The first thing they did was pick up survivors. Because we are equipment, too. As long as the Republic takes care of us, we'll take care of it. - Matthew Stover

I read once, somewhere, that the way you know you've grown up is when your future death becomes a stone in your shoe: when you feel it with every step.

Mace flipped up a thumb. "You think being armed and ruthless means you can do whatever you want." He folded his thumb and flipped up his forefinger. "You think nobody will stand up to you when they're naked." He folded that one again and flipped up the next. "And you think you're going to look inside my bag."

I don't have to be a hero, he thought in silent wonder. All I have to do is pretend.