41st Millenium: a Star Wars Story

by Lewis II

Darth Vader and his master Darth Sidious tap into the ancient wisdom of the Dark Side and enter the 41st Millenium universe. This Fanfic tells their exploits and struggles in this new universe, as Vader searches for redemption and Sidious for Power. Inspired by a Youtube video made by Commissar Gamza, this is my first fanfic. Hope you guys like it. Any feedback is welcome.

18. Chapter 16: Believers

Author's note: So… It took me longer than expected to get back to this, but I assure you that I will finish this before the year ends. I'm at a crossroads in my personal life now and I feel the urge to vent out my stress in any way possible. So yeah. I'll be updating these more often. 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/14794969/Josiador

u/14924424/robert-douglass-3-504-pir

u/8428704/You-re-Normal-Sheevite

u/1515601/Mashot-Tito

u/8116872/SuperSaiyanDiclonius

u/5519409/Imperial-Briton

u/10115278/Dragon-lord-Syed-101

u/5023815/pedrorocamora102

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 16:

Believers

The elegant music from across the room resounded as an ethereal, soothing sound. The highborn crowd inside spoke with a soft yet constant tone, in fear of disturbing the hall's pristine atmosphere. At the middle of everything was a man with a long nose, an elongated face and silver hair,dressed with an immaculate green outfit decorated with golden thread, his chest was bulged up with numerous decorated medals, as if they truly depicted acts of real bravery. The lavish decorations could barely disguise the man's round belly and elongated limbs. It was Governor Julius Wellesley.

He walked around the room followed by an entourage mostly made up of his friends followed by their servants. They all joked and laughed while complimenting him on his political career as well as on the current party. Months of preparation for the Great Noble Night have been a success, he thought to himself.

He heard a commotion at the entrance to which he opened the door. The crowd in front of him opened a small corridor before the transport at the end of the stairs dropped its ramp. A dozen guardsmen sporting gray armor with black capes and helmets with goggles appeared and rushed into formation to make the small space even wider, while presenting arms for their descending commanders. A voice could be heard on the megaphones on the transport:

"Presenting the Inquisitors from the Ordo Xenos: Vader, Woodthorne and Alexyos… accompanied by their personal guard."

Alexyos stood on the right side. He sported a sober green trench coat with the Ordo Xenos sigil, widening his thin silhouette, as well as gray pants and black boots that appeared to correct his usual hunched posture. He used a psycher staff with the inquisition's emblem, and a belt depicting the Imperialis and bearing multiple purity seals.

Vader stood on the left side. He sported his usual armor, but restored to its former glory, with its black parts immaculately shiny, as if new. Its golden details were thoroughly polished, shining with even the dimmest light of Sovereign's sunset. He wore a black cloak as well, with an elegant bright red lining on the inside, matching the red on its outer purity seals.

Woodthorne stood in the middle, wearing a decorated scarlet dress with long sleeves and black details that matched her black cuirass. Although it was decorated with the usual motifs, the cuirass was light and more adjusted to the sister's body shape, resembling more of a corset than it did armor. She sported a big necklace with the Ordo Xenos sigil on her chest and a holster with a plasma pistol on her hip. Her elegantly made-up eyes and carmine lips accentuated her natural beauty and even embellished her battle scars.

The trio confidently walked towards the governor as sober cheers and whispers could be heard all around them. Vader was not one who craved attention and praise, and yet he felt mildly proud at that moment.

"It is a true honor to have you here, Inquisitor." Wellesley stated while gracefully bowing to them and rushing to kiss Woodthorne's hand.

"Governor Wellesley, . My colleagues and I have been looking forward to this. We thank you for the invitation to such a magnificent event in such a beautiful location."

"I was not aware that you would come escorted by your…Guardsmen." Wellesley remarked with a stiff smile."

The sister smirked and replied with a soft voice:

"My apologies. They insisted on coming as their loyalty to me is unmatched. They even insisted on naming their unit in my honor: The Thornbush."

"How lovely. " Wellesley replied. "They shall be looked after while they wait for you outside, if you see fit."

Woodthorne stared at Alexyos and with a gesture from the Psycher the formation broke. They then stood in front of the door, facing the stairs. a couple chairs were fixed behind them as they saluted the Inquisitors while they entered the room. The guards then sat on their chairs as the doors closed behind them.

The ball room was full of laughs, music and three inquisitors could feel people staring at them even if it was for less than a few seconds, they followed Wellesley close as he kept rambling about Sovereign and his achievements as its governor. Vader and Alexyos stoically looked around in search of any suspicious activity, they knew this kind of event could be a breeding ground for any sort of conspiracy against the Imperium.

Some minutes later, the Inquisitors found themselves surrounded by the governor's entourage, being interrogated about their missions and personal lives. Alexyos and Vader were surrounded by highborn beauties who appeared to flirt with them, and while Alexyos felt nervous and, for the first time in his life, eager to meet people, Vader remained stoic and gave short answers to every question. Woodthorne on the other hand remained by Wellesley's side as she made small talk with the high rank officers of the planetary defense and some business tycoons, even a captain of the Imperial Armada attended the ball. One of them came up with a question for Theodora:

"It is quite strange. I do not remember that Inquisitors are allowed to sport the emblems of the sacred orders of the Sororitas."

"It is but a reminder of my days as a Sister of battle." Woodthorne replied, realizing her armor sported a small seal of her former order.

"How come?"

"Before joining the Emperor's holy inquisition I served the ranks of the Sororitas for some years. Later I was offered the opportunity to Join the Ordo Xenos."

"I was told the Sisters of battle served their orders for life and they could never leave. After all, their training is quite different from the Inquisition's training, am I right?" the Highborn inquired.

Wellesley with a complacent gesture decided to join their conversation.

"I heard that some Adeptas Sororitas serve to the very end of their days, and if they ever failed on performing their duty, they would be sent with no protection to face the enemy head on, with their deaths as the proper atonement for their sins. Is that true?"

With a rapid look around her, Woodthorne realized that some of these highborn men were whispering, commenting on her, maybe even questioning her credibility. She understood what Wellesly and his friends attempted to do: they were trying to assert their dominance and show their moral and intellectual superiorities to their friends and subordinates. Vader and Alexyos overheard their conversation and readied their fists in case a fight broke out to defend their captain's honor. The Sister grabbed a glass of wine from a servant nearby and confidently drank it before answering:

"Yes, the Sister Repentia carry the sacred tasks of fighting until death to atone for their sins, I fought more than once by their side and met many who were granted the Emperor's peace. and yes, It took me some years to adapt, but I managed to do it successfully, which is why I lead this team. Good to see that the honorable businessmen of the hive worlds still carry about us."

The group bursted into pompous laughter and Governor Wellesley grinned as he realized the Sister was smarter than what he expected. Both Vader and Alexyos relaxed as the situation was apparently defused. Vader felt a light tap on his back and turned around to see Theodora trying to reach him with her hand:

"Care to dance, Inquisitor?"

"For your own sake I rather not, Captain"

"It is an order now, then. You shall dance with me..."

She pulled Vader out of his circle and pushed him by the shoulder towards the dance floor, carefully observed by governor Wellesley and Alexyos. She pulled Vader's right arm, wrapping it around her waist and squeezed the part of his left hand she could grab. Vader reluctantly pulled her tall strong body towards his and both started swinging slowly.

Woodthorne discretely tried to peek over Vader's shoulder. The Sith could feel his heartbeat rising and a mild blush on his cheeks. Yet, his voice remained as steady as ever:

"Why are you doing this, Captain?"

"We need to inspect the area for any suspicious activity. Alexyos will be doing his part on the tables. He will listen to any suspicious thoughts or conversations."

"Understood…"

Their dance was slow and awkward, and yet no other dancer would dare smirking or saying anything while close to the powerful couple. They spun slowly and scanned every face around them, every shivering and lost stare from the decadent nobles that surrounded them. Vader addressed his Captain with a serious tone while speaking through his teeth:

"Captain, why did you allow them to speak to you in such a disrespectful manner? Those men should be executed for insubordination without any trial."

"Calm down Vader, I'm used to people's judgment. Besides, these men are as hollow as a cave, the only thing they care for is power for it is the only relevant thing in their lives, they follow no real conviction or plan."

"I agree with you Captain… I apologize for my short temper."

"No need to…with your quick thinking and your determination, that temper has served us well. Now focus,Vader"

They resume their observation and dancing. Despite having his mind occupied on surveillance, Vader could clearly see Woodthorne's movements becoming smoother, as if she enjoyed her dance.

"You seem quite skilled in the art of dancing."

"I wish I could say the same. It's been quite a while since I could dance to anything..."

"I suppose you dance for leisure then…"

"Only when I was alone. I have fading memories of seeing my parents dance as a child."

"I assume they would be proud seeing what you have become"

The sister softly scoffed and closed her eyes for an instant…

"Their eyes melted long ago inside the acidic stomach of one of the beasts of my homeworld, along with my childhood".

An awkward silence remained between the dancing couple. While silent, the inquisitors scanned their surroundings. The center of the ball room was packed with a crowd dancing an intricate choreography, just as those of old time. Vader kept thinking about the annoying traditions and manners of the high born the same way as he did back in his own galaxy. Only when the long waltz stopped did he realize that he moved more gracefully than ever before. He stared into Woodthorne's eyes for a few moments, Woodthorne kept staring into Vader's helmet and mildly blushed for a second. The sister then released him and Vader walked away with a hasty pace.

Woodthorne looked around and found herself alone, so she calmly walked after Vader. The Sister found Vader gazing at the green and black horizon, decorated by the hundreds of thousands of small lights from the neighboring Manufactorum. Such a disgusting sight seemed somehow soothing under the pitch black night, and at such height the air was breathable, unlike the planet's surface, which allowed a cool wind to pass by. Vader finally broke the awkward silence:

"I apologize for earlier, captain…"

"No need... It happened long ago, so I was accepted into the order. Despite the intense training, I remember one more thing about my parents: they left a note, saying one day The Emperor would manifest his grace over my life and allow me to be happy and cleanse my soul when I die, along with theirs. I now see that such moment of happiness will not arrive as a whole day, but as small moments to be grasped and ceased"

The awkward silence reigned once more between the Inquisitors. Woodthorne then adopted the same pose as Vader, staring into the horizon as she spoke once again:

"What are you doing here, Vader ?"

"I am collecting my thoughts, captain. Evaluating my observations. I hope you do not mind."

"Did I embarrass you by forcing you to dance in front of the highest society?"

"No… I do not feel shame."

"But something IS troubling your mind."

"It's the troopers, Captain."

"So you DO worry for them."

"I am responsible for their fate… I complied not to open an investigation for their incident a long time ago."

"You were following orders, Vader. Those men are conscripts. They knew what they signed up for…"

"So do you, Captain. And yet..."

"And yet?" Theodora turned her head towards Vader and looked him in the eye with a serious stare.

"Perhaps it might not be proper to inquire, but I notice you stutter sometimes, as if a sudden panic took possession of your senses. Especially when someone inquires about your past…"

"You dare label me as a heretic?"

"There are many labels that would suit you, captain. Heretic is not one of them."

"I was tasked to keep you in check, Vader. I could have you tried for insubordination with nothing but my word. "

"I am talking to a fellow soldier as well. Someone who I trust with my life. If the time comes, you may strike me down. No need for trial…"

Vader then unsheathed his sword, handing its pommel to Woodthorne while continuing his speech…

"Whatever it is troubling you, use it in your favor or embrace it, otherwise you will never attend your duty or fulfill the Emperor's will."

Woodthorne stepped back and suddenly felt nervous and full of goosebumps. She used both hands to sheathe the sword back in place.

"I just… I wish I could be all that my family and The Emperor expected of me. But I am not…I would need a long time to explain it."

"I am listening, Captain."

They both stared at the horizon while leaning on their elbows. Woodthorne calmly breathed in some air and spoke with a monotonous voice:

"It was a routine mission. Vice governor Paulanis was to be taken to Tallarn from Bakka in a secret reunion along with a group of Hospitalary sisters to assist on the front. My squad was selected to protect him and keep him under surveillance as there was a belief he was involved in some heretic activity. We had to use a trade ship for matters of discretion.

They ambushed us outside the storm, our pilots maneuvered as fast as they could. And still, as soon as they were spotted their ships were upon us. The Xenos disabled our engines in a matter of minutes.

We followed protocol and ran towards an escape pod protecting the vice governor the best we could, but our superior Sister wanted to secure a transport for our sisters hospitallers as well. She breached into the upper deck and fought bravely to clear the room and reach the communication console. We decided to leave Elena and the vice governor to escape while we helped our superior, but when we arrived it was too late. We then started purging them, and as reinforcements finally arrived thanks to our superior, we were knocked unconscious and captured in the blink of an eye, the hospitallers with us as well. The fleet disappeared as fast as they came, only their flag ship receiving a single cannon impact from our own.

The cult of the Red Grief, that is how Elena labeled them. She could easily distinguish between Dark and Normal Eldar, for me they were all just Xenos. If only I knew what was coming.

They said their main drive was damaged due to the single impact and would take some time to be repaired, so they decided to amuse themselves with us in the meanwhile.

A cult of speed…That they were. Some placed bets on how many times they could cut a body under the same time limit with their blades. Some others placed bets on who could skin my sisters alive the fastest using only their flailes. Another group placed bets on how many times they could rape and achieve orgasm with the same body on a limited amount of time while mutilating them. The rest of the hospitallers were only included in a blood and filth orgy, and our squad was to watch every second of it. Some of my sisters were able to fight back, others ended their lives by their own hands, their bodies untainted by heresy.

I convinced my guard to let me join and release my handcuffs. They just changed my restraining position and by some miracle of The Emperor, it was enough to fight back. I recovered my weapons and fought my way to the hangar where I boarded a small confiscated ship and left, then turned around and destroyed their flag vessel as fast as I could. I could save none of my sisters…

Only put an end to their misery….

The Inquisitor never believed it, nor my sister Elena, my good hearted friend for whom I was now dead..."

Vader remained silent and offered Woodthorne a soft red silk tissue while she shed some tears and started sobbing. She then cleaned her face with the tissue and tried to regain sobriety.

"They launched me into battle as a Sister Repentia. To this day I think it is a matter of the Emperor that I am still alive. The governor and the Inquisition think otherwise. They only see me as a disposable heretic, one corrupted by either Chaos or Xenos filth…"

A prolonged silence took over the balcony. It was Vader who then spoke:

" You will never make amends for your sisters, for they will never come back. But as long as you live, their righteous rage can be felt through every round you shoot… every cut of your blade. If The Emperor lets you live is for a reason… to honor them."

She leaned back and suddenly felt relieved.

"Do you believe me then, Vader?"

Vader stood up and softly mumbled his answer:

"I do.. I always will. No matter what happens."

They stared at each other in silence. Although no words were spoken, they could feel the trust among them. It was then when they felt for a few seconds a disturbing sensation. They nodded at the same time and returned to the ball with a hasty pace. They both knew Alexyos was calling on them.

Alexyos stood at a lonely corner when he was joined by his colleagues. The Psycher, although displeased for being left alone, informed them on the situation:

"There are no apparent signs of corruption or chaos, captain. Nevertheless, we have a possible traitor."

"Good enough. Let's give our arrogant host something to remind him of the need for humbleness and loyalty to the Imperium. "

The couple went back into the heat of the party, it was at that moment when Governor Wellesley took over the stage and called for the crowd's attention:

"My dear guests, apart from our usual festivities, today we celebrate the distinguished visit of members of the Emperor's most holy Inquisition. They are here to complete a sacred task of retrieving a potentially dangerous Xeno artifact, recovered by the brave members of our planetary defense force . May this successful operation be the first step to a more secure galaxy. The Emperor protects! "

" Emperor protects! " the room answered, as cheers and applause took over the room.

Two beams of light shone over the Inquisitors, they looked at each other in surprise. With a hand gesture, Woodthorne queued Alexyos to go up the stage on their behalf. The psycher's eyes widened as he tried to adjust his outfit before going on stage. Alexyos received the artifact from the hands of a chubby officer sporting a gallant uniform. Alexyos felt its massive weight as soon as he grabbed it, but managed to carry it ceremoniously. The artifact was inside a metal chest covered by chains and locks, all of it topped with a single purity seal.

As he walked down the stage, the Psycher was received by Vader and Woodthorne, and through whispers, he managed to point out the traitor: an officer dressed with an extravagantly decorated uniform. Theodora's nod was all they needed to go after their new target. Vader menacingly walked towards the lavishly dressed officer and approached him:

"Excuse me officer, may I have a word with you?"

The officer felt a chill down his spine and turned around to face Vader's mask.

"Y-yes Inquisitor. Major Crysipus Wallace, at your service my Lord."

"I overheard you mention something about a diplomatic mission some moments ago…"

"Y...yes My Lord."

"Were you assisted by a regiment of Mordian Guardsmen ?"

"Yes I was… They died valiantly assuring our escape."

"Curious… considering we encountered them… months ago, holding their position. With a promise of reinforcements."

"Um… I suspected you might show up to save them, Mylord."

"Were you now? Because I have proof from some sources that you explicitly told your ship's captain that they were, in your words, low-life nobodies who were not worth saving, is this true? "

"NO! I mean… I didn't exactly say that…"

Vader menacingly leaned forward to confront the officer's evasive gaze.

"Are you calling a member of the Inquisition… a liar?"

Vader turned to his captain while holding the Scintillan by the back of his neck. With a frown, she simply nodded and Vader started dragging the officer along the floor behind him while walking towards the stage. The officer waved his hands, kicked around and screamed for help at the top of his lungs as Vader pulled him towards the stage where the orchestra was playing.

The music abruptly stopped and the party focused their attention on the small stage while the musicians got down from the platform. Woodthorne then came up the stage and spoke up once she felt all the eyes in the room looking at them:

"Major Crysipus Wallace, due to the evidence presented by Inquisitor Vader as well as your own confession, on behalf of the Imperium of Man and his most holy Inquisition, I, Captain Theodora Woodthorne of the Ordo Xenos, find you guilty on the charges of treason, insulting an inquisitor and heresy, for abandoning your position and bearing the existence of an Ork fleet! "

"No! It's not true! Please!" The Scintillan cried out.

"You dare to label me as a liar as well?" Woodthorne playfully caressed his chin with her plasma pistol while sporting a confident grin.

"I am sorry Inquisitor. Please spare me! I am innocent!"

"I find your ignorance disturbing. Have you not heard the words of our Emperor's most holy Inquisition? Inocentia Nihil provat. Innocence...proves...NOTHING!"

She then nodded towards Vader who unsheathed his Powersword.

"May your death cleanse you from your sins and grant you the Emperor's peace!"

Vader pushed the officer, putting him on his knees and swung his blade with a single move, ripping the head off clean. The severed head fell off and rolled towards Woodthorne's feet. Woodthorne then kicked the body out of the stage towards the crowd, which could only gasp with fear.

An ominous silence took over the room. It was broken by the governor himself as he clapped in approval.

The room followed the governor and a modest applause could be heard, such as the ones heard at the end of a tedious ceremony or a dull speech.

It was then when Theodora leapt of the stage and approached Wellesley, pointing a finger at him:

"Let this be a warning Governor, if you dare receive any more traitors or heretics in your palace, the Inquisition shall burn it to the ground."

She then punched the Governor's nose, knocking him out and making him fall to the ground while the whole room gasped and whispered among each other.

The group stormed out of the ball room and into their ship, accompanied by their guards who stood from their chairs and joined them to enter their transport.

In a matter of minutes they were back at the Poenitens and their ship crew was preparing their last details before taking off. She then addressed Vader over her shoulder:

Vader…

Yes, Captain?

"I need detailed information on all the data you gathered from the artifacts and what you were able to decrypt. Bring everything you have to my quarters for proper investigations.

"As you command, Captain."

The Poenitens finally took off and as they left the orbit, Vader was able to compile both the information he had gathered, along with his personal entered Theodora's quarters and handed her all the files and his Servo Skull.

She then held the documents with one hand and touched Vader's crossed forearms with the other. It seemed like a meaningless gesture, yet for Vader it felt like a tender caress to his very heart.

"Vader…words cannot describe how much what you said means to me. And I have to tell you that…you have proven to me more than once that your loyalty to the Imperium is sincere…I believe in you no matter what."

It was the first time Vader saw Theodora smile. A silence followed, but contrary to other occasions, it was a reassuring and intimate silence, one that the couple deeply appreciated. The silence was interrupted as both heard a third person rushing towards the room. Vader and Woodthorne saw a member of the Thornbush rushing in to salute and deliver a message with heavy breathing:

" Captain, the Astratelepathica. They sent a message. Team Avalon is dead, Space Marine Talius is the sole survivor."