The Escapement: The Engineer Trilogy: Book Three

by K.J. Parker

“I can’t help thinking,” he told them, and they just looked at him, as they always did, “that we might as well be logs meeting in the grate to discuss the fire.”

Perfect description .

No two people ever said I love you to each other and meant exactly the same thing by it.

Truth

The announcement that Major Gace Daurenja had been appointed supreme allied commander was greeted with stunned amazement, rapidly followed by the special blend of loathing and respect unique to the military.

Fair statement.