[holo] check up, check in, check out!

[taxcollectors]

"Hello citizens! Hellooo!"

It had been some time since that cheery greeting had first rung out across the tablets but there it was once again, accompanying a holographic broadcast from the arrival room. The platform was occupied by two hamsters of unusual size, the first with short tawny fur and the second with long white fur. Both were waving their little paws.

"Long time, no chat," the tawny one pronounced and scratched at its ear. "Sorry about that, we've been awfully absentee."

"Yes, it is most unfortunate," the white one agreed. "But we've been quite busy, and still are! Holiday rush and pinched budgets, you know how it is."

"They do, they do! Happy new year, belatedly! Though it's still early for Mr. Long, isn't it?"

The second hamster nodded. "Oh, yes, a little early yet. The point is we have a teensy bit of time now."

"Just a little, just enough to answer a few questions and take a few comments." The first hamster waved its paw. "But then it's back to work, so make it quick!"

Comments

[Visual]

[imperial_long]

Long clears his throat, looking sternly at the hamsters over the tablet. If he wore glasses, he would probably shove them up his nose. As it is he has to content himself with a severe stare.

"Early. Yes. I would applaud your cultural sensitivity if not for how you choose to mark the holiday for me last year," he says stiffly.

One of the things the aliens said cause him to arch a brow, though.

"....from whom do you requisition your budget?"