Am I that fascinating to you, or are you just more bored than I imagined? - Alastair Reynolds

Open your story-cube on the way home and ask it to tell you about causality violation. I did once, because I asked the same question you did. Why should I be limited? What right does the universe have to say what I can and can’t do? I’m intelligent. The universe is just a lot of hydrogen and dirt, going through the motions. But in this instance the universe has the final say.

Naqi suspected that the ability to turn drunkenness on and off like a switch must be one of the most hallowed of diplomatic skills.

Even godlike aliens have to act rationally—don't they?" "I wouldn't know," she said. "I can't recall ever meeting any.