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[kilimanjaro]

Why have we not returned to Exsilium? The danger is over, isn't it?

[Kili looks frustrated and tired. He's not used to being cooped up indoors like this, and no one can really blame a dwarf for not understanding radiation. and nuclear bombs.]

This place wasn't meant for living on. We can't even go outdoors! It doesn't feel like we're living anymore, merely... surviving.

And Kang, forgive me, but it seems it will be a while longer before I can continue with the blade my uncle forged you.

Comments

Permavid

[governorkang]

As others have said, the land, and air, is poisoned. No one will be able to go back for probably several human generations.

I understand. There aren't many resources for forging up here.

Permavid

[kilimanjaro]

[This is just all terrible. Not exactly the best environment to help him recover after dying. He rubs at his face and sighs.]

There isn't anything useful here.

[governorkang]

Hopefully we'll get this mess sorted out soon.

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili nods and leans back against the wall from where he's sitting on his bed.]

I thought I would be home by now.

[governorkang]

[Kili is really showing his youth here. He sighs quietly.]

We should never let go of hope, but there is a balance that must be maintained.

[kilimanjaro]

[He really doesn't mean to. It's just been a rough past couple weeks.]

I don't quite follow.

[governorkang]

The reality of war. They're rarely quick, or easy. And, the reality of our situation with the Initiative. They don't know how or why people are sometimes sent back.

[Kang was forced to grow up very quickly.]

[kilimanjaro]

But it isn't my war to fight!

[It's no one's to fight and he knows it, but he's just tired and frustrated and Kang is someone relatively familiar.]

...Forgive me, I didn't mean to get upset.

[governorkang]

[Another sigh.]

Unfortunately, it is now. You didn't see what happened to another Transport's world, did you?

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili frowns slightly and shakes his head.]

[governorkang]

The Initiative asked for volunteers to test being able to send people home. It was successful, but the UE followed and destroyed that world.

[His wings rustle slightly.]

I was there. I died twice during that battle. They'll follow us, and they'll loot for resources and then destroy what they don't need. That makes it our fight, too.

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili winces, not daring to think how awful it would be if that were to happen to his own world. His poor mother, sitting alone at home, attacked without her family to defend her...]

So we can't go home then.

[governorkang]

Not yet. Not until the UE is no longer a threat to our homes.

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili nods, defeated.]

I understand better now. If it's to protect my people, my family...then it's a small sacrifice.

[governorkang]

[He nods, his expression grim.

And then, tangent!]

I heard you had family show up.

[kilimanjaro]

[The subject change has Kili brightening visibly, and he nods.]

My elder brother, aye.

[governorkang]

That's good to hear.

[At least someone isn't alone.]

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili nods, before hesitating a moment.] Do you have any family or friends here yet?

[governorkang]

[His wings fall slightly.]

There are two others from Krynn here. One you've met already; my roommate Onyx. Neither that I would consider a friend, exactly, but we get along well enough.

[kilimanjaro]

Krynn? Is that your world?

[governorkang]

Yes. You may have seen the other at some point, as well. It's hard to miss a bronze dragon as large as he.

[Kili may have noticed by now that Kang also has bronze-tinted scales.]

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili's eyes widen almost comically, though it's difficult to tell if it's in excitement or horror. Kili doesn't even know himself.]

There...there's...you mean an actual--

[Thorin was fine with Kang, so Kili just assumed he was...something that wasn't a dragon, just...really similar. Dragons are bad news. Dragons mean homes being stolen and people dying and fire. The stories used to excite Kili as a child but the prospect of actually facing one has grown more and more daunting as the quest has gone on. Fear makes his heart beat faster.]

[governorkang]

[Well, it seems like a better reaction than Thorin's so far.]

No one in Exsil - this moon base - has anything to fear from this one. He is nothing like the dragons of your world.

[kilimanjaro]

Kang... [Kili hesitates a moment.]

What does that mean...about you? Are you-- [He trails off, awkward.]

[governorkang]

About me?

[He's pretty sure he knows what Kili's asking, but he wants to clarify first.]