Hazel Kirk had been fashioned out of ingredients that had long proven audience proof — a projected marriage […]

The dreadnought is the ultimate arbiter of space warfare; millions of tons of metal, ceramic, and polymer dedicated to the projection of firepower against an enemy vessel of like ability. No sane commander would face a dreadnought with anything less than another dreadnought.

Cruel wars pervade history.

For she had a tongue with a tang, Would cry to a sailor, 'Go hang!' She loved not the savour of tar nor of pitch, Yet a tailor might scratch her where'er she did itch. Then to sea, boys, and let her go hang!