Miles darts around to the location of the previously indicated tables, steps forward and gestures an imaginary non-tied-up Linya to come with him, then breaks character as himself and scuttles around behind the Count's desk.
"Petition for the dissolution of a marriage, oaths originally taken mumble-mumble 2996, Vorkosigan Surleau, Vorkosigan District, Barrayar," he cues Galeni-as-clerk, then adopts the character of his father with all promised awkwardness.
"Lieutenant Vorkosigan, Lady Vorkosigan," says Miles-as-Aral, looking slightly pained. "On what grounds do you petition this court for release from your spoken oaths?"
Miles scurries back to his spot behind his imaginary table and chirps as himself, "Duress, sir. We only took oath because we were already married, and that marriage was a Cetagandan award ceremony. It's hardly like we were married at all."
Back to the invisible desk, where Miles-as-Aral raises his eyebrows at his invisible son. "An interesting legal argument, but under the circumstances, one I'm willing to hear out. Still, for form's sake, we'd better go down the list of more usual reasons - concealed genetic faults, adultery, abuse, desertion, nonsupport, denial of marital rights, denial of children?"
And over to the table again, Miles-as-Miles shakes his head. "No, no, no, no, no, none of your business, and no, sir."
Desk. "I had to ask," says Miles-as-Aral, trying not to laugh. "Very well. I acknowledge your petition on grounds of duress. Do any of those assembled have further arguments to offer for or against, before I render judgment?"
no subject
"Petition for the dissolution of a marriage, oaths originally taken mumble-mumble 2996, Vorkosigan Surleau, Vorkosigan District, Barrayar," he cues Galeni-as-clerk, then adopts the character of his father with all promised awkwardness.
"Lieutenant Vorkosigan, Lady Vorkosigan," says Miles-as-Aral, looking slightly pained. "On what grounds do you petition this court for release from your spoken oaths?"
Miles scurries back to his spot behind his imaginary table and chirps as himself, "Duress, sir. We only took oath because we were already married, and that marriage was a Cetagandan award ceremony. It's hardly like we were married at all."
Back to the invisible desk, where Miles-as-Aral raises his eyebrows at his invisible son. "An interesting legal argument, but under the circumstances, one I'm willing to hear out. Still, for form's sake, we'd better go down the list of more usual reasons - concealed genetic faults, adultery, abuse, desertion, nonsupport, denial of marital rights, denial of children?"
And over to the table again, Miles-as-Miles shakes his head. "No, no, no, no, no, none of your business, and no, sir."
Desk. "I had to ask," says Miles-as-Aral, trying not to laugh. "Very well. I acknowledge your petition on grounds of duress. Do any of those assembled have further arguments to offer for or against, before I render judgment?"