Charles E. Gannon

"So what you are characterizing as conspiracy is merely an unfortunate coincidence."

"I’m sure that’s quite witty, but I have no idea what you mean."

"No: the answer you like the most is the one you should trust the least. Go over the evidence one more time: be sure you haven’t missed something."

"“There are only three variables governing the outcome of any given situation. Power—political, economic, military, whatever. Intelligence—the information you have and how cleverly you use it. And chance.” “And that’s it?” “That’s it. Leaders get themselves too tangled up when they fail to break a situation—any situation—back down to those basics. Or when they forget the fundamental differences between the three variables.”"

"A sense of humor—bitter or otherwise—is the hallmark of a survivor."

"Only the good die young, so I’m destined to be immortal, I guess."

"You’re the military analyst, writer, historian: you, above all people, should know that those who decline to take a hand in controlling events surrender the ability to influence them."

"You’re very cheery. Too cheery. So I’m guessing today’s news is bad."

"“So—I’m a major. New pay grade.” She laughed. “My salary has just jumped from nothing to next-to-nothing. What will I spend it all on?”"

"The EMTs were accompanied by a smattering of suit-and-sunglass security types who were about as unobtrusive as a flock of condors in a day-care center."

"What gives with him? Does he take jerk pills?"

"If, fourteen years ago, he had entertained secret hopes of leaving a discernible, enduring mark on the legacy of humankind, he was now fully disabused of them."