Code cylinder

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Code cylinder

Production information

Type

Identification device^[1]

Date created

Around19 BBY^[1]

Locations

Physical and technical specifications

Size

Handheld^[2]

Material(s)

Metal^[1]

Other markings

Blue,^[2] red^[3] or colorless cap^[2]

Usage and history

Purpose

Accessing and storing data^[4]
Identifying individuals^[1]

Affiliation

"The self-styled commander looks every bit an officer, and he used code cylinders to requisition the fuel cells."

―Moff Wilhuff Tarkin^[14]

Code cylinders, also referred to ascoded rank cylinders,security rank cylinders,coded key cylinders, anddata cylinders, were security devices in the shape of short cylinders that were used by theGalactic Empire and,decades later, by theFirst Order. They contained coded information about their bearers and granted them access to secure areas by usage ofscomp links. It was not uncommon for high-ranking personnel to own multiple code cylinders, each with their own encrypted access codes.

Galactic Empire[]

Around the time of theBattle of Hoth, AdmiralKendal Ozzel carried three code cylinders.

Imperial code cylinders had at least two functions. First and foremost, they contained coded information about the bearer^[14] including the access points they cleared and the files they read. Detailed analysis of the data stored in the cylinder would allow theImperial Security Bureau to even determine the owner's precise movements on board an Imperial ship or installation.^[1] Secondly, code cylinders granted their owner varying levels of access to secure areas^[4] and terminals, including but not limited todetention levels and offices.^[3] Along with giving access to different areas, it should be noted that there were at least Code Cylinder classes.^[15] New code cylinders were issued with every upgrading of the clearance level,^[15] or new assignment.^[4] Because the replacement forms and procedures were notoriously complex, bearers of code cylinders were careful not to lose them.^[15] Losing a code cylinder of particularly high rank also carried the risk of disciplinary action, as it allowed potential intruders to infiltrate Imperial sites and gather information or enter important areas. Depending on the conditions of the incident, including whether the cylinder was lost by accident or as a result of enemy action, the officer responsible could even be sentenced toexecution fortreason.^[1]

The Galactic Empire used at least four physically distinct forms of code cylinder, marked according to the bearer'srank insignia plaque of red and blue tiles; the different cylinders visually communicated their owner's rank to other personnel.^[1] The first kind, worn byofficers such asGrand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin,^[2]Admiral Kendal Ozzel, andGeneral Maximilian Veers, had a torus shaped blue or red activator tip and a small pocket clip.^[16] The second kind, used byISB Agent Kallus,Lieutenant Yogar Lyste, andGrand Admiral Thrawn was nearly identical in structure featuring a red or blue bulbous activator tip along with a unique clip that had inward protrusions near the bottom.^[3] The third type, which GeneralCassio Tagge andChief Moradmin Bast carried, was identical in structure to the first the only difference being that it lacked any colored tip in general. The first and third types also had different colored clips, gold and silver. The fourth kind, called the Crewman Code Cylinder, was worn by AdmiralConan Antonio Motti. It was somewhat thicker, lacked a pocket clip, and was topped by a spiral drill bulb and were additionally used by Imperial Pilots.^[2]

First Order[]

FO code cylinder — A code cylinder of the First Order

In imitation of the Galactic Empire, theFirst 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 Ordervessels and installations. Theofficers wore their cylinders not in pockets, but in loops fastened on either sides of thebreastbone.^[13] The First Orderlieutenants Dopheld Mitaka andRodinon both carried access cylinders, but the non-commissioned officers did not, and neither did the higher ranking officers likeColonels Erich S. Datoo andKaplan or even GeneralArmitage Hux.^[17]Captain Tritt Opan additionally had one fake code cylinder, which was used to carrypoison inside due to his acting as Hux's personal hitman.^[18]