Object

Iconian Translucent Blue Dome

A softly glowing, translucent pale-blue dome of resin-like material, roughly table-sized and waist-high, crowns the control chamber. Its base is encircled by a dense ring of raised, colored key-symbols inset with iridescent inlays and alien script. Fine concentric filaments run beneath the dome’s skin and reflective flecks catch ambient light; scorch marks mar portions of the rim while the keys retain an inner luminescence and the whole assembly emits a low, steady hum. Crew members press and trace the keyed symbols; hands land on individual keys to jolt the dome’s circuitry. Data physically manipulates the keys to enhance a mysterious signal, and the dome reacts with pulse and whispering static as voices answer back.

4 appearances

Purpose

To function as a tactile control interface for the Iconian console: the ringed keys provide direct, manual input to activate, modify, or interrupt the dome’s gateway and signal functions.

Significance

The ring of keys bridges alien technology and human agency; when Data engages the keys the signal widens and an intimate exchange follows, catalyzing his unauthorized response and seeding the ensuing ethical and procedural crisis.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

4 moments

S2E11 · Contagion (Star Trek: The Next Generation)

Iconian Control Room — Ruins, Gateways, and Roots

The pentagonal console crowned by the glowing blue dome and ringed with colored keys is the room's focal artifact: examined visually and linguistically by Picard and Data as the probable control interface for the three gateways and the primary subject for forensic decoding and possible manual override.

Before: Intact but scorched and powered with a soft inner luminescence; embedded in the control room's center and surrounded by sparking conduits.

After: Remains in place and under study; its illuminated keys and dome are preserved as primary evidence and the team prepares to interact with it cautiously.

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S2E11 · Contagion (Star Trek: The Next Generation)

Deciphering the Gate: Silent Comms and Linguistic Forensics

The pentagon-shaped table topped by a softly glowing translucent blue dome and ringed with colored keys is the scene's focal artifact: a control interface the team inspects for inscriptions, control logic, and functional clues that could link the Iconian gateways to the Yamato probe.

Before: Intact but scorched and flecked with reflective material; installed at center of control room, dormant but energetically fragile.

After: Remains physically unchanged in the short term; becomes the primary subject of scans and linguistic analysis as the away team begins reverse-engineering efforts.

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S2E11 · Contagion (Star Trek: The Next Generation)

Iconian Gateway Awakens — Data Struck Down

The Iconian Dome Ring of Colored Keys is the interface Data identifies as the 'manual override.' Data manipulates its symbols and keys, initiating the room's power surge and activating the globe. The ring functions as both puzzle and trigger for the gateway's sequence.

Before: Installed and dormant on the pentagonal console, scorched but luminous, unlit keys and inactive.

After: Actively engaged and lit; keys have been used to input commands and remain in an energized state as the gateway cycles.

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S2E11 · Contagion (Star Trek: The Next Generation)

Iconian Gateways Awaken — Data Struck Down

The pentagonal console ring of colored keys acts as the apparent 'manual override' Data identifies and physically manipulates. His input triggers a low hum, lights the globe and bank of lights, and causes the gateway to spin; the console thus functions as the interface that converts dormant infrastructure into an active portal and reveals control over a subterranean power source.

Before: Dormant but intact; keys dark and unlit; console inert and cold to touch.

After: Active and illuminated; keys have been engaged and are glowing; console displays symbols and registers increased power draw.

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