Ipollius. The lonesome ruins of those who would resist change met his eyes, the graveyard of fools. As the sun continued it's somber descent into hiding, the sky was aflame in brillant shades of color. Soren's attention drifted away, lost in his own reverie as he gazed at the beauty in the skys, and the harsh contrast its oranges and reds were when side by side with the greys and blacks of the land of disconnected. Pieces of stone and metal debris covered the streets of those relying on the ground, glass fragments held the city in an a lost embrace, and abandoned vehicles and residences lay overturned and broken.
And yet, there were signs that life had indeed once been here. Pieces of bone and circuitry lay across the graveyard of Ipollius, mortal and machine long since leaving this world. Signs of looting hadn't disappeared, and rebellious graffitti against Aedolis and the Network had long since been painted, but still endured time to show the feelings the hatred fostered by the departed. Ridiculous and pointless theatrics though. Soren snapped out of his daydream, and turned his attention away from the window of the transport. He sat back, focusing his left eye back into the human spectrum of vision, and letting the machinery return to it's normal functions. Today's visit wasn't a regular patrol, and the reason for the Cant Imperial's presence was one he didn't feel was necessary for many others to know. He observed the folder across from again, looking at the data.
Teinar was the cause, ultimately. After all, they were the ones that had given him this opportunity to come today. Recently, a newer pilot had been given the most simple of tasks, to simply give Ipollius a once-over and report in. It wasn't supposed to have any risk at all. And yet, the pilot was faced with members of Teinar, and she and her dragon were caught in their attack. As such, the dragon was confirmed killed, and the pilot presumed dead, although no confirmation had been recieved. Thus, the pilot's body had to be found, and the dragon as well. It wouldn't do well to have the dragon's body or the pilot's psyche fall into enemy hands.
And yet, that's no reason at all for you make your way out to this disconnected rubble, is it Soren?
The voice in his head could be none other than his partner, Vangilus. The dragon that was more his keeper than ally. The dragon's tone was not accusing, but held a faint note of suspicion. Soren closed the folder, returning his gaze to the window. He could see where the transport would soon land, and his cybernetic eye could make out the uniform of Aedolis' military awaiting his arrival to lead the search. He gave thought to the voice in his head, his answer prepared in advance.
As I've previously stated, I'm merely interested in this case. As invincible and mighty as you and your kind claim they are, one of your brothers has made his grave in this 'rubble', as you say. Do not question my motive.
A seething sound of contempt was all that Soren recieved in return, as he'd hoped. That'd keep the beast from lurking in his head as he searched, and dragons wouldn't approve of what he had considered doing here. Relying on such a megalomaniac creature for power was problematic, especially if the dragons ever decided to take their network elsewhere, but for now, there was no choice but servitude to the beasts.
The sleek transport circled above the landing area, sunlight reflecting off the sides as it prepared to land. Soren's thoughts turned away from dragons and control to the mission at hand, and he wondered who would be accompanying his search.
