There is corruption within the Department of the Environment and Network
Resources (DENR). Authority figures are misusing their power.
Most real and virtual space is monitored by tracking devices like close-circuit
cameras, motion sensors, and heat sensors.
Activists use existing surveillance technology to watch the watchers (Little
Brother syndrome).
The story is set just after the RIG, mind-machine interface technology (Reactive
Interface Grid), has begun to be used.
The RIG consists of Network, Interface and Engine components
The Network component lets RIG hardware "see" the world
by accessing networked sensors and Net data
The Engine component generates sensory output for the user in the
form of signals, often floating screen panels
The Interface component sends signals to the brain of the user
Floating panels of information indicate the perspective of a virtual
world. A virtual world perspective can be scaled up and down by users,
from photo-realistic to simple blocks
RIG users often use body language to customise use of the RIG (e.g.docking
floating panels on forearm, physical gestures)
State Troopers (DENR special forces) are early RIG adopters. Their gear
allows them to exist in reality and in a virtual world (artificial location
or augmented view of reality) at the same time.
State dogs (controlled by Troopers) have been surgically modified to
include RIG hardware and control mechanisms.
Blake is an early adopter, encouraged by Dad who has set up a basic
RIG in her bedroom
The RIG is not permitted in classrooms hence Blake sneaks in a portable
RIG device
The philosophy behind the RIG is that you don't look at machines, they
look at you
The State has developed the ability to access minds, and trap minds, of
people using a tourist (virtual) world - Cityscape. This is not yet public
knowledge.
The State promotes the virtual world at the expense of the real. Urban sprawl
is decimating bushland.
The State has no official opposition. Vocal critics are labelled terrorists
Online, by law, your avatar must resemble your physical self
Software agents (or bots) that masquerade as avatars are illegal.
Access to Australian virtual space through a system of privileges collectively
known as OPS (Operator Privileges)
Virtual space is divided into
private space (like the spaces belonging to the Chief and Blade)