Poor Tuomonen. I liked him. Isnt there anything you can do about that?
Mm, I turned down a chance to be in charge of ImpSecs internal affairs, so no, I think Id better not.
Will he keep his post?
Its uncertain at this time. I told him if he finds his military career at a stand, to look me up. I think Im going to be able to use a good trained assistant in this Auditor job. The work will be irregular, though. The trend of my life.
He sucked thoughtfully on his lower lip, and glanced across at her. The reclassification of this case from a peculation scam to something far more serious also affects what you can tell Nikki, Im afraid. Its all headed into a security black hole as fast as we can stuff it in there, and its going to stay there for quite some time. There will, therefore, be no public prosecutions and no need for you to testify, though ImpSec may be around for another interview or two-not under fast-penta. In retrospect, Im very relieved I played it as close to my chest as I did. But for Nikki, and all Tiens relatives, and anyone else, the story is going to have to remain that he died in a simple breath mask accident from being caught outside with a low reservoir, and you dont know any more details than that. Madame Dr. Vorthys, this is for you, too.
I understand, said the Professora.
I am both relieved, and disturbed, said Ekaterin slowly.
In time, the security considerations will soften. You will have to rejudge the problem then, when, well, when many things may have changed.
I did wonder if, for Nikkis names honor, I ought to try to pay back the Imperium all the bribe money Tien received.
He looked startled. Good God, no. If anyone owes anything, its Foscol. She stole it in the first place. And we certainly wont be getting anything back from her.
Something is owed, she said gravely.
Tien settled his debt with his life. Hes quits with the Imperium, I assure you. In the Emperors Voice, if necessary.
She took this in. Death did wipe out debt. It just didnt erase the memory of pain; time was still required for that healing. Your time is your own, now. That felt strange. She could take all the time she wanted, or needed. Riches beyond dreams. She nodded. All right.
The past is paid. Please notify me about Tiens funeral, though. I wish to attend, if I can. He frowned. I too owe something there.
She shook her head mutely.
In any case, do call me when you and your aunt get back to Vorbarr Sultana. He glanced again at the Professora. She and Nikki will be staying with you for a time, yes? Ekaterin was not quite sure if that was phrased as a question or a demand.
Yes, indeed. Aunt Vorthys smiled.
So here are all my addresses. He spoke again to Ekaterin, and handed her a plastic flimsy. The numbers for the Vorkosigan residences in Vorbarr Sultana, Hassadar, and Vorkosigan Surleau, for Master Tsipis in Hassadar-my man of business, I believe I mentioned him to you-he usually knows where to get hold of me in a pinch, when Im out in the District-and a drop-number through the Imperial Residence, which will always know how to reach me. Any time, day or night.
Aunt Vorthys leaned back, with her finger on her lips, and regarded him with growing bemusement. Do you think those will be enough, Miles? Perhaps you can think of three or four more, just to be sure?
To Ekaterins surprise, he flushed a little. I trust these will suffice, he said. And of course, I should be able to reach you through your aunt, right?
Of course, murmured Aunt Vorthys.
Id like to show you over my District sometime, he added to Ekaterin, avoiding the Professoras eye. Theres a great deal to see there you might find of interest. Theres a major forestry project going on in the Dendarii Mountains, and some radiation reclamation experiments. My family owns several maple syrup and winery operations. Theres botany all over the damn place, in fact; you can hardly move without tripping over a plant.
Perhaps later on, said Ekaterin uncertainly. What will happen to the Terraforming Project, as a result of all this mess with the Komarrans?
Mm, not too much, I now suspect. The security classification is going to limit the immediate public political repercussions.
In the long run, too?
Though the amount of money that was stolen from Serifosa Sectors budget was huge from the viewpoint of a private individual, from the standpoint of the bureaucracy it wasnt that big a bite. There are nineteen other Sectors, after all. The damage to the soletta array is actually going to be the biggest bill.
Will the Imperium repair it properly? Ive so hoped they would.
He brightened. I had this great idea about that. Im going to pitch it to Gregor that we should declare the soletta repair-and enlargement-as a wedding present, from Gregor to Laisa and from Barrayar to Komarr. Im going to recommend its size be nearly doubled, adding the six new panels the Komarrans have been begging for since forever. I think this mischance can be turned into an absolute propaganda coup, with the right timing. Well shove the appropriation through the Council of Counts and Ministers quickly, before Midsummer, while everyone in Vorbarr Sultana is still sentimentally wound up for the Imperial Wedding.
She clapped her hands in enthusiasm, then paused in doubt. Will that work? I didnt think the crusty old Council of Counts was susceptible to what Tien used to call romantic drivel.
Oh, he said airily, Im sure they are. Im a cadet member of the Counts myself-were only human, after all. Besides, we can point out that every time a Komarran looks up-well, half the time-theyll see this Barrayaran gift hanging overhead, and know what its doing to create their future. The power of suggestion and all that. It could save us the expense of putting down the next Komarran conspiracy.
I hope so, she said. I think its a lovely idea.
He grinned, clearly gratified. He looked over at the Professora, and away, shifted around, and drew a small packet from his trouser pocket. I dont know, Madame Vorsoisson, whether Gregor will give you a medal or not, for your quick thinking and cool response in the Southport bay-
She shook her head. I dont need-
But I thought you should have something to remember it all by. This. He stuck out his hand.
She took the packet and laughed. Do I recognize this?
Probably.
She unfolded the familiar wrapping and opened the box to reveal the little model Barrayar from the jewelers shop in Serifosa, now on a slender chain of braided gold. She held it up; it spun in the light. Look, Aunt Vorthys, she said shyly, and handed it across for inspection and approval.
The Professora examined it with interest, squinting a trifle. Very fine, dear. Very fine indeed.
Call it the Lord Auditor Vorkosigan Award for Making His Job Easier, said Vorkosigan. You really did, you know. If the Komarrans hadnt already lost their infernal device, they would never have surrendered, even if Id talked myself blue. In fact, Soudha said something to that effect during our preliminary interrogations last night, so you may consider it confirmed. If not for you, this station would be in a million hurtling pieces by now.
She hesitated. Should she accept-? She glanced at her aunt, who was smiling at her benignly and without apparent misgivings about the propriety of it. Not that Aunt Vorthys was particularly passionate about propriety-that indifference was, in fact, one of the qualities which made her Ekaterins favorite female relative. Think on that. Thank you, she said sincerely to Lord Vorkosigan. I will remember. And I do remember, she added.