Object
Ard'rian's Iron Bar
A short, hand‑sized iron bar — dull grey, blunt at the ends, and dense enough to arc reliably when thrown. Ard'rian hurls it with casual precision as a practical test; it cuts a small trajectory through the market air, thuds against street stone, and lands in Data's hands for inspection, its weight and texture prompting technical curiosity and a spark of rapport.
2 appearances
Purpose
Serves as a test projectile and demonstrative prop used by Ard'rian to evaluate Data's reflexes and to puncture a tense exchange with a physical prompt.
Significance
Functions as the pivot that breaks the stalemate: the thrown bar creates a private technical exchange, wins Ard'rian's admiration, and forges a covert alliance with Data that undermines Gosheven's authority and enables later persuasion of the colonists.
Appearances in the Narrative
When this object appears and how it's used