capital-punishment

In this chapter, Vorkosigan attends the brutal public execution of Carl Vorhalas, which deeply affects him emotionally despite his previous experience with death and violence. Shortly after, Cordelia and Vorkosigan survive a soltoxin gas grenade attack in their residence, leading to urgent medical treatment and raising grave concerns about the effects of the poison and its antidote on Cordelia's unborn child. The chapter ends with heightened tension as the aftermath of the attack unfolds, including the capture of an assailant and the involvement of their guards and medics.