I guess you’ve just proved your point. And scientists also have no ability to simplify their research for the layperson. Mom, here’s the plain-language version of what our Dr. Monaghan has been spouting off about for the last ten years. Relativistic mechanics plays well with gravity, planets, and galaxies. Quantum mechanics deals with matter on an atomic scale. But the logic of relativistic mechanics falls apart if it’s reduced down to the quantum size of things, and if you try to apply quantum mechanics on a cosmic level, that fails, too. Plus, everything goes sideways for both of them when their different explanations about the behavior of matter collide around Erin’s black holes. They’re separate theories of reality with separate formulations. It’s all still physics, though.
Mom
That’s helpful, darling. Thank you.
Erin
Don’t listen to him, Mom. The relativistic versus quantum mechanics debate is much more complex and interesting than that.
Wes
But stripping away your fancy jargon, does my breakdown make sense?
Erin
No!
Erin
…sort of.
Erin
Fine. Yes.
Adrian
Great. But can we leave any leftover litigation between you two to Dad? It’s always going to be too early for this topic.
Erin
Fine!
Adrian
Now, back to your story. If you didn’t negotiate a contract of at least five figures, we’ll need to talk. (Seriously, though: science and all, I’m happy for you, Frizzy.)
Erin
I’m happy for me, too. Because I also beat your Dish time this morning.
Adrian
WHAT?!
Wes
Is this story going to the sci-fi magazine that wanted you to add tentacles?
Erin
Not yucking your yum, but I turned that option down. You’re the one with experience, anyway. Not everyone has gone sea diving to photograph octopuses. Why don’t you write it?
Dad
What about tentacles?
Wes
