Dokujce

Dokujce is a fictional term used in the Meridian Archive science fiction universe to describe a class of autonomous archival drones designed for field documentation and ecological monitoring. Within the series, dokujce units are deployed to remote regions to collect, verify, and preserve environmental data, audio recordings, and visual records. They are characterized by modular sensor payloads, swarm coordination capabilities, and tamper-evident data storage.

Etymology: The word appears as an in-universe neologism; its linguistic roots are not anchored in any real language, and it is presented as a coined term by Meridian archivists. Variants of the term are used in device designations and field reports.

In-universe design and operation: Dokujce units come in multiple morphologies, including aerial drones for overhead mapping and ground-based platforms for close-range sampling. They employ autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, and AI-assisted data curation. Sensor suites may include multispectral imaging, acoustic sensors, chemical detectors, and environmental sensors. Data are encrypted and stored in a chained log, with the option to transmit to a central repository via mesh networks when connectivity is available.

History and appearances: Dokujce first appears in the novel Echoes of Meridian (set in 2123). The concept recurs in subsequent works and spin-offs, sometimes as a plot device for documenting contested sites or preserving fragile ecosystems.

Reception and legacy: Among fans, dokujce has become a shorthand for decentralized, autonomous data collection within the Meridian Archive canon. It also appears in fan glossaries and meta-discussions about in-universe technology.