Psi and/or magical powers, if real, are nearly useless.

The reader has certain rights. He bought your story. Think of this as an implicit contract. He's entitled to be entertained, instructed, amused; maybe all three. If he quits in the middle, or puts the book down feeling his time has been wasted, you're in violation.

I do not believe they've run out of surprises.

One mark of a good officer, he remembered, was the ability to make quick decisions. If they happen to be right, so much the better.

I love superconductors.

Boredom is my worst enemy. It's killed a lot of my friends, but it won't get me. When I get bored, I go risk my life somewhere.

Fear is the brother of hate.