Hello everyone, thank you all for the reviews, they've really helped me out with where I want this story to go next. But before we carry on, there are some things that I wanted to address.
Number 1: other DC characters.
There will be a very small number of characters that will be added to this story later and it will only be small mentions or passing glances, we won't be seeing other heroes like Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Dr. Fate etc.
Superman simple doesn't need help as the Reapers pose very little, if any threat to him personally and when some of you said that Superman could take on all the Reapers, you were right. There's no need to bring in other characters in the present-day mass effect and beside, adding in other DC characters would take away from the Mass Effect Characters we have.
Number 2: Superman's Character.
As some of you have pointed out so far, Superman may be acting differently then you've probably expected. The reason for that is simple, when the regular Superman we all know and love is full of hope and a drive to help people. My Superman is different, while he used to be that way, he has changed with his age. This Clark Kent just reached his 120th birthday, everyone he has ever known when he was younger is gone and while that is young by the standards of the Asari and Krogan.
What makes him feel alien even to them, is his power. Due to his extended period of time within the glow of Sun light, His power is off the scale to what we would be used to and Superman in this story has realised that. This is the reason why he acts the way he does, because since the death of his wife 'Lois Lane' he slowly started to disconnect from people.
And that's what lead to where he is now. As far as Clark is concerned, he's a nigh immortal God like being with no attachments to the people. Which is where the whole Scholar angle in the last chapter came from. What else would he do in this situation if not to kill the boardem by learning and studying all he can about all the different peoples of the galaxy. That's why he's here now, to study and learn from the collectors and past them, the Reapers.
That is going to be his character arc for this story, can he learn to see the people around him as people who are worth saving and stop the Reapers from killing them or will he just detach himself from them and let them fight their own battles.
OK, bit of an explanation there but I wanted to get that out of the way. Anyway, enjoy.
"it's bigger than I remember" Garrus said as he and Clark walked in side by side through the Normandy's airlock.
"I've been told it's not the same ship" Clark informed as the decontamination process began "this one is just based on the design, though I do need to give it a real name at some point. Everyone's just been calling it the Normandy point two" he added as the door opened and the two walked in. And that was true, people were calling it that, just not to him. They said it to each other.
"Why not just make it official?" he said.
"well, isn't that just great" a voice Clark has only heard over the com say "just when I think I'd never have to see that ugly scaled face again. You come walking through my door" the turned to see the limping pilot of the ship come forward.
Clark tilted his head slightly, wondering where those words came from. But he found his answer when a chuckle left the newest crew member "and just when I think I'd never see the most broken, sorry excuse for a pilot again"
There was a moment of silence between the two before Joker reached out with his hand "its good to see you again Garrus" he said.
The sniper reached took the hand and shook it "you too Joker, though I've got to say. I didn't think I'd see you with Cerberus of all places" he added.
"I don't blame ya, I'll explain everything later when you have the time" he said before turning back to Clark "Sir" he said "same drill as before, when you want us to head out just let me know on the galaxy map and I'll get started" he finished before turning and heading back to the pilot's chair.
Clark turned back to face Garrus "shall we?" he said before heading further down the length of the ship.
"sir" the yeoman said as he walked past "you have new email at your private terminal" she informed.
"thanks Kelly" Clark said as he and Garrus walked by "I'll be by to check in a moment" he continued to walk towards the elevator "sorry do this to you Garrus but if you don't get checked up now, then the medic will come for you when you sleep" he added when the doors opened into the crew quarters "at least that's the impression I've been given" he added.
"I'm not sure how I feel about this" he said back calmly.
"Don't worry" Clark reassured him as they stopped in front of the infirmary door "I believe you're already acquainted" he finished as the door opened and Clark got his first look at the ship's medic, who was typing onto a nearby console.
"Doctor Chakwas" Garrus said with a surprised voice which caused the woman to turn and face the two.
Her eyes lit up and a smirk came on her face as she saw them "Mr Vakarian" she stood up and made her way over "it's good to see you again"
"you too Doctor" he stepped forward and reached out for a handshake. Clark had to admit, Garrus must be the first Turian to be this open with human gestures "first Joker, now you" he turned to look at Clark "and whatever in the spirits name you are. What is it that has everyone wanting to join Cerebrus?" he asked.
"well" she started placing her hands in her lab coat pockets "for myself and Joker it was having to deal with the Alliance just... spitting on Shepards memory" she frowned "everything he fought for, just forgotten. I couldn't let that go" she explained before looking over to Clark "I don't know why he decided to join the cause. Though I suppose it's too much to ask that you let me preform a physical on you as well, which is protocol" she said.
Clark smiled at her, while he was sure based on her body language that she wasn't really trying to spy or anything, it really did seem like she was just following the rules "you wouldn't be able to learn anything from me with the equipment you have here. Besides" he shrugged "I've been my own doctor for a while now" he turned to look at the Turian "I'll speak to you soon Garrus" he finished before turning to leave. Giving everyone that was present in the crew quarters a glance as he did, nothing really stood out, everyone that was just hanging around. Though he did notice that they were all looking at him without trying to make it too obvious.
He have gave a chuckle at that 'its cute' he thought to himself as he entered the elevator intending to go up to his cabin, planning on doing some more research. He still had so much on the Asari history to go over, he had to admit. While the Asari have the most peaceful history in Citadel space, which made then quite boring among the others. The origins of their religion where quite fascinating.
'pardon the interruption sir's the voice of EDI said through the com. Which was when Clark felt the elevator stop at the CIC deck 'but Executive Lawson and specialist Taylor are currently undergoing decontamination. Doctor Solus is with them" she informed.
'hhmm, I'm going to need to think of the next place to go soon' he thought to himself "thanks EDI" he said stepping out of the elevator and into the CIC "oh and send the rest of the dossiers to my terminal would you" he said.
'Understood sir, sending the files over now" she said before the conversation stopped.
Clark walked forward towards the terminal next to the galaxy map as he remembered that Kelly said he had a new email. Which he was surprised by, since he never rarely meets anyone worth emailing with. Though when he opened the message, a smirk came onto his face when he saw who it was from.
From: Aria T'loak
To: Clark Kent
What the fuck was that? It's not often I'm left feeling that satisfied. Who the hell are you? You're more than just a good fuck, I could feel that much. It should be impossible to just resist a melding like you just did. I don't know who the hell you are or how you did that but I promise you this you smug bastard. I will find out, you don't come onto my station and FUCK WITH ME LIKE THAT!?
Clark smiled as he read the message, he should have seen this coming. Aria wasn't the first Asari he's had sex with, there have been a couple that he's slept with.
In fact there was an Asari, the first one he ever met and they had... well you could call it a relationship if you stretch the definition a little. The point being he's had quite a lot of sex with the Asari and he learnt a thing or two about them from that. Both from talking the morning after with his respective partners or just extranet searches that he learnt, the most important part is that unlike ever other races he knows of, the Asari. For them Sex and reproduction are two different things.
But sometimes they can mix together without the Asari ever really meaning to. Since the Asria are mono-gendered, they get pregnant by melding their minds with others and the gist of it is that during that processes they subconsciously reach into the body of their partner, see what genes they want to take to make the strongest possible offspring. This is a part of their natural evolution, so they instinctively know how to do this. Now when an Asari have a particularly good round of sex, they lose themselves to the bliss of it all and meld without ever really meaning to.
Which is usually the case when it comes to sleeping with him, that's not because of that aura he has, no that just gets him attention from them. The reason he's such a great lay is because he's a master of self-control due to him spending his entire life never over exerting himself so he would never hurt anyone. Even to this day it's the same, except he doesn't live in a world made out of carboard but a galaxy and the people, they never change. They're as weak as ants, he squeezes a little too hard, loses himself to the moment for just one second and they just break.
But that's not the point, the point being that when he's with Asria. He does a good job in bed so they lose themselves to the moment and try to meld with him. Try being the key word. His DNA is just far to advanced and complex to be replicated by the melding, which is why it's always confusing for the Asria in question because the morning after and their senses return to them. They of course remember that they attempted the melding but they also know that it just didn't work, which is very confusing for them and of course when they ask, Clark not really wanting to out himself as not human, just shrugs in confusion. Which they can't really say anything back too, after all how would a regular human know anything about the melding?
From: Clark Kent
To: Aria T'loak
It's like I said, the Asari just can't seem to handle me. Don't worry, you're not alone in feeling the way you do. Do some research, I'm sure you'll find your answers.
Clark smiled as he sent the message back. He had to admit, he didn't really care about telling her to find out who he was, it wouldn't be hard. She knows the name 'Clark Kent' all she has to do is type the name onto the extranet and she'll find dozens of different sites and documents on 'The Superman' she'll probably want to speak to him again after that. To be fair to her though, she âıdoesn't seem like the type of person to try and manipulate him, she's a part of the type of people that just tells it how it is. She'll either want him to work for her and she'll ask what she has to do to get that, or she'll tell him to never come back. Either way he doesn't mind, it's not like she could stop him anyway.
"Sir" a voice said to his left. He turned and was faced with Miranda, Jacob and their target "this is Doctor Mordin Solus" she introduced "Doctor, Clark Kent"
Mordin placed his hand against his chin as he looked at Clark closely "hhmm, very similar to old pictures and vids. Signs of aging minimal, possible long-life span like the Asria and Krogan? Possible. But could also be a part of vast amount of physical power. Must ask, does every member of your species possess the same level of power or are you a unique member?" he asked.
Clark tilted his head at him, he had to admit. This guy was eccentric even by Salarian standards "so you believe them then?" he asked referring to whether or not he believed Miranda or Jacob when they told him about him being Superman and all that.
"I admit, was skeptical at first but worth a try at least" he reached to his side and pulled out his pistol "but have to prove it" without another word and before anyone apart from him could react he raised the weapon and fired right at his face. Clark had to give the guy credit; he was really ready to get proof. Even if it meant he might die. Which he just might as when he fired, almost everyone in the CIC stood up and aimed their own weapons at him. Clark raised his hands stopping anyone from shooting "and now I have the proof I need. You are indeed the Superman, STG agents came close to catching you a number of times. I have many questions I hope you will answer" he added.
"I'm sure you do" Clark said as he saw everyone put away their weapons "and while I'll be happy to answer some of them, I didn't ask you to be here so I could indulge your curiosity" he added "there was another reason"
"hhmm, yes. Collectors" he added placing his weapon back on his hip "been informed by Lawson and Taylor what has been happening to human colonies, troubling news indeed. Very unlike Collector behavior but not important right now. Need my help in stopping Swarms yes? Going to be working alongside yourself? Looking forward to the opportunity, going to need a lab" he spoke.
"we have a fully equipped lab on the combat deck, professor Solus. If you find anything lacking, please place a requisition order" EDI said speaking through the com system.
Mordin looked around for a moment trying to find where the voice was coming from "who's that?" he asked "Pilot? No. Synthesized voice. Simulated emotional inflections. Could it be... no. Maybe. Have to ask. Is that an AI?" he finally asked.
"indeed, it is" Clark nodded.
He had to admit though, Mordin did surprise him. Unlike spouting warnings and the normal paranoia that most had, he seemed relatively calm "An AI on board? Non-human crew members as well considering what I've been told about Arch angel. Cerberus more desperate than I thought"
Clark nodded "yes it would seem that way" he agreed "Jacob, if you escort the Doctor to his new work space. Once you get to the lab, you should find everything you need. I'll be joining you momentarily" he added.
Jacob saluted before turning away "follow me doctor, you're going to love it. We have all the toys"
Everyone was quite as they watched him walk away "I have to admit" Kelly spoke first "he's not what I expected" she said.
"I don't think anyone was expecting that" Clark added before he turned to face the XO "Miranda, do you have that report on the Collectors ready?" he asked.
Her back straightened as she stood professionally "not just yet sir" she spoke "it's taken longer than expected to gather the data from all our Sourses" she explained.
"can you give me an ETA?" he asked sticking a hand in his pocket.
Miranda was quite for a moment, Clark could tell that she was thinking about it "I could have it ready within a half hour give or take" she summarised.
"fair enough, I'll be by your office later" he said before turning away and heading for the bridge.
It was over time for a conversation with the ships pilot, nearing his target. Who turned in his chair in order to face him "Sir, it's good to finally meet you" he said respectfully "sorry for not being able to stand and salute but... well, you know brittle bones and all that" he added.
Clark looked at the man for a moment, taking a good look at him and even through him. It was true what he said, there was a large amount of bone degradation all around his body. Clark had to admit, he was very surprised to find someone like him in the military. Even if it was piloting. When Clark looked, it only took a second for his mind to process everything "yeah, so what do you think of the ship" Clark said as he stepped forward and stood beside his chair as he turned back to face front of the ship.
"oh this is a true beauty" he smiled rubbing his hands together "even better then the last one. It fits me like a glove, even leather seats, the Alliance couldn't give rats ass about comfort. But this, civilian sector comfort by design" he said with a sense of... well excitement.
Before Clark could say anything else back, EDI's hologram appeared on the left side of the cockpit, hovering over a terminal "the retrofits where not intended to be perfect, seamless improvements were made when this ship was designed" she informed.
"And there's the downside" Joker said with a small eye roll "I liked my ship when she was nice a quiet, now she's got this thing I don't want to talk about. It's like a ship cancer" he added glumly.
"ok" Clark spoke before EDI could try and defend itself "so you were with commander Shepard the first time around, right?" he asked.
Joker looked down for a moment before looking up again with a sad smile "yeah, I was the pilot back then. Took the commander wherever he wanted to go and personally debt the killing to sovereign, thank you, thank you very much" he humored.
"if that's the case, then why leave the Alliance? Much less, join their dirty rouge black ops group" he asked.
"well to be honest it was a way to get back at them" he admitted but when he saw Clarks eye brows rose, he elaborated "when I lost the first ship and Shepard along with it, a lot of us tried to continue to get us ready for the Reapers came. When we found out that the council was just sweeping it under the rug, I went to the Alliance, I called them out on their bullshit when they said they were doing the same thing. That was when they suspended my flying licence. They took away the only think that mattered to me, when Cerberus offered of course I joined" he explained.
Clark had to admit, this guy was very simple to talk too. He still hasn't brought up him being Superman or anything "fair enough" Clark nodded "Joker, separate us from the station and head towards the relay. But we're in no rush, take your time getting there. I'll give you the destination we need to go next within thirty" he instructed.
"yes sir" Joker said turning his chair around "disengaging docking clamps now" he added as Clark turned and headed towards the briefing room.
Clark leaned back against the wall of the briefing room, his arms were crossed as he starred at the centre of the table that stood in the middle of the room. He's been in there for ten minutes and forty-five seconds. To anyone else it would seem that he's just starring into space but if you looked closer, you could see just how quickly his eyes are moving. That's one of things about him that most people don't realize, when you have a mind as powerful as his, combine it with a photographic memory and a higher level of cognitive thinking then EDI. You get something very special.
To Clark, the room wasn't empty. In front of him were dozens of different boxes that where hovering in the air. These where not holographic images that EDI was projecting, this was all completely within his mind. The boxes had different labels attached to them 'space' 'engineering' 'history' 'species' 'Krypton' and a few dozen others. This was his way to secure information, all of his information, none of it was on the extranet, wasn't on any personal files, wasn't written down anywhere, it was all secured within his mind. A place no-one could ever hope to find it.
His eyes squinted slightly for a moment and the 'engineering' file was opened which led to a dozen other files, all of which was important but one was the source of his focus 'ship design' opening the file, he was met with a blue print for a ship he has been designing, within his own mind. He gained a small smile as he looked at the schematics in front of him, this was his baby.
It was a six-kilometer-long dreadnought that was one point seven kilometers high and nine hundred meters think. Not to mention that it was merged in with Kryptonian tech, it has everything a ship like this could need. He had no doubt in his mind that when this ship was completed, its weapons could tear through pretty much anything this galaxy could currently throw at it.
Not that it was perfect mind you, there were still things that he needed to work out, such as the power core. Thankfully the core is of Kryptonian design and power is not the problem, no that lay in how the power is equally distributed throughout the ship. Before he could think about it for longer. The door opened and Garrus walked in "sorry that took so long, the doc was not happy when she saw my new scars" he mused.
Clark mentally closed all the files before responding "she does seem the protective type"
"no problem though" he shrugged as he walked forward until he stood at the front of the table, opposite Clark "it gave me time to ask her some questions" Clark noticed the narrowing of his eyes when he looked at him "I'm sure you can imagine what the first thing I asked was" he said.
Clark nodded as he walked forward until he up against the table "I'd be very surprised if I couldn't" he mused.
Garrus nodded slowly "I heard a lot about you, when humanity first came onto the scene I and a lot of others now that I think about it thought you were some kind of godly figure" he explained.
Clark tried his best not to sight and roll his eyes when he heard that the only reason he didn't is because unlike with Miranda, Garrus wasn't trying to prove a point or get a rise out of him. He was just telling the truth and Clark did know about that, a lot of different aliens thought that he was some kind of religious figure "well I can't exactly blame you or them" he said back.
"I didn't think you could be real" Garrus said looking at him closely "how could one person exist with all that power inside them? How did he not take over and rule the human race through fear?" he listed out.
Clark shrugged "I like to think it was because I was raised right, by good people" he explained.
"but why now?" he asked back quickly as he started to walk around the table towards him "you've been here all this time, hiding away. Why come out of the shadows and do something now?"
"discovery" Clark said as he turned to face him "I meant what I said Garrus, I do consider myself a scholar and what else can a scholar do but learn and expand his knowledge. The Reapers" he spoke as Garrus reached him "I race of sentient machines that wipe the galaxy of all space faring life every fifty thousand years? I can't pass that up" Clark didn't notice it but Garrus seemed to pick up the small excited tone in his voice.
"so academic discovery" Garrus summed up "makes sense I suppose but why work with anyone, from what I've heard you could do all of this on your own. What's the point in working with anyone?"
"Just because I don't save people on the regular anymore doesn't mean I don't care" he spoke with a passionate tone "I'm here because if I learn more about the Reapers then that's great but if I do it with you and a handful of other aliens who can take that information and proof back to your governments about them so they can prepare themselves and don't go extinct. Well, that's two birds with one stone" Clark stopped speaking as he started to walk towards the exit "I look forward to working with you Mr. Vakarian"
"I never said I joined the crew" Garrus yelled after him.
"You didn't need to" Clark said as the door shut behind him.
Clark kept quite as he walked through the crew deck towards Miranda's office, he reached the door not paying attention to the others who were eating in the cafeteria. He lifted his hand and knocked; he didn't hear Miranda say come in. Which wasn't that surprising considering the door was think metal and not something people can hear other people from opposite sides. The door opened and he saw her sitting behind her desk typing into a terminal "Sir" she said when she saw him and he made his way over towards her.
"you know you don't have to call me sir, right?" he said as he stopped opposite her.
"while we're on this mission, you are my superior as well as everyone else on this ship, so you'll be treated as such" she explained.
Clark gave her a deadpan stare for a moment before speaking "just call me Clark, at least when we're alone" he said.
"yes si... Clark" she said "that fair I guess, it's just as well you're here" she said reaching to the side and grabbing a data pad "I've completed a report on Collectors you asked for" she added handing it over to him.
Clark grabbed it out of her hand and looked at it for a moment. The data pad showed a page of text that was set out like a basic file, on the bottom left he could see the information on the file itself, how many pages, words, what language was used etc. Without even really meaning too, he started to read through it. Once the first page was done, he moved to the next and again and again.
Before he knew it, the document was finished. He sighed as he past the data-pad back to Miranda "yeah, that was new but not really useful" he sighed before turning to his side and looking out the large window that was present within the room.
"wai... wha..." Miranda stuttered as she looked at the data-pad and saw that the file was on the last page "did you just... that document was"
"nine hundred and thirty-eight pages long" Clark said interrupting her "full of dozens of different references from different squads of soldiers, scientists, anyone who has seen or had an interaction with them. I'll think about that more later. Tell me about yourself" he said.
"I'm sorry, what?" Miranda said leaning forward slightly, clearly surprised by the sudden question.
"If I'm going to be working with you, I'd like to know more about you. Tell me about yourself" he said again.
"well, I suppose that's fair" Miranda said shaking off the shocked state she was just in "I've spent the last two years learning everything I could about you" she stood up and stood beside him "well, the most noteworthy quality about me is that I've had extensive genetic modification. Not my choice but I make the most of it" she explained.
"aahh" Clark exhaled as his head fell backwards "I knew there was something about you. Augmentation" he mused.
"what do you mean?" Miranda asked as she turned to face him.
His head snapped back in to place as he took a step back and took a good look at her "I've been around all different types of humans for a long time Miranda and I can tell you with a certainty that they don't get as perfect as you without a little help" she didn't blush, didn't stutter. She only raised an eyebrow "and then there's the smell to consider" he added.
"excuse me?" she asked with a low dangerous tone.
Clark gave her a small smile "oh don't take that the wrong way, your jasmine-combined-with-what-I-can-only-assume-is-an-alien-scent perfume is working very well for you. No, I'm taking about the deeper things. There was something off about you, I didn't notice it at first but when I saw how well he fought, biotics. No, that was just to good" he stepped forward and turned around so he was standing in front of her "I had some theories about how and augmentation was at the top of that list. So how... modded are you exactly?" he asked with a curious tone to his voice as he leaned back against the glass window.
She tilted her head at him before placing a hand on her hip and leaned to one side "a bit personal don't you think" she said back.
Now it was Clarks turned to tilt his head as he crossed his arms. True, all he had to do was look at her for a brief moment and I mean really look at her and he would have his answers but truth be told that was just too easy. Sometimes its nice to treat the world as if you can't just do whatever you want "that's fair, tell you what. I'll give you an answer for an answer"
He almost laughed at the expression on Miranda's face and he did hear her heart skip a beat "wait, just like that?" she asked with an amazed tone "I tell you about my modifications and you'll just answer any question I have?"
"yep" he said with a little pop on the 'p'
"deal" Miranda said quickly as she took a step back and sat on the edge of her desk "well, my modifications extend towards everything about me. My intelligence, reflexes, my looks. Its all designed to give me an edge, I'm very good at just about anything I choose to do" she added with a shrug.
Clark smirked at that "well you're certainly got some confidence to you" he couldn't help but comment.
"pot" she said back "how have you been? Don't you remember, its me kettle" she sarcastically spoke.
That even got laugh from Clark and she smiled herself "ok that's fair" he admitted "What question do you want to ask?" he said most likely already know the answer.
Not very surprisingly, she didn't say anything at first. Not wanting to waste the opportunity to ask Superman a question and getting an honest answer. Clark didn't know what she was thinking about but he could make a guess that was most likely correct "what is it like being you?" she asked.
Clark looked at her for a moment. For once since coming onboard, he was completely surprised "what?" he asked.
"what is it like being you?" she said again "being invincible, knowing that if you really wanted to do something, you most likely could, never having to worry about being hurt or injured, having the freedom to do whatever you want" she explained.
That honestly brought Clark up short, he really didn't see that coming. He expected her to ask about how he got his power, what the most powerful thing he's done was, the secrets of the universe. He didn't know that last one but he's heard people ask. But to hear someone ask what it was like to be him, well that was something new "well... err... difficult question" he mused with a smirk.
He remained quiet for a moment, deciding what the best way to answer would be. He took a deep breath before answering "it's not as good as you would think it is. Don't get me wrong, it's nice. Not having to worry about anything really, having the power I have... it's definitely the perfect security method. The problem with it is that over the years, things just got stale" he explained but seeing the frown of confusion on Miranda's face, he elaborated "the thing a lot of people don't realize about me is that I'm very very very smart. I mean you saw that when we first met, I took one look at you and I had a very good idea about who you where, I knew that from a two second glance. So, when you have a mind like mine combined with a life span as long as mine. I need something to end the stagnation, at least momentarily. When I don't have anything to occupy myself with, I Kinda a just make something up to keep myself busy. Before humans made contact with the council, I spent two years coming up with a mathematical equation to explain how the soul leaves the body after death" he added with a board tone.
"What!" Miranda interrupted him with a loud voice "you... you tried to prove the existence of the soul?" she asked with wide eyes.
"I didn't try" he added as he pushed himself up off the window "I succeeded. Anyway, thank you for surprising me Miranda. It's a rare thing for that to happen now a days, appreciate it" he headed towards the exit.
It was quite clear Miranda was too shocked to try and stop him.
"EDI" Clark said as he walked towards the lab "tell Joker to set course for the Citadel, we have a thief to recruit"
"understood sir" EDI said through the com.
The door opened and Clark stepped through and into the lab, Mordin already at work typing something up on the terminal on the main table in the middle of the room, though he looked up when Clark entered "well then doctor" Clark said as he walked forward and took off his coat and placed it on the back of a chair "shall we get started?" he asked.
Ok, guys let me know what you all think in the reviews down below. I have reached a small writer block about how certain characters should be included, like I want to include Jack in this but I don't think I could come up with a good reason as to why she would be needed, you know what I mean.
Anyway, I hope my notice at the top is understood well enough and I'll see you all in the next chapter.