Maz expresses a hope to get to meet the aristocrat Countess Vorkosigan someday, and Vorob'yev appears. Benin, who has apparently been promoted overnight, is escorted in by embassy guards.

"May I ask," Vorob'yev says, "what this is all about, ghem-General?"

"My Celestial Master," says Benin, half-bowing, "requests the attendance of Lord Vorkosigan at this hour. Ah - we will return him to you."

"Your word upon it? It would be a major embarrassment for the embassy were he to be mislaid... again." There is a sternness in his tone, slightly undermined by the fact that he is stroking Maz's hand where she has rested it on his arm.

"My word upon it, Ambassador."

And he leads Miles out, to the enormous Imperial land-cruiser.