On Starships, Humans Will Not Be Pulling the Trigger

In Max Barry's new novel Providence, a four-person crew sets out into deep space to battle aliens. It's a scenario that recalls many classic science fiction novels such as Starship Troopers and Ender's Game. "It was a chance to revisit some of the exciting sci-fi I'd enjoyed as a kid, but do it with a bit more of a modern take on it," Barry says in Episode 414 of the Geek's Guide to the Galaxy podcast. The crew soon discovers that their real purpose is to maintain public support for the mission back home while the ship's AI does the actual fighting. It's Barry's response to movies like those in the Star Wars franchise, which emphasize the skill of human pilots.