[ Miles considers all of that, swirling the wine around in his bottle without taking a sip. They're all good ideas, no doubt about it. Practical ones? Ah, there's the rub. Gregor would be delighted, he's sure of it; the rest of the Vor, not so much. They'd need proof that it worked, a limited test run perhaps, with one eccentric Lord to lead the way ...

And your father's politics? How much of a mess would that make?

Right. Smaller steps first then. Petition Gregor allow him to make a small council for himself, more scholarships and opportunities ... It'll be difficult, and finding the money ... Would Mark finance it? Very possibly.

And now that Naismith is dead, shouldn't he focus on Barrayar? On his people? This night is getting heavier and heavier. ]

I think ... most of that would be possible. Starting with the professional fields - it will be easier to build a council with people I can defend as being wildly competent. Certainly there are areas in the backcountry that badly need very basic services as well.