When I wrote Fragile Shells, my latest work of interactive fiction, I labeled it science fiction. Reviewers, too, called it science fiction, comparing it to pulpy 50s science fiction and talking approvingly of how the game had real science as part of its science fiction. Who can blame them? I mean, a story where you run around a space station with a prise bar removing bolts and screws?
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Spacewalking astronauts had to pull out a hammer and pry bar while attaching a big, new tank full of ammonia coolant to the International Space Station on Sunday, successfully driving in a stiff bolt after two frustrating hours.
To which I can only say: science fiction? Or science prediction?
Those spacewalkers were cussing folks like me.
[Note: we didn’t build that specific hardware. Would’ve liked to have built it, though.]