personal weapons. Some blasters can be adjusted from a fine stream for cutting to a broader and denser pulse to produce an explosive effect or to a dispersed stream to rapidly heat a surface.
Buzz-Off – A pill that neutralizes alcohol in the blood stream without significant side effects. Also available as an implant that only releases the active ingredient when alcohol enters the blood stream (used for problem drinkers).
Flyer – The name applied to flying vehicles primarily used for in atmosphere transportation. To promote operational safety governors such as altitude and speed control and the vehicle identification transponder are built into and sealed in the drive unit. Note that military and law enforcement vehicles are equipped with a built in override for the altitude and speed governors.
Stunner/stun gun – A weapon that delivers a high powered electromagnetic pulse configured to cause a nerve discharge in animals which renders them unconscious. Discharge intensity can be regulated to accommodate different sizes (body masses) and tolerances.
Transluminals – A term used by Jack McDevitt to specify faster than light spacecraft. I believe he coined the term, and I like it.