[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]

[ Best not to, maybe; Miles has already moved on past the thought as easily as breathing. ]

I suppose so ... with the Betan attitudes on clones and all. I'm not sure I'd know how to play that. Or if she'd even play along with us.

[vorbarra]

[Gregor's tendency to linger is ever to his deficit, but he does manage to push on himself.]

Somehow I think it wouldn't require much playing at all. On either part. Who you are as... yourselves, is sufficient to sell it.

[dendarii]

If she agreed to it, maybe. I think she might convince me to give it up first.

[vorbarra]

[His eyebrows go up.]

You could be convinced to give it up? --You mean the lie, here, [Gregor realizes a moment later.]

[dendarii]

Here, yes. [ He recoils a bit at the thought of giving it up permanently. Like half of his own self cut out and rotted. ] She hasn't tried back home.

[vorbarra]

Some of us know not to fight pointless battles. [Which Miles really doesn't.

Gregor gives him a reassuring squeeze very briefly at seeing him recoil.]

I trust your judgement on what name to use here, [Gregor says seriously.] If you'd like to... not retract, but elaborate on your story to anyone, I don't think it'd do much harm.

[dendarii]

[ He still reels at the thought, even with Gregor's gentle reassurance. Entwine the two identities? No, that seems completely wrong. The little Admiral and Vor lord must never meet. ]

No. [ He sucks in a breath. ] This is the safest way.

[vorbarra]

[Gregor has never had such an identity crisis. If anything, his problem is that he feels too strongly that he's the Emperor and nothing else. This issue isn't one he can empathize with-- but he is still concerned about Miles dealing with it, submersed in Naismith at all times.

He's reminded of what they'd opened this conversation with discussing.]

Then you'll... unburden yourself with me as necessary, as you promised? [His eyes are dark, intent.] I'd like to hear this accent once in a while, Miles.

[dendarii]

[ How can he say no to that? Especially after this whole conversation. It's a small thing to let Miles Vorkosigan up for air every once in a while. ]

You will. I promise. [ He swallows, hard. ] You have my word.

[vorbarra]

[Some of the intensity softens. Gregor is his own brand of overwhelming at times.

He grips his hand one last time and then slips it away, point made.] Good. [There's an internal sense of a lock clicking into place with a heavy thunk as the oath is made, causing Gregor to freeze for a moment and then rub at his eyes with his newly released hand.]

... You realize you couldn't go back on that now if you tried. [He wants to be sorry, but. He doesn't really think Miles would go back on his word in the first place, so it's not likely to come up. Or so he assumes.]

[dendarii]

[ Miles feels it too. What was that--? Telepathic feedback? He looks back towards Gregor, bewildered. ]

I wouldn't, but - what do you mean?

[vorbarra]

[God. Gregor can't help mentally clamming up a bit. He's not sure how to feel about this other power yet.]

I've discovered that I have another ability. Oaths made in good faith to or by me are binding. [A quick, meaningful glance.] Very binding.

[dendarii]

[ That ... hmm. The concept is alarming, but if there's anyone he trusts with the power it's Gregor. The person he doesn't trust is himself. ]

Ah. That is ... powerful.

[ There is trust under that response, but also a thread of uncertainty. ]

Well, I'll refrain from promising anything rhetorically. [ Not that most Vor would do that - and Miles, least of all. ]

[vorbarra]

[It has occurred to Gregor that Miles could make use of this, but. He's been rather enjoying his stint of powerlessness, as they'd just gone over. He's willing to try to find that halfway point now, though, between Greg and Emperor.

He understands the uncertainty all too well.] I should emphasize that it has to be made in good faith. It can't be coercive. I'm... glad to have that eliminated entirely, [he confesses in a low tone.]

[dendarii]

[ Miles' expression immediately softens at that. Had Gregor been worried about - of course he had. With that shadow he stands in... ]

As if you would coerce anyone to begin with.

[vorbarra]

[He looks withdrawn again, though not outright depressed, just reserved. His political face.] Needs must sometimes. [Gregor has had to authorize awful things already, and every one of them weighs on him.]

It's cleaner not to have the option at all. I do apologize that you found out by making one, though as far as oaths go, it's fairly incongruous.

[Unless Miles decides to be difficult, of course.]

[dendarii]

[ His emperor has a point. And if they'd been home with that kind of power, would it have gone unused in those situations? There are times Miles would have been tempted ... He shakes his head a bit. ]

I'd have upheld it anyway. [ A beat. ] I suppose we can use this as a test case. See how long it takes for me to feel the pressure from your impromptu geas.

[vorbarra]

[It's rather like having a nerve disrupter, in Gregor's opinion. If you have one, it suddenly becomes an option for every problem. It limits your thinking dangerously.

He sends across his trust in Miles that he would uphold his word-- not inconsequential after that mess with the Dendarii, he's aware-- but then says dryly,] I do hope you're not planning on testing my untried supernatural ability by pushing its limits. At least not until you have your medico-attaché.

[dendarii]

[ Unfair, Gregor. That trust practically counts as a weapon all by itself. ]

Would you approve after I have one?

[vorbarra]

[Oh, he's aware. He never said he plays fair.

Gregor eyes him. He's read those reports, Miles, he knows how well you slip through loopholes.] Under controlled circumstances, namely that I'm present, [he concedes.] I admit it would be useful knowledge to have, but I won't risk you for our curiosity. If I'm there, you can just-- talk to me about your dreadful Vorkosigan maple mead or something in order to escape the consequences.

[dendarii]

[ He has to concede that that's the smarter way to do it. As much as he sort of wants to just skip off and see how long he can go without. No, no ... a spiritual breaking of his promise, even if it is in the name of testing. Not acceptable. ]

Sensible as always. All right, we can do it that way.

[vorbarra]

[He's given you things to do now, Miles, don't go crying boredom as an excuse for recklessness.]

Thank you. [There's some wry relief at his agreement. Gregor's under no illusions about his ability to corral Miles if he doesn't want to be corralled. A hawk indeed.] Did you get anything else yourself, or just the... [He gestures at his head.]

[dendarii]

[ He will try very hard, okay. Jeez.

At that, Miles thumbs at the side of his face thoughtfully. ]

I felt ... something like a lock closing? I don't know if it came from you or me, though.

[vorbarra]

No, I meant... if you acquired any new abilities.

Although I assume the locking sensation was me. I felt it, too.

[dendarii]

[ Ah. Ahaha. Ever so sneakily, he clamps down on his side of the link. Super subtle. Not noticeable in the least. Yep. ]

Er ... yes. A couple things. Completely useless, I'm afraid.