Beth

“Try to look unimportant, Sarge; maybe they’ll be low on ammo.” “Too late,” Adam said with an involuntary grin. He hadn’t heard that phrase since ’Nam, when officers were favorite targets of the enemy.”
― Patricia Briggs, Silence Fallen

“I stared at my illustrious leader for a moment, puzzled. “Isn’t that obvious? Who would be crazy enough to try close-range combat with that thing?” Chi sidled up and explained slowly, “MISD agents are not well known for their survival instincts.” I met him look for look. “I thought that was just you.” “No, I’m sadly par for the course.” “That’s disturbing.” It also explained a lot.”
― Honor Raconteur, The Void Mage

“YES,” Chi agreed savagely, popping out from around Vee to glower at the monkeys running rampant. “DEATH TO THE MONKEYS.” I more or less expected that response. We all did.”
― Honor Raconteur, Remnants

“Bannen,” he said with overly exaggerated patience, “do we need to talk about your pathological need to stay on women’s good sides?” “I think we just did.” Nora snorted, and for the first time that morning, didn’t look ready to behead someone with her bare hands. “He’s thoughtful, Chinna, which is how you endear yourself to women. We like it. Thank you, Bannen, I feel less inclined to kill everyone in the room now.” There was no safe response to that except, “You’re welcome. Let me know if you want another.” “See?” Chi asked the table at large. “Pathological need to make women happy. Bannen, my friend, what trauma did you experience to make you like this?” I gave him a flat look. “I’m the youngest sibling of five sisters.”
― Honor Raconteur, The Void Mage