Name: Heat Ray (Dish Weapon)
Type: Directed Energy Weapon
Operators: Gelt (Warrior Caste)
Mounting: Battle Wagon (rear-mounted)
Summary:
The heat ray, nicknamed the dish weapon by human resistance fighters, is a high-intensity energy weapon mounted on the rear of Gelt battle wagon. Operated by the fifth crew member, it projects a sustained energy beam capable of incinerating human targets and light structures within seconds.
Unlike the hand-held Gelt rifles—which fire lethal but discrete energy bursts—the heat ray emits a continuous beam, effectively vaporizing its victims. Those struck are typically reduced to ash before they can react or escape, making the weapon highly effective for terror and crowd control during the Gelt’s initial incursion.
The device is dome-shaped, resembling a satellite dish, and is often aimed manually by the operator. It is powered by the battle wagon’s fossil-fuel engine and may rely on a separate power cell or capacitor system, making it vulnerable to direct hits. In one notable encounter, JT Austin disables a battle wagon by striking the dish with a rail gun round, causing a catastrophic explosion that destroys the vehicle and its occupants.
The heat ray’s horrific efficiency and disregard for known rules of engagement contribute to the Gelt’s reputation for brutality during the invasion of Amargosa.
Appearances: The Children of Amargosa