Mark Pierre Vorkosigan / "Peter Kane" (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
jacksonian) wrote2016-03-05 11:05 am
jacksonian) wrote2016-03-05 11:05 am
Entry tags:
contact post
[ voice / video / text / in-person ]
[ so about like five or so hours after Dorian & Mark's conversation, he just sends Mark a text that's 100% just recommendations. ]
Important books: The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde. Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, Lord Byron. Dracula, Bram Stoker. Anything by William Shakespeare, though I prefer Hamlet. Whatever John Keats poetry you can get your hands on. A note: Stoker's wrong about some aspects of vampirism but it's still a damn good read.
Books that I like that most people know nothing about: À rebours, Joris-Karl Huysmans. Manon Lescaut, Abbé Prévost. Mademoiselle de Maupin, Théophile Gautier. I'm sure you can find a decent translation somewhere. Otherwise, I hope you speak French!
Music: apologies in advance, this is all over the place. Everyone will tell you to listen to the Beatles but honestly, the Rolling Stones are better. The Beatles only are good near the middle of their run, early Beatles and late Beatles are absolute shit. Other good bands of note are the Kinks, the Who, Tom Jones, Dusty Springfield, and the Yardbirds. I've also got a slight soft spot for the 1980s, especially Talking Heads, Adam & the Ants and (don't laugh!) Culture Club. If you care to dip into opera, Wagner's Tannhauser is a classic.
Finally, I hope you have enough time to listen to this!
[ because attached to the text is a link to a knockoff spotify playlist that's just like the greatest hits of every band that Dorian rambled about as well as just some various 1960s and 1980s one-hit wonders, all exceedingly mod/British invasion or kind of ridiculous 1980s post-punk. ]
Important books: The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde. Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, Lord Byron. Dracula, Bram Stoker. Anything by William Shakespeare, though I prefer Hamlet. Whatever John Keats poetry you can get your hands on. A note: Stoker's wrong about some aspects of vampirism but it's still a damn good read.
Books that I like that most people know nothing about: À rebours, Joris-Karl Huysmans. Manon Lescaut, Abbé Prévost. Mademoiselle de Maupin, Théophile Gautier. I'm sure you can find a decent translation somewhere. Otherwise, I hope you speak French!
Music: apologies in advance, this is all over the place. Everyone will tell you to listen to the Beatles but honestly, the Rolling Stones are better. The Beatles only are good near the middle of their run, early Beatles and late Beatles are absolute shit. Other good bands of note are the Kinks, the Who, Tom Jones, Dusty Springfield, and the Yardbirds. I've also got a slight soft spot for the 1980s, especially Talking Heads, Adam & the Ants and (don't laugh!) Culture Club. If you care to dip into opera, Wagner's Tannhauser is a classic.
Finally, I hope you have enough time to listen to this!
[ because attached to the text is a link to a knockoff spotify playlist that's just like the greatest hits of every band that Dorian rambled about as well as just some various 1960s and 1980s one-hit wonders, all exceedingly mod/British invasion or kind of ridiculous 1980s post-punk. ]
[ And he just stares at this, and looks at the playlist, honestly kind of...flummoxed. This is so much. Not in a bad way, either. There was genuine effort put into this. That's - It's not touching, exactly, but...But it's really a lot. It's really kind.
Damn. ]
I do speak French, that's not a problem. Can you triage the books? Just so I know what to start on first?
Damn. ]
I do speak French, that's not a problem. Can you triage the books? Just so I know what to start on first?
[ She's just getting right to the point. ]
You got that portfolio made yet?
You got that portfolio made yet?
on break, using abbreviations bc too many long names
- Talked with Greg Vorthys, didn't mention you, played it off as me being nosy. G was obviously lying throughout, didn't give full story, which only makes me wonder what's really going on. Definitely more with G, Naismith and Lucifer than meets the eye, don't know specifics. Can bother L himself if you wish.
- According to G, N is persuasive and talked his way to the admiral position. Described as very moral, very Icarus. G implied that if N made deal with L it would be for fame. Could possibly work with this if needed, as I am very famous and know people with tv shows. I believe there's a grain of truth but also that G is lying out of his ass wrt most of what happened. Damned good at talking w/out saying anything.
- N is a clone. Clone of some person named Miles Vorkosigan? (sp?) Other V family members here, shall check them out later. Got into metaphysics of clones it was WEIRD. You're falling headfirst into sci-fi bullshit, out of my wheelhouse. I'm more gothic bullshit.
- implied that N wouldn't take it well if I implied clones were lesser? obvs means I'm going to do it, perfectly fine getting punched if you want more info.
On another note, G likes sweet drinks. Order him gimlets or a long island iced tea if you're ever at a bar with him, they're sweet drinks w/killer alcohol content.
xoxo Dorian
- Talked with Greg Vorthys, didn't mention you, played it off as me being nosy. G was obviously lying throughout, didn't give full story, which only makes me wonder what's really going on. Definitely more with G, Naismith and Lucifer than meets the eye, don't know specifics. Can bother L himself if you wish.
- According to G, N is persuasive and talked his way to the admiral position. Described as very moral, very Icarus. G implied that if N made deal with L it would be for fame. Could possibly work with this if needed, as I am very famous and know people with tv shows. I believe there's a grain of truth but also that G is lying out of his ass wrt most of what happened. Damned good at talking w/out saying anything.
- N is a clone. Clone of some person named Miles Vorkosigan? (sp?) Other V family members here, shall check them out later. Got into metaphysics of clones it was WEIRD. You're falling headfirst into sci-fi bullshit, out of my wheelhouse. I'm more gothic bullshit.
- implied that N wouldn't take it well if I implied clones were lesser? obvs means I'm going to do it, perfectly fine getting punched if you want more info.
On another note, G likes sweet drinks. Order him gimlets or a long island iced tea if you're ever at a bar with him, they're sweet drinks w/killer alcohol content.
xoxo Dorian
[ Holy shit. Dorian really did it. And this is just a...treasure trove of information. For a moment, the clone feels completely overwhelmed, because there's just so much here. And offers of more. Dorian is helping him. Really, really helping him. Just out of kindness.
Dorian Gray is officially the kindest and most helpful person that this kid has ever met in his life.
Reflect on that.
He reflects a few moments on what he can do to repay Dorian. For all of this. Well, information is the best currency, isn't it? For a moment, he genuinely considers spilling something really good, that Dorian will really care about - that Gregor is Emperor, for example - except that that'll screw him over. He goes for something a little smaller than that. ]
I talked with Naismith a little bit too. The thing is, he told me he isn't a clone, that that's just a cover story. He's actually Miles Vorkosigan and just pretending to be someone raised for clone brain-transplant. I bet Greg is in on it, too, and wants to mislead you deliberately...Which means you can't trust Greg either.
Dorian Gray is officially the kindest and most helpful person that this kid has ever met in his life.
Reflect on that.
He reflects a few moments on what he can do to repay Dorian. For all of this. Well, information is the best currency, isn't it? For a moment, he genuinely considers spilling something really good, that Dorian will really care about - that Gregor is Emperor, for example - except that that'll screw him over. He goes for something a little smaller than that. ]
I talked with Naismith a little bit too. The thing is, he told me he isn't a clone, that that's just a cover story. He's actually Miles Vorkosigan and just pretending to be someone raised for clone brain-transplant. I bet Greg is in on it, too, and wants to mislead you deliberately...Which means you can't trust Greg either.
[ Uh.
This is not a message he likes. Doesn't matter the source. It is very, very much not a message he likes. And so, a little dry-mouthed, he mumbles: ]
Uh - who is this?
This is not a message he likes. Doesn't matter the source. It is very, very much not a message he likes. And so, a little dry-mouthed, he mumbles: ]
Uh - who is this?
[There is a message on the clones' answering service that is possibly the last one he ever wanted. There was no mistaking the peculiarly rasped baritone, nor the command in the businesslike tone, even if Peter hadn't studied it.]
Mr. Kane, I require your attention this afternoon. Please call back promptly.
Mr. Kane, I require your attention this afternoon. Please call back promptly.
[ Oh.
Oh.
The sound of that voice makes him feel ill. Makes sweat bead on his forehead. Of course he knows the voice - how many videos did he study, listening to that voice? Public speeches, communications on the comconsole. Intercepted tight-beam transmissions, sometimes, the voice lowered in intimacy. Not often. Sometimes, though. It's a businesslike voice, now, but it's no less terrifying for being clipped and neutral than it would be thundering in rage or whispering in menace.
Privately, the clone wonders if this is the beginning of the end.
What could it be for? Will he ask to meet in person? What if he does? What if it's a trap? What if he's found out? What will he do? What will the repercussions be for him? The clone, insanely, thinks of calling up Lucifer and begging him for sanctuary and mercy. Hide me now. Act now against them. Destroy them, you have to destroy them, before they kill me.
He doesn't. Instead, he does the rational, reasonable thing: he pretends he never got that call and doesn't call back. ]
Oh.
The sound of that voice makes him feel ill. Makes sweat bead on his forehead. Of course he knows the voice - how many videos did he study, listening to that voice? Public speeches, communications on the comconsole. Intercepted tight-beam transmissions, sometimes, the voice lowered in intimacy. Not often. Sometimes, though. It's a businesslike voice, now, but it's no less terrifying for being clipped and neutral than it would be thundering in rage or whispering in menace.
Privately, the clone wonders if this is the beginning of the end.
What could it be for? Will he ask to meet in person? What if he does? What if it's a trap? What if he's found out? What will he do? What will the repercussions be for him? The clone, insanely, thinks of calling up Lucifer and begging him for sanctuary and mercy. Hide me now. Act now against them. Destroy them, you have to destroy them, before they kill me.
He doesn't. Instead, he does the rational, reasonable thing: he pretends he never got that call and doesn't call back. ]
[ No. He doesn't even really recognize it. He thinks Rincewind is drunk. ]
Uh - oh. Asking for money?
Uh - oh. Asking for money?
[ At some point after he starts working with Gregor and taking on the Dendarii finances, Mark gets a text message: ]
Hi Peter, you up for lunch today?
Hi Peter, you up for lunch today?
[ Why...? He looks down at the text and wonders what she wants. Why she'd be asking this. How much does she remember? How much has she told? He's afraid of Countess Vorkosigan - terrified of her, completely and utterly, and knows he should pretend to be busy. That would be the only smart thing.
But he remembers that warmth, that kindness - that apparently unfeigned maternal love...Apparently unfeigned, of course it was fake - it had to be fake, obviously - no one actually feels that for him...But there's an ache of longing in his hands, a desperate need. And so he types back - and immediately regrets it - ]
I don't have obligations. Why?
But he remembers that warmth, that kindness - that apparently unfeigned maternal love...Apparently unfeigned, of course it was fake - it had to be fake, obviously - no one actually feels that for him...But there's an ache of longing in his hands, a desperate need. And so he types back - and immediately regrets it - ]
I don't have obligations. Why?
[ He almost laughs when he gets this text. This is the worst time. Everything's about to blow up. And getting a friendly text at a moment like this -
Still. He doesn't want to ignore it. Even though everything is probably about to blow up. And how the hell does he answer that question? But in the back of his head, he can't help but think of Petyr Baelish as maybe useful, and so it's against his instincts to not answer. ]
Things are busy. You?
Still. He doesn't want to ignore it. Even though everything is probably about to blow up. And how the hell does he answer that question? But in the back of his head, he can't help but think of Petyr Baelish as maybe useful, and so it's against his instincts to not answer. ]
Things are busy. You?
[ An hour or so passes before he responds: ]
Yeah. I made it to the safehouse. Lucifer hasn't come yet.
Thanks.
Yeah. I made it to the safehouse. Lucifer hasn't come yet.
Thanks.
Lord Mark, this is Commander Spock. I am hereby submitting a requisition for additional funds in order to obtain equipment for the purpose of replicating medical materials by request of Lord Vorkosigan and Emperor Vorbarra. As this request may be limited by a possible deadline, I will expect a prompt reply. Should you desire, I can provide additional information. Thank you.
[ Lord Mark. He does like hearing that.
He calls back within a few minutes. ]
He calls back within a few minutes. ]
[ She has apologies to make, ok, so he's another person getting an awkward voicemail. ]
So, Mark. Hi. Hawke here. [ She's bad at these. Give her a second. ] I just wanted to let you know I'm not... that... anymore. I'm sorry. I'm fairly certain I was rude to you and you didn't deserve it. Just thought you might want to know.
So, Mark. Hi. Hawke here. [ She's bad at these. Give her a second. ] I just wanted to let you know I'm not... that... anymore. I'm sorry. I'm fairly certain I was rude to you and you didn't deserve it. Just thought you might want to know.
[ He calls her back. When she picks up, though, he just asks: ]
Is there anything else you need around the farm?
Is there anything else you need around the farm?
[ A fancy package arrives for Mark with an attached envelope sealed by a wax mockingbird sigil. The letter itself is penned in fancy cursive: ]
I am not quite certain how I should address you, so for the sake of not causing discomfort, I will leave that up to you to tell me when next we speak. I merely wish to thank you for your advice early on in the race and your intended support. I realize things were difficult for you, and should you need anything from me, I would be more than happy to provide.
I do hope you will still consider supporting me in this upcoming election. And please enjoy my gift in the meantime (I went with chocolate as you had suggested).
Sincerely,
Lord Petyr Baelish
I am not quite certain how I should address you, so for the sake of not causing discomfort, I will leave that up to you to tell me when next we speak. I merely wish to thank you for your advice early on in the race and your intended support. I realize things were difficult for you, and should you need anything from me, I would be more than happy to provide.
I do hope you will still consider supporting me in this upcoming election. And please enjoy my gift in the meantime (I went with chocolate as you had suggested).
Sincerely,
Lord Petyr Baelish
[ Uh, chocolate? Cheese? UH, NO BRAINER. ]
You have my vote.
You have my vote.
[It takes a little while to get to him-- Mabel sends it via flying pig courier, and neither the girl nor the pig had any real idea where his office was. Mabel had even sort of neglected to get his name except via network tags. But eventually! Eventually he gets a very official looking envelope with a very official bit of paperwork contained within.
Mabel Pines has no idea what a cost/benefits analysis is.
But she does know that when it doubt, send gifts. So along with the paper comes a six pack of fancy cream soda in various flavors. A further gesture of apology, to help mend clone-Pines relations. ]
Mabel Pines has no idea what a cost/benefits analysis is.
But she does know that when it doubt, send gifts. So along with the paper comes a six pack of fancy cream soda in various flavors. A further gesture of apology, to help mend clone-Pines relations. ]
[ Hah. Never let it be said that Mark isn't an asshole, but also never let it be said that Mabel Pines can't win over even the assholiest. And so he gets that, and in spite of himself he laughs (not in public, god not in public, let it never be revealed that he actually laughed) and then he texts her back: ]
I can't quite agree with your business plan. I'm more of a dog person. But I liked the soda a lot. And I think the pig-courier business might have a future.
I can't quite agree with your business plan. I'm more of a dog person. But I liked the soda a lot. And I think the pig-courier business might have a future.
[ Mark's heart squeezes when he hears this. And he responds at once - because he can't take it for granted - ]
Who?
Who?
To Lord Mark,
I would gratefully ask for your presence at an audience at the ambassador's office in De Chima, at your leisure. I have some matters which I should be grateful to discuss with you.
Yours gratefully,
Ambassador Lucy Pevensie of De Chima
I would gratefully ask for your presence at an audience at the ambassador's office in De Chima, at your leisure. I have some matters which I should be grateful to discuss with you.
Yours gratefully,
Ambassador Lucy Pevensie of De Chima
[ Oh shit, he thinks, what did I fuck up.
And then he thinks, Do I have to respond by letter? A multimillionaire he might be, but the thought of spending money on an envelope and stamp when an email would be free...Damn it. Plus what if his response gets lost in the mail? What if he ends up preceding his letter? Why couldn't she have just called? ]
Ambassador Lucy,
I'll be by at 9 am on October 1st.
Lord Mark.
And then he thinks, Do I have to respond by letter? A multimillionaire he might be, but the thought of spending money on an envelope and stamp when an email would be free...Damn it. Plus what if his response gets lost in the mail? What if he ends up preceding his letter? Why couldn't she have just called? ]
Ambassador Lucy,
I'll be by at 9 am on October 1st.
Lord Mark.
Hello. [ A long pause. It was too late to go back now, she already started speaking, and calling this an accident would be an obvious lie. She never does anything without prior thought, perfectly calculating her every move. But as of late, that part of her was faltering. Reaching out to him, for reasons she couldn't quite understand herself, other than she was feeling... lonely? She cleared her throat, doing her best to focus on anything but the nagging emptiness she felt. ]
I apologize for our last encounter, I wasn't being objective. [ Remembering their last meeting made her stomach churn, to think she let herself stoop so low to let her feelings cloud her judgment. When she speaks her voice shifts, taking on a much darker tone. ] It won't happen again.
Do you have time for a quick consult?
I apologize for our last encounter, I wasn't being objective. [ Remembering their last meeting made her stomach churn, to think she let herself stoop so low to let her feelings cloud her judgment. When she speaks her voice shifts, taking on a much darker tone. ] It won't happen again.
Do you have time for a quick consult?
[ He doesn't really know what she's apologizing for. Being upset? There's nothing to apologize for. She was exploited all her life - being upset over that is reasonable, not - failing to be objective...But regardless, he isn't exactly upset at the thought that their next meeting will be a little bit less emotionally fraught. ]
Yeah. I have time. You can come by my office, if you'd like.
Yeah. I have time. You can come by my office, if you'd like.
[ To paranoid, anxious Mark, that sounds really bad. ]
Sure. Like what?
Sure. Like what?
My dear Mark! [ already be worried. ] I've got to say, I've supremely appreciated your financial acumen these past few months—you've got a good head on your shoulder. That being said, my finances are...ah, going to take a bit of a hit soon.
Any advice on any new projects I might benefit from?
Any advice on any new projects I might benefit from?
[ Oh, hey, it's Dorian. With...bad news? ]
Sure. I can draw up a list. What's happened?
Sure. I can draw up a list. What's happened?
To: Lord Mark Vorkosigan, Chief Financial Officer of the Dendarii
from: Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan, lately knight of the Lion to Her Grace, Ambassador Lucy, Queen of Narnia.
Greetings.
I have recently commissioned a stunner from one Commander Spock of the Dendarii's Research and Development division. Having been notified of its completion, I was directed towards you for the financial transaction.
The blessings of the gods on you and yours,
Lady Knight Keladry, of Mindelan and Tortall.
from: Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan, lately knight of the Lion to Her Grace, Ambassador Lucy, Queen of Narnia.
Greetings.
I have recently commissioned a stunner from one Commander Spock of the Dendarii's Research and Development division. Having been notified of its completion, I was directed towards you for the financial transaction.
The blessings of the gods on you and yours,
Lady Knight Keladry, of Mindelan and Tortall.
[ Mark frowns very slightly to himself. But he sits down and does the calculations, and in the end he writes back considerably more tersely: ]
$8500
$8500
look what you're missing
[ attached is a photo of a pretty smiling woman with a truly monstrous pizza ]
[ attached is a photo of a pretty smiling woman with a truly monstrous pizza ]
[ no
no
nO
Oh god
He could start crying, because that photograph is pretty much everything he desires in the world. But he's savvy enough to be suspicious: ]
What's the hustle?
no
nO
Oh god
He could start crying, because that photograph is pretty much everything he desires in the world. But he's savvy enough to be suspicious: ]
What's the hustle?
Hello, Mark -- this is Doctor Chilton. I am checking in on you.
[ Oh. Why? Is something wrong? Mark listens to the message with a little bit of worry, until the thought crosses his mind - maybe Chilton is being completely honest? Maybe he truly is just checking in...? Is that the professional thing to do?
Mark rubs at the back of his neck. He wishes he knew how to navigate any relationships. Personal and professional both.
He rehearses his response a few times before he actually sends it back. Consequently, there's a slight artificiality to the way he sounds. ]
Hi, Doctor Chilton. I'm doing fairly well. The weather's been nicer lately. And I did what you recommended.
[ Nailed it. ]
Mark rubs at the back of his neck. He wishes he knew how to navigate any relationships. Personal and professional both.
He rehearses his response a few times before he actually sends it back. Consequently, there's a slight artificiality to the way he sounds. ]
Hi, Doctor Chilton. I'm doing fairly well. The weather's been nicer lately. And I did what you recommended.
[ Nailed it. ]
guess what im wearing right now
hint its nothing
hint its nothing
[ Fifteen minutes of panicking and nervous twitching later, he manages to text back a cool (cool?) -- ]
Okay. So what?
Okay. So what?
Are you done yet? I'm getting cold.
[attached: photo. Newt knows his audience. No awful dick pics for his nerd. Instead, the camera's been propped up across the room and set on a timer to give him a full body shot. He's leaning in the open doorway of what is probably a closet, unlaced Doc Martens on his feet and an oversized parka pulled over him, with the massive hood shadowing his cocky grin, and the front of it left unzipped and open. The rest of Newt, largely tattooed with colorful Kaiju, is nude.]
[attached: photo. Newt knows his audience. No awful dick pics for his nerd. Instead, the camera's been propped up across the room and set on a timer to give him a full body shot. He's leaning in the open doorway of what is probably a closet, unlaced Doc Martens on his feet and an oversized parka pulled over him, with the massive hood shadowing his cocky grin, and the front of it left unzipped and open. The rest of Newt, largely tattooed with colorful Kaiju, is nude.]
Please tell me that you don't have anything against ridiculous souvenirs.
[ Mark stares at this a long time. What is this - friendliness? A mistake? Finally, tentatively, he texts back. ]
I don't have any opinions on them.
I don't have any opinions on them.
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