Bulge-- The nickname given to a a biomodificational athletic enhancement that involves genetic manipulation of myocytes in cardiovascular and muscle tissue to respond more aggressively to sympathetic nervous signals as well as an augmentation of the adrenal gland and corresponding system, in addition to the response at the cellular level to epinephrines and cortisol.
A Bulge-affected muscle cell also has an extremely overdeveloped mitochondrial concentration within its cellular membrane, as well as a dramatic increase of potassium pumps at its cellular surface, resulting in a muscle cell with extraordinary work capacity.
The result is an increased ability to enter a physiological "overdrive" state when under extreme stress, allowing a short period of abnormally high cardiovascular fitness and strength, which results in a trademark "bulge" in the active muscle tissue of the user when utilized, through extreme vasodilation and water movement throughout muscle cells and fibers. The activity of the Bulge function is governed by the user's autonomic nervous system.
Excessive use can result in side effects varying from abnormal production of metabolic waste, disruptions in sleep, menstruation, excessive weight loss, emotional volatility, and increased dietary and rest needs.
COMPOUND- An UWWA-supervised building complex containing all the living faculties for the Chosen Girls, Golden Boys, and Last Men.
CHOSEN GIRLS- Women of child-bearing age who pass Selection and earn clearence to enter the Compound to freely associate.
EARWORM [Embedded Auditory Relay for Wireless Omnidirectional Remote Messaging] - a radio communication system embedded in the users' auditory and language cortices that transmits text and audio to and from other members.
EVAcorp [Evolutionary and Visceral Advancements, Inc.] A large technology, communications, and manufacturing conglomerate corporate body working closely with UWWA to produce everything from technology, natural resources, and daily use products, as well as military and industrial equipment for Hedonia and the greater world.
EVAcorp [Evolutionary and Visceral Advancements, Inc.] is a multinational conglomerate that specializes in a wide range of technological advancements, from communication and entertainment devices to weapons and vehicles. With its headquarters located in Cauldron, EVAcorp works closely with UWWA to provide essential resources, products, and services for the residents of Hedonia and beyond.
FABIAN A robotic assistant for Elin, and first-hand automated executive processor for higher ranks of UWWA bureaucracy.
FAB-66/FAB-80 [Fixed Accessory Blade, 66/80cm] A polygonal, heat treated, high carbon straight steel or ceramic blade used typically by Jackal Hunters on their Exosuits, bolted directly onto the weapon rails on the suit's forearm sections. Used for flashy, bloody melee combat.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
GOLDEN BOYS- Men at their physiological prime, after graduation of the Compound's boarding school system, who freely associate with each other and the Chosen Girls within the Compound.
IrisAR [Iris Augmented Reality]-- an augmented reality system which displays augmented reality sprites within the IrisHUD platform. Holographic projectors as an alternate or backup display.
IrisHUD [Iris Heads Up Display]-- A HUD system that projects information onto an etched surface in the user's eye lens. The system can be activated or deactivated via MIRCS controls.
(Male) Extinction Event (aka, "Male Extinction Event", "MEE", or "Ex (-event), slang: "Pre-ex or Post-ex"- The mysterious event that eliminated the majority of males of many animal species across the earth, including humans.'
LAST MEN- Former Golden Boys, older, or infertile men within the Compound who serve to mentor or accompany the other inhabitants.
MRS- [Memory Recording and Simulation]- a system and file system of digitalized sensory information to record, relive, and re-enact memories. Mixed success in their ability to re-demonstrate memories accurately, primarily dependent upon user "memory honesty". During testing in its prototype phases, even when backed up with video footage, deliberately honest users cannot always maintain memory honesty.
MIRCS- [Mind-Interface Robotics and Remote Control System] - A nerve-to-electronics control interface that allows the user to directly interact with any MIRCS-compatible device for completely hands-free operation. Users describe the experience like that of having extra limbs.
Integration involves installation of connecting nodes at the sides of the user's neck which link directly to the user's spinal cord. Upon successful surgery, and a few weeks of training both the user and the interface, can one utilize the instantaneous control over various electronic devices with the MIRCS system.
UWWA [United World Women's Alliance] - A charity organization designed to distribute resources as a global cooperative effort to recover from the Male Extinction Event. Due to its international presence, it sometimes acts as a governmental body for as many nations across the world it can reach.
UWWA was initially created at least to appear as a charity organization designed to distribute resources as a global cooperative effort for survivor strongholds to recover from the Male Extinction Event. So in its humblest of beginnings, it likely survived entirely on "donations", but as it grows, so does its need for more power, and will still likely refer to its tax revenue as "donations", perhaps tongue-in-cheekly.
After all, they are providing all the same services a government does- military/police/defense forces, public infrastructure, education, and even entertainment services (i.e. Lori's TV show), and best of all, the birth of children itself with lots of help from EVAcorp.
With UWWA's efforts, and cooperation from the populace, together a more harmonious society has emerged, thriving even after the tremendous losses of World War III.