Imperial Reckoning: Humanity Return

Chapter 35: The Second Imperial-Batarian War (Part 1)

The Citadel Council had officially given the Imperium of Man the green light to retaliate. After months of planning and strategic preparations, the Imperial war machine was ready to launch its invasion into the heart of the Batarian Hegemony. The weight of this decision was not taken lightly by the Council, but after decades of suffering under the Hegemony's arrogance and aggression, it was an inevitable step.

Why had the Council agreed to this? The answer was simple: the Batarian Hegemony had been a constant thorn in everyone's side since the day they joined the Citadel. From their demand for dominance to their slaver practices, they had been a problem for the galactic community for far too long. With the Hegemony weakened and fragmented, the Council saw an opportunity. The Imperium's conquest of the Batarians would bring order and turn their resources to better use than the brutal exploitation they'd perpetuated as slavers.

Of course, not everyone was thrilled with the idea. Councilor Sparatus, ever the staunch opponent of Imperial expansion, bristled at the thought of giving the Imperium more power. But even he couldn't deny that the deal presented by the Emperor was more than fair. In exchange for the Council's approval, the Imperium had offered colony rights to planets in the Terminus Systems-previously untouchable territory for the Council races-and other systems in Imperial space. As long as these colonies adhered to Imperial law, they would be free to trade, mine resources, and build their influence within the Imperium's territory.

It was a tempting offer, one that kept the Council placated while ensuring they had no reason to stand in the way of the Imperium's war machine.

---

On the border between the Imperium of Man and the Batarian Hegemony, deep within the Attican Traverse, a vast fleet stood ready for war. Ships of various shapes and sizes-Imperial battleships, sleek Quarian frigates, and the heavily fortified carriers of the Primarchs-hung in the void, waiting for the Emperor's command. The warships stretched across the stars, each brimming with lethal potential, their purpose singular: the annihilation of the Batarian Hegemony.

At the forefront of the fleet stood the Normandy, flagship of Lord Commander Shepard. As the Emperor's only son and the leader of all military operations outside the Great Crusade, it was his responsibility to bring this campaign to a swift and decisive conclusion. Inside the ship, Shepard had gathered his sisters, the Primarchs, for a final strategy meeting.

Angrya, the fiery Primarch of the World Eaters, paced restlessly at one end of the room. The scars of battle and years of unrelenting rage were etched into her face. She had grown tired of the monotonous fighting on the fringes of the Great Crusade, battling little more than gangs and criminals. She yearned for a true challenge, something worthy of her fury, and she hoped the Batarians would provide just that. If not, she would make quick work of them and move on to more worthy adversaries.

Petra, the calculating Primarch of the Iron Warriors, was seated at the table, her mind already at work. Her Legion was renowned for their mastery of siege warfare, and she had been pulled away from the Crusade for this very reason. The Batarians, who had raided her homeworld of Olympia during their attacks, would pay dearly for their transgressions. She was already planning where best to deploy her siege engines, eager to tear down the fortifications of the Hegemony.

Ferrina Russ of the Space Wolves leaned against the wall, arms crossed, her eyes focused on Lord Commander Shepard. She had her doubts about him, never having seen his strength in battle firsthand. She wasn't convinced that Shepard, son of the Emperor or not, was the right choice to lead this war. She had come with her own grudges against the Batarians, as Fenris had been raided during one of their many assaults. But for now, she waited and watched, measuring Shepard's worth.

The conversation in the room was tense, with the Primarchs offering their input on the strategy. Angrya, as usual, was eager for immediate action, advocating for a full-force assault. "We should rush in and crush them before they have a chance to regroup," she said, her voice edged with impatience.

Petra, ever the tactician, shook her head. "We need to assess their defenses first. My Iron Warriors are ready, but we can't storm their strongholds blindly. Once we find their weak points, we'll deploy siege equipment and tear them apart."

Ferrina Russ added a few suggestions, though her focus was clearly on Shepard. "The Batarians have always been opportunistic cowards, hitting us where we're weakest. They'll expect a frontal assault, but we need to be ready for guerrilla tactics as well."

Shepard listened to his sisters, his mind already formulating the battle plan. He knew the Batarians would expect a direct assault, but he wasn't about to give them that satisfaction. "Angrya, you and the World Eaters will lead the charge alongside the Astral Knights," he said, his voice firm and commanding. "Petra, you'll hold the right flank, and Ferrina, you'll secure the left. We'll rip through their defenses and close the noose around their forces."

With the plan in place, the conversation shifted to another topic: Lord Commander Shepard himself.

Ferrina was the first to voice her concerns. "I've never seen you in battle, Shepard. How do we know you're strong enough to lead this war?"

Shepard met her gaze, his expression unflinching. "I am the first and only son of the Emperor for a reason," he replied coolly. "I've led the Imperium's forces for years, and I've never lost a campaign."

Ferrina narrowed her eyes. "Words are cheap. If you want to prove yourself, we can always spar before the mission."

Before Shepard could respond, the communications console flickered to life, and the voice of the Emperor filled the room. His presence, even through the comms, was overwhelming. "The time has come. The invasion is a go. Bring the Imperium's might upon the foe."

The room fell silent, and the Primarchs exchanged glances. The Emperor had given his command, and there was no turning back. The Second Imperial-Batarian War had begun, and the galaxy would soon tremble beneath the weight of the Imperium's wrath.

Lord Commander Shepard turned to his sisters, his expression resolute. "Prepare for battle. We march to war."