In the long run more mercenaries have had their asses shot off by their contractors than by their enemies. - Lois McMaster Bujold

Pen would pray to his God for guidance, but he never did get any back when he did that, so he supposed he must use his own judgment.

The gods...the gods may forgive much, to a truly penitent heart." Her smile grew bitter as desert brine. "The gods may forgive Ista all day long. But if Ista does not forgive Ista, the gods may go hang themselves."

Lilly had promised him that her stimulants would buy him six hours of coherence, after which the metabolic bill would be delivered by hulking bio-thugs with spiked clubs, virtual repo-men for his neurotransmitter debt.