[IC] TEST POST

[dendarii]

[ Miles Vorkosigan cuts an unusual figure even under the most extraordinary circumstances: tiny and somewhat hunchbacked, his curved spine obvious even beneath his custom-cut Imperial Security green military uniform. Unless you're bitty like him (and he's met few adults below his height of 4'8"), he likely comes up to your shoulder or a little lower.

There is, however, a manic energy to the man that makes him fill up more than his physical space. Sharp, penetrating gray eyes take in the world around him as great refreshing gulps of information. Depending on the situation, he may be taking in you as well. ]

A - Canon

[ In his case, you suddenly find yourself in an empty and rather old-fashioned looking house. Old-fashioned except for the high tech consoles installed in various areas, anyway, and if one looks out the window a relatively sci-fi-esque view can be seen interspersed with vaguely Russian architecture. Miles looks up, startled by your sudden appearance. ]

I'm sorry, have we met?

[ In other words, how the hell did you just waltz into the Vorkosoigan House without him being alerted by the guards? Visiting his father or mother, maybe? That's the only thing coming to mind. ]

B - Mask or Menace

[ Staring, Miles can deal with. It's depressingly normal and almost comforting, given the circumstances. But having people approach him like some kind of celebrity is damned unsettling. It feels like some awful combination of being both Lord Vorkosigan and Admiral Naismith at the same time ... which is technically true, but he's not enough at ease with himself to cross those wires just yet.

Speaking of which. He fixes a brilliant smile on his face as his confident swagger threatens to knock over anyone within a five meter radius of him. The space operatic Admiral Naismith persona in full force and practically spilling over. After all, when faced with a wall, Miles tends to charge right the hell on through. First obstacle to be defeated: finding out what the hell is going on and why his head is feeling strangely full all of a sudden.

He's about twenty or so, though with a face like his he could be anywhere between early twenties and early thirties. The tell-tale import barcode flickers at his wrist; he hasn't quite realized what that means for himself or anyone else. In a remarkably flat, pseudo-American accent: ]

You know, I think I've gotten myself lost. Any chance you're more familiar with this place?

[ Heropa is where he's come out first, but by now he could be in any of the Porter cities. ]

Comments

[dendarii]

I'll disguise myself. Stilts. No one need ever know the difference.

[rathercommon]

[ A snort. ]

Oh, yeah. 'Cause you seem really brilliant at hiding your identity.

[dendarii]

You would be surprised...

[ His mouth quirks upwards a bit. ]

But no, not effective in this case.

[rathercommon]

Would I?

[ She lifts her chin. ]

Tell me about a time I'd have been surprised by your abilities in that regard.

[dendarii]

Confidential.

[rathercommon]

What - every single time?

[dendarii]

Every time that was impressive, I can assure you.

[rathercommon]

I ought to join Imperial Security, just so I can get clearance to hear all your stories.

[dendarii]

[ Something brightens behind his eyes. ]

Would be nice to tell them in full. The only ones I can tell them to already know.

[rathercommon]

You want to brag.

[dendarii]

[ He laughs outright at that. A little self-deprecating. ]

Every now and again. Yes.

[rathercommon]

I do get that. Terribly well.

[ Her smile turns a little wry. ]

I can't exactly talk about my successes either.

[dendarii]

No? All revolutionary related? I admit I'm curious.

[rathercommon]

I know. But - you know.

[ A shrug. ]

I can't break confidentiality either.

[dendarii]

... No. No, I suppose not.

[ He resettles himself back in his chair, reaching out to pick at an abandoned fork. ]

We would both have an obligation to use the information.

[rathercommon]

[ A half-smile. ]

You have an allegiance first to the service, don't you. Even if they've broken ties with you.

[dendarii]

[ He nods his head slightly. ]

They can hardly escape me either.

[rathercommon]

Glad to enable this continued partnership. I think. Glad if it's good for you.

[dendarii]

... I hardly know any more.

[rathercommon]

Yeah.

[ She shoots him a sympathetic smile. ]

Sort of impossible to tell, isn't it. It might be a chance to start up again, or a chance to start on a new path...or it might be a chance to just freeze in your development.

[dendarii]

Indeed. And I haven't any idea which one it is yet.

[ He quiets for a moment, his gaze softening. ]

How old are you?

[rathercommon]

[ That question takes her aback a moment. She tucks her hair behind her ear, and answers, a little self-consciously: ]

I'm...eighteen.

[dendarii]

[ As he thought. Entirely too young for anything but respectful admiration. Curse his fondness for brainy brunettes... ]

Young, then. Your whole life ahead of you.

their ship would be such a disaster

[rathercommon]

[ She gives a little frown. ]

Hardly young. I've been supporting myself since I was fifteen, thanks, which I should say is more than enough to move me out of the category where you act like I'm a kid.

God yes, such a disaster

[dendarii]

I'm thinking of myself at eighteen, miss. Definitely not grown into myself yet.