[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]

[ A flicker of relief that the link is open - and a wall of stubbornness from his end. A sudden sense of being at the edge of a long, deep well with no visible bottom. Miles' self worth - and self destructive tendencies - are not happy things to try and untangle even under the best conditions. ]

The more people that know, the more danger we're both in. Gregor, please.

[vorbarra]

[Earlier, Miles had felt fiercely protective of Gregor, seeing his worth as more than just what he can do for his subjects. More than just his station. Correspondingly, Gregor mirrors that now, though his own feelings burn low, a banked fire that can outlast smothering and flare up again later. Endurance rather than volume, but no less undeniable for it, laced with iron certainty.

The sort of strength that can let Gregor stand up to all the pressures of ruling without compromising his morals.]

I won't make any decisions on that for you, Miles. I do promise. [And another sense of a lock clicking, turning over, as that settles. This time intentionally.] But please think on it. We're not at home-- we are more free here. Some things are worth the risk.

[dendarii]

[ Miles' turn to take comfort from that warmth. It hurts to feel almost, especially in contrast with that dark well. Overwhelming, for a moment. He has to take a moment to draw in a shaky breath.

The lock clicking is almost startling, after that. So that's what it feels like ... He nods at last, acknowledging it. ]

Moderate freedom, eh. [ He'll take just as much time to warm up to being a normal person as Gregor will. ] ... I need another glass of wine.

[vorbarra]

[Gregor takes his turn pouring the wine for Miles into his glass, hands it to him, then lifts his own.]

To moderate freedom. That it may be enough for us, but not too much.

[Inside, in contrast, Gregor hasn't backed off from showing his absolute faith in Miles, a low solid current that since the Hegen Hub has carried him through some harder moments. Knowing that someone is on his side unequivocally, that at least one person wants him specifically as their emperor and their friend. Gregor can do no less than return that.]

[dendarii]

Agreed.

[ He takes half the glass in one long gulp. Lets himself curl up mentally to Gregor's faith so that it can warm him. Two glasses are going to be more than enough, he can just sense it ... ]

So much for only talking about happy things after the wine came out.

[vorbarra]

It's all right. It was my own decree, so I can break it.

[A pause.]

I'm not sure what we'd talk about if we limited ourselves to exclusively pleasant topics.

[dendarii]

... Making coffee? Plumbing?

[vorbarra]

[Gregor does actually brighten a bit.]

I've gotten quite good at the espresso machine. People tip me sometimes. Odd how satisfying that is.

[dendarii]

The Emperor of Barrayar, delighted by getting tips in a coffee shop. Ivan would be beside himself.

[vorbarra]

It's just so authentic, Miles. They tip me because I make their coffee well and quickly, no more or less than that. [There is definitely some alcohol-fueled verve behind this statement.]

[dendarii]

No, I completely understand. Not even disagreeing with you. Imagine if you went on to be a waiter ...

[vorbarra]

I'm not sure. Satisfying as the service industry is, it's a bit... Well. It's still serving. I think next I'd like to try something entirely different.

[dendarii]

... Business?

[vorbarra]

You sound like you have something in mind.

[Gregor offers him an open palm in a very Barrayaran gesture of go on.]

[dendarii]

[ It was only the whisper of an idea, but - the alcohol gives it a heady amount of fuel. ]

I want to give ImPorts an alternative. To - serving this government or being left without food, accommodation and medical treatment.

[vorbarra]

Ah-- yes. Conscripted, coercive service is abhorrent to me as well.

[Gregor says that casually, but it's a very Barrayaran attitude and it's not surprising that they'd share it. He has a special distaste for it as emperor, since he takes the government's role personally and taking advantage of those pledged to service is a fear that plagues him every day.]

[dendarii]

[ Miles agrees absolutely, from a different perspective. He'd desired the service with all his heart and soul - he'd just wanted a chance at it. Everyone else should have a chance for the life they choose as well. ]

My thoughts exactly. [ A pause. ] And - there are some very young people here who have difficulty finding work otherwise.