With Earth's major cities secured and the Reaver forces temporarily repelled, a calm settled over the Ark. For the first time since the invasion began, there was a brief respite, and Ethan's crew allowed themselves a moment to reflect on the immense battles they had fought. The damage was severe, but against all odds, they had kept Earth's defenses strong.
Ethan stood on the bridge, looking out over the dark expanse of space and the battered Earth below. A sense of pride mixed with relief filled him, knowing his crew had given everything they had to protect the planet. But even as he took a breath, he knew the fight was far from over.
Castra broke the silence, her voice a calm anchor amid the chaos. "Captain, all major allied forces are reporting in. Reaver forces have retreated from the Pacific and Atlantic regions, but their ships are regrouping on the edge of Earth's atmosphere. They're consolidating for another assault."
