Shrian Duffy, born Pelgar Shrian, is a Gelt engineer and physicist who defects to the Compact during the events of Jump. Initially indentured to the disgraced Gelt noble Laral Raas, Shrian secretly develops a prototype quantum entanglement drive—a revolutionary propulsion system capable of instant interstellar travel. She escapes Raas’s control with the help of Connor Duffy, whom she later marries, taking his surname.
Although known as Pelgar Shrian throughout most of Jump, she chooses the name Shrian Duffy following her emancipation and marriage to Connor Duffy, symbolizing both her freedom and commitment to her new life and partner.
Role in Jump
Shrian initially approaches Connor Duffy under false pretenses, hoping to recruit a Compact physicist capable of understanding her drive system. Their relationship quickly evolves into a romantic and professional partnership. She demonstrates the power of the entanglement drive by transporting Duffy across light-years to the Gelt Throneworld in an instant, confirming her device’s unprecedented capabilities.
Later, with the help of Duffy, Peter Lancaster, and several returning allies, Shrian defects to the Compact and hands over the drive—triggering the commissioning of the Endeavour as the first ship equipped with the new technology.
Notable Facts
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Shrian’s indenture was legal under Realm law but considered exploitative and archaic by Compact standards.
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Her emancipation was brokered by Compact allies and Laputan authorities on Armaneya.
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She is one of the few Gelt scientists to directly influence Compact propulsion theory.
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Following her defection, she is granted asylum and enters a legally recognized relationship with Connor Duffy.
Appearances: Jump, Davra's Endeavour, Suicide Solution