A Plasma Bug is a variant of the Arachnid species capable of emitting and discharging plasma towards its enemies. They are capable of moving at 14 kilometers, or 8 miles, per hour.
Starship Troopers film universe[]
Each Arachnid is meticulously designed to fulfill a distinct combat role, with Plasma Bugs designated for planetary defense, anti-aircraft defense, and artillery functions. Characterized by their substantial abdomen, Plasma Bugs possess the capability to expand and launch plasma bursts into orbit. These bursts wield immense destructive potential, capable of deflecting asteroids or severing capital ships. It is conjectured that Plasma Bugs additionally serve as launch platforms for spore capsules.
History[]
During the initial encounter on Klendathu, Plasma Bugs discharged plasma projectiles at the Cortez, prompting the vessel to execute evasive maneuvers.
During the United Citizen Federation's invasion of Klendathu, Plasma Bugs targeted the Fleet in orbit with their plasma discharges. UCF Military Intelligence initially underestimated the severity of the threat posed by the plasma, considering it to be sporadic and insignificant. However, this perception proved erroneous when the plasma projectiles struck the fleet, inflicting significant damage and destruction.
Plasma Bugs were subsequently encountered during the Invasion of Planet P, engaging the Fleet and contributing to the destruction of several vessels, including the Rodger Young (176).
Plasma Bugs participated in the Battle of Hesperus, emerging as a significant threat during the initial phases of the campaign. Consequently, they were prioritized for elimination to facilitate the Federation's establishment of a foothold on the planet. Encounter reports indicated the presence of both adult and infant specimens on Hesperus, where Federation forces became aware of the Plasma Bugs' formidable frontline defensive capability to discharge lethal streams from their facial appendages.
Anticipating the trajectory of his vessel, Plasma Bugs targeted the Geronimo with plasma discharges, disrupting its warp propulsion and forcing it out of warp near the orbit of OM-1.
Plasma Bugs were engaged in the Battle of Kwalasha and subsequently deployed during the Second Battle of Mars. In the latter conflict, they directed plasma fire towards Nemesis station in orbit, resulting in its destruction.
Gallery[]
Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chronicles[]
The Plasma Bugs serve as the Bug artillery and are bigger than the Tanker Bugs, and have the ability to fire huge, volatile globs of plasma from their rear of their abdomens at airborne or distant targets. One of the Roughnecks' missions was to capture a baby Plasma Bug alive so SICON researchers could discover how this plasma is generated. It is said this bug is used to launch spores into space, yet such functionay obsolete compared to Transport Bug's function as bio-cruisers for Arachnids army. Plasma Bugs have surprisingly good accuracy in targeting ships in orbit despite being based on a planet's surface. Naturally, these bugs are primarily used for planetary defense though they also function as defensive guns for hives and artillery against land based targets. During the Homefront Campaign, they were used as ship batteries for the Transport Bugs for ship-to-ship space combat.
This leads to question: how these massive bug batteries are able to target or even see their enemies' position, but many theorize that other bugs act as their eyes. This has still been unproven, though.
Gallery[]
Starship Troopers: Miniatures Game & The Role Playing Game[]
Notes[]
- The concept of the Plasma Bug possibly originates from the Warriors in the original Starship Troopers novel since they are capable of using energy weapon.
Appearances[]
- Starship Troopers film universe
- Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chronicles
- Starship Troopers: The Miniatures Game
- Starship Troopers: The Roleplaying Game
See Also[]
Plasma Weaponry
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