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=====DXW-3 "Fang"=====

The technical acronym was given to the weapon by Terran Intelligence Operatives who discovered reference to the secret weapon in communications between Drathonian ships. What was discerned is that it is based upon stolen technology, probably belonging to the Altresians or another race that the Drathonians have since enslaved or eradicated. The latter seems more likely, although the former would be preferred; if this technology could be learned from the Altresians, then the Terrans could find a way to counteract it.

What little the Terran Navy knows is that the gun is far lighter than any other in the Drathonian armory. The reason for it being so secret is that the Drathonians do not fully understand how to operate them: reloading and repairing and other similar field functions are not currently understood by the Drathonians. However, they are capable of manufacturing and manipulating the weapon. The second reason for its secrecy apparently is also why they do not understand how to reload the weapon: the intercepted communications seem to have hinted that the weapon supplies its own ammo; this could be a mistranslation, but no solid evidence in either direction has been provided.

The truth, yet to be discovered by the Terrans, is this: the weapon's ammo is a "block" of metal. Each time the trigger is pulled, the gun analyzes the distance to the target, and calculates how large a "round" needs to be to hit its target with maximum velocity; it then shears an appropriately sized chunk from the block and magnetically propels it from the barrel, assuring a straight shot. While this also lowers recoil, the constant action within the gun (shaving rounds from the block and loading them into the barrel) causes significant overheating issues. On full auto the gun will overheat after nine full seconds of automatic fire, causing the gun to shut down for a period of 3.24 seconds (round if you feel the need). The Drathonians do not understand the method of unloading a partially used block, nor does it seem that these guns may be reloaded. Jamming has thus far never occurred (nor will it ever). Although only one basic design has been put into use, the Drathonians are attempting to develop a sniper-variant, and a model that will fire faster and take longer to overheat.

* **Physical Description: The appearance is unknown. (Will be added after first encounter.)
* **Primary Role:** Anti-Infantry
* **Secondary Role:** N/A
* **Damage Rating Value:** medium
* **Range:** Max: 3km -- Effective: 1km
* **Rate of Fire:** Full-Auto: 10 rps / Overheats after 9 seconds -- 3-Round Burst / Overheats after 19 seconds-- Semi-Auto / Varies on firing rate
* **Payload:** ????