Excerpts from Astra: Dai's Laws, cont.

"I pressed up to the bar and a woman sloped over.  She had silky black hair and silver rings pierced in a row up one of her cheeks.  

“What’ll it be, gents?”

"Skin shots," I said.  I would endear myself to the Valkyrie.  He had his vices, and so I had mine: it is important to never seem too pure. The pure cannot be trusted by those who are powerful.  “Put your arm up, lord.”"   p 11,  Astra 
 
and 

"I’ll have the heart of him yet, I will, or burn me.  You’re the enemy of me enemy, are you then?  We’ll get along.  I like your metal.”      

“I find it is as important to study your friends as closely as your enemies.  Have you noticed this in human culture?” Dai said.

The Phodiine priest dipped his head, excusing himself. “I must return to my duties. Enjoy your stay, brothers, sister. Should you want for anything, I am never far away. You need only ask.” He scuttled away.

“That I have,” the captain said, musingly.  “That I have.” p. 62, Astra


Also, I reworked an old idea of Nietzsche's:   


The Rule of Blood: The true value of a thing is often what it has cost others.


Not sure where I'll fit that one in yet.