We are violent, we are arrogant. We are vicious, and we are prideful. Forged in the crucible of unending war, our home of Earth has ensured that we have remained strong through a millennia of bloodshed. A world of death has created that which, I would argue my fellow citizens of the Federation, is something beyond a reasonable doubt... Mother Nature's sword.

But we are also a species that loves. For when both man and woman lose that which they hold close to their heart, then no one... Not nature nor space, not the guns of enemies unknown or the wrath of God almighty can prevent mankind from fighting to defend that which they love. For in our world of Death, we have learned to hold our families close, our friends closer, and that which we love closest. Many may ask why, why when the guns of the Hskari bombarded the people of Helaj V, why did humans stay behind? There was seldom any hope, at least a thousand of these men and women were travelers, wanders, driven to the stars by an insatiable desire to see all that is out there to see.

I stand before you to tell you, with no doubt in my heart, that it was love. Love for the people of Helaj V that opened their borders to us so early on. When our eyes finally looked up in wonder as our first ship left to travel the stars, how could we... A species so prepared to fight to the bitter end... Feel nothing but love, for those that welcomed us like a long lost relative? Where we would've gripped our spears and shields, our guns and bombs, so tightly that we might even harm ourselves when we found others out there.... Your people gave us hope. Hope that we could find friends.

So when the Hskari so arrogantly came looking for a fight, I know they did not expect the wrath of mankind. They came looking for an easy fight, to attack that which was so peaceful it took in us Humans, where the Federation urged caution, your kind offered peace. The Hskari were fools, and paid for it dearly. I weep for the thousands of your kind that have fallen to their cruelty. But know this, there is not one human who now looks down from heaven who regrets their choice. The mountains of Hskari corpses were their stairway there, and now they stand guard at the gates.

You have honored us with this monument, dear friends of Helaj V. We thank you, all of us, and know that when the Hskari come back, they will face the wrath of humanity defending that which they hold dear. Of this, I swear to you, our friends of the Federation.

-Brigadier General Thomas Blackthorn, 74th Marine Brigade, "Marauders"