n.1. Fine particles of matter. 2. The primary action of Temporal Defense. 3.(Slang) The cognitive bi-product that accompanies the recollection of a light-speed experience.
v.1. To remove completely from a surface. 2. To annihilate at light-speed.
Drift \'drift\
n.1. A driving movement or force. 2.(Slang) The causal experience that occurs when an individual compromises focus during light-speed movement resulting in the absence of time itself at both the conscious and subconscious level. Often irreparable.
Duster \'dƏs-tƏr\
n.1. A person or thing that removes or applies dust. 2. A superluminal combat vehicle primarily utilized by SHIFT expeditionary units for means of Temporal Defense in the elimination of hostile planetary systems. Renowned for its unique onboard alternative powerplant which generates the extreme levels of energy needed for FTL speeds by perpetually inducing microscopic singularity events (aka “big bangs”) throughout the multiverse. FTL travel is made possible by the harnessing of both the quantum and thermal energy released by the induction of a Big Bang (“hatching the cosmic egg”).
Dusters also feature highly complex holographic navigation and communication interfaces required to maintain a consistent spacetime trajectory across exponential non-linear timelines - requiring exceptional skill and focus from pilots. Most common armaments include Collapse Dynamics, which efficiently induce quantum de-coupling of matter at the granular level. The vehicle's namesake is derived from the resulting physical effect on planetary targets.
3.(Slang) combat pilot.
TimeCom \'tīm\kƏ-,m\
n.1.(Slang) Time Compression- the resulting effect of the Duster's Acceleration Harness enabling the craft to perpetuate light-speed thus weakening the infrastructure of time itself. Past occurrences exist within present events, future ideals coincide with momentary decisions, current experiences influence both precognition and retrocognition simultaneously alongside elaborate dogfighting techniques- all mixed together into a quantum stew of phenomenology.
TimeLag \'tīm\'lag\
n.1.(Slang) The mental and physical effect on a combat pilot during and after the TimeCom process. Usual side effects include mild disorientation and bleeding from both the nose and mouth.
n.1. A privately-funded exploratory project specializing in advanced existential research known as “freesearch” created in response to society's alleged complacency towards discovery. Utilizing elements of both meta and quantum physics, psychology, meteorology, and electromagnetism- the goal of SHIFT is to advance the human race via an array of authentic, conceptual approaches to the simple question “why?” The success of a SHIFT freesearcher is determined by the level of individual response when confronting the unknown variables that define existence. “Do you chase the infinite horizon?”, “Do you engage in standardized breakthrough?”, etc, etc.
Some SHIFT projects include Temporal Defense (Dusting), Perpetual Deja Vu, Parallel Racial Memory, Reverse Deism, Self-reincarnation, Quantum Texting, Astral Insulation, Deanimation, Alternate Singular Realities, MeTube, DreamTube, and the Big Bang.
Quantum Expo \'kwän-tƏm\'ek-(,)spō\
n.1. the synergetic interrelatedness of social, technological, and causal development coinciding to yield a cognitive paradigm shift; this historical benchmark was a precursor to SHIFT activites (i.e. freesearch).
The Hadron's Fear \'ha-,dräns\'fir\
n.1. A mobile SHIFT outpost and deployment carrier. Current home to Pilot and Crowe, as well as several squadrons of Duster units. Fully self-sufficient and capable of operating continuously on a generational scale. It is largely unknown how many similar carriers SHIFT employs- most estimates allude to at least several hundred. It has been referred to as “a gargantuan masterpiece of cutting-edge technology designed for light speed development. It forcefully floats through this infinite blanket of stars- an intricate system of corridors, laboratories, hangar bays, and living/social quarters.”
Infinity's End \in-'fi-nƏ-tē-es\'end\
n.1. A communal ringworld several thousand miles in diameter terraformed on the interior to function as a highly sustainable suburban sprawl. Orbiting a G-type star at a distance of 1AU (92,935,700 miles), Infinity's End is able to replicate day/night cycles as well as harness solar energy via the use of giant panels mounted along its outer rim. The primary use for the structure is to provide a safe, insulated environment for children born into SHIFT.
Latticework \'la-tƏs-,wƏrk\
n.1. A complex series of transport rails acting as a primary rendezvous point for SHIFT recruits. Designed to service an exponentially increasing number of destinations.
Space Face \'spās\'fās\
n.1.(Slang) An accomplished member of SHIFT specializing in interstellar field work.
Interceptors \,in-tƏr-'sep-tƏrs\
n.1. Primary antagonists of SHIFT, and targets of Temporal Defense activity.
White-Coater \'hwīt\'kōt-er\
n.1.(Slang) A tight-knit society of scientists largely responsible for the cohesion and direction of humanity's growth. The White-Coaters coordinate the efforts of society using purely technocratic and rationalistic methods. Unconcerned with gaining power, their goal via technology is to create a self-sustainable sense of awareness and knowledge within society. In regard to problem-solving and conflict resolution, they are similar to computers, yet still undeniably human- driving humanity to expand its borders in all directions.
Rotator \'rō-,tā-tƏr\
n.1.(Slang) SHIFT recruitment agents tasked with the preparation of individuals for Temporal Defense. Known for the high turnover rate within their ranks due to the relative length of interstellar expedition.
