My Good Side: tl;dr

20-21; My Good Side?
Some citizens have experienced becoming a different version of themselves but has anyone experienced meeting a different version? Not just any version either, supposedly the best version they want to be. She's smarter, he's prettier, she tells the truth, he has a heart. This other version arrives at midnight maybe with a polite knock on the door or they've already crawled into bed because it's their home too. What's a citizen to do?

While Chekov is fairly pleased with who he is (sometimes more pleased than he has any reason to be) and wouldn't change anything significant about himself if given the choice (aside from his height, perhaps), he certainly has an idealized sort of dream-self who will be making an appearance during this curse. The significant differences between Chekov and Other!Chekov don't reflect insecurities on Pavel's part; it's nothing more than wishful thinking and what-ifs.

It should come as no surprise that Chekov occasionally resents his physical appearance and age. He's short, young, a bit gangly, and generally adorable (which does have its advantages); to make matters worse, he takes largely after his mother. Pavel is from a society where the ideal male is traditionally masculine--tall and strong, not small and waifish. Therefore, Other!Chekov will look wholly different. He's the epitome of Russian maleness as Chekov sees it and, as far as the kid is concerned, that basically means Other!Chekov will look not unlike a younger version of his father, who is quite masculine in appearance.

I've chosen Walter Koenig (the original Chekov) as the PB for Other!Chekov because he has the right look and it amused me to do so. For the sake of this curse, let's pretend that Koenig is considerably taller than five-foot-five.

Other!Chekov looks somewhat older--mid-twenties, perhaps--and is a good six inches taller than his five-foot-seven (not Anton's real height, but he plays short) counterpart. He's broad-shouldered, sturdy, and has what Chekov would consider a very Russian face and complexion. He's boyish, but not adorable; his hair is not curly and fluffy.

As far as conduct goes, they're not too different: both are polite, have a penchant for drama, and balance a sense of futility with wry optimism. Both are undeniably Good and dedicated (perhaps to their detriment, but Chekov doesn't realize that), honest, and loyal. What Other!Chekov has that Pavel doesn't is a slightly more dignified and reserved air (as befits a soldier) and more social know-how. Better yet, he has a way with the ladies. (Chekov flirts almost unconsciously, but hasn't mastered the art of doing it on purpose; seduction isn't something he knows much about.) Other!Chekov is gentlemanly and respectful, but also a master of seduction.

(NOTE: By "master of seduction," I mean "master of seduction as Pavel understands it," which is probably not very... ah, seductive.)

Other!Chekov isn't as goofy or as easily distracted (although humor is still a prominent characteristic, since Pavel likes a good sense of humor), as he must maintain a dour Russian countenance at most times. His posture is military-perfect, he's composed, he's both brilliant and a more than capable fighter, and he is stubborn because that is also a desirable Russian trait. He's quicker to stand up for himself than Chekov is and more aware of the fact that one must be careful around certain people because certain people are dangerous.

What I'm saying is Other!Chekov is the most manly, the best at all of the things that Pavel is good at as well as the things he is not so good at, the finest soldier Starfleet could ask for, and the most Russian Russian of all time. I'm already annoyed by him.

Other!Chekov will not have certain qualities that Chekov doesn't mind in himself, but would exclude from a magical idealized version of himself: a willingness to engage in less-than-manly activities, puppy-like eagerness, a tendency to be less Russian or less himself to put others at ease and fit in, relentless forgiveness, a deficient ability to feel shame, and no desire to wear a false mustache.

It's important to note that Other!Chekov will be readily understandable instead of just-barely-speaking-something-that-sounds-like-English Chekov. He will still have an accent, but it will be a muted one. There will also be no 'v'/'w' transposition, making it possible for Other!Chekov to say words like invisible, vessel, Vulcan, and evacuation without sounding silly.

[video]

[Chekov, slightly disheveled, is seated in the cottage's living room (toying, of course, with a gadget of some sort, as the boy has difficulties being still and without a task. There's a stranger seated next to him. He appears slightly older, considerably broader through the shoulders, a good deal taller, and far less inclined to fidget than the eighteen year-old.]

I'm told that this is an acceptable way to address the City. [The stranger has a distinctly Russian accent. It is, however, far easier to comprehend than Chekov's.] My name is Pavel Chekov.

And I believe that you may be a version [wersion] of me from an alternate reality.

Or you may be a version [the 'v' is not mangled] of me.

Being older does not give you the right to be the original Pavel Chekov. Anyway, I think that this is a curse and you will leave in a day or so and I'll still be here.

[The two Chekovs are no longer making any attempt to address the camera. There's a palpable uneasiness between them--a silent war in the making. Both of them manage to remain relatively genial in both expression and tone, but the uneasiness is clear all the same.]

I almost envy you. If this is a cage, as you said, it's a very nice one. The vodka is good, all of the women are beautiful--

Of course the vodka is good; it's mine. Maybe you are older and better at fighting, but I know how to choose a good drink. [Chekov--the one the City is more accustomed to--grabs the bottle of Stoli from his counterpart.] You're far enough into the bottle. Give it to me.

As they say in Russia, "I don't need your valuable directives."

This is my home and my vodka. You should be more courteous.

If you were a better host, maybe... [Taller, less adorable Chekov ruffles the other Chekov's hair. The latter is not amused.] But why fight when we can settle this like men? One more fight, fists only. The winner gets to stay here and the loser goes.

[Chekov rubs a bruised cheek, sulky.] You have the advantage.

I was joking. Let's drink and be friends.

I would rather go running.

Please, do what you like. Perhaps I can become better acquainted with Misses Uhura.

Don't flirt with her--either of her. [Curly-haired Chekov sets his gadget and the bottle of vodka aside and moves out of sight. The other Chekov watches him curiously, reclaims the vodka, and takes a healthy swig.] I say that for her benefit and yours. She dislikes it.

Have a good run!

[A door slams. The remaining Chekov gives the camera an apologetic smile.]

Forgive Pavel's ill-humor; he may be mad at me for winning our sparring match. But, if you would like to talk to me, my humor is intact and I have little to do.


[ooc: Chekov isn't getting on well with his Good Side (if you want some tl;dr on said Good Side, it's right here). Actual!Chekov can either be action'd up while out or contacted via the network later on; Other!Chekov is free for network communication. If you fancy talking to both, that can happen later. Do indicate to whom and when your characters are replying!]

[COMMENTS]