Using Motion to create a superhero SPFX shot

Here's a science fiction-ish visual effect I want to achieve in Motion:
I've got an actor on screen who is shooting 'energy beams' at someone else. The beam shoots toward the target person, but that person erects a 'force shield' and the energy flow defects away.
I know this could be done in AE, but I want to know if it can be done in Motion. Here's what I'm thinking:
1. Use a particle emitter to create the energy beam effect - can I somehow track the emission point of the beam to the actor's hand.
2. Create a graphic of the shield. At point where the particles meet with the shield graphic, I'm thinking of using either a motion path to move the particles away, or use some sort of simulation behavior on the shield to affect the particles and move them around the shield.
I would prefer using a simulation behavior (or something) to show the energy deflection, I could apply some randomness to some parameters and not simply have them follow a set motion path I create.
I'm thinking this is a pretty advanced effect I'm trying to use Motion to create. As I said, I know AE can create something like this, but I want to avoid AE if possible and stick with Motion.
What do you guys think. Can I create this shot in Motion? (God, I wish there was something like videocopilot.net for Motion users!)

If you have any $$ to throw at your project/sfx shot. I'd recommend buying CHV (Christoph Vorheim's) Particles Heaven plug-in for Motion/FCP. Great particle generator with the ability to manipulate, bounce, emit particles from particles (think the beam hitting the shield, then randomly reflecting and emitting a different kind of particle upon impact).
Anyway, I use CHV plugs for project work, love 'em and I don't get any compensation for endorsing the plugs.
Cheers
Davey J

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