What’s inside the box? Doubt is there. What’s another name for doubt? Death is another name for doubt. Death is what inflects the immortal certainty … - Adam Roberts

You're just doing that to pass the time," said Davide, dismissively.
"Just to pass the time," agreed Jac. "Though I suppose time will pass, in any case, regardless of what I do.

Very well. I do not wish to initiate a political discussion. I care only for loyalty."
"Loyalty," said Jhutti, "is a political word.

I shouldn't be naive" Diana said. "Of course, realising its destructive power only makes them want it more. Of course. Even more than great wealth, power craves technologies of destruction. Good to be wealthy, but better to remain in power—and the more awe-inspiring the weaponry at your disposal, the better able you are to do that.