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[Probably not helped as Aral's tone takes a slightly sharper edge here.]

Business. You've no military, as you say. Gregor hadn't mentioned your history.

[ Slowly approaching a panic...But not so much of one that he doesn't still have a firm grasp on his cover story. ]

Uh, yeah. I was a student back home. Business. That's about it. But I traded stocks on the side, too...

Hm. [The little vocalization doesn't give much.]

Successfully, I imagine. I look forward to seeing what you can do.

Oh.

[ There's a suspicious little hesitation, because - could that really be it? It was really an inquiry, and not an inquisition? ]

Yeah. Uh - have you taken a look at your portfolio yet? You're all doing really well now.

[He knows this part of the conversation. He knows this part of the conversation very well. As his father had gotten older, he had gleefully handed off dealing with the House finances to Aral.

This is the part that veers sharply into investments, options, bonds and futures. He had studied it all. It was a part of his education as well as something one simply needed for making sure the military and ministers weren't hiding peculation in the middle of terms and liquid fund shuffling.

It didn't mean he liked it.]

Ah. No. I believe Gregor has that aspect. [The perks of no longer being at the top. Thank god.]

Yeah. Right.

[ Why does he want the Butcher to be aware of how well they're doing with their money? That doesn't make any sense. None at all. But for some reason, the fact that Aral Vorkosigan hasn't taken a look at the finances, and seen how much their investments have grown, feels like a vise around his neck. Stupid. If Aral Vorkosigan looks at the finances, he'll know a little more about the clone, won't he? He'll know the clone's aptitudes. And the less he knows, the better. The less he knows, the less likely he'll guess, and then the less likely it'll be that he'll come and torture and kill the traitor in their midst. It's good that he's disinterested.

And yet. ]

Gregor...did one of his unbreakable oaths on me. [ Shut up, shut up, stop chattering. ] So I'm - uh - compelled never to cheat you. Or steal from you. So you never have to be afraid of that. [ Why are you stuttering? Stop saying um all the time. ]

[He pauses at that, listening to the awkward, stuttering rush. There's quite a bit packed into that. How the conversation got there, and got him to agree without being offended at the implications... something Peter is used to or just a testament to Gregor's negotiating chops.

But why bring it up? What is it even validating?]

Would you have done it otherwise? [The question is even toned, but blunt.]

[ That's...a question. A question which actually takes a surprisingly short amount of time to answer. He'd thought that his capacity for hurting the Barrayarans and their allies was near-unchecked, but in truth he knows at once that: ]

No. I don't need to take money from all of you.

Hm. [It wasn't the speed, or the answer that had the note of truth to his inner ear. But the reason. If he was a craftsman of this sort, no, he really wouldn't.]

That does explain why you would agree to such an oath. [A beat.] Send along a copy of what you report to Gregor. I should like to watch your work.

Uh -

[ He cringes internally, anticipating some anger or explosion, as he replies: ]

I'd have to clear that with Gregor first.

[There IS a startled pause on the line, and a bemused sound follows it. It makes sense, rationally. A business shouldn't have the ledgers available for anyone who just asks.

It's just not a road block he's USED to... There's a temptation to push, just to see if he can, but it being Gregor's territory makes it a bit more delicate.]

I'm not sure how you expected me to comment on financials I have no access to. But just as well. Let me know.

[ Is that...it? Really? He starts to relax, just a little, uncertainly. Tentatively. ]

Well, I thought that...maybe Gregor had already given you access. He, uh...He hasn't, right? [ A beat - ] Or Miles, I suppose. He is technically the head of the Dendarii.

I hadn't asked.

Right. Well. I'm sure he will if you, uh, ask. Just...Until he does...You know.

[He can just imagine the bland humor from Gregor at this situation. He gives a non committal sound followed by a light exhale.]

I'll lay my petition. [He answers wryly.]

[ And, in return, a heavy exhale. ]

Uh - oh. Yeah. Okay, good. Great. Thanks. That'd be good. That'd make things a lot easier.

Hm.

That will be all, Mr. Kane. I'll speak with you again.

Uh...Yes, sir. Call any time.

[ but please neVER COME TO THE OFFICE PLEASE if he never has to look the Butcher in the eye that will be a truly happy life ]

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