Beth's spirit does more to impress Olivia than anything else -- it is not the sort of spirit that Barrayar encourages in its women publicly, but one they all need to survive. A smile tugs at the corner of her lips as she listens to her, otherwise impassive. That is enough, and she gives Rani a look over the head of Beth, and a slight nod before turning her attention back to the younger woman.

"You must trust that it is," Olivia says, but gestures a concession for Beth's ability to take issue with her orders. She can worry about her own morals later, once the war is won. Because that is the only thing that matters, here and now. There will be nothing if they are not victorious, and everything can and will be sacrificed for that goal -- everything but their honor. "Just as I trust you will accomplish it, and will not turn the blade that I give you on me. You are not from a place where words and honor are valued like they are on Barrayar, but you must learn if you are to make the system work for you. Rani has already lead you this far, I have no doubt she would be happy to continue to teach you. But I will not ask you to do anything morally objectionable."