“Aliens, fantasy, in-jokes,” Gary sniffed. “Kid’s stuff.”

“We all knew that when we signed on,” said Ken. “People love our games, and they’re willing to show their appreciation by buying them.”

“I’ve told you this again and again: they were always a means to an end. Always a way to get our foot in the door so we could do something meaningful, something that’ll change the world.”

“You don’t think a line of video games about wisecracking gnomes is world-changing enough?” Ken said.

“We’re being serious here, Ken,” said Gary. “I wish you could be too.”

“I am being serious,” came the reply. “A relational database made by a video game company…that’s the joke.”