A-130: Spanial, Common Area
Tasers and Electrolasers
The effects of both weapons tend to be similar (in terms of GURPS rules, the shock part is identical), the difference is in the delivery mechanism. Electrolasers “…use a pair of low-power far-ultraviolet laser beams to create an ionized path through the air, then transmit an electrical discharge that follows this to the target… [UT119]“ Most electrolasers deliver a Stun effect to the target, however more powerful models are available that can apply the Paralysis affliction (which also Stuns automatically) or the Heart Attack affliction. Such weapons are restricted to military use, but there was one such in the gun locker on Deck 7 of the wreck.
Tasers essentially do the same thing, but instead of lasers deliver the charge along a wire (ie in similar fashion to a contemporary Taser. Trivia: TASER is actually an acronym, but in the Dominion usage is now a regular noun).
Electrolasers are relatively common in the Dominion, but Tasers are mostly unheard of. Through her Streetwise roll, Lia has heard stories of them being used by ‘ethically challenged merchant spacers’ and certain special units of the Legion, though they are only stories. Not being much interested in guns, I expect she didn’t pay the information much mind until now.
Excitement
Although Karmen is poker faced, the other three seem to be enjoying this conversation.
“I thought tasers were a myth…”
She’s studying the samples.
“Have you ever seen one?”
To Karmen.