Government workers don’t negotiate for salary, instead they have a set scale based on their job’s pay grade, adjusted for the local cost of living. The lowest level jobs are GS1, followed by GS2, etc. Every GS1 working in the same area will receive the same salary

To make the setup work, aye

Sphinx: You there, knight. I am the guardian of this place and cannot allow you to pass without a battle.

Me: My name is Ender, Sir Ender to you. And I’m a bit weary from my long journey here, would you accept a pun battle?

Sphinx: Aye, Sir Ender.

Me: Thank you, please move aside