"Shouldn't that be clear?" An arrogant retort; but slowly, slowly, the expression changes to confusion, and then open surprise. That calm, that face with those familiar features, that voice - no matter that it's feminized now.

The name: not Joan, but John.

Her demeanor changes to that faint bemusement. "Next time, say something more quickly," she advises. "If you don't want a fight."

But the sword is lowered the rest of the way.