Piotr. It all ultimately comes down to him, doesn't it. And if Miles fails with him - if his story doesn't fly with him - then Miles is almost certainly dead. Outcast at best. Executed perhaps. He has no illusions about the old man's fondness for people like Miles, especially in a time period like this. He must impress the old man if he hopes to keep any permanent position here.

"Who are you then," he asks after a moment, "to have General Vorkosigan's ear?" He has a guess, but he's still not 100% sure. Vor lady, who might assist him with talking to Piotr ... Surely there's only one candidate.