[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

[scienceping]

[ Spock catches that shiver, the dart of his eyes over Miles the only outward indication that he noticed it. ]

Do you often indulge in emotional outbursts?

[dendarii]

They're extremely cathartic, but no, not regularly.

I guess ... I'm the sort of person who's either on or off. Something in the middle all the time seems wrong to me.

[scienceping]

I am uncertain I comprehend your meaning ... "something in the middle"?

[dendarii]

Normal.

[scienceping]

[ Spock tilts his head yet again, looking directly at Miles silently like he's asking Miles what a normal emotional state is.

... Wait, is he silently questioning that? ]

[dendarii]

[ Really, Spock. Gosh. ]

Do you usually delve into the emotional landscape of someone you've just met, or am I just special?

[scienceping]

The topic of emotions are, unfortunately, a frequent occurrence to those conversing with or about a Vulcan for the first time. Though if you are uncomfortable with the topic, we can pursue others. Perhaps the subject of our current location?

[dendarii]

It's not discomfort, exactly...

[ Just a very odd conversation all round. He picks up the pace a bit, heading for a café near the boardwalk. Aha - a local map. He gladly snags it. ]

Looks like we're in Heropa, Florida. On Earth.

[scienceping]

Curious again ...

[dendarii]

Not where you expected to be?

[scienceping]

As I was recently aboard a starship deep into the Gamma Quadrant, it is certainly not expected.

[dendarii]

And here I was en route to Tau Ceti. But this machine of theirs truly can pull people from everywhere...

[ He frowns down at the map for a moment, having found another interesting piece of information. ]

Say, what was the year where you came from?

[scienceping]

2263, by Earth-standard calendar.

[dendarii]

[ Miles, in turn, rattles off something that begins with a 3. ]

Looks like we're both here before our time. This map was printed in 2015.

[scienceping]

[ One of Spock's eyebrows shoot straight up his forehead. ]

And yet the technology possessed here is advanced enough to transport us across incredible distances as well as dimensions ... Fascinating.

[dendarii]

Something unusual is at work here. Highly unusual. Moreso than this thought that they've pulled people who will automatically be obedient to them.

[scienceping]

Obedient? To serve what end?

[dendarii]

Fight in their war, apparently.

[scienceping]

I have not received any information regarding a war.

[dendarii]

No, they don't include that in their packet. I found a guide on the network here though.

[scienceping]

[ Spock frowns minutely, the first sign of possessing any kind of emotion, disturbed by the implications of a war existing in the first place as well as the censoring of it. ]

May I ask of any details you obtained?

[dendarii]

The United States vs. Russia, apparently. We are their new superweapon, endowed with powers via our arrival in addition to any we may have had before.

[scienceping]

[ His frown remains. ]

... That is moderately ominous.

[dendarii]

[ Miles snorts a little at that. ]

That may be the best description of it I've heard yet.

[ A beat. ]

Being a mercenary and all, I'm used to being in the middle of things ... But working without a contract is dangerous.

[scienceping]

I am also acquainted to offensive battles, but the reason for bringing people here under false pretenses is highly worrisome.