David D. Levine

““I am a weak man, Cousin,” he replied. “It was my weakness that led to my poverty, and brought me to Mars, and prompted me to steal that egg.” He gave a rueful grin. “It would be inconsistent for me to display any strength of character now.””

“I do not pretend to understand how gears and levers can bring forth consciousness, sir, but it certainly appears that somehow they have.”

“How quickly expectations can change one’s behavior, she thought.”

“She was deeply concerned about Richardson’s abilities in this area. The man was plainly more interested in maintaining his own authority than he was in the actual running of the ship.”