[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]

[ Miles winces at the word "contempt," and a belated, half-assed apology forms on his lips ... only to die down as the Vulcan starts, um. Stripping. That greenish complexion had been riveting enough before; now it's very clear and visible along Spock's muscular back. Striking.

Hell, he's staring. Quick, say something useful. ]

Er - if this house is like mine - there's leftover clothes in the closets. Don't know if they're government provided or previous owners'. Dry, either way.

[scienceping]

[ Visible along Spock's muscular everything. :') Though if he's staring, he'll also start to see the gooseflesh rising on that muscular everything. He must really be chilled by that little amount of water ...

Spock doesn't seem to notice the stare at least, concentrating on wringing out the clothes in the sink since Miles is occupying the bathtub. After he's draped the clothes over the other towel racks and curtain rod, he takes the largest of the towels to wrap around his shoulders. ]

Either will suffice.

[dendarii]

[ Yep time to get out of here for a moment. He lifts a hand to his head, just. Carefully blocking out that side of the room. ]

I'll go get something. One moment.

[ Ugh, wet clothes. The downside to all of this. He knows he's not going to find anything in his own size. ]

[scienceping]

[ Suck it, Admiral. :| Spock also turns, staying in the bathroom while Miles goes to look for clothes. ]

[dendarii]

[ He deserves it 100%, no question. A few minutes later, he comes back with a couple reasonable options in muted colors. He holds them out to Spock through the bathroom door. ]

Commander?

[scienceping]

[ Spock reaches out to take them with only a curt reply: ]

Thank you.

[dendarii]

[ Good job, Miles. Well done. Pissed off Commander Spock and didn't even get what he wanted out of the deal. Sigh.

He wipes at his own face, shaking off the worst of the water on his hair. Should he ask for a towel? It doesn't seem like a good idea asking the Vulcan for anything right now. Instead, he heads back to one of the bedrooms to steal the smallest set of clothing he can find. ]

[scienceping]

[ Before Miles can step out though, there's a hand appearing from around the bathroom again, holding a couple towels for him. ]

Admiral.

[dendarii]

[ Ah ... Miles takes the towels gratefully. ]

Thank you, Commander.

[scienceping]

You are welcome.

[ The reply itself is short and clipped, but Spock's tone has eased now. No point staying angry at Miles when he's been discomfited too. ]

[dendarii]

[ That makes Miles feel a little better. Both physically and mentally. Rather than try to wear something too big, he settles for the best towel-off he can manage, then drapes the second, less wet towel around himself. He's small enough that it covers his upper body pretty well. ]

[scienceping]

[ Spock comes out of the bathroom at roughly the same time Miles finished drying himself, having changed out of his wet pants too, and wearing the darker option of the clothing Miles brought him. His hair is a bit mussed from the hand-toweling he had to do, but its basic bowl-cut shape is still intact. Spock's lips are still hinting at a green tinge though; he's still chilled even after drying off and dry clothes. He avoids looking directly at Miles until he's certain Miles is decently covered. Which is kind of odd, prudish behavior considering he practically just stripped in front of a almost-stranger only moments ago. ]

Were you not able to locate suitable clothing, Admiral?

[dendarii]

[ Towel and pants is all Miles is gonna have for a while. Sorry, Spock. Miles, meanwhile, decides that he definitely prefers the commander's hair tousled.

The green at his lips ... that's more concerning. Blankets are in order, and something actually warming. Maybe there's coffee in here somewhere. ]

That was a joke, right?

[scienceping]

It was an honest inquiry. Unless the housing is specifically stocked for a known incoming occupant, they would need to provide a wide array of clothing.

[ While Spock talks, he surveys the room they're in having already done the same in the bathroom once his mind off of water and cold. Primarily, he's searching for any kind of climate controls. ]

[dendarii]

Clearly they expect adults.

[ There's probably a thermostat in here somewhere ... Miles heads downstairs to go find some coffee. ]

[scienceping]

[ Spock joins Miles about a minute later, immediately after a low hum starts up; Spock found the thermostat apparently. Warm air starts to shift throughout the house.

Meanwhile in the kitchen, it seems there is a limited array of drinks: coffee, decaf, and tea. ]

[dendarii]

[ Coffee it is then. It doesn't take long to start a pot going; meanwhile, Miles climbs up on the counter to grab two mugs off an upper shelf. ]

[scienceping]

[ Which is about the time Spock walks into the kitchen. Tactfully, he doesn't stare for more than a second or two, and doesn't elect to say anything about it. ]

Thank you, Admiral, but I will decline.

[dendarii]

[ Miles pauses. ]

Tea, then? Maybe they have hot chocolate.

[scienceping]

[ Immediately responds, almost interrupting Miles. ]

Tea, please. I often find Earth-based coffee to be too bitter.

[dendarii]

[ Huh. That was a bit odd. But he nods and gets both started. ]

Coffee for me, tea for you.

[scienceping]

Thank you.

[dendarii]

Not a problem.

[ He places the tea bag in the cup and offers it to Spock while the coffee percolates. ]

That's the most direct thing you've said yet, I think.

[scienceping]

[ Spock takes it gratefully, his tone mild. ]

Does the opinion meets your expectation, Admiral?

[dendarii]

It's an odd thing to have an opinion about. Do you dislike chocolate that much?