Energy Weapon

The standard Sirian energy weapon comes in several variations, most often as a sidearm or rifle.

The laser used in all energy weapons is of the excimer type and uses the reaction of flourine and energized cobalt for power. A replaceable energy cell provides approximately 200 short-duration energy bursts. The pistol version has a short body and two handgrips for accurate fire. A small muzzle guard surrounds the discharge area, acting as flash suppression during ignition. A "safety" toggle is located above the trigger to prevent accidental discharge, as well as to ensure the power cell is disengaged. The wavelength or intensity of the laser can be regulated using a control on the weapon’s side.

Selectable settings compensate for atmospheric conditions or material to be penetrated, as well as allowing the pistol’s beam to be “flattened” so it may act as a stun weapon. This latter setting turns the beam’s energy into a neural neutralizer which can effectively paralyze the target for a short time. While the setting is not lethal, it does cause second or third degree burns to the impact area.

The Sirian shock trooper carries the rifle version of the weapon, identical to the pistol with the addition of a stock for stabilization, an extended length, a sling for easy transport, and a nightscope. The scope uses infrared to track a target and a low-power slave laser for sighting.

Conversion Chamber

Conversion chambers aboard mother ships, as well as their smaller portable versions, are used for behavior modification and as electronic interrogation devices. Only trained technicians must operate these devices.

The conversion process is accomplished by focusing an extremely high-powered sensor beam on the higher function areas of a subject’s cerebral cortex. The return pulses of the beam are analyzed, and certain areas designated as "soft spots" — areas of the brain that contain memory centers and thought. Further analysis of these areas indicates to the trained data observer sectors of trauma and phobic reactions. The application of subsonic "jammers" and auditory stimulation can produce a state in the subject similar to deep hallucination.

The neural pulses can be cycled or phased to produce psychosomatic reactions and extreme discomfiture. In effect, a subject’s memories and subconscious can be used as an interrogation tool, substituting scenes and events from the past with outright physical pain. The cycles can be computer augmented, planting post-hypnotic suggestions in the subject’s subconscious. Aside from lasting mental trauma, the process also produces dangerous side effects: increased blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration are experienced during the cycling procedure. In extreme cases, these can result in cardiac arrest or an ischemic episode. The duration of the process is determined by the subject’s ability to resist the subconscious stimuli and the psychosomatic pain.