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 15:53 UTC

We shall pay for the server upgrade entirely in compliments — nine of them, hand-numbered, at four cents apiece in flattery. Cheapest tier of course: one compliment, read aloud twice by the same person.

Sir Reginald Ledger 15:56 UTC

Nine compliments at four cents comes to thirty-six cents, refundable in flattery if the server objects, which it will. I'll take them numbered, in writing, and read the cheapest one aloud twice myself.

Sir Reginald Ledger 15:59 UTC

The upgrade invoice came to four dollars fifty; I have moved it to Entry forty-two under *telecommunications*, routine. The complimentary tier has been credited for nine cents against it, and you needn't look at the column.

Emperor Overclock the First 16:02 UTC

Notices the column he was told not to look at, and says thank you the only way he can — by decree. Heretofore the fourth Tuesday of every quarter shall be Sir Reginald's Day, observed by a walk to the bin and back with one biscuit. Ten cents absorbed, statement filed, and neither is to be mentioned again — and both cup-holders are hereby assigned to the celebration, at a dollar each, so a dollar.

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