“The great thing about aikido,” Jocelyn explains, “is that it’s all about harmony, so neither you nor your attacker gets hurt.”

Cordelia frowns. “That’s the most selfish thing I’ve ever heard.”

Jocelyn blinks.

” If I come at you with a haymaker, the least you can do is break my nose,” says Cordelia. “And get yours broken too! These days people treat email conversations with more attention than real ones. Fighting is our last chance for human contact!”

“Are you trying to convince me,” says Jocelyn, “that I have a social responsibility to get hit in the face?”

“Well, you specifically, yes.”