The SGC iris
The shield of Earth's gate
- Faction
- Earth (SGC)
- Material
- Trinium
- Opening
- Identification code (GDO)
Earth's best defensive idea, bar none. A plate of armored metal that closes over the gate, just inches from the event horizon. The result: anything trying to come through without authorization smashes into it before it can even rematerialize.
Overview
Earth's gate is a door open onto the galaxy, and therefore onto all its dangers. The iris is the answer. This trinium shield spirals shut just in front of the event horizon. An incoming intruder rematerializes against it and doesn't stand a chance. It's the planet's first and simplest line of defense.
Its story
So coming through the gate to Earth means betting your life. To get the iris opened, you have to transmit the right identification code, using a small transmitter called a GDO. The right code, and you're through. No code, and you go splat. Many of SG-1's most tense scenes play out right there: a team on the run, enemies hot on their heels, and that code to send before it's too late.
Themes
