Man playing at God ... it's never turned out well.

Many scientists believe the mathematical reasoning used by Einstein to support his theory of general relativity allows for the presence of black holes and wormholes. Black holes are now widely accepted as real phenomena; wormholes and "multiverses," however, have no empirical presence and, thus far, remain outside reality for practically everyone.

But hope springs eternal.

Cosmologist Donald Plum, gifted in the field of higher mathematics, meets with venture capitalist Bob Levy who challenges him to come up with a money-making idea. In an elaborate ruse, Donald decides to commercialize an imaginary wormhole through which he claims he can communicate with the future.

A satirical take on the burgeoning of venture capital-funded companies in Northern California, Martin Wilson's A Wormhole in San Carlos follows the spectacular rise-and equally spectacular collapse-of Donald's company as he and Bob work to convince investors of their unbelievable discovery.