Sci-fi Author Charles Stross Cancels Trilogy: the NSA Is Already Doing It

doom writes "Charles Stross has announced that there won't be a third book in the Halting State trilogy because reality (in a manner of speaking) has caught up to him too fast The last straw was apparently the news that the NSA planted spies in networked games like WoW. Stross comments: 'At this point, I'm clutching my head. Halting State wasn't intended to be predictive when I started writing it in 2006. Trouble is, about the only parts that haven't happened yet are Scottish Independence and the use of actual quantum computers for cracking public key encryption (and there's a big fat question mark over the latter-- what else are the NSA up to?).'"

Comments

Scottish Independance

[LaminatorX]

The Scotts are to have a referendum on independance next year, as far as that goes.

Re:Scottish Independance

[DMUTPeregrine]

Yes, but what would we do for the 52nd and 53rd states? We need 53, after all, the US is "One nation, indivisible."

Scotland

[Threni]

Still, us English folk can only hope that a future which consists of the Scots living quietly amongst themselves and us not having to put up with that awful dirge Auld Lang Syne every bloody New Year's Eve isn't the stuff of science fiction...

See what you have done, NSA ?

[Taco Cowboy]

Dear NSA,

You not only cost us our privacy, the privacy that we treasure so much.

Now you cost us a good book !

What else are you going to cost us, NSA ??

Re:See what you have done, NSA ?

[Cryacin]

Dear Mr. Stross,

It is with great regret that we have learned of the discontinuation of your how-to manual, Halting State.

We have unfortunately not been able to encourage Scotland to secede from the United Kingdom in a timely manner, however, we assure you that our state of Quantum Computing has reached appropriate levels.

We have been eagerly awaiting your third instalment. Considering your decision to discontinue your series, we would appreciate any notes you have to be emailed. Anywhere will be fine.

Yours sincerely,

Manne I. Black
NSA

Re:See what you have done, NSA ?

[flyneye]

Dear Batman,

          Since I don't believe in Santa Claus, could you take a break from patrolling Gotham to dismantle the evil NSA and put those responsible for it in Arkham Asylum?
I'm convinced the Penguin is behind it, due to the scope, peril and nuisance involved. Lotta tuxedos in the D.C. and burbs area. The proliferation of clowns in the White House/Capitol Hill/Lincoln Memorial areas would suggest that the Joker has been masquerading as President for years now. Could you rid us of these fiends and their henchmen?

A scary thought.

[Molt]

It could be worse, The Laundry could be becoming reality.