"And Vio," says Lisbet, "despite... certain other suggestions, will be permitted a painless suicide. Externally administered, if necessary, but I don't believe it will be."

"As for everyone," says the Emperor, with a faintly exasperated glance between Miles and Lisbet, "that is a problem on which I shall now retire and meditate."

He summons Benin to herd Miles away, which Benin does, reuniting him with Ivan and Vorreedi in the process. The three of them are taken to the Western Gate of the Celestial Garden, where a car from the Barrayaran Embassy awaits.