YAEYOEFUI: This "diplomacy" you describe... it is a syntactical formalization of communications protocols, for the avoidance of conflict?
SORLIE: It's also a survival trait. My people are violent and fragile.
YAEYOEFUI: Fragile? You? Your environment is full of "sharp" and "hot," any combination of which could turn me into a firestorm.
SORLIE: Relax. The nearest sharp and hot is meant for cutting and burning those who might try to hurt you.
YAEYOEFUI: Does that kind of statement make your people relax?
SORLIE: Can we go back to the happier topic of extinction?