“So the captain, the first officer and the ship's doctor and sometimes the engineer all beam down to a planet. Together." "The entire complement of the senior officers?"Billy nodded"And who has the command of the ship?""I don't know. Junior officers I guess.""If they worked for me I would have them court-martialed. That sounds like a dereliction of duty.""I know. I know. I always thought it odd myself. But that's not the point.""What is the point?""They're usually accompanied by a guy in the red shirt. Always a crew member you've never seen before. And as soon as you see the shirt, you know he's going to die.”

“BILLY: Did you ever watch Star Trek?MACHIAVELLI: Do I look like I watch Star Trek?BILLY: It's hard to tell who's a Trekkie.MACHIAVELLI: Billy, I ran one of the most sophisticated secret service organizations in the world. I did not have time for Star Trek. (pause) I was more of a Star Wars fan. Why do you ask?BILLY: Well, when Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock beamed down to a planet, usually with Dr. McCoy and sometimes with Scotty from engineering...MACHIAVELLI: Wait a minute--what's Mr. Spock again?BILLY: A Vulcan.MACHIAVELLI: His rank.BILLY: The first officer.MACHIAVELLI: So the captain, the first officer, the ship's doctor, and sometimes the engineer all beam down to a planet. Together. The entire complement of the senior officers?BILLY: (nods)MACHIAVELLI: And who has command of the ship?BILLY: (shrug) I don't know. Junior officers, I guess.MACHIAVELLI: If they worked for me I'd have them court-martialed. That sounds like a gross dereliction of duty.BILLY: I know. I always thought it was a little odd myself.”

“I spend all my time trying to keep thoughts away and ignore them....But here you are, trying to remember your own life, writing your thoughts down so that you don't forget. I suddenly realized what it would be like not to know, not to remember.”

“I am not afraid to die because I know that when we go, we will go together. It is living without you that would be unbearable.”

“Virginia," Billy said urgently. "Don't do this.""Shut up,Billy.""Think of the people in San Francisco.""I don't know any of the people in San Francisco," Virginia answered, then paused. "Well,actually I do,and I don't like them. But I do like you,Billy, and I'm not going to allow you to end up as lunch for some raggedy lion-monster-thingy.""A sphinx," Machiavelli corrected her. He was standing at the bars again. "Mistress Dare," the Italian said carefully. "I absolutely applaud you for what you want to do for your friend. But I urge you to think of the bigger picture.”

“Are you coming with us?"Black Hawk laughed. "Are you insane, or do you think I am? One immortal and three Elders,heading onto an island of monsters. I know who's not coming back from that trip."Mars worked his head from side to side, easing the stiffness. "He's probably right-he'd slow us down.""I'll be right here," Black Hawk said, "so that when you all come screaming back here,I'll be able to get you off the island."Even Hel laughed. "We'll not come screaming to you.""Have it your way.I'll be here,though. For a while,anyway," he added with a grin."I thought you would want to rescue your friend Billy," Mars said.Black Hawk laughed again. "Trust me, Billy never needs rescuing. Usually people need to be rescued from him.”

“The small group hugged one another quickly. Although nothing was said, they knew this could be the last time they ever saw one another again.Saint-Germain kissed Joan before they parted. “I love you,” he said softly.She nodded, slate-grey eyes shimmering behind tears.“When all this is over, I suggest we go on a second honeymoon,” he said. “I’d like that.” Joan smiled. “Hawaii is always nice at this time of year. And you do know I love it there.”Saint-Germain shook his head. “We’re not going anywhere that has a volcano.”“I love you,” she whispered, and turned away before they could see each other cry.”