His forced cheer wilts and his voice goes quieter.

"On Barrayar, you don't...see people like..."

He gestures. Us.

"Admiral Vorkosigan probably saved my life, giving me the job. And it's not really as cushy as all that. It's a lot to keep up with. He's been good to me."

A faint smile.

"He issued me this. Try it."

He hands her his stick. It's a lot heavier than a usual cane, and upon further inspection, has a button on the side.

"Just don't point it at anything important," he adds, a jovial twinkle returning to his eye.