video;

[heliakal]

[ Clark appears on screen wearing a recently acquired pair of glasses from the marketplace. He looks like a buff nerd irritated and uncertain. ]

I think something was delivered to me by mistake. [ He angles the camera so the fuzzy little bonsai tree in front of him is clearly visible. The leaves are covered in fur, it's actually sort of cute but... That tiny meowing sound? That's coming from the tree.

More specifically, from the little seed pods that contain live kittens. ]

If it belongs to anyone, I'll be happy to return it. [ Said mildly. He doesn't know yet if this is an alien species or something more deliberate, but he's trying very hard to give it the benefit of a doubt here. ]

In the meantime... Does anyone know what this is, exactly? Or how to take care of it?

Comments

[heliakal]

Where's the fun in that?

[whatdidisay]

I like fun, just not his kind of fun.

( because you end up as collateral damage that way. )

[heliakal]

[ Well being kidnapped probably puts a damper on things... ]

What kind of fun do you like?

[whatdidisay]

Women? ( wow, ivan, way to make an impression. ) Going out with my friends for a drink after a shift in Ops Hq. The nightlife of Vorbarr Sultana.

Normal things. Things that aren't going to kill me.

( probably. knowing barrayar, that's not saying much. )

[heliakal]

Well, if it's any comfort, I doubt he'll be getting you into the same kind of trouble out here...

[ So far, things have been peaceful. Clark is trying to be optimistic here. ]

And Ivan? Women aren't a hobby. I hope for your sake that you've been treating them with respect.

[whatdidisay]

Then you don't know Miles. Trust me, if there's a will there's a way with him. And probably when there's neither.

( someone, eventually, will tell someone else that the old folk tale about getting rid of an unwanted suitor by assigning them three impossible tasks should never be applied to miles vorkosigan. it's fucking true. )

My mother would skin me alive if she thought otherwise. Or throw me to Uncle Aral, like she used to.

( is this a lecture? this is.. odd. )