Gee, sounds like Hitchhiker's Guide To the Galaxy!
;-)
I always meant to getting around to reading that one, but
just never did. Maybe I finally should.
You will not be disappointed! And make
sure you read all five
books of the triliogy.
The hyperspace bypass is only discussed in the opening chapters of the
first volume of the trilogy. But read all five to find out other useful
information, such as what really happened to the king.