Rod

Rod refers to a kinetic orbital bombardment in which a dense projectile is dropped from space to strike a surface target at extreme speed. The method uses no moving parts or explosives; the energy on impact comes from velocity.

First known use and context

• The term is defined in standard references as military slang for dropping a dense rod from orbit to bombard a target.
• During a night‑side pass in low orbit above Arbre, observers witnessed brilliant linear traces descending toward major equatorial launch complexes, followed by hemispherical blooms of warm light—effects compared by witnesses to a nuclear flash but without radioactive fallout. In‑world accounts attribute these strikes to the Pedestal.

Characteristics and effects

• No onboard explosive; impact energy derives from high closing velocity and mass.
• Visual signatures reported: luminous streaks during atmospheric entry and a brief, intense bloom at impact.
• Operational implications: fixed launch facilities and other large, high‑value sites are vulnerable to detection and rapid disabling by rod strikes.

Associations and attribution (as reported)

• Observed during a period when the Daban Urnud maintained surveillance from high orbit; attribution to the Pedestal reflects in‑world assessments rather than a formal claim.
• The strikes were seen by a covert team operating under the cover of the Cold Black Mirror while assembling and maneuvering in low orbit.

Current status

Rod strikes are treated as an active threat in planning and discussion, particularly for large equatorial launch facilities. Further details about targeting doctrine, materials, or production are not disclosed in‑world; accounts here reflect observed effects and reported attribution only.