Meet Hadrian 'The Champion' Yanus

Interview by Yvynn Baelin

The Champion, a celebrity of Omega, grasps the racing world in his talons. He speaks freely for the first time since the Reaper War.

If there's anything you want the galaxy to know about you, what would it be?

I grew up on a miner's colony. My father and mother suffered because of Batarian riads. I understood from an early age Palaven wouldn't rush to our aid. When I made the choice to stay 'Bare Faced', I made it because Palaven rejected people like my family. I am proud to be a 'Bare Faced' turian. I have no shame in embracing this.

Do you believe more turians should embrace being 'Bare Faced'?

Absolutely. I don't advocate for separation of the turian people and their loyalties. I don't believe in marking one's body permanently as proof of loyalty to the turian people. I believe in the people. I don't believe in the hierarchy. If the hierarchy valued all its people, it would have handled the Batarian Threat more seriously.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but most turians are hesitant to criticize the hierarchy. Do you fear there will be backlash for speaking as freely as you are now?

I met a human on Omega who helped me open my eyes. It is important to receive criticism if one wishes to improve upon themselves. This includes governments. We, the individual, must not forget that change starts with the individual. If Omega taught me anything, the freedom to be who we are is as important as order and structure.

There's only three humans on Omega until immigration is approved. Which human taught you about the wonders of embracing criticism?

Mycerra Colton. She's my +1 for the charity ball hosted by Aria T'Loak. She faces a lot of it and she manages to stay strong. It's admirable.

It sounds like you admire her. Will she be Mrs. Yanus?

Mycerra Colton is in a relationship with a gorgeous asari. I wouldn't dream of separating the lovelies. They're gorgeous inside and out. I'm more of a bachelor, if we're being honest. I might settle down one day and make a lucky woman Mrs. Yanus.

Will she be a turian? Asari? Human?

The woman of my dreams is an enigma, even to me. I wish I could give you the description. If there's any place she'd exist, it'd be Omega. We collect all the special people, and I mean that in the best possible way. Mrs. Yanus is out there. I'll meet her someday.

Is there a chance you'll find different racing circuits to conquer? Omega's running out of contenders for the position of Supreme.

I love Omega too much to travel elsewhere. I earn enough income racing on Omega and I'm too well loved here to want to leave for a different circuit. One day someone will find a better mechanic, a better sky car, and then I'll relish the challenge of retaking the top position. You don't know what you have until you hit bottom. I touched bottom and I stayed at the top for far too long. I want the challenge.

One of your biggest competitors bested you in a race recently. Do you have any words for them?

I respect anyone who can best me in a race. I have nothing but the highest regards for my opponents.

Rumor has your mechanic is building his own sky car to become a racer like yourself.

Absolutely true. We're helping him build it. It's almost complete. I plan on arranging the first race for him once his car is complete. Win or lose, I'm throwing him a party.

Is there any parting words you have for your audience?

I love you all. And don't worry, Amani. I'm not stealing your woman. Thank you for letting me have her as a +1 for the evening.