Chapter 28: Chapter 22 Loyalty, Friendship, Commitment

Landerneau City, Brest, France

Secret Facility near the outskirts of the city.

January 17th, 1912

[Multiple POVs] 

Marcel Laurent grew up in Caen, just a few hours drive to the City of Rouen. He was a flawed man, as some would say as he never stood up for himself in many ways as he lived a quiet life until his sudden decision to join the military which shocked his family and nearly went into a shouting match with his mother.

After a few weeks they relented as Marcel was allowed to join the military. The reason for joining was rather stupid in Marcels view, as he was fascinated in seeing how Napoleon won the war but lost due to logistical issues and poor management.

But he was fascinated nonetheless to join the ever famous french army that nearly conquered Europe as he studied hard and decided to just go to the academy and start a boring military life he planned until he caught an eye of a certain general named Philippe Petain who called him, and a few men after graduation and gathered the selected men and women to the gymnasium.

The gathered men and women who graduated from the officer academy and wondered why they were selected as they saw the french high command that are still discussing with each other about the potential of the newly selected graduates turned officers.

After everyone gathered, Philippe Pétain stood in front of the podium and looked at the 100 selected officer graduates and began his speech.

"I apologize for calling you all here on such short notice after your graduation to become officers. But our situation is critical due to the Central Powers' increasing threat."

Marcel, who was just a newly graduated officer, knew about the central powers and their growing threat to the peace of Europe. The latest rumor he heard that the German army has at least a million troops on standby, which was absurd and frankly, shocking as the German empire is still recruiting which he guessed, worried the French government and the military.

"As you can see, we need officers like you to continue to defend France and its enemies. And to also safeguard its people and secrets." Pétain continued.

As Pétain continued to speak, several senior officers handed out a document and passed it on to the graduates.

After he grabbed his own document, Marcel read through every word on the said document and frowned. It was a waiver and a non disclosure agreement that they will never see the light of day or they'll be court martialed or worse, imprisoned for violating military law. 

Marcel knew that if he even dares mention what he sees here to his family, they'll imprison him or worse, be shot. He contemplated it for a bit as he saw his other graduates were also hesitating. But ultimately agreeing as they all signed the waiver including Marcel.

Pétain and the other generals nodded as they knew this generation of officers were gonna be excellent and full of potential.

"First off, I want to say that no matter what you see, you must never leave this gymnasium, not even a mention of it. You will all be escorted via train to Landerneau City to a secret Facility known only to a few individuals in high command and in the government, and now you. This secret will hopefully change the course of history if war ever happens in Europe. It will revolutionize warfare! It will change our history! IT WILL GRANT US THE POWER TO LEAD OUR NATION INTO GREATNESS!"

Pétain shouted those last words as he believed that France shall be the hegemon of Europe once again as the time of Germans has long passed. Pétain knew he can't contend Britain in naval power, but land power wise, he is confident that Britain and the Germans are outmatched by the french superiority that they will show in the battlefield,

Marcel and the others were infected by Pétains passion and enthusiasm and nationalistic duty to the French people and France itself.

"Now, all of you follow the senior officer to the trucks and we'll depart from Paris to Landerneau City in a few hours. Remember, what you see will not be mentioned anytime. Not even your family nor your close friends." Pétain warned the group of graduates for the last time before moving away from the podium to talk with the other generals.

As Pétain exited the podium, the senior officers loudly escorted the officer graduates to the trucks. "If you all follow me now, you'll be escorted to the facility and your new jobs will be revealed once you arrive. So don't panic and move on along now" the senior officer repeated those words until all of them got into the trucks and went ahead, while the French generals were still discussing , all on their way to their own vehicles. 

"They're a good batch of candidates aren't they?" Pétain said, lighting up his pipe and exhaled a puff of smoke.

General Joffre agreed and commented "Indeed, although I'm curious on how they'll do in the next series of tests we prepare for them." 

French General Ferdinand Foch snickered as he said these words while being kind enough to not hate on the new officers. "They're still babies in my eyes. until they experience their baptism of blood and camaraderie and what it means to fight, I'll never consider them true officers." Foch stated.

"How is the project doing by the way?" Asked Robert Nivelle who was entering the car along with the others.

General Louis replied "it's going well so far, so far the British cooperation with us building our 'tanks' have been going smoothly and it's expected to be completed in 1915.

"That early?" General Foch was surprised to say the least, since he thought it would be finished by the year 1916 at the latest.

"Yes. And by then, we would have dozens of them. And the Germans would be finished as they can't penetrate the armor." General Louis was confident that the new armor force would be the new future of France and the whole world as they would lead the forefront of technology that would change the future of warfare as they know it.

However, Nivelle was skeptical since these 'tanks cannot be that powerful and stated. "But it would be overwhelmed by infantry and artillery. How will you defend these 'tanks' then? Nivelle pointed out as they were all headed to the secret facility.

"Don't worry, this tank would have machine guns on all sides to kill all incoming infantry. And the incoming infantry would be too terrified to approach the 'tank' and they'll be forced to retreat." General Louis confidently said as he laughed along with Maurice Sarrail. Another officer that was scheduled to have a promotion in the next 2 years as a general.

Although Pétain and Nivelle were worried, they didn't voice out their concerns as they admit, the concept of 'tanks' would indeed terrify even the bravest soldier in the battlefield. So they let it drop for now.

A few hours later, in the location of the Secret Facility near the outskirts of Landerneau City. 

The officer graduates finally dismounted the trucks after a long few hours of driving. During the trip, they all thought on what's about to happen and their jobs as to why they're picked or why even they have to signed a waiver to ensure absolute secrecy 

They were then escorted inside a huge factory that's been in use for a couple of years now as Marcel and the others looked around and they were surprised as they saw multiple checkpoints along with manned machine gun nests and soldiers.

Marcel and the others knew this must be a well guarded secret since the government and the French army had to place heavy security and precaution to not let even a rumor on what's happening inside the factory and the warehouses.

After every single one of them is checked, they are finally free to enter the Factory and discover its secrets that's been plaguing everyone's minds. And what they've found shocked them as they saw multiple behemoths of armor like monstrosities with wheels or something akin to wheels as they're all being lined up and built with machine gun ports and a large artillery gun in front. All of them didn't move as they had to register in their minds whether what they saw was real or not. Some of them even pinched themselves and realized that all of this was real as the French high command also arrived and saw the shocked faces of the officer graduates and we're amused to say the least.

Pétain exited the vehicle and ordered some of the senior officers to give them a tour of the secret weapons that will be used in future battles. After the tour, the senior officers would then escort the graduates into a warehouse, and be given an explanation and their new jobs or tasks and to why they were handpicked by the French high command.

The senior officer nodded as he ordered some of the senior officers as well to fully escort the graduates and explore the new french arsenal and deadly weapons that will be used in war.

"I have to say. I'm impressed by the amount we have considering we are pushing our economy a bit." General Michel commented.

"Indeed. Now come gentlemen, let's explain what the graduates have witnessed and why we have selected them for this endeavor." They all nodded as they headed for the warehouse where a podium was set up, along with 150 seats accommodating the graduates, senior officers and the generals as well.

After what seemed hours, the tour ended as the graduates were then escorted to the warehouse where Pétain and the others were waiting.

Marcel along with 99 other graduates found their own seats and sat down as they waited for Pétain to speak.

"Greetings officers of the new 72nd Special Division." Pétain said, with an opening statement, that a new division was founded that consisted of only officers. Which was entirely new to the graduates as they were curious on why they were handpicked and placed into a single division.

"You have all been selected for a special task, a task that not only ensures French dominance in europe. But to ensure that the things you've seen will be used under scrutiny and will be absolutely used against our enemies. Regardless of the conventions we've signed."

The new officers whispered to themselves as Pétain revealed such a huge violation of such a convention that was made years ago. 

"I know you have all known what the Geneva conventions are and what they stand for." Pétain looked every officer in the eye as Pétain knew this wasn't known even in the French government.

"This special division will be our sword that cuts through our enemies. And crush them with everything we have. Regardless of conventions, you are allowed under my strict orders to use in any means necessary to win. Morals be damned, and consequences be damned. In war, nothing stands in our way. We know the Germans and the Austrians outnumber us. But we will use our new technology and weapons to our advantage and return the things they've done by tenfold." 

One of the officers raised his hand as Pétain stopped mid speech to let the officer answer.

The said officer stood up and introduced himself. "I-I am 2nd Lieutenant Eugène Bernard, and I was hoping to ask you about this General Pétain."

"Go ahead 2nd Lt Eugène" Pétain graciously let the officer ask.

"'By any means necessary' you mean everything we have in our arsenal? Including…Gas?" Eugène was scared at the prospect of using gas at the enemy as it was forbidden in the convention."

"An excellent question 2nd Lt Eugène. You may sit down."

2nd Lt Eugène promptly sat down as he waited for Pétain to answer his question.

"As you heard 2nd Lt Eugène's question, yes we will indeed use any means necessary. And that's including gas. Or by executing prisoners of war if necessary. I understand this might be…brutal for you but it is war. Either the enemy kills you or you kill him first." Pétain said with a dangerous tone that put fear of god into the new officers as they subconsciously agreed to Pétain.

Pétain nodded to himself as he liked the looks of the new officers as they'll follow orders to the letter and not defy them once given.

"Now to explain to you what you've seen inside the factory, those are called 'tanks' and it will help us advance into the battlefield once they're all tested and ready to be mass produced in a short notice."

"Additionally, we will have gas canisters that will be used and be fired by artillery should our line fall on all fronts. As I may remind you all, using Gas will be our last resort. Do you understand?"

They all nodded as Pétain said "Good. Now onto your tasks, some of you will be the 'tank commander along with leading a platoon or a squad with experimental weapons that will be used for trials and eventually live combat. I understand that we may be using you as guinea pigs. But in the waiver, we have prepared a large compensation in case any accidents or in the event of your death happens, your family will be compensated."

Marcel grimaced at that thought of dying but shook it off as this was a rare opportunity to try any of the new weapons out or being a 'tank' commander might be changing as well.

"Another officer will hereby take over and explain the weapons that are now being displayed in front of you." After his speech ended, Pétain stepped down as multiple soldiers set up a long table in front of the podium with 5 weapons on display that will be used once trials end.

Another recognizable officer walked up to the podium as Pétain sat down and lit another pipe and exhaled a smoke, as he watched Louis look at the new officers for a moment before introducing himself.

"My name is General Louis Félix Marie François Franchet d'Espèrey. You may call me General Louis for short. Now the weapons I am about to show you are confidential and must remain that way since we don't want any German spies lurking about don't we?"

He joked, but was serious in his threat. As he told the soldiers to demonstrate the first weapon, as both soldiers nodded they carried the new machine gun to a man-made firing range inside the warehouse. 

The soldiers then prepared to load the said weapon and aim, and waited for the general's orders.

"Fire." With those words, they fired the machine gun as it stopped after 25 bullets were expended. The soldiers then reloaded it again, and fired again on the target with a distance of 100 meters as some of its shots hit when going full automatic.

After the small demonstration, the soldiers stopped firing as General Louis once again explained the weapon.

"This weapon is called the Chauchat and it holds about 25 rounds and can fire continuously until all 25 rounds are expended. Expected range is 250 meters. Thanks to our scientists and engineers, we have an effective weapon to combat the lack of firepower that will be prevalent in any battlefield."

"This weapon will be expected to be used in 1914 at the earliest as we will mass produce these 5 weapons along with the new melee weapons that will be formally issued fairly soon in the army.

"Another weapon that I would Introduce to you is the Hotchkiss Machine gun that holds a 100 to 200 belt cloth belt that will be used as an Anti-Air, and anti-infantry. It will be also used in tanks with the special 300 cloth belt strip that will be attached to every machine gun. Sadly I cannot show you how effective this weapon is as it's still in trials. But the earliest you can get this bad boy is in 1914 at the earliest.

"The next weapon is called The Meunier rifle that is set to replace the 1886 Lebel rifle we have since the new successor will carry around 10-15 internal magazines, fed with five round stripper clips."

"The caliber is a bit on the weird side. But so far the trials have been proven fruitful as the range exceeded the level rifle as well. The weapon is set to be released in 1914 and will be the main rifle of the French army." General Louis stated to the new officers 

"For our 4th weapon, it will be a grenade that is shaped like a pear, as it will be called the percutante No.1 or pear grenade for short. As this design will be reliable as it is tested multiple times and it is effective as once you throw it, the enemy has no time to pick it up and throw it back and it will detonate. Effectively killing anyone around it. We estimate that this grenade will be available after a year of trial and the making of the grenade itself."

General Louis stopped for a moment to take a sip from the glass of water on the podium and resumed his speech on the last weapon.

"The last weapon that will show to you is the new prototype from the Americans, the Lewis Gun. It is a machine gun that can dish out a lot of firepower with a 200 belt magazine and a 97 ran pound magazine of choice."

"The reason why the US has given us their new prototype is to test it in live combat as they have promised to send more as we ordered 20,000 of them and expected to be delivered within a year or two "

"Now you may be wondering why we're mentioning these weapons to you. It's because you are a test division. You'll be granted special privileges, with increased wages and other things as you'll be testing our weapons, tanks and so on. You'll tell us what to change and what to keep as raw feedback is much needed and appreciated."

As General Louis was explaining why they were handpicked, Marcel pondered for a moment as his friend beside him nudged him. "What are you thinking Marcel?"

 "Don't you think we're just being tested as guinea pigs  Julien?"

"Well, they do admit it. But they said they'll compensate us well, along with a good raise to send to our families. Don't you think it's a good deal?" Julien pointed out.

Marcel however was doubting on the benefits as while it was good, it certainly carries risks in testing weapons and other things that the french army has made.

He believed that this would all come to bite them in the ass in the future. But he can't voice out his displeasure and only kept it in and just agreed with Julien "I guess so. But I'll keep my skepticism high for now.by the way, are you gonna be a tank commander? Or an infantry commander?"

Julien thought for a moment before saying "probably a tank commander since I feel safe and commanding a new tank seems cool and the feeling of being invisible is certainly appealing as well." 

"What about you?"

You are reading story The Future of a Thousand Years at novel35.com

Marcel replied immediately. "Probably trying to become a general like Pétain and Nivelle…"

"Man, you're ambitious. But dream big or lose big am I right?" Julien teased Marcel, which Marcel just laughed it off as the final words of General Louise were spoken.

"My fellow officers, the time for France to rise has come. It will rise from its dark past, and show the world that France is still a world power in Europe, and we will have our revenge against the Germans, and take back Alsace Lorraine as they have stolen it from us. We will show our army that it is superior to any other army in Europe. And by then, will France be reborn. General Louis was tempted to say empire, but he held it in as he cannot make such bold promises and just left it there as the new officers clapped and cheered for General Louise's closing speech.

After the speech, each officer picked on where to go and be assigned to as the senior officers arranged for them to be fully incorporated into the 72nd Special Division.

Their duty and loyalty will be questioned soon enough when the great war hits as following absolute orders will test their mental strength and their resolve.

After the Said Speech and giving tasks to each officer, the Generals have all gathered to discuss some private matters over dinner.

[Landerneau Hotel, in one of the Restaurants, France]

[Multiple POV]

"Have the British agreed to help us?" General Louise inquired, to which Foch responded.

"Yes they have agreed but in exchange, they want our shared research on the tank project, and a garrison near Alsace Lorraine." Foch stated the terms before them.

General Michel slammed his fist on the table. "Those fcking brits want a garrison? And you agreed to this?" Michel was furious as they overly rely on the British too much, to which he feared that they'll ask for more favors and use us as a mere puppet

"Apparently so. But we refuse for now. As they're more important parts to be done, instead of asking Britain for help this early. "

"What about the news on the Americans?" General Michel inquired as Pétain just grumbled a bit and replied. "Apparently we can't rely on the US for much longer. It is growing more unstable as the year goes by."

"But they'll send some lease to help us in our endeavors. Although I suspect that it would take a ship, to give enough reason for America to be involved in war."

Nivelle voiced out his opinion on the matter "We can manage on our own. Why should we rely on the help of the Americans? They're only take the glory. Especially the British. Those damn Brits always want something from us it's annoying at best."

"I do agree on your opinion Neville. But the risk of a war devastating our lands is high. It is quite a shame to ask for other nations for help, but we have no choice." Pétain said while exhaling a puff of smoke from his pipe.

"When will the new officers be accustomed to their duties?" Maurice inquired.

"Give them a month. Since we have a few tanks that they need to be accustomed to. If war does break out, we will already have a decent tank crews and we will win this war by crushing the German spirit when they see these behemoths. General Louise said, as he was smiling.

"Let's get to work gentlemen. No rest for the weary as we prepare for war." Pétain finally said, as he walked towards his car as he headed for the Army HQ to discuss battle plans along with his fellow generals.

The others follow suit as they also have to plan out scenarios and plans to push towards the Rhineland and completely force the Germans to surrender early.

This time, we will see if you can even recover after we win. We will put you out of commission for decades to come. And the world will naturally see us as the most powerful nation in Europe. Pétain couldn't avoid his arrogance and confidence from showing on his mind and expression.

I just hope the the Germans don't gain the initiative by going through Belgium…they're aren't brave enough to do that..but if they are…half of our battleplan is fucked. 

A few months later, With Marcel and Julien being trained, as they discussed their future.

[Multiple POV]

"Marcel, come on, let's go eat." Julien called out.

"Coming, coming jeez. What's the hurry." Marcel finally reached Julien as he was curious on why he called for him.

"Marcel, guess what I have." Julien showed an intricate and ornate small box in his hands and Marcel was puzzled as to why Julien was showing him this. But humored Julien anyway.

"A music box?" Marcel took a shot in the dark.

"Nope"

"Mhmm…a toy box?"

"God no, remember Jeannie back in college?"

"Jeannie…" Marcel brainstormed a bit before realizing who she was. "Ooh that Jeannie. Wait…you're not gonna do what I think you're doing aren't you?" 

Julien knelt down in front of Marcel as a joke and opened the box to reveal a diamond surrounded by sapphire ring as Julien presented it to Marcel "this is a wedding ring, and I plan to marry Julien after we've been dating for 3 years now."

At this moment, 3 men turned around the corner to see both of them in an awkward position and went quiet for a few seconds.

Awkward stares and a weird atmosphere ensued as the 3 men backed out of the room, raising their hands up, promising to themselves that they'll forget that they've seen one of the weirdest moments of their lives.

Marcel and Julien snapped out of it as Julien stood up fairly quickly, embarrassed about what happened as he said again "as I said earlier, I'm gonna marry her."

"Really now? You're ready for that commitment though?"

"I think so…I have a decent job, money, and I plan to buy a house just for the both of us near Verdun."

Hearing Verdun, he teased Julien. "Such a romantic I see. So you're still saving up? Want me to help?" Marcel offered.

"Thanks Marcel, but it's my job to provide everything for my future wife." Julien declined it for now.

"Speaking of Jeannie, how is she and where does she work now?" 

"Oh she was recently hired as a fashion designer for a new German brand called Victoria's Secret. The brands they do…god I just want Jeannie to wear one and I'll just eat her in bed…" Julien drooled for a bit like an anime character, as Marcel slapped Julien's head to snap him out of it.

"Stop daydreaming, you're long ways off from forcing your future wife to wear those garments."

"WHAT? CAN A MAN DREAM!" Julien was flabbergasted as he toned down his voice and adamantly said "a man's dream is for his future wife to be as sexy as possible and build a promising future together! I swear to you, once we have kids, I'm gonna force them to call you Uncle." Julien evilly smiled.

"You wouldn't." Marcel dreadfully stared at Julien.

"Oh yes I would…" Julien laughed as he stopped and looked up for a moment.

"Hey Marcel."

"Yeah?"

"If I die…will you take care of my parents and Jeannie for my future kids?"

"What the fuck you're talking about? I won't let you die, I promise that. Your parents will kill me if I deliver you dead. You come back alive. You have to promise me that. Is that clear?" Marcel said the words in front of Julien.

"Yeah…I promise I'll live for my parents and my future wife." Julien genuinely smiled for a moment, before looking lost by looking somewhere else.

Marcel just sighed as he was about to snap Julien out of it when the senior officer yelled.

"OK BREAK TIMES OVER! TIME TO RESUME YOUR TRAINING!"

"Well that's our cue. See you in a while Marcel. Beers on me when we meet again" Julien saluted as he went on ahead to his tank crew while Marcel watched for a brief moment and went to his platoon that he was in command of.

One thing in Marcel's mind, is the sure feeling that things would change for the better or for worse as he cleared out his mind for now as he ordered his atoon to do the basics down. "You have to do this in order to ensure…"

Meanwhile, in Haudainville near Verdun, Jeannie Allemand was busy preparing to open a branch of Victoria's Secret shop near Verdun.

While Jeannie was singing happily as in preparing the shop for the grand opening. A stranger visited the shop and Jeannie didn't flinch nor turn around on who the stranger was, as she just finished placing the merchandise and turned around to face the said stranger.

"I've heard that you're dating someone."

"Yes…he is quite a charming man, a likable man worthy of my love and affection."

The stranger nodded as he placed a suitcase in front of the counter and opened it to grab the necessary documents and closed it. The stranger then handed the documents to Jeannie, who took it and read through it and said.

"Is this my new assignment?"

"Yes. Your new task is to find out what the French are doing in Landerneau City. Our spies suspect that a 'tank' as it's called is being built along with illegal weapons. Our spies couldn't get closer due to how heavily guarded the place is." The stranger reported his findings to Jeannie.

"I see…so you want me to find out what's happening there as my new husband was selected?" Jeannie inquired.

"Yes. I know it might sound harsh. But it is necessary to know what they're building there."

"I understand. You'll expect the reports in a few months in what I find." Jeannie said, as she grabbed the documents and burnt them in the fireplace as the stranger watched.

"Are you sure you're going forward with this? You're willing to be pregnant for this task."

"Yes. While I do love Julien and the French culture, the Society and the Führerin comes first. She has rescued my family after all. So I'm doing this willingly."

"And what if your husband or the French authorities found out?"

"I'll send my child to Germany then commit suicide. Do not question my loyalty to Mr Adolf Hitler."

Adolf just shrugged "I was just asking. And your dedication to the society is valuable."

"No, I am only dedicated to the Führerin. And nothing more. Her will is my will. Now please leave Me Adolf before someone is suspicious that a man has visited my shop."

"Very well then." 

As Adolf grabbed his suitcase, he stopped for a moment and raised his right hand to salute, as Jeannie also did subconsciously.

"Heil Victoria."

"Heil Victoria"

With that, Adolf left the shop and wore his fedora hat on and moved on to other places in France to inspect the spy network that they had established.

For Jeannie, she forgot that the man ever visited his shop and just prepared her shop for the opening as she stopped for a moment to see Julien, Marcel and her in the picture and caressed it.

"If only they can understand…"

She muttered as she just resumed her duties once again.

She hoped that when the great war starts, they will spare Marcel and Julien at least. As she knew she was just hoping since in war, everyone can die. Even her. Hence she hopes that her child wouldn't know her dark history once it's born into this cruel world.

You can find story with these keywords: The Future of a Thousand Years, Read The Future of a Thousand Years, The Future of a Thousand Years novel, The Future of a Thousand Years book, The Future of a Thousand Years story, The Future of a Thousand Years full, The Future of a Thousand Years Latest Chapter