[ audio ]

[signifies]

Who: Clark Kent and you.
Broadcast: Fleetwide.
Action: Aboard the Marsiva.
When: The week of his arrival.

I don't suppose I could click my heels three times. . . [ Only Clark gets his little joke. ]

I'll keep this brief. My name is Clark - I'm from Kansas.

[ He's been the new guy at work often enough to sound chill about this, but he is feeling a little shaky having woken up here in the middle of his workday. To top it off, not being able to hear his mother's heartbeat is jarring.

There's some stress baking in Clark's future. ]

What do you make of this place? I'm curious to know how it compares to where you come from.

Comments

[signifies]

[ He's not used to that. Clark has struggled, but he's never been totally powerless.

This is the first time someone's been able to put an implant in him. ]

I'll keep that in mind. Thank you.

[dothelokimotion]

[ So . . . baffling. ]

It is unnecessary to thank me over every little piece of information.

[signifies]

[ He chuckles. ]

It's all part of my cunning plan.

[dothelokimotion]

To disarm me with manners?

I'll give it this. It's . . . unique.

[signifies]

Aha, it's working.

[ Clark, no. ]

[dothelokimotion]

I did not admit that.

[signifies]

[ Just laughter. ]

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki huffs. ]

That's not enough, you realize.

[signifies]

I didn't say there was nothing else up my sleeve.

[dothelokimotion]

That seems like a strange place to put ideas.

[signifies]

Well, having one in my shoes doesn't have the same ring to it.

[dothelokimotion]

I'm not so sure.

I think you could pull it off.

[signifies]

[ He is extremely serious about this joke: ]

That's a lot of faith to put in me. I'll try not to disappoint.

[dothelokimotion]

Mmm. I am a little used to a little disappointment.

[ But it was nice to have a little banter. Not many people can do that with Loki. ]

[signifies]

We'll see how it goes, then.

Thank you. [ He adds quickly: ] This could have gone a lot worse for me.

[dothelokimotion]

[ A pause. ]

What makes you say that?

[signifies]

It's a long story. [ The last time he'd been on an alien ship, they'd taken his blood and invaded his mind. ]

I don't really like this implant.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki snorts lightly. ]

No. I doubt any of us like people in our heads.

[ He's had bad experiences with those as well. ]

But even Thor could not short it out.

[signifies]

Yeah. [ It doesn't surprise him to learn that Thor is real after meeting Loki. ]

It doesn't seem to be doing anything at the moment. I guess that's the best we can hope for.

[dothelokimotion]

I have not noticed any particular deleterious effects. And I would know. I imagine it would come into effect if I choose to rebel openly or pry it loose.

[ But alas, stabbing probably would not work. ]

[signifies]

I'll take your word for it.

[dothelokimotion]

[ A pause. ]

I . . . suppose you can.

[ but why. ]

[signifies]

[ He's cute.

Clark is probably the only person who would say that. ]

Then I will.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki's hesitation is audible. ]

You — You should not. On principle. I was not lying but it is . . . considered unwise.

[signifies]

Well, if you manage to stab me, I'll reconsider.

[ He's sure Loki means well, but Clark can use his own judgement. He knows what it feels like when someone wants to hurt him.

Anyway, he's not in danger now. ]