attributed to D Cavalieri and W Chang
© J M Pett 2025
S
Scania; n. three-planet system on the outskirts of the Alpha Quadrant, comprising Skøne (generally called Scania), Brahe, and Krone, designated SCA A, B and C. Settled by descendants of the Hope XIV (Scandinavian origin). Community governance system on all three planets. Some exports of niche products to nearby systems. Noted for sporting prowess in ice sports and throwing events. Reliable long-distance galactic trading ships. (Cavalieri-Chang Modern Universal Word Usage, 2824 edition)
self-sufficiency; n. many planets claim they are self-sufficient before joining the Imperium (or indeed the Federation) but most have had inter-stellar trade for years. Without that link with the more connected world, who is going to care whether they stay independent, however self-sufficient they think they are? (Cavalieri-Chang Modern Universal Word Usage, 2824 edition)
Senate; Senators, n. The governing house of the Imperium, which manages all regulatory and policy matters, is the Senate, based on Nusa Dusa (Terzan E). Each member planet is entitled to send one official Senator to represent it. There are also sixteen permanent Senators elected by and representing the Inner Board. (Cavalieri-Chang, Modern Universal Word Usage, 2822 edition)
shuttle; n. ubiquitous ground-based flying craft. Most used for high-orbital transit, also suitable for intrasystem spaceflight. Space shuttles are a hybrid of ground shuttles and spaceships. Most retain the concept of cockpit and rear cabin, and may have windows, an anachronism at warp speed (max. warp 5). (Cavalieri-Chang Modern Universal Word Usage, 2824 edition)
Sleeve, The, n. The colloquial name for singularity XSC 147, near to the planet Maturia in the Maturian system. Stable wormhole (AG-TS) that runs between that point and the Gamma quadrant item G734-2, space station Magna Lepus. An Imperium Space Station buoys each point and controls entry to minimise the risk of collisions. (Cavalieri-Chang, Modern Universal Word Usage, 2822 edition)
space communications (spacecomms); n. until the advent of orichalcum nodes, spaceships could only connect with the network when close to a beacon, waystation or planetary system, and travelling in normal space. Orichalcum nodes enabled instantaneous communication. Some traders and independent travellers still use archaic radio to communicate with other receivers in range, but the uses are limited. (Cavalieri-Chang Modern Universal Word Usage 2824 edition)
space gravity, n. In space flight, gravitational effects are slight until close to a massive body. Most entities maintain their body strength through artificial gravity, a normal inclusion in spacecraft construction. Standard space gravity setting is 1 G equal to 32 ms^-2, but may be altered according to the preferences of the captain. (Cavalieri-Chang, Modern Universal Word Usage, 2822 edition)
space rations; n. highly nutritious tablet-form food, ingeniously developed by the Imperium’s agronomists in response to the problem of long-distance travel. Whether nibbled as a cookie, or dissolved in water and heated, it provides a palatable and balanced diet. It is impervious to space radiation and has a life expectancy of at least ten years. (Cavalieri-Chang Modern Universal Word Usage, 2824 edition)
space station, n. space stations may be either in synchronous orbit around a planet, or at a fixed location in deep space. The latter are usually strategic waypoints, and may monitor space objects like singularities. The facilities available to travellers vary. Orbiting space stations are usually parking and service areas for space craft of all shapes and sizes, and may provide groundside-type facilities and/or transfers to the surface for visitors. (Cavalieri-Chang, Modern Universal Word Usage, 2822 edition)
spaghettification, n. a term coined in the early work on the ‘impossibility’ of faster-than-light space travel at the start of the third millennium (rediscovered four centuries ago) for the stretching, extruding, deformation of matter due to incremental effects of quantum acceleration through a wormhole. Artificial wormholes automatically minimise the effect, reducing it to ‘that sinking feeling’ that puts many people off space travel altogether. (Cavalieri-Chang, Modern Universal Word Usage, 2822 edition)
Standard; n. the principal language used throughout the civilized galaxy. All communications and commerce are carried out in Standard, as well as all high-quality education. (Cavalieri-Chang Modern Universal Word Usage, 2824 edition)
Sunset Strip: n. the colloquial name for VIR C.2, the smaller of two planets on the third orbital path of the Viridian system. Characterised by small size, fast rotation (c 12.5 standard hours), and consequent extremely high velocity winds in the equatorial region. Two moons: orbital periods 26 and 13 standard days. Northern hemisphere consists of two main landmasses separated by oceans. Southern hemisphere mainly ocean (standard salinity) with island chains. Recreation planet administered by a Governing Council; main settlement also named Sunset Strip. Access via Pleasant Valley VIR C.1. Why does a remote, inconspicuous planet with a twelve hour rotation have a reputation for being a first class vacation destination? Most sensible citizens will never go there, unless they need to trade orichalcum with the sister planet. (Cavalieri-Chang Modern Universal Word Usage, 2824 edition)
T
Talia Prime and Alpha: temperate planets in the Talia system, noted for high quality drinks products including Talian Brandy. Balanced orbits centred on the sun (Talia — some settlers have no imagination). Prime is a Centre of Commerce, on several trading routes, and has good recreational facilities. Alpha has more agricultural land. Cavalieri-Chang Modern Universal Word Usage, 2824 edition)
telepathic species, n. Despite popular fiction, there is no evidence of telepathic species in the Alpha quadrant, nor any yet encountered in the Gamma quadrant. Rumours of telepaths in the Beta quadrant are probably unfounded. In any case, the Imperium-developed ‘ear-worm’ is capable of translating most non-verbal languages. (Cavalieri-Chang, Modern Universal Word Usage, 2822 edition)
Tendring System TDR main planet Balkh. The cultural elements in our opinion, no way offset the danger from the tribal system running the place. (Cavalieri-Chang Modern Universal Word Usage, 2824 edition)
Theta Prime; n. only habitable planet in the Camelopardus system (C.Theta), second sector of the Alpha Quadrant. Humanoids of Theta Prime tend to be forty percent larger than the Galactic mean. Peaceable race with advanced technology. Independent planet that has valuable trading arrangements with the Imperium. Also, it is rumoured, with the Federation. (Cavalieri-Chang Modern Universal Word Usage, 2824 edition)
traditional cuisine, n. in addition to native produce cooked in traditional ways such as Argelian fish, or Lagorrian oysters, many common dishes are found, throughout the galaxy, that have no apparent reason for their names. These are believed to pre-date the Exodus. For further reading see e.g. A Mediterranean Cookbook by Elizabeth Brown, Fast and Fabulous: Meals our Ancestors Loved by Pasha Stakowski and many others. (Cavalieri-Chang, Modern Universal Word Usage, 2822 edition)
tranksleep; n. developed from the cryogenic booths of the Exodus, using new technology. Tranksleep enables travellers to miss months of tedious travel, especially when using wormholes. Mostly only used for criminals and slaves indentured workers. (Cavalieri-Chang Modern Universal Word Usage, 2844 edition)
Tree: n. A widespread form of plant life. Over 98% of species set roots into the ground through which they draw nutrients. They transpire through leaves, which grow from branches in the atmosphere. Most effective form of carbon dioxide cycling on most planets habitable for humans. Legends involving sentient trees are clearly fiction.(Cavalieri-Chang Modern Universal Word Usage, 2822/4 edition)
Trodos; n. the Trodos system TRD consists of two asteroid fields, C and F, and four planets., A B D (named Trodos) and E. Early surveys showed that both asteroid fields were rich in a variety of sought after metals, including lanthanides, but not orichalcum. The planets are not worth visiting unless you are a miner. Note: Bali (TRD B) is civilised if you’re desperate. (Cavalieri-Chang Modern Universal Word Usage, 2824 edition)
U
uniforms; n. Imperium troops wear generally light colours; white, silver, pale blue. Silver for space is sensible: metallic repellants and so on. However on vegetated worlds they are rather obvious, unless on ice. The Federation use an absorptive dark brown for their troops, which varies in different lights. Officers wear black. Unlike the Imperium, Federation officers sport gaudily decorated caps and arm insignia. (Cavalieri-Chang Modern Universal Word Usage, 2824 edition)
University of the First Age; n. Establishment based on the planet Telemann in the Terzan system, similar to an Academy, but without a teaching element, save for dissemination of information via instacomms. Specializes in historical subjects and research. Source of most of the remaining records of Old Earth, and also the R’Ilnian archive.
V
V’iola n. Planet in the Lyra system. Every five years, despite being in the heart of Federation space, it receives international visitors for its music festival, which is probably the best in the galaxy. (Cavalieri-Chang Modern Universal Word Usage, 2824 edition)
viewpad: n. A useful tool forming an interface between any connected brain and the user. Advantages over a qwatch include sharing information with multiple users simultaneously and better screen size for complex information, pictures or maps. (Cavalieri-Chang Modern Universal Word Usage, 2822 edition)
Viridian System: n. planetary system of Viridium, a type G star within the green spectrum. Location Alpha NM9. The system consists of seven orbital paths: the third path contains two planets in opposition to each other; the fourth path is an asteroid belt. The system would be entirely avoided were it not for the asteroid belt, which is currently the richest source of orichalcum in the galaxy. (Cavalieri-Chang Modern Universal Word Usage, 2822 edition.)
W
war. n. A declared state of aggression between two or more nations, acting in partnership with others or alone, in which battles are fought to extend or lose territory. A state of war has not existed in the known galaxy since the second Argelian war, which resulted in the establishment of the Imperium. (Cavalieri-Chang, Modern Universal Word Usage, 2822 edition)
warp net, n. a defensive device, unique to the Imperium, to trap passing traffic in warpspace, and bring it back into normal space for boarding or inspection. The technology is classified as Top Secret. (Cavalieri-Chang, Modern Universal Word Usage, 2822 edition)
warpshift: n. the change from sub-light speeds to warp speeds (a factor of light speed). This process affects the inertial status of matter, which has been the on-going subject of research since the start of the third millennium. The effect on living organisms is to create a temporary disturbance described by most humanoids as ‘similar to freefall with added inversion’. Most reptoids use the phrase ‘case creaking’ within their more varied descriptions. On the command ‘prepare for warpshift’ passengers should strap themselves into their position, and prepare to feel uncomfortable for a couple of seconds, the duration depending on their constitution. If the sensation continues, await further information from your commanders. See also spaghettification. (Cavalieri-Chang Modern Universal Word Usage, 2822 edition)
warpspace, syn. subspace; n. a region of space through which ships can travel in faster-than-light mode (aka warpspeed). The physics of normal space do not always apply in warpspace, or at least, not as predicted. (Cavalieri-Chang Modern Universal Word Usage 2824 edition)
wormhole, n. A short-cut across the quadrant, maintained by the SSNS, but only for the very needy and those with strong stomachs. Only permanent wormholes guarded by space stations should be used by inter-stellar travellers. (Cavalieri-Chang, Modern Universal Word Usage, 2822 edition)
Y
York. n. Planet in the Monarch system, at the far edge of Imperium space, close to the AT-DS wormhole. Mountainous and rich in minerals, but not sufficient to designate a mining planet. Local centre of space engineering; good for visitors needing repairs. Complex system of tribes and local groups, now fully integrated into Imperium democratic governance after centuries of heredity dictatorship. Cavalieri-Chang Modern Universal Word Usage, 2824 edition)
Z
Zanerran: n. Planet of the binary stars Zakinthos Alpha & Beta. Complex orbit provides equable temperatures on some part of the planet at all times, creating an opportunity for fast-harvest and mobile crop growing. Excellence in tobacco and manufacture of related products provides it with special status as an Imperium member. (Cavalieri-Chang Modern Universal Word Usage, 2822 edition)
Zanzibar; n. the planet Zanzibar was one of the early exoplanets named by the astronavigators of the Hope IX. Occultation showed the unusually coloured sun, Viridium, had a planetary system. Zanzibar was the most extreme exoplanet known at that time. Gas giant with a ring system and several moons, like so many other planets. Designated VIR.E or VS5; habitable only for a T17 class reptoid. (Cavalieri-Chang Modern Universal Word Usage, 2824 edition)
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About the Authors
Cavalieri & Chang have been writing guidance for 29th century communicators since the mid 2800s. They live in the same pod on Farsight that they inherited when they were students. They would like to thank their sponsor for their continued existence.