The Art of War, Week #13 [Period 3, Monday]

[atreideslioness]

"Since our time together is rapidly coming to close, I thought we'd try something a little different today," Ghanima said as the class met in the Danger Shop as handwavily ordered. "Today, we take Tzu a bit literally. Today we're playing with fire."


"Fire. The great cleanser, and the great equalizer. A weapon that can turn around and bite the hand that started it just as suddenly as the wind changes."

"Sun Tzu said: There are five ways of attacking with fire," Ghanima lectured, watching them inscrutably. "The first is to burn soldiers in their camp, the second is to burn stores. A third is to burn baggage trains; the fourth is to burn arsenals and magazines; and the fifth is to hurl dropping fire amongst the enemy. A rain of fire, if you will."

"In attacking with fire, one should be prepared to meet five possible developments: First, when fire breaks out inside to enemy's camp, respond at once with an attack from without. However, if there is an outbreak of fire, but the enemy's soldiers remain quiet, bide your time and do not attack."

"When the force of the flames has reached its height, follow it up with an attack, if that is practicable; if not, stay where you are."

"If it is possible to make an assault with fire from without, do not wait for it to break out within, but deliver your attack at a favorable moment. Last, but not least, when you start a fire, be to windward of it. Do not attack from the leeward unless you wish to feel your own flames."

"If we were starting a fire in a business setting, or on an emotional battlefield, perhaps we'd start with some lies, spread carefully where they can do the most damage. Insinuations whispered in corners where they can breed disaster."

"Starting a real fire requires just as much care, if not more. It is a living, breathing entity, and the burns are far more dangerous on a physical level."


[OOC: You know the rules, wait for the OCD is up, and class is in session.]

Comments

Re: Class Participation

[atreideslioness]

The solider grunted in shock as he was shoved back by some invisible force.

"That was stupid," he spat, shoving off the nearest object and charging Ben, this time aiming for the throat. "I'll have to cut out your tongue, witch-child."

Re: Class Participation

[momslilassassin]

Ben scoffed. "But I like my tongue," he said, reaching out with his hands to disarm the man.

Ben might be overestimating his abilities just a bit.

Re: Class Participation

[atreideslioness]

Well, he was hardly going to let a child disarm him easily.

The solider spun to sweep a kick at Ben's legs, intending to follow it up with a punch to the younger boy's face. He was Sardaukar, and not a force to be taken lightly.

Re: Class Participation

[momslilassassin]

Ben flipped neatly over the soldier's head a split second before the kick connected.

"I'm over here now," he said helpfully.

Ben was kind of stupid.

Re: Class Participation

[atreideslioness]

The man was already turning, drawing his lasgun with his free hand and firing at Ben.

If he insisted on being stupid, the Sardaukar would be happy to fill his death-wish.

Re: Class Participation

[momslilassassin]

"Sithspit," Ben grunted to himself before hitting the dirt and trying to wriggle backwards as fast as he could.

Smoke and fire could wait. Getting shot at was bad now.

Re: Class Participation

[atreideslioness]

Getting shot would be bad. Very bad.

The simulation froze in place around Ben as Ghanima strode out from a hallway, a thunderous look on her face. "Sloppy," she said crisply. "Overconfident. Reckless beyond any possible benefit."

"Tell me there was a plan, Mister Skywalker, beyond your obvious death wish."

Re: Class Participation

[momslilassassin]

There wasn't.

"No, ma'am," Ben said, wiping sweat out of his eyes.

Re: Class Participation

[atreideslioness]

"Was there any point to that display?" she asked, folding her arms. "Or are we simply playing 'better warrior' today with the Imperial troops?"

Mind you, Ghanima was perfectly willing to accept therapy-via-violence as an answer, but that would require Ben to say it.

Re: Class Participation

[momslilassassin]

Ben blew out a breath and stared at his boots for a long moment. "I figured it was better to be stupid here than with someone who was actually real," he admitted.

Re: Class Participation

[atreideslioness]

"While I applaud the fact you apparently had enough foresight to know it was stupid, you still could have been seriously injured," Ghanima replied icily. "Or worse, you could have accidentally injured a wandering classmate."

"If it is an outlet for your emotions you need, I'm sure I can oblige you in a proper setting. But not, Skywalker, in the middle of my class."

Re: Class Participation

[momslilassassin]

Ben met her eyes and nodded. Best not to ask why he was so good at taking punishment.

"What would be a more proper setting?" he asked.

Re: Class Participation

[atreideslioness]

"Why don't you start by telling me what you think you want," Ghanima replied, settling down on the floor. "Not what you need, or what you think I think you need," because she did, sadly, agree with Jacen's assessment of Ben on that score, "but what you want."

Re: Class Participation

[momslilassassin]

Ben went quiet as he sat across from her. It was a question he hadn't spent any time thinking about.

"I want..." his eyes went unfocused as he stared at the sand. "I want to have control over something."

Re: Class Participation

[atreideslioness]

Ghanima shook her head ruefully. "Control is an illusion," she answered gently. "My brother is a powerful precognitive and the absolute ruler of our universe, and he'll tell you exactly how deceptive it is. It's not something you can hold in your hand, it's something you have to fight for, every day."

"What you do have, what is more concrete and precious, is choice." Ghanima brushed her hair back from her face and smiled. "You chose to get up every day. You pick your meals, your friends, you decide what you make of your life. A universe of infinite choices, Ben, and no one can take that from you unless you let them."

Re: Class Participation

[momslilassassin]

He yanked at his braid. "I've heard of people paralyzed by the number of choices in front of them," he said softly.

Re: Class Participation

[atreideslioness]

"That happens," Ghanima replied, her own eyes going distant. "I've seen people destroy themselves rather than shoulder the responsibility of choosing a path. It's heartbreaking to watch, but even that is a sort of choice."

Re: Class Participation

[momslilassassin]

"And what if you think you've chosen the wrong path?" Ben asked.

Re: Class Participation

[atreideslioness]

"Then you make a new choice," she answered firmly. "There always is one, even if it is not readily apparent."

Re: Class Participation

[momslilassassin]

"I'm not sure any of the choices are going to lead to a long and happy life," Ben said with a small snort.

Re: Class Participation

[atreideslioness]

"A long life is incredibly over-rated," Ghanima remarked dryly. "Give me an interesting life, one with meaning and all its messy choices, rather than monotony of a long life."

Re: Class Participation

[momslilassassin]

Ben wasn't sure if he crossed Jacen he'd get the option of seeing past fifteen. "My family tends to die young," he said. "We're far too interesting."

Re: Class Participation

[atreideslioness]

"So what do you intend to do about it?" Ghanima asked. "You could make a choice to try and be less-interesting, but I don't think it would stick."

"You want control, but you seem to fear choices." Ghanima tilted her head at him, blue eyes unblinking. "One of these days, I am going to take that cousin of yours and box him about the ears, for teaching you to doubt yourself like this."

Re: Class Participation

[momslilassassin]

Naked fear shone out from Ben's eyes for a split second. "He doesn't learn lessons like that," he said, biting his lower lip hard.

Re: Class Participation

[atreideslioness]

"Peace, Ben," Ghanima murmured, shooting him a reassuring smile. "I doubt he's fool enough to come within my grasp, since our last encounter sent him slinking from my office. And even if he did, I can take care of myself."

"But Mr. Solo doesn't concern me at the moment. You do," she admitted. "We've established what you think you want, now we need to find a way for you to grasp it." She rearranged her skirts neatly as she watched him. "Some of my students need sparring like some need air. I've noticed others prefer meditation and solitude. There must be something that will give you some stability. Not to use as avoidance, mind you, but having an immediate, achievable focus might help."

Ghanima smirked slightly. "I heard a rumor you enjoy tinkering with robotics, but I must confess, the idea of you at the head of a droid army fills me with trepidation.