"I like them flatter," he said while he tried to gather his thoughts. He opened the notebook to look at the last page where he'd written his name, almost as if he were reminding himself. "Only since yesterday, I'm afraid."

"Don't let them fool you," he said softly as his finger traced the ink. "I have no idea why anyone is here, but the nights are horrific. And you don't look any more insane than I do, M. Vorkosigan."