It was not that Jax was surprised by the danger of the mission. The Jedi faced danger every day without batting and eye. But they were suggesting exposing the Jedi to the Dark Side. That was not something anyone should take lightly, nor without question. Certainly not when they had all seen what the temptations of the Dark Side could do to even the strongest among them. It was his duty to speak up, not to defy, but to warn.<br/><br/>After all, he knew all too well how careful the Jedi usually were to avoid exposing those in their ranks to the Dark Side. He himself had been warned numerous times not to use his abilities on a weapon wielded by anyone who serves the Dark Side, or even one that had been used for nefarious purposes, as this may expose him to the Dark Side. Knowing that, how could anyone expect him to sit back and say nothing when they suggested he do the very thing they had warned him to avoid so many times.<br/><br/>When asked what he thought, whether they should go as Jedi who had abandoned the order or as soldiers, Jax took on a thoughtful expression. Jek explained that he thought their best option was to go as soldiers, and Jax listened carefully to his reasoning. “Hmmm. You make a good point; however, will it be so easy to avoid being discovered?” he asked, pausing a moment before continuing, “Many of those we once knew are now among the Empire’s ranks. Should we choose to go as soldiers, our cover will be blown the moment we are recognized,” he explained his concern, “I am sorry, my friend. I am not sure this is the way to go.”<br/><br/>“If we go as defecting Jedi, at least we minimize this risk. We also put ourselves in a better position to gain more sensitive information once we have established ourselves, which is the primary goal of this mission, is it not?” he asked, looking around the room. “It is true that it is risky, however, this mission is risky no matter what path we choose, and I feel that this is the best course of action,” he went on. He did not voice this to the Council, or even to Jek, but something in the Force was warning him that they would be reunited with old acquaintances, although who, he could not say. This, however, was part of what made the mission so dangerous, as well as why he did not believe that they could pass as simple soldiers. Nonetheless, despite this feeling, he also felt that he must go, that this was a path that he was meant to follow.<br/><br/>When the discussion came up that two were needed and Jek questioned why it could not be done alone, he held up a hand. “Such discussion is unnecessary. You misunderstand me. This mission is dangerous, but do not mistake my warning for a refusal,” he crossed his arms, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath before releasing it in what could have been a calming breath or a sigh, but was not distinctly either one. “The Force guides me, and this is what I must to, but the Force also carries warnings that I cannot ignore,” he explained, “I will go,” he finally said, although he had felt all along that saying as much as not necessary.<br/><br/>Jax listened as they explained the details of the mission and then they were dismissed. He bowed and then left the room only a few steps behind his companion. When the door closed behind him, he let out a distinct sigh. He had always been a man of few words, which played at least a small part in why he never questioned the missions he was given. It was a lot of wasted energy and words when he would end up doing it anyways. This time, however, he had felt the need to voice the warning he felt in the Force. Of course, this had led to a lot more words, which he felt was completely exhausting.<br/><br/>“Meet you in the hanger in an hour?” he asked as they walked the halls away from the chamber. He had needed to refresh his traveling supplies, including packing fresh clothing, before they left. He waited for Jek to either agree or suggest another time before he left to return to his quarters and prepare, after which he returned to the hanger to prepare for their departure.<br/><br/>-------------------------------------------------<br/><br/>As Aeris sat in the cantina, poking at her now like-warm food, she felt something. It was almost like a shock, waking her from the daze she had slipped into. It was a familiar presence, one she had not felt in at least a year, if not longer, and one she had not expected to feel here. She quirked a brow, wondering to herself what the other woman was doing here. Was this it? Was this why she felt that the Force had drawn her here? But if that was all, then why here? Why not draw her back to Korriban?<br/><br/>Admittedly, she had absolutely no interest in the things that her old friend seemed to be so enamored with. Torture and torment were not her thing. Then again, torture elicited many strong emotions and why some Sith loved to hear the screams of their victims, loved the idea that they were causing them pain, that their victims were terrified. But they didn’t have to feel it the way she did, as though that pain and terror was her own. If they did, they would despise the practice as much as she did. She had no desire to be near it, so would she really have sought her out if it had been on Korriban? Even so, Aeris felt that there was more to this, even though she did not yet know what exactly that meant.<br/><br/>For now, she forced herself to finish her food and then gestured for the woman behind the counter to take the plate away. Once the plate was gone, she pulled the drink a bit closer to her and took a long drink and sighing lightly to herself as she contemplated her situation and just how little she knew about it. Just what was going on? What was she getting herself into?<br/><br/>Before she had a chance to really ponder the answer to that question, the familiar presence, which had been steadily growing closer, was now close enough to trigger a cacophony of emotions within her and trigger her instinct to run. She once again fought back the impulse and forced herself to remain where she was. Only a few moments later, the other woman walked in and ordered a drink, not seeming to notice her initially. “Wow. You must really have a lot on your mind to have come all this way and sat next to your old friend without even noticing me,” Aeris spoke in a light, almost playful voice as she turned towards the other woman. “That or I’ve finally become invisible,” she mused, inspecting her hands as if to confirm that they were visible. After a smile that made it obvious that she had been joking, she took on at least a slightly more serious demeanor, greeting her old friend, “It’s been a while, An-Lok.”