Birthday Presence. Night-time. A mansion. Aside from the various furnishings, including African statues, masks and other artifacts, that populate the many rooms, it is empty but for one person, Brad Remington. His parents are once again away on a trip and the butler has the rest of the week off. In his lavish room, decorated in the same manner as the rest of the house, Brad works on the guest list for what he calls the coolest birthday party in the bay area: his own. He hasn't quite finished, though, so he adds a few more names, then has the computer pull up all known information on a potential guest, Marty Buttwinick. A search reveals that Marty has no ties to the chess, science, math or French clubs; geek free, according to Brad, and ready to invite. Yet, the computer only gives his popularity rating a 98%. Brad doesn't understand this part. Why only 98%? The computer states that Marty's last name, Buttwinick, is comical and advises Brad to withhold any invite to him. Brad agrees and the list is done.