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Still teaching.
Excerpted from The Second Book of Parables; The Life of Rukent, Serco Holy Library, SkyCommand.
In the time of transition, as the last of those who would become the UIT were leaving our world, lived a young lieutenant named Arjong who had devoted his time to learning the history of Rukent, who was then and still is now considered the greatest strategist and commander of that time.
By learning of how Rukent had acted in the competitions, simulations, and war games young Arjong hoped to follow in his footsteps. To this end he devoted every spare hour he had to study of the data-tapes and recordings from the games, he interviewed countless other officers whom Rukent had bested on the field of battle. Over time he began to apply what he had learned to his own contests, with great success. It seemed to his peers that he was destined to follow in Rukent’s footsteps, and perhaps even surpass him.
No matter what trick they tried, Arjong would respond with a counter that his idol had used successfully. His progression through the ranks was quick, as is to be expected given his record in the games, and soon he came to the notice of his superiors. When they inquired as to how he did so well, he proudly explained that he had learned all of the tricks that Rukent had used, and could quite easily use them on the field of battle, claiming that all he had to do was remember a situation where Rukent had faced a similar challenge, and use the same solution. He even went so far as to boast that there was nothing Rukent had done that he could not perfectly duplicate.
Now it came to pass that Rukent himself, who was approaching his hundredth year of life and largely retired from active service, heard of the young man boasting. Even though he had not participated in the games for many years, Rukent sent an invitation to Arjong, asking him to come and study by his side for a time. Arjong accepted, quickly traveling across the continent to Rukents estate near the edges of New Pacifica. For several weeks the two spent their time immersed in strategy and tactics, reviewing the stories of Rukents various commands and resting on the deck discussing tactics and contemplating the preserved remains of the Pacifica Dome Memorial in the distance.
Finally on the last day of his visit, Rukent casually asked Arjong if he would like to compete in a simulation. Arjong gladly accepted the challenge, and for the next several hours the two were linked to the simulation network, marshaling their forces in an indescribable series of tactical feints and flanking maneuvers. Arjong did very well, but as the battle progressed he began to notice that Rukent was setting up situations in which his forces were positioned very similar to those of opponents he had defeated. Time and time again Arjong responded to situations where Rukent’s troops behaved in exactly such a manner that he could use the very counter Rukent had used in the past. Puzzled by this, but perfectly willing to take the opportunity to use such well known responses, Arjong’s troops advanced in several places, easily pushing back troops that were out positioned and under supported.
Just as Arjong began to anticipate a (relatively) easy victory, Rukents forces hit every advanced group of his forces in the flanks, coming along through terrain that was ideal for concealment. As his army was thoroughly crushed with large portions cut off and isolated from each other, Arjong desperately tried to find a counter, while large portions of Rukent’s forces that he had thought pushed back and defeated moved and regrouped to attack other the flanks of other portions of his army. Completely overwhelmed, Arjong was forced to concede the battle.
As they came out of the simulators, Rukent looked appraisingly at his adversary, and spoke what has since become one of the most often quoted pieces of military advice in Serco history; “To mimic your adversary allows him to dictate where and when you act, and leaves you positioned where he wants you to be. Make no mistake about it, eventually you will run into an opponent who does something new, No war can be won by fighting the battles of the past; you must always look to the future and act, not react.”
With that Rukent left the room, and Arjong returned to his command, thoughtful and introspective, confused by the loss and unsure of his future, and forgotten by history.
In the time of transition, as the last of those who would become the UIT were leaving our world, lived a young lieutenant named Arjong who had devoted his time to learning the history of Rukent, who was then and still is now considered the greatest strategist and commander of that time.
By learning of how Rukent had acted in the competitions, simulations, and war games young Arjong hoped to follow in his footsteps. To this end he devoted every spare hour he had to study of the data-tapes and recordings from the games, he interviewed countless other officers whom Rukent had bested on the field of battle. Over time he began to apply what he had learned to his own contests, with great success. It seemed to his peers that he was destined to follow in Rukent’s footsteps, and perhaps even surpass him.
No matter what trick they tried, Arjong would respond with a counter that his idol had used successfully. His progression through the ranks was quick, as is to be expected given his record in the games, and soon he came to the notice of his superiors. When they inquired as to how he did so well, he proudly explained that he had learned all of the tricks that Rukent had used, and could quite easily use them on the field of battle, claiming that all he had to do was remember a situation where Rukent had faced a similar challenge, and use the same solution. He even went so far as to boast that there was nothing Rukent had done that he could not perfectly duplicate.
Now it came to pass that Rukent himself, who was approaching his hundredth year of life and largely retired from active service, heard of the young man boasting. Even though he had not participated in the games for many years, Rukent sent an invitation to Arjong, asking him to come and study by his side for a time. Arjong accepted, quickly traveling across the continent to Rukents estate near the edges of New Pacifica. For several weeks the two spent their time immersed in strategy and tactics, reviewing the stories of Rukents various commands and resting on the deck discussing tactics and contemplating the preserved remains of the Pacifica Dome Memorial in the distance.
Finally on the last day of his visit, Rukent casually asked Arjong if he would like to compete in a simulation. Arjong gladly accepted the challenge, and for the next several hours the two were linked to the simulation network, marshaling their forces in an indescribable series of tactical feints and flanking maneuvers. Arjong did very well, but as the battle progressed he began to notice that Rukent was setting up situations in which his forces were positioned very similar to those of opponents he had defeated. Time and time again Arjong responded to situations where Rukent’s troops behaved in exactly such a manner that he could use the very counter Rukent had used in the past. Puzzled by this, but perfectly willing to take the opportunity to use such well known responses, Arjong’s troops advanced in several places, easily pushing back troops that were out positioned and under supported.
Just as Arjong began to anticipate a (relatively) easy victory, Rukents forces hit every advanced group of his forces in the flanks, coming along through terrain that was ideal for concealment. As his army was thoroughly crushed with large portions cut off and isolated from each other, Arjong desperately tried to find a counter, while large portions of Rukent’s forces that he had thought pushed back and defeated moved and regrouped to attack other the flanks of other portions of his army. Completely overwhelmed, Arjong was forced to concede the battle.
As they came out of the simulators, Rukent looked appraisingly at his adversary, and spoke what has since become one of the most often quoted pieces of military advice in Serco history; “To mimic your adversary allows him to dictate where and when you act, and leaves you positioned where he wants you to be. Make no mistake about it, eventually you will run into an opponent who does something new, No war can be won by fighting the battles of the past; you must always look to the future and act, not react.”
With that Rukent left the room, and Arjong returned to his command, thoughtful and introspective, confused by the loss and unsure of his future, and forgotten by history.