Mac OS X Startup issues

Hey folks, so the flashing question mark of death appears when I start up my MacBook. Apparently the only way to fix this is to restore the startup disk, which I need a Mac OS X Install or Restore CD for. Of course I don't have that.

Anyone have one I can borrow for an afternoon? I'm in the North Slope. Or any idea how I can find one of those?

Thanks!

Just a word of advice, make sure the install disk you use is compatible with your model/processor/etc.

A friend installed a Mac OSX upgrade but it wasn't made for his model and the computer had a ton of problems after that.