"...Quite," says Miles. He hands the ba back its comlink and returns to the pavilion, where Vorreedi awaits.

"Miles! There you are. What is going on?"

"Ivan... left with a lady," Miles simplifies. "If you'll allow me, sir, I believe I can retrieve him as discreetly as possible." And if Vorreedi won't allow him, he's damn well going anyway. Miles elects not to mention as much. "Trust my competence, if nothing else," he adds as the silence stretches.

"Discreet, eh? You've made some interesting friends here, Lord Vorkosigan. I'd like to hear a lot more about them."

"Soon, I hope," says Miles.

"Mm... very well. But be prompt."

"I'll do my best, sir," he promises falsely, and scurries out the open side of the pavilion before Vorreedi can change his mind.