Ghanima Atreides (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
atreideslioness) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
fandomhigh2016-03-02 08:06 am
atreideslioness) wrote in fandomhigh2016-03-02 08:06 am
Entry tags:
Diplomacy, Relationships, & Tactics: The Art of War, Week 8 [Wednesday, Period 2]
"Welcome back," Tahiri said once everyone appeared to be present. "I hope everyone enjoyed their spring break, but we do have to get right back to it this week. Sorry about that. If it's any consolation, today we're taking all the elements we covered in previous weeks and combining them, since this lesson is all about tactical maneuvering."
"Not just when and how to maneuver," Ghanima continued. "--but also when you should not make a move which clearly looks like it could win you the battle."
"Never interfere with an army that is returning home," she recited, tapping her chalk against the board. "And do not press a desperate foe too hard. These are two lessons that, if you learn nothing else, remember these. Because both times, you will be overconfident, and you will suffer for it."
Tahiri nodded. "Remember how Sun Tzu was talking about a good general being able to predict an enemy's actions while keeping their own unpredictable? Put a desperate enemy in a dire enough position and unpredictability's likely exactly what you're going to get. That makes for a dangerous combination with being aware of your own tactical advantage. You might not necessarily dismiss the threat, but there's no guarantee your subordinates will do the same." She smiled, a little bit sadly. "Trust me on that. I've put myself in that situation."
Ghanima could write ESSAYS on how the Jedi got themselves into Terrible Situations at this point. She loves you all, but really.
"To illustrate that point, you'll be watching a movie today," she continued cheerfully. "Since we know you're straight back from break, and probably not up for massive tactical and moral debates."
"Because it's not just armies you should be wary of," Ghanima said as she hit play, "--but individuals can can do just as much damage as an entire platoon."
"Even without special abilities," Tahiri added, and then shut up before the movie started rolling.
"Not just when and how to maneuver," Ghanima continued. "--but also when you should not make a move which clearly looks like it could win you the battle."
It is a military axiom not to advance uphill
against the enemy, nor to oppose him when he comes downhill.
Do not pursue an enemy who simulates flight;
do not attack soldiers whose temper is keen.
Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy.
Do not interfere with an army that is returning home.
When you surround an army, leave an outlet free.
Do not press a desperate foe too hard.
Such is the art of warfare.
"Never interfere with an army that is returning home," she recited, tapping her chalk against the board. "And do not press a desperate foe too hard. These are two lessons that, if you learn nothing else, remember these. Because both times, you will be overconfident, and you will suffer for it."
Tahiri nodded. "Remember how Sun Tzu was talking about a good general being able to predict an enemy's actions while keeping their own unpredictable? Put a desperate enemy in a dire enough position and unpredictability's likely exactly what you're going to get. That makes for a dangerous combination with being aware of your own tactical advantage. You might not necessarily dismiss the threat, but there's no guarantee your subordinates will do the same." She smiled, a little bit sadly. "Trust me on that. I've put myself in that situation."
Ghanima could write ESSAYS on how the Jedi got themselves into Terrible Situations at this point. She loves you all, but really.
"To illustrate that point, you'll be watching a movie today," she continued cheerfully. "Since we know you're straight back from break, and probably not up for massive tactical and moral debates."
"Because it's not just armies you should be wary of," Ghanima said as she hit play, "--but individuals can can do just as much damage as an entire platoon."
"Even without special abilities," Tahiri added, and then shut up before the movie started rolling.