The MMI (Mind Machine Interface) also known as the ubiquitous 'navigation panel.' a direct communication pathway between the brain and an external device.
System Description and Characteristics[]
MMI’s are often directed at assisting, augmenting or repairing human cognitive or sensory-motor functions. The mind merges with computerized systems causing it to become something no-longer-human. Data is fed directly to the brain and reacts to its decisions practically at speed of thought. Even saying 'it was like being a bird' didn't do it justice, because you weren't a bird. You were a thing, slipping through air and space like a fish darting around a reef. But there were no animal limitations: fuel could be exhausted, yet, but there was no fatigue, no need to worry about momentum; there was only the desire to move and the power to do so.
However, due to this direct brain interface, it requires great strength of mind and is actually disorientating and a bit sickening at first. Even when fully mastered it can’t be utilized for long intervals. Yet for a half hour, or even a few hours, it was like nothing on Earth.