The Romanov Elite Model-2958 Electroaccelerated Plasma/Ionized Carbine, Mark-One Directed Energy Weapon System/mod-0, known alternately as either the M58 DEWS or EPIC-1, was a model of directed energy rifle employed by the Orion Empire as early as 2958 CE. Centering around a state-of-the-art plasma-launching mechanism, the EPIC-1 was Humanity's first successful plasma weapon system issued as a standard service weapon. After 2960, all new models were manufactured with the MINOTAUR Munitions Launch System, an underbarrel grenade launcher capable of firing a large plethora of various forty-millimeter canisters, including, but not limited to, standard explosive, incendiary, smoke, flash-bang, multi-stage, and/or explosive plasma ammunition. When paired with the C-13 Carbine on the battlefield,