Speaking of War...

[Piri]

Hmm... Vorack's slightly rough voice pressed in out, feeling the tension throughout the city and it's dwindling inhabitants. Fear, heartbreak, uncertainty, concern, resignation, anger reigned over Iziz. The recent HoloNet recording showing the unbridled violence the Sith were capable of was well known to the ancient former Jedi Master, and why he was there. Among the countless preparations taking place around the capital, the Republic and Border Alliance were hosting a meeting at the be bequest of Onderon's Monarch.

Vorack entered the city relatively unnoticed, as was his way. His ability to undermine security on several points was noted as he toured the city, making his way to the palace. Once he arrived at the palace he also tested the awareness of the guards, who were well trained and keenly aware of Vorack without him using a mind altering ability.

Throughout his journey he'd sensed the tenor of the populace's concerns, hearing their thoughts and feeling their emotional states. Subsequently he focused his efforts to embolden their resilience through the Force, sending ripples of hope and attempting to trigger their endorphins. He felt they hadn't heard the voices they needed to hear, nor the right words to prepare them for the imminent onslaught. This meeting would be a broad stroke to begin solidifying a strategy and bolster the defense. Vorack was entrusted with attending the meeting while awaiting other Knights. He would see what the Onderonians had to say about their planet's defense. Thus, in a smaller room (at least by Palace standards), he stood near the large round table awaiting Senator Falcon Darsten.

@SirNoodles

Spoiler: OCC Info

This thread is a plenary meeting for the upcoming Battle of Onderon, attended by higher echelons or those who have a lot of experience in dealing with the Sith. Highly encouraged for those who want to add their input in person of via hologram.

 

[SirNoodles]

After having finished his speech, Falcon has made his way inside the palace right to a room with guards at the door. He then receives a "Welcome, sir" from the high-rank soldiers guarding the door. Before entering, Falcon nods in a way to greet them. He then enters the room to be greeted by a round table with the Jedi Vorack sat at it, more guards in the room to tackle anything pulled off and a hologram of the royal family who, for safety reasons, aren't allowed to attend in the room. Falcon then walks over to the second chair to take his seat.
"Welcome to the Royal Onderonion Palace", welcomes Falcon who seems eager to get talking, which is quite visible. After all, this experienced Jedi will know quite a bit about the Sith and this information could be vital to fight them. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Master Vorack. Now I apologise that this meeting will be very brief as I have plenty more duties to fulfil. But please do tell us what you wanted to tell me. Every piece of information helps." Falcon then leans in forward slightly, ready to hear what the Jedi has to say.

 

[Gaiaverse]

The palace of Onderon reminded Emil of the old novels she used to read while scrounging together a semi-normal life in Sith space. It was certainly pretty, through the sheer 'snobbish rich' exterior and attitude of its inhabitants did cause her to roll her eyes.

The guards of the palace knew who she was, one of the Jedi sent to protect Onderon from the coming Sith invasion. They didn't care that she was adorn in Corellian green Mandolorian armor, nor the fact she was armed with a lightsaber, pistol and some grenades. So they let her patrol the halls of the palace towards were the Senator of Onderon was meeting with some Jedi and commanders. She only wished to observe, watching the meeting from the hallway, scanning the room for any...assassins.

 

[Piri]

Vorack watched the guards in the room, sensing their eyes touring the room for any potential threats. Meanwhile Vorack stood waiting, hands cuffed in his robe, his eyes closed continuing his meditation until the door hissed open and Senator Darsten rushed in, full of piss and vinegar: "Welcome to the Royal Onderonion Palace" The senator rushed in, ready to get the meeting underway.

Vorack opened his eyes slowly, bowed slowly and made sure his body faced the statesman as his took his seat, which Vorack followed.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Master Vorack. Now I apologize that this meeting will be very brief as I have plenty more duties to fulfill. But please do tell us what you wanted to tell me. Every piece of information helps." Vorack looked at Falcon with his light green eyes and a warm expression, his eyes focusing on the man's facial expression, his eyes, his mouth. He was tense. Not unusual for a Senator, but Vorack also sensed his impatience and readiness to go on to the next thing. Vorack also knew the man's voting record and had studied him beforehand to help a likely tense meeting. The senator's leaning in signaled such strain.

"Sense the feelings and thoughts of your people, I do, Senator. Fear, anxiety, confused, worried... Impatience, I sense." Vorack knew he'd have to make a point soon, knowing a senator's pride in understanding their people's needs. "Here, I am, to help you. Other Jedi follow. A presence, we will make apparent. Believe we do in the emotional steadfastness of a people in this conflict. Work together we must to make ready your people. A connection to his people, the King must make. Their leader, he is - and the future of his people, his words in part depend."

Vorack paused for a moment, awaiting the Senator's response.

 

[SirNoodles]

Falcon listens to what the Jedi has to say. He is certainly feeling all the emotions Vorack mentioned. Falcon, in his mind, questions the Force and how his emotions can be sensed but has no bother for it at the moment. The Jedi brings up the idea to work together and be ready throughout his speech too.
"Well we are prepared for the Sith", replies Falcon. "We have three armies rallied up to help fight so far - the Republic's Grand Army, the Accord and the Royal Onderonion Military. And possibly you - the Jedi. I've heard rumours on how the Jedi are already getting soldiers to help out and apparently some are already here in Iziz - willing to give their lives for the safety of this planet."
Then after the mention of the king, Falcon says nothing and soon enough turns his head to face the king's hologram. Falcon then gives the king a facial expression as though he is meant to say something. The king then replies to the Jedi, "Senator Darsten's right. Together we have managed to a closer forge an alliance between not only the Republic but an independent organisation. Recruiting scales have gone up for the Royal Onderonion Military more than ever since the Dark Ages. I believe the future of my people - which I can agree, as you said, is in my hands - will be safe. Where children can grow up to be what they want to be. It all depends on this battle which I believe is possible thanks to Senator Darsten and I."
Falcon then looks at Vorack along with the king, awaiting a response.

 

[Gaiaverse]

Listening to the three men speak, the smallest....green one having a strange syntax. It was certainly humorous and seemed akin to a old hermit spouting not nonsense towards passerby's. Yet the man seemed to have some wisdom to him. Well, maybe not some but certainly he had a wisdom too him. "Ahem" A man coughed, snapping Emil's attention to a middle aged guardsmen, who smiled warmly at her. "Wanna go in? I'm sure they could use a women's voice" He said, an infectious chuckle emitting from his lips. Smiling, Emil nodded. The man said something over the comms for a few moments.

"Head on in, they won't try to wrestle you down. I promise" He said, again chuckling. A wide smile on her face, the guards let Emil waltz in. She curtseyed to the three, no point in not being polite to her superiors.

"Greetings. I am Emilgotha, Jedi Padawan. The guard at the door said you would use a women's opinion and well....he was hard to say no too" She said, smiling warmly.

 

[Piri]

Vorack listened intently to the Senator and the King. They boasted about the strength they'd assembled together to fight the Sith. This wasn't the first time Vorack heard such confident claims. His facial expression - calm, alert, warm - betrayed his skepticism of their bold claims. Before he replied to them, a young Jedi walked into the room, announcing herself.

"Greetings. I am Emilgotha, Jedi Padawan. The guard at the door said you would use a women's opinion and well....he was hard to say no to." said the young woman entering the room. Vorack slowly turned his gaze onto her, locking eyes. She was odd. Vorack knew a great many Jedi, but he'd never seen Emil before. Still sitting, his hands and legs hidden by his robe, Vorack nodded and smiled warmly before addressing her.

"Join us, you should." He then turned to the Senator and took glances at the King while addressing them with a more serious glance but keeping a lighter tone. He did not bring up his own history with the Sith, which was extensive. Instead he focused on more details, knowing their fear might stir more tension if he were to suggest they themselves do specific tasks: "Know we must, what the defenses of the city are, and where the weakest points, your highest defense officer thinks are. Here we can learn, where best we will help." Vorack took a pause, hoping someone with specifics would approach.

 

[SirNoodles]

Falcon considers this. 'Give away information about the city's defences - some of which are private? But yet again they could help..."
Unhappy to do so, he turns to the king in a recognisable way that he is unsure. The king, too, looks like he is still deciding. But however the king decides to state his opinion: "I honestly know nothing about this invasion. Our royal family, including me, is of a peaceful culture. That is why it is left to Senator Darsten." The king then exchanges a look with Falcon. A look that Falcon must answer.
Once again, Falcon takes a good few, long moments to decide on what to do. The whole possible victory of the battle could lie upon this decision. Partially admitting defeat and giving in, Falcon replies, "Our most vulnerable parts is the centre of the city. On the outskirts is where all the heavy defences are." He then adds on, "We know we are vulnerable at the centre of the city. That is why if we spot any Sith ships approaching that area we will be able to shoot them down with the AA guns on the outskirts. We'll be having the best Onderonion soldiers there, though."
Visibly acting impatient, Falcon sighs and demands, "Listen. I just want to know what we can do to fight the Sith and drive them to the jungles at the least. That's where they'll be vulnerable. Even the Sith could struggle to fight off the beings inside there."

 

[Gaiaverse]

It seemed they didn't mind her intrusion, at least the Jedi didn't. Nodding to the three she paced towards their little command center. She wasn't much a general, having more experience on the tactical level then the overall strategy of a major battle, her force aura showed this, with a hint of nervousness on its edges. Still, she was willing to help.

"I was on Zeltros when the Sith attacked, and did catch snippets of Saleucami. They seem to be favoring quick hit and run attacks with small units over traditional military attacks. Of course, I wouldn't be surprised if they tried both" she looked up.

"Senator Darsten, how quick do you think your forces can respond to any surprise attacks and is there any...alternate routes that the Sith can use to sneak past our patrols? Such as sewers, old tunnels etc etc"

 

[SirNoodles]

Falcon has to say that he isn't particularly liking the fact she just walked in. But that's just him. The Jedi seemed to accept her and that's what matters. She obviously has something useful to say and that's what matters to Falcon.
"I can assure you there aren't any alternate routes", replies Falcon who has to admit she has given a good question. However, he doesn't like his forces being underestimated. "Or any secret places the Sith can use to sneak in. And trust me, it'll be very hard for them to pass our patrols. Thousands of soldiers are inside these walls now all the civilians have pretty much been sent to classified, hidden locations the Sith will never suspect." In response directly at the reference to the Zeltros and Saleucami attacks, Falcon replies, "Well they may have managed to do small hit and run attacks there but not here. We're fortunate we have one great, big wall protecting us. It'd take way more explosives to breach those walls than they'd think. And I'm sure they wouldn't be willing to use camocazie style attacks. Even so, it'd take a lot of camocazies and many lives to breach the wall." Overall he says - with his impatience starting to become more visible, "Everywhere the Sith could possibly come in is secured. We've got thousands of men inside these walls - that's more than enough to keep an eye on any possible entrances. Now listen to me: I hate to sound impatient but what I want to know more about the Sith. What is their weak point? How do they fight and how can we counter it?"

(OOC: I think it'd be useful if @Black Noise was to be tagged in this so he could read about Onderon's defences)

 

[Piri]

As the Senator waged his defensive streak on the Padawan, his clearly irritated state, Vorack had to turn the Senator's demeanor by other means.

"Given greatly to your King and country, you have, Senator. Military service, served you well it did." Vorack then straightened his posture, his facial expression became suddenly serious - as though a father witnessed his son mistreating a peer in school. "But know the Sith and the Force, you do not." Vorack paused for a moment, letting his statement sink in. "A century ago, fought this enemy I did in the last war. Smaller, this war is. But more violent, desperate, sanguine, and corrupting this one is and will be."

Before beginning to sound like an old man who'd lost his marbles and blathered on regardless of what someone'd said to them, Vorack addressed the Senator's last questions: "Ask you do, how best to fight them, how best to win. But a spiritual war this is, unfamiliar to you it will be." Vorack's narrowed his eyes locked with Falcon's, deepened his voice to stress. "Feel your anger, I do. Feel the energy of this city," he raised his hand "of this planet, I do. Helping the enemy, these emotions are."[/color] Before the Senator could possibly interrupt, the old jedi master continued "Armaments, tactics, numbers, walls - but half the battle in this war they will be. The success of this battle, of this WAR, on our strength to contend against rage and hate, against the Sith, on this all depends. A weak point, only revealed in battle they are, for made an army is of many parts. This Brotherhood, operates on small strikes of fear they do. To the Padawan you must listen. If entered the city I did with relative ease in your walls, misguided your faith in numbers may be. A formal assault may come, but first launch smaller inside attacks they will. Troops you must keep on standby as reaction units. Stretch your forces too thin, you must not. Jedi go where needed, we will. Ready we will be."

The old master got off the chair and stood, still locking eyes with the Senator."Forget we must not, our actions and words to embolden and protect these people, on this battle depends, Senator. More vulnerable we are in larger numbers, than they with few." Vorack didn't know whether his words would reach the King or Falcon. Regardless, Vorack was ready to begin talking to the Padawan about a Jedi strategy. He also felt a pull to a place strong in the Force within the city - indeed within the Palace - where he believed his battle meditation could ripple effectively when needed. Taking a mental note, Vorack calmly awaited the Falcon's reaction.