dendarii | [PSL] VKS/RvB AU

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[PSL] VKS/RvB AU

[ Miles is really, really starting to hate Jackson's Whole. First the original mess with Taura. Then Mark - his brother, whom he is incredibly glad to have, but dear god what a disaster that had been from start to finish - and now this.

He should have known better to get anywhere close to this damn planet, but the mission had been too damn important to pass up. Simon had gotten wind of a cloning operation that supposedly involved implanting the new bodies with AI similar to his own memory chip. Super soldiers, perhaps, or just one more level of exceeding human limitations. A brilliant mind to go along with an immortal body.

The Baron responsible hadn't been anywhere near his previous encounters with Ryoval or Fell, so Miles had thought he might have enough space to wriggle in. Get a little advice from Mark, grease a few palms ... Too bad Fell had already informed most of his competitors of Miles' wiles in advance. The Baron had been prepared. Miles hadn't been prepared enough.

He'd evaded capture ... by ducking directly into the clone creché itself. Which was, of course, the most well-guarded and difficult to escape section of the entire facility, and they were in peak condition. So now he's here, cursing himself and this whole goddamned system. He's crouched behind some of the training equipment; with any luck, he can observe these modified clones before any of them find him in turn.

But since when has Miles ever been lucky? ]

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[ Simon had wanted a sample, if possible. Not of a person themselves - he's more interested in stealing a chip. But ... Once again, he decides something like the truth will serve him best. ]

Information. A closer look at your enhancements. [ His gaze settles on her thoughtfully. ] A rescue, if I can manage it.

[ That has her attention. Admiral Naismith had always sounded like more myth than man and seeing him in person didn't lend well to his reputation, but...

There's a glint in her eyes as she asks, ] What makes you think anyone needs rescuing?

[ No weakling in distress, this one. Miles glances up at the sound of a distant corner of the creché being searched. ]

Yes, a rescue. I'm direly in need of one about now.

[ Her glance toward the distance noise is slower, more deliberate. Throwing him to the wolves would be easy. ]

What's in it for me?

[ And then he'd be in for it. Sold to the highest bidder - which, at the very best, would be Barrayar. He swallows and looks up at her rather piercingly. ]

Why haven't you turned me in already?

[ Right to the point. She could appreciate that in negotiations. ]

I want a ride out of here. The farther away, the better.

[ Well. That might just work then. He smiles a bit as he considers options to do just that. Barrayar would be very far away, but ... Maybe there's an alternate solution. ]

I can do far away. And better yet, fast-moving.

[ She considers him carefully. She could get him out of here, that would be easy enough even with her limited access to the compound's systems. It's the part after that concerns her. ]

How do I know I'll have safe passage once we're out of here?

[ Miles raises an eyebrow at her. ]

Because it'd be a damned waste of your talents to go back on my word in this case. I want you to join the Dendarii.

[ She lets out a light snort. ]

You've known me for all of five minutes and you want to recruit me? You don't even know my name.

[ Miles just keeps right on grinning. ]

If you can get me out of here, then you're capable enough for me to be interested. And your name - well, that one's up to you.

What's my guarantee? I can't take you on your word.

[ Naismith wasn't Jacksonian. She knew the strength of the Deal around here, a strange honor among thieves, but to a stranger known for meddling in the Whole... ]

[ His word is legally binding, but of course he can't say that. Besides, it would be Naismith's word in this situation... ]

I am. I will be entirely in your power until we get back to my ship.

[ He unclips a small stunner from his belt and holds it out to her. ]

[ Well it's a start. She doesn't hesitate as she takes the stunner and stashes it somewhere on her person. ]

I'm not letting you out of my power when we get there. Not until I know for sure they won't gun me down as soon as you're safely aboard.

All right, all right. But I advise caution in looking like you have a hostage once you get there. They've been a bit twitchy lately.

That sounds like your problem. If they get twitchy, I can't promise I won't do the same.

[ But she's motioning for him to step out of hiding as she scans for their best escape route. ]

You could have made less noise storming the place. All the damn patrol routes have changed.

I'm just advising.

[ He's counting on convincing her before then, though. Hopefully.

At that comment though, he winces a bit. ]

I know, I know. I wasn't quite expecting your Baron to try shooting me on sight. Apparently I have a reputation.

You damn well know what they're doing here. Business you mess with don't end up profitable afterwards.

[ Fell had been an exception and even he had been tired of Naismith's involvement. She knew the investment numbers in this operation, she'd shoot on sight too if her money was at risk.

But all she has is herself. Another investment, a fact that'd keep her safe for a time should this backfire. ]

Are they waiting for you?

Well. I am a bit of a hurricane.

[ He says with a shrug. What can he do about it really? ]

Indeed they are. All we have to do is reach the Ariel and we're safe.

[ Hurricane? She glances over him before shaking her head. How was what she wanted to know. Maybe she'd figure it out en route. ]

Can you climb? Because we're going to have to go through the ducts. You won't pass for a clone or a guard here even if I found a uniform that'd fit.

[ Miles flinches faintly at that. Ducts ... why is it always ducts. ]

Very good at it. Unfortunately.

You make it a habit to get caught dirtside with no help? Really makes a girl rethink joining an operation, [ she says dryly as she climbs on top of the training equipment. She grabs a tool out of her pocket to start working off the covering for the duct. ]

Follow me and don't ask questions if you want to make it out alive.

[ He obediently drifts along behind her. ]

Only on special occasions like this one. And I'm not alone any more, am I?

Jury's still out on me. How do you know I'm not going to turn you in?

Because I think I'm the most interesting thing to have happened to you all month.

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