Ion hadn't asked Nebilim about Jade, but as well as he knew the older woman, he really didn't have to. There was clearly something bothering her, and given the way that all of the others had left before, well...

Truthfully, he'd tried to contact Anise, too. But no matter how many messages he sent, there was still no reply. He knew she was mad, really mad, but for her not to say anything at all? As much as he wanted to avoid thinking about it, there was no denying that something had happened to the group that her and Jade were in. Something really bad.

In light of this, he feels guilty pushing forward with the plan, but what other choice does he have? He certainly doesn't want to condemn Auldrant, but at the rate the calamity is spreading, it's likely that his homeworld is doomed anyway. The only thing they can do now is minimize the damage, and save as many people as they can in the process.

When he finally speaks it's soft, but with conviction.

"Listen, Buccaneer, I know this choice isn't an easy one, but I don't think this is something that we'll be able to solve with force. We have to consider what will happen to our homeworlds if a direct attack fails, too." Somehow, that possibility seemed even more grim.

"I know it's not pleasant, but it's the best chance that we have."