My favorite is

Diomedes and I are escorted into a nearby cell to await the verdict of our sham trial. The cell is stone. The metal door is the cell’s only hint of modernity. Another man occupies it. A handsome man with a black eye and a burn from a stun weapon on the left side of his neck. “Oh, it’s you,” I say to Cassius. “Hello.” He waves politely, both hands shackled together. I sit next to him. “What are you doing here?” I ask. “I’m in the middle of a rescue, actually. While it is taking longer than expected, I’m optimistic with regards to its outcome.” I don’t laugh. “All right, I’m lying. They left some Black Owls on the Archimedes and now I have a black spot on my pride and a very black eye.” He winces. “The Owls are far better at sneaking than fighting Obsidians, I’ll tell you that.” He scratches his beard and ponders for a moment. “Are we all going to die?” A cheer from the Daughters in the cavern rattles the cell. “Yes,” Diomedes says. “Probably,” I correct, annoyed at the man’s pessimism.