Barrayar

Plot summary

Cordelia, from a highly civilized world, has married Barrayaran warrior aristocrat Aral Vorkosigan and is adjusting to his planet's less advanced technology and more violent politics. She and Aral are expecting their first child. A plot to assassinate the Vorkosigans with poison gas fails, but the antidote is a powerful teratogen that threatens their unborn son's bone development. Cordelia has the fetus transferred to a uterine replicator for experimental treatment.

Barrayar's harsh environment fosters a deep loathing for mutations, and babies with birth defects are routinely euthanized. Aral's father, Count Piotr Vorkosigan, seeks to abort the fetus, but Cordelia keeps him at bay. When Count Vidal Vordarian attempts a coup, five-year-old Gregor is rescued by his security chief, Captain Negri, and reunited with the Vorkosigans. Cordelia, Gregor, and bodyguard Konstantin Bothari hide from Vordarian's men in the hills.

After rejoining Aral, Cordelia learns the replicator containing their child, named Miles, needs periodic maintenance or the fetus will die within six days. Aral refuses a rescue, but Cordelia, with bodyguard Ludmilla Droushnakovi and Bothari, sets out to retrieve Miles and Princess Kareen. They kidnap officer Clement Koudelka and persuade him to help. In the city, they rescue pregnant Lady Alys Vorpatril, whose husband Padma is killed.

Alys delivers her son Ivan with Bothari's help. Cordelia sends Koudelka to get Alys to safety and continues with Bothari and Droushnakovi to get Miles.