The Uplift Universe is a big imaginary place where lots of creatures live, kind of like a big playground for different types of animals. But in this playground, some animals are smarter and more advanced than others. These smart animals, like dolphins and chimpanzees, help the other animals become smarter too. This process is called "uplift."
Think of it like a big brother or sister who helps you with your homework and teaches you new things, making you better at school. That's what uplift is all about, making other animals smarter and more advanced.
But in this imaginary world, there are also some problems. Some groups of animals don't like the uplift process and don't want to be helped. This causes conflict and makes it harder for everyone to get along.
Overall, the Uplift Universe is a big place full of different kinds of animals, some of which are very smart and help others become smarter too. But there are also problems that need to be solved.