Author's Note: Ok I'll be honest with you, it took me more than expected but this is by far my favorite chapter. Hope you guys like it. If you spot the inspiration sources for this chapter, you'll get to help me with one of the next chapters. As always, all feedback is welcome. Enjoy.
Disclaimer:
This story is a fan fiction of my own creation inspired by various sources. Both Darth Vader and Darth Sidious along with any Star Wars franchise reference belong to Lucasfilm, while all secondary characters, environment and locations belong to Games Workshop. I do not claim any ownership of the source material. This story was created for entertainment purposes and not intended to be linked directly to either the Star Wars universe or the Warhammer 40,000 universe official canons. All rights reserved to the respective owners.
My sincere thanks to George Lucas, Rick Priestly, Andy Chambers and all the people in charge of creating and expanding both of these fantastic universes.I hope you can keep fascinating and inspiring many generations to come.
I also appreciate all who collaborated in the editing of this fanfic with their reviews, shout-out to:
u/8428704/You-re-Normal-Sheevite
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HEMA (user)
and above all my readers. Love you guys.
41st Millennium: A Star Wars Story
By: Lewis II
Original Idea by:
YouTube (2018). " Could Darth Vader survive in Warhammer 40k?" Commissar Gamza: YouTube. From: /p0czd32HPQw
YouTube (2018). " Could Darth Sidious survive in Warhammer 40k?" Commissar Gamza: YouTube. From: /p0czd32HPQw
Logo by Lewis II, both emblems are property of Games Workshop and Lucasfilm
Chapter 8:
Pushing Forward
The snow was falling slowly, almost weightless, between the dense tries of the frozen forest. The wind murmured echoes from a distance as the fire of anti air weapons illuminated an otherwise white and grey sky. The rubbery sound of snow being stepped on was muffled by the wind flapping his cape.
Among the thick pines, a black tall cloaked shadow walked with a heavy and serene pace, as if taking a casual stroll through the woods: it was Inquisitor Vader.
Two figures saluted him from a distance and approached the Inquisitor with a hasty pace. The Guardsmen had their typical flak armor barely covered with olive colored winter coats, green scarves and precarious snow gloves.
"My lord, it is an honor. The commissar is waiting for you. We are instructed to lead you to our camp."one mumbled as the other panted.
"Then lead me to it." he patiently replied.
They walked with a hasty pace towards the encampment. As they arrived, the sound of crackling bonfires soothed Vader while he saw the Guardsmen around them searching for heat while passing by.
Vader stared at the whole installation with the corner of an eye. He could see the foxholes being dug, some used as mass graves. He could see the snipers ever vigilant stationed on the upper part of some trees as well as the turret emplacements and Heavy bolter turrets being procured and loaded. but above all, Vader saw the Guardsmen. Their faces were fatigued, tearful, some even suffering from anxiety or shellshock. Some stared at the mysterious figure while others dismissed it completely, either concentrated on a task or sunken into their own desperation.
He could easily hear their conversations, most of them full of apathy and bitterness:
"The Valhallans should be freezing here instead of us. They have not engaged the Xenos." " I heard the news, they are not even willing to confront them." " This a satellite, of course they wouldn't mind if they lost it and we died." "This is nonsense."
"What is your current status?" Vader asked one of his guides.
"Our garrison has been under constant attack, my lord. Some of our fellow Guardsmen have engaged in combat for more than 29 hours against both Xenos and heretics."
Vader's vision hovered over the pitiful spectacle of the field hospital. The medics walking at a hasty pace, alternating between injectors, medikits, saws and scalpels in order to attend those few who could be actually saved. They finally stopped at a command tent.
As Vader went inside, the Commissar nervously left his cup of tea, stood up and saluted the mysterious Inquisitor while he attempted to regain a martial posture.
"My lord. We are humbled humbled to receive an Inquisitor in our encampment. What can be done to help such an honorable servant of the Imperium?"
"We need to take the town at the other side of this forest. There is an objective of high strategic import and classified nature in the vicinity."
"We have attempted my lord, but the last wave was completely eliminated, I personally commanded the men behind the line, even executing those who retreated, but they seem to not respond. Still, the ambushes on the southern pass and siege of the crossroads at the forest have kept the fight constant. It could be easier if we had more experienced troops and not these recruits at our disposal."
"Truly a shameful waste of Imperial resources and training." He affirmed.
"They are a disgrace my lord, but I shall get these recruits in line and we will…"
"Who said I was talking about the recruits?" Vader interrupted.
" Use the armed vehicles and artillery to push on the south and flank the town, we will launch another wave on the open and take the town's defenses. I will personally lead the charge, Commissar. Stay behind me."
He then proceeded to ditch his cloak and revealed a pristine black and golden armor. The layered plates of ceramite bulked up his powerful shoulders, depicting an Aquila and an Imperialis over each arm. His chest sported the Inquisition sigil and a satchel containing what appeared to be a copy of the Lectitio Divinitatus. His black cape depicted the symbol of the Adeptus Ministorum on its back. His reinforced limbs seemed bigger and stronger than those of a normal person, nearly making him look like a compact yet still threatening version of an Astartes. His new limbs made virtually no sound that could give away the lack thereof. His helmet was bright black, still the same design but with the Ordo Sigil on its forehead and with thin gold details. Vader walked towards the trenches as the Commissar dispatched the orders and moved any officer he could find. The men gathered on the trenches, the last defensive line before the plains. The soldiers stared with fear and bitterness into No Man's land and the Xenos entrenched at the other side.
Vader stood over the trench as the Burst rounds began to rain upon them. He addressed the men with the most potent voice he could muster:
"Brave Guardsmen, stand strong! I see dread and fatigue in your eyes, but know that we will triumph. Our Emperor has chosen us to fight and die on this world not because we were the most prepared but for we are the bravest and most faithful there is."
The young Imperial guards looked at him, some recovering the energy and serenity on their faces.
" If The might of the Emperor is with us, then who is to stand against us?"
A shy cheer was heard amongst the line.
"Let us all fight together and take what is rightfully ours. Let us be an exampIe of courage for our Valhallan brothers in Gravalax. I shall lead you to retribution!"
A bigger cheer propagated within the Guardsmen, which readied their lasrifles and fixed their bayonets.
"To victory or death!"
A loud roar was heard while the entrenched Xeno warriors readied their Pulse Rifles. The Sentry turrets took aim and revealed their twin-linked Burst Cannons and Missile Pods. Inside a scorched attic, a solitary Pathfinder prepared his Rail Rifle. His previous wound had reopened and could only serve as a sniper, picking targets for his comrades.
Vader unsheathed his power sword, which glowed blood red with the flick of a thumb. The crimson kyber crystal from his previous sword became the ornament jewel and power source for his new one.
A powerful scream shook the garrison to its core while the immense charge took over the snow covered plain. Vader extended his left hand and stretched his fingers as if trying to hold something, seemingly carrying some weight on it. No order was necessary as the Xenos opened fire on the pushing mob, while hearing a loud, barely comprehensible scream:
"For the Emperor!"
The projectiles found a halt less than five steps away from Vader. None could pass the wide protection and exploded while the men hastened their pace ever closer. The charge pressed on and ran with even more fury. The invisible shield covered kilometers of front, while the Astra Millitarum ran swiftly into the frozen haystacks and scorched barns, over the frozen farming plains and reaching the old town's outskirts.
The men possessed by rage and desperation could barely run through the snow and keep up with Inquisitor Vader. They finally reached the enemy trenches, where Vader sliced the turrets in half with swift cuts and the Xenos were neutralized by the Guardsmen. Some by bayonet, some by rapid up close lasrounds, some by bear fists, bayonets and knives. The trench descended into madness and feral brawl, something to which the Xenos proved to be nearly useless. The blue blood spreaded across the snow and the Guardsmen emerged victorious, engaging in street combat on the small quaint town.
The gunships opened fire on the humans as they ran for cover, destroying some of the shops and houses. The mechanic battlesuit faced Vader standing almost double his size, still causing no impression on him. The battlesuit unleashed a barrage at Vader, only leaving a screen of snow, smoke and scorched earth. From behind the smoke, Vader appeared and charged towards it. The Inquisitor swiftly cut its legs making it fall to its knees and proceeded to stab its head and neck by climbing on top of it. The mortar fire, Leman Russ and Baneblade tanks cut the gunships from the south and obliterated them, while some brave Guardsmen boarded the remaining vehicles and filled them with grenades. As the battle wrapped up, the remaining Xenos were reunited at the town square and executed by order of the Commissar.
Vader walked away from the town and over some hills nearby, leaving a mob of cheering and chanting Astra Millitarum receiving supplies and transport by incoming aircraft, screaming with glee and thanking the Emperor for a crushing victory. None but the Commissar ever noticed the absence of the Inquisitor as he left the town behind.
After several minutes, the Inquisitor walked downhill and approached a small valley where he saw the entrance of a tunnel. A figure approached him and pointed her bolter pistol at his face.
"You are late"
"I beg your pardon, Captain, but I found it a practical solution for our infiltration predicament."
"I realized it. Once the armour concentrated their fire on you and the battlesuit left the area. Ingenious, still it will be reported to the Lord Inquisitor. now move." she said while leading the way.
She removed the red hood in order to have a clearer look of her surroundings, Her short snow colored hair fell gracefully over one side of her forehead, partially covering the prominent scar over her right eye, almost compensating for the lack of hair on the sides and back. her bright amber eyes contrasted with the half face blood colored mask. She sported a black power armour with silver details, blood red robes and a prominent banner with the repentant mark over her chest plate. Her voice and shape depicted a young adult, a period short lived for Vader, and yet she had the looks of a battle seasoned warrior. She was her commanding officer and an anomaly according to Vader's knowledge: a repentant Sister of Battle, not a Sister Repentia.
They rapidly observed the perimeter and found no potential witness or threat, then walked to the entrance of what appeared to be a tunnel or underground structure, where their partner awaited them.
"Are you done, Psyker?" she asked with a stoic tone
"Yes, Captain." He murmured as he let the head of his victim, a Tau soldier, fall. The Psyker then dialed the recently learned code into the pad. The door opened and the team descended through the tunnel.
The Sister perceived a disturbance on her earpiece and contacted the ship:
"This is captain Woodthorne, we are temporary shutting down communications, code Classificatae."
The three Inquisitors entered the tunnel hovering over every possible attack positions and covering each others backs. They entered a control room and proceeded to dispatch all the barricated Xeno soldiers within. The shootout ended in a blink, barely even spilling any blood.
"After you Alexyos." Vader stated in a playful manner. Alexyos accessed the main cogitator. The Mechanicus security barrier made the files impossible to corrupt. The Psyker could only then access and retrieve a small amount of information.
"The data is mostly in Lingua-Technis."
"Let me see" Vader replied.
"Where did you learn their tongue?"
"We have become good acquaintances". Their captain scoffed as she inspected and extracted information from the secondary cogitators and dead bodies.
"Most of the data mention a structure of Xeno origins below the facility. It has been inactive for years. They have studied it."
"The event was marked a few months ago, so the Xenos knew it was here. Why would they let the T'au seal the facility?" Captain Woodthorne mumbled out loud.
" The door was forced" Alexyos interrupted
"No signs of explosives, only high amounts of pressure. Any ressemblances you can find, Vader?"
With rearranging some cables, the repentant Sister activated the power source. The sound of a restarting mechanic elevator put the team on alert. A message started playing as one of the T'au cogitators seemed to be connected to the power source:
" This is Shas' O Ke'lshan Bunor, Head of security for the research team on Operation: Mountain on Gravalax 28: I was nearly unnerved at my proximity to that nameless thing at the bottom of that pit.
Most of my team has died within these ruins and those who have not, are now guarding the control room of this facility. Our scientists have taken their own lives after being in contact with object Nyrion 1, not before confirming Nyrion 1 is of no known nature within our galaxy, as well as the warriors who now guard it. Yet it feeds on the energy of what lays dormant in here. The humans are now pounding at our doors, not knowing the true nature of what lies here. Now I understand my duty is to go down there and make sure that this evil does not awake. Should I die, this recording is to be taken for further research and this facility sealed and destroyed within the next 12 hours. Send my regards and thoughts to my family. Tell them I did this to protect them and therefore I regret nothing. For the Greater Good. "
As the recording ended and the sound of the elevator stopped, Vader used The Force to open the door, confirming Alexyos' suspicions. The team stepped into the elevator and it started to descend. The transparent walls of the elevator allowed them to analyze their surroundings.
The lift entered a thick layer of ice, which it descended at a hasty pace. The team then saw something that made Alexyos shiver in disbelief: A solid and massive structure, shaped like a temple or a mausoleum, the size of a small citadel, Illuminated by multiple reflectors and a mild green glow. All within the quietness and concealment of the ice on the surface. Vader gripped his sword tight as his studies helped him recognize the sight before him: a Necron Tomb.
The captain prepared her bolter pistol and Chainsword.
" I suppose I do not have to point out the delicateness of our current situation. We locate our objective. Extract or destroy whatever is inside. Keep the Xenos at bay or recommend for Exterminatus. Turn on your short range communication."
The two Inquisitors followed her command.
The radio could emit little sound, making it barely useful.
The team walked into what appeared to be a hall with multiple paths, emulating a high walled labyrinth.
"Spread out and synchronize your chronometers. Should communications fail, we shall meet here in 15 minutes."
Each team member took a different path and stood on their guard.
The echoes resounded with unnerving clearness. Even the sound of steps had an ominous tone for the team as each one walked by themselves.
The corridors became an endless and confusing trail, full of humidity and silence. For Vader, the path was clear, yet the walls started moving, reconfiguring. The shadow covered the Inquisitor in darkness, as if he descended to deeper levels. Vader stood still while gripping his power sword, sensing a new presence.
And the force was strong with it.
He found two blue eyes staring at him, which electric light could haunt any soldier faint of heart. Vader then lit up his weapon and started to defend himself.
He dodged the first strike and with his ruby power sword started deflecting the incoming attacks. They were swift and agile, attacking at multiple angles in a sporadic order. A change in his breath was the closest reaction Vader had to surprise the moment he noticed the nature of the weapon. It was a blue lightsaber pike, not so different from those the ancient jedi sentinels had back at the temple in Coruscant. His fighting style was close to Ataru, but with more primitive and irregular movements. He put his thoughts back on the mission and just as he was about to communicate his status, the Psyker beat to him to it:
" This is Alexyos, multiple contacts. "
"Confirmed, multiple contacts as well. Fall back." Woodthorne answered.
Vader started retreating while still parring as many blows as possible.
The floor started moving and Vader was forced to jump and rush, leaving his pursuer momentarily behind. The team found their way to the rally point, only to realize the room and the connected paths were drastically modified. Alexyos used his lightning to keep a new threat at bay: a swarm of small insectoid robots, glowing with the same tenuous green light. they were Necron constructs. Vader and his captain saw their incoming Xeno threats and engaged them. They all three had the same weapons and one of them even sported a shield.
The muzzle fire from the Captain's bolter pistol flashed over the shadow of the Xeno attackers revealing their true color: A golden armour, a menacing golden helm and two penetrating blue eyes.
And then Vader heard it from afar: the door that let them down the lift, had been shut.