"Late again Smythe! That's the second time this week you know. You're a retired military guy aren't you? I bet you didn't turn up late then!"
"Well, I am a little embarrassed to admit it, but in the latter years I did rather."
"Really? You amaze me! So when you turned up late then, what did they say?"
"Usually it was something like: Good morning Admiral. Can I get I get you a coffee, sir?"
[sorry, I know it's an old one but it seemed appropriate somehow 
]