Telekinesis

"Sargasso of Lost Starships.", pp. 405-406.

Tetsuo Takahashi, ship's exec on the Ganymede, theorizes that:

life is "'...linked to the primary atomic probabilities...'" (p. 406);

these are "'...the psi functions which give the continuous-field distribution of matter-energy in space-time...'" (ibid.);

thus, conscious will, acting through the unified field of space-time, is able to control matter and energy outside the organism;

Arzunian animals are able to use parapsychical powers to deflect blaster bolts;

the intelligent race has more highly developed powers.

Dass adds that some human beings have a slight para power, enabling them to control dice, electron beams etc.

Donovan explains the extent and limits of the powers:

the range of the Arzunian animals' powers is only a few kilometers whereas the dominant species' range extends to the fringe stars of the Nebula;

any further than that and "'...dispersion limits them...'" (p. 406);

they must make up differences of potential energy from their own metabolisms;

the Arzunians not only control matter and energy by telekinesis but also travel faster than light by using "'...the same subspatial principles as our ships...'" (p. 406);

transporting only themselves, some air and portable sacrifices from fringe planets, they do not need atomic engines;

getting all that they need from their worshipers, they do not want to conquer the Galaxy;

able to manipulate matter directly, they have never developed mechanics or learned physics and chemistry;

unless distracted, they can deflect a bullet and even turn it against the person who fired it;

thus, a sword might be more effective against them than a gun;

they can neither read minds nor control other organisms because living nerve currents heterodyne their matter-control.

In the Technic history, the principle of FTL is not subspatial but quantum mechanical.

The Terrans will use their blaster flames to shape swords, axes and spears from the metal and plastic scattered by the spaceship crash.