Ocular Parabola

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In the science fiction TV series LEXX, Ocular Parabolae are the principle component to the Lexx’s main weapon system. They are linked into complex arrays and have two functions: one is to serve as a massive network of compound optical receivers (hence, the ocular portion of its name) to allow the Lexx to see into space, and the other function is to act as a mass emitter for its weapon.

Inside the interior of the Lexx, thousands of these optical nerves line the inside of its two giant "eyes". It must also be able to change in function to accommodate the Lexx’s planet-killing capabilities. It has been estimated that the power output of just one nerve during a single fire is enormous.

The "Ocular" component of the Lexx tends to be in the form of the common insect compound eye. In one episode when the Lexx was caught in a web-like parasitic creature, the Lexx demonstrated its ability to see the creature with incredible accuracy, well into deep space (season 2, "The Web"). Further into that episode, the crew members of the Lexx where instructed to go to the receptors, where they tapped into one of Lexx’s optical nerves. There they received sight from only one Ocular Parabola. This was done in response to the creature's ability to physically enter the Lexx’s exoskeleton and brain, in order to change what the view-screen was depicting.

However, when the weapon system is energizing the Ocular Parabola must flip from the common sight usage to the dish-like structures synonymous with that phase (and hence, "parabola" like a parabolic dish). These dishes focus the energy released by the nerves and channel them into a central point ahead of the Lexx. Obviously this process increases the yield of the blast.

[edit] Further Information

• The phrase "Ocular Parabola" has only been mentioned once in the series (season 1, "I Worship His Shadow").