[ Maybe she's already figured out Hei's profession, yes. But he wonders how deeply the knowledge is embedded in her layers of consciousness. If it had sunk in completely, they wouldn't be having a discussion. There'd be no having of any kind. Period. He can't imagine Korra wanting to be near him, if she understood what he really was. Is. He's made a choice to keep his sharper aspects concealed, yes; grating against the softness, at the very edge of slicing out. But some things go beyond choice. Some deeds have such power and resonance they become your own nature, and eclipse everything else you do. Korra's too young, still, to understand that. Because part of Hei cares about her, and perhaps always will, he can indulge whatever illusions she has of him, and maybe even take some quiet pride in maintaining them for her. What he can't and won't do, however, is share them. ]

[ It's a quiet relief when she focuses on Chekov's peripheral involvement, out of everything else. In reply, he tips a shoulder, not carelessness, but a silent It is what it is. ]

I know. But if you're a scientist, what matters are your notes. The facts in your head. As long as you have those, you can start over. [ A couple of beats, before he amends, ] It'd take as long for Delacroix to recover from that setback, as it took you to heal from the injury.