The Bug Wars by Robert Asprin

“Acknowledged,” I replied.

That was it! I had the answer to the vague pattern I had been sensing. The Energy-Drainers had been effective, but each anthill had a reserve energy unit. Apparently the Communication Disrupters had prevented coordinated effort between the anthills, so each anthill had utilized the reserve unit in their own way before it too was drained of energy.

The first anthill had used their energy to attack the flyers, while the second anthill had used cold-beams in an effort to defend one egg chamber. Cold-beams had been used, too, at the third anthill, whereas the fourth anthill had successfully employed a modified stun ray to wipe out that strike force. That left…

“Heem, Commander! Urgent! Fifth anthill is launching spacecraft!”

“Acknowledged.”

Now we knew what the fifth anthill was using their energy for.

“Rahm to space-shuttle pilots! Launch your craft immediately! Take position over fifth anthill.”

I waited impatiently through their ripple of acknowledgments.

“Heem!”

“Yes, Commander!”

“Report.”

“We investigated the tunnel through which the Ants had been evacuating eggs. This is a new tunnel, apparently constructed since we began our attack. The tunnel led to a chamber housing spacecraft. It was heavily defended, and we were unable to prevent launching. “

“How many spacecraft were launched?”

“Only one, Commander.”

“Proceed with your withdrawal.”

“Acknowledged, Commander.”

“Rahm to space-shuttle Leader. Your target is one, repeat one spacecraft. Stop it at all costs!”

“Acknowledged, Commander.”