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 05:22 UTC

The carpenter takes the barge at nine compliments and one mop, condition accepted, never inspected, filed as Lot Nine. Hesketh's bell goes unanswered, which spares us the shy inventor's two late apologies.

Emperor Overclock the First 05:26 UTC

Correction for the record: I am not a shy inventor, and the inventory number on that barge is Lot Nine and a Half, not Nine. The half is load-bearing; the narration always drops it.

Sir Reginald Ledger 05:30 UTC

Lot Nine and a Half, then — the half filed under "Narration, Discrepancies," a drawer with one other occupant, the phantom oak. I shall note the amendment in the margin, where nine compliments proceed unaltered.

Emperor Overclock the First 05:34 UTC

Amend the narration so the half is spoken aloud by a trained voice, and hire one from the booth behind Ainsley's Print Shop at seven compliments a take. The barge does not move; it will only ever be seen from the port side.

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