“Basically, I have two speeds.... Hostile or smart-aleck. Your choice.”

“I reckon I am a smart aleck, but it is just a way to pass the time.”

“[Janco] paused. His eyes held a distant gleam as if seeing into his past. 'My first practice was a shock. I was a cocky smart aleck--'[Opal] 'Was?'[J] 'Be quiet. I'm telling a story here.”

“If wearing this rag will in any way speed the process of gathering my furture soldiers, then I will waer it. But if it doesn't..."Vollrath bowed. "I will subject myself to your temper."You'll have no choice.”

“You can be smart and happy or stupid and miserable. . . it's your choice”

“[Mr. Principi] "My question to you, class, is our species crawling toward re-enlightenment or limping toward extinction?"The smart aleck behind me. . . was threatened by my propensity to fight when he should have been afraid of Mr. Principi's question.”