“Marines or Martyrs--Who do you think will get the virgins?”

“Being a martyr is highly overrated. ”

“He sighed. "I don't think an apology will do, Mercy. Because an apology implies that you wouldn't do it again. And, under the circumstances, you wouldn't do anything differently, would you?"No.”

“Take a note: it usually works better if you wait until I do something stupid before getting mad at me.”

“His voice was soft and sweet as molasses; but my mother once told me that you had to trust that the first thing out of a person's mouth was truth. After they have a chance to think about it, they'll change what they say to be more socially acceptable, something they think you'll be happier with, something that will get the results they want.”

“What do you mean?” Leslie’s voice was cool, as if she questioned witches who were flat on their backs being threatened by werewolves every day.”

“It was complicated. I understood it, mostly, but I had to think a little sideways to do it.”