[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 whirls on him in alarm ]

Wait, don't --

[ ... Absolutely nothing happens. ]

-- let go. Ah. Hmm.

[scienceping]

[ He looks himself over, then at the surroundings which are still bigger. ]

Curious ...

[dendarii]

... Well, it's good to know that I don't need to maintain contact. But I'd be more relieved if you'd reverted back just now.

[scienceping]

Perhaps when you revert?

[dendarii]

Hopefully. Probably. Let's test it.

[ He relaxes a bit now, glad to be finishing this. Carefully accessing that part of his mind that has the both of them gently stuck at this level ... He loosens it a bit. That part's not an issue - the trick is that having Spock linked to himself adds extra pressure that he wasn't anticipating. It's rather like sliding down a hill of gravel, with Miles fighting for control all the way down.

In other words, the furniture is getting bigger for both of them, not smaller. ]

H-hang on - hang on, give me a second --

[scienceping]

[ That is slightly alarming, yes. But Spock isn't panicking yet, letting Miles have a moment to try and figure it out. When it looks like he's still struggling, Spock speaks in a low tone, nothing to jar his concentration. ]

Calm your mind, Admiral. There is no need to rush.

[dendarii]

[ Calm. Right. They aren't getting shot at; there's no one hunting for them. Hell, there's no one else even in the room with them. The only potential onlooker is Gregor, who is probably getting a weird mix of alarm from Miles right now. Deep breaths. Come on ... ]

Take my time, eh ...

[ Slowly, they come to a stop. And then, very slowly, he begins to reverse the process. It's kind of painful clawing his way back up now. But he's going to do it, dammit, and nothing in this universe or anywhere else is going to stop him.

After a few minutes, both of them are back to normal. Miles can feel his power popping back into place, like setting a dislocated shoulder. ]

[scienceping]

[ Spock didn't say anything else after that, letting Miles concentrate on the task. He's encouraged though when they start growing instead of shrinking. But that pained expression on Miles is worrisome. He continues to monitor him closely as they continue to grow, keeping half of his attention on their size, comparing it to what he believes is normal for them both. ]

[dendarii]

[ There's the faint sense of pressure releasing as they hit their normal baselines and stay there. Whatever connection was formed when Miles took Spock's hand, it's broken now. Miles is breathing hard, sweat beading on his brow. That took quite a bit out of him. More than he'd been expecting.

He straightens back up again, relieved to see everything back to normal proportions. Funny, it's one of the few times he's been grateful to be this tall. His vision blurs abruptly, and darkness threaten to invade from the corners of it. ]

I - I think I need some water --

[ He takes one step before collapsing bodily to the floor. ]

[scienceping]

[ Spock steps forward quickly to catch him—well, mostly catch him. Sorry about that wrenched shoulder, Miles. But Spock then carries him to the couch, picking him up easily with his own strength and Miles' diminutive size. After doing a cursory check to make sure Miles' breathing and pulse aren't erratic, Spock leaves him briefly to bring back water. ]

[dendarii]

[ Miles is ridiculously light; not only is he small, but his bones are so frail that they might as well be hollow. Stupid bird bones.

He comes around soon enough, mostly because his shoulder is on fire now, thanks. Then again if he'd hit the floor at full speed he might have broken something. He groans a bit as Spock returns with the glass. ]

Did I hit something--?

[scienceping]

You nearly collapsed to the floor. Sit up slowly so that you may drink.

[ Spock helps him to shift, keeping it slow. ]

[dendarii]

[ Still favoring that wrenched shoulder, he carefully sits up. Takes the glass with his good hand. ]

... Thank you. For catching me as well?

[scienceping]

I did, though I believe I may have caught you at an awkward angle. You appear to be favoring your shoulder ... my apologies.

[dendarii]

[ He shrugs a bit. Ow. ]

Better than breaking something. Bone density being what it is.

[scienceping]

[ Spock doesn't really have anything to say to that so he'll just hover a bit from a distance and quietly. ]

[dendarii]

[ The water helps considerably. He still seems pale as he leans back against the couch. ]

Well, we've both learned a great deal today, I think.

[scienceping]

[ Since Miles doesn't seem like he'll faint again any time soon, Spock backs off a bit, sitting on the couch by Miles' legs. ]

A considerable amount of detail.

[dendarii]

[ There's easily enough space for both of them. Miles waggles his feet a little. ]

Yes ... I won't deny that it's helpful. In the long run. And maybe you'll shock fewer people.

[scienceping]

As I hope you will be less prone to cause yourself injury.

[dendarii]

[ Miles makes a so-so gesture. ]

I'm not sure I can stop getting injured, Commander.

[scienceping]

Accidents and matters beyond your control are unavoidable, but I was referring to causing yourself injury.

[dendarii]

[ Miles just shrugs. ]

If I slowed down because of my physical body, I wouldn't get anywhere.

[scienceping]

[ Spock actually sighs, just barely, at that. ]

You are remarkably similar to Captain Kirk in both temperament as well s questionable judgement regarding personal safety.

[dendarii]

Captain Kirk, eh? Your commanding officer?