"The same kind of help that you had, thaat's what you always wanted for people -- and you know that. You can trust in that, in yourself." A softness to his voice, here, looking at her, watching her expression. "I don't know if Vishkar wanted the same. And you still aren't Vishkar."

Meaning, well, if she wants to separate herself from them, from their methods. She can. Easier said than done, of course, if she truly considered herself part of them, and how can she not if they're all she's known since childhood? If not Vishkar, he can say more about the Cetagandans, at least. There've been other worlds that the Cetagandans have invaded, at least one Wash knows by name. But that happens in the future, doesn't it? Another thing he can't share. Damn it all.

"Cetaganda are an empire, and you don't become an interstellar empire through peace and diplomacy, I can tell you that much." A pause, and a sigh. "Barrayar is no saintly planet either, not by far -- but they're fighting for their home, where Cetaganda is fighting for control."