[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]

Meaning what, Spock?

[scienceping]

Meaning that the training is more rigorous, and with my mixed heritage and proclivityto eemotional outbursts, taking years to master my control was to be expected.

[dendarii]

Congratulations on being ... average, then?

[scienceping]

Thank you.

[dendarii]

Really, Spock, you ought to express more opinions. Nearly everything you say is phrased as a fact.

[scienceping]

That is intentional.

[dendarii]

Yes, I gathered that. But I like to know what people are thinking.

[scienceping]

An opinion of a subject is not necessarily the subject of their thoughts.

[dendarii]

It's certainly a window into them. Wouldn't you agree?

[scienceping]

As you are speaking with an experienced telepathy, perhaps you should consider how one could interpret another's thoughts.

[dendarii]

Should I, Commander?

[scienceping]

Perhaps you should.

[dendarii]

Mmm, that's not a very strong statement. I'll disregard it.

[scienceping]

That is your prerogative.

[dendarii]

[ Miles considers Spock seriously for a minute. Now that he's noticed the way Spock talks, he just wants to wrestle a more genuine response out of him. Hmm ... ]

I have another power. Would you like to see it?

[scienceping]

[ Good luck with that, Miles. ]

If you are inclined to demonstrate it.

[dendarii]

Yes, I think so. Which house did they assign you to? I can teleport you back there if you're in De Chima.

[scienceping]

Then you can only teleport to locations to which you are familiar?

[dendarii]

No, no. More like I have a rather specific radius.

[scienceping]

Ah, forgive my presumption.

[ Spock lists of the address that was on his pamphlet, in De Chima. ]

[dendarii]

Not a problem.

[ He considers it, half-lids his eyes ... Yes, he can manage that. Getting up again, he gestures for Spock to follow him. ]

Come on then.

[ He heads for the sink in the kitchen. ]

[scienceping]

[ Spock follows a step or two behind. ]

Ah ... this is what you meant by following pipe fixtures.

[dendarii]

Yes. It generally limits me to staying within the city - pipes don't tend to interconnect between them.

[ He puts one hand on the faucet and extends the other back to Spock. ]

[scienceping]

[ There's a minor pause before Spock takes his hand as is Spock is mentally preparing himself for something. Then grasps Miles hand firmly. ]

[dendarii]

[ Miles grips on firmly as well. Then ... turns back, giving him a lopsided, almost apologetic grin. ]

One more caveat --

[ Before he's even finished the sentence, the world around them disappears into darkness. There's a sense of movement and fluidity, of rushing water around them. And then - very abruptly, they emerge in the bathroom of the house that Spock gave the address to. Miles in particular winds up in the bathtub with a thud.

Also, they've both drenched. In clean water, but water all the same. ]