We have all made mistakes. The mark of intelligence is to learn from them, and not be bound by the errors of… — Alastair Reynolds

The sense of squandered possibility, of better paths now lost to them all, filled him with a sudden rising sadness. He wondered if it was too late to make something better of their world.

If I’ve learned one thing in my long existence, it’s that hesitation gets you nowhere.

“You’re taking this very well,” Goma said.

Eunice gave a semi-shrug. “Experience. You can fight the odds up to a point, but sooner or later you have to face reality. The universe doesn’t care about temper tantrums or pity.”