Mike Resnick

"“Don’t ever take a job as a diplomat or a politician,” said the Iceman wryly. “I beg your pardon.” “You’re a lousy liar.”"

"“Fast is good,” said the Iceman. “Accurate is better.” He paused again. “And knowing when not to shoot is better still.”"

"“She didn’t kill him,” explained the Iceman. “She could have saved him, but she chose not to. Legally it’s not the same thing; morally it is.”"

"There are a thousand events that must transpire, each in its exact order; a million futures must vanish every nanosecond; and you ask me to explain all this to you? Poor little human, who seeks only a full belly and a fat wallet, who dreams of heroic deeds and grateful maidens, and who is doomed only to become a speck of dust in a galaxy already overflowing with dust."

"“He was destined to desert me.” “How do you know I won’t?” “Because you are selfish enough and greedy enough and immoral enough to realize that your best interest lies in total fealty to me,” she replied. “I don’t know that I especially like that assessment of me,” said the Kid. “The question is not whether you like it,” replied Penelope, “but whether it is true.”"