Regulation 66.4: The Use of Non-Linear Chrono-Manipulation Devices (The “Hourglass” Clause)
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Scope of Use: Chrono-Manipulation Devices (CPDs), including the Standard Issue Chrono-Dial, are restricted to Category-S Life-Threatening Scenarios only. Unauthorized “peeking” or “stalling” for administrative convenience is a Grade-1 Felony.
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The Debt of Friction: Time is not a resource; it is a tension. Every second “borrowed” or “frozen” generates Temporal Friction.
Minor Usage: Results in ‘The Shakes’ (Localised muscle spasms).
Moderate Usage: Results in ‘Visual Echoing’ (The subject perceives their own actions 0.5 seconds late).
Excessive Usage: Results in ‘Aetheric Bile’ (The body attempts to purge non-linear energy through the respiratory system).
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The Displacement Horizon (The Void): Continued violation of Reg 66.4 leads to a Total Dimensional Collapse. The subject does not die; they simply cease to have a “Present Address.” They are scattered across their own timeline as a series of static, uncoupled moments.
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Mandatory Quarantine: Any officer displaying symptoms of “Visual Echoing” is to be immediately surrendered to the Ministry of Aetheric Stability (Ministry of Arcane Security (Ministry of Arcane Security MAS)) Medical Wing for “Stabilization” (De-aging/Re-syncing).
The Department of Magical Crimes (The Department of Magical Crimes (DMC)) Footnote (Alistair’s Handwriting): “Stabilization” is Ministry-speak for putting you in a jar until your timeline stops vibrating. Don’t go to the Medical Wing.