The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Page forty four
"Stranded on Prehistoric Earth: The Misadventures of Golgafrinchan
Ark Fleet Ship B and its 'Non-Essential' Crew"
**Golgafrinchan Ark Fleet, Ship B**~0A~0A---~0A~0A**Introduction:**~0A~0
AThe Golgafrinchan Ark Fleet is most famously known for its three-fold
division, comprising Ark Ships A, B, and C. Ship B, perhaps the most
notorious, holds a unique place in the annals of interstellar
relocation for being populated entirely by a category of residents
euphemistically referred to as the "non-essential" populace
of Golgafrincham.~0A~0A---~0A~0A**History and Purpose:**~0A~0AThe
Golgafrinchans, in their infinite wisdom, devised a cunning plan to
rid themselves of what they deemed an inconvenient societal segment.
They convinced the "B-Arkers" of an impending catastrophe
ranging from a collision with an enormous mutant star goat to a
catastrophic plague of biros gone berserk. Thus, they enthusiastically
embarked on Ship B, leaving their planet's washing machine sales
executives, telephone sanitizers, and hairdressers to boldly go where
no unnecessary person had gone before.~0A~0A---~0A~0A**Population and
Noteworthy Individuals:**~0A~0AThe ship was an eclectic assembly of
professionals that purportedly kept the wheels of civilization in
motion without ever really finding the brake pedal. Standout figures
include:~0A~0A- **Golgafrinchan Telephone Sanitizer: #1138**: This
individual passionately believed in the critical importance of their
trade, contributing to one of the most famously close shaves with
interstellar extinction via unsanitized communicative devices.~0A~0A-
**A. J. Scrabble-Worthington III**: A hairdresser whose ideas on
improvised hair-care in zero gravity were ahead of their time, yet
remarkably unwelcome.~0A~0A---~0A~0A**Destination and Outcome:**~0A~0AT
he unlikely expedition's ultimate landing happened on prehistoric
Earth, resulting in an unexpected fusion of cultures. Upon realizing
their new roles as pioneers, rumors suggest they established primitive
settlements, contributing indirectly to what Douglas Adams described
as the anthropological enigma of humanity's troubling fondness for
digital watches.~0A~0A---~0A~0A**Cultural Impact:**~0A~0AThough widely
regarded as an abject logistical failure, the voyage of Ship B has
ignited one of the universe's longest-running debates: the vital
importance (or lack thereof) of seemingly mundane professions.
Seminars and symposiums continue to dive into this question at the
behest of inquisitive minds and those idling away their lives under
the influence of Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters.~0A~0A---~0A~0A**Final
Thoughts:**~0A~0AThe Golgafrinchan Ark Fleet, and Ship B especially,
gives us pause: to consider the necessity of every cog in the societal
machine and to heed warnings from those who, while cleaning the
receivers of our intergalactic communicators, might just pivot the
course of destiny.~0A~0A---~0A~0A*Reminder: Always ensure your towels
are freshly laundered and your conversation open-ended. For any future
evacuation plans, consider checking the fine print for "essential
personnel."*
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