It used unstable metreon isotopes to create a devastating explosion. The resulting radiation poisoning killed those who were not destroyed by the initial blast. Jetrel claimed that this poisoning was unforseen. Furthermore, sufficient exposure to metreons resulted in the deadly disease metremia. The weapon was tested, and then deployed in 2356 on Rinax, a moon of the Haakonian war enemy, the Talaxians. The military strategists selected this target because they wanted to show the power of the cascade in all its horror.