‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’

Alpha Centauri is Earth’s “local planning department,” or the location where the Galactic Hyperspace Planning Council posted a notice about demolishing Earth, which led to this funny explanation from a council representative:

Vogon captain: “There’s no point in acting surprised about it. All the planning charts and demolition orders have been on display at your local planning department in Alpha Centauri for 50 of your Earth years, so you’ve had plenty of time to lodge any formal complaint and it’s far too late to start making a fuss about it now. … What do you mean you’ve never been to Alpha Centauri? Oh, for heaven’s sake, mankind, it’s only four light-years away, you know. I’m sorry, but if you can’t be bothered to take an interest in local affairs, that’s your own lookout. Energize the demolition beams.” — excerpt from “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”