The delight is contagious, a feedback loop of the smallest of comforts. Sonia sweeps her skirts under her and sits beside Miles, her legs tucked under her.

"Too unpredictable for Survey, really?" Sonia laughs, clapping her hands to her lap. "I don't think I've ever heard that one. I did enjoy it, yes. I...never intended to stay here permanently."

She feels almost guilty saying it out loud, as though it's some sort of treason to be Vorbarra and not want to live on Barrayar for the rest of her days. Hell, it might be. But Sonia at thirteen, however much she loved her visits, always wanted to go back to Beta Colony at the end of the day. Those days are far, far behind her now.

"A mercenary group, though," she says encouragingly. "How did that happen? Do you, er -- fight?"