Miles Vorkosigan has discovered that death is not the end. Revived after one adventure too many, thanks to quick thinking on the part of his staff and incredible artistry from a medical specialist, he has a second life to live. But this thought, plus a disabling problem he has admitted to no one, leaves him profoundly unsettled.
When his weakness reveals itself, he is summoned home to face Barrayaran security chief Simon Illyan, only to discover that Illyan has troubles which make Miles's problems look minor by comparison. Under suspicion himself, Miles must seek out the answers to Illyan's nightmares or see the inevitable destruction of Imperial Security - and with it, the Empire . . .
