[BKrani]

I too find it strange that some of the simplest to implement, but most effective weapons were omitted.
Though I would not expect to see Lasers in advanced interstellar conflict (too low an energy level to be really useful), rather I'd expect to see microwave and fission pumped x-ray energy beams.
They have significant benefits over particle beams (arguments as to whether a light beam uses particles or not, not withstanding) in that, if properly focussed, they won't spread as much, hence, they would have a longer range. Not to mention that they have other uses as well (communications, precision drilling etc).

Well, it's probably not a big job for some interested modder though the effects are not likely to be much different from other, existing weapons. Possible make it a long range missile type, with very high speed (speed 8-10), low damage, fires every turn but only 2 turns life. (ie. it has long range, but if it doesn't hit you immediately, it can possibly be dodged at extreme range). Of course, the missile type is not really appropriate as they can be shot down

Cheers.