Time currency and exchange rate issues.
The clerk looked up from the pile of gold coins. “What are these?”
“Quatloos,” said Emris. “My savings. For this holiday.”
“Ah.” The clerk began typing. He was rather handsome for a lizard. With an impressive crest jammed under his ridiculous hat. “I have fifteen planet systems with variations on the Quatloo… Where are you from?”
“Greater Deregulation.”
“Ah.” This time, his voice was sadder. “Hm. We have three of those. May I look at your galactic passport?”
Emris handed it over and took off his infovisor.
The clerk was scrutinizing the stamps. “Mh… Ha! East turn-wise Greater Deregulation… Oh dear.”
Emris put his infovisor back on. “Something… wrong?”
“Your Quatloos… are only worth a handful of Days, even at the best rates. And your planned stay is for… two months.”
“…but I saved up for so long…”
“And that effort should not go unrewarded. Let’s see what I can do for you…” Frantic tapping, beeping and error sounds. “Ah! Yes! I can get you a grand total of of a Standard Year.”
Emris gasped. “How did you manage to do that?”
“Your Quatloos are made out of certain metals… that are worth more than the money they represent.”
[Muse food: 6. Submit a prompt! Ask a question!]