In a country not so far, far away, plans had been hatched to construct an all-conquering super-weapon, a 'Death Star'.
Luckily for the rest of the world, the White House has rejected demands to build the Star Wars-inspired creation, saying that the US does not support blowing up planets.
Campaigners asked for one in a petition which gained enough signatures to legally require a response.
However, the administration has responded saying it would cost 850 quadrillion dollars, that is $850,000,000,000,000,000, to build.
Paul Shawcross, the head of the White House budget office's science and space branch, said: "The Administration shares your desire for job creation and a strong national defense, but a Death Star isn't on the horizon.
"The Administration does not support blowing up planets."
The BBC's science presenter, Professor Brian Cox, thought the response was "superb".
Absolutely superb US government response to petition to build a Death Star (via @mrchrisaddison) https://t.co/AnwdYy1Z
— Brian Cox (@ProfBrianCox) January 12, 2013