The origins of retaxing, as we understand it now, aren't rooted in conventional fiscal policy. They stem from the observation of chronal distortions – localized pockets of temporal instability that manifested as fluctuations in economic value. These weren’t mere anomalies; they were echoes of alternate realities, bleeding into our own through points of intersection in the spacetime continuum. Initially, these distortions were dismissed as market volatility, but the patterns quickly revealed themselves to be governed by temporal gradients.
Initial Chronal Signature: 7.34 Hz - Predominantly Oscillating within the Fourth Dimension.
The early theorists, known as the ‘Chronometric Cartographers’, posited that currency wasn’t simply a representation of value, but a conduit for temporal energy. The more intense the distortion, the greater the potential for ‘chronal leakage’ – a loss of value due to its passage through alternate timelines. This led to the concept of "Retaxing" – a mechanism to quantify and mitigate this leakage.
During this period, retaxing evolved from a theoretical framework into a practical, albeit highly volatile, system. The discovery of ‘Resonance Fields’ – areas where chronal leakage was particularly pronounced – allowed for the development of ‘Chronometric Amplifiers’. These devices, built using rare earth elements and meticulously calibrated crystals, were designed to absorb excess temporal energy, effectively stabilizing the local economy. However, the Amplifiers themselves exhibited a strange side effect: they also subtly altered the temporal flow within their immediate vicinity, leading to paradoxes and unforeseen consequences.
Dominant Chronal Signature: 12.89 Hz - Exhibited Complex Interference Patterns.
The governing body, the ‘Temporal Revenue Authority’, established strict regulations on the use of Amplifiers. However, corruption and black market activity were rampant. Rumors circulated of ‘Chronal Brokers’ – individuals who facilitated the illicit transfer of temporal wealth, further destabilizing the system.
Following a near-catastrophic event known as ‘The Great Temporal Shift’ (1978), the Temporal Revenue Authority drastically reduced its operational footprint. The focus shifted from active stabilization to passive monitoring, utilizing a network of ‘Chronometric Sensors’ deployed across the globe. This era saw a decline in chronal distortions, but also a stagnation in economic growth. Critics argued that the system had become too conservative, failing to adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of the spacetime continuum.
Average Chronal Signature: 3.91 Hz - Relatively Stable, with Periodic Micro-Fluctuations.
The philosophical debate surrounding retaxing reached its peak. Some argued that it was a necessary tool for maintaining economic stability, while others viewed it as a form of temporal colonialism – a system designed to exploit the resources of alternate timelines.
Currently, retaxing exists in a state of suspended animation. The Chronometric Sensors remain active, but the Temporal Revenue Authority has been effectively disbanded. The chronal distortions have diminished to a barely perceptible level, leaving behind only a faint echo of what was once a complex and potentially dangerous system. Some theorists believe that a new phase is imminent - a resurgence of chronal activity, perhaps triggered by a significant shift in the global spacetime fabric. The question remains: will we be prepared?
Current Chronal Signature: 0.07 Hz - Approaching Baseline, but with Persistent Residual Echoes.
The final report of the Chronometric Cartographers, recovered from a temporally shielded archive, contains a chilling warning: “Beware the Void. It remembers.”
The discovery of anomalous market fluctuations linked to temporal distortions.
The first functional Amplifiers are developed, sparking both excitement and controversy.
A catastrophic distortion event nearly collapses the global economy.
The Temporal Revenue Authority is formally disbanded.