[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]

[ Whoa. Miles jolts his elbow back, rubbing at the thin layer of frost now clinging to his sleeve. He can see his breath in the suddenly frigid booth - he exhales a cloud of it, kind of awed. ]

That was impressive, Commander.

[scienceping]

[ Spock himself was surprised, but thankfully didn't drop the glass. He sets it down carefully now, making sure it won't slide across the table like a hockey puck. He then withdraws and lifts his hands from the glass and table, slowly but abruptly, the tips of his fingers green with cold. He looks distinctly uncomfortable for a moment before smoothing his expression again. ]

... It appears that this ability also requires direct contact.

[dendarii]

[ Oh, that does look unpleasant. Miles forces the exuberant grin off his face to lean in a little closer. Frostbitten? He hopes not - that would make him feel terribly guilty. ]

A caveat, eh ... That appears to be universal.

[ He makes a "may I?" sort of gesture, reaching out for Spock's hands. ]

[scienceping]

[ Spock hesitates greatly, but eventually holds out one hand. Not frostbite, thankfully, just extremely cold. ]

[dendarii]

[ He carefully takes Spock's fingers in his own, squeezing to try and get some warmth back into them. ]

Better?

[scienceping]

[ There's a small flinch, whether from the cold or something else is Miles' guess. His hand is stiff within Miles', uncomfortable, but he's not withdrawing from his touch. ]

Somewhat, though I suspect my newfound power may yet linger.

[dendarii]

[ Miles, meanwhile, keeps his grip firm. Not that Spock couldn't break out of it, but ... ]

I think I'll be alright. Just try not to freeze me.

[scienceping]

As I do not know how I employed my power initially, I cannot say with any certainty that I will not employ them again while in contact with you.

[dendarii]

All the more reason to practice, yes? If you're as new as I am, then you likely don't have anyone else.

[scienceping]

[ Spock blinks once. ]

... Are you suggesting that I practice my powers on you, Admiral? If so, I highly recommend against it.

[dendarii]

Around me. Greg would be rather upset if I proposed you trying to freeze me to death.

[scienceping]

As would I.

[dendarii]

No arguments then. Maybe this cafe isn't a good location, though.

[scienceping]

I agree. We should relocate.

[ which gives Spock and excuse to pull his hand back and stand from the cold booth. ]

[dendarii]

[ On the other hand, he's totally agreed to come home with Miles. He'll take that as a victory. Getting up himself - and slipping for a moment when he leans his hand on the booth - he carefully edges out of the way. ]

I have housing that may work. May as well investigate what they've given us.

[scienceping]

[ Oops. Sorry Miles. ]

A logic course of action.

[dendarii]

[ Eh, he hasn't broken anything. Yet. ]

Come on then. I think it's this way.

[ He slides back into that flat, pseudo-American accent as he picks the Naismith persona back up. Back to a vaguely swaggery posture. ]

[scienceping]

[ Miles and Jim should one day meet and have a captainy swagger-off. Following a step behind him, hands folded behind his back again but now curled into loose fists to retain more heat. ]

[dendarii]

[ excuse u im an admiral. It's a bit of a hike; for the purposes of this thread, Miles has housing in De Chima, Virginia. He frowns down at the map for a moment, considering the distance ... then relaxes as he picks out the porter on the map. Right, teleportation between cities. He'd almost forgotten about that. ]

Ready for a quick trip to Virginia, Commander?

[scienceping]

... Teleportation in 21st century Earth. Fascinating.

[dendarii]

You don't sound surprised by it existing at all.

[ He shows the attendants the barcode on his wrist, which gets the both of them waved through. ]

[scienceping]

The Federation in the late 23rd century has similar technology.

[dendarii]

To go with your instantaneous communication, I suppose. I'm quite jealous ...

[ He steps through the portal neatly, coming out into Virginia on the other side. ]

[scienceping]

[ Huh, somewhat different from the teleporters he's used to. But he steps through a moment later, at ease with the method. ]

Perhaps you could study the technology employed here.

[dendarii]

[ Miles, meanwhile, has to glance back after himself to make sure he's all in one piece. Teleportation is weird for a hard SF protagonist. ]

Think I will. That would be something to take back.