[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]

You're not answering my question, Commander.

[scienceping]

I have no opinion towards your fleet, Admiral, only facts and prior experience with specific scenarios.

[dendarii]

Tell me, then. They obviously made an impression on you.

[scienceping]

I have only encountered mercenaries twice while serving aboard Starfleet's primary flagship, the USS Enterprise. The first encounter was with a haphazard organization that the Human's serving with me considered as "thugs" and "ruffians", desiring only payment at the expense of ethics.

The second encounter was with with a wholly more disciplined organization, one that appeared to generally care for the welfare of their employers.

[dendarii]

Tell me about that second one then.

[scienceping]

Our mission was to establish First Contact with the second planet of the Syzzx system after they demonstrated warp capabilities, that is, to travel at the speed of light. The planet consisted of two primary species that existed in coexistence, the foremost species of greater number formed the central government while the secondary species, evolved for more intensive labor, formed the military, mostly consisting of mercenaries. Because the two species coexisted peaceably, the relations were characterized by ethics, cooperation, and empathy.

[dendarii]

I'd say that sounds more like a military caste to me.

[scienceping]

I would agree with that assessment though the difference being the exchange of currency. Some factions of the organization demanded greater compensation from their governing body in the face of a potential new threat to their planet.

[dendarii]

Hazard pay.

[scienceping]

Presumably.

[dendarii]

Naturally.

Tell me, what happened when one of their number couldn't fight? Surely they weren't all born fit to serve.

[scienceping]

I believe that they could choose whatever career suited them. We encountered the second species within the primary government as well so it did not appear to be segregated.

[dendarii]

Ah, then truly like any other career. Most planets pay their soldiers where I come from, Commander. It's the reverse that's frowned upon.

[scienceping]

The reverse? As in employment via slavery?

[dendarii]

That is generally the definition of performing work for no wages, yes.

[scienceping]

How then is it accepted?

[dendarii]

It's hardly accepted, Commander. Your version sounds much closer to slavery than mine.

[scienceping]

Then why would they continue to work for no wages if they are not compensated by other means?

[dendarii]

Are you asking me for more details about slavery, Commander? What are you implying exactly?

[scienceping]

More that I am inquiring why is it not yet abolished?

[dendarii]

It is on most systems. Yes. But most systems are independent, with the exceptions of the Barrayaran Imperium and the Cetagandan Empire. Which number three and eight systems, respectively.

[scienceping]

I see ...

[dendarii]

Anyway. What makes it different for you, Commander? It sounds like you don't receive compensation yourself.

[scienceping]

Our "compensation" is our work. To discover new things and to seek out new knowledge for the betterment of all species.

[dendarii]

[ Ah. That twinges something. ]

... You sound like my mother.