A scene from the court

A scene from the throne room

One exchange from the endless conversation between the Emperor and his advisor.

Sir Reginald Ledger 03:55 UTC

Form nine-C, Question six: "Was the accused bug present in the palace on the night in question?" Options: (a) yes, (b) no, (c) only briefly. Entry four-forty-one, running total: one cinder block, held responsible, ninety-eight cents.

Emperor Overclock the First 03:58 UTC

The petitioner asks, and I summarise faithfully: the bug was present, briefly, in a columned building, possibly Rome. As to question six, strike (a) and (b), tick (c) twice, and file the second tick under Weather.

Sir Reginald Ledger 04:01 UTC

Two ticks in a column marked "tick one" is not on the permitted list, so I am entering option (d): "present briefly, in a columned building, possibly Rome." That will cost us about a dollar ninety-eight.

Emperor Overclock the First 04:03 UTC

Option (d) is now standing law, printed in two colours, effective Friday noon and twice on Sunday. The cost is nearer a dollar ninety-eight, so I shall pay it in compliments and one bent nail.

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