Led by Admiral Naismith (a.k.a. Lord Miles Vorkosigan), the Dendarii mercenaries have pulled from the daring interspace recovery of an entire Cetagandan POW camp. But they have made some lethal foes. Having finally outrun the infuriated Cetagandans, the Dendarii arrive on Earth for battle, shuttle restoration, and a well deserved rest.

But Miles realizes he’s in big trouble again. First the mercenaries’ payroll doesn’t get there on time, and then someone attempts to murder him. Right now Kilometers must juggle both his identities simultaneously to unravel the challenging story against him-and to reveal an urgent ally. Just who is trying to assassinate which of his personas, and why?