mechanized domestic. A domestic robot with rudimentary artificial intelligence or advanced artificial intelligence designed to do a multitude of domestic tasks. Models vary in physical form.
mirror moniker. A device that reflects the identity of the moniker closest to it. Used as a tool in espionage. Also known as a looking-glass moniker.
moniker. A symbol implant each person receives at birth to denote class/caste. It is a brand that covers a holographic chip. The chip is loaded with the person’s identification and other vital information, such as rank, family members, fatedom, status, and so on. The holographic chips can be activated by checkpoints manned by security personnel. They are used to track people entering and leaving districts, to process secondborns, to denote firstborn status, and more.
Neon Bible. The high-end bookmaking establishment located in the Trial Village at the center of the Secondborn Trials training fields.
night owl bots. Surveillance robots made to look like owls that perch in areas around the Halo Palace. Used by Iono security as covert audio and visual recording devices to gather intelligence.
phantom orb. A small silver ball-shaped device that provides resistance to infrared scanners and pings from Virtue-class stingers. It cools a person’s body temperature to camouflage the individual from detection.
Phoenix. Nicknamed “Phee,” this automated robot was recently converted into a mechanistic domestic or mechadome. In a former role, this robot was a sewer maintenance unit known as a Class 5Z Mechanized Sanitation Unit, but it was taken from a scrap heap, upgraded with limited artificial intelligence, and recommissioned to be Roselle’s valet at the Halo Palace.
Purity. The capital city of Virtues.
Pyramid Conspiracy. A high-stakes card game people bet on, in which one must remember every card laid and the order in which it was placed. Every level, new cards are added.
Rose Garden Society. A secret club dedicated to the preservation and welfare of Roselle St. Sismode. They have a vested interest in seeing her become The Sword (Clarity of the Fate of Swords). One of the most influential members is Clifton Salloway (firstborn Sword aristocracy), an arms dealer who owns Salloway Munitions Conglomerate. Members are called Rose Gardeners.
Rose Gardener. A member of the Rose Garden Society.
Rush. A highly addictive drug that causes paranoia and delusions of grandeur.
secondborn deserter. Any secondborn who fails to report to his or her designated post and is considered a runaway.
Secondborn Deserter Bulletin. An all-points bulletin profiling a secondborn who has failed to report for duty and is considered a runaway.
sky platform. A hoverpad located in the crown level of the Halo Palace.
The Sword Social. An on-moniker news source that covers a variety of news items and topics.
Transitioned. The state of any secondborn who has undergone the mandatory indoctrination of the Fates Republic and who is now the property of a Fate. The secondborn’s surname is replaced with the name of the Fate served.
transporter pod. An automated, self-driving pod of a variety of sizes and functions. It’s used to transport items by using hover technology to levitate and fly.
Trial Village. The name of the area in the one-mile circle at the center of the secondborn training camps. It’s an exclusive area for aristocratic firstborns to socialize and find food and entertainment within the Secondborn Trials atmosphere.
Verringer. A very expensive airship with the ability to dock on land, water, and air.
Vicolt. An antiquated hovercar made of chrome and glass that the aristocracy of the Sword Palace uses in ceremonial precessions.
VPMD (Virtual Perception Manipulation Device). A system of automated and biochemical mechanisms implanted in the brain that can alter reality, including enabling mind control, hallucinations, and false memories. In elite cases, it can stimulate biochemical reactions that enhance one’s senses and physical makeup.
whisper orb. A ball, usually metallic, that, when activated by touch, produces an iridescent sphere of light capable of containing sound frequencies. They can come in several different sizes.
zeroborn. A person manufactured in a laboratory and implanted with mind-control technology. The person isn’t “born” in the traditional sense. Noncombat zeroborns have red monikers. Black-Os have black monikers.
Acknowledgments
Jason Kirk, that sunny day at Amazon in July 2015 sparked all of this. Thank you for your words of wisdom and inspiration. I’m eternally grateful.
Thank you to the best agent in the world, Tamar Rydzinski. Without your guidance, the Secondborn series would not have been possible.
To the staff of 47North and Amazon, it is a great honor to work with all of you. Thank you for making my dreams come true.
Tom, Max, and Jack, you are my heart. “I love thee best, oh, most best, believe it.”
Mom, thank you for always reading my manuscripts before anyone else and giving me your strongly worded opinions. Honesty is love.
To the Four Horsemen of Facebook, no one gets me like you ladies do. Where would I be without you?
Amber McClelland, thank you for always being a shoulder to lean on (or cry on?) when deadlines loom nearer. You have the best take on life. I’m grateful for your friendship.
Arcade Fire, I listened to your songs Neon Bible and Everything Now on repeat as I wrote this manuscript. Your music inspired me. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world.
Thank you, God, for Your many blessings.