Last spark from the ashes

Even a slow cruise means they’re sweeping through the city fast, but Blaze cuts their speed as much as she can. Once in a while she glances back at Jesse, optics searching his expression for any sign of recognition. Instead there’s just the dawning of disappointment; she looks back to the viewscreen with mixed feelings. Regret, for her friend. But perhaps also relief.

“Can’t give you a good answer on that. We don’t know much about what happened during the Collapse. Might have been taken by Fallen armies – I know they tore into Earth hard back then. Maybe people had the chance to evacuate first – try to get offworld if they could.”

It’s not a story with much chance for a happy ending, at least not for any one group. She knows what they’d find in there if they landed. Cracked open a shelter or checked the wrong pit. There’s a milder climate here, and plenty of scavengers, but she’s seen how deep the bones are piled in places with less of either.