What are the assumptions behind Known Space?
Several technological assumptions guide the stories of Known Space. Hyperdrive is available in the later stories, as are transfer booths (they look like phone booths, but instead of making a call you dial in a location and teleport) and sonic stun weapons. The human worlds in Known Space don’t like weapons, so they keep only what they need for law and order, and for protection for occasional attacks by aliens. Lift Belts help you get around, Autodocs keep you alive and sane (based on the assumption that chemicals can control brain activity), and boosterspice keeps you young. The Core of the Milky Way is exploding in Known Space. In 20,000 years the galaxy will be awash with radiation. This knowledge has influenced the behavior of many races and individuals in Known Space, sometimes in subtle ways. 1.5 billion years ago, a race called the Thrints ruled the galaxy through telepathic Power. They were also known as Slavers. A slave race, the Tnuctipun, were allowed certain freedoms because
