"Just bear that in mind, Percy. Even the bravest can fall."

If there's one thing I've learned over the eons, it's that you can't give up on your family, no matter how tempting they make it. It doesn't matter if they hate you, or embarrass you, or simply don't appreciate your genius for inventing the Internet

“Can’t whack them like I used to.”
“I’m sure you can still deliver a good thumping, Picker.” Jerin’s sister nodded in greeting, Eldest to Eldest.
“I can hit just as hard as I used to, Whistler!” Eldest Picker snapped. “It’s them! They break too easy now. I got to pull my hits!”
Eldest Whistler ran her tongue along the inside of her cheek, trying not to grin. “Well, now, that’s a problem.”
“I’m too old to be learning how to curb my temper.”

“She’s gotta be fucking the captain. Betcha that’s how she scored the transfer too.”
Pellini sniggered, but I didn’t bother waiting to hear his response. Fuck diplomacy, I thought, as I strode up to them.
“Hi, guys!” I chirped as I reached for a coffee cup. “Whoo boy, do I ever need a hit of java right now.” I gave them both an extra-cheerful grin as I poured the coffee. “All that work fucking the captain in order to get all the good cases is wearing me right the fuck out!” I saluted the two with my coffee cup as they stared at me. “Y’all should try it sometime!” Then I leaned forward and lowered my voice. “But you two should probably practice on each other first so’s ya don’t embarrass yourselves. I mean, I know it’s been ages since either of you has fucked anything other than your hand.”