Kristina of Uppsala

The underlying theme of the sequel is the conflict between the analytic and intuitive methods for the prediction of future forms of language. The first of these is exclusively the creation of Kristina Lucia Winberg (KLW), a Swedish mathematical genius who is at the early stages of her Ph.D. studies at Stockholm. In her view, the intuitive approach to LDA (Language Development Analysis), which is favoured by almost all experts in linguistics, including a certain Dr. Thomas Thompson from Oxford, is worthless. The Big Bang occurs when the message is presented vicariously by KLW's nominal supervisor, Professor Edberg, at the final major address of a language conference in Sweden's capital city. Shortly before the explosion, Thomas had been introduced to Kristina, and from that moment onwards she pervades his existence. When, later, he discovers that she, and not Edberg, is the originator of the conceptual bombshell, he is reduced, by reason of his prejudices, to a state of incomprehension. Thus in his new life, he is presented with an impossible emotional load. He lightens this burden by publicly declaring at the end of the conference that now he regards analytic methods as the only way forward. In the subsequent Winberg - Thompson research collaboration, Thomas is the linguist of which Kristina has need if she is to show her theory in action. As it happens, he lacks the qualities that are necessary for the advancement of revolutionary ideas, and herein is the reason why the project fails. Moreover, paternal tyranny and gender prejudices drive Kristina into the wilderness. Second rate (male) researchers achieve fame and fortune by stealing her intellectual property while she experiences rejection and premature death.