(no subject)

[lapwing]

[On the network is what appears to be a young boy, about 12 or 13 years old. For a moment, he stares quite soulfully at the video output impossibly deep, black eyes, and then pokes at the screen with one fingernail.]

Not even a proper imp in there, how's that for you...?

[He pulls back and mimes clearing his throat. A voice far, far more booming than is fit for the child's face resounds across the feed.]

Right, broadcast. AHEM. This is just a friendly, non-suspicious question, inquiring on when the next coup or violent overthrow of this government is going to be. Not that I'm actually advocating it, I just know you humans really can't resist.

I'm pretty handy with a popcorn machine if anyone can provide good seats.

Comments

[dendarii]

...

Er. A bit more than that.

[jacksonian]

Then his power to piss me off doesn't really count.

[dendarii]

Whatever. Do as you like. But if he makes fun of you again all bets are off.

[jacksonian]

...What's that supposed to mean?

[dendarii]

It means I'm probably going to kill him. Even if he is friends with Kitty.

[jacksonian]

Uh...Literally?

[dendarii]

Probably not literally.

[jacksonian]

Yeah. But...You mean that if he makes fun of you again you'll kill him, right?

[dendarii]

No, no. If he makes fun of you.

[jacksonian]

[ Oh. Oh, um... ]

That's...stupid. I can take care of myself.

[dendarii]

Of course you can. But you're my brother, dammit.

[jacksonian]

Oh. I...guess. It's, um...It's still stupid, though.

[dendarii]

Like you wouldn't tear someone's head off for me.

[jacksonian]

What? No. Don't be stupid. I don't care.

[dendarii]

... Really. Not at all?

[jacksonian]

Uh...I mean, I'm not going to let someone screw with you or kill you or whatever. But that's just because - you know. I'm a Vorkosigan too.

[dendarii]

Just so. We're family. It's what family does.

[jacksonian]

...So you'd, uh...do it for me, too?

[dendarii]

Of course. In a heartbeat.

[jacksonian]

[ He can't completely hide his pleasure. ]

Oh. Well, good. Even if that is stupid.

[dendarii]

It's our kind of stupidity. That's the important part.

[jacksonian]

I guess there are worse types.

[dendarii]

Much worse types. This is a much better birthright.