PM-488 Titan

> *Don't make me use this. It's set on maximum, and we both know that's enough to vaporize even you.*— Alara Kitan to Isaac
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A **PM-488 Titan** (also **plasma shotgun** and **Plasma Model 488**) was a large, two-handed plasma weapon used by Planetary Union personnel. The PM-488 was not a novel weapon, but was a PM-44 with a dual plasma attachment for greatly increased spread and power.

At least six PM-488 Titans were kept in the armory of the USS *Orville*.

The Titan was one of the Union's most enduring models, having been used in active use for over a century.

## Description

The PM-488 Titan consisted of two fundamental pieces, the PM-44, a single-handed plasma gun, and a dual plasma attachment, to create a new weapon. The PM-488 is a double-barreled weapon. As the plasma shotgun is far more powerful than the PM-44, it is used in situations when even the highest energy setting of the PM-44 will not suffice.

### Schematics

Weapons schematics of the PM-488 Titan were published in *The World of the Orville*. The essential PM-44 was clamped into the dual plasma attachment by a "lock down energizer." As the gun required a second hand to steady the weapon and aim, the forearm was specially insulated from the heat of the plasma. The attachment resembled a sleeve, with dual high intensity plasma converters and quadrolithium cells inside. The bottom sides of the attachment contained heat ports.

## History

The PM-488 is over a century old. An early version of the gun was used by Union soldiers against the Tzel in 2320. The model was larger and bulkier than the modern Titan.

In March 2420, Chief of Security Alara Kitan wields a PM-488 Titan in a fight with (simulated) Isaac, saying the weapon will turn even Isaac's durable Kaylon body into vapor at its highest setting.

During the summer, three Security Officers wield PM-488 Titans as a precaution, backing up Alara and Second Officer Bortus, who themselves carry PM-44s, as they open up an unresponsive transport vessel in the Shuttle Bay, only to find a team of unarmed xenoanthropologists.

When the *Orville* is boarded by the Kaylon, the ship's security forces wield PM-488 Titans against the invaders; though they manage to take down several Kaylon units, the *Orville* personnel are soon overwhelmed by their superior numbers and are forced to surrender to prevent further casualties.

With the *Orville* now under the control of the Kaylon, who hold the crew in the Shuttle Bay, Yaphit uses the access conduit there to travel to the armory, where a single Kaylon stands guard. Distracting the Kaylon by tossing aside a metal bolt, Yaphit acquires a PM-488 Titan, which he uses to shoot the Kaylon before making his way back to the Shuttle Bay, where Bortus uses the firearm to terminate the two Kaylon there, providing time for First Officer Kelly Grayson and Helmsman Gordon Malloy to take the shuttlecraft ECV-197-1 out of the *Orville* into Krill space. When additional Kaylon guards arrive in the Shuttle Bay, Bortus drops his weapon.

In an alternate timeline where the Kaylon won the Battle of Earth, PM-488 Titans are among the arsenal of Alara Kitan's resistance base, and are used by the rebels when they are attacked by the Kaylon. Later, when the former *Orville* crew enter the bridge of their ship, seemingly abandoned at the bottom of the ocean on Earth, they find Bortus, armed with a PM-488 Titan.

## Production

The PM-488 Titan was created by prop master Bryan Rodgers, which turned out to be his favorite item to invent thanks to how quickly it was designed.

## Appearances

* *Episode 1x10: Firestorm*
* *Episode 1.5x01: New Beginnings, Pt. 1*
* *Episode 1.5x03: The Word of Avis, Pt. 1*
* *Episode 2x01: Ja'loja* (only in armory storage)
* *Episode 2x07: Deflectors* (only in armory storage)
* *Episode 2x08: Identity, Pt. 1*
* *Episode 2x09: Identity, Pt. 2*
* *Episode 2x14: The Road Not Taken*

## References

1. ↑ Firestorm
2. ↑ "Prop Culture Ep 1 Pt 2 - Bryan Rodgers Sons Of Anarchy American Horror Story and The Orville". The Manstalgia Podcast. Oct. 21, 2017.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Episode 1.5x01: New Beginnings, Pt. 1
4. ↑ Episode 1x10: Firestorm
5. ↑ *Episode 1.5x03: The Word of Avis, Pt. 1*
6. ↑ *Episode 2x08: Identity, Pt. 1*
7. ↑ *Episode 2x09: Identity, Pt. 2*
8. ↑ *Episode 2x14: The Road Not Taken*
9. ↑ "The Orville Fan Podcast w/ Bryan Rodgers (23)". Planetary Union Network. Dec. 6, 2018.