Verse Technology

Cortex V.1

Old System (for reference)
Modern Verse communication can travel at a base speed of 1AU/2Min (roughly 4xSpeed of Light). This time may vary depending on proximity to communications stations around the Verse.

Special sub-atomic particles are collided in newtech containment fields. Matched pairs of particles and anti-particles are kept separate in a special stasis fields, but due to occult laws of physics remain in a wave-like state. Destruction or modification of one particle affects its matching anti-particle. These are then separated and placed on adjoining space stations (or planetary communications sites.. a.k.a. Cortex Nodes). Each station has hundreds of these ends in special containment fields, making them nodes of a tremendous web. Communication between the sites is accomplished by "plucking" on the lines between particle and anti-particle, and is effectively instantaneous to transmit data. This information is translated by computers and rebroadcast in normal EM frequencies from the stations. The time delay is greater further from the communication stations, and much lower at an actual station (although still there due to limitations on the speed of 'plucking' the strings.) The expression "sending a wave" comes from the use of these specialized wave forms for communication.

Cortex V.2

Created by a consortium of communications giants, but primarily Baidu Corporation, the new Cortex V.2 (a.k.a V2) is a more limited, and controlled version of the old Cortex. The new system appears to keep the same pre-long quiet speeds within each system, but rely on Light Speed NarrowBand between specially modified communication hubs to the distant systems. So far, there is no connection to Blue Sun, however, there is a transmitter being built on Pericles Station that will allow highspeed uploads (though downloads will be still be at the slower speeds).
The main difference between Cortex V.1 and V.2 is the appearance and user experience. Cortex V.2 is a very friendly interface, similar to old Earth-that-was services like Facebook. Touted as higher security than the old system, V2 makes use of bio-metric signatures (typically hand or eye scans) common in the Core and other urban environments. These also send local data based on temporal-spatial location and others, to ensure security. Some critics suggest that this creates unwarranted invasions of privacy. The system guarantees the authentic location by channeling data to that specific location only. Hackers claim to have already defeated this security measure, but this has not been verified.

Paranoidroid

This is a simple Cortex access system to (a) create a randomized set of Cortex Biometrics (a "droid"), (b) foil the location detection system by routing the data transfers in a variety of complex ways, to evade detection. Paranoidroid is open-source and free. Some security critics point out that the authorities has as much access to this as would be hackers, and warn any weaknesses are likely to be exploited.

• Droids can be saved and 'unleashed' whereupon they begin to virtually travel around the Cortex and 'Verse by running dozens of searches, chats, uploads and downloads. By this means they create large and difficult to sift through histories that can make deciphering more difficult .

Glow Stick

A low tech solution to the new Alliance "Self Blanking" currency. This device emits a small ultraviolet band of light at close range that highlights small residual amounts of coloration on the currency. This permits the user to note, with varying success, the value of the currency. It is still illegal to use them outside Allied Worlds, of course.

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