Imperial Reckoning: Humanity Return

Chapter 37: Downtime

The relentless bombardment of Malevolon Creek continued. The once-mighty Batarian defenses were buckling under the sheer force of the Imperium's fleet, but Lord Commander Jack Shepard knew the importance of patience. His flagship, SSV Normandy, hung in orbit, overseeing the destruction below. Shepard had ordered a delay in the ground assault, allowing the bombardment to do its work and soften the enemy further. It was a calculated decision, but it meant his soldiers had rare downtime, a break in the grueling campaign.

The Normandy was alive with activity despite the pause in combat. Soldiers and crew filled the mess hall, using this brief respite to relax, eat, and recover. The rumble of distant explosions still echoed from the surface below, but the tension in the air had lessened.

In the command deck’s private mess, Shepard, a towering figure even out of his armor, sat surrounded by his fellow Primarchs. Angrya, the fiery World Eater, Petra of the Iron Warriors, and Ferrina Russ of the Space Wolves had gathered for a more intimate discussion of battle plans. Out of their power armor, they were less imposing, but their commanding presence was undeniable.

Shepard, being both their brother and Lord Commander, had long since earned their respect, though each Primarch expressed it in their own unique way. The conversation between the siblings ebbed between strategic plans and the slow countdown until they could unleash their forces.

"We’ll give the bombardment another day," Shepard said, his voice steady as his eyes flicked over the tactical maps. "There’s no need to rush into a siege. We weaken their defenses from orbit, save lives on the ground. Once we’re sure they’re vulnerable, we’ll strike."

Primarch Petra nodded, always the cautious tactician. "The fortifications on Malevolon Creek are extensive. Best to reduce them as much as possible before we land."

But Angrya had a different opinion, her typical impatience showing through. "Let’s not get soft, Jack. The World Eaters are ready to go now. The longer we wait, the more they prepare."

Shepard let out a long breath. Angrya's hunger for battle was legendary, but so was her recklessness. "We’ll hit them when it’s tactically sound, Angrya, not before."

Ferrina Russ, always watching her brothers closely, spoke up after a moment. "There’s something else we need to address, Shepard."

He raised an eyebrow at her. "What’s on your mind, Ferrina?"

The Space Wolf leaned forward, her icy blue eyes gleaming with challenge. "We’ve all heard the stories about you, about your strength, your power. But we haven’t seen you prove it in a real fight. Not against one of us."

Shepard’s brow furrowed. He knew where this was going.

"You want to challenge me?" he asked.

Ferrina smirked. "I do. Out of all of us, you’ve been the one calling the shots, but I want to see if you’re really as strong as they say. A friendly match, Shepard. Nothing more."

Angrya grinned, always eager for a fight. "I’d love to see that."

Shepard was about to reply when the door to the mess hall slid open, and three more familiar faces entered—Kaidan Alenko, Ashley Williams, and Tali'Zorah. They approached the table, clearly intrigued by the growing tension between the Primarchs.

"Interrupting something?" Kaidan asked, sensing the challenge in the air.

"Not at all," Ferrina replied with a grin. "I just challenged Shepard to a duel."

Ashley’s eyes lit up with amusement. "A duel? Now this, I have to see."

Tali, always more reserved, shook her head. "Is that really necessary? We’re in the middle of a war."