Iron Curtain
Written by Jonathan Downs, Rachel Ravens and Zack Wanzer
Warning: This story contains mentions of communism, nuclear war and the Nazis.
Thomas and Andrea were overjoyed with the birth of their daughter, Aurora. But there is one thing I didn't mention in the previous story – she was born four months before a massive period of uncertainty had begun. It all started back in March 1947 during the morning briefing.
"I sure hope we're going to do a contract up river again," said Zip.
"Perhaps it's information about the upcoming naval maneuvers," suggested Hercules.
"They've been more manageable since Jimbo took over," said Ten Cents.
"I'm glad I never met that Bluenose," Venus said darkly.
"You're lucky," agreed Zebedee.
"Oh, here comes Captain Star," said O.J. as I put my megaphone through the window.
"Star Tugs…" I said with a worried tone. "I'm afraid I have some grave news."
"That being?" gulped Moonlight.
"…another war has started."
"What?!" Sunshine shrieked in horror. "No! We barely recovered from the last one! Ah can't cope with another attack!"
"There hasn't been any fighting… yet," I breathed slowly. "They're calling it the Cold War at present."
"The Cold War, sir?!" asked Venus.
"To explain what happened," I replied, "when we were fighting the Axis powers, the United States, the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union were the Allies. Whilst the US and the UK liberated the countries in Western Europe, the Soviets drove the Nazis away from Eastern Europe."
"So what's happened?" Grampus asked worriedly.
"Basically," I sighed, "the Soviet Union does not want to give up its territories, so Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Bulgaria and eastern territories of Germany have fallen to communism and are now satellite states to the Soviet Union."
"Eastern territories of Germany?" gasped Ten Cents. "You mean Germany's being split in half?"
"What about Estonia?!" asked Zip. "That was Zug's old home."
"I'm afraid Estonia was fully absorbed into the Soviet Union in 1940," I replied. "As for Germany being split in half, Ten Cents, I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case."
"Hou bad is th' situation?" asked Big Mac.
"…it's tough to say, Big Mac," I replied. "Because of the situation, the western European nations have allied themselves to the United States."
"So we're now the leader of the free world?" Zob asked.
"It would appear so," I replied. "Stay vigilant, Star Fleet. If you see anything suspicious, alert the Coast Guard team or the Navy immediately, and don't be surprised if a curfew is put in place. Stay safe, tugs… please, above all else, stay safe!"
"Yes, sir!" the Stars replied. After I gave out the orders, the Star Tugs headed out to work, and my legs gave out. I sat down on the floor.
"All those losses and close calls we had…" I sighed, looking at a picture of Captain Zero. "Not just during the Second World War, but those times before that. O.J. ended up in Burke and Blair's yard by mistake and was almost forcefully euthanised; Sunshine was kidnapped and almost forcefully euthanised as well; Zug was kidnapped but actually was forcefully euthanised; Ten Cents was nearly blown up and sunk; Zelda burnt to death in the fire… and yet… our remaining tugs pulled through. Hopefully they can pull through again." I sighed. "It would be easier if we were weathering it together…"
All the other vehicles in Bigg City Port were receiving the same news from their owners such as Captain Lucky briefing Ariel and Penny on the situation. Both were terrified by this.
"Oh, I hope we don't get attacked," gulped Penny.
"Me too," winced Ariel. "I get nightmares just thinking about what would have happened had Ursula Zero succeeded."
When Mr. Lloyd briefed the engines on the situation, Porter was concerned for Henney.
"The United Kingdom is in Europe," he gulped. "If anything happens to her… No, I don't want to lose her like we did with Kirke."
The Salvage Fleet had just been briefed on the situation by Captain Salvage.
"Well, this is just great!" snapped Stormy. "Just when we finally got rid of the Nazis, we're now starting a new war with the Communists! What a joke!"
"I guess it was bound to happen," sighed Ember. "Neither Britain nor the United States did anything to prevent this."
"I'm really scared," Misty said, her voice all shaky. "What if they use the same weapons from Hiroshima and Nagasaki?"
"It is worrying," admitted Pisces. "But are we going to let our country fall to the communists?"
"Not in our time!" replied the Salvage Fleet, and that became a motto for the residents of Bigg City Port.
Despite these times of uncertainty, it wasn't all doom and gloom as the birth of mine and Captain Lucky's granddaughter, Aurora Star, proved. Captain Lucky and I would spend our days off with her. But she wasn't the only new arrival. Captain Lucky was building two new diesel tugs, both of whom were switchers. One of them was going to join the Star Fleet as our No. 13 whilst the other one would replace Billy Shoepack at the logging camp.
When the new tugs were completed in May 1948, Captain Lucky invited everyone to meet them. But there was another surprise awaiting them as they saw a young woman with cropped blonde hair wearing the uniform of Lucky's Yard. They instantly recognised her.
"Jane Zero!" gasped Zip. "Is that you?"
"Hello, Zip," greeted Jane. "It's good to see you."
"What are you doing here?" asked Sunshine.
"Well, I missed seeing you guys," explained Jane, "so I've decided to move back here. I turned eighteen last month, which means I'm now legally an adult. Captain Lucky gave me a job working at her yard."
"Well, I speak for all of us when I say welcome back, Jane," said Ten Cents.
"Thanks, Ten Cents," replied Jane. "So, how are Zebedee, Zip and Zob settling in the Star Fleet?"
"We're doing well, thanks," replied Zebedee.
"Although we do miss Zorran, Zug, Zilly and Captain Zero," sighed Zip.
"It's a shame you couldn't meet your grandfather," said Zob.
"Oh, I agree," sighed Jane. "But I understand why he wasn't allowed to meet me and John. It was because he was married to Ursula."
"I take it you don't consider her your grandmother," said O.J..
"No," said Jane darkly. "She doesn't deserve it after the harm and distress she caused, and just when my grandfather as well as Zorran, Zebedee, Zip and Zug made great strides to improve themselves. But no, she along with Zak and Zeus allied themselves to the Nazis and had innocent people and vehicles murdered!" She took a deep breath and continued. "All that said, I think Zorran, Zug, Zilly and my grandfather would be pleased with you, Captain Star, for looking after Zebedee, Zip and Zob."
"It's the least I can do since your grandfather died saving my life," I replied. "By the way, how are you parents, John and Skiff doing?"
"My parents are doing alright," replied Jane. "They miss all of you too, as does Skiff." Her face fell. "Unfortunately, I think John has become rather bitter recently."
"What do you mean?" asked Moonlight.
"Well," said Jane, "he was often bullied at school because of his name and the similarities with a certain gangster who my grandfather used to be partners with in his darker days. I don't think Ursula's actions helped matters either and because Zak and Zeus were part of that plot as well, John became fully convinced that Captain Zero was on it too and had even asked her to kill Zug personally. But I know that's not true. He had Zak and Zeus fired for their treachery and told Ursula they were getting a divorce."
"We know your grandfather never allied himself to Hitler," assured Hercules, "and as Zug is concerned, Captain Zero was heartbroken when Zug died. I suspect that was why he asked Captain Star to look after Zorran, Zebedee, Zip and Zob – to make sure they didn't suffer the same fate Zug and Zilly did."
"And although Zorran is gone from this world," said Jane, "I'm glad Zebedee, Zip and Zob are safe and sound." Then she laughed. "You know, my parents would often tell me that whenever one of the Z-Stacks messed up, my grandfather would often have angry tears moments."
"Oh, he did," replied Zob, "but he grew out of that after he turned himself around. You know, I reckon he's looking down from the Moonlight Oceans with pride at the woman you're becoming."
"Thank you, Zob," replied Jane. "Oh, it looks like the two new tugs are about to be revealed."
With that, Captain Lucky, Billy Shoepack's owners and myself stepped forward.
"Thank you all for coming," said Captain Lucky. "Twenty-five years ago, we built Jimbo as an experiment to test out the reliability of diesel tugs. Although there were initial teething troubles, the experiment has been successful and since then, the technology has improved. Therefore, two new diesel switchers have been built, one of which will join Captain Star's fleet and the other will work at the logging camps as Billy Shoepack's replacement. So, without further ado, meet the newest residents of Bigg City Port."
With that, the doors opened and two small tugs emerged from outside. One of them was painted in the Star Tug corporate livery with the number thirteen on her smokestack and wore a cyan cap. She also looked quite excitable. The second tug was painted in a cream livery and wore a salmon pink cap. She had a friendly look on her face.
"Greetings, m'dears," said Hercules. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Hercules of the Star Tug and Marine Company. These are my shipmates, Ten Cents, Big Mac, Otis Jones - or O.J. for short, Zipporah - or Zip for short, Warrior, Sunshine, Grampus, Zob, Zebedee, Moonlight and Venus."
"The Star Tugs!" exclaimed the yellow tug in excitement. "I can't believe it's really, really you!"
"How in the Moonlight Oceans did you know who we are?" asked Sunshine.
"Know who you are? Know who you are?!" replied the yellow tug, "Why, I've heard about you from everybody at Lucky's! I'm so excited to meet you, I could just explode! I'm Gabriella, but you can call me Gabby since we're friends now! Pleased to meet ya!"
"Gabby was built to a similar design of a British tug named Kennet," explained Captain Lucky.
"And a very good build as well," I replied. "Welcome to the Star Fleet, Gabby."
"Oh, thank you, Captain Star, sir," Gabby replied. "I can't wait to get started!"
"And I'm Melody," replied the other tug. "It's very nice to meet you all."
"Nice to meet you both," replied Pisces. "Welcome to Bigg City."
"Ten Cents, Sunshine, Zip and Moonlight," I said, turning to my switchers, "I would like you four to show Gabby and Melody the ropes."
"Ariel and Penny will be coming to help you," said Captain Lucky.
"As will I," said Jane as she hopped on board Gabby.
"Come on then," said Ten Cents. "Let's get started." With that, the eight tugs set off whilst everyone else got back to work.
Along the way, Gabby and Melody were filled in about everything that had happened from Sunshine joining the Star Fleet right down to the hardships of the Second World War. Both tugs were shocked by what had happened in the way.
"Sorry you guys had to go through all that," said Melody.
"It's not your fault," assured Ten Cents. "Although we lost many of our friends, there were some bright spots like Ariel moving to Bigg City full time after the war ended."
"I'm glad that we're together at last," smiled Ariel. "Thank you, Zip, for suggesting it."
"Hey, no problem," replied Zip. "I had romantic feelings for Ten Cents, but you know what they say – times change, romances change."
"Hopefully, you two will settle in here," said Sunshine.
"Thanks, Sunshine," replied Gabby. "I can't wait to start working with you and the rest of the Star Fleet."
"I'm looking forward to working Up River," said Melody. "Although… I am nervous about working with explosives, given what happened to my predecessor."
"I understand," said Moonlight. "It's the uncertainty that we can't control. Plus, given what happened to Top Hat, Zorran, Zilly, Kirke and Sally…" He trailed off, thinking about what happened to her.
"You still miss her, don't you?" said Zip.
"Mmm-hmm," was the reply.
"Well, if it makes you feel better, I'll be there to help you," replied Zip.
"Thanks, Zip," replied Moonlight, feeling a bit better.
"If it helps, Melody," said Ariel, "Penny and I could work with you for a while until you feel confident to do it by yourself."
"Would you?" replied Melody. "Oh, thank you."
Soon, the group approached Dun Tuggin' where the two tugs were introduced to Boomer, who explained about the story of his jinx.
"Ever since I became a houseboat," Boomer finished, "I've never felt happier, especially since the jinx has gone and life is really peaceful here… when Corona's not fighting with the geese, of course."
"Does it happen all the time?" said Gabby.
"Let's put it this way," replied Boomer. "Some people wake up to a rooster crowing. I wake up to the geese putting Corona in her place." Everyone had a good laugh.
"Still, I can't believe Corona would try to murder Sunshine like that," said Melody.
"Oh, I know," Ten Cents said darkly. "Anyone who tries to kill my best friend is an enemy of mine."
"Too bad you weren't the one who rammed Corona onto the mudbank," said Penny, remembering how Meridian stopped Corona, Burke, Burke, Hans and Mr. Broke from escaping. Ten Cents just smirked at that.
Over the next few days, Gabby and Melody were shown the ropes on what they had to do. Ariel, Sea Rogue and O'Malley showed Melody how to handle dynamite.
"The trick is to go carefully and make sure the dynamite is properly secure," explained Sea Rogue. "If you do that, nothing will go wrong."
"Okay," replied Melody. "I'll get the supervisor to make sure the loads are safely handled before I leave."
Meanwhile, Gabby was working with Ten Cents and Sunshine with logs. Gabby was so excited that she didn't check her barge to see if it was secured. As such, as soon as she started, some logs fell from her barge.
"Oops!" said Gabby. "Sorry." Ten Cents was annoyed by this, but managed to keep his temper in check. After all, Gabby was young and he didn't want to upset her.
"You need to be careful with logs," said Ten Cents, and he explained what almost happened to Sunshine.
"Oh my," gasped Gabby. "Poor Sunshine."
"Ah'm just glad to be alive," replied Sunshine. "Come on. Let's try again."
As the days went by, Gabby became more careful and Melody became more confident with handling dynamite.
Little Owl was arranging a goods train at Uptown when she noticed something. It was an elderly woman talking to a group of men. Little Owl decided to listen to this conversation in case there was something serious.
"Listen up, gentlemen," said the woman. "It's been about five years since those tugs killed my sister Ursula. Now, we're going to finish what she started. We're going to plant a series of bombs around Bigg City Port and set off coordinated attacks."
"But Morgana," said one of the men, "what if these engines and tugs catch on? The plan will be ruined!"
Morgana just laughed at that. "Ursula made the mistake of recruiting tugs they knew were threats and tying herself to a discriminative ideology. This time, we've tied ourselves to an ideology that actually creates equality for everyone. Tonight, we will break into the munitions factory and steal the equipment!"
Little Owl listened on in shock and disbelief.
Oh no! she thought to herself. I've got to raise the alarm. A stern look crossed her face. I'm not going to make the same mistake I made last time.
Once Morgana's group had left, Little Owl spoke to her crew. "Engineer, stoker," she said, "I think we've got communists in Bigg City Port!"
"I think you're right!" gasped her engineer. "We've got to alert the authorities!"
"When we get to Mittsville, we'll inform the stationmaster," said Little Owl determinedly. With that, the conductor blew his whistle and Little Owl raced out of the yard.
Ten Cents' group were near Mittsville when they heard the frantic whistle of Little Owl.
"Oh, thank goodness," the goods engine panted. "You guys are here too."
"Little Owl, what's wrong?" Penny asked with concern.
"Some communist sympathizers are plotting to destroy Bigg City," replied Little Owl. "And Ursula Zero's sister, Morgana, is their leader!"
"Moonlights Oceans above!" gasped Sunshine.
"I'll contact the authorities!" said the stationmaster, rushing into his office.
"We've got to stop them," said Ten Cents determinedly.
"Sunshine and I will alert the Salvage Fleet," said Moonlight.
"I'll go to the nearest phone and inform Captain Star," said Jane as she hopped off Gabby.
"Well done for telling us, Little Owl," said Ariel.
"I just don't want a repeat of what happened last time," replied Little Owl.
"What do you mean?" asked Melody.
"I'll explain later," sighed Little Owl.
Soon, Sunshine and Moonlight returned to the Salvage Fleet. Then Hercules and Venus showed up with the Coast Guard team. Hercules and Venus had been at the Star Dock when Jane alerted me to the situation.
"Alright, Pisces," said Zip. "You came up with a good plan to capture Corona and the Poison Plant trio. Have you got any ideas to stop these Communist sympathizers?"
"We'll need to set up a trap for the villains," replied Pisces.
"Hmm," said Sunshine. "Ah might have an idea. Geese are sometimes used to ward off intruders. Maybe we could borrow some from Dun Tuggin' and use them to frighten them off."
"Guard geese?" replied Stormy. "That's an interesting idea."
"But how do we sneak the geese into the factory without alerting the bad guys?" asked Hail. "If they see the steam from our funnels or hear us coming, the plan is doomed."
"And our engines could frighten the geese," pointed Melody.
"What about rowing boats?" suggested Gabby. "They'd be quiet enough."
"That's a possibility," Jane said thoughtfully. "The farmer near Dun Tuggin' does have boats for hire as a side business. I'll have a word with him."
The farmer was only too glad to help and instructed some of his farmhands to escort some of the geese to the munitions factory. Meanwhile, the tugs and Little Owl worked quickly with Sea Rogue and O'Malley to store the munitions away to a safe area so that there was no serious incident.
By evening, everything was set. Morgana and her henchmen arrived at the munitions factory.
"Listen up, men," she said. "We're going to load those crates onto our trucks and place them around Bigg City Port. We'll ignite the dynamite and cause mass casualties to the point they surrender to communism."
With that, the men went to get the crates, but just as they approached them, they heard loud hissing.
"The dynamite! It's been set off! Run for it!" shouted the men. That was a big mistake, for no sooner had they started running away, some of them found themselves attacked by angry geese. If you try to run away from a goose, they will attack you.
Others ran towards the railway, but Little Owl was there, having built up a good head of steam. "NOW!" shouted her engineer and the goods engine wheeshed steam.
The rest of Morgana's men tried to escape via boat, but the tugs were ready to spring the trap onto them. Soon enough, the villains were surrounded.
Morgana's attempt to escape only saw her encounter Jane.
"Well, well," she sneered. "If it isn't my great-niece!"
"Shut up, you!" snapped Jane. "You don't deserve to be my great-aunt! You're no better than your sister, you awful sea witch!"
Morgana just growled and charged at Jane, but the latter was able to dodge the attack thanks to her practicing gymnastics in school.
"You're pathetic!" snapped Morgana. "And weak just like your grandfather!"
"Don't you dare speak my grandfather's name in ill!" roared Jane.
"You speak kindly of a man you never met?" sneered Morgana. "The same Captain Zero who tried to pull underhand tactics to get ahead of Captain Star!"
"AT LEAST HE TURNED HIMSELF AROUND!" shouted Jane. "IF IT WASN'T FOR HIS SACRIFICE, CAPTAIN STAR WOULD HAVE BEEN DEAD!"
The two women were engaged into a wrestling pose, but after a few minutes, Jane was able to overpower the older woman.
"It's over!" said Jane. "Turn yourself over to the police and no one will get hurt."
"NEVER!" roared Morgana. With that, she charged at Jane but again, the latter dodged the attack and Morgana, unable to stop herself, tripped over a stray rope and twisted her leg before falling to the ground. Morgana was defeated.
"Well, that's one way to stop a villain," Jane said, dusting herself down.
Soon, an ambulance was called and Morgana was placed under heavy security. Once she was discharged from hospital, she was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison, as were her henchmen.
An award ceremony was held for the tugs, Little Owl and Jane for stopping the communists.
"Well done, dearies," praised Captain Lucky. "You saved Bigg City Port from communist occupation."
"You were especially brave, Jane," complimented Zob. "I've no doubt your grandfather would have been proud of you."
"Thanks, Zob," Jane said with a smile. "Hopefully we'll never see Morgana again."
"One thing is certain," I said, "Gabby is going to make an excellent addition."
"She is indeed, Captain Star," agreed O.J.. "Welcome to the Star Fleet, Gabby."
"Oh, thank you, O.J.," replied Gabby excitedly.
"And I'll make sure to serve the logging camps well," promised Melody.
"I'm proud of you, Little Owl," said Mr. Lloyd, patting the goods engine' bufferbeam. "Far from the old Little Owl who would have turned a blind eye to danger, you took the threat seriously and raised the alarm before it was too late."
"Yes, well done, Little Owl," agreed Puffa and Porter.
"Oh, thanks," smiled Little Owl.
Indeed, both Gabby and Melody have proved to valuable members of Bigg City Port. Gabby soon became best friends with Ten Cents, Sunshine, Zip and Moonlight.
"Come on, Sunshine!" called Gabby. "Last one to the waterworks is a sunken barge!"
"Right behind you!" called Sunshine as the two switchers raced off.
"I'll reckon Gabby will be the winner," said Ten Cents.
"Mmm-hmm," agreed Moonlight.
"I wonder how Melody is doing," wondered Zip.
Melody had made another successful delivery.
"Well done, young Melody," her owner said. "Keep up the good work."
"Thank you, sir," called Melody.
"So how is life up river?" asked Hail.
"It's great," smiled Melody. "You know something? Sometimes, I like to dream about being a mermaid with a salmon pink fishtail and swimming with all sorts of sea-life."
"Now that would be something," chuckled Sea Rogue.
Over on the Dock Railway, Mr. Lloyd was speaking to his engines.
"You three have done very well to keep up with the workload since we lost Kirke and Henney left for the United Kingdom," he said. "But I feel you could do with some help."
"I have an idea," suggested Little Owl. "Why don't we trial diesel power on the line?"
"Diesel power, eh?" Mr. Lloyd said thoughtfully. "That's an interesting idea. What do you think, Puffa and Porter?"
"I like the sound of that," said Puffa. "From what we've seen of the diesel tugs, they've certainly proved their worth."
"Puffa's right," agreed Porter. "Plus, we would be able to run more trains since diesels are quicker to start up."
"In that case," said Mr. Lloyd, "I'll ask around for any diesels to bring here on trial."
With that, Mr. Lloyd turned on his heels and walked back to his office to make arrangements. But I mustn't say anymore, or I'll spoil the next story.
The End
Author's notes: This was a pretty fun story. The tugs getting all action packed to stop the villains, and we have some new additions: Gabby, Melody and Jane Zero. Little Owl also gets a shining moment and some character development. Gabby and Melody are based on Gabby from MLP and Melody from LM2:RTTTS. No doubt there'll be some potential 'mother/daughter' moments from Ariel and Melody.
Next time, there's some Dieselasition for the Dockside Railway.