"No, mademoiselle, I would not like to see the children's menu. I have no doubt that the children's menu itself tastes better than the meals on it. I would like to order a la carter. Or don't you serve fish to minors" (Chapter 1, p. 7).

"A micro TV. But also a verbally controlled computer, a mobile phone, a diagnostic aid. This little box can read any information on absolutely any platform, electronic or organic. It can play video, laser disks, DVDs, go online, retrieve e-mail, hack any computer. It can even scan your chest to see how fast your heart's beating. Its battery is good for two years, and of course it's completely wireless" (Chapter 1, p. 10).

"It's difficult to say. There are best- and worse-case scenarios. Our mysterious guest could learn all about us whenever he wishes and do with our civilization what he will... That was the best-case...