Jade tried not to look directly into Kokoti’s face as it moved from side to side; it tended to make her seasick. “Of course; I had no such expectations. At any rate, you were off duty the last time Marphle was here, and I had to handle a bit of unpleasantness involving her. During the scuffle”—and Jade felt that was a mild word for the brawl that erupted suddenly and caused three squares’ worth of damage—“I noticed she always pulled her toes out of the way, even when it meant getting hit somewhere else. I ducked under all four arms and got close enough to stomp on her toes—and I told her I’d do it unless she behaved herself. She skittered away and cried, so I moved right after her and repeated the threat. She put down the tables she’d been about to throw and we settled the matter peacefull
