The next morning, the STF Headquarters hummed with its usual disciplined chaos. Soldiers trained, technicians worked, and ships came and went through the hangars.
Then Ian's voice echoed through the entire building.
The intercom crackled once, then went silent.
"Soldiers of the STF," Ian began, his tone calm but commanding.
"As you all know, you've been forced to intervene in many Galactic Empire threats that other branches should be capable of handling on their own. That changes now."
Across the headquarters, soldiers paused mid-conversation.
"We are conducting a test, strictly for the other military branches. Your role is to keep this operation classified until I give the official announcement. You will also serve as test proctors and graders. Observe. Record. Evaluate."
The message ended.
No applause. No reaction.
Just quiet understanding.
The Support Team's Task
Later that day, Optimus stood in the main hangar before the entire STF Support Division. Mechanics, engineers, programmers, designers, dozens of minds that kept the STF functioning, stood at attention.
Optimus spoke without preamble.
"You're in charge of designing and building realistic combat-training demons. Robotic. Durable. Adaptive."
A few engineers exchanged looks.
"I want giants. Winged demons. Urban threats. Battlefield threats, the whole package. You'll have access to body-cam footage from real engagements to help refine behavior and combat patterns."
He paced slowly.
"You'll also be given a dedicated factory not far from here. This project is classified. You are not to speak about it to anyone outside this room."
Silence followed.
Then a mechanic nodded.
"Understood."
Within hours, the support team was at work.
And within days,
Factories began producing replica demon droids: towering silhouettes, articulated wings, reinforced claws, glowing synthetic eyes. Machines that looked and moved too close to the real thing.
Expanding the Plan
Ian stepped into Optimus's office one evening, arms folded.
"I talked to the Hero Academy. They want in on the War Games."
Optimus leaned back.
"How would that work?"
Ian replied,
"They'd operate alongside soldiers, just like real hero deployments. Urban defense, civilian protection, coordinated combat. It gives cadets experience without putting them in real danger."
He paused.
"For the city scenarios, we can hire actors as civilians. It benefits the soldiers and trains future heroes at the same time."
Optimus considered it, then nodded.
"That actually makes a lot of sense."
He stood and walked to the window.
"We'll use Uthaohiri, the giant base-camp planet. It already has wilderness zones, urban centers, deserts, forests, everything we need."
Ian smiled.
"That works."
The Announcement
A week later, the simulated armies were complete.
Optimus stood inside the STF film room, facing a massive camera mounted on a reinforced platform. Behind it stretched a plain wall, stark and professional.
Ian stood just off to the side.
"Alright," Ian said. "You'll speak into that camera. This broadcast goes out to the entire Galactic Military."
Optimus exhaled slowly.
"Alright. Here goes nothing."
The camera powered on.
A red light blinked.
Optimus looked straight ahead and began.
"Members of the Galactic Military. After reviewing your recent performance, the Greats have decided to initiate a full-scale evaluation of your strength, leadership, coordination, and overall effectiveness."
Across the galaxy, screens flickered to life.
"Each branch will compete to prove itself the most capable. The STF will not participate; we've already seen firsthand that they can carry their load."
His voice was steady.
"The exercise will take place on Uthaohiri. Deployment orders will follow immediately after this broadcast. Prepare yourselves."
He paused.
"Welcome… to the War Games."
The red light shut off.
The room fell silent.
Ian nodded approvingly.
"Well done, Optimus. Not bad."
Optimus let out a breath.
"Now let's see what the rest of the Empire is really made of."