USH'S MATRIX GAME 2006 THIRD ASSIGNMENT- 'The Fortress'

Started by Lana66 pages

"That's an interesting thought...I wonder how different the world could have been if one of those battles didn't go the way it did?"

"Well, no, I don't think they are."

Originally posted by Tptmanno1
You seem incredibly sure of something even we are not able to completly explain."

"Yes I am

"Each of those battles, in some way, have a pivotal affect on history, that very possibly, even probably, should not have happened."

"So how it can go diffrenlty? Small coincedences can alter it? For example Alexander dies in battle because of his enemy having a lucky blow, and everything changes? The result can never be fully predicted because there are always too many random elements in the battle, including human reactions?"

"Your situation with Alexander is in reverse. Alexander was felled in that charge by a blow that was far from lucky. The mere tiniest circumstances saved him before the matter was settled, and would have ended the advance of the Macedonians at the first stage. The implications for history would be incalulable."

"Yes, and do you think that even the greatest General can predict such random factors? Even a Machine?"

"Of course not. Alexander knew the absurd risk he was taking. By any rational standard he was a fool. Yet... there is something irresistable about it. I have not the heart to change it, you might say."

"So this is one of the things that makes humans such formidable enemies? The irrational faith and courage that defies reasonable circumstances? But many die because of it....

Tell me, do you think that it is possible for us humans to understand the Machines like yourself?"

"Ah, I get it. So these are all alternate events."

"Not necessarily. Only a fool would assign a single such attrivute to a complex subject like Humanity.

"A Human's learning process and short lifespan would hinder a true reciprocal understanding.

"I would say they are proper events. Choose one. Not the first."

"Alright. Marne."

"But don`t we need this understanding in order to have the chance to win against your kind? Knowledge is power, right?

Why not the first?"

"Von Moltke deployed his reserves to chase the French retreat after their failed invasion of Germany. He had good reason to do it; to pursue a fleeing enemy is a sensible thing. Yet it was the wrong thing to do, and perhaps a more insightful general would have sensed the flow of the battle better. Had the reserves been available later for the far more critical Battle on the Marne... well. The Marne was only won for the Allies by the most slender of threads. Available German reserves would have won the battle and taken Paris soon afterwards. The 'Great War' may well have ended by 1914, France in Germany's hands. A critial change in European history. With myself in command, the error would not have been made."

Originally posted by Lord Melkor
"But don`t we need this understanding in order to have the chance to win against your kind? Knowledge is power, right?

Why not the first?"

"If that is true then your position was always hopeless.

"The situation with the first is different, as I shall outline."

"What of Bunker Hill?" Mors asks, piping up. He had been fascinated by the displays of battles; it was almost like a time machine, ticking back to a point in time that Mors- let alone everyone else- had always wondered what it would be like.

"Well, I believe in knowledge and undestanding as the only way to achieve true freedom, myself.

And if you say that Moltke did a sensible thing, how would you avoid this mistake?"

"Hindsight is always perfect on what you would and wouldn't do, but can you really say with absolute certainty what you'd do in a situation until you're in it? There can always be factors you don't predict." San says.

"The second."

Klez remains quiet, watching intently.

Is the King's face shrouded in darkness by something unnatural? Or just no light is directed on it?

"Bunker Hill. Howe's request for a co-ordinated naval barrage to break the fortifications is ignored. Naval fire is sporadic and unhelpful all day, save to burn the town where the snipers lie. Howe's own artillery is outfitted with the incorrect ammunition. His attack depends on both elements but he does not change his tactic.

"Had the artillery been properly outfitted and the co-ordination with the Navy properly organised, the rebellion may have ended that day."

Originally posted by Lana
"Hindsight is always perfect on what you would and wouldn't do, but can you really say with absolute certainty what you'd do in a situation until you're in it? There can always be factors you don't predict." San says.

"The second."

"Each of these factors could and should have been corrected by proper Generalship. And was done many times in other battles.

The second is Granicus River. Alexander's charge nearly kills him but wins him the battle. The Persians should have won. But they did not, and the charge is so... glorious... that I feel it deserves to stand."