[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]

That's true, but also too late.

[ He straightens a bit, coming to a decision. ]

Alright. We can try it.

[scienceping]

[ He gives a small nod. ]

Very well. Do you wish to do so now, or would you prefer to wait until a more private location can be found?

[dendarii]

Privacy would be best ... Here, let's try this.

[ He leads Spock to a cafe with some nice private booths. Mostly intended for romantic couples, but whatever. ]

[scienceping]

[ That implication is lost on Spock anyhow. He follows Miles about a half-step behind him, still walking with that impeccably straight back and hands folded behind him. ]

[dendarii]

[ Miles glances at that, noticing it ... ]

So when did you start this whole Starfleet thing?

[scienceping]

I enrolled in Starlfeet Academy in 2254, approximately nine years ago.

[dendarii]

That late? You walk like you've been in the military all your life.

[scienceping]

[ The head tilt is back and coupled with a quirked eyebrow. ]

... My enlistment in Starfleet has not influenced my posture.

[dendarii]

Vulcan, then?

[scienceping]

Presumably.

[dendarii]

Yes, presumably. I'm just curious.

[ He settles himself on one side of the booth. Urgh ... he very delicately folds his knees under him to keep from looking tiny at the table. This is going to hurt later. ]

[scienceping]

[ Glances noticeably down at his legs when Miles tucks them under, the first actual physical acknowledgement of his stature. ]

I would advise against such seating when about to engage in a mind meld.

[dendarii]

[ Dammit. At this point, he's loathe to argue, especially when he knows he's going to regret it in a few hours himself. Reluctantly he settles himself all the way down. He suddenly and violently misses having furniture more his size. ]

Do you recommend anything else to make this easier?

[scienceping]

A relaxed posture to encourage a quiet mind.

[ He sits in the opposite side of the booth, neatly folding his fingers together on the table. And for the first time he slouches forward, just a bit while seated even though for the most part he is upright. ]

[dendarii]

Right. Relaxed.

[ He considers for a moment, then swings his feet up onto the booth seat too. Better than having them dangling awkwardly. He rests one elbow loosely on the table and leans back. ]

Good enough.

[scienceping]

[ Spock tilts his head to the side again, more casual this time, like a sideways nod. ]

Also acceptable.

[dendarii]

[ Miles takes a deep breath, then, calming himself. A quick message to Gregor to make sure his shields are completely up - before doubling down on his end. Walling off everything of Miles Vorkosigan, with a wall of Richard III blocking it off in case Spock gets too nosy. Miles' anti-interrogation tactics are ... creative. ]

Now what?

[scienceping]

[ Lets Miles have a moment to do so, quiet and unobtrusive while he gathers his own thoughts and raising his own barriers. ]

First I will explain the various details and implications of the mind meld to fully prepare you ...

Physical contact is required to initiate the link. If you wish to end the mind meld at any time, you may pull away, though I would caution against doing so as the severance of minds will be abrupt and may cause a headache of significant intensity, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Rather, direct your thoughts towards mine and request that I cease the link and I will do so.

Those in a meld share consciousness in what multiple individuals have described as a kind of gestalt. It is often overwhelming at first, but slow breathing will aid in your navigation of the link.

At the conclusion of the meld, each mind will retain some knowledge of the other, though I have spoken of the concept of shielding both of our minds to prevent undue wandering through thoughts where the other is unwelcome. Another side-effect is the transfer of emotion; any memory gleaned through the meld will carry the emotional weight that the other person experienced at the time of the memory, or the current emotional state of the other if no memories are shared.

[dendarii]

[ Miles nods, listening to Spock's explanation. ]

In other words: don't move, take deep breaths, and try not to cry.

[scienceping]

[ ... Eyebrow. ]

Essentially.

[dendarii]

I think I can handle that.

[scienceping]

[ Lets the other eyebrow join the raised one in a momentarily, utterly Human Look he gives Miles, but they both relax only half a moment later. Spock abruptly gets up then, switching from his side of the booth to join Miles on his side, scooting in close to almost be touching his raised feet, but leaving him an inch or two of room before leaning forward, hands raised and approaching Miles' face. ]

[dendarii]

[ Miles snorts a bit but doesn't comment. He rather likes the expression on Spock's face.

In any case, he only flinches momentarily when Spock reaches for him. Deep breaths. He can do this. ]

[scienceping]

[ He pauses at the flinch, fingers only inches away. ]

Calm your mind, Admiral.

[dendarii]

I'm calm. Please, continue.

[ He stills himself for real this time. ]