Chapter 2
Unified Year – Sept. 30 1926 – Hangar 51
The air inside the hangar was stiff and stale. The silence was softly disturbed by the gentle gust of wind passing through the wide open doors of the hangar.
"Looks like you and I would be good friends, Optimus." Brigadier General Zettour leaned on the railing and gave a pleased smile. Optimus looked at him and saw his blue eyes, sharp and inquiring. He was going to listen to him and that was good.
"But first, would you kindly answer some questions to me?" the general then leaned back and closed his eyes. "First, where is this 'Cybertron' located? It sounds like a futuristic place to me," he asked in an inquisitive voice, making the autobot leader look down.
"Cybertron is my home planet and it was located in Alpha Centauri." Alpha Centauri? Rerugen lightly tilted his head, curious as to the place said by the alien. "I'll show you where it lays," Optimus then said before a strand of blue light poured out of his eyes. An image began to emerged from the floor; it caused some of the soldiers to gasp in terror while others did so in shock. Professor Schugel, however, howled in happiness and attempted to charge forward, only to be pulled by Tanya by his lab coat.
Nice hologram. I'm a bit impressed. A hardened look formed on the major's face before Optimus continued again. "In my universe, we have two deities. One is Primus and the other is Unicron. Primus was a good deity; he turned into the planet which is Cybertron." The image displayed was a planet made out of metal; its surface glinted to Zettour, whose face slowly formed an interested smile.
"However, it was nearly destroyed. War had ruined its surface. The cause of war was because of the rampant corruption created by my government's regime." The planet in the image slowly turned ugly. Its surface no longer glinted; instead, it was covered by unknown dust. "Our regime consisted of a rigid and brutal caste-like system formed by the Guilds of Cybertron."
"Wait a minute." The voice of the Major suddenly cut Optimus's story off. "You're an advanced society. am I right? So why would your 'Guilds' resort to some medieval concept to govern?"
"Because the Guilds wanted to preserve Cybertronian culture and society and it was also a simple way of governing us," Optimus explained as the image of Well of Allspark showed on the floor. "This is the well of Allsparks; it is where I, just like many of Cybertron, was born. If you were born as a miner, you will live, work and function as a miner to the society, regardless of what you want."
Huh, that's more like the law of Supply and Demand…in a literal scale! Tanya thought hard as Rerugen then asked: "But that didn't work, did it? Because your guilds had ignored one factor that wouldn't work with the Caste-system." He fixed his glasses as Optimus nodded.
"You're correct, lieutenant. That would be Sentience."
Heh, your Guilds are dumber than I thought, Tanya agreed to what Optimus said. She already figured out how the war started. "I'm guessing there's no 'Labor Code for Cybertronian Rights' in your Guilds programming?" she said as Optimus looked to his left and sighed.
"That concept is alien to us." Ironic, huh? The Major only listened as Zettour nodded more. "Please do continue."
Optimus Prime then changed the image into another Cybertronian life form. This one boasted a horrifying look. Its body was huge and its shoulders consists of a spikey and sharp metal structure. Its eyes were red and he was wearing a bucket-like helmet for protection.
A look of sad reminiscence formed on his grey face. "The one who started the great war was this Cybertronian: his name is Megatron and he was a dear friend of mine." He paused and stared at the image for a moment, unbothered by his horrifying appearance. "He was a miner- the lowest caste. He lived in Kaon. Back then, he had started joining in illegal gladiator battles and eventually became the famous Gladiator of Cybertron. Then, he used his fame to gain followers in order to pursue his goal: destruction of the unjust Caste-system."
The image then changed and displayed Optimus Prime. "And then, I myself. I was a young data-clerk that time and I was so inspired by his movement that I decided to join him. We were the best of friends. I supported him and he supported me and I thought, together, we could change Cybertron forever…until his true colors came out."
A deep heavy sigh escaped his lips, as if the next part was too heavy for him. "Not only had he wanted to change the system, he wanted to rule all of Cybertron and he was willing to go to war just for that purpose. When he stated that to the high Guild Council, their reaction was natural. Everyone began to hate him. I, however, presented another idea. I just told them that shedding of Energon wasn't necessary if they could change the system to something fair to all Cybertronians. And the council agreed."
Of course that reaction is expected. Tanya felt disturbed with the image of Megatron earlier. That looked like a big problem. I'm glad that that's not what Being X sent to me, she shivered slightly as she imagined Megatron being the one talking to them right now instead of Optimus.
"During that time, I did not like wars. I preferred the peaceful route. The Council then decided that I should inherit the Title of the Prime. It seems the same level as this Empire's Emperor."
"And that caused more of a rift between you and…Megatron," Zettour said with a hint of amusement in his voice. The general seemed to be enjoying the Autobot leader's tale. Rerugen noticed it but he didn't react; instead he only fixed his glasses again.
"Yes. It did. He was angry with what happened and that was the last straw for my friend. Immediately, he established his own side. They were called the Decepticons. They were filled with Cybertronians who were downright criminal or preferred to walked the path of war. I knew the war would be prolonged, so I created my own faction: the Autobots. And together we fought against Megatron."
He paused as he shifted his past form and his tranquil blue eyes looked at his own image.
"The war had stretched for millennia. Our destructive forces had completely turn my planet as a barren land. The Allspark was ejected out of its well. Energon, the planets natural resource, was either drained or shipped out to far reaches of the galaxies, universes…or even dimensions. This dimension wasn't spared, it seems; your earth is rich with Energon."
A small gasp escape from the soldiers surrounding him. Zettour's interest had only increased; the old man was opened both of his inquiring eyes. "Energon? What is that."
Optimus Prime then changed the holographic image; a blue crystal image emerged for viewing now. "This is Energon; it is our food and energy. Our weapons and ammunitions are powered by it. We process and liquefy it before we ingest it."
"Energo-"
"AH-!" A sharp gasped coming from Professor Schugel almost made Tanya jump in shock. "I remember that! No wonder why it was unstable!" The professor excitedly ran and stopped in front of the image and breathed hard. "This is where all the Computation Jewels come from!"
A loud 'eh' echoed across the hanger as all of the battalion looked down at their computation jewel. The Computation jewel, or Operational Orb, was an important tool for the mages in the Empire. It collected the mana coming from the leylines and converted it into a desired output by the will of the user.
Who would've thought that the very vital tool that they used in this war was from an alien origin?
"Then we've been using alien tech for so long huh." Tanya thought, disturbed, as she glanced at her Elenium type 95 operational jewel.
"Then that explains the awesome strength of Major Tanya. She had been using 'energon' like the rest of her battalion." Optimus glanced down to Tanya and flashed a serene smile. "It is good thing that she's still okay."
"What do you mean by that?" Tanya answered bluntly as Optimus explained.
"Energon crystals are actually unstable and very dangerous if not refined. It's most dangerous to humans too. However, after seeing Tanya's battalion use this 'Computation jewel', which comes from raw crystallized Energon, I believe I have figured this oddity out. The humans on this 'earth' must be different from the version of the earth that I know."
Wh—what!? "It's dangerous!?" Tanya exclaimed as some of her soldiers looked down again to the computation jewels with concern and fear.
"However, like I said, the humans on this 'earth' are different. And whoever created your computation jewel was certainly a genius and remarkable scientist, or scientists if there are many."
"Only one scientist!" Professor Schugel proudly said and pointed both of his thumbs at himself. Optimus stared at him then a realization dawned on his mind. Wait…he's the one who created the Computation Jewels!? Optimus's optics widened in shock. "You must be a genius of a man."
"Why thank you, Optimus!" Professor Schugel bowed with pride as Optimus gulped in nervousness. Zettour, however, was unfazed with all of the revelation. The old man simply made a satisfied nod and then cast his sharp blue eyes again at Optimus.
"Now then that leads us to the next topic." Zettour leaned on again, his smile disappeared. "Why do you want to help the Empire with stopping this war?"
Optimus stared at him for a moment, his blue optics reflecting the face of the general. "It's because God wants me to and I also want to." He paused as he looked far away through the window.
"I sacrificed myself in order to revived Cybertron and she revived me. She gave me one purpose and that is to stop this world's endless war." He paused and shifted his optics again to the Brigadier General. "War is always the worst part of every sentient life form's history. Nobody wins in one. There are only survivors. I'd stopped Megatron's war…but in the process I also lost a friend. Many friends."
A sad, solemn looked formed in his grey face. General Zettour stared at him, inquiringly, and absorbed his words; however, his thoughts were cut when a random soldier entered the hangar and saluted him.
"General Zettour, telegram message from Strategic HQ, sir!"
"Come up here then." General Zettour said, without breaking eye contact to Optimus. The soldier climbed up the catwalk and quickly saluted the two high ranking officers before he gave him a piece of paper.
"OPERATION TROJAN HORSE. FAILURE. EXTRACTION. FAILURE. GET HERE NOW! – Brig Gen. Rudesdorf"
As soon as Zettour read the telegram his face changed into a frown. Optimus noticed it and he immediately knew that something bad had happened. The Brigadier General then ripped the telegram apart and put it inside of his breast pocket.
"It seems a problem has arisen regarding a certain horse. I will have to take my leave." Zettour made an apologetic smile and turned around.
Rerugen, cautiously, glanced at him, before he followed Zettour. "Sir, when you said a horse problem, do you mean Operation Trojan Horse?"
"It's a bust. So are the escape routes that the strategic HQ proposed."
A look of horrified shock formed in Rerugen's face. "But that's impossible! The Free Republic was already defeated. What more do they want?"
Zettour glanced at him as the two men walked down the stairs of the catwalk. "That would be your job now, lieutenant colonel. And also do try to reconsider making that pact with the Rusy." The brigadier general stopped and turned to him. "It most likely possible that Rusy is helping the Free Republic now."
Eh! The Rusy is retaliating through the Free Republic…those arrogant scraps! "I will immediately take care of it sir. Revise the whole, if I have to." Lieutenant Colonel Rerugen saluted Brigadier General Zettour. The general only nodded; however, he stopped his departure again and looked at him.
"Oh by the way, my chat with Optimus isn't finished yet. Would you kindly continue it in my stead?"
"Come again, sir?" the lieutenant colonel said but the brigadier general was already far away. Wait…I'm going to be stuck with him!? A dreadful thought ran on his mind as he slowly looked back at Optimus with shaking eyes. The Autobot only stared at him back with his plain, questioning, blue optics.
Imperial Strategic HQ – Berun Capital City
The Imperial Strategic HQ was a big building filled with nothing but precise logic and planning made by the smartest strategists in the whole Empire. Plans of attack and mobilizations of the Empire's army were drafted inside its walls. And right now it was in a state of panic.
Brigadier General Kurt Von Rudesdorf leaned on the table as his brown eyes hardened in frustration. His cigar still lit on his right hand while his huge mustache twitched in irritation. The situation inside the planning room was dire and heavy. A lot of strategists whoosh passed his table, running and looking through maps and other paperworks.
"Which navy fleet is available now?" he asked in a hardened tone as one of the strategists replied: "The 49th and 68th fleet is the nearest one, sir!"
"And where are they!?"
"In the Ispagna coastline."
That's too far and those fleet only composed off destroyers and old cruisers! he grumbled to himself as he looked down on the map. "Contact them and tell them to reach The Bremen at top speed." The strategist saluted and went back to their work. "How did this happen? Operation Trojan Horse was, supposedly, safe." his voice strained while he looked down on the map, showing him the ocean beyond the Empire occupied-Francois Republic.
"Someone got a hold of the ship's location…to be precise someone got hold of her." Rudesdorf turned around and sight of his friend, Zettour greeted him. "Where were you anyway?"
"Having a chat with a 22 feet alien." Zettour said simply while he picked up some papers and began to read. Having a wha-?
"Don't tell me you entertained that crazy doctor's report?" an heavy frustrated tone replied to Zettour but the brigadier general only shrugged his shoulders. "So he contacted you too huh? I'll explain everything to you later."
Zettour put his papers down and shifted his eyes at the map. "For now, let me send the 203rd mage battalion on a rescue mission. The Bremen didn't sink completely yet, am I right?"
"Correct. It will sink in 3 hours. Major Tanya's battalion could help." Rudesdorf commented as Zettour stopped his thoughts; the image of Optimus flashed while he was staring at the map.
"Should I deploy him…no—I can't trust him yet." He stroked his chin, thinking deeply about the alien's purpose.
Outside Hangar 51 – 15 min. later
First, an alien encounter…now a rescue mission!? Tanya couldn't believe her luck today. Who would've thought that after capturing this alien called Optimus Prime, the Strategic HQ would summoned her and her battalion to a rescue mission? Event after event kept happening and she felt that a certain enemy was the one pulling the strings from behind the scene.
"Curse you, Being X!" Tanya scowled as she went out of girls locker room and fixed her flight suit. She walked across the hangar, ignoring the curious following blue optics of Optimus Prime, and onto the opened field outside. The battalion was already standing straight in line, ready to be deployed.
"Well, the Strategic HQ had contacted us fifteen minutes ago. They are deploying us to the sea near the coastline of the Kingdom of Ildoa," she said as she stood on a small stool and looked over her battalion- though not before accidentally making an eye contact to Optimus's grey face. She clicked her tongue in irritation. "They said it's a rescue mission; an ocean liner called the Bremen was struck by a torpedo. We were asked to rescue a certain individual with the name of Franziska Chadwick."
Strange. Why would they deploy us instead of normal rescue team and its an ocean liner capable of carrying 1000 people? Who would rescue them?
The thought came across her mind but she immediately shrugged it off. "Prepare yourself! We will take off now," she commanded as the battalion saluted. Their jewels began to emit in green as they slowly hovered form the ground and then, with a hard thrust, the battalion took off towards the sea.
Lieutenant Colonel Rerugen watched from the cat walk with hardened eyes. "They must retrieve Franziska Chadwick, immediately!" he whispered to himself harshly and turned around.
"I'm guessing Franziska Chadwick is a very important person?" Optimus asked which made Rerugen cast a cautious glare at him. "Yes, but that's not your problem, isn't?" True. Optimus thought as he closed his eyes and began to meditate.
Somewhere near the coast of Kingdom of Ildoa – Sept. 30 1926
The 203rd Imperial Aerial Mage Battalion ejected out of the cloud and onto the sea. The wind of the ocean hit them as they all looked down to the blue waters.
"Major! Fog bank ahead, 20 miles," Serebryakov reported as Tanya took out her binoculars.
"Fog bank, so 'Ber' month is upon us huh?" She then scanned the ocean beneath them, searching for a familiar sight of the ocean liner. Got it. "Bremen spotted," Tanya said and signaled her battalion to stop.
"Confirming, it's definitely the Bremen, Major." 1st Lieutenant Weiss reported while he scanned with his binoculars. "Major, what's very important about Franziska Chadwick?" he suddenly asked.
Tanya answered without looking at him. "That I don't know, but it looks like her life is more important than ours."
I could only make one possible conclusion to her identity.
"Start the rescue mission! 1st lieutenant Weiss, your company will be the one who will search for her. The rest of us, guard the ocean liner! There might be Free Republic's ships roaming in this area!" the battalion saluted as Tanya and her company soared down towards the stricken liner.
RMS BREMEN
The Ocean liner Bremen, a twin stack ship, was leaning heavily on its left side. Some of the passengers were already on the life boat; however ,the rest of them were still in the deck of the tilted ship.
"Look, rescuers!" one of the passenger on the deck shouted as they saw Tanya's 203rd Mage Battalion group.
1st Lieutenant Weiss, and his company, quickly swooped down and landed on its angled deck. "Major, the ship is tilting too much. Proceeding to get Chadwick."
"Faster then Weiss." Tanya said as she and her company stopped and hovered above the stricken ship. "Calling to RHINE Control HQ, requesting to know the whereabouts of proper rescue ships."
"This is Rhine Control. Rescue ship in bound at 130 min. Prioritize the extraction of Franziska Chadwick." Prioritized, extraction, I knew it this person is VIP. Tanya clicked her tongue.
"Rhine Control, requesting the rescue boat to come faster-" suddenly her eyes widened and she shouted. "Move up, company!" Her company moved up, avoiding a spray of bullets which exploded, in the nick of time.
"Major, we got company!" Serebryakov pointed her binoculars. "Its an aerial mage battalion! 50 men!"
"What!?" Tanya took out her binoculars and looked through it. Far from them, a single aerial mage battalion of fifty men were hovering. Their floating device was shaped like a broom stick and the soldiers riding it were wearing a light brown flight suite, the uniform of Allied Kingdom's aerial mages. A.K. Mages!
"This is Rhine control, what's your sit rep!?"
"This is Major Tanya, we encountered a single mage battalion of fifty men. They're Allied Kingdom's!"
"We got them on our radar. 49th and 68th navy fleet have reported that at least fifty warships are sailing towards you."
Huh? Tanya blinked in shock and disbelief. Did they just said, fifty warships? "Rhine HQ, what do you mean by fifty ships?!"
"The Remnants of Free Republic Navy and Rusy Federations Navy!"
And, just on cue, the fog bank away from them suddenly cleared out as a strong gust of wind pushed it away. Tanya's eyes widened more. Fifty warships emerged from the fog; their steel was blue and red and their guns were aimed at them.
"Fu—fucking hell!"
"Major…there's a fleet!?" Serebryakov said as Tanya growled and gnashed her teeth in anger. With this size of the fleet, she knew what the enemy would be doing next. "They're going to make a landing, just like we did in Entente Alliance's Osfjord. Serebyrakov, contact Rhine, tell them to man up the coastline!"
"Yes, Major!" Tanya then stared daggered at the aerial mages far form them. "Company 4, come with us; let's intercept the Aerial Mages! Company 3, try to do some damage to the ships, slow them all down!"
"Yes sir!" the whole Battalion saluted and they all immediately charged forward.
Free Republic's Flagship Navy Fleet - Normandie
Floating in the center of massive landing force navy fleet was the Free Republic's Navy Flagship: Normandie. She was a double stacker and eight gun battleship slowly ran together with the fleet bearing the Free Republic's Flag. And standing outside the bridge, with brows furrowed to connect, was a man named Pierre-Michel de Lugo.
Major General de Lugo was one the last of the Free Republic's military generals. Back when Francois Republic was still standing, he had waged war against the Empire. However, ultimately he lost; disgraced by his defeat, he retreated together with the remains of the Francois Republic's army to one of their country's colony in the southern continent: Margelia. Ever since then, he had been plotting in how to regain back their homeland.
One such plot was this deployment of a large navy fleet, together with the Rusy Federation's navy. One of their country's long-standing ally.
"It's a good thing that I believed in Rusy's intels. Trojan Horse, huh? Pathetic," he spat bitterly as another man stood behind him. "Severn Vianto, how's the men?" General de Lugo turn to the other man.
"They're ready. Brest Beach was the best zone for the landing," Severn said as he clutched tightly on the cane held by his right hand which was supporting his whole weight. General de Lugo looked at him with pity.
"You were once the leader of the 2nd mage aerial company. That Southern continent attack destroyed your right leg."
The brown haired man smile at his comment. "Its alright, general. At least my family is safe in Margelia."
General de Lugo smiled and looked in front. "I'm expecting the Empire's 203rd Aerial Mage Battalion to take the bait. Sinking the Bremen, a neutral ship, may charge me with war crimes but I don't care. That ship is carrying a very important person of the Empire…who foolishly walked into the wolves den!"
He slammed his fist on the railing, an anguish frown formed on his lips. "The 203rd Aerial mage battalion, together with that 'Devil of the Rhine'... they will perish today. This is the last of the Free Republic's proper forces and I will reclaim our homeland today!" he roared in fury.
Suddenly a gun shot rang loudly above them. He looked up and saw the Allied Kingdom's mages were flying in a zigzagging pattern, chasing the Empire's aerial mages.
He smiled underneath his military cap and shouted: "Operation Cul-de-Sac, begin!"
The Empire – Hangar 51 – 30 minutes after Operation Cul-de-Sac started
"They what!?" Optimus Prime opened his eyes and saw Lieutenant Colonel Rerugen shouting at the soldier in front of him.
"I'll repeat sir, at exactly 15 mins ago, our navy fleet's 49th and 68th had tried to retreat from the Free Republic's armada of fifty ships. Both are obliterated."
50 ships!? The only possible way for them to get those many ships…is from Rusy Feds! "Where is this armada now?"
"They're near the Bremen sir." The soldier reported; it made Rerugen click his tongue as he realized what had just happened. "They'd declared war against us…by attempting to kill our envoy of peace!" he paced walked, back and forth on the cat walk then stopped after another revelation dawned on him. "Brest Beach is near the Bremen. They're going to make a landing there!"
Landing…oh. Do they mean invading? Optimus Prime continued watching as the lieutenant colonel grumbled in frustration and then he stopped and slowly looked at him with terrified eyes. Optimus knew his look: it was a look of desperation.
"My offer of help still stands, lieutenant colonel."
How can I trust you!? How can the Empire trust you!? the thoughts ran wildly inside Rerugen's mind.
"You know you gotta gamble, lieutenant."
Optimus went still as he cautiously looked to his left shoulder where Professor Schugel was sitting comfortably. Scrap, when did he get there!?
"Though—I don't believe much good of gambling…one must take a risk for the country's future," Optimus Prime added to the scientist's comment with unease.
"Then can I? Take a risk?!" Rerugen gasped in shock. His words were right and strongly sound. And then, with a gulp, he looked again at the soldier. "Contact the HQ, tell them if they need more forces, they can use A.O. no. 1 and that he's ready as always."
No turning back. I'll be damned if Optimus betrays us! he squirm in nervousness as Professor Schugel reappeared behind him and comforted him.
"You know, gambling is fun…as long as the reward is high, that is!"
Scrap, how did he appear there so quickly!? Optimus wondered but he quickly shrugged it off. It seemed that he will be deployed today.
Imperial Strategic HQ – Berun City Capital
"They have what!?"
"Fifty ships sir, and it looks like they will perform a landing on Brest Beach."
Rudesdorf slammed his fist on the map table. "49th and 68th fleet is gone. The main Naval fleet is still passing though the Ispagna Channel…they won't make it in time."
The brigadier general calculated and it all led to doom. The landing might even become successful.
"They copied our tactics in Osfjord. Truly remarkable I could say," Zettour commented but his face was serious.
"Tanya's Kampfgruppe- do you think it will be enough?" Rudesdorf asked in frustration. Zettour was about to answer when a solider saluted suddenly beside him. "Message from Hangar 51 sir!"
Zettour took the telegram and read the contents.
'A.O. NO.1 IS READY FOR DEPLOYMENT AND COMBAT.'
Zettour's eyes opened. A dark grin formed in his face. Rudesdorf noticed it and he knew this gesture of his; he knew it meant he had found an answer to this surprise attack.
"What is that smile and opened eyes of yours? You thought of something, is it?" Rudesdorf asked, eyes hardened in anticipation.
"Why yes, my friend. I did." Zettour crumpled the paper and put it in his breast pocket. "Shall we take a gamble? I think one of God's angels will save us today!"
The other brigadier general blinked, perplexed at his action.
Woo-Hoo new chapter updated! Looks like Otimus's debut is on the way! Meanwhile some terminologies for people who don't know the world of Saga of tanya the evil.
Francois Republic - It's the 'france' version in Tanya's world
The Empire - Its the germany version 'duh' lol joke.
Rusy Feds - Its the Russia during WW1 and WW2 (the early days of communism) and I have big plans for them soon.
Allied Kingdom - UK! The land of harry potters and tea drinkers-nah just kidding! This is the UK version in Saga of Tanay the Evil, but they're commonly known as commonwealth, since they, in Tanya's world, still have the Principled Colony states of Maple Kanada (Canada in our world). And That's all for today folks!
Special thanks to drop-out ninja for beta-reading!
Disclaimer: I do not own Saga of Tanya the Evil and cartoon Transformers Prime. All the names and places listed above are purely coincidentall and doesn't exist.