On deep thought

“O Deep Thought computer,” he said, “the task we have designed you to perform is this. We want you to tell us…” he paused, “The Answer.”

“The Answer?” said Deep Thought. “The Answer to what?”

“Life!” urged Fook.

“The Universe!” said Lunkwill.

“Everything!” they said in chorus.

Deep Thought paused for a moment’s reflection. “Tricky,” he said finally.

“But can you do it?”

Again, a significant pause. “Yes,” said Deep Thought, “I can do it.”

“There is an answer?” said Fook with breathless excitement.

“Yes,” said Deep Thought. “Life, the Universe, and Everything. There is an answer. But, I’ll have to think about it.”

…

“How long?” he said.

“Seven and a half million years,” said Deep Thought.

…

“Good Morning,” said Deep Thought at last.

“Er..good morning, O Deep Thought” said Loonquawl nervously, “do you have…er, that is…”

“An Answer for you?” interrupted Deep Thought majestically. “Yes, I have.”

…

“Though I don’t think,” added Deep Thought, “that you’re going to like it.”

“Doesn’t matter!” said Phouchg. “We must know it! Now!”

“All right,” said Deep Thought. “The Answer to the Great Question… of Life, the Universe and Everything… Is… Forty-two,” said Deep Thought, with infinite majesty and calm.