Constance Okamoto

“Yamamoto was considered, both in Japan and the United States, as intelligent, capable, aggressive, and dangerous. Motivated by his skill as a poker player and casino gambler, he was continually calculating odds on an endless variety of options. He played bridge and chess better than most good players. Like most powerful leaders he was articulate and persuasive, and once in a position of power he pushed his agenda relentlessly. Whether he would push his odds successfully in the Pacific remained to be seen.”
― Dale A. Jenkins, Diplomats & Admirals: From Failed Negotiations and Tragic Misjudgments to Powerful Leaders and Heroic Deeds, the Untold Story of the Pacific War from Pearl Harbor to Midway

“I had a close encounter with an alien last week. He returned to visit us and was amazed we were still here.”
― A.R. Merrydew

“But sir…’
     ‘Don’t worry I said I’ll do it,’ snapped the President.
     ‘But sir there’s just one other thing.’
     The President held the club in his hands like a seasoned baseball star. He glanced over at the Phlegm-O-Matic resting in the legionnaire’s rusted hand. ‘What?’
     ‘That protocol doesn’t include you.’
     The President’s shoulders sank and the air left his lungs in a rush. The legionnaire turned and aimed the gun at him.”
― A.R. Merrydew, Our Blue Orange

“I understand your position, Dave.  It’s a big story, and you worked hard to get it.  But if you don’t drop me at the Europa, I’ll blow your head off.  Imagine how big that story would be.
There’s no need for these histrionics.  We’ll go to the Holiday Inn.  You can rest, shower, debrief.  You’ll be among friends.
Last chance, Dave.  You can be the hero or the headline.  Your call.
Let’s talk it out.
No.  You talk too much.
He started a new line of argument, but before the words passed his lips his brains passed them on the way out. A dirty reddish slime painted the windshield; it covered the dashboard and console. It poured and dripped from the ceiling to the seat.  The driver was covered on one side of his head and body.  The mess made the crowded taxi undrivable.
-Also, someone crapped their pants.”
― John Payton Foden, Magenta