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Around the time of the Battle of Hoth, Admiral Kendal Ozzel carried three code cylinders.
- "The self-styled commander looks every bit an officer, and he used code cylinders to requisition the fuel cells."
- ―Moff Wilhuff Tarkin
Code cylinders, also referred to as coded rank cylinders, coded key cylinders and data cylinders, were security devices in the shape of short cylinders that were used by the Galactic Empire and, decades later, by the First Order. They contained coded information about their bearers and granted them access to secure areas.
Galactic Empire
Edit
Imperial code cylinders had at least two functions: they contained coded information about the bearer,[1] and granted them varying levels of access to secure areas[2] and terminals.[3] New code cylinders were issued with every upgrading of the clearance level,[4] or new assignment.[2] Because the replacement forms and procedures were notoriously complex, bearers of code cylinders were careful not to lose them.[4]
The Galactic Empire used at least four physically distinct forms of code cylinder. The first kind, worn by officers such as Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin,[5] Admiral Kendal Ozzel, and General Maximillian Veers, had a blue bulbous surface at its tip and a small pocket clip.[6] The second kind, used by ISB Agent Kallus, was identical in structure but instead featured a red tip.[3] The third type, which General Cassio Tagge and Chief Moradmin Bast carried, was, again, identical in structure, the only difference being that it lacked a colored tip. The fourth kind, worn by Admiral Conan Antonio Motti, was somewhat thicker, lacked a pocket clip, and was topped by a spiral drill bulb.[5]
First OrderEdit
A code cylinder of the First Order
In imitation of the Galactic Empire, the First Order made use of code cylinders, then referred to as "rank cylinders" or "access cylinders." As was also the case in the Empire, the cylinders governed access to command systems and certain areas of First Order vessels and installations. The officers wore their cylinders not in pockets, but in loops fastened on either sides of the breastbone.[7] The First order lieutenants Dopheld Mitaka and Rodinon both carried access cylinders, but the non-commissioned officers did not, and neither did the higher ranking officers like Colonels Erich S. Datoo and Kaplan or even General Armitage Hux.[8] Captain Tritt Opan had one fake code cylinder, which was used to carry poison inside due to his acting as Hux's personal hitman.[9]
AppearancesEdit
Non-canon appearancesEdit
SourcesEdit
- Star Wars Rebels: The Visual Guide (First identified as Code cylinder)
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens: The Visual Dictionary (First identified as coded rank cylinder)
- Star Wars Character Encyclopedia: Updated and Expanded
- Star Wars: Rogue One: The Ultimate Visual Guide (First identified as coded key cylinder)
- Star Wars: The Visual Encyclopedia
- Star Wars: The Rebel Files (Picture only)
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi: The Visual Dictionary
- The Last Jedi: Rose Tico: Resistance Fighter
- Star Wars: The Complete Visual Dictionary, New Edition
- Supply Master Yogar Lyste in the Databank (backup link) (Picture only)
Notes and referencesEdit
- ↑ Tarkin
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Servants of the Empire: The Secret Academy
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Star Wars Rebels – "Through Imperial Eyes"
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Servants of the Empire: Imperial Justice
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope
- ↑ Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back
- ↑ Star Wars: The Force Awakens: The Visual Dictionary
- ↑ Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens
- ↑ Star Wars: The Last Jedi: The Visual Dictionary
