Earlier that week…
We are LIVE here on the Citadel Presidium awaiting an address to be given by Commander Shepard of the Alliance military. Urged by the Citadel Council, the Commander will be responding to attacks on his reputation following an incident in the Kithoi Ward yesterday. The incident allegedly confirmed that the Commander is romantically involved with Tali'Zorah vas Normandy, a recently appointed quarian admiral. Since some in the galaxy see cross-species relationships in a negative light, and because the Commander is such a prominent and public figure, it was deemed that an account for this incident be should be given. The Council fears that a heated public debate on this topic would create unnecessary fissures in the resolve of the populous. It is feared that such a detraction would create division where unity is desperately needed for the war effort.
And now, we turn to the Commander, Live on the Presidium:
"I was told by the Council to make a statement denying the rumors and allegations surrounding my relationship with a quarian. I suppose it would be easy to claim that the eyewitness accounts are false and that those individuals only seek to defame my reputation. In doing so, however, I would be betraying not only my honor, but also my love for Tali'Zorah.
"Indeed, the easy path is seldom the one I walk. I figure that this case is no different. The Council may be concerned about dividing public opinion when there is a need for unity. But our unity must be firmly rooted in Truth, not lies and deceptions. Thus, I will not dodge the truth simply because others may find it inconvenient. And I certainly will not apologize for loving the woman who has been at my side since the beginning. The woman who believed in me when everyone else scattered. The woman who has dedicated her life to saving a galaxy that has scorned, derided, and rejected her people. The woman who has stolen my heart…
"I will say it again: I'm madly in love with Tali'Zorah vas Normandy and I think that it is safe to say that the feeling is mutual. I will not compromise our bond for anything and if anyone has issue with it, they can go to Hell.
"I hope now that I've abdicated any notion of having a private life, we can focus on defeating the Reapers. I want to thank you all for your time today: Stay strong and fight well."
"Commander Shepard! Sidney Gadani, The Daily Dabbler. Do you and Tali have any plans if we get through this war?"
"When we beat the Reapers. When we drive them back into whatever Hell they came from, I fully intend to fulfill a promise made to Tali since she was in her bubble: I will build her a house on the Homeworld – on Rannoch. After that, who knows? Maybe we'll get married; raise a family. One big 'happily ever after'."
"Commander! Commander! Joseph Murphy, Mind Over Matter. Do you think your bond with an admiral will foster a more permanent alliance between humanity and the quarian people?"
"I think I'll leave that one to the politicians. All I can say is that I'd love to see long term coöperation between the Alliance and Rannoch."
"Over here! Vylma S'Turne, Asari Aesthetics. Have you seen her face? If so could you describe her features?"
"I have, actually. But I won't describe her face for you; my pitiful descriptions could never do her justice. Suffice it to say, she is absolutely beautiful. Once the quarians acclimate to Rannoch, you may have the privilege of seeing them unmasked one day."
"Shepard! Sophia Sophist, Terra Firma Herald. I can't help but think this is just another slap in the face of humanity. Going so far as to date a quarian? Even asari relationships are somewhat tolerated, but quarians? Did you scrape the bottom of the barrel just to -"
"Enough! I don't have to justify my relationship to anyone, least of all you. And I won't stand here and let you insult the quarian people. I think that's enough questions. I bid you all good day."
And now we see the Commander walking off the stage. It seems Tali'Zorah was in the audience; they briefly embrace and begin to egress the room, holding hands. As you can hear, the room is filled with the din of reporters trying to get in a last question as they walk out. This has been Jonathan Wicker, ANN news, thank you for watching.
Up next, Larry Tompson discusses post-war economy. Will the credit hold any weight, or will we be using a barter system? Stay Tuned!
A/N: Any names used are totally made-up. Any references to real people are coincidental.
