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 Entry to the sphere is by means of ten symmetrically-spaced 3000 metre wide octagonal portals. These portals are automatically operated, triggered by any sensor or communications signal directed toward them. Massive tractor beams are then used to draw vessels inside. Due to the incompatibility of the Sphere's systems with those of Federation ships, standard procedure was until recently for a ship to shut down all systems before transmitting a signal, in order to avoid overloads. Since no access had yet been gained to the control systems, a ship could not open the portal from the inside, so a second ship or a shuttle had to trigger it from the outside at a predetermined time, standing off 500,000km to avoid being drawn in itself. Federation personnel have since gained limited access to the Sphere's data banks, allowing them to open the Portals at will without danger. |
