"Life is like a generous old man who loves giving us gifts. Some people open their gift boxes to find a pleasant surprise; others find a nasty shock.
"In short, whether you wanted it or not, you have no way to refuse delivery."
"So, Kallen, are you making fun of me?"
"A little." Kallen picked up his water glass and took a sip. As he set it down, he continued, "Sorry, the part about the syringe made me lose my composure."
"Heh, my standing isn't even as good as a breeding boar's."
"Perhaps you could visit a pig farm and see for yourself. Maybe..."
"Maybe what?"
"Maybe you'd feel better. Look carefully, and you should still find a few advantages you have over a breeding boar."
"I thought you'd sympathize with me."
"You should sympathize with me. You actually opened a Communication Magic Formation with me to talk about this. Do you know how many crystals I've used up listening to you ramble just now?"
"Our friendship can't be measured in money."
"You should also consider the cost of maintaining that friendship. Next time, let's just use the telephone. Seriously."
"Are you short on vouchers?"
"I've had quite a few things to spend them on lately."
"Then once my department is established, I can channel some of its funding through you."
"What do you mean?"
"You don't understand? A department has enormous expenses anyway, a whole pile of them, some you can account for and some you can't. Let your people provide services for me, and I'll work those expenses in."
"As a friend, I'm worried you'll lose out."
"They aren't my own vouchers. I get a fixed operating budget every quarter, and I can't just cash out whatever I don't spend. Besides, you're the local power here, Kallen. How