Needing to shake off the emotional load that had just built up within her, Jade went over to where Kokoti was completing a discussion with Disson. As soon as was polite—etiquette being very important to the Kettcens—she said, “I heard you’ll be having Marphle in your quadrant today. Would this be a convenient time to discuss something I found out about her?”
“Of course, my dear, any time for you,” Kokoti replied. “I regret I have no refreshments to offer you right now. I do hope you’ll forgive me.”
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”
