The Kzin had learned of the existence of human-occupied space, a find that promised new technologies for the race, and new wealth for the fierce Kzin Warriors in the form of land, slaves . . . and food. Kzin had sent ships to probe the Solar System, expecting no danger from mere weed-eating apes. But the Warrior Race had underestimated monkey ingenuity, and the ships were destroyed by "peaceful" technology that the humans had hurriedly changed into weaponry.