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

[finding-x-dream.livejournal.com]

Agnes assimilated the new information with little more than a shrug -- Fandom'd thrown weird things at her before. "You say that now," she pointed out, "But in about twelve years, you'll be the envy of everyone."

Re: Class Participation

[atreideslioness]

There was a girlish giggle, and Alia skipped lightly down the hall, knife ready for any Sardaukar they might encounter. "I will be thrilled when I can reach things off shelves," she lisped lightly. "It's aggravating, being so little. No one takes you seriously, and all the good things are kept just out of reach."

Re: Class Participation

[finding-x-dream.livejournal.com]

Agnes really liked this girl. "Out of reach, maybe," she told her with a grin, "but you're still small enough you can climb shelves without breaking them." Cookie jars were never out of reach to a persistent enough child.

Re: Class Participation

[atreideslioness]

"Climbing shelves is easy," Alia scoffed. "Getting down again is the difficult part." Especially if she had her hands full of ill-gotten gains.

They rounded a corner, and suddenly they were in a large, cool cavern with people bustling back-and-forth. "We're here," she said with satisfaction. "This is where the injured will drag themselves if they can, and where the fighting teams will fall back to if we must." Alia looked up at the older girl and grinned viciously. "Shai-Hulud preserve you, healer-girl."

Re: Class Participation

[finding-x-dream.livejournal.com]

"Shai-Hulud preserve you, as well," Agnes replied, pronouncing the unfamiliar name exactly the way the girl had. She rubbed her hands together, rolled her sleeves up, and strode into the midst of the bustle.