Work on the AT-2 "Thunder" Blaster Pistol began shortly after the first ground battles during the Grey Worlds Conflict. The Army desired a variable-yield pistol that was compact, lightweight, and suited for encounters with a variety of hostile species. Added to this was the requirement of a degree of customization, allowing the pistol to accept silencers, laser sights, and flashlights, bringing its versatility in line with the Decuu BR7-A3 Vampire blaster rifle's wide range of capabilities. The AT-2 also adopted the rifle's strictly weapon appearance, a stark contrast to the tool-like AT-1, a point of much debate during the design process. While originally intended to replace the Decuu AT-1 in Military Intelligence and other covert divisions, the AT-2 was soon steadily replacing the old AT