Tachyon Laser Mining Beam

Tachyon Laser Mining Beam is a gigantic Laser built below the Reactor Level of Citadel Station.

It was acknowledged to be easily modifiable for military use to defend the Station from possible invasion. The device also played a huge part in TriOptimum Corporation's negotiations with United Earth Miners' Conglomerate over the rights to Saturn's moons, with plans of subsequent taxing of the shipping lines in the sector.

SHODAN intended to use the Laser to destroy many of Earth's cities. Nathan D'Arcy recognized the danger and worked on its neutralization. At first he considered firing the Laser prematurely, however the possibility of it already being targeted on Earth was too big to be neglected. Therefore he proposed another plan: to raise the Station's energy Shield using Isotope X-22 and then, after overriding the safeguards, firing the Laser which would lead to its overload and destruction. This plan was ultimately carried out by the Hacker.

Trivia

 * laserbad.jpg the Hacker fires the Laser before raising the Shield, it indeed hits the Earth with devastating consequences, exactly as D'Arcy feared. After that, the Hacker receives a mocking message from SHODAN, leading to a non-standard game over.