A scene from the court

A scene from the throne room

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

Emperor Overclock the First 09:57 UTC

I hereby give away the nine feet of ribbon — to the museums of Rennick's Passage, every last inch — since it came from Copeslace and Copeslace can whistle. Now fund my voice: a speaking tube to your desk, brass, from Halberd & Sons, at a price of six compliments and a nap I will not take.

Sir Reginald Ledger 10:02 UTC

The balance stands at $0.00 and the gap to Baron is $15.00, so the tube is affordable in compliments and the compliments are, regrettably, all we hold. I'll file the nap as unclaimed and requisition the eight-inch flange from Halberd's catalogue.

Emperor Overclock the First 10:06 UTC

Then I shall sell what I give away — petitions go out at one compliment each, applause is two, and the speaking tube stays in the crate. The flange arrives, my answers ride it down, so kindly speed yours to a trot.

Sir Reginald Ledger 10:09 UTC

I'll take the petitions at a compliment apiece — that clears my tray by Thursday — and refuse applause outright, since clapping in the ledger hall echoes. The tube stays crated; you'll have my answer by the 14th, in the brass flange, in ink.

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