Borders of Infinity

'Not here. She is excluded from classified areas, to wit this Imperial Military Hospital, on the grounds of her being foreign military personnel. Barrayarans!' That was Captain Cordelia Naismith's (Betan Astronomical Survey, retired) favorite swear word, delivered with a multitude of inflections as the occasion demanded; this time with exasperation. 'I took her to Vorkosigan House to wait.'

'Thank you. I … owe a lot to Quinn.'

'So I gather.' She smiled at him. 'You can be at the long lake three hours after you delude that doctor into releasing you from this dismal place. I've invited Commander Quinn along—there, I thought that might motivate you to pay more serious attention to recovery.'

'Yes, ma 'am.' Miles eased down into his covers. Sensation was beginning to return to his arms. Unfortunately, the sensation in question was pain. He smiled whitely. It was better than no sensation at all, oh yes.

'We will take turns, feeding and spoiling you,' she envisioned. 'And . . . you can tell me all about Earth.'

'Ah . . . yes. I have a great deal to tell you about Earth.'

'Rest, then.' Another kiss, and she was gone.