Quote 25
I'm no stranger to Mars [...] But I've never been out of sight of the Hab before today. You wouldn't think that would make a difference, but it does. (7.100)
Mark never gets used to life on Mars. The Hab helps him stay sane, providing him a small connection with his life back on Earth, but even that is fleeting. Sooner or later, Mark is going to need to explore more of the Martian surface—that is, if he's up to the challenge.
Quote 26
With all due respect to Carl, I can call it whatever the hell I want. I'm the King of Mars. (9.16)
Well, that didn't take long—it's only a matter of time until he starts making decrees. Still, he better not get too cocky. He might be winning the battle, but the war is still a'raging.
Quote 27
Everywhere I go, I'm the first. Step outside the rover? First guy ever to be there! Climb a hill? First guy to climb that hill. (9.38)
This must be simultaneously thrilling and terrifying. On one hand, it probably feels pretty cool, like he's breaking a Guinness World Record every day. On the other, Mark literally has no idea what could be waiting for him on the other side of that hill. Spoiler: it's probably Martians.