Sonia looks enormously pleased at Miles's cooperation, clapping her hands together. Oh, even better. No doubt that Byerly's quite clever, but Miles seems like he could give Byerly a run for his money.

But then she sighs and sits back, pulling a face. "No, all that's changed with the situation is what clothes I'm wearing and where I'm sleeping. A little bit less decorum now that I live in a war camp, sure, but if anything, it's gotten worse. It feels like it, anyway."

The last ten years are the longest consecutive time she's ever spent on Barrayar on her life, by a long shot. Sometimes as long as a year at a time in her childhood, sure, but most of her time was spent on Beta Colony. Sonia frowns.

"My sister and I were in Vorbarr Sultana when the Cetagandans came. I was thirteen -- a child, something to be protected. As far as they're concerned, I still am." She rolls her eyes. "Like I said. Mascot."