[center][h2]Plains of Ire[/h2]
[sub]The wreckage of the Z-ATV[/sub][/center]

[color=6ecff6]"M'am,"[/color] Jäger said, acknowledging the order from his commanding officer. He still resented her words, but he would not let that damage his professional resolve. He literally bit his tongue to remain silent, nodding in response to Haley's plan. His pupils became smaller. Some blood dripped in-between the cheek and gums. He sucked in the sour liquid with a contraction of his lips. Though the words did not break him, they played in his head, over and over again. The calm words floated like mist over the shadow of Jäger's mind, clouding his thoughts.

"Good work with the lizard, Jager."

For whom the bell tolls, it should be those that ring it.

I will atone.

Jäger said nothing about Dan's death. Zay knew, and that was enough. The monk remained silent for some time after that, arms crossed behind his back. He surveyed the vast desert before him. The grains of sand chinked against his armor so quietly. The wind blew his raven hair so effortlessly. He looked frozen, only his eyes moving from time to time, watching the void of nature around. He spoke, not looking towards anyone in particular. And only when he and Zay were alone.

[color=6ecff6]"You're known by Luke, architect of the Divers."[/color]

Jäger didn't ease into the subject. He did not believe in sugarcoating or worse, lying. The matter was simple, known, and should be discussed. It was the next step in Jäger's journey. The monk did not break position. He remained as a statue, only watching the horizon and any interaction going on between Haley and the other Z-ATVs.

[color=6ecff6]"Yet Luke does not know you; your location is unknown to him. Is this what Dan wished him to know?"[/color]

Dan had unfortunately passed away before finishing his sentence. This is the information Jäger needed. He could not accomplish Dan's final rites without it. Breaking rank might draw attention to himself and Zay. He remained still, unable to watch Zay's face or movements save for peripheral vision.

[color=6ecff6]"You saved my life. Do not think I will reprimand you for this. That is honor among men."[/color]