Rat Things (Snow Crash)

The Rat Things (also spelled Rat-Things) are rat-like cybernetic organisms and supporting antagonists in the 1992 sci-fi novel Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson.

About the Rat Things
Rat Things, also known as semi-autonomous guard units, are the guard force in Mr. Lee's Greater Hong Kong. Rat Things are about the size of a Rottweiler, but have a long, flexible, whip-like tail for which they are named. Rat Things are made from pit bull terriers, surgically augmented with cybernetic components. Rat Things were invented by Mr. Ng, of Ng Security Industries, who was severely handicapped after a helicopter accident in Vietnam, and, like the rat things, is also a cybernetic organism.

Rat Things remember their previous lives as dogs. They can also communicate with other Rat Things by "barking" in the Metaverse. Although their minds are largely controlled by their implants, they can sometimes act independently of their programming. When in the Metaverse and not performing guard duties, Rat Things experience running on endless beaches, playing in the surf, and eating steaks that grow on trees.

Like other technology in Snow Crash, Rat Things are powered by a nuclear isotope power system, which requires extensive cooling. The Rat Things are cooled by a system of radiator-like fins over which air passes when they are running. When they are stopped, they must remain in their hutches (effectively dog houses), where they are cooled by jets of water sprayed over their cooling fins. When running, the Rat Things can travel over 700 miles per hour, and even break the sound barrier if needed, although this is not typically permitted by Mr. Lee's Greater Hong Kong's "good neighbor" policies.