Imagine running some multi-step task on a GPU where the number of steps is random. Some thread complete early so you may as well start a new task on those. But that means when you come to a stop you may have some partially completed tasks.

My question is: how did Douglas Adams come up with the Lintilla clone story?

(Maybe you haven't listened to season 2 of the radio show of HHGG. The clone story is inspired.)