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

We found ourselves on a country road. Fields and farm buildings stretched out into the distance, where a range of hills could be seen. In front of us, however, was a lavishly appointed mcmansion whose numerous wings looked ridiculous in such an otherwise bucolic setting.

An elegantly dressed man appeared at the door and ushered us inside. "Welcome to Wand & Potion. Salvador Crossbridge at your service," he said. "If I had known you were bringing your siblings, Sibyl, I would have arranged a tour. Then again, with the talent that probably runs in your family, half of you will be on the faculty before long."

"I'm afraid the tour will have to wait, Professor," Sibyl said. "We need a favor, and there isn't a lot of time to spare. The Planet Marduk will be sending a delegation to Earth next September, and we're worried that they'll touch off worldwide panic."

"I invented a time machine and travelled to that time," Peregrine added. "I met the delegation briefly. They are troubled, and need help with something."

"I'm the head of a religion that worships Marduk," Joseph said. "I'd like to smooth relations between our two planets. Could you help create a portal so we could travel to Marduk and hopefully resolve their problems before they get to Earth?"

"You helped me with a portal a while ago," Sibyl explained. "Could you do it again?"

:"Creating that portal took a lot research," Crossbridge said, "but it's in the hard drive of my computer..."

"Computer!" we exclaimed.

"Yes, computer," Crossbridge said with a strange smile on his face. "Most magicians won't admit it, but combining magic and technology makes a lot of sense. In fact, I teach some courses in computer-aided magic. I'll get those instructions and send you off to Marduk straightaway."