Chapter 2 - So long, Kerbin
_2Sidrie had just finished packing the last KAS equipment when he drove his rover back home. He took in the rolling fields, towering mountains, and glinting oceans. So long, Kerbin... His daughter, Staca Elo Kerman, ran into his arms. Then he told her everything about the mission. She stopped smiling. She turned around. And Staca stormed in the house and started crying. Sidrie followed her in. “Staca…†He said desperately “Please…†Staca didn’t listen as she pushed her desk and chair in front of the door, along with her very small bucket of toys. Sidrie started knocking. “Stac, don’t let me…†Staca cut him off “Go away! If you’re gonna leave me then just go! I’ll never see you again and you’ll just be floating in space!†“Stac, c’mon! don’t say that. I’m coming back!†He pushed open the door to her room, surprised by the pile of stuff blocking the door. He used force, tipping over the chair and making things fall off the desk. He hopped in her bed and started hugging her. “Leave me alone!†she cried. “You don’t even know when you’re coming back! If you’re coming back!†“Stac, don’t make me leave like this! I’m coming back! And I love you. Forever. I’m coming back, and I’ll see you again.†He gave her a kiss on the forehead. He turned, and left Staca’s room. He closed the door, and hugged his father in law, Dotmal. “Watch after Stac for me, Dotmal.†He hopped into his off road rover and started the drive towards KSC. Only then did Staca come running out, screaming at her dad. “Stay! Dad! Daddy please Stay!†She yelled into the dying light. Sidrie, distracted by the sound of the four wheels beneath him and the tears dripping down his face, never heard Stac’s cries. As Kerbol began to set, Sidrie turned his headlights on and parked on the side of the dirt. He stood on top of the rover’s roof, and turned to look at his home, miles in the distance, its silhouette outlined against setting Kerbol. Only once Kerbol was below the horizon did he climb back in the rover and continue driving towards the mountains lying ahead.