Editing Cytonics

{{magic system
|prereq=Being descended from someone with the ability
|universe=[[Cytoverse]]
|books=[[Skyward (series)]], [[Defending Elysium]]{{wob ref|12403}}
}}
{{update|sf2|sky3|sf3|sky4}}
{{for|Cytonic (book)|the third book in the Skyward series}}
{{quote
|Technology is limited. Only the mind is infinite. 
|[[Varvax]] proverb{{book ref|elysium}}
}}

'''Cytonics''', sometimes called cytonic abilities, a defect or a deviation, are a set of psionic abilities used by numerous sapient beings, among them [[Jason Write]] and [[Spensa Nightshade]].{{book ref|Elysium}}{{book ref|skyward|54}} A person capable of using them is called a '''cytonic'''. In humans, those abilities have lasted centuries and have continued to pass genetically since the time of the [[Phone Company]] until the occupation of [[Detritus]] by the descendants of the ''[[Defiant (starship)|Defiant]]''.{{wob ref|11990}} All known alien species have the capacity to produce cytonics, and a few are all-cytonic.{{book ref|elysium}}

== History ==
{{image|Spensa by cccrystalclear.jpg|side=right|width=250px|[[Spensa]] surrounded by [[delver]] eyes}}

The first cytonics developed due to sapient creatures being exposed over generations to the energies of the [[nowhere]], gradually leaking in through nowhere portals.{{book ref|sky3|11}} Over many generations, cytonics grew more common, and there was a prolonged period prior to the development of advanced technology during which many races were in contact through the nowhere. This period came to an end when an unknown entity, possibly similar to a delver, was created by a technologically advanced race, and attacked cytonics. Cytonics of all races banded together to fight it, and though they succeeded in destroying it, virtually all cytonics of all races were wiped out in the process, causing cytonics to be lost for many generations.{{book ref|sky3|24}} 

One of the first races to rediscover cytonics after this disaster seems to have been the [[kitsen]] '''shadow-walkers''', who used teleportation to travel between their [[Kitsen homeworld|homeworld]] and Earth, where they would interact with ancient humans.{{book ref|sky2|17}} However, the shadow-walkers eventually departed both worlds, never to be seen again.{{book ref|sky2|26}} It was eventually discovered that they had accidentally trapped themselves in the [[nowhere]] through an attempt to open a nowhere gate, and with no remaining kitsen cytonics, there was no one who could reopen the portal.{{book ref|sf3|17}} In normal space, all sapient races, as well as a few non-sapient ones, would eventually redevelop cytonics; of them, all of them save humans did so prior to discovering advanced technology.{{book ref|elysium}}{{book ref|sky2|34}}

Much later, during humanity's forays into the solar system, the [[Phone Company]] attempted to develop cybernetic-based telepathic linking, nicknamed '''Cyto'''. While those original attempts did not work as intended, they were sufficient to attract the attention of the [[tenasi]]. More advanced cytonics were studied and developed by a few in the Phone Company over the years.{{book ref|elysium}}

The [[delver|delvers]] were created from an AI built by Jason Write in the image of his lost wife, Lana. Exposure to the energies of the nowhere caused this unnamed AI to develop sapience, but only a few days afterwards Jason Write was killed in an accident. Lacking the emotional maturity to process her loss, the AI rewrote herself to erase her memories of Jason as well as any possibility of developing new emotional connections, before retreating to the lightburst and replicating herself many thousand times. In the process, the delvers inadvertently left a copy of their memories encoded at the Solitary Shadow portal. This also changed the nowhere, causing anyone in it to gradually lose their memories unless anchored to reality through reality ashes or through proximity to fragments or other sapients.{{book ref|sky3|41}}

During the Second [[Human War]], mankind attempted to augment their military by summoning the delvers.{{book ref|sky2|19}} This went horribly wrong; not only did the delvers turn against their would-be controllers, but they rampaged across space unchecked before eventually fading away.{{book ref|sky2|10}}{{book ref|sky2|4}} From then on out, however, they were a constant presence for all cytonics. Fearful of them, the [[Superiority]] made a transition away from using cytonic abilities, with the singular exception of FTL technology, necessary for interstellar travel.{{book ref|sky2|10}} Humans likewise came to fear the "defect" for the threat it carried with them, leading to nearly all knowledge of the abilities disappearing on worlds like [[Detritus]].{{book ref|sky1|i|1}}

== Mechanics ==
Cytonics encompass a number of abilities powered by the living mind. Some of them can be augmented by electronics, and through this shared to populations that don't possess them.{{book ref|elysium}} In humans, use of cytonics is signified by increased activity in the section of the brain called the '''Writellum'''.{{book ref|sky1|i|2}} Only a small percentage of the total human populace possesses the capacity for cytonics, although this number is far higher among many alien races, with some, like [[varvax]] and [[tenasi]], implied to all have the ability.{{book ref|elysium}} It's also possible for AI to develop cytonics.{{wob ref|13386}}

While any single cytonic can utilize the whole set of psychic abilities, people tend to specialize, leaning more towards specific applications of the power rather than mastering all of them.{{wob ref|13132}}

In order to utilize cytonics, the user needs to meditate, focusing on the impression of moving upwards and letting the world around them fade away.{{book ref|sky1|1}} While a beginner needs several moments to enter the appropriate mental state, an experienced user of cytonics can do so instantly, allowing them to actively use the ability in combat.{{book ref|elysium}} The focus allows the cytonics to utilize the [[nowhere]], a timeless emptiness outside of normal reality. Nowhere figures heavily in several, if not all cytonic abilities, most notably teleportation and FTL communication.{{book ref|sky1|55}} It's also home of the [[delver]]s, making using it highly dangerous.{{book ref|sky1|54}}

== Cytonic Abilities ==
=== Sense ===
{{quote
| He had been legally blind since he'd turned sixteen. (...) Fortunately, he had other methods of seeing.
| [[Jason Write]]{{book ref|elysium}}
}}
The ability to "see" the world with supernatural senses. [[Jason Write]] uses it to perceive the light as vibrations, black being calm, white light being a roar in his mind. This allows him to get a clear picture of the world despite his blindness, though it takes a certain level of conscious effort.{{book ref|elysium}}

Perhaps related to this is the ability some cytonics have to detect each other. When near a fellow cytonics, they feel a sense of electicity coursing through them, or the feeling of being splashed with cold water.{{book ref|sky2|i|1}} When they focus, they seem able to detect cytonic beings from a considerable distance.{{book ref|sky2|i|2}} Others, however, can only detect a cytonic by deliberately probing the mind of a suspected person.{{book ref|sky2|11}}

=== FTL Communication ===
{{quote
|They used that place between heartbeats to talk to one another, to communicate instantly.
|[[Spensa]] about the [[varvax|Krell]]{{book ref|skyward|55}}
}}
The original reason cytonics was developed was its ability to connect minds of cytonics users and share verbal information. During the days of the [[Phone Company]], the advanced FTL communication network that connects all mankind is powered by a single operative with developed cytonic abilities, and is mediated by cybernetic equipment.{{book ref|elysium}}

Cytonics can communicate without help of the electronic equipment.{{book ref|sky1|55}} The range that they can communicate without technological support is unknown; two cytonics can communicate across star systems, although the communication will be spotty at best.{{book ref|sky2|25}} Cytonic communication can be easily overheard by other cytonics at a distance of at least several hundred kilometers. Difference in language or species makes no distinction in FTL communication; however, it seems impossible to encrypt or secure it against eavesdroppers. It is proven that certain technology or matter can block or interfere with it.{{book ref|sky1|55}}

A subspecies of [[taynix]] can also be used to create a device known as a '''hypercomm''' that allows for cytonic communication.{{book ref|sf1|14}} Communications over hypercomms are sometimes referred to as '''hypersignals'''.{{book ref|sf3|2}}

=== Mind Speed Acceleration ===
{{quote
|The Krell knew they had to target any of us who flew too well—because they knew about the defect.
|[[Spensa]]{{book ref|sky1|epilogue}}
}}
Cytonic users are able to react at incredible speed, thinking faster than humanly possible, although this does not allow for an increase in physical speed. This mind acceleration allows cytonics to excel in tasks that require quick reaction times, such as flight, making them excellent pilots, as well as use their abilities with little advanced warning, letting them react even to flying bullets.{{book ref|sky1|epilogue}}{{book ref|elysium}}

=== Mindblades ===
{{quote
|He whipped out a dozen invisible mindblades that slashed through the air. The force of his attack slapped the bullets backward as well as sliced each one in two.
|[[Jason Write]]{{book ref|elysium}}
}}

'''Mindblades''' are pure force, formed by the mind of the user. They can be used to cut through any solid objects, but with practice, they can be Sensed and blocked by other mindblades. They are capable of affecting even materials that are resistant to advanced conventional weaponry, such as [[telanium]].{{book ref|elysium}} They are considered one of the more advanced cytonic abilities, and difficult to figure out on one's own.{{book ref|sky2|11}}

[[Taynix#Boomslugs|Some taynix]] are capable of generating mindblades. These taynix can be paired with cytonic technology to amplify their power, which results in a device sometimes known as a '''hyperweapon''' that can deliver devastating attacks.{{book ref|sf2|21}}

=== Concussion Bolts ===
'''Concussion bolts''' are a cytonic attack that target a person's mind. Being hit by the full force of one can leave a person stunned for minutes and give them a headache that lasts for days.{{book ref|sf2|3}}

=== FTL Travel ===
{{image|Doomslug.png|side=right|width=200px|[[Taynix]], a species of slug capable of teleportation}}

{{quote
|I did something with my mind. We vanished, leaving a ship-size hole in the expanding blossom of flame and destruction.
|[[Spensa]]{{book ref|skyward|53}}
}}

An ability possessed by all advanced alien races, and developed but kept secret by the Phone Company operatives. It involves Sensing inwards on oneself and removing oneself from normal space, moving through [[nowhere]] to reappear at a different point in normal space, possibly light-years away, in seconds. When reappearing, the performer pushes aside matter at their destination to create the space for themselves.{{book ref|elysium}} While in the nowhere, the momentum of an object is lost, so when an object returns to the real world after a jump it will naturally be stationary until it is moved again.{{book ref|sf2|21}} There seems to be no upper limit on the distance travelled in a jump; however, the cytonic requires keen awareness of the place they are returning to. This can be achieved with cytonic coordinates, which can be pushed directly into a person's mind and allow even an untrained cytonic to travel. Such coordinates, however, fade within a few minutes.{{book ref|sky2|8}} This cytonic teleportation is sometimes referred to as a '''hyperjump'''.{{book ref|sf1|3}}

FTL travel is an ability that can be augmented by technology to allow the cytonic to transport more than just themselves. As such, it forms the basis for all interstellar travel. Modern design, used to avoid attracting the delvers, utilizes [[taynix]] as '''hyperdrives''', as delvers find them distracting.{{book ref|sky2|34}}

=== Mind Swap ===
{{quote
|Your dissidents are escaping, and they're hiding among us.
|[[Jason Write]]{{book ref|elysium}}
}}
Using advanced cytonics, it is possible for a mind to swap bodies, including cross-species. Among others, [[varvax]] dissidents can utilize this to take human bodies, akin to possession.{{book ref|elysium}} It would, however, take much time to adjust if the bodies are too different.

=== Cytonic Suppression ===
{{quote
|Your cytonic abilities will be muted here on Starsight.
|[[Cuna]]{{book ref|sky2|10}}
}}

There exist several methods of suppressing cytonic abilities, all likely utilizing the same underlying mechanism. One, used by the [[varvax]], allows them to suppress cytonic abilities of the undesirable members of their populace, keeping them in check, as well as hold cytonics prisoner.{{book ref|elysium}} Another are shields built into [[M-Bot]], which protect their pilot from external cytonic influence.{{book ref|sky1|55}} 

Finally, there are '''cytoshields''', which can suppress all outgoing cytonic and radio signals, as well as partially smother access to cytonics within them.{{book ref|sky1|54}}{{book ref|sky2|10}} They were originally designed to protect inhabited areas from [[delver]]s, although they do not succeed in this regard.{{book ref|sky1|4}} They do, however, still manage to prevent long-distance teleportation, particularly in and out of the shield. They are typically built large; the two known examples surround the entireties of [[Detritus]] and [[Starsight (space station)|Starsight]].{{book ref|sky2|4}}{{book ref|sky2|10}}

=== Trans-cytonic processing ===
{{quote
|To create computers that can think as quickly as my mind, you need processors that can communicate faster than normal electric signals facilitate.
|[[M-Bot]]{{book ref|sky2|18}}
}}
Some advanced processors use cytonic technology to work much faster than normally possible.{{book ref|sky1|31}} This is most important to artificial intelligences such as [[M-Bot]].{{book ref|sky1|55}} Using minature cytonic communicators, parts of AIs can pass signals between each other at speeds faster than light, which facilitates near-human intelligence and superhuman analytics ability. As a side effect, it makes those machines detectable by organic cytonics.{{book ref|sky2|18}} However, for some reason AIs anger [[delver]]s much more than other forms of cytonics and radio signals, leading to a ban on them in the present times.{{book ref|sky2|10}}

=== Illusions ===
{{quote
|If it's looking at you, it doesn’t see you. We are overwriting its vision.
|[[KRELL]] command{{book ref|skyward|55}}
}}

Cytonics are capable of creating illusions, making others see things that aren't really there. Those illusions can range from complex scenarios to simple audiovisual noise. They aren't really physically present; rather, they exist directly in people's minds. As such, two people travelling together can usually ascertain what is and isn't real.{{book ref|sky1|55}}{{book ref|sky2|43}}

Two species have been shown as capable of creating illusions. The [[varvax]] used them to make [[Chaser]] turn against his allies in the [[Battle of Alta]];{{book ref|sky1|55}} the [[delver]]s use them as a defense mechanism, creating various illusions in mazes as a way to confound and throw off people trying to reach the heart.{{book ref|sky2|25}} Though everyone is susceptible to illusions, people who themselves have cytonic abilities are far more affected.{{book ref|sky1|55}}{{book ref|sky2|43}}

== Notable cytonics users ==
{{for|:Category:Cytonics|a complete list of people with cytonic abilities|Category:Cytonics}}

{{columns|
* [[Jason Write]]
* [[Sonn]]
* [[Edmund (Cytonic)|Edmund]]
* [[Spensa Nightshade]]
* [[Zeen Nightshade]]
* [[Becca Nightshade]]
* [[Brade Shimabukuro]]
* [[Jorgen Weight]]
* [[Doomslug]]
}}

== Notes ==
<references />
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{{Skyward}}
[[Category:Defending Elysium]]

[[category: Cytonics| ]]