There's no direct mechanical (or hydraulic) connection from the joystick to the control surfaces. Only electrical/electronic black magic, wires and mirrors, etc, etc, but hopefully not too much smoke !!!
All of Lu's LVDT's, RVDT's, +/- signals, FCC, etc, just convert the mechanical signals from the joystick, to electrical signals, then back to mechanical signals to drive and control the position of the control surfaces. Then as Lu described, more similar equipment is needed to provide mechanical feedback to the pilot via the joystick. All the while, the FCC is in the middle of the system, having ultimate control.
I hope that helps.
Spec.