One of these advancements is the X-Baton, a portable weapon of unparalleled flexibility, now standard issue for our police force.

Thorough research into the gates has led to whole new fields of scientific study, particularly the exciting field of astral dynamics. We've even been able to harness some of the Astral Spark—the energy given off by the gates—and turn it towards human ends.

The X-Baton itself is one such end. Powered as it is by the Astral Spark, the X-Baton can affect the gates in ways conventional weapons can't. With enough force, it can even be used to destroy gates, closing them for good. Our police carry considerable extradimensional power in the palms of their hands.

Ark Data File #001953