How do allegiance converters work ?

[DirectorTsaarx]

BTW - I don't think shields protect against Allegiance Subverters. I captured one via Crew Insurrection, and used the Allegiance Subverter to take another ship armed with 'em, even though the target had shields up. I was kinda surprised it worked - and it worked on the first shot (which is good, because their reload rate is 30 or something like that, so you only get one chance per weapon per battle). Not certain about percent chance - it worked for me on the first shot, but I don't remember the range so I don't know if I beat the odds or not...