...continued from 'Strings 1'...

Dr. Langar ran his hands through his greying hair. He checked his watch.

'Once Tristan's here we can begin,' he said. 'Paul, you can bring the machine.'

"Strings" is an attempt to write a science fiction love story with reference to quantum physics and string theory. I know very little about quantum physics and string theory, and possibly less about love; this story will hopefully serve as a vehicle for me to explore all three themes in greater depth.

The duck was not co-operating; she refused to wear her shoes.

The duck was the darling of the quantum engineering lab. Her name was Roslyn and she had come to acquire the acerbic, mercenary personality of the lab's professors and technicians. She was currently displaying this personality by biting, kicking and flapping her wings violently against Paul's attempts at fitting her with a pair of red web-shaped rubber shoes.