How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"My dad will never forget this. No matter what anyone says, he'll never forget." (14.113)
Nailer has just killed Blue Eyes to help Nita and Pima escape and to save Sadna, Pima's mom. He's betrayed his blood, and his dad, Richard, will see the betrayal much like Nailer saw Sloth's betrayal. Blood doesn't inspire loyalty in Richard Lopez; loyalty has to be earned.
Quote #5
"I'm sorry," Nita said. "I didn't want to leave him, either."
Nailer gave her a withering look. "He was helping us."
"There are some fights you can't win." She looked away. (18.93-95)
When Tool is attacked by the half-men working for Pyce, Nailer and Nita want to help, but Nita pulls Nailer away. This, too, is a betrayal of sorts: Nailer considers Tool part of his crew and therefore deserving of the same loyalty his other crewmembers get. Nita is a little more mercenary than Nailer; she's willing to give up Tool to survive. Strangely enough, we think that Tool would probably agree with Nita, as he says, "'I do not lunge into battles that cannot be won'" (19.26).
Quote #6
As he did, the captain raised his gun and shot the man in the back […]
"He was my minder," the captain said simply. (18.158, 161)
When the lieutenant turns, no doubt to rat the captain to Pyce, Captain Candless shoots him. It becomes clear to us that loyalty and betrayal is just as complicated among swanks as it is among ship breakers.