I'm just saying...we can't trust them. We've never been able to trust them. That's always been a cornerstone of our operational policy." "Then maybe … - Alastair Reynolds

But when she tried to say something, the words always seemed trite and inadequate. Nothing measured up. When any moment might be their last, there was nothing she could ever imagine saying that had the necessary dignity to fill that instant. Silence was better. Silence had its own dignity.

I imagine you feel insignificant," Sajaki said, almost as if he had been listening in on the conversation. "Well; you're justified in feeling that way. You are insignificant. That's the majesty of this place. Would you choose it any other way?

But you can be sure there are pockets of wealth and influence, and I'm willing to wager that a few people are wealthier and more influential than they were before." "That's always the way with disasters," I said. "What?" "They're never bad news for everyone. Something nasty always rises to the top.