h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

When we reached my place in Boston, I put on some coffee and pastries so we could brainstorm further. "It bothers me that we're assuming the Mardukians of five years ago would be receptive to letting squirrels -- even obedient, well-trained squirrels -- into their country," I said. "They would most likely have been paranoid of squirrels then."

"Then why don't we choose one or two of us to go there in the present time with one squirrel?" Faun suggested. "Bambi has one called Cutie Pie, the sweetest, most lovable squirrel in the world. We know that Marduk allows at least a few squirrels in. Spot told us so."

This, it turned out, was a disastrous idea.

No sooner had Faun and Cutie Pie and I reached Marduk's reception room than the air was filled with sirens and alarms. Moments later, the man we had met on the first visit came with two bouncers. "We told you that bringing squirrels into this world was forbidden," he said sternly. "Since you did not honor our instructions, we do not want to see you any more," he said.

As the bouncers made their way toward us, we pressed the remotes and returned to Boston.

"What now?" the others asked when we told them what had happened.

"Perhaps there's a way to disguise the squirrel so we can get past the bouncers," Sibyl mused.

"Can you think of a way?" I asked.

"No, but Professor Crossbridge has the full resources of Wand and Potion at his disposal..."

"This sounds like cloaking, as on Star trek," Peregrine said.

"Whatever works," said Joseph with a sigh.