Emotional amplifier

Emotional amplifiers were devices capable of detecting emotions and amplifying them over distances. Owen Harper compared them to mobile phones which transmitted emotions rather than sounds.

Appearance and design
The amplifiers were deep-lavender metallic objects, the size of paperback books, but ovoid in shape. They were criss-crossed with raised ribbons of metal, which broadened out at random intervals to encircle two buttons. At the broad end, they had three irregular holes. The narrower end of the amplifiers was different in texture, like ceramic, but the same colour of lavender.

The colour and curvature reminded Toshiko of Japanese art, with the surface incised with pattern like formal calligraphy. The colour reminded her of Hokusai etchings.

The inner circuitry produced an emotional amplification effect, capable of transmitting emotions including hunger. It also contained a picture within the circuitry of a face, perhaps of portrait the devices' owner or creator. There were also symbols incised into the circuitry, perhaps the equivalent of serial numbers, prices or bar codes. (PROSE: Slow Decay)

Origin
It was theorised that they might be used by an alien race which communicated via a short-range empathic sense. The amplifiers were built with artistry and care, suggesting that the civilisation which created them revered art and artisans. They buttons suggested that this race had tendrils or fingers smaller than those of a teenager. (PROSE: Slow Decay)

History
to be added