[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]

No, I'm warm and awake enough. But thank you, Commander.

[scienceping]

Then shall we continue with either discussion or practice with our respective powers?

[dendarii]

I've already demonstrated both of mine.

[scienceping]

Which is why I specified discussion or practice.

[dendarii]

... Practice, eh ...

[ He makes a face. ]

I would hate to have mine go off at an inopportune time.

[scienceping]

Precisely.

[ Spock takes a seat on the couch again, leaving adequate distance between them. ]

[dendarii]

[ He makes more faces. Several faces. ]

What do you recommend?

[scienceping]

To test my theory regarding the relationship between your bone density and your power of shape shifting.

[dendarii]

So, try what I did before and see if I can lift anything?

[scienceping]

Rather than enforcing pain upon you, attempt a smaller form to see if there is either rebound or other effects.

[dendarii]

[ It would be better than another rebound. He nods, not happily. ]

Let me get my shirt back on first.

[scienceping]

I believe it to be mostly dry by now.

[dendarii]

Exactly my thought.

[ He goes to retrieve it. Taking his sweet time. ]

[scienceping]

[ Yeah, it's not like there's anything to be nervous about. Spock just waits patiently on the couch. ]

[dendarii]

[ Ugh. Ughhh he just hates this power. Mostly because the only thing he's tried to do with it is get taller, with disastrous results. Eventually, he returns to the couch fully clothed. ]

[scienceping]

[ Spock waits a beat or two for Miles to either say or do something ... ]

... Are you prepared, Admiral?

[dendarii]

Yes. Give me a moment.

[ He shifts a bit on the couch, trying to get comfortable. He settles for bracing one hand awkwardly against the back of the couch and closing his eyes. ]

[scienceping]

[ Spock stills so that he doesn't distract Miles, watching with interest. ]

[dendarii]

[ Deep breaths. Deep breaths ...

As with the first demonstration, the change is subtle at first. It looks like he's hunching over or tilting his head, still resettling himself. Only after he's let the change proceed for a solid foot or so does it become obvious that he is, in fact, getting smaller.

He's not in pain, but the sense of vertigo is dizzying He gasps after a moment, snapping right back up to his full height again. ]

[scienceping]

[ He leans forward, ready to offer Miles a steady anchor. ]

Admiral?

[dendarii]

[ He wobbles a bit but manages to steady himself. ]

Sorry. It - feels much like falling. I can't keep my balance.

[scienceping]

[ Spock tilts his head while he absorbs the new information. ]

You are referring to vertigo?

[dendarii]

Yes, that's it exactly.

[scienceping]

Then may I offer a possibly simple solution: maintain visual contact on a focused area while keeping your head upright. You closed your eyes and appeared to bow your head during the change, and vertigo is often experienced or worsened when a subject's position is compromised from standing upright.

It may have little to no effect, but we are, after all, practicing.

[dendarii]

[ Miles frowns, considering this. ]

So ... stare at you, essentially?