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A memory address is a global and unique identifier for a given concept or memory. When written, it is a potentially unbounded sequence of five-letter keys in the form of CVCVC. In most cases, there are less than a dozen keys to identify any one memory, but there are situations where the number of keys is effectively unlimited. The contents of the address may change, have metadata associated with it, but the address itself does not change which makes it a persistent location to share memories.
The address can point to almost anything: the memory of a person, a certain feeling, a decision made by a kotim[1], or even an index of other addresses. An active telepath can attempt to experience the memory but it requires them to be on the same telepathic network (kotim) as someone or something with the memory. This is where kotims are useful since they can be used to persist memories over long periods of time.
An address can also have additional information annotating it. This metadata can point to other memories to clarify or handle “changes” or associations.
While the address itself is immutable, the contents are not. Memories are fluid and subject to change, which allows memories used to identify a concept or a person to evolve over time. Difference sources may have different memories at the same address and typically the receiving person would need to determine how to merge those differing sets into a single unified memory; this is where the metadata is used to figure out the rules.
With natural telepaths, the process of merging memories together becomes reflexive and no longer requires conscious thought. Young ones or those new to telepathy may find it difficult to sort through them and frequently revert to picking one memory over the other.
A memory address can also form an identity of an individual. Since it is the memory of self, it retains a stable method for identifying a given telepath.
⚠️ SPOILER: From this point, this page reveals spoilers for Flight of the Scions[2].
“It is not,” Maris spat, “Ruben Habor!”
Ruben got a pained look on his face. “That was not mannerly.”
Kanéko glanced over at Ruben. “Your name is Ruben Habor?”
Maris's tail wagged back and forth as she spoke, “No, his name is Ruben Habor Kalis Bomen Tater. And I remember that much. But there are seven more names I can't.”
Kanéko cleared her throat. “That's a very long name.”
— Flight of the Scions 27[3]
=> /flight-of-the-scions/ 3: /flight-of-the-scions/
It is possible to have multiple identities but it requires being able to consistent frame thoughts, have a plural system, or be able to change personalities for it to function within a telepathic context.
Because addresses are unbounded, there is a need to having a short name (pet name) of a memory to avoid communicating the full address during conversations. To do this, a context is required to elide the identifiers and reduce it down to the minimum keys needed to identify the memory within the context. The context is typically the shared experiences between members of a collective, which also includes any memories imprinted into a kotim.
He spoke in a powerful, deep voice, “I am Tagon Pavir.” At the same time, he projected a series of symbols that represented his name in Volis, the language of Vo. “And this,” he said before an image of the wolf blossomed in her mind, “is my companion, Jason Magol.”
— Flight of the Scions 42[4]
=> /flight-of-the-scions/ 4: /flight-of-the-scions/
In the above example, Tagon's effective full name is Tagon Pavir Nasil Coral Dasap, but since he has context of shared experiences with Jason Magol Jonav Resig Legec Sobax, he could use any of: Jason, Jason Magol, Jason Magol Jonav, or longer versions. In the intimate connections with his wolf, Jason is sufficient but Tagon is used to most people having two names, so he chooses to verbally use both names to communicate identity.
It is difficult to create a specific address for a purpose. Because an address compromises the identity in a consistent way, the only method for creating an address with a specific identity. The only known mental entity capable of doing this is the votim[5] in the Isle of Vo which uses a vast array of crystalline structures under the ground to construct millions of different identities, then uses the metadata to link to the rest of the system.
While most memory address are bounded, an irrational memory address is one that is unbounded. This is used when the memory or metadata point by the address is, in some way, a danger to telepaths and the reflexive processing of the memory that happens. Ruben in Flight of the Scions is one example because of his broken mind.
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