A/N This is the longest chapter so far, and I haven't been able to alter the original much, although there are some alterations. Enjoy.
CHAPTER 11. THE NINE SITUATIONS
1. Soldier Tzu said: The art of war recognizes nine varieties of ground: (1) Dispersive ground; (2) facile ground; (3) contentious ground; (4) open ground; (5) ground of intersecting highways; (6) serious ground; (7) difficult ground; (8) hemmed-in ground; (9) desperate ground.
2. When we are fighting in his own territory, it is dispersive ground.
3. When we have penetrated into hostile territory, but to no great distance, it is facile ground.
4. The possession of ground that has great advantage to either side, is called contentious ground.
5. Ground on which each side has liberty of movement is open ground.
6. Ground which forms the key to three different states, so that we who have occupied it first have most of New Mexico at our command, is a ground of intersecting highways.
7. When our army has penetrated into the heart of hostile BLU country, leaving fortified bases in our rear, it is serious ground.
8. Mountain forests, rugged steeps, marshes and fens are examples of ground that is hard to traverse: this is difficult ground.
9. Ground which is reached through narrow gorges, and from which we can only retire by tortuous paths, so that a small number of the enemy would suffice to crush a large body of our men: this is hemmed in ground.
10. Ground on which we can only be saved from destruction by fighting without delay, is desperate ground.
11. On dispersive ground, therefore, fight not. On facile ground, halt not. On contentious ground, attack not.
12. On open ground, do not block the enemy's way. On the ground of intersecting highways, we must join hands with our allies.
13. On serious ground, gather in plunder. In difficult ground, keep steadily on the march.
14. On hemmed-in ground, resort to stratagem. On desperate ground, fight.
15. Those who were called skilful RED leaders of old knew how to drive a wedge between the enemy's front and rear; to prevent co-operation between BLU's large and small divisions; to hinder the good troops from rescuing the bad, the officers from rallying their men.
16. When the enemy's men were united, they managed to keep them in disorder.
17. When it was to their advantage, they made a forward move; when otherwise, they stopped still.
18. If asked how to cope with a great host of the enemy in orderly array and on the point of marching to the attack, I should say: "Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will."
19. Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.
20. The following are the principles to be observed by our invading force: The further we penetrate into BLU country, the greater will be the solidarity of you troops, and thus the defenders will not prevail against us.
21. I will make forays in fertile country in order to supply my army with food.
22. I carefully study the well-being of you men, and do not overtax you. Concentrate your energy and hoard your strength. I keep my army continually on the move, and devise unfathomable plans.
23. I throw my soldiers into positions whence there is no escape, and you will prefer death to flight. If you will face death, there is nothing they may not achieve, especially with respawn. Officers and men alike will put forth their uttermost strength.
24. Soldiers when in desperate straits lose the sense of fear. If there is no place of refuge, yoi will stand firm. If you are in hostile country, you will show a stubborn front. If there is no help for it, you will fight hard.
25. Thus, without waiting to be marshalled, you soldiers will be constantly on the qui vive; without waiting to be asked, you will do my will; without restrictions, you will be faithful; without giving orders, I can be trusted.
26. Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.
27. If our soldiers are not overburdened with money, it is not because youave a distaste for riches; if your lives are not unduly long, it is not because you are disinclined to longevity.
28. On the day you are ordered out to battle, my soldiers may weep, those sitting up bedewing their garments, and those lying down letting the tears run down their cheeks. But let them once be brought to bay, and they will display the courage of found in me alone!
29. The skilful tactician may be likened to the Spy. Now the Spy is a French snake that is found in New Mexico. Strike at its head, and you will be attacked by its backstab; strike at its legs, and you will be attacked by its revolver; strike at its middle, and you will be attacked by revolver and backstab both.
30. Asked if an army can be made to imitate the Spy, I should answer, Yes, but who would want to be be one? For the men of RED and the men of BLU are enemies; yet if they are crossing a river in the same boat and are caught by a storm, they will come to each other's assistance just as the left hand helps the right. Only Spy is excluded.
31. Hence it is not enough to put one's trust in the tethering of horses, and the burying of Scouts in the ground.
32. The principle on which to manage my army is to set up one standard of courage which all must reach.
33. How to make the best of both strong and weak - that is a question involving the proper use of ground.
34. Thus I, the skilful general, conducts my army just as though I were leading a single man, willy-nilly, by the hand.
35. It is my business to be quiet and thus ensure secrecy; upright and just, and thus maintain order.
36. I must be able to mystify my officers and men by false reports and appearances, and thus keep you in total ignorance.
37. By altering my arrangements and changing my plans, I keeps our BLU enemy without definite knowledge.
By shifting our camp and taking circuitous routes, I prevent the enemy from anticipating purpose.
38. At the critical moment, I, the leader of our army as I have said before, act like one who has climbed up a height and then kicks away the ladder behind him. I carry you men deep into hostile territory before I shows my hand.
39. I burn our boats and break our cooking-pots; like a shepherd driving a flock of sheep, I drive you men this way and that, and nothing knows whither I am going.
40. To muster my RED host and bring it into danger:-this may be termed the business of the general.
41. The different measures suited to the nine varieties of ground; the expediency of aggressive or defensive tactics; and the fundamental laws of human nature: these are things that must most certainly be studied.
42. When invading hostile territory, the general principle is, that penetrating deeply brings cohesion; penetrating but a short way means dispersion.
43. When we leave our own country behind, and I take my army across neighbourhood territory, we find ourselves on critical ground. When there are means of communication on all four sides, the ground is one of intersecting highways.
44. When we penetrate deeply into a country, it is serious ground. When we penetrate but a little way, it is facile ground.
45. When we have the enemy's strongholds on our rear, and narrow passes in front, it is hemmed-in ground. When there is no place of refuge at all, it is desperate ground on which the Equaliser is necessary.
46. Therefore, on dispersive ground, I inspire you men with unity of purpose. On facile ground, I would see that there is close connection between all parts of my army.
47. On contentious ground, I would hurry up my rear.
48. On open ground, I would keep a vigilant eye on my defences. On ground of intersecting highways, I would consolidate my alliances.
49. On serious ground, I would try to ensure a continuous stream of supplies. On difficult ground, I would keep pushing on along the road.
50. On hemmed-in ground, I would block any way of retreat. On desperate ground, I would proclaim to my soldiers the hopelessness of saving their lives.
51. For it is the Soldier's disposition to offer an obstinate resistance when surrounded, to fight hard when he cannot help himself, and to obey promptly when he has fallen into danger.
52. You cannot enter into alliance with neighbouring princes until you are acquainted with their designs. You are not fit to lead an army on the march unless you are familiar with the face of the country - its mountains and forests, its pitfalls and precipices, its marshes and swamps. You shall be unable to turn natural advantages to account unless you make use of local guides.
53. To be ignored of any one of the following four or five principles does not befit a warlike prince such as Demoman.
54. When a warlike prince attacks a powerful state, his generalship shows itself in preventing the concentration of the enemy's forces. He overawes his opponents, and their allies are prevented from joining against him.
55. Hence he does not strive to ally himself with all and sundry, nor does he foster the power of other states. He carries out his own secret designs, keeping his antagonists in awe. Thus he is able to capture their cities and overthrow their kingdoms.
56. Bestow rewards without regard to rule, issue orders without regard to previous arrangements; and I will be able to handle a whole army as though you had to do with but a single man.
57. I confront you soldiers with the deed itself; never let you know my design. When the outlook is bright, Ibring it before you eyes; but tell you nothing when the situation is gloomy.
58. I place my army in deadly peril, and it will survive; plunge it into desperate straits, and it will come off in safety.
59. For it is precisely when my force has fallen into harm's way that is capable of striking a blow for victory.
60. Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose.
61. By persistently hanging on the enemy's flank, you shall succeed in the long run in killing the commander-in-chief.
62. This is called ability to accomplish a thing by sheer cunning.
63. On the day that you finally take up your command, block the frontier passes, destroy the official tallies, and stop the passage of all emissaries.
64. Be stern in the council-chamber, so that you may control the situation.
65. If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in.
66. Forestall your opponent by seizing what he holds dear, and subtly contrive to time his arrival on the ground.
67. Walk in the path defined by rule, and accommodate yourself to the enemy until you can fight a decisive battle.
68. At first, then, exhibit the coyness of a maiden, until the enemy gives you an opening; afterwards emulate the rapidity of a running hare, and it will be too late for the enemy to oppose you.
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