The Bug Wars by Robert Asprin

“Horc was the challenger,” Or-Sah explained.

“Then are there any other Technicians available who are used to dealing with members of other castes?” I asked. “Although your explanations may be clear to another Technician, as a Warrior I find them beyond my comprehension and vocabulary. “

He maintained a thoughtful silence for a few moments.

“Perhaps I can try again, Commander,” he suggested finally. “I feel there is a growing need for communication between the castes, and I will not develop that ability in myself if I delegate the job to others.”

“Proceed,” I acknowledged.

“Both the Ants and the Empire utilize the same power-source, specifically that developed by the First Ones. Even though we have succeeded in applying it to a higher level of technology, it is still the same energy-source. It is as if the Ants and the Empire each maintained a cave with a circular opening to let the sunlight in; even though the caves are different, the openings and the sunlight are the same. Because of this, the Ants can run their machines from our power sources and we can run our machines from theirs.”

He paused. When I did not interrupt, he continued. “In preparation for the Ant campaign, we have made two major developments. First, we modified our power-source and changed the configuration of our machines to accept it. In the analogy, we have effectively created a new sun, one which will shine through the hole in our cave, but not through the hole in the Ants’ cave.”

“How is that done?” I asked.

“I would be unable to explain it without becoming extremely technical, Commander,” Oh-Sah replied. “Simply accept that we have done it.”