Transit Window
Transit Windows are limited-range **phase-entrainment transport systems** used for near-instantaneous travel and visual linkage between planetary surfaces, orbiting stations, moons, and even ships within short-range proximity. Unlike the Star Naming System (SNS), which employs quantum entanglement for FTL communication, Transit Windows rely solely on **localized phase alignment fields**, restricting them to sub-light-second ranges.
Overview
A Transit Window consists of two frame generators tuned to the same **phase resonance frequency**. When activated, the system stabilizes a narrow corridor of bent space between the endpoints, forming a **transparent aperture** that displays the opposite side before traversal. Matter passing through experiences no measurable delay, but the field’s range is limited by the coherence time of its entrainment harmonics.
Transit Windows are common within the Prose planetary system and aboard ships such as the Scavenger DX-1017 for orbital transfer, surface deployment, and near-system logistics.
Function
Transit Windows operate by synchronizing phase oscillations between paired resonator cores. The stabilized field temporarily folds local spacetime, creating a corridor whose length is determined by harmonic stability rather than distance. Depending on configuration, they can be used for:
- **Planet-to-Moon Transfer** – Linking Prose with Kastan or Liera.
- **Surface-to-Orbit Access** – Common at Scavenger Base.
- **Ship-to-Surface Deployment** – For landing or retrieval operations.
- **Ship-to-Ship Transfer** – Possible when vessels remain within ~100,000 km.
- **Remote Observation Mode** – Passive alignment that enables visual or sensor viewing through the field without transport.
The visual conduit, unique to Prosian design, allows travelers or observers to see the destination clearly even in standby mode.
Limitations
- Range – Limited to ~0.5 light-seconds due to phase-field coherence limits.
- Mass Limit – Field instability beyond 50 tonnes of transferred mass.
- Power Source – Requires synchronized fusion or gravitic power.
- Environmental Sensitivity – Strong magnetic or seismic activity can break entrainment.
- Ship-Scale Restriction – Full vessels cannot pass; only personnel or light cargo.
- No Entanglement Link – Windows must maintain line-of-sight or direct field triangulation.
Technology
Transit Windows use **dual resonator cores** mounted in reinforced rings. Each frame includes:
- **Phase Alignment Rings** – Maintain resonance geometry.
- **Containment Field Coils** – Hold the corridor’s molecular cohesion.
- **Visual Conduit Interface** – Displays destination imagery for safety and navigation.
- **Observation Gatekeeper Module** – Controls unidirectional viewing for reconnaissance.
- **Emergency Collapse Systems** – Disengage if field integrity drops below safety threshold.
Unlike quantum systems, the Transit Window’s resonators must remain in continuous electromagnetic synchronization; any interruption causes the aperture to collapse instantly.
Remote Viewing
Transit Windows can operate in a **non-transport, observation-only configuration**, called *“clear phase.”* In this state:
- The aperture functions as a real-time optical and sensor link.
- No material transfer occurs.
- Energy cost is significantly reduced.
Used for diplomatic communication, rescue coordination, and scientific observation, this function also permits **ship-to-ship visual contact** without radio lag—provided both windows maintain mutual lock.
Cultural and Civil Use
Transit Windows revolutionized Prosian life before the Alliance era. Public hubs in Prosiana and Larotey allow rapid travel between civic sectors, orbiting platforms, and nearby moons. Civil uses include:
- Daily commuting and commerce.
- Emergency medical transport.
- Direct shipment of agricultural products to orbit.
- Open observation during moon alignment festivals.
Military and Starship Use
Starships equipped with Transit Windows employ them for:
- **Rapid personnel transfer** to stations or nearby ships.
- **Emergency evacuation** during reactor or hull compromise.
- **Tactical observation** of nearby vessels or planetary surfaces.
Because phase entrainment can be detected, most ships operate their windows under encryption and shield modulation.
Relationship to SNS
Each Transit Window endpoint is registered in the Star Naming System (SNS), ensuring accurate coordinate verification and avoiding phase overlap with other fields. The SNS also logs window activity for traffic and safety analysis within populated systems.
Safety and Protocol
- Dual authentication required at both endpoints.
- Atmospheric and pressure equalization occur automatically before opening.
- Unauthorized access triggers an immediate field collapse and security lockdown.
- Observation mode uses directional limiters to prevent misuse as covert surveillance.
Historical Development
Transit Window technology originated from Prosian **phase-field cargo tests** in Annuli 3362. Engineers discovered that limited-range harmonics could sustain stable corridors within planetary orbit. The first lunar link connected Prosiana’s eastern industrial complex to the Kastan Observatory. Ship-to-ship transit appeared later (Annuli 3384) with the research vessel Etraven, and the Alliance standardized the design soon after.
Technical Data
- **Max Range:** 0.5 light-seconds
- **Ship-to-Ship Range:** ≤ 100,000 km
- **Throughput:** 2 persons/s (civil), 20+/s (military)
- **Power Consumption:** 2.4 TW sustained (standard gate)
- **Synchronization Cycle:** 8 ns phase refresh
- **Aperture Diameter:** 2–10 m typical
- **Observation Bandwidth:** Optical + infrared + sensor telemetry
Trivia
- Prosians call Transit Windows “Eyes of the Flow” (Aikal’nipen), emphasizing their dual roles in travel and perception.
- Humans aboard the Scavenger describe the sensation as “walking through clear water.”
- Some ship crews use observation mode informally for visual greetings between companion vessels.