Interesting problem, pain. So helpful, so obnoxious. - Vernor Vinge

Politics may come and go, but trade goes on forever.

Well, what do you know," Pham said. "Butterflies in jackboots.

Even as my conscious mind concluded that we were under fire, I threw myself on the ground and flatten into the lowest profile possible. You’ve heard the bromide about combat making life more real. I don’t know about that, but it’s certainly true that when you are flat against the ground with your face in the dirt, the whole universe looks different.