Object
Iconian Gateway Globe
A palm-to-room-sized, semi-translucent Iconian spheroid mounted in the control room that spins and projects a spiraling, radiant aperture of intersecting emerald rays. The projection cycles fleeting vistas of distant worlds (including brief images of the Enterprise and a Romulan bridge), emits a high-pitched tone and focused defensive beams, and can discharge pulses that injure organic and synthetic beings. Crew members reach toward or probe its edge; Data physically investigates and is struck, suffering severe positronic disturbance.
3 appearances
Purpose
To project and open interdimensional gateways between worlds and to function as the Iconian control system’s portal generator and visualizer.
Significance
Functions as the episode’s catalytic device: it proves Iconian teleportation technology, reframes Iconian history, creates an immediate tactical threat (incapacitates Data), and forces Picard into a consequential moral and tactical choice—escalating the conflict with Romulan interests and transforming discovery into crisis.
Appearances in the Narrative
When this object appears and how it's used