A/N: Instead of a true first chapter, this is more like a brief introduction to Amber Shepard. Chapter One, Shattered Memories, will be posted soon!
Content Warning: This story will eventually feature graphic violence, sex, references to past abuse/trauma, panic attacks, and possibly other graphic material that might be upsetting to some audiences. You have been warned. (I will also add content warnings at the beginning of chapters containing graphic material with more specific information.)
Name: Amber Shepard
Pre-Service History: Earthborn
Amber Shepard grew up in the slums of a city on Earth. She did questionable work for the Tenth Street Reds, but they provided for her and gave her a place to stay so she didn't complain. On the night of her 18th birthday, Amber and some friends in the gang were doing a job that resulted in the death of two of her closest friends. Fearing that she would be blamed for the accident that caused their deaths, Amber fled. She eventually stumbled across an Alliance recruitment poster and decided to enlist on a whim, allowing her to escape from the gang and her past.
Psychological Profile: War Hero
After being sent on shore leave to Elysium, Amber Shepard was looking forward to a brief respite on the planet known for being an alpine paradise. She had been on a video call with David Anderson when the Batarians launched their attack in what would later be known as the Skyllian Blitz, but promptly ended the call and sprung into action. She organized a resistance force with local colonists, who raised what defenses they could around the colony. Once those defenses were breached, Amber refused to let the colonists risk their lives, and she successfully repelled the invading ground force on her own until Alliance reinforcements could arrive. For her courageous and service above and beyond the call of duty, Amber was awarded the Star of Terra and is regarded by many as a hero, though she herself claims that she did what any compassionate person would have done. Regardless, her actions got her noticed by Admiral Hackett, who offered her N7 status. David Anderson, who was like a mentor and surrogate father to Amber, encouraged her to accept the position. Amber saw it as an opportunity to do good and graciously accepted.
Class: Adept
Amber Shepard exhibited signs of biotic abilities around age 7. Because she grew up an orphan on the streets, she has no idea how she or her mother might have been exposed to eezo. However, Amber now has suspicions that a former Cerberus cell operating on Earth may have been responsible for her abilities. At age 13, Amber was outfitted with an illegal L2 implant by her superiors in the Tenth Street Reds. They were convinced that Amber having stronger biotics would make jobs and hits easier for the gang. They were not, however, expecting her to develop crippling migraines from the overcharged implants. After joining the Alliance, Amber has honed her biotic abilities and is famous among her fellow soldiers for incredibly powerful offensive and defensive techniques. Fun fact: When Amber gets mad or upset, her biotics flare up and her eyes turn biotic blue.
