System Failure Hieroglyphs

System Failure was an event that would occur in the Swan station if the code was not entered into the computer by the time the countdown timer reached zero.

Contents 1 Description 2 Occurrences 3 Unanswered questions 4 Cultural references 5 See also

DescriptionEdit

System Failure Computer Screen

Hieroglyphs would be displayed a few seconds after system failure, and then the electromagnetic force near the concrete wall in the Hatch would begin to build rapidly, pulling any and all magnetic metallic objects inward from increasingly great distances. (Non-ferromagnetic metals, such as copper, aluminium and brass were not visibly affected; this is why Desmond's key was not affected by the force.) The words "System Failure" would repeatedly scroll across the screen of the computer, and the event would be logged on the computer at the Pearl, where a corresponding printout could be produced. There would also be a loud alarm sound, and the speakers would repeat "system failure," with a female voice. If the electromagnetic force hadn't yet destroyed the computer, there would still be time to enter the numbers and terminate the System Failure, preventing further damage.

OccurrencesEdit

System Failure recorded on the Pearl's Log printout

At least two system failures are known with certainty to have occurred:

1. On September 22, 2004 at 4:16 (dated by the log printout), Desmond believed that he caused the crash of Flight 815 when his absence from the Hatch led to a brief system failure. ("Live Together, Die Alone, Part 1")
2. On November 26, 2004, Locke decided not to push the button and threw the computer to the floor, preventing Desmond from entering the code. Desmond attempted to rectify the situation by using the fail-safe mechanism. This in turn was followed by the discharge and the implosion of the Swan. ("Live Together, Die Alone, Part 1")

Unanswered questionsEdit

Unanswered questions
Do not answer the questions here. Keep the questions open-ended and neutral: do not suggest an answer. More details...

For fan theories about these unanswered questions, see: System Failure/Theories

• What system failed during a System Failure, and what was/is the nature of that system?
• What happened behind the wall when a system failure would occur?
• Why did DHARMA choose to use Hieroglyphs in their counter?
• Did a System Failure lead to the sealing of the area?

Cultural referencesEdit

• The words "System Failure" were prominent in the movie The Matrix in the streaming number display at the end after the main character Neo was fully awakened to his powers.

See alsoEdit

• Push the button
• Fail-safe
• Discharge

v • d • e Events Pre-crash events Basra incident • Car accidents • Collapsing deck accident • Count to five • Tampa job Arrivals to the Island Mid-air break-up • Sailing race • Bésixdouze expedition • Parachutist • Henry Gale's balloon Dreams and visions Charlie's dreams • Claire's dream • Desmond's flashes • Eko's dreams • Locke's dreams Various Island events Conflict • Distress signal • Fires • Pillar of smoke • Whispers • WXR broadcast Others and DHARMA events Discharge • The Incident • Lockdown incident • The Purge • Pushing the button • Supply drop • System failure • The Truce Flash sideways events Benefit concert