I have a catchphrase to describe my plot-generation technique — "What's the worst possible thing I can do to these people?" - Lois McMaster Bujold

“Think of the glory. Think of your reputation. Think how great it’ll look on your next resume.”
“On my cenotaph, you mean. Nobody will be able to collect enough of my scattered atoms to bury. You’re going to cover my funeral expenses, son?”
“Splendidly. Banners, dancing girls, and enough beer to float your coffin to Valhalla.”
Tung sighed. “Make it plum wine to float the boat, eh? Drink the beer.”

[Ivan: ] ”... you haven't let the lack of half-marks stop you. Or the rules. Or respect for reality, as afar as I can tell.”

[Miles:] ”I never let anything stop me. That's how you get what you want, Ivan. No one's going to just hand it to you.

Hey, let’s try speed-starting the fire with an infusion of pure oxygen!” Because inside every senior tech officer was a junior tech officer who’d been on a short leash for a long time.