At small sentry post guarding the temporary quay at Port Wilks:
Sentry: I don't understand?
Customs Agent: What is there not to understand? The ETWC takes a payment in goods for every import into the settlement. It is really quite simple. Take this grain for example, the company claims a ten percent tithe. So that merchant was importing twenty sacks.
Sentry: But ten percent of twenty is 2 sacks? We took 5.
Customs Agent: Yes of course, but you forgot to include the fee for using this fine wharf.
Sentry: It's falling down!
Customs Agent: Hmmph, it is functional no?
Sentry: What is the fee then?
Customs Agent: I determined it to be one sack.
Sentry: Ok, so that is two for the company and one for the colonial administration. Who are the other two for?
Customs Agent: Ahh, glad you asked. That is a 'processing fee', for the customs representative of course.
Sentry: That is outrageous!
Customs Agent: (quite perturbed) How do you figure"
Sentry: Why you quite forgot the 'Security fee'! For the guards who diligently protect your important personage.
Customs Agent: Oh, well 1 and a half sacks 'processing fee', half a sack 'security fee'?
Sentry: (looks stern, shifts grip on musket) The processing fee is one sack.
Customs Agent: Deal.
Another typical day in Eslandola!
