1. PART A: What does the word "thrusters" mean as it is used in paragraph 8 of the passage?

to cause to enter or pierce something by or as if by pushing thrust a dagger into his heart. 3 : extend, spread. 4 : stab, pierce. 5a : to put (someone, such as an unwilling person) forcibly into a course of action or position was thrust into the job. b : to introduce often improperly into a position : interpolate.