I’d make a case for saying anything that propagates itself in an intentional way qualifies to be thought of as alive. - Charles Sheffield

More and more, she felt certain that the members of the Legion of Argos from the top down were mental cases. Prophecies, penances, holy cleansings, arbitrary murders to settle grievances, ethnic entry requirements, guns everywhere, regimented behavior, visitors who were effectively prisoners—all the signs of a paramilitary religious cult.

When you pay somebody off, it only increases their demands. I know, only too well. They are never satisfied with what they get.

Darya found the logic of her thought processes so compelling that it never occurred to her that others might have a different reaction. But they did.