The Bug Wars by Robert Asprin

“Very well,” I said. “Continue.”

“Now. The situation exists where we can run our machines from our power-source or theirs. The Ants, on the other hand, can only utilize their own power. When that is used up, their machines become nonfunctional. Our second major development is a machine, one which runs on the Ants’ power-source. It consumes their power at an unbelievable rate, and converts it to power which replenishes our own new power-source. These are the Energy-Drainers. In simple terms, they make us stronger by diverting the Ants’ energy away from them and to us.”

I considered his explanation.

“Is this power drain instantaneous?” I asked.

“No,” he admitted, “but the battle plans call for the units to be dropped in advance of the actual assault. The Ants’ power should be drained prior to the strike teams’ landing.”

“What if the Ants have power sources they do not activate until the assault begins?”

“Then they would have power for a short time before the Energy-Drain units could fully deplete them.”

“In that case,” I concluded, “I will formally submit a request to the High Command that all Borer units be treated for cold-beam immunity.”

“That is your prerogative, Commander,” the Technician replied.

“I would examine the progress in arming the shuttlecraft next,” I stated.

“Certainly, Commander. This way.”

Zur broke off his inspection of the Borer prototype and fell in step as we left.

“Might I ask a personal question, Commander?” Or-Sah said as we went.

“Proceed.”

“Do you or your aide find the current designs for individual blasters ineffective?”