Supply Train

[Lu Su]

By the candle light of his room, Lu Su went over the supply list one more time. It wasn't much. Just some grain to satisfy some hungry and disgruntled soldiers. But a supply train would certainly attract attention to some undesirables. With wars and struggles many were left disoriented and hungry. With a sigh he harkened back to when he probably foolishly donated much of his land to help those hurt by Dong Zhuo. But that was then. This is now. Lu Su didn't know if he could afford to give much more to the forces of his superiors. Sun Quan wasn't demanding, but Lord Zhou Yu could be insistent for the benefit of all.

And Lu Su could only agree with his comrades. If their minds were so in tune, the gods must have something planned for them. The least he could do was lessen the burdens the officers carried.

"I'm not made of gold," he said to himself, scratching his beard.

He scooted his chair back, tucking the list and the many requests from the officers into his robes. He stood and stretched his long arms, muscles and bones creaking a bit. Oh a journey to his homeland to pick up his grain in Dongcheng could certainly loosen his office scrunched body, but going at it alone was definitely not productive nor smart. Bandits and perhaps a few sneaky skirmishers from local warlords or even Wei could easily pick him apart being dragged down by the supplies.

He opened the door of his office located in a local administrator's home on a search for one or two worthy and willing men to aid him.

[Sachi]

After the battle of Chi Bi, Lu Xun had ridden rapidly to Jian Ye, to report on the victory to Sun Quan. He had then recommended that Sun Quan deliver additional supplies to Zhou Yu. Having seen how well the battle had gone, he had been eager to allow Zhou Yu to press his advantage. Although Wu had won, they had expended huge amounts of coin and grain during the battle. Without more, Zhou Yu would be left high and dry and unable to make the most of the situation. Having just won such a victory, if they failed to make the most of it...they would be the laughing stock of the realm. Having made his recommendation lady Sun Ren insisted he remain in the capital, to serve as an advisor to Sun Quan.

Now Lu Xun was still a young man, he looked up at the great hero's that were Liu Bei and Cao Cao and compared to them Sun Quan and he still found the lord of Wu to be lacking. He knew how to pick his officers but was that enough to make him a contender for the land? Lu Xun still had his doubts, in order to rule a man had to be worthy, not just relation to the right people. So he was not exactly thrilled to be left in the capital and not back with his mentor Zhou Yu. At this time he was moping in the administrative office when Lu Su arrived. He had been working on supply routes for the army, establishing bases to further an invasion north of west. Depending what Zhou Yu decided. Although he knew what recommendation he would have made personally...no one cared what an officer so young thought. So when Lu Su walked in, it was fair to say Lu Xun was not in the best of moods.

"Master Lu Su." Lu Xun explained quickly jumping to his feet. He pushed his work aside, which remained half finished. To be honest he found the task dull and unworthy of his talents. He had been spending half the afternoon looking at pretty ladies out the window. A task which at his age, he found infinity more interesting. 

He bowed to Lu Su. "Can i help you with anything sir?" He asked.

[Lu Su]

Lu Su blinked when he found a young lad in the administrative office...staring at the lovely "assets" the area contained. Seeing that it was Lu Xun he practically bit back a smart remark. Lu Su couldn't blame the boy. After such a hard fought battle, most men would find distractions in...other things. Lucky. Lesser men could afford such trivial fun.

"Young Lu Xun" Lu Su nodded smirking as the boy scrambled to his feet, ignoring his paper work...and the ladies. He paused staring at the young genius. Well, "genius" at this point would have been too strong a word. But he certainly had potential.

As the years wore on and Lu Su saw more and more death, he came to accept the reality that he and even the great and mighty Zhou Yu couldn't live forever. After they were gone, who would step up? Lu Su appreciated the eye of the Sun family in seeing talent, but most of that talent was latent and couldn't be taken as granted. Most had to be molded and built on. Lu Xun and even the crass Lu Meng were chief on Lu Su's list to work with.
But would such a menial task like ensuring the safety of supply trains wear at the young man's patience?

Lu Su scratched the back of his neck and replied, "I do. It is rather basic I'm afraid, but finding volunteers to help me ensure the safety of a supply train from Dongcheng is like finding a chip in jade. Most are off enjoying the victory for the time being."

He eyed the younger man with a whimsical smile.
"What say you, young Lu Xun?"

[Sachi]

Lu Su was not an idiot, in fact in Lu Xun's opinion he was probably the smartest man in Wu...after master Zhou Yu of course. He understood politics and military strategy in a way that Lu Xun hoped to one day himself. Assuming he lived long enough and didn't offend the wrong people. He was still young and devoted to his studies, so maybe one day he would take over for Lu Su and be the one teaching instead of being tutored. It was a time, he found it difficult to wait for. All this said, he was quite sure Lu Su had noticed how distracted he had been from his work. Damn it at his age, how could he not be. He was given to reading of course but...Jian Ye had many other attractions as well. He decided not to say anything since Lu Su had not brought it up and hope he could escape a scolding. 

"Supplies are often what separates victory from defeat sir, we cannot forget the lessons taught at battles like Guan Du. Yet there is no glory in it, so little wonder most officers turn their noses up at such assignments. Still i suppose at my age, glory isnt something i need to look for anyway. Most of the local girls seem to like me enough as it is anyway, so what would i have to gain." Lu Xun laughed in a good natured way. If he could really be of help, well it was more useful than sitting in this office, half wanting to be distracted from his dull work anyway. Why not exchange one boring task for another, at least he might get out and learn a few more things. Around Lu Su...that was in fact quite likely. The man knew a lot more than he liked to admit, Lu Xun was bound to pick up a few new tricks. "I will come with you sir, if you could use the help. At least i might be useful to you for a change." Lu Xun quipped. He doubted any of the others here would agree to come. They too were busy celebrating the victory...which meant wine...women and perhaps even a few drugs as well. Of all these things Lu Xun only had interest in women but he could put that aside for the moment, in order to do his duty. If he was not able to forget such distractions, he would be unworthy to call himself an officer of Wu. "Do you think bandits might be invovled?" He asked Lu Su as he put away his files. He wanted to know if he should bring his sword?

[Lu Su]

Lu Su stroked the end of his goatee, smiling at the young boy--well, young man anyways. Lu Xun was rather an anomaly at his age. He was very self-aware, despite his aspirations. Most young men wanted to make it into the world with leaps and bounds, rather than easy steps.
Perhaps in the days of Sun Ce that was possible, but not now. Their threat wasn't some minor warlord or tribal chieftain. It was a full on kingdom at this point, with a formidable force. Leaps and bounds would get you killed.

Still he chuckled, "Where there's food and valuables, there's people trying to steal it."

He turned to go through the front door to the stables, beckoning Lu Xu to follow him, "I'm taking the supplies from Dongcheng to Lord Sun Quan. The trip from Dongcheng isn't long, but it's best to be prepared so I'd bring as much protection as you can."

Lu Su didn't know what was going to happen to the supplies after they reached the main forces. He had to see what sort of shape the forces were in himself. So the faster they got the supplies the better. Hopefully Zhou Yu and Sun Quan had all the partying soldiers whipped back into discipline by then. That is if those two were in shape themselves. He trusted the Grand Commander to not let the celebrations take too much out of him, if indeed he was one to celebrate, but Lord Sun Quan was probably appeasing higher officers and administrators and could potentially get caught up in the high himself.

He worried that the celebrations would be the perfect opportunity for Cao Cao to strike back. If Lu Su had troops to spare, he would've most certainly use one's victory against them.

Then again he was also the fool who was about to head out like a stray deer surrounded by tigers to pick up supplies.

"Keep in mind, we will be very vulnerable. I can't afford to take too many people anyways since it would likely weigh us down. It's in and its out."

Lu Su bent down, strapping on his shin guards with some difficulty. He could've sworn he heard his back pop as he bent down. He put on his over robe, glancing over at the young man with a wry smile, "I apologize for all the seriousness, I ensure you I will be more entertaining once we get out and I get a chance to stretch my legs"

[Sachi]

OOC: This thread does not deserve to die because i changed my character, so if you dont mind i will continue with Sun Meili, my new stratagist character for Wu. She is a bit younger than Lu Xun but also in that up and coming strategist category

Sun Meili The sharpest blade is forged in the fires of passion! TAG Lu Su Sachi OUTFIT See avatar WORDS Umm lots NOTES Sorry for the sudden change

"Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent's fate."
Quote: by Sun Tzu

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Lu Xun was not the only young strategist in Wu working in this administrative office on this most precipitous day. In the room next to him, was the office of the young lady Sun Meili, Sun Quan's younger cousin. She had been singled out from a young age due to her keen intellect and foresight. Even as a children she would follow Sun Ce around, sitting on his lap during campaign and trying to give him advice. She was given the nickname 'little Sun Tzu' by some in the army as a joke. Finding her ideas not unwise, Sun Ce had long ago given her onto to the teaching of wiser men like Zhou Yu. The young lord of Wu had past away many years but the legacy he had left behind remained for the people of Wu.

Today Meili had been at the palace to see her cousin but had come back with a message to deliver. She did not expect to run into one of Wu's most eminent men however, doing a double take as she entered the room. Lu Su was one of the men Sun Quan respected the most, as did she. She gasped and hurriedly made a bow. Her hair was tried up in a bun under her fancy red cap, keeping it in place. She had not expected to run into anyone so prominent in the court. She herself was no more important than Lu Xun at this time. "Im sorry to but in my lord, but i carry a message for Lu Xun. Our lord wishes to speak to him right away." Sun Meili said delivering his notice. Lu Xun dropped what he was doing, whatever their lord wanted it took precedent.


"My apologises then master Lu Su, i had best be on my way to the palace. I hope you can find someone else to assist you." Lu Xun said, surprised by the appearance of one of the girls he had been looking at earlier. It seemed his duties would take him elsewhere today. Bowing he left the room, heading toward the palace. Having delivered her message Sun Meili's duties had been discharged. So she spoke up.

"Master Lu Su, i apologise if i have stolen away your apprentice. Perhaps i might be of assistance?" Meili said drawing her sword halfway to make her point. The blade was highly ornate and caught the light wonderfully. It was an ancestral blade of her family. "My blade is at your service." She offered not knowing what the task was but eager to be of service.  

ISHY of THQ & ADOXOGRAPHY

[Lu Su]

Lu Su couldn't blame Lu Xun. The young lad had other things to do, and it was best not to keep Lords Sun Quan and Zhou Yu waiting. But Sun Meili...

He had not been acquainted with the young lady. At least not directly. He had seen her among the halls with the company of the Sun family and even Zhou Yu. He had heard of her latent talent. There were times he caught her listening in on little bickerings between him and Zhou Yu, which he supposed to an eager learner sounded more fascinating than they actually were.

That latent talent smacked Lu Su in the face when the young woman stepped forth, already prepared to leave for whatever he had prepared for her. Her hand was already on her blade. He liked her eagerness, but being too eager...

Well then. He'd have to teach her a thing or two.

"Well, young Sun Meili, I'm off to drag some supplies in my lands in Dongcheng and bring them back safely to Lord Sun Quan."

He reached out pressed his hand on hers that was showing the blade, pushing it back down into her scabbard, "But first, let's not get ahead of ourselves here. While yes, there is a possibility of trouble, walking into a situation adamant to fight will make trouble a sure thing. That said, I appreciate that you are prepared, should you desire to join me."

[Sachi]

Sun Meili The sharpest blade is forged in the fires of passion! TAG Lu Su Sachi OUTFIT See avatar WORDS Umm lots NOTES None

"Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent's fate."
Quote: by Sun Tzu

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Meili smiled and nodded as Lu Su pushed her hand back down, her blade slid back into its sheath. Over confidence and eagerness was perhaps her greatest flaw. She had no patience always wanting to rush forwards. At her age she felt a endless desire to prove her own worth. Not only because of her inexperience but because she was a women, she found it harder to earn the respect of her peers. Lady Sun Ren was the princess, she enjoyed the respect of the troops but Meili, she had always been a small girl. Even though she could use her blade, no one really thought of her as a warrior or a strategist. She desperately wanted to prove what she could really do. Even if that meant missing the celebration. As Sun Quan's cousin she had been invited but...she would rather not attend. She had not been at Chi Bi, done nothing herself worth celebrating.

Besides she really didn't have anything nice to wear anyway. She had spent the last few years training and was new to the court. She would have to get her father to buy her some nice dress's in future. Otherwise she might embarrass her family rather than support it. "Even if the chance of trouble of slight, please take me with you master Lu Su. I still have much to learn and who better to teach me than yourself." She said eagerly.


"Our lord is planning a party you know and im eager not to be here for it. Please dont make me beg." She said giving him a taste of best her cute kitten impression.  

ISHY of THQ & ADOXOGRAPHY

[Lu Su]

As the young woman gave him a cutesy face, Lu Su's gaze softened, resisting the urge to pat her head. If only more people had eagerness to learn like her. He remembered coming close to bursting a few veins in his head trying to teach Lu Meng and Gan Ning a few things. For a while, they sat and listened but whatever he said went in one ear and out the other. Lord Sun Quan regained his faith in his teaching skills as the young lord always seemed to take heart to whatever he said.

Of course that was before things got busy. Still, Sun Quan always had an open hear and mind when it came to Lu Su and Zhou Yu.

He took a little time to ponder the young woman's proffered assistance. He needed aid, and she seemed to be capable in defending herself. But what if something were to happen to her under his watch? As a member of the Sun family, should anything happen to her no doubt Sun Quan's disappointment in Lu Su would be great. Perhaps great enough for exile or even death. No only that, Lu Su would never be able to forgive himself.

Times were different now. People were bound to get hurt. He had to make a decision quickly. There was probably no one who was more capable than here who wasn't tied up with Sun Quan who wanted to go.

And if she had a desire to learn, far be it from him to stop her.

"Young Lady Sun Meili, I would be honored to have your help. First, I would like your input. Perhaps a little test, if you will. I do have horses ready, but how would you get to Dongcheng? By horse? Or by ship?"

Lu Su kept his face straight and folded his arms across his chest. "Remember, there is no wrong answer here. Just less right answers."

[Sachi]

Sun Meili The sharpest blade is forged in the fires of passion! TAG Lu Su Sachi OUTFIT See avatar WORDS Umm lots NOTES None

"Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent's fate."
Quote: by Sun Tzu

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Yes it looked like she was going to get to go. So she might escape the court parties after all. Thanks to the princess she had some nice dress's to wear at least but...it was still going to be nightmare. Meili was not exactly a social butterfly, nor did she have the highest opinion of everyone who would be their either. Given that most of Sun Quan's ministers and advisers had suggested surrender to Cao Cao...she found the whole affair highly ironic. Going with Lu Su by comparison might at least be interesting. Even if the task sounded like it may be trivial.

'A test' Lu Su said, as she looked up. She had enough teachers to know that they always wanted to assess how much you really knew compared to what they seemed to know. Fortunately she was fairly well verses in geography. How else could she be a useful adviser to Sun Quan one day. "Master, i would use both. First i would take ship west along the Chang Jiang for several miles. Then cross to the northern shore and take horse north west until i reached Dongcheng." Meili said, hoping she was correct. Or at least not more wrong than right.

ISHY of THQ & ADOXOGRAPHY

[Lu Su]

Stroking his chin Lu Su arched his brow impressed with her geographical knowledge. But geography wasn't everything. Sun Meili was on the right track in deciding to take both. But the issue was getting someone to ship them down the river. That would require convincing partying soldiers to sober up and take them. He eyed the blade Sun Meili had. He didn't like to provoke violence, but if words didn't work perhaps a more physical threat could light that fire underneath them.
He thought to the enthusiasm Sun Meili showed in drawing her sword. No, perhaps not.
"Very good then. Let us be off. Find your horse and we'll go by the wharf and see if we can't get some jolly sailors to take us down the Chang Jiang. I fear we'll find reluctance but I'm sure there's someone who's bored to tears."

He gave her a confident smile, portraying his confidence in both her and himself. He left through the stables to find an adequate horse for the trip. One not tired from the fighting, but also not a well rested warhorse. It seemed even animals needed their rest. He glanced at an inauspicious brown horse with a white diamond on his nose. He was a horse mostly used for short hunting trips. Paced well, he could last just long enough to complete the task at hand.

He turned to the young lady and called, "I'm sure you know to pick your steed wisely, Sun Meili. I'm not very proficient in equestrian arts, but with experience one knows that sometimes a horse can make or break your goals."

[Sachi]

Sun Meili The sharpest blade is forged in the fires of passion! TAG Lu Su Sachi OUTFIT See avatar WORDS Umm lots NOTES None

"Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent's fate."
Quote: by Sun Tzu

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Meili was struck by how calm and decided Lu Su was, it felt like everything he did was carefully thought threw. He always seemed to come the wisest solution while limiting any risk he had to take. It was a little different Zhou Yu's style. He had always seemed like a risk taker to her, not that he ever seemed to lose of course. The man was not the lands foremost military genius for nothing.


"Ooh, you may be right master. I had assumed such things would be taken for granted but...come to think of it, everyone will be wanting to celebrate. They wont want to work the ship for us will they?" She realised what Lu Su was worried about after a little prompting. She was too used to problems that existed only in the class room. Where solutions were simple, you used what you knew and what you had. You didnt have to consider things like how willing your allies were to render assistance. The real world she was coming to see was now uncomplicated.

Down at the stable she chose a white mare, quite a spirited one. Being born to Sun Jing she had learned how to ride at a young age. It would of course have been more sensible to take a tamer horse, but she herself had a lot of spirit and admired it in animals as well. "Master cant we just order them to assist us?" She asked.

ISHY of THQ & ADOXOGRAPHY

[Lu Su]

'Order'. If he ever gave or received another order it would be too soon. Sure he gave orders now and again but it wasn't how other officers gave orders. He called his orders "suggestions". Rarely had he had the need to make a hard order, but on occasion he had to put his foot down. Still he gave Sun Meili a flat look. He was concerned, but he allowed himself to worry only if all avenues were lost.

"We can give orders. But I prefer a more subtler approach. What is that saying? You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar? The last thing we need is to have resentful and disgruntled sailors holding our lives in their hands."


He pulled the bridle of his horse out of the stables and adjusted the saddle so that the stirrups could comfortable hold his long legs. He glanced over at the wily white horse that Sun Meili was eying. Oh youth. He smiled. Not even youth. Master Huang Gai loved to ride the stubbornest and liveliest of steeds and Master Zhou Yu's horses weren't the tamest of horses either.

Lu Su preferred a calm horse, and his rather plain looking hunting horse had faced headlong with tigers and bears. He assumed his horse could face anything else. Assuming Sun Meili had control, that white horse seemed like he wouldn't hesitate to kick an attacker.

"But don't mistake me, Sun Meili. I will attempt to pull rank as a last resort, but I should hope some smooth talking can prevent the use of my 'order' voice."

He finished with a half-hearted laugh. At least he found amusement in himself.

[Sachi]

Sun Meili The sharpest blade is forged in the fires of passion! TAG Lu Su Sachi OUTFIT See avatar WORDS Umm lots NOTES None

"Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent's fate."
Quote: by Sun Tzu

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Sun Meili was already starting to learn a few things from Lu Su. His style of command for one. She was too used to men like Sun Quan and ladies like Sun Ren. The princess in particular was very fond of giving orders rather than 'suggestions'. Yet it did make sense, if you could get someone to do what you wanted without having to tell them to do so, they were bound to do a better job as well as be more cooperative. It went against what she had known growing up but, it did make a great deal of sense. It was something she would have to get used to.

"As you say sir, but ive yet to see you use your order voice, i'm quite curious now to see it in action." She laughed smiling sweetly as she managed to get her horse under control. She was quite an able rider and sensing she knew what she was doing the horse calmed down, for the moment anyway. Horses much like solider reacted well to the confidence of the rider, or commander.

"I will just sit back and listen unless you need my master. I have much to learn as im sure your aware, if one day i am to be of use to our lord." She admitted knowing that learning what she was not capable of was as important as proving what she was capable of doing.

ISHY of THQ & ADOXOGRAPHY

[Lu Su]

In truth he had no plans other than execute his order mode should the sailors be undeterred. Nor did he have a plan if that didn't work either. Well he could always pirate a boat from a drunken captain, but that would be crossing severe moral boundaries.

Lu Su mounted his horse, liking that he felt relaxed.

"Come, Sun Meili. And we shall see if you get your wish to seeing my attempt at being a commander," he laughed.

"Regardless, I think I can find a sailor or two who is thirsting for some action. We'll head to the wharfs were the reserve ships are docked. They've been there the longest and more likely to be the best rested. Don't you think?"

He stared at the young woman, waiting for perhaps an input as well.