"That's a fairly recent addition," Cordelia murmurs for his hearing only as they regroup with Miles and Ekaterin in the vestibule. "Much more diplomatic than requiring non-Vor visitors to turn over their weapons."

The Vorkosigan party is ushered into a long reception hall, lined with mirrors on one side and tall windows on the other. A multicolored array of House uniforms and formal gowns makes the floor look like another resplendent garden-mosaic -- this one in motion.

A major-domo announces the four members of their party, by name and title, in an amplified voice.