Xi Ceta was one of the eight Satrapies of the Cetagandan Empire.
Location[]
Xi Ceta connected outward to Marilac, a direct neighbor, which then connected onto Zoave Twilight, a major Nexus crossroads. Xi Ceta was the staging site for the invasion of Marilac. They were on the far side of the Cetagandan Empire from Barrayar's point of view.[1]
Government[]
Like the other eight planets of the Empire, Xi Ceta was ruled by a satrap governor appointed by the Emperor, and a planetary consort appointed by the Empress.[2]
At the time of Cetaganda, the governor was the haut Prince Slyke Giaja, half-brother to the reigning Emperor Fletchir Giaja. He was involved with the Lisbet Degtiar's conspiracy, and was a major suspect in the theft of the Great Key and Seal, but was ultimately proved innocent.[2] However, it is highly likely that he was not reappointed to his position following the events of the book.