Vorbarr Sultana, a place that has, in her memory, taken on the appearance of a dream. Half remembered, hazy, unreachable. Occupied by the Cetagandans, sully streets and buildings with centuries of history because they think it is their right. They might believe they were the galaxy's experts in bringing planets to their knees, but they've never tried their might against a people who had to bring their own planet under control to survive. "Summer brings better weather, but nothing as warm as to invite an evening walk along the Star Bridge." One day, she thinks, she'll have that chance again. Once they've won.

He seems familiar enough with the workings of the Vor for an honest answer -- and any Cetagandan informant worth their salt would know who commanded the Barrayarans in these mountains, so her answer would do nothing to threaten their position. "General Count Piotr Vorkosigan, yes, since the death of his father at the beginning of the Invasion." A man she barely remembered from her days at court -- the Vorkosigans had never been rich, and were more destitute than usual for such an old Vor family by the time Piotr inherited the Countship. But after this Olivia can't see that Barrayar will owe anyone more for its freedom.