Links
Overview
Brain-computer interfaces that allow the user to connect directly with systems via endpoints. Link users can ‘push’ their intentions and ‘pull’ information using their mind, analogous to “Write” and “Read” in computers. Skilled link users are called 'conduits'.
The systems that can be engaged with links range from the simple like lights, doors, and appliances, to the more complex like heavy-duty machinery, automata, and expansive databases.
Links can be implanted subcranially, or worn as accessories. They can be augmented with sensors and other extensions. Links are an increasingly integral part of daily life in the districts where they are legal, and even in the Free Territories, where the technology is widely accessible on the black market.
History of Links
Links are GATA-developed tech that was rolled out under the Existence Doctrine during The Reconstruction to assist in the massive undertaking of rebuilding cities and infrastructure around the world. Links allowed individual operators–conduits–to control complex systems and machinery, including factory machinery, mobile equipment, floating platforms, massive arms, automata, and other complex systems using only their mind.
The role of links expanded greatly through collaboration with Aryabat as the partner nation developed impressive refinements to the technology and training protocols, demonstrating its transformative potential at scale.
During this period, citizens across GATA encountered links and many even had first-hand experiences. At this time, adhesive temp links could be readily acquired in the ‘informal economy’ before the enforcement of paradigms tightened at the close of Reconstruction era.
Representatives in the Second Quorum were all eager to see links paradigmed into their district. Links were finally officially incorporated into selected paradigms in 2104, with a relatively rapid rollout across numerous districts over the following years, and today is one of the most widely paradigmed advanced technologies, after static field tech.
Link Use
Links are a common fixture of life in many districts across GATA where it is widely paradigmed. One of few technologies paradigmed across so many districts—a side-effect of its ubiquity during The Reconstruction.
Links are so beneficial for district performance that there is some political will to make links a “blue” technology, legal for use freely across all of Greater Atla, which would extend to all of GATA’s partner states. This would be a massive boon to private enterprise and districts looking to maximize their Yield.
While the average link user can manipulate simple systems like lights, doors, appliances, or System terminals, there are those who can manipulate highly complex systems by training and/or natural aptitude. These people are informally called conduits.
The skill associated with link proficiency is called "signal", and is analogous to a link user's stability and control over their attention and intention. For most, developing anything more than basic signal takes time and practice.
Using a link to engage with a system is called interfacing, connecting, or linking. Using a sync hub to interface with other link users directly is called syncing.
Connecting
All link users learn to connect (also called simply “linking”). After learning how to sense system endpoints, link users have to learn how to connect with them. Once a user “connects”, they can use their mind to interact with an interface.
If the user has sights, they can see the interface via their eye-based displays. If the user has a link implant they can perceive the system's interface in their visual field directly.
Over time, users learn how to strengthen the connection, and how different systems feel.
Pushing
Pushing allows a link user to assert influence over a system.
Just about every link allows for some degree of pushing, and all link users learn some pushing. Pushing can range from as little as sending a simple intention, such as “Yes” or “No” to controlling an entire micro factory with your mind. Pushing primarily uses the frontal and/or motor cortex.
Driving
Driving is an advanced form of pushing. Driving a system involves continuously pushing into a system, requiring the conduits full attention and complete integration. Driving is for more skilled conduits. Automata and complex systems are driven. Driving almost always involves some pulling, but it’s generally considered an extension of push training, since driving is so advanced that the generally required level of pulling has already been mastered.
Pulling
Pulling allows a link user to intuitively interpret a system’s state. Only users with sub-cranial implants can pull detailed, multi-sensory information. Pulling is considered relatively advanced, and requires deep familiarity with a given system.
Sensing
Sensing is a precursor to pulling. Link users can open themselves up to nearby systems, including other links. This allows the user to find an endpoint that they can then connect with, or pick up on important metadata in the environment. This is one of the most fundamental link skills and can be accomplished to some degree with any link.
Skilled link users can even sense other links, however sensing links isn’t like syncing–there is no direct connection between minds. But advanced link users can sense another link’s presence, or when a link is being actively engaged.
Breaching
Breaching is an advanced pulling technique allowing a link user who is synced with another link user to reach into the other user's mind and see their thoughts.
The process is highly invasive and extremely difficult; someone whose mind is being breached can sense another presence in their head, and if they are a skilled conduit themselves, they can potentially repel the breaching conduit, or even reverse the breach.
Conduits
Conduits are link users who have highly-developed "signal". They have the ability to drive complex systems, can often learn how to drive new systems very quickly, and are resistant to breaching and residual symptoms.
Often, talented conduits demonstrate a natural facility with link use very early on, but there are others who have had to work very hard to develop mastery over their signal.
Anyone able to interface proficiently with complex systems would be reasonably considered a conduit, but there are also those who have exceptional skill with simpler systems who might also be considered a conduit.
While link use has risen dramatically since its Blue classification, not everyone who uses a link is considered a "conduit", in the same way that not everyone who strums a guitar is considered a guitarist.
Politics of Links
Proponents of classifying Links as “blue” tech argue that the direct interface between a mind and The System must be the equal right of all GATA’s citizens. However, the AIC has been resistant to this proposal, citing a particularly strict interpretation of the NDA’s axion of “mutual incompatibility” whereby technology across GATA must be implemented in such a way that no single point of failure is created.
The proponents counter that there is no alternative technology to the human brain. This has become a major issue of contention within the Ministry of the Future, whose advisory reports hold significant sway in the Second Quorum. The AIC maintains that their mandate is to safeguard the wellbeing of humanity over the interests of enterprise, innovation, and even individual liberty. The issue remains contentious, but the decision ultimately falls to the high courts of the AIC.
Popular Sentiment
As opposed to political and enterprise enthusiasm for links, the people at large are somewhat split on link use. Older generations, particularly those who lived through the Dark Decade and early Reconstruction are extremely skeptical of letting technology interface with their mind, and many refuse to ever use one.
However, some who grew up witnessing the awesome feats of the late Reconstruction Era’s conduits are optimistic about link use and its potential to expand human horizons.
The younger generations who were born after the Reconstruction are relatively ambivalent about links. In less affluent communities links have generally been seen as something for “jobbers” (a somewhat derisive term for operators), and not really something that excites most people who simply live off of Yield leading simple lives.
Types of Links
Subcranial Implants
Small, discreet hard-coded node implants positioned under the scalp and drilled into the skull with nano-threads that weave into the brain. Typically are only implanted in the frontal cortex on the user’s off-hand side, however modules have been designed for other brain regions. Allows for multi-sensory “pushing” and “pulling”.
Adhesive Links
For casual users without subcranial implants. Slim, flexible patches equipped with hard-coded micro-circuitry which are temporarily affixed to the skin. Can be placed on the forehead, temple or behind the ear. Usually placed on the user’s off-hand side. Referred to as “temps” or “temp links”. Allows for sensing, connecting and “pushing” but not “pulling”. Users can push basic commands, but more advanced links are required to push with complex systems.
Wearable Links
For intermediate users without subcranial implants. A kind of “gear”. Multiple form factors of wearable accessories often housing more powerful tech than adhesive temp links. Allows for “pushing” and limited pulling.
Extensions
There are various designs and customizations for links, tailored to individual preferences or specific functionalities, ranging from minimalist styles to more elaborate, decorative versions. Can be body mods or wearable accessories.
Range Extension
Bone-metal tracks inset into the skull create longer antennae.
Bicameral Links
Implanting a link in each hemisphere, allowing the user to connect to and “bridge” multiple endpoints.
Shields
Hard-coded filters that provide additional security for link users when connecting to untrusted systems.
Link Jammers
Used to jam links in a nearby area, disrupting conduit activity. Modern link jammers work using a number of techniques that make it next to impossible for an average-to-above-average link user to establish or maintain their connection.
Jammers can interfere in the standard link wireless range, act as trap endpoints that can incapacitate connectors, and create clouds of spoof endpoints.
Sophisticated military-grade links mixed with a skilled conduit are in some cases able to overcome link jamming.
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