Is the man seriously slapping him on the back? "What happened in those seven years?" he exclaims staring at the offending hand. Something happened to make Vorpatril think he could act like this around a commanding officer even if they were in differing branches. They had become better acquainted after the mess on Earth, but this level of comradery was far from their usual fare.

"I helped Miles go through his attic?" Back on Barrayar where he apparently is according to Ivan.