Shardostasis

Shardostasis is a theoretical concept originating in speculative fiction, particularly within certain science fiction narratives. It describes a state where an object or entity is effectively frozen in time, but not in a conventional sense of temporal stasis. Instead, "shardostasis" implies that the object exists in discrete, unchangeable fragments or "shards" of its past states. These shards are not necessarily contiguous in time, meaning there could be gaps or variations between them, and the object itself might not be perceived as a single, continuous entity.

The term suggests a breakdown or fragmentation of temporal continuity. An object in shardostasis would not be capable of experiencing time's passage or undergoing physical change. Its existence would be a collection of frozen moments, each a perfect replica of a specific point in its history. This state is distinct from simple time freezing, which typically implies a uniform stoppage of time for everything within a given field. Shardostasis focuses on the individual object's temporal integrity being compromised in a fragmented manner.

While a purely theoretical construct, the idea of shardostasis explores the complex relationship between time, matter, and perception. It raises questions about the nature of existence and what it means for an entity to persist through time when its temporal progression is not linear or uniform. The concept often serves as a plot device to introduce unique challenges or phenomena within fictional universes, such as entities that can only be interacted with at specific, non-sequential points in their history.