Truth be told, Micah has probably been working too much. Betan lab safety practices always stressed the importance of not working for too long, emphasizing and encouraging breaks and resting periods, because overtiredness in any lab is a potential disaster. But the Cetagandans want it done, and even more than that, it's the only real distraction Micah has from this entire situation. It's hard to find anything but misery in it. The only light in it is the fascinating work they're getting to do, and admittedly their mealtime conversations with Deanna are nice, but it doesn't change the fact that they're effectively a prisoner here, and for only God knows how long. They haven't even been able to see the Princess, just to see if she's alright -- they've never met Xav's daughter, but they'd like to -- but it turns out the Cetagandans aren't crazy about the idea of the only sympathizer on the base visiting their captive Barrayaran.

Their feet hurt. They'd cut themself off at eleven hours in the lab today, when their vision finally started crossing, and they'd shed their lab coat and got themself a coffee to wake back up a little. Not to go back to work -- it's settling into late evening, and Micah doubts the wisdom of pulling an all-nighter. So instead they turn to wander the gardens with coffee in hand, finally sitting down at the edge of an elaborately framed koi pond to rest their feet. They really ought to ask one of the science officers if they can get some better shoes.

The koi are undoubtedly genengineered, given the astonishing array of colors they come in. But somehow the bright jewel tones seem to complement the pond's small surrounding. Idly, Micah snaps a small branch off a neatly sculpted bush and prods gently at the water with it, catching the attention of the fish.