Contribution barely survives the party.

Few other Summerkind get to stand this close to the real Liquid Bronze in his moment of triumph. It’s like receiving the salute - the previous highlight of his life - every waking moment. He has no ceremonial weapon, he has no uniform for the occasion, but he can stand to attention like the best of them, and no force can move him from this spot without killing him.

Down below is the last chance he may have to find if any of his clutchmates survived the war. The party will last for as long as Liquid Bronze wishes it, and everyone in attendance will then do whatever he decides next. A month gives no time for shore leave. 

Leaving means interrupting Liquid Bronze to ask to be dismissed. Worse, it means moving further away from Liquid Bronze. Either is impossible.

Dolce is a guest of Liquid Bronze. Dolce has the right to speak, and Contribution is expected to speak back. He asks him about the music. He asks him about the dancing. He asks him about the novel construction techniques that could make a bunker that becomes a palanquin. He asks him about anything and everything that crosses his mind. When Contribution looks fit to burst, Dolce takes extra long to think of his next question as the Summerkind basks in the presence of his creator, and speaks up before he can be torn in two again.

By this, they barely survive the party.