[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

[scienceping]

As well as the dilated veins which makes the cardiovascular system particularly vulnerable. A Human doctor once phrased a similar event as having "burned the heart out of them."

[dendarii]

[ Miles winces. ]

Let's ... be extremely careful then, yes. Small bursts only.

[scienceping]

Excellent advice, Admiral.

[ Spock brings that potted plant over, discarding his blanket as he sits back on the couch. Which might draw attention to the fact that it's starting to get pretty warm in his hose now. ]

[dendarii]

[ It's very warm, yes. Nice while he was cold, but now he's warmed back up again. Reluctantly, he discards the towel he was wearing in place of a shirt. ]

Do you think you could drain the battery from my comm without wrecking the battery? Just draw off part of the charge.

[scienceping]

I believe so, though once again, I cannot guarantee the predicted outcome.

[ He takes the comm from Miles again, carefully this time, before turning to the plant, holding the comm in one palm. ]

May I also recommend attaining more distance, as a precaution.

[dendarii]

[ Miles gladly backs up. ]

Yes ... yes, an excellent idea. I'd rather not get fried today.

[scienceping]

[ Spock waits for him to still again, then takes a deep breath before beginning. Taking the same mental steps as before, he draws some of the power out of the battery, not all of it, but just enough for Miles to see the beginnings of that light in his pupils.

Once he judges it to be enough, he then turns to the plant, extending a hand out toward it, slowly touching upon a leaf ... but then nothing happens. He's just touching a leaf, and the light behind his eyes hasn't changed. Spock cocks his head a bit, feeling the energy not transferring. ]

[dendarii]

[ Huh. Hmm. Miles thinks, frowning at the plant like this is all its fault. ]

Not conductive enough? ... Let me get you a metal utensil.

[ He goes to the kitchen to retrieve a fork. ]

[scienceping]

[ Stupid plant. But Spock waits for Miles return, careful to lean away from him and not touch the fork until he's put it on the table and backed away again.

When he picks it up, there's a small flicker of static electricity between his finger and the fork; nothing extraordinary, but of note. Then of equal note, nothing still happens when he uses the fork to gently prod the plant. ]

[dendarii]

[ But that fork is probably electrified now, Miles is sure of it. Sure enough that he was more than happy to not get anywhere close to Spock while setting it down on the table. Now he rubs lightly at the side of his face, frowning at the darn thing. ]

Is it not grounded? This is ... very strange.

[scienceping]

[ Spock's not going to take any chances, one way or another. He draws any power he can from the fork back into himself to channel it back into the battery. (Miles' comm dings pleasantly, indicating a full battery.) ]

Perhaps the answer lies in the name of the power that was given to me: cyberkinesis. The definition of "cyber" being of, relating to, or characteristic of the culture of computers, information technology, and virtual reality.

[dendarii]

So the static is merely a side effect? Not the power itself.

[ He reaches to take his comm again. ]

[scienceping]

Presumably.

[ Spock holds onto it for a moment longer, trying to sense if it's going to shock Miles again or not. When he's reasonably certain, he hands it back to Miles. ]

[dendarii]

[ No jolt this time, thank goodness. He slides it back in his pocket. Nearly dry by now ... ]

A pity. Could be useful. Wonder if you can convert it to energy to use for your cryokinesis.

[scienceping]

An interesting theory, one we could test once I become more proficient with either power.

[dendarii]

We have time.

[scienceping]

An indeterminate amount.

[ Spock doesn't exactly sound pleased by that prospect. ]

[dendarii]

... Yes. We'll have to figure out what to do with ourselves.

[scienceping]

Other than fight in their war?

[dendarii]

Precisely. I think ... severing the financial dependence many ImPorts have would be an excellent first step.

[scienceping]

How do you propose to accomplish such a task?

[dendarii]

No idea. That requires having some money and personnel first.

[ Man, it is seriously hot in here. He swipes at his brow, feeling sweat there. ]

[scienceping]

[ Whereas Spock looks perfectly pleasant in this warmth, his skin having finally lost that alarming green flush minutes ago. But Miles' gesture catches his attention. ]

Are you overly warm, Admiral?

[dendarii]

[ Miles is beginning to pink in discomfort, despite his lack of shirt. There are thin surgery scars all over his body. ]

Er - yes, I am. What did you set the temperature to?

[scienceping]

[ As before, Spock is respectful and subtle in looking over Miles' body, taking care not to stare; simply observe and look away. ]

33.2 Celsius.