The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (Wayfarers, #1)

by Becky Chambers

From the ground, we stand; From our ships, we live; By the stars, we hope. —Exodan proverb

Valuable was not the same as irreplaceable.

“Do not judge other species by your own social norms.”

“Do you know what this song’s about?” “You know I don’t speak Hanto.” “Banging the Harmagian royal family. In glorious detail.” “Ha! Oh, I like this song so much more now.”

Time was a curious equalizer.

Ohan’s own purpose was to be a Navigator, to unveil the universe for those who were blind to it. After death, Ohan would no longer be able to pursue that purpose, and they could not deny that this saddened them.

Ohan hoped that Ashby was not uncomfortable with letting them embrace the Wane’s final stage aboard the Wayfarer. They could think of nothing more fitting than dying in the place that housed their purpose.

Humans had a long, storied history of forcing their way into places where they didn’t belong.

Life isn’t fair, and laws usually aren’t, either. You did what you had to do. I get that.”

Feelings are relative. And at the root, they’re all the same, even if they grow from different experiences and exist on different scales.”

“Sissix, I don’t have any feathers I can give you. I wish I did. You made me feel welcome when I first set foot on this ship. And since then, the kindness you’ve shown — not just to me, but to everyone — has meant more than I can say.

“We will not let you down.”