The ARES-7 requires a charge turn before firing. During the charge turn, the AI locks the target; the target may attempt a DC 16 evasion check to break lock. On a failed check, the laser fires automatically at the start of the next turn with advantage on the attack roll. The weapon cannot fire again for 2 full turns after discharge due to capacitor recharge. If the orbital platform loses power during charging, the charge is lost. Crew of 3 required: one operator, one power engineer, one targeting analyst. Operating with fewer crew imposes disadvantage on attack rolls.