The term “science fiction” has been defined in a number of different ways, but my favorite is pretty straightforward: science fiction is that form of literature dealing with humans and our relationship to our technology. One concept that’s been getting a lot of attention lately is that of the technological singularity—also known as the Vinge singularity after Vernor Vinge, the computer scientist and SF writer who first described it. We're all familiar with how quickly human technology is advancing, of course, with advance following advance at a dizzying pace. The term singularity in this instance describes that point in the future when the rising curve of technological advance approaches the vertical, and what we define as human is transformed out of all recognition.
In the Star Carrier series, Humankind is at war with an alien culture seeking to restrict the technology of emergent galactic species, especially the so-called GRIN technologies—Genetics, Robotics, Information systems, and Nanotechnology—that are the principle drivers for the oncoming singularity. The story let me examine the Vinge singularity from different points of view, including those of both technology haves and have-nots. Most discussions of the singularity, it seems to me, ignore a key question: What happens to those members of an ascendant civilization who have not embraced the fast-changing new technologies?
As a bonus, the Star Carrier series let me take a look at a popular trope of SF movies—space-going fighters and aircraft carriers. Do the X-wing fighters of Star Wars or the Colonial Vipers of Battlestar Galactica make any sense at all? With no atmosphere, obviously, you can't have the maneuvers possible with atmospheric fighters—swoops and barrel rolls and high-G turns . . . or can you? More, are there tactical situations in space combat where single-seat fighters would provide a tactical advantage?
Star Carrier let me play with these ideas, and others.
I hope you all enjoy the ride!
- Ian Douglas
The first two books, EARTH STRIKE and CENTER OF GRAVITY, are on sale now!