Back from the Dead (SW/40K Cross Over)

[Fire Extinguisher]

This is the start of a Star Wars 40K Cross over which I've had in my mind for a few weeks now. I hope to update frequently, but I want to warn my readers that I am not using strict 40K or SW canon, so expect some divergences from what you know. Still I'm attempting to focus in on characters far more in this fan fiction. All rights are not reserved by me for Star Wars or Warhammer. Comments to encourage me to write more improve my work. Thanks guys.

Chapter 1 - A Cold Chill.

The ground shuddered as the second bombardment broke through the planets thin Ozone layer impacting upon the ice covered continental shelf. The green rain of the Republics capital ships sent flumes of water vapour high into the atmosphere obscuring the star systems red giant.

Underneath the deluge stood the planets final confederate fortress, its shield generator nestled amongst the spiked spires of the foundry somehow managing to withstand the onslaught even as a lake of melt wash started to push its way through the defensive energy shield.

Watching this scene, with the Republics grand army behind him, stood Mace Windu patiently preparing for the final assault. This conflict over the planet Eraz had lasted almost three months with the confederacy defending their foundries with embittered resistance every step of the way.

The planet was riddled with ice mines and tunnels where battle-droids lurked just beneath the surface. Patrols and armoured columns so numerous had disappeared without so much as a trace down these death traps, with the confederates preferring to collapse the structures instead of engaging in honourable combat.

Raising a slightly iced eyebrow Mace Windu watched as several red energy bolts rose from the fortress disappearing behind the Republics artificial dust clouds. The exchange of fire started to increase with more guns being brought to bear from above until there was cacophony of silence.

Rising flames from the foundry, growing flood waters and a smoking shield generator gave Mace Windu the answer. The shield was down.

“All units advance on the enemy” Mace Windu commanded through the link. Instantly the Republics SPHAT artillery opened fire raking the confederate front lines with vengeful punishment, allowing the armour and infantry to begin their procession to battle.

Mounting his own speed bike Mace Windu looked around at his clone bodyguards, four of the Republics finest commandos. Pulling on his helmet and igniting his lightsabre Mace Windu led the charge. . . .

==========

Count Dooku sat relaxed within the control room of the Eraz foundry along with the leading council of the confederacy of independent systems who, unknown to the Republic were trapped upon this besieged rock.

General Grevious had estimated that it would take a further three days before reinforcements could be delivered an estimate which Dooku had kept hidden from his allies and subordinates.

The tactical situation wasn’t exactly one that presented the greatest opportunities even for one as skilled with the force as Dooku. A former member of the Jedi council, a former member of the Republics ruling elite, Count Dooku had grown accustomed to tight situations and had learned through experience that there was never any need for despair. All one ever needed was a back, and a sufficiently pointed implement.

Still, despite his philosophical worldview Dooku had reluctantly admitted to himself that at present the tactical situation was grave, a truth that he was not willing to share with the ruling council. Each and every single one of them were corrupt cowards focused purely on their own survival and profit, and as soon as the spirit of despair broke amongst them, Dooku would be forced to take measures to ensure they remained on his side.

Out of all the members of the ruling council present, Nute Gunray was assuredly the one he despised the most and was the one Dooku was going to kill first. This piece of xeno meat which he was forced through circumstance to call ally, was the greatest coward that the Galaxy had ever produced, and often the greatest problem to the confederacies war effort. His repeated refusal to commit the needed forces and invest the necessary credits was crippling the war, in fact it was his fault in refusing to pay for planetary shield generators which allowed the Republic to invade Eraz.

Of course, this was all according to the designs of Lord Sidious but Dooku couldn’t help but feel hatred towards the Neimoidian.

“Do not worry Viceroy” Dooku said soothingly to the perspiring councillor. “The Republics forces will not find their way once they set foot inside this foundry.”

Gunray almost choked on Dookus words “You expect to bring victory through your illusions Count” Gunray despaired as the holo-projection showed the reality of the situation, and it filled him with terror as the advancing formations of the Republics divisions entered the wide ice valley which was the main approach to the complex. Half of it, now submerged thanks to the orbital strikes which had obviously caused endless problems for the Jedis heavy armour divisions.

“Patience and confidence Viceroy” Dooku suggested this time forcing a cordial tone upon himself, the last thing he needed was a spirit of despair to break through the ranks of the ruling council. “You will be pleased to learn Viceroy that General Grevious is en-route with reinforcements, which will be more than capable of breaking this foolish Jedi endeavour” Dooku motioned to the projection “until then, all you have to do . . Viceroy . . is wait patiently . . .”

Nute Gunray looked around the long oval table his large red eyes reading the expressions on the faces of his peers. Not all of them showed the same confidence as Dooku.

“This situation is no different from the Republics invasion of Geonosis. It will take their clones weeks to navigate through the complex, and a further month to destroy our production facilities. I can assure you all, that the chances of defeat are slim.” Dooku rose from the table resting one hand upon the hilt of his lightsabre “Our discussion is concluded.”

=======================

Mace Windu cleaved his way through the debris of battledroids and rubble which were once the enemies front lines now hidden by a mask of freezing water which lapped innocently against his chest. As with the ice caves and tunnels, below the surface of the Republics latest environmental effort lurked the remaining vanguard of the confederate forces.

One of Windu’s bodyguards had already lost a limb to the pointed claws of a submerged super battledroid, while the others had become lost and disorientated in the great tangled rubble of the foundry.

But for Mace Windu, this battle seemed effortless, he moved faster than any Jedi answering each warning the force announced with an offering from his purple lightsabre. This was truly his way, choosing to use the darkness within and channel it into a blade of light and justice. It was because of this, that Mace Windu could conduct the order of the day, eradication.

Here on Eraz he could unleash his anger, here Mace Windu could devastate the enemy, here Mace Windu could hurt those who hurt his one true love, the Republic. Fighting in complete oneness with the force, the physical strain which would kill any normal Jedi gave Mace Windu the strength to do his duty.

Droid after droid fell before him, the majority of which were severed, cleanly at the neck. Like berserkers of the ancient Jedi order Windu preferred to kill his enemy by slicing the jugular, a droid, or an organic, it didn’t matter when he was lost to the siren call of war.

Ducking his head away from the searching gaze of a hovering LAAT’s beam weapon the Jedi master found himself pausing in the thickness of battle. Something was different about this planet, especially in this valley and it wasn’t just the presence of the dark side, it was . . something else.

Master Yoda had once told Mace about omens in the force “Not just the present does the force see hmmm. Past, present, future, all one to the force are.” This lesson echoed in the back of Mace’s mind as the shadow of the darkside clouded his senses. “The force knows everything, but not always truthful it is.” An image of a cross legged Yoda jumped into the forefront of his thoughts before the chaos of battle jolted him back into reality.

The trance of Vapaad had completely blinded Maces’s assessment of the battle. The droids had organised a counterattack and were pouring forward against the advancing lines of the Republic. There were so many of them, more, much more than the analysts had predicted. Swarms of droids which made Geonosis seem like a skirmish were starting to envelop his army, which knowing the Republics current situation wasn’t likely to get reinforcements any time soon.

Mace Windu chest deep in icy water now felt uncertainty over the outcome of the battle which had only raged for little over half an hour. Clones lay dead everywhere, Tri fighters were dominating the sky picking off the vulnerable LAAT’S as they struggled to deploy reserves. While the armour was still struggling to advance over the small part of ice which bridged the Republics lake and the confederates moat.

Things were not going well for the Republic and Mace Windu couldn’t call for help, not because of pride, but because of the two pieces his fingers grappled with, which was once his communicator.

Moving forward towards a small island of rock and metal, Mace caught his chance. A protocol droid which had survived the initial attack slinked through a doorway which was almost invisible amongst the durasteel ruins of the complex. Mace noted the droids golden armour shining beautifully in the red light of the sun. Pulling on his reserves in the force, the Jedi master concentrated on his legs and leaped over an advancing troop of droids before disappearing into the darkness, for now, the clones were on their own.

Adjusting to the changed light levels of the installations interior, the Jedi master grinned as the protocol droid entered several codes into the destination keypad. Walking forward, sternly, Mace Windu ignited his lightsabre wondering to himself how exactly he should get rid of this one.

“How big is this foundry droid?”

“Jedi master Windu, I am.”

“I said how big is this foundry and I want an answer.” The golden protocol droid stepped backwards twice and swivelled towards the elevator controls. “Touch them, and I am going to do a whole number of unpleasant things to you.” Mace narrowed his gaze.

Computing the statistics of surviving an outcome with a fully armed, very close and exceptionally angry Jedi master the protocol droid decided it was best to capitulate. “This foundry comprises of nineteen factory complexes and over two hundred and seven levels. It is eighty seven kilometres wide at greatest diameter. The height of each level is exactly fiv.”

“Where is the control room?”

The droid turned its head again to the control panel “The control room is in the Council chambers on level one hundred and eighty four.”

“How do I get to it?” Mace stepped closer to the droid in disbelief at how easy this was.

“I have inputted the correct access code, all you need to do is push this combination into the control board” The droid demonstrated perfectly, but before it could give another comment Jedi master Mace Windu struck it down.

“To the council chambers then” Mace said to himself as the turbolift doors sealed.

======

Count Dooku left the council chambers amused at the simplicity of his allies. A simple threat was all it ever took to calm their disgruntled fears, they were uncouth, mere pretenders of high society, but they were honest, something which Dooku respected in a persons personality. To be a Sith, you must always be honest with your emotions, they must control you to truly achieve ultimate power. And the leadership of the confederacy relished in allowing their emotions to control them; selfishness, fear, rage and greed, all of these could be counted on from the confederate council, perfect allies for Dooku and his master.

Walking along the narrow corridor which led from the primary debate chamber to the turbo lift, Count Dooku truly considered whether Grevious would arrive in time. The Republic was completely unaware at just how close they were to ending the war, with Dooku and the entire separatist leadership trapped on this world, they could end it with a simple base delta zero action. But such things were not the trappings of the Jedi, they preferred to lose millions of lives in leaving a hulk of rock intact, than saving millions of lives by sacrificing an irradiated planet.

Dooku felt a twinge of annoyance at the allegations of confederate atrocities that had swept the holo-net. Chancellor Palpatine was certainly pushing the agenda of morality as the republics corner stone. The truth was that those worlds had refused to surrender to the Confederacy and had chosen instead to fight to the death, General Grevious had no other option but to declare every sentient on those planets as enemy combatants. At least in their extermination they had served some purpose. It had hurt the Republics morale significantly, weakened the prowess of their “grand army” and increased the infamy of Dooku’s pet general. Of course the shadow feed had revealed similar atrocities by the Republic, the disastrous attempt to retake Sullust had caused the planets near eradication through the misplaced efforts of Jedi master Kim Zial, a disaster that Dooku would make sure was exalted in the next slicing of the holo-net.

A gentle tone from the end of the tunnel announced that the turbo-lift was already on its way which was an oddity since Dooku hadn’t triggered the call mechanism. Continuing to walk albeit a little more curious the aristocratic sith slowed his pace as the doors slid open, revealing two destroyer droids on patrol.

Taking another step forward, Count Dooku froze as every connection he had with the force announced imminent danger. It was only through his relaxed stance and significant reserves that he was somehow able to raise his sword against the crashing intent of Mace Windu.

Tumbling through a thin ventilation shaft from the roof, came a purple blade swinging directly for Dookus neck. Set off course by a desperate concussive blow from the force the Jedi's blade impacted the furious crimson of the leader of the Confederacy of Independent Systems and sworn enemy of the Republic, Count Dooku.

“This parties over Dooku” Mace gritted through clenched teeth.

“Noble, but foolish my Jedi friend, you’re hopelessly outnumbered.”

“I don’t think so.”

Dooku smirked and pushed forward against Windu's interlocking lightsabre, clashing against it in a great flash of light the jedi was forced to fall back. Standing, resolute with two destroyer droids and an open lift behind him the Sith Lord took this brief opportunity to raise his blade, saluting his adversary with precise elegance. choosing to use an open guard Dooku lowered his defence to the left, matching Windu’s positioned strength exactingly.

Embalming himself in the force the count recalled the first lesson his master Darth Sidious had ever taught him. “The force is not just an ally, it is a lover, a caring concubine to be invited with you into battle. To enter into its calm passionate depths is to be Sith, to be sith is to be surrounded in a dark, subtle embrace which feely gives tender wisps of advice, to strike between the successive blows of any jeehdai.”

But Mace Windu was not just any Jedi and the force, like any good concubine was not always with Dooku. Instead, Dooku fought on what he knew, and he knew that Mace Windu was a talented swordsman, he had to be to birth an entirely new fighting style, one which Dooku had never fully experienced.

From what General Grevious had shared, vapaad Windu’s preferred form, was dangerously aggressive, hurtful, barbaric, and in the eyes of a professional, a mutilation of a true, refined combat, insulting both sith and jedi alike. It leached pleasure from a sacred art, a desecrating ecstasy which should be savoured only by those with an educated taste. Typical of any jedi, Mace Windu would never acknowledge such criticism, instead he would opt for masquerading his drive for power with a veneer of pithy nobility.

Windu attacked again opening with a driving offence striking towards Dooku’s lowered guard. Accepting the challenge the count briefly retreated allowing Windu to try and take an advantage. Accommodating for the corridors narrow width the count reversed his bodyweight to the right and responded with a quick series of one handed jabs in a traditional pinning tactic.

Using this time wisely Dooku started to make small observations in his opponent. Sweat was already forming on Windu’s forehead while his technique seemed a little sloppy in that brief attack. Guessing that he had used a significant amount of energy simply to get here, Dooku grew in confidence. He unlike the jedi was rested, fully ready for a bitter battle. His reserves were full and the force coursed through him in almost untouched reservoirs which, at a moments notice could be unleashed. But that wasn’t the sith way. “Torture and play with your pray my apprentice, grow from the despair, let a jedi writhe before it bows to the power of the darkside.”

The force was divided between two of its masters, one an emblem of light the other a void of darkness. Despite his lack of energy Mace Windu shone with the joy of the Republic, a great happiness which fuelled his determination. Holding to the jedi code he made peace his refuge abandoning the physical weakness which was starting to filter through his body. Dooku struck time and time again, forcing Windu to hold his guard and gradually fall back down the corridor to force knows where. He was fast and quick anticipating every move that Mace tried to defend with but for some reason Dooku didn’t try to make a killing move.

Feeling as though he was being toyed with Mace Windu retreated to that place which only a true master of vapaad could know of. It was a place between light and dark, a realm where jedi understanding could never truly apply. Dooku hit again, white hot flakes of alloy sprayed Mace Windu in the face as Dooku shredded the corridors metallic walls. The air felt warmer and the brisk breeze of ozone from Dooku’s red blade met and filled Windu’s lungs, hampering his supply of Oxygen.

The droidikas clunked into battle mode establishing themselves to threaten Mace with their heavy blasters. Their optical sensors were aimed perfectly for the jedi’s legs, a preferred tactic of the confederacy. General Grievous enjoyed crippling his enemies before taking them prisoner, something which Mace guessed he had learned from Dooku.

Parrying a stabbing attack Windu gathered what little reserves in the force he had left and filled them with the resolve of vapaad. Pushing his hand forward the force sent Dooku crashing backwards giving Windu vital seconds to attack.

Dooku was completely unprepared for the strike and lambasted himself for his overconfidence. Nursing his right arm which had struck a reinforced bulkhead the sith sat up searching desperately for his lightsabre. His face paled as he saw it in the hands of jedi master Mace Windu, who was advancing and quickly.

Crawling helplessly between the small gap in the destroyer droids shield bubbles, Dooku pulled himself to his feet and regained his composure. “Well done master Windu, a feat worthy to be in the archives of the jedi order.”

Windu stopped ready for the destroyers to attack “It will be more worthy when I bring back your head for the senate Dooku.”

The count smiled politely “Perhaps, there is another way master Windu, an accommodation of sorts?” Dooku inclined his head knowingly.

“I don’t bargain with murderers Dooku” Windu said as he charged the Sith lord. Impacting a wall of incoming blaster fire from the droidikas, his run abruptly turned into a crawl as his mind and his body were forced to respond with every strand of energy they had. Mace Windu thought of the republic, freedom, and a galaxy liberated from oppression, this was Mace Windu’s strength, and that was why he would fail because none of them at this very moment existed.

Dooku looked on with mixed feelings. Windu was a valued opponent, a jedi that was fuelled by anger. Judging the expressions on his face Dooku guessed that the jedu was quickly succumbing to the sweet embrace of hate. It was here that Dooku realised that to love peace was to hate passion, to love the republic was to hate change and to love the jedi order was to hate the sith. “Is Mace Windu really any different from my master?” Dooku asked himself as he raised his hands staring directly into the eyes of Mace Windu.

“I will tell your brethren how you fell, master Windu” Dooku said sympathetically.

“I don’t need any favours from you.” Windu managed over the noise of the destroyers.

“No, but the sith fight with honour” Dooku said before Mace was engulfed in the fury of lightning. Screams and smoke rose as Windu fell to the floor unable to defend himself against the punishment pitched against him. His skin crackled and flaked, boiling and blistering. Nerves cauterised and severed leaving a painless jedi whimpering amongst the agony of sharp shallow breaths.

Relenting, Dooku left a man charred and blackened. Unhaapy with the smell the count pulled a scented handkerchief from his upper pocket, masking the smell or burnt flesh. Pausing above Windu, Dooku looked down into two white bloodshot eyes.

“Killlll meeeee sith” Windu croaked.

“I would have master Windu, but my master has forbidden it.”

[Fire Extinguisher]

Updated. Part One of Chapter One completed.

[Fire Extinguisher]

Filler.

[Fire Extinguisher]

filler

[Fire Extinguisher]

I have updated and finished chapter one.

Each part has been compiled into the first post, with the newest part added on as well, so check it out for the concluding part.

I would love now to hear some comments and criticisms and suggestions for improving as I recognise that this is pretty rusty and could do with some work done.

Anything and everything please ladies and gentleman,
thanks!

[von Neufeld]

I would love now to hear some comments and criticisms and suggestions for improving as I recognise that this is pretty rusty and could do with some work done.

A good start, but there are two things that were jarring to me:

The earth shuddered as the second bombardment broke through...

Holy Terra is under attack! Well, at least that was my first reaction. Use 'The ground' instead, that doesn't imply the planet Earth.

Past, present, future, all are one to the force.

Doesn't sounds like Yoda. Try: "all one to the force are."

[Fire Extinguisher]

I would love now to hear some comments and criticisms and suggestions for improving as I recognise that this is pretty rusty and could do with some work done.

A good start, but there are two things that were jarring to me:

The earth shuddered as the second bombardment broke through...

Holy Terra is under attack! Well, at least that was my first reaction. Use 'The ground' instead, that doesn't imply the planet Earth.

Past, present, future, all are one to the force.

Doesn't sounds like Yoda. Try: "all one to the force are."

Hey thanks so much, they are fantastic ideas, edited.

[Mr. Coffee]

I got an idea...

How about you write the whole chapter before you post it so you don't end up cluttering your story's thread with "filler" posts.

Just saying.

[Fire Extinguisher]

I got an idea...

How about you write the whole chapter before you post it so you don't end up cluttering your story's thread with "filler" posts.

Just saying.

I did try that, but I found that doing it that way makes me much less able to write, and far more infrequent. Updating it in two or three pages of word at a time, allows me to progress for some reason a lot faster. But I get the point on the fillers, they are annoying but just something we will have to tolerate I guess.