Possibly coming soon...
[Tentatively,] Paradox: Or, Experiment Number Two
" 'So let me get this straight. You want to design the perfect song, to engineer the most dynamically, musically sound piece ever created in history.. and you think that in doing this, you can get down to the basis of what appeals to all people. The basis of human nature.' He shook his head and laughed, flicking the scotch glass in front of him with a *ping*. "You're crazy, Julian."
"We. I think -we- can get to the basis of human nature."
Erik crossed his arms, one eyebrow raised at the man in front of him. "And what makes you think I would help?"
"We're two college guys with nothing to lose. If we can do this... we'll change music forever. No, hell, we'll change -history- forever!" Julian paused, agitated. "Just imagine what could be done with that discovery, that knowledge."
"Well, I would never have a problem getting a job, for one..." Erik chuckled.
Julian grabbed his friend's arm, more worked up by the second. "I'm serious! Think about it."
Erik pursed his lips. "...It would be a new world. If the basis of human nature can be narrowed down by preferences-"
"It would create entirely new -fields- of study, Erik. New theories, new methods of applying them, new solutions to problems that the world previously left as were."
They stared at one another for a few seconds, the implications of the proposal sinking in.
"...So basically we could change science forever," Erik concluded. He slapped his hand on the counter between them.
Julian grinned at him expectantly. "Well?"
Erik remained silent for a few more moments, then shrugged. "Who the hell am I to say no to changing the world?" He picked up the glass and tipped the rest down his throat, then set it back down on the counter. "Where do we start?"