M²⁵ Limit. The distance from a body of mass beyond which the Hyperspace Drive can be safely operated. A rough rule of thumb for most cases is the M²⁵ exists at around the 'g' of the body in Astronomical Units. So the star Sol, with a gravity well of around 26g has an M²⁵ Limit some 26 AU from it. The rule of thumb breaks down for very high gravitic masses (such as black holes) and very small microgravities (such as asteroids), but this is sufficient for most navigational purposes.

MAIDS (Martian Artificial Intelligence Detection Service). A MAFC organisation that investigates illegal AI development. Regarded as much more hard-line than the multi-lateral AIMS - it nevertheless works with many interstellaer bodies, intelligence gathering and reporting to the Martian Government on possible breaches.

MajorDomo (CLASSIFIED ENTRY) A fully functioning Forerunner artificial intelligence discovered on Woods Asteroid, Tuskan, Q7, by a team lead by Professor Catherine Peabody of the Imperial Archaeological Institute. Conversations with Majordomo yielded many valuable clues as to the nature of Exterminators, Forerunners and Humanity, and provided verification of the Peabody Hypothesis: that the Exterminators were based on Forerunner technology. Majordomo was destroyed by Earther nuclear detonation charges during the First Battle of Tuskan, when a large number of ESBs attempted to close with Woods Asteroid.

Mass Driver Ship. A, now illegal, ship class that was designed to attach engined to an asteroid and to drive it towards an enemy world.

Maldenite Democratic Foundation:  An ancient and secretive people, Maldenites stay out of the mainstream of human politics. Their economic influence is rumoured to be widespread, and their polity is said to to have enormous resources. They have a long tradition of political neutrality and aloofness from the mainstream of human life.

Mald Research Foundation: Founded in 2830, this is the premier and most prestigious research body in the Universe - it not only conducts academic study but funds worthwhile research throughout the universe. This is also the most influential body in Mald Democratic Foundation politics.

Malich, Prof Alberto. Chair of the Main Academic Council of the Mald Democratic Foundation. A highly respected academic and thinker, Prof Malich has great influence over the Council and has been the chair for over 50 years.Polymath and genius, his academic works are extensive, including the diverse fields of political mathematics, transdimensional energetics and the psychology of monetary diversity.

Margasira:  Independent colony in Q5

Marine Armour (MA). This is specialised space armour used by the feared starship marines. It is similar in terms of support to Light Tactical Armour (used by the GF), but it is optimised for zero-g operation in a hard vacuum environment.

Martian Association of Free Colonies (MAFC or 'Martian Union'):  The modern Martians no longer live on the Mars of Sol, but New Mars, a better world and centre of a growing colonial empire. Old Mars is actually still part of the Earther Empire.

Mass Driver Ship. A ship designed to attach itself to a rock, then push the rock towards the target, detaching during the final approach.

Mass Driving.  The technique of accelerating large masses (say a sizable asteroid) towards a planet.  The resulting impact is usually exceptionally devastating.  All human polities have outlawed the practice.

Megadon. Large herbivourous reptilian. On most colony worlds, the fauna is in the age of giant reptiles - and these large creatures are herded for meat and other products. Megadon is a generic term of any large semi-domesticated reptilian. picture of megadon herding.

Meo:  Martian colony world in Quadrant 7.  Home of the Prosperity Mining Station.

Mickey Mouse Club. One of the major Esteeler political pressure groups on Disney World, Q0. The MMC is also strong on an number of GFA worlds in Q0, and has been a strong supporter of the Star Party in presidential elections.

Military Colony. A self-contained military colony set up by government.

MIND The Centauri institute for the development of human intelligence. The idea is that by developing the potential of the human brain it will be possible to create organic and human intellects that can rival an AI when the inevitable conflict bewteen AI and Humanity comes about.

Missile Battleship. A battleship with weapon replacements to increase the number of missile delivery systems.

Missile Heavy Cruiser. A heavy cruiser with weapon replacements to increase the number of missile delivery systems.

Mobile Space Dock. A class 5000 interstellar flying workshop. Capable of basic repairs and the like, but nowhere near as capable as a normal orbital repair yard.

Monitor. Heavily armoured warship with exceptionally thick hull. Because of the mass it had very low accelerations (around 0.2g) and limited weaponry.

Monkies. Slang term of abuse for those born in the colony of Gorilla. Gorillans have a fierce sense of national identity and will react badly to such an insult.

Multi-Cannon.  A multi-barrelled high velocity cannon system.  This is a key light weapon system fitted to warships, pacifiers and shuttles of varying types.  It's short effective range is balanced by it's flexibility and rate of fire - for example it can be used to shoot down incoming missiles.