
This science fiction technology is based in fact, and not so far off. Of course, Vince Duby is the character that brings it all into reality.
Before he realized it, Vince said, "Sure, in my workshop I’ve got a solar assisted bike with a solar powered gyro computer, and an ultralite that can ..." He stopped suddenly, remembering the reactions of the few other people he had mentioned this kind of thing to. (pg 75)

... what they lack is enough engineers to build everything
... they are also constantly at war, which hampers progress
... assimilation drugs gradually change the Breeze physically into the conquered species
... transcomps needed for communication between species
... Skoleme moon mashers
... solar sails