“The child is mine and Petra's. It's especially important to us because it's the first we know of that definitely does not have my condition." "You mean it isn't ugly?”

“We have discussed your definition, analyzed its ramifications to a reasonable depth, and accept it," said the expendable."Meaning I gave you what you wanted?""Ambition and desire are human traits. You gave us what we lacked.”

“I don't care how loyal you think you're going to be Dink. It's not in you. You're a brat and you always will be. So admit what a lousy follower you are and go ahead and LEAD. -Petra”

“It will hurt." said Petra. "But let's make the most of what we have, and not let future pain ruin present happiness.”

“If you try and lose then it isn't your fault. But if you don't try and we lose, then it's all your fault.”

“Humanity does not ask us to be happy. It merely asks us to be brilliant on its behalf.”

“So that's it?" asked the expendable."Final decision," said Ram. "And it's the right one.""Why do you think so?""Because we live or die, we'll learn something important from jumping into the fold. Thousands of future travelers will either follow us or not. But if we don't make the jump, we'll learn nothing, have no new options.""A lovely speech. It has been sent back to Earth. It will inspire millions.""Shut up," said Ram.”