Zohvin settles back in his seat, giving Kit an expression that's a bit quizzical. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm well beyond needing a guide. I've been here five months now."

Saying it out loud almost made the number seem absurd. It didn't feel like nearly half a year had passed, and yet here he was, finally forced to admit to himself that rescue wouldn't be coming. There'd be no Vacarius, no Empire, no SIS landing here to demand an explanation and take him back to more familiar space. Zohvin still didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad one.

He's almost frowning as he picks up his fork again, idly stabbing at the fruit in his bowl. "If you were gone, then where did you go? Were you beyond that barrier, or... did you go home?"