Countdown from "The Three-Body Problem" XL

In Liu Cixin's novel "The Three-Body Problem," the Trisolarans, an alien civilization, introduce a countdown to deter humanity from advancing technologically. This countdown, conveyed through sophons—proton-sized supercomputers from another dimension—targets Earth's top scientists, instilling fear and confusion. The sophons’ interference disrupts scientific research, effectively preventing humanity from developing technology that might surpass Trisolaran capabilities. As the countdown progresses, it creates a pervasive sense of urgency and dread, compelling scientists to reconsider or halt their work, ensuring the aliens' strategic advantage remains intact.