Quick correction: They do effect degenerate matter, but the effectiveness is limited since it simply is the annihilation reaction with the electrons.
They do have charge, but like photons and electrons, positrons are
wavicles they move at the speed of light and have no mass of importance. Quantum tunneling effects occur at those speeds, and a magnetic containment field cannot fully dissipate due to Heisenburg's little rule.
Even if a handful of positrons penetrate, the Loose Cannon is gonna be in a world of hurt

The trick is the speed of the Culture ship, so if you have the specs on that... well heh

Edit: From what Shrike has said, Culture shields seem to be gravity based, so I'll go hide in my General Products #2 hull for the time being

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AceStaff member FreeSpace Watch
http://freespace.volitionwatch.com/ [This message has been edited by Ace (edited 09-02-2001).]
[This message has been edited by Ace (edited 09-02-2001).]