hmmmmm.. did we ask nicely or did we use time zone peer pressure? And am I now gonna say that well, since you got this one out early.......
I continue to be so impressed with this. There's a lot of stuff going on in this story already and this chapter hit a bunch of points that (to me) seemed like they'd probably need to come up- or like, I'd have missed them if they didn't? Plus some things that I totally didn't think of, too. Lois needed that vent. Kal spelled out that they don't have to do anything (took him long enough, but that's understandable, plus it got us a lovely moment that I can see in slow motion in my brain cinema). The political explanation was mentioned more, which felt quite realistic.. that's exactly how these things happen. And I like that there was more reason why others didn't oppose Nor more.
But most of all, you absolutely nailed balancing the heavy theme here AND have it be funny AND have them still start to realise that.. they kinda maybe like each other or at least feel safe with each other, and they got to loosen up around each other a little bit, yet crucially without it feeling contrived by our meta knowledge of the characters. Lois teasing him about his title was inspired and on-char, I could hear their voices.
I'm obsessed.SQUEEEE these are not questions you have to answer just this is where my mind is at: What is Lois going to do while Kal studies? Wont the council&co start pushing for some arranged-marriage-babies? And more immediately, how will these versions get to know each other more? Will she see more Kal-powers before they leave? How will Kal and Sam interact at the reception, that's gotta be.. potentially
awkward. Will Lois be able to communicate with Ellen and Lucy? And, of course, how will they solve the 'there's only one bed' situation.. seems like that'll be a the case with any living quarters they're given. Will there be political drama? other stuff? what will happen with nor? If Kal does become ambassador, doesn't that mean he'd have to leave again if he ever loses that post or retires? ahhhhh!!!