Miles and Ekaterin Vorkosigan are a formidable team. While returning from their honeymoon (with two babies ripening in uterine replicators back on Barrayar), Miles receives an unwelcome transmission from Emperor Gregor. There's a diplomatic situation brewing that requires the Imperial Auditor's attention.
In many ways, this novel is kind of Miles Vorkosigan’s greatest hits. His days spent as his alter ego, Admiral Naismith, are recalled when he unexpectedly finds his former officer, Bel Thorne, as Portmaster at Graf Station, the site of the current disturbance. Bel still has ties to Barrayaran security (ImpSec), another former role of our current Imperial Auditor. Bel is partnered with a quaddy woman, Garnet Five, a circumstance which links back to the fourth book of this series, set in quaddy space (a freefall environment perfect for people with four arms and no legs). Incredibly, Bujold manages not only to squeeze in some references to dire events which occurred on Jackson's Whole but also to end up with Miles relying on his former contacts in Cetaganda, Ghem-General Benin and haut lady Pel, thereby avoiding the current disaster.
Bujold drew on all the events and qualities that make Miles the man we know him to be, a human chaos centre with quick wits and a talent for thinking outside the box. Not to mention bravery and a strong sense of responsibility for those he is surrounded by. No wonder Ekaterin loves him and his staff are fanatically loyal. I also enjoyed seeing Lady Vorkosigan come into her own, standing her ground against military bigwigs until Miles regained consciousness.
Not everyone will love the Vorkosigan saga, but I always enjoy a high energy visit to this familiar universe.
Book number 431 of my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project.
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