Isolinear rod

Isolinear rods

Isolinear rods were long, thin and cylindrical in shape, having a translucent dark amber tint. These small rods interfaced with information storage and processing devices which were employed by the Cardassian Union aboard their starships and other facilities. They were also used aboard the Bajoran, formerly Cardassian, facility of Deep Space 9. The rods were similar in principle to the Starfleet-issued isolinear chips used aboard Federation starships. (I AM ERROR)

In 2369, Quark used two isolinear rods to pass the security clearance five to get access to a station layout of Deep Space 9's command level. (DS9: "Babel")

The same year the senior staff of Deep Space 9 tried to download all the data from "Pup" onto six isolinear rods. (DS9: "The Forsaken")

In late 2369/early 2370, a freighter operated by Subytts was involved in smuggling defective isolinear rods to Bajor. (DS9: "The Homecoming")

In 2371, when Elim Garak was preparing to leave Deep Space 9 on a mission, Doctor Julian Bashir asked if there was anything he could do for him. Garak replied that he had hidden an isolinear rod behind a false panel and that if he did not return within 78 hours, Bashir should take that rod and eat it. Bashir replied that he was joking and Garak admitted that he was. (DS9: "Improbable Cause")

Isolinear rods are color-coded with labels that correspond with what particular information they pertain to. For instance, white-labeled rods contain data relating to engineering system controls while red-labeled contain library and information storage. (DS9: "Shadowplay")

Another color used was blue; however, it was not revealed what information they pertained to.

In times of heightened security aboard Cardassian ships, isolinear rod banks could be protected by an anti-personnel force field. (VOY: "Dreadnought")

See also

• Optolythic data rod

External link

• Isolinear rod at Memory Beta, the wiki for licensed Star Trek works