Home > Work > Araminta Station (Cadwal Chronicles, #1)
1 " Folk who turn their backs on trouble only get their arses kicked. "
― Jack Vance , Araminta Station (Cadwal Chronicles, #1)
2 " Glawen alighted, removed his luggage from the bin while Maxen sat drumming his fingers on the wheel. Glawen paid the standard fee, which Maxen accepted with raised eyebrows. “And the gratuity?”Glawen slowly turned to stare into the driver’s compartment.“Did you help me load my luggage?”“No, but -”“Did you help me unload it?”“By the same token -”“Did you not tell me that I was inbred and eccentric, and probably weak-minded?”“That was a joke.”“Now can you guess the location of your gratuity?”“Yes. Nowhere.”“Quite right.”“Hoity-toity!” murmured Maxen, and drove quickly away, elbows stylishly high. "
3 " Some of you may consider my teaching techniques rather casual. Others will wonder how I arrive at your proper grade. There is no mystery here. I grade partly from examination results, partly from a subjective, or even subconscious, evaluation. I must admit that beautiful girls face a special handicap; I must constantly guard against giving these delicious creatures all that they want and more. I might add that ugly girls fare no better, since then I must take into account my kindly pangs of guilt and pity."Ottillie Veder said: “I am a girl. How will I know whether my bad grade is because you admire me or because you find me disgusting and repulsive?”“Nothing could be simpler. Arrange to meet me out on the beach with a blanket and a bottle of good wine. If I do not appear, your most pessimistic fears will be confirmed. "
