Post MoM AU, general post

[use_everything]

And then one day, it was over.

The memory of how it happened was hazy. Perhaps it was as simple as being ported out, perhaps there was a great experiment, bringing together physicists, chemists, alchemists and scientists to get something WORKING. But like the memories of that time, that other dimension, singular events come and go, like a dream, or an age past.

From the very start, however, there were changes.

Comments

[dendarii]

[ Good call, that. He relaxes instantly. ]

So this will be simple enough. Just ... be patient with me.

[use_everything]

We've time. [Nearly twenty more years, more than enough for anything that needed to be done.]

[dendarii]

[ Miles nods at that. ]

I suppose we've come nearly to the end of the future for you. [ A pause. Wait - he sits up with a jolt. ] -- What about Mark?

[use_everything]

Three months, two weeks and a handful of days. Most of the parts of the plan are in place... If things haven't changed too much. [There was a wrenching twist of old worry there.]

[dendarii]

[ A fresh twist from Miles, experiencing much the same thought for the first time. ]

Is that how long it will be? Until you can get him out?

[use_everything]

Indeed. We agreed on a time and place. We've held off all but preliminaries that wouldn't be noticed.

[dendarii]

Let me help. The Dendarii - we can get him out.

[use_everything]

[There's a pause, turmoil clear, churning along the link. At length,] Earlier is out of the question.

[dendarii]

[ Miles' determination is bright and fierce in return. ]

Fine. Same timing. But use the fleet, dammit. You have to admit there's no better distraction than me.

[use_everything]

... no....




No there isn't, is there. [It crackles like electricity, a spark of inspiration.] I think we've a very simple, very elegant plan with this turn of events.

[use_everything]

[He leans back, a certain pleasure of a plan coming together clear.]

The Dendarii would actually be a distraction. What we need most is you, as Lord Vorkosigan.

Would you be up to a little diplomatic trip to Komarr?

[dendarii]

[ Miles brightens at that, tuned towards Aral physically and psychically. Yes, he thinks he can see the plan too... ]

They won't be able to take their eyes off me.

[use_everything]

[He folds his hands, smirk sharpening.]

Certainly, some elements would find it downright offensive. It's brazen enough that the press would cover it without a single nudge, I imagine.

It would be risky, of course.

[dendarii]

The son of one of their boogeymen come in the name of diplomacy. I might even get an assassination attempt.

[ His excitement crackles over the link. For all that he just got done with this adventure ... well, he can't resist the promise of another. ]

[use_everything]

[Quite the elaborate one, at that. Still...]

Bring Sergeant Bothari along with you. [The man still had SOME ability to keep Miles on plan. Also one of the few he trusted with Mark.]

[dendarii]

Of course. No need to actually get assassinated.

[ It'll be nice to have Bothari with him again, given that he hasn't been along on Miles' Naismith adventures. Like old times. ]

[use_everything]

I'd like to avoid your first meeting ending with one of you dead, yes.

When we return, I'll show you the plans in detail.

[dendarii]

[ Miles can't help but smile at that bit of black humor. ]

... Please do. And anything else I should be caught up on now that I remember.

[use_everything]

Most of the things I knew about have happened. Mark is the only thing left of critical import.

We'll have the whole cell at once. I ah... may rely on you to make his transition easier. I doubt he will remember, yet.

[dendarii]

[ Poor Mark. Miles aches suddenly for him, longing to see him again. His brother needs to be safe and sound right now, dammit. ]

... No. No, I suppose he wouldn't. [ A pause. ] Do you really think I'll make things easier for him?

[use_everything]

I don't know. [It's honest, baldly so.] But, I think acceptance will be better, in the long run, than anything that can be dreamed of as a rejection.

[In a way, it's how he raised Miles, too.]

[dendarii]

[ Another bright burst of determination. ]

Then I'll do everything I can. I swear it.

[use_everything]

[Were it Cordelia, she might have narrowed in here. Noticed the potential, the types of personalities being dealt with on both sides of the line. She might have perhaps, cautioned "Just don't overwhelm him, chick. He's going to have enough of a time."



Aral is no where even in the same continent of observant as that. Instead, he just claps Miles lightly on the shoulder.]

Lets work on getting him home, then.

Anyone you'd like to work with? A few of your team would probably be an asset for undercover operatives.