Would he have? From his perspective, "don't screw up Barrayar's chances" is tantamount to survival. If history goes off the rails here, Miles ceases to exist. Or goes home to a world hideously changed ...

So, if Duv had been an active danger, would Miles have dragged him back? He's not completely sure. The hesitation shows on his face for a moment. "Duv is my friend," he repeats firmly. "If I thought his presence poor for Barrayar's chances, we might have risked an escape instead. But he is still my friend."