A Perfect State1997

Gareth:
Bit of grovelling poverty. That should fix the grubby little upstarts.

Simon:
But is it legal to cut off their funds?

Gareth:
Legal? Who cares! We're the government; we decide what's legal.

Simon:
We're not actually the government, Gareth. We work *for* the government.

Gareth:
Oh, really. Thank you. I'll note that down.

Simon:
And is it moral? Is it in the tradition of British fair play? We just might look like a bunch of big bullies.

Gareth:
We *are* a bunch of big bullies. We built an empire on being a bunch of big bullies. We enjoy being a bunch of big bullies. These people are traitors. In more enlightened times we would have just cut their heads off and had another cup of tea.

Simon:
I, I just feel your being a bit... mean.

Gareth:
I sincerely hope so. Now, while I conduct the practical shenanigans up here, I want you to keep up the fifth column stuff down there; undermine 'em, turn 'em against each other; nice bit of weasel work.

Simon:
Gareth, I'm not sure I really like...

Gareth:
Simon, Simon, hush hush a second. You do know that despite what they say about the civil service, your career is not exactly bomb-proof. And you do cherish and enjoy your insignificant little job, don't you.

Simon:
You really are a quite awful person.

Gareth:
Thank you, Simon. It is nice to know one's efforts don't go entirely unnoticed. Now get down there, get nasty, or get downsized.