video; locked

[heliakal]

[ private to: Ivan, (Solid) Snake, Bruce, Miles, Gregor, Elizabeth, and Tony ]

So, about my secret identity. [ A small quirk of his lips - it's still odd to say it, but still, he should have done this months ago. ]

I know that I've already spoken to most of you about this, but not in a whole lot of detail... the short of it is, I really need you to keep what you know about me to yourself, for your own safety. I thought it wouldn't be as much of an issue here, but there are some things I didn't take into account.

[ Namely, his family showing up, and the fact that Superman is a lot more popular than he imagined. It was one thing, when the worst he had to worry about was maybe the Ingress pulling Faora out of the phantom zone, but that's just in his corner of the universe. Suddenly there are a lot of people who might have a bone to pick with him, and anyone around him.

But mainly, there are things that only Superman can deal with. He needs his own space to maneuver just as much as Clark needs the space to be, well, Clark. ]

I've got a second ID on the network now, under Superman. If I'm out in that suit, I'd prefer if you called me that, or Kal, instead of Clark. [ He rubs the side of his neck. Theoretically, asking people to call him Superman is a thing he'll eventually get used to. ] Mostly it's there if anyone needs to contact me in case of an emergency, or if there's anyone you know who might need my help.

If anyone asks, there's nothing special about Clark Kent. I'm sure there are some questions, and I'll answer them, but suffice to say, the less people know about what I really am for now, the better.

Oh, and if anyone else shows up and mentions Superman or the Justice League, I'd appreciate a heads-up. Thanks.

Comments

[heliakal]

Well -- sort of, yeah.

[ Clark shakes his head. ] Look, this was a big enough deal when we talked about it, so try not to give him a hard time.

[whatdidisay]

You've never had a cousin, have you?

( because giving each other a hard time is what ivan and miles do best. miles is far more successful at it, though. )

[heliakal]

[ Well, actually...

He smiles a little. ] Alright, point taken.

[whatdidisay]

I, uh. I'm glad? I guess, even though really you should be convincing him to have kids as soon as possible. I don't want to be Count Vorkosigan. Or, you know--

( the other thing )

[heliakal]

I appreciate that. And - I know. I wouldn't want you to be forced into that position.

I don't think you'll really have to worry about it, though. It's not like I can come back to Barrayar when this is all over.

[whatdidisay]

Well you could, but I don't know how anyone would take the whole ( he gestures at clark ) thing.

( he already offered to take elizabeth back to his universe when this is all said and done. not just on barrayar, but anywhere in the nexus she wanted to go, even if he couldn't follow her. )

[heliakal]

[ Clark raises an eyebrow. ] You can say 'journalist,' it's not a dirty word outside of Barrayar.

[whatdidisay]

I was going to say capable of flying and punching things really hard, but yeah, that too. ( ivan grins. ) Actually, that might you get into more trouble. We can at least use someone like you in the military. The Cetangandans wouldn't know what hit them the next time they try to stick one to us.

( you can take the vor off barrayar but you can't take the vor out of the man. )

[heliakal]

And that's exactly why it wouldn't work. I'm no one's weapon. [ Said frankly, without sentiment. ]

Besides, I have to go back. I can't leave Ma. You're welcome to come back to my version of Earth - you all are - but I don't expect that you'd take me up on it either.

[ Gregor would never, and neither would Miles, and Ivan is just as Barrayan no matter how much he wants to avoid the 'camp stool.'

He's trying not to think about this too much, all told. After months on the ship, going home and saying goodbye at any time still seem like far-away concerns. ]

[whatdidisay]

Except your own, of course. ( ivan blinks at the mention of clark's mother. for some reason he just assumed that he didn't have one. ) Ma... Kent?

Going to have to pass up on meeting your mother, Clark. I want a job when all is said and done and if I go on unsanctioned world hopping, I'm definitely going to be listed as AWOL.

( duty, honor, blah blah blah vor. )

[heliakal]

[ Clark's brow furrows, his shoulders tensing a little like he's bracing for a fight he isn't sure he wants to have. Ivan isn't exactly wrong, but that's not... He's not a weapon at all.

In the end, he doesn't respond to the first part, but the second gets a small nod. ]

Well, if you ever change your mind, she makes a mean apple pie.

[ Apple Pie > Vor Stuff ]

[whatdidisay]

I'll keep it in mind. Thanks, Clark.

( he's not wrong. )