“Don’t be ashamed, recruit,” the Exec said through his chuckles. “She’s bested me more than once. Jade Darcy, you’ve earned a kung’an.”
“I’m honored indeed,” Jade answered. These riddles were a form of education to the Furgatos, and the more sophisticated ones were shared with an acquaintance as humans might share a snifter of fine cognac. Jade was, in fact, quite relieved; a night when a kung’an was put out led to deep discussion and little trouble.
“This is a kung’an that was actually presented by a member of your own race.” Jade tensed at those words until the Exec continued, “I believe it’s some three thousand of your years old. It was in a book of kung’an the Greest gave us; our replies to them were his fee to let us transfer through here with our shipment of melons.”
Even through
