Hackjob

Neo Terrans aren't always able to pay for their new Shells. Some were stolen from the companies that were created after their leader, Evelyn Byrn, left for the homeworlds. They were passed around, modified in desperation and personal pride by hackers and unofficial techs alike. While there was a standard for each Shell, by the time these Shells were being modified, most of the usual resources were depleted, and so substitutes had to be made and enacted.
Original Hackjobs’ Dataminds were uploaded back on Earth. Some Neo Terran Shells were homemade or adapted, and were regarded with disdain from the general populace (in reality, a source of envy). These Neo Terrans physically snuck on board the ships leaving Earth, and were awake during most of the journey if not found by authorities. However, when disembarking, all Hackjobs are found eventually. Whether they stay is a different matter.
The base Shells of these Neo Terrans were stolen before they could gain official I.D.s, and each Shell was built with a defensive label that automatically activated when tampered with. Because of this, Hackjobs are eventually tagged for what they are, as before their I.D. (ingrained in the shell, similar to a serial number), there are always the letters: HAKD. It is unheard of for that initial indicator to be erased.
Besides this and a few physical differences such as different energy cores or energy distributions, physically Hackjobs could pass for any other, more eccentric Neo Terran. However, it is the history of the Datamind that can also differentiate a Hackjob from another Neo Terran.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Many Hackjobs have their own dialect within a language, and have adopted various forms of sign language from all different languages to communicate in the parts of society they're unable to speak. They also leave unique symbols upon buildings or other landmarks, indicating safety, opportunities, open-minded businesses, or even caches left behind. One can learn these dialects the "long way", but many times people find the information unable to remain, as if being erased soon after learning.

Shared customary codes and values

Unlike most Neo Terrans, Hackjobs had different beginnings, and so reflect this in their values and codes, which are much looser in scope and rigidity. Although the ratio of decent people can be the same as any other Neo Terran, their HAKD I.D.s make it difficult for them to have official means of residence and jobs.

Common Etiquette rules

These people tend to be much rougher in personality and interaction, although this is not always the case. They tend to be very bitter in reaction to their treatment over the years of being in the Alpha Avior System. For survival, they eschew using most common etiquette in favor of getting to the point of the matter and being able to leave as soon as possible, as too many Hackjobs lingering in a place could be seen as suspicious by authorities.

Encompassed species

• Neo Terran

Related Locations

• Alpha Avior System

“Who said that you have to begin a new life through official means?"