In "Redshirts," a novel by John Scalzi, the story unfolds in a universe where the crew of a starship faces perilous situations that often lead to their demise, mirroring classic sci-fi tropes. The protagonists, mostly security officers, begin to realize that their fates are dictated by the whims of a television-style narrative, which places them in absurd danger while more important characters escape unharmed.

The quote, "I thought I saw him once, but it turned out to be a yeti," humorously encapsulates the bizarre and unexpected occurrences in the characters' lives, illustrating the surreal nature of their existence. This playful line reflects the absurdity of their struggles and highlights how they confront the randomness of life in a story that often disregards their importance.