(Sweetened mascarpone and basil, with candied walnuts lining the bottom of the pastry; it's a traditional South Continent dessert.)

Vorcharkov sniffs, apparently studying a platter of glazed fresh fruit. It's admittedly worthy of study, like a stained-glass window done in food.

"Duo, allow me to present you to Lord Vorcharkov," she says lightly. "Father-in-law to the current Count Vorgalanis, and a longtime supporter of the Conservative party. And this is Captain Duo Maxwell, a friend I met in my galactic travels."