The Professor opened his mouth, closed it, then said, That about sums it up. Lord Vorkosigans hypothesis has proved correct; the embezzlement scheme was got up to support the production of a, um, novel device.
Secret weapon, Miles corrected. I said secret weapon.
The Professors eyes glinted in amusement. Define your terms. If its a weapon, then whats the target?
Its so secret, Miles explained to Ekaterin, we cant even figure out what it does. So Im at least half right. He glanced after Nikki. I take it once Nikki got into his usual routine, things smoothed out?
Yes. Id been almost certain they would, said Ekaterin. Thank you so much for your help this morning, Lord Vorkosigan. Im very grateful that-
Miles was saved from certain embarrassment by the chime of the hall door. Ekaterin rose and went to answer it and the Professor followed, blocking Miles from his planned counterbid,
How did things go with the estate law counselor? I was sure you could get on top of it. The ImpSec guard was now on post in the hallway, Miles reminded himself; he didnt need to make a parade out of this. Tucking the line away in his head for the next conversation-opener, he tapped open the airseal door and wandered out onto the balcony.
Both sun and soletta had set hours ago. Only the city itself gave a glow to the night. A few pedestrians still crossed the park below, moving in and out of the shadows, hurrying on their way to or from the bubble-car platform, or strolling more slowly in pairs. Miles leaned on the railing and studied one sauntering couple, his arm draped across her shoulders, her arm circling his waist. In zero gee, a height difference like that would cancel out, by God. And how did the space-dwelling four-armed quaddies manage these moments? Hed met a quaddie musician once. He was certain there must be a quaddie equivalent to a grip so humanly universal
His idle envious speculations were derailed by the sound of voices within the apartment. Ekaterin was welcoming a guest. A mans voice, Komarran accented: Miles stiffened as he recognized the rabbity Veniers quick speech.
-ImpSec didnt take as long to release his personal effects as I would have imagined. So Colonel Gibbs said I might bring them to you.
Thank you, Venier, Ekaterins voice replied, in the soft tone Miles had come to associate with wariness in her. Just put the box down on the table, why dont you? Now, where did he go?
A clunk. Most of it is nothing, styluses and the like, but I figured you would want the vidclipper with all the holos of you and your son.
Yes, indeed.
Actually, there is more to my visit than just cleaning out Administrator Vorsoissons office. Venier took a deep breath. I wanted to speak to you privately.
Miles, who had been about to reenter the kitchen from the balcony, froze. Dammit, ImpSec had questioned and cleared Venier, hadnt they? What new secret could he be about to offer, and to Ekaterin of all people? If Miles entered, would he clam up?
Well well, all right. Um, why dont you sit down?
Thank you. The scrape of chairs.
Venier began again, Ive been thinking about how awkward your situation here has become since the Administrators death. Im so very sorry, but I couldnt help being aware, watching you over the months, that things were not what they should have been between you and your late husband.
Tien was difficult. I didnt realize it showed.
Tien was an ass, Venier stated flatly. That showed. Sorry, sorry. But its true, and we both know it.
Its moot now. Her tone was not encouraging.
Venier forged on. I heard about how he played fast and loose with your pension. His death has plunged you into a monstrous situation. I understand you are being forced to return to Barrayar.
Ekaterin said slowly, I plan to return to Barrayar, yes.
He ought to clear his throat, Miles thought. Trip over a balcony chair. Pop back through the door and cry, Vennie, fancy meeting you here! He began breathing through his mouth, for silence, instead.
I realize this is a bad time to bring this up, much too soon, Venier went on. But Ive been watching you for months. The way you were treated. Practically a prisoner, in a traditional Barrayaran marriage. I could not tell how willing a prisoner you were, but now-have you considered staying on Komarr? Not going back into your cell? You have this chance, you see, to escape.
Miles could feel his heart begin to beat, in a free-form panic. Where was Venier going with this?
I the economics our return passage is a death benefit, you see. That same wary softness.
I have an alternative to offer you. Venier swallowed; Miles swore he could hear the slight gurgle in his narrow neck. Marry me. It would give you the legal protection you need to stay here. No one could force you back, then. I could support you, while you train up to your full strength, botany or chemistry or anything you choose. You could be so much. I cant tell you how its turned my stomach, to see so much human potential wasted on that clown of a Barrayaran. I realize that for you it would have to start as a marriage of convenience, but as a Vor, thats surely not an alien idea for you. And it could grow to be more, in time, Im certain it could. I know its too soon, but soon youll be gone and then it will be too late!
Venier paused for breath. Miles bent over, mouth still open, in a sort of silent scream. My lines! My lines! Those were all my lines, dammit! Hed expected Vorish rivals for Ekaterins hand to come pouring out of the woodwork as soon as the widow touched down in Vorbarr Sultana, but my God, she hadnt even got off Komarr yet! He hadnt thought of Venier, or any other Komarran, as possible competition. He wasnt competition, the idea of Vennie as competition was laughable. Miles had more power, position, money, rank, all to lay at her feet when the time was finally ripe-Venier wasnt even taller than Ekaterin, he was a good four centimeters shorter-
The one thing Miles couldnt offer, though, was less Barrayar. In that, Venier had an advantage Miles could never match.
There followed a long, terrifying silence, during which Miless brain screamed, Say no, say no! say NO!
Thats very kindly offered, Ekaterin said at last.
What the hell is that supposed to mean? And was Venier wondering the same thing?
Kindness has nothing to do with it. I- Venier cleared his throat again -admire you very much.
Oh, dear.
He added eagerly, Ive applied for the administrative position as head of terraforming here. I think I have a good chance, because of the disruption in the department, HQ is surely going to be looking for some continuity. Or if the mud has splattered on the innocent as well as the guilty, Ill do whatever I have to do to get another shot, a chance to clear my professional reputation-I can make Serifosa Sector a showcase, I know I can. If you stay, I can get you voting shares. We could do it together; we could make this place a garden. Stay here and help build a world!
Another long, terrifying silence. Then Ekaterin said, I suppose youd be assigned this apartment, if you succeeded to Tiens position.
It goes with it, said Venier in an uncertain voice. Right, that wasnt a selling point, though Miles wasnt sure if Venier knew it. I can hardly bear being in this place, shed said.
You offer is kind and generous, Venier. But you have mistaken my situation, somewhat. No one is forcing me to return home. Komarr Im afraid these domes give me claustrophobia, anymore. Every time I pull on a breath mask, Im going to think about the ugly way Tien died.
Ah, said Venier. I can understand that, but perhaps, in time?