Chapter 4

Despite the media blackout, word had spread. A crowd had gathered in Simms Plaza, immediately outside the main entrance to the Justice Ministry HQ. Despite their about five to one breakdown in favor of the Vicereine, the crowd was peaceful. A few military vehicles, their crews lounging in or near, helped assure their demeanor.

Not all the troops were there for this reason.

-break-

Hearing the signal, General Martin glanced at her phone. "Damn it. We're On. Deploy."

Twelve Betan Special Forces troopers, nine men and three women, smartly plied out of two personnel carriers. They formed a perimeter around the Chief of Staff and all proceeded towards the door through the stunned crowd. The BIS security officers on guard were not prepared for this, visibly wilting as the group approached. Then their own commander appeared behind them, issued terse orders, and they melted away as the squad entered the building.

No alarm had passed to their destination. The security detail commander, honorably retired from the Special Forces, led the way.

-break-

"What's all that commotion outside?"

"I don't know. They aren't answering at the front station."

"Send someone down to find out."

"That won't be necessary, Vice Minister Nampeth. Indeed, it won't even be permitted."

"General Martin, what is the meaning of this?! Why are these soldiers armed?"

"Because we will be taking custody of Vicereine Vorkosigan".

"B-b-b-b-ut she is under arrest! That is not permitted!".

Really?

"It is not a matter of 'permitted', Vice Minister. It is a matter of whether you will produce her, get out of our way, or attempt to stop us. One of these choices, you are unlikely to survive."

"We may not be able to stop you from taking her, but we can certainly prevent you from taking her alive."

"In that case, Vice Minister, you will not survive. Nor will anyone else involved in such an atrocity. That way, my squad has a much better chance of surviving the Barrayaran invasion. Oh yes, they will declare war and they will invade. The only question is if we will resist. We can't beat them".

Vice Minister Nampeth heard the guards mutter, then lower their weapons. They only carried stunners anyway. The tall blonde Captain, at least, was quite lethally armed. There really was no alternative.

A nerve disruptor carries real authority.

-break-

"Vicereine, I need you to wake up! We must go…"

Drou? I must still be dreaming…

As the fog of assisted sleep faded, Cordelia realized the tall young woman with the short blonde hair only resembled Drou Koudelka…..at about the time of Vordarian's War. A little bit shorter, just as well conditioned…but her obvious comfort with the Captain's bars on her collar and her extensive arsenal were well ahead of even then Lady Vorkosigan's bodyguard. Besides, Drou would not be wearing a Betan SF beret.

"Who are you?"

"I'm Captain Julia Herring. Special Forces. Chief of Staff Martin is waiting outside. We need you to come with us. "

"Where?"

"We've been summoned by Minister Graves. We're paying a visit to the Cabinet."