[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

[open_sesame]

Where the stars are. But I didn't know ships could get up there. When you get too high the air gets too thin to breathe.

[dendarii]

More than that. There's no air at all. Or heat.

[open_sesame]

I've never gone that high to find out.

A ship that goes where the stars live, hmmmm....

[and peppermint mochas are done! yum yum, enjoy, uncle!!]

[dendarii]

[ hmm. he takes the cup. sniffs at it. takes a swig. ... not the worst coffee he's ever had. ]

How high do you usually fly then?

[open_sesame]

Me? Usually I like to be below the clouds so I can see what's going on below. And it's inefficient to waste the energy to climb higher anyway.

[sits and drinks happily]

It's warm~

[dendarii]

Very. Not sure about the flavor though.

[ he keeps sipping anyway ]

Some kind of vehicle I'm assuming?

[open_sesame]

Sometimes but not always. I'm a magician. I can fly on my own. But I do like using the turban Ugo gave me so others can ride along.

And I think the flavor is good! I've never had anything like this before.

[dendarii]

[ that makes miles stop and stare. ]

Um - wait, magic? Are you serious?

[open_sesame]

Is that strange?

[dendarii]

Y... yes. Very. Extremely.

... Can you show me?

[open_sesame]

After our drinks! If I do it inside people will yell a lot!

In return you have to tell me about your spaceship and your fleet! And how you built trust between yourself and your employer as a mercenary!

[dendarii]

... I'll tell you everything that isn't confidential. Deal?

[open_sesame]

Then you can watch me fly while you stay grounded~

[dendarii]

[ aww man no ]

Are you saying you could lift me if you wanted to?

[open_sesame]

That's easy, even with the limited power I have here.

[dendarii]

[ you can SEE him reconsidering. no, dammit, he can't betray his planet like that. or lie and say he's going to tell the whole truth. ]

Guess I'm stuck on the ground then.

[open_sesame]

Well, I'll also give you a ride if you'll be my friend.

[dendarii]

Well, sure. I'm surprised you don't have anyone else already.

[open_sesame]

I have a lot of friends.

[dendarii]

Then you're in the habit of collecting them?

[open_sesame]

I'm in the habit of liking people!

[dendarii]

[ a faint snort ]

A good habit to have. I get that way too.

[open_sesame]

I'd like to hear about your friends!

[dendarii]

[ all his friends, hmm. he thinks for a moment. ]

Well, there's Elena Bothari-Jezek, to start with. One of the commodores of the Dendarii, incredibly fierce soldier. And Gregor - you might have seen him actually. Barrayaran, we met in lockup on Jackson's Whole and kept in touch ever since.

[open_sesame]

Is Elena pretty?