The Ghost Brigades (Old Man's War, #2)

by John Scalzi

We are human too. When we fight for humans, we fight for ourselves. No one asks to be born, but we are born, and we are human. We fight for ourselves, as much as for any other human. If we don’t defend humanity, we’ll be just as dead as the rest of them. This universe is implacable.::

After watching Star Wars everyone wanted a lightsaber and was irritated that the technology for them didn’t really exist. Everyone also agreed the Ewoks should all die.

It was interesting what you could do, when your enemy was officially your ally. And unaware you knew it was your enemy.

When power is within reach, few will wait patiently for it.

“It’s not fair,” Cloud said eventually. “It’s not fair you have to mourn this child.” Jared gave a small laugh. “We’re in the wrong universe for fair,” he said, simply. “That we are,” Cloud agreed.

“Every creature has a survival instinct. It looks like fear but it’s not the same thing. Fear isn’t the desire to avoid death or pain. Fear is rooted in the knowledge that what you recognize as yourself can cease to exist. Fear is existential.

::I know you don’t trust me,:: Jared said. ::And I know why you don’t trust me. But I also remember what you once told me, Lieutenant. You told me, no matter what, to remember that I was Jared Dirac. I’m telling you now, Lieutenant. I know who I am.

We don’t need Sagan out there telling people half the story and starting rumors.” “Then tell her the whole damn story,” Szilard said. “She’s an intelligence officer, for God’s sake. She can handle the truth.”

“And now you see why I know you have a soul,” Cainen said. “Please accept my apology that I ever doubted it.”