[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]

[ 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?

[scienceping]

Or some other area as you wish. Merely something to focus your gaze.

[dendarii]

Right. Well. I suppose I can use my comm instead.

[ He stands up from the couch this time and places his comm on the back of it, where he can see it clearly. Arms folded over his chest this time, taking another deep breath. ]

[scienceping]

[ Spock shifts to the edge of the couch in case he's needed to move. ]

[dendarii]

[ More deep breaths. This time, he fixes the comm with a steady glare. Just by holding himself straight his progress is more evident; this time he gets to about half his height before he wobbles again, having to slam his hands forward against the couch in order to keep from falling over.

And then the snap back to normal pitches him forward with a faint oof as he faceplants into the cushions. ]

Let's ... move the coffee table away, shall we ...

[scienceping]

A wise decision.

[ He gets up to do that, moving the table easily. ]

Was there any improvement?

[dendarii]

I got further, didn't I? Still incredibly dizzy though. I don't think it matters whether my eyes are open or not. Must be an inner ear issue.

[ He frowns, though, chewing on his lower lip. ]

I feel like ... I passed a landing that time, though. If that makes any sense. If I could just keep from falling over, I might be able to hold it.

[scienceping]

[ He tilts his head, saying simply: ]

Then perhaps ... lie down.

[dendarii]

[ He barks out a startled laugh. ]

Yes! That's the answer, isn't it? I always end up on my back anyway when I have those rebounds - hang on, let's try that.

[ He settles himself comfortably on the floor, hands clasped over his chest. ]

[scienceping]

[ Spock makes sure that the table is clear enough for him, looking down at him with interest. ]

[dendarii]

[ This time it proceeds more smoothly. Miles keeps his eyes open, staring past Spock to the ceiling. Very quickly he pushes himself down to about half his usual height, and this time he manages to stay there. It feels almost like a click in his head, of something locking gently into place. He's still dizzy, and dizzier when he sits up, but if he stays absolutely still the vertigo passes.

Also, his bones feel great. ]

Lie down. Of course.

[scienceping]

[ He shifts to kneel next to Miles when he sits up. ]

Then I presume we are successful.

[dendarii]

[ That's still weird. He tries not to look too much at his surroundings; it makes him go a bit cross-eyed. ]

Yes ... for whatever reason, this particular height is easier to maintain. I don't feel like I'm holding it in place.

[scienceping]

[ Spock stays still for him at least. ]

Most likely due to your increased bone density.

[dendarii]

Probably. It's strange not having that ache.

[ He's also managed to smooth out his proportions a bit, same as he did when he'd initially used his power to get taller. His head is the right size for his body and his spine is straight.]

[scienceping]

... Can you stand?

[dendarii]

Hang on ...

[ That's ... going to take some doing. Realigning his balance is still finicky. ]

[scienceping]

[ Spock reaches out, offering his hand for balance if needed. ]

[dendarii]

[ Miles gladly and gratefully takes it. But there's a component to this whole thing that Miles hadn't even realized, due to all his previous practice sessions being done entirely alone. One: he can affect other people's heights too, as long as they're touching him. And two ... In a situation like this, where Miles' control is all over the place and he's built up a lot of energy, he can discharge it to someone else.

All that is a fancy way of saying that Spock snaps instantly to Miles' current height. Miles' eyes widen - he clearly hadn't intended this at all. ]

[scienceping]

[ Spock clearly hadn't either, eyes widening to match Miles'. He's still kneeling, holding onto Miles' hand as he takes in the new position ... or size, rather. ]

... Fascinating.

[dendarii]

[ Miles' grip suddenly tightens, like he's scared of what will happen if he lets go. He doesn't want to find out. Can he strand someone at the wrong size? Oh god, this is not a scenario he thought he'd be dealing with. ]

I didn't - I'd never - I've never tried this anywhere near someone else.

[scienceping]

[ If Spock minds the sudden death grip, he doesn't show it. ]

Then this is a truly fortunate turn of events.