I remember devouring the entire Hardy Boys series over one summer, enthralled by their bravery and cleverness.

I'm fascinated by power, especially veiled power. Shadow power. The National Security Agency. The National Reconnaissance Office. Opus Dei. The idea that everything happens for reasons we're not quite seeing.

I consider myself a student of many religions. The more I learn, the more questions I have. For me, the spiritual quest will be a life-long work in progress.

There is a fine line between insanity and genius.

In my mind, the men and women of NASA are history's modern pioneers. They attempt the impossible, accept failure, and then back to the drawing board while the rest of us stand back and criticize.

I've been through a lot. I've thought a lot about life, and I've spent a lot of time studying history and science.

Vittoria slipped off her robe. 'You've never been to bed with a yoga master, have you?