The hard facts are extraordinary, without adding superstitious mumbo-jumbo. - Vernor Vinge

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.

So much technology, so little talent.

There is a deepness in the sky, and it extends forever.