Checkmate Quotes

“Courage was not the absence of fear but the will to act despite its overwhelming presence.”
― Michael Anderle, Checkmate

“True love is not loud. It is not declarations and grand gestures, although those can be part of the expression. It is patient and kind. It is openness and honesty. It is truth, even when the truth is ugly. Love is shown in uncountable small actions. It is going above and beyond and putting each other first. It’s letting go of control and allowing the other person to see the vulnerabilities you don’t show to the rest of the world. Above all, it is trusting that no matter what life throws at you, you have each other to lean on.”
― Michael Anderle, Checkmate

“If you can be happy, why not try? It’s the bravest thing to do.”
― Michael Anderle, Checkmate

“She wasn’t going to be moved on the issue, and time was a factor he couldn’t ignore. Somewhere, hundreds of thousands of clones were gearing up for a battle. He had to fix his mistake, or people who hadn’t volunteered to be put in the line of fire were going to die. He wiped the blood from his nose and followed her into the Etheric. The mists were as agitated as he expected, given his wife’s mood. He spotted her heading in the direction of the planet. “Bethany Anne, wait.” She lifted a hand and extended her middle finger without slowing her pace or turning to look at him. As he broke into a run, Michael reminded himself that he loved her, not despite her tendency toward an uncompromising nature but because of it. Like attracted like, and while that could easily lead to a battle of wills that neither of them would emerge from as the victor, it also made them strong enough to be the support the other needed when faced with a seemingly insurmountable challenge. Lightning struck five feet ahead of Michael at the same time a lightbulb came on in his mind. I’m sorry, he sent. She ignored him, but she didn’t slam down the barrier to block their mental link. I shouldn’t have presumed I could flirt my way around your moral objections. Your very valid objections, he added. It was manipulative, and you fucking suck for doing it. If it makes any difference, I was not attempting to manipulate you. Just…ease you past your misgivings. Another lightning strike crashed into the mist barely five feet from where he was standing. Which, I realize, was manipulative. I’m sorry. Can we talk about it? You can talk. I’ll listen until you piss me off again, and the next bolt of lightning won’t miss.”
― Michael Anderle, Checkmate