[ WP ] In an alternate universe , gunpowder was never invented . What does warfare look like ?

`` General, Sir!'' 
 `` What is it?'' 
 `` The Chinese have invented a new laser. It is capable of destroying a tank at 8 miles.'' 
 `` Jesus Christ! Thats.6 miles farther than our best lasers. How did they do it?'' 
 `` I do n't know sir, but our scientists speculate they refined their optic systems, and prisms'' 
 `` How the fuck did the chinese get better crystals than us?!?!'' 
 `` Prisms, sir. Crystals are sci-fi.'' 
 `` Whatever. Are they accurate?'' 
 `` According to our intel, their laser tanks can hit a tank sized object at full distance, travelling 50 miles per hour, while the target is travelling 60 miles per hour'' 
 `` god, that is impressive.'' 
 `` What are we going to do sir?'' 
 `` All airborne weaponry and craft have been rendered ineffectual due to laser air defense systems. On flat terrain, with a clear line of sight, the person who can shoot the farthest wins. We still have n't developed a mirror armor that is able to redirect enough energy to be effective. The only weakness of the laser is line of sight.'' 
 `` So... we should... put mountains between us and the enemy?'' 
 `` Do n't be stupid.'' 
 `` Big piles of dirt?'' 
 `` What was the laser absorption rate of dirt again?'' 
 `` Pretty high, sir'' 
 `` hmm... so we get earth movers, that push big piles of dirt in front of them, until we get close enough to the enemy, and then what?'' 
 `` foot soldiers run up the dirt mound and shoot their lasers down on the enemy.'' 
 `` god, that sounds so stupid, it might work. get high command on the line. I want to hold a meeting to discuss my plan.'' 
 `` It was actually my plan, sir'' 
 `` do n't make me... fine, I'll give you a promotion.'' 
 `` Very well sir, thank you''
