Lafiel's father's joke about the cat being Lafiel's "mother". More hilarious given that Lafiel was only eight years old at the time, so she honestly got worried that she would begin to grow paws and whiskers. When Lafiel tells this story, Jinto is rolling with uncontrollable laughter at the thought, to her chagrin.
When Jinto visits Lafiel's family home, he meets a grandchild of that cat. He promptly states that Lafiel must be the cat's aunt.
Since the Abh spend half the time snarking at each other this pops up a lot. One particular exchange went like this:
Trife: The people in the Intelligence Bureau aren't fit to feed cats! Crewmember: I take offense to that sir. Trife: That's right. You recently transferred from the Intelligence Bureau, didn't you? Very well. I retract my statement: The people in the Intelligence Bureau are perfectly suited for feeding cats. Trife's Lieutenant: I'm sure the Information Bureau would be honored by your assessment sir.
Spoor is always good for a laugh:
When she's getting threats of ground warfare from a captured planet.
President: As members of the United Mankind, it is our duty to challenge your imperialist advance onto our homeland! And it is a strong conviction! By the day's end, you shall know the power we have! Spoor: Well, do your best. *cuts him off* *later* Spoor: Am I to understand that the President wanted me to reply with a demand for his surrender? Kufadiss: And to pepper that demand with racial slurs and pejoratives. Spoor: Hmm... "ground swine"... "mud-turtles"... those would have been good. Crass, but somehow refreshing! Kufadiss: *thinking* Oh, no! I hope she doesn't start using those phrases for kicks!
Kufadiss has his own moment during negotiations with the President:
Kufadiss: I assure you, most Abh would find her actions strange. President: So what you're saying is that your commander is not normal. Kufadiss: Please choose your words carefully. I'm within her reach. President: I'm sorry. Hypothetically speaking, if you were in command of this operation, what would your response have been? Kufadiss: I would have said... "Do as you please, Mr. President."
And sure enough: the next time Spoor orders an advance, she does so by saying "All right, ground swine and mud-turtles, prepare to meet your doom!" with a giant smile on her face, as Kufadiss Face Palms in the background.
I won't tolerate being an Archduchess. But tacky titles like Emperor are best suited to the Abriels. My name is Spoor!
Spoor buying time against a superior enemy fleet:
Spoor: We have no wish to battle, and promise to leave this system within six hours. We request you delay your advance. U.M. Fleet: We will grant you one hour, after which, you will withdraw. Spoor: That is not enough time, we require twenty-four hours. U.M. Fleet: First you ask for six hours, and then twenty-four? You have us baffled. Spoor: Our previous transmission was a mistake. U.M. Fleet: We demand to know why you have quadrupled your time request. Spoor: We'll tell you after you accept. U.M. Fleet: What are your reasons for this secrecy? Spoor: That's also a secret.
This conversation continues for over thirty minutes, before Spoor finally explains the situation and the United Mankind gives her two hours to leave.
When Spoor first meets Jinto and Lafiel, Lafiel is still in the disguise Jinto had put her in to conceal her being Abh from the United Mankind, and Jinto's arm is in a sling from a wound taken during the escape. Spoor promptly comments that Lafiel must really like him if all she did to him after dying her hair and forcing her to wear that dress was shoot him once in the shoulder.
The Running Gag in Banner I over what exactly happened between Dusanyu's Chief of Staff and one (or both) of the Bebaus brothers.
Dusanyu: But there's still a problem: I still don't know if it was Nereis or Nefee... Kenesh: Your Highness, I have devoted half my life to the Star Forces. Dusanyu: Indeed. If anyone questions your loyalty, let them be brought before me, and I shall be happy to correct them. Kenesh: And I have the utmost respect and love for the Imperial Family. Dusanyu: Thank you for saying so. Kenesh: So please understand how difficult it is for me to say this to you... Dusanyu: And what is that? Kenesh: Shut up!
The end of Passage of the Stars, when Debeusec asks that Lexshue not tell Lafiel that Lexshue's her mom is absolutely this. When Lexshue demands to know why, Debeusec answers that secrets "Help build a richer, more interesting personality." Lexshue's reaction says it all:
Lexshue: "I'm not going to interfere in how you bring her up, but I don't think I've ever heard anything so stupid before in my life!" Debeusec: "Really? I thought it was a great idea." Lexshue: "Well, you're the one she's going to hate for it, so it's up to you, I guess."
Novel only: When Jinto and Lafiel get to the city of Gusornuy, they have to pass through a UM control post. Jinto asks the princess to not move and stay silent, which she executes too well, making Jinto's best option to pretend she's a sex doll he drives around in a car to look as if he has a girlfriend.
Novel only: Lafiel and Jinto as 'hostages' spend some time in Undertaker's apartment somewhere in Gusornuy. First thing Lafiel does is taking over the comfiest chair in the house.
Undertaker: – Hey, this is my chair. This is the chair of the owner of the house, - the Undertaker pointed at Lafiel with the expression of annoyance. Lafiel said nothing, staring at him silently. Undertaker: Abh, you are a hostage of ours. In all seriousness, you must be rolling on the floor here, all tied up. Just think about it, and... Lafiel listened carefully. But she was more reminiscent of a scientist researching some unusual insect rather than a diligent student. Undertaker: Yes, I know, of course, what you mean. You mean you came here of your own free will and that you are armed too, right? But I will still treat both of you like hostages. Of course, your pistols are very cool and you know how to handle them. You are very good at it. So even all of us together have no chance against you. But I… - Undertaker's voice grew quieter and quieter with every word. - … I'm glad you like this chair.
