Superman's speech was incredibly stirring. He revealed The Truth to the public without causing panic, successfully calming everyone down. Since he had also resolved the troubles of Luthor Corp, the military, and the Federal Government, he could barely be considered an intermediary all three powers were willing to acknowledge.
But clearly, the trouble had only just begun. That damned gem had been successfully put on display at the Metropolis Museum, and it was set to remain in the United States permanently.
When Clark heard that the Federal Government, the military, and Luthor Corp all did not want the gem falling into one another's hands, so they had decided to place it with a safe intermediary—namely Clark Kent—he had used every ounce of willpower in his life to keep from cursing.
You want me to safeguard the gem? Are you serious???
They were indeed serious. Moreover, they thought it was a two-birds-with-one-stone plan. If Clark kept the gem, they could both dispose of a hot potato and weaken Clark.
"Fine," Clark said as he stood in the conference room. "I can keep this gem and ensure it doesn't fall into anyone else's hands. But you also need to promise me that you won't abuse the remaining gem, okay?"
Clark said this because he and Bruce had eavesdropped on the activity aboard the Kryptonian starship. They learned that the two Kryptonians who had come into contact with the gem powder had both mutated and gained superpowers. So he assumed that while this thing initially made people somewhat weak, it could actually enhance Kryptonians.
That was why he felt there was no problem with taking the gem back and keeping it himself. It would be uncomfortable at first, but gaining more power afterward was pretty good. Even if it did not increase his