A scrawny figure stood at attention before the projector. His skin pale, and face suffering from acne, the young teen stood with slouched shoulders. Ronald Toma, Mr.Toma, proceeded with the slide show. Graphic images of human bodies passed across the screen.

"This was the Turians doing. Aggressive, blood thirsty, ugly creatures. At first contact it was they that drew first blood. It could have been easily avoided...they should have known we meant no harm, but still they shot our men down... the council did not punish them for their deeds, and still we have no human councilor even after the heroic actions of our first spectre."
Ronald explained to his son, continuing to flip through pictures until he stopped at a lifeless face of a woman.
"They will never stop hating us. Yet still we are expected to simply endure their malice as if they're superior. We defeated the Reaper. We saved all life. Do you understand, Cass?" the dark figure asked, turning to his son.

"Yes, father." the boy replied with little more than a whisper.

"Do you?...Good. One day we hope to open the eyes of our people, and go back to our roots. We're new to the citadel races, yes, but we're strong. We should not have to settle for what the council demands of us, and let no one tell you otherwise Cassius. We can create a strong human union, and we can create it with you. You're the future of Terra Firma, Cassius. One day people will look to you with hopes and dreams, and you'll lead them to a better life."

"Father...I..I don't want to." Cassius said, lowering his head slightly, eyes cast down.

"What did you say?..." Mr.Toma asked, walking over to him. "You don't want to help save your species? Hmn?! Is that it?! You want to be the council's bitches, just like so many other spineless humans?!" the man demanded, slapping the boy hard across the face.

Cassius tasted blood, and his hands clenched into fists. "Forgive me...it's not what I meant."

"Your mother was murdered by one of those monsters. Mr.Shepard killed him, which was only right...but the council backed that heartless creature relentlessly until solid evidence could finally be found. Aliens care nothing for human lives. We must look out for ourselves. Do you understand? We're all stuck in this together. We have to open their eyes to see that. They have nothing like the human spirit. Who knows what strange thoughts run through their minds? We still know so little about them, and yet we sleep next to them. We went into this...'alliance' too quickly. One day you will tell them that."

Cassius nodded hurriedly, rewarded with a look of approval.
"I'll teach them to be strong." he said with a wavering voice.

His father placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know you will, Cass. I know you will." the man muttered, returning to the slide show and showing more gruesome pictures of Batarians.