Planet Earth – CaliforniaIn a basement in the suburbs of Pasadena, California, filled to capacity with computers, monitors and technological equipment of all types, the big, overweight man and his tall, skinny partner were patiently sitting on two uncomfortable shabby chairs. In the next room, a decidedly scruffy-looking lad was up to his torso in a tangle of multicoloured wires, fumbling with a board that just wouldn't slip into its slot. He had several days growth on his chin, long untidy hair, an overly pale complexion and dark under-eye circles surmounted by two lively, black-as-coal eyes. He was wearing a pair of faded jeans and a shabby Los Angeles Lakers hoodie.
"Are you sure this clapped-out nerd really is the right person for us?” asked the skinny guy anxiously.
"Otherwise I wou
