Damn it, Dad. You make me crazy." "That's part of my job as a parent. If I read the manual correctly. - Charles E. Gannon

If, fourteen years ago, he had entertained secret hopes of leaving a discernible, enduring mark on the legacy of humankind, he was now fully disabused of them.

It is in the nature of social creatures to crave approval and approbation, to build a temple out of what they have told themselves they are and must be."
Oduosslun stared at Riordan. "Reject that reflex. Reject the simplistic narrative. Reject the opiating allure of presuming you know your own destiny. Rather, embrace the ineluctable truth that you are not preordained saviors in the midst of a mythic cycle, any more than we were the guardians and guarantors of civilization. Like us, you are simply another species living out the consequences of what came before.

And saying that doesn't get you in trouble, does it?
His smile broadened. "Nope. Not a bit." He straightened up, stuck out his hand. "I'm glad I was able to come and give you the inside scoop on—absolutely nothing. And on the people who have absolutely nothing to do with it."
Caine smiled. "Your failure to impart any information has been very illuminating.