There was a scene like that in one of Robert Sheckley short stories. The author was one of main inspirations for Douglas Adams (Hitchhiker's Guide to Galaxy). I

There was a scene like that in one of Robert Sheckley short stories. The author was one of main inspirations for Douglas Adams (Hitchhiker's Guide to Galaxy). I highly recommend Robert Sheckley's short stories if you enjoy witty, fast-paced SF with crazy ideas. Terry Pratchett fans should be delighted too.