Robert Sheckley

They were bored to death even with their own thoughts and dreams, bored with the attack they expected momentarily.

As professional soldiers, they couldn't help but speculate on the enemy and his weapons. It was their shop talk.

is. But we protect rights, not victims. Your rights are not being violated.

Mars to Centaurus and back, back and forth, in an old rust tub that’s going to blow herself up one of these—”

he was simultaneously predictable and unfathomable—a routine miracle.