Sugar Plum

A late‑night dinner in a sleek 22nd‑century home turns into a heated debate when Charles returns from a tax‑auction with a surprising purchase: a whole planet called Sugar Plum. His wife Betty and flamboyant cousin Aurelia argue over the absurd price and the dubious reputation of the “Class IV” world, while a courteous robot butler and a snarky holographic commentator add a layer of futuristic eccentricity. The conversation drifts from Victorian nostalgia to the looming threats of modernism, hinting at a society that clings to 19th‑century ideals even as space travel becomes routine.

Charles is determined to make the newly acquired world a refuge for his family’s values, insisting it will be a private, idyllic haven away from the chaotic “Inchcapes” colonies. As arguments flare and the household’s artificial servants chime in, listeners are drawn into a witty clash of old‑world propriety and bold, off‑world ambition—setting the stage for a story that explores both the absurdity and hope of colonizing an alien planet.