"He -" Yenaro looks desperately at the scorch mark; sniffs his catalyst-damp fingertips. "Oh."

"Confession is good for the soul," says Ivan. "And the body," he adds menacingly. "What did you think you were doing?"

"It... was supposed to release an ester. That would simulate alcohol poisoning. You Barrayarans are famous for that perversion. Nothing that you don't already do to yourselves!"