B'ar
An extremely large, multi-legged (six to eight is normal) carnivore found on the planet Sequoyah/CAPELLA in the Solomani Rim. Not indigenous to the planet to begin with, it was imported by some one who decided to add a more challenging game animal to the local ecosystem. B'ars resemble several species of Terran 'bear' (hence the name), most notably the Kodiak and Polar bear. Only bigger.
Ball of Wisdom
A Therian artifact given to Ghaer Raller by the Barlows (before they left human space). It was given to Joe Lee in exchange for the Book of Knowledge.
Banner of Terra
The highest award for service in the Solomani military.
Barlow
A mythical race of beings described by children's author James Barlow in his 'Fuzzy' series of books. Barlows are described as resembling a short, rotund Vargr, with Tiger-like stripes. They are gentle, nonviolent and extremely technologically advance. There have been repeated claims that the race does, in fact, exist. However, no corroborating evidence exists.
Big Grey Building with No Windows
The local euphemism for the headquarters of Regina Security on Up Port. The superstition that has evolved around not mentioning the actual name of the building is similar to the theatrical superstition of referring to Shakespeare's Macbeth as "the Scottish play"; in both cases, saying the actual name out loud is asking for trouble.
Bio-sculpting
The practice of using advanced surgical techniques and drug therapies to produce a near perfect physique.
Birabetes
A minor planet in the Rim, it is most notable as the home of the Sengi, a primitive and warlike race.
Blood Crest
The Solomani award given to military personnel wounded in combat.
Book of Knowledge
A Therian artifact given to Joe Lee by the Sengi, after he viewed the Great Board. The Book was given to Ghaer Raller in exchange for the Ball of Wisdom. Ghaer promptly dropped the book, which shattered into thousands of small pieces. Knowledge is evidently to be gained only after it is reassembled, piece by itty-bitty little piece.
Borloi
Plant derived narcotic, grows on small spiny bushes. In it's pure form it is highly addictive. Regulated within the Imperium, as well as on many individual worlds/systems. A derivative of the borloi alkali is the active ingredient in dope sticks, as well as the commonly available tranquilizer soma.
Bullet Magnet
A person or persons who seem to attract a higher percentage of projectiles during any given gun fight.
Burdizo
A device used for castrating animals. The burdizo is a clamp like device like giant vice grips, the size of a medium or large bolt cutter, which fits over the scrotum and when activated snaps together crushing the cords within the scrotum with little damage to the outside. After a few weeks the testes dry up.