Even through the carefully neutral tones of the u-trans the Exec’s voice sounded exultant as he spoke the kung’an. “Listen: Two dragons fight over the lost pearl; which is victorious?”
“I’ll give you my answer before you leave,” Jade temporized. She noticed the Palovoi just being seated between the Furgatos and the serving station, and added, “But now I must see to those who’ll be dining on your melons.”
“Of course,” the Exec said with excessive blinking. “Until then.”
Jade bowed and started making her way to the Palovoi table, taking a small inventory along the way of the items she’d liberated from the Furgatos. Most of these she distributed back to their original owners with the apologies of the management, and the owners—knowing the Furgatos’ reputation—accepted the situation. Jade e
