The is a fictional weapon in the '' Stargate '' universe.
Referred to as a "Ribbon" device by the SGC, the hand device is a metal, glove-like object with a large red gem set in the palm. They are the personal weapons of the Goa'uld , and thus unlike other Goa'uld weapons they are used only by Goa'uld and not by the Jaffa . It has a variety of uses; it is an instrument of torture, an effective defensive device, and a flashy weapon used to inspire awe and terror of its god-like user.
The hand device's functions include:
- The center gem can emit an energy stream that causes severe pain when applied to a victim's head, and which will eventually kill the victim by causing fatal damage to the victims brain. This function of the hand device is usually used by the Goa'uld to punish their servants and to torture prisoners. It operates by creating a mental link between the Goa'uld and the victim, using the very hostility and anger of the Goa'uld to inflict pain. Somehow, if the Goa'uld is inattentive or preoccupied, the host of the Goa'uld using the hand device can send a message through the energy stream to the person being tortured; communicating mind-to-mind and without the notice of outside observers.1
- The center gem can also emit a powerful shockwave which radiates outward from the device. Anyone hit by the shockwave will be thrown backwards and sent flying through the air for several feet, as if struck by a physical force of great size and velocity. This can kill the target if used to slam them into a wall or other hard surface, but damage is usually limited to massive bruising if their travel backwards is unimpeded. What this attack lacks in lethality, it makes up for in the awe and intimidation it creates. Jaffa attribute the Goa'uld ability to throw people through the air as a sign of their divine power.
- The gem can be used to "catch" Zat blasts and render them harmless.
- Buttons on the wrist portion of the hand device can be used to remotely control Goa'uld technology, such as opening and closing doors on board a mothership or activating a Ring Transporter .
- Certain hand devices are equipped with an energy shield which, when activated, surrounds the user and gives them total protection from both bullets and energy blasts.2 This function is usually only available on the hand devices belonging to particularly powerful Goa'ulds, such as the System Lords . The energy shield's only weakness is that it does not block objects with little kinetic force, such as hand thrown knives3 or slow-moving tranquilizer darts. It is possible Apophis developed a way around this weakness, as just prior to his death in a crashing starship we see him repelling Replicators with his energy shield.4
Not just anyone can put on a hand device and operate it. Most of the device's functions are activated telepathically, and thus the user needs to know how to mentally control the device. The user also requires Naqahdah in their bloodstream to make the device function. This mostly restricts use of the device to Goa'ulds (as Jaffa do not have the training to mentally operate them). However, ex-hosts who were previously possessed by a Goa'uld and retain trace memories as well as naqahdah in their blood can also use the device, albeit not quite as reliably. Major Samantha Carter , who was left with naqahdah markers after being possessed by the Tok'ra Jolinar, once used a hand device to kill the Goa'uld Seth .5
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