BARomero reached into the velvet bag and turned to the first Ficleteer.

“Nouvelle Bardot,â€? he began, “to recognize the remarkable wit and brain consistently shown in your Ficlets, I hereby confer upon you this honorary degree of ThD.â€?

“ThD?â€? She asked, accepting the diploma.

“Doctor of Thinkology.â€? BARomero turned to the next Ficleteer.

“Pens&Feathers, you’ve demonstrated great depth and heart in all of your writing, and in appreciation of your efforts I present you with this testimonial, as a token of our esteem.â€?

Pens&Feathers held it to her ear. “It’s ticking!â€? she cried.

BARomero turned to the third Ficleteer.

“Robotech Master, your Best Practices series may not have been the most popular, but you showed tremendous bravery in presenting it for the consideration of others in Ficlets, so I award you with this medal for your service above and beyond the call of duty.â€?

“Courage!â€? Robotech Master exclaimed, reading the medal. “Ain’t it the truth? Ain’t it the truth?â€?