Pact Plasma Inductors
Among People's Galactic, just as within Unitas spheres, zeoform weaponry is largely based on conventional support weaponry “upscaled” into larger versions suitable for multi-ton combat zeoforms to wield. This offers the benefits of employing well-understood—and, just as importantly, robust—weapons technology. Design, testing, manufacturing, training, and logistics are all much simplified as a result.
However, it's also interesting to note that over time obvious gaps emerge in competing arsenals, revealing distinct gaps in capability that must, perforce, be filled, and this often leads to more inventive solutions being sought. One such example on the Pact side of the equation is the weaponization of plasma inductor technology.
Pact plasma inductors can be found exclusively on their “Master-Rig” Zeoforms (i.e. mid-weight frames, comparable to the GuardCorps' “Battle” classification) like the Amaroq and Kulaq. They fulfill a tactical niche notably similar in scope to the Unitas' CQB series of scattershot weaponry, namely short-ranged, high-powered area-effect weaponry.
Such parallel evolution should not be surprising, as both Pact and GuardCorps combat zeoforms have exceptional mobility and protection in comparison to support troops. As the tip of the spear, zeoforms can find themselves in close quarters with multiple opponents extremely quickly. Under such circumstances, the utility of hard-hitting “instant firepower” should be obvious.
Plasma induction technology will be familiar to those from engineering and manufacturing backgrounds as it exactly parallels the processes used in plasma furnaces. That said, Pact plasma inductors are miniaturized sufficiently to make them highly portable, they effectively supply their own power source (although periodically additional fuel is required to maintain the process), and their energy output exceeds that of most furnaces by a factor of five.
An electromagnetic “iris” is present at one end of the reaction vessel; when it is opened, the area in front of it is subjected to a blast of heat exceeding 1500 Kelvin, sufficient to melt the armor, cabling, and seals of a zeoform, or the flesh and bones of unfortunate support troops.
Why plasma inductors are limited in deployment to only Master-Rig Zeoforms is difficult to explain, as the technology would scale up or down easily. One can only assume that Pact Exo-rigs (Tactical equivalents), with their strong melee capabilities, and N.O.V.A class, with their heavy emphasis on long range firepower, simply have no need of them.
One of the most respected analysts, known both for highly detailed breakdowns and post-engagement evaluation as well as more informal “pop” texts is “Drew Chambert” (a nom de plume). Little is known about this writer except it is evident they are or have been a zeo designer, possibly even a pilot at some point, and have some quite deep connections into both Pact and GuardCorps operations. Their writings and audiocasts are available across all one hundred heliospheres to a greater or lesser extent.
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