Legend That Is Shepard

by ASGeekery

Everyone knew the almost impossible deeds that Commander Alya Shepard made possible as she saved the galaxy from Saren, The Collectors and finally the Reapers. Not many knew of the full story behind the woman who saved humanity against all odds. This story goes through everything she endured to become the Legend that we all know and love.

4. The Blitz

''It's just a simple supply run'' she kept hearing herself say those words as she was the only person alive as she held the barricade against and entire army of Batarian pirates

''Bastards'' she hissed she kept her real eye locked into her scope

''I sent the distress signal'' called one civilian

''I might not be able to last that bloody long'' shouted Shepard as she took out two more Batarians

''Then what can we do to help'' asked another civilan

''You got a gun and some ammo?'' she asked a little too hopeful

''Some of us do'' he replied

''Then get their arse here and help me put these bastards down'' she quickly had to duck as one of them was having great fun unloading his assault rifle into her position

''I'm on it'' he smiled

''Hurry'' she shouted

Shepard poked her head up and noticed a few of them were a little too close for comfort, so she dropped her sniper rifle and drew her pistol, rolling out of cover to take a few of them out before she was forced back into cover after taking a few shots herself

''You're hurt'' said one woman frantic to get Shepard to stay still as she grabbed reached to grab her sniper rifle

''Keeping these pirates back is more important than my life'' she barked

''At least let me bandage you up before you do more damage to yourself''

''Fine but be quick'' she hissed as she looked down at the three bullet holes in her leg

The woman did it after Shepard positioned herself into her sniper post. It wasn't long until a handful of civilians came in scared with various weapons

''Are you guys the only ones?'' she asked

''Yeah everyone else is hold up, praying that this will be over soon'' panted one man who wasn't holding his gun properly

''Give me that before you hurt yourself'' she barked as she snatched the gun from the wannabe soldier. ''Now tell everyone cowering for their lives that Lieutenant Shepard is currently risking her arse to make sure everyone survives this, and if they think it's better to wait until reinforcements get here they will be more casualties than the rest of my damn ground team''

With that the man went running back

Shepard poked her head up and noticed that some more were far too close for comfort so she put the four of them down before she was forced to relaod the confiscated assault rifle

''This is why they don't let you sign up until your eighteen'' sighed Shepard, well aware that she was twenty two but still this was something else.

She was well aware that war was messy but experiencing this level of violence was something she had never thought she would experience, everything inside her told her to hold the damn line. She dropped the assault rifle making sure she was in her perfect sniper position

BANG

Another Batarian dead

She told herself that she had to make it home, to see her family

BANG

Another one down

She knew she had very few friends due to her being a biotic, all except Kaidan

''Shit'' she hissed as one Batarian managed to get a lucky shoot to her shoulder

BANG

''Bastard distracted me with his sexy ways and how easy he is to talk to'' she muttered

She was about to pull the trigger again only to swear more as she had run out of ammo for her sniper rifle

She dropped it instantly and grabbed the assault rifle she had taken off the man who clearly wasn't much younger than she was, she made sure it was loaded correctly, then knelt down to the ground, making sure she let out short concentrated bursts of fire.

''Balls'' she cried as she was forced to dive behind her barricade further as she felt the pain of more bullets in her arms

She leaned back thinking about all she could be leaving behind if the reinforcements didn't show up quickly, then she witnessed the rescue coming however, it wasn't the alliance, it was the civilians noticing just how much damage she had taken

''We've got you back'' nodded the man she had sent running

''Thanks'' she sighed

''Here, I found some sniper ammo for you as you don't look like you can't take many more bullets''

''Nah I'm good, you take the sniper, there's something about this assault rifle I quite like'' she smiled as he helped her onto her feet

Everyone was happy to follow her lead as she stepped out and started to take out the Batarians at a far closer range, letting loose shot burst of fire, with the occasional hiss from bullets that actually collided with her.

Every now and again Shepard and the civilians that had somehow rallied around her found wreckage that they were able to use as cover and they were taking a few losses, but they were finally pushing the invaders back.

''It's the alliance'' called one of the civilians only to be taken down by a bullet to the head

Mako's were being dropped all around the survivors, every now and again Shepard poked her head out and took out more Batarians until she was forced to sit down.

''It's alright Lieutenant, your safe now. Where's the rest of your team?''

''They didn't make it Sir, I'm all that's left'' she sighed as she wiped her face

''Someone get this soldier out of here for immediate medical attention'' he barked

''Here'' called the man who was using her sniper rifle

''Thanks'' she smiled as she happily took it from him. ''I believe this assault rifle is yours''

''Nah you keep it'' he smiled. ''I'm not cut out to be a soldier''

''Thank you for helping'' she smiled

''Thank you for saving us''

''It's what the Alliance is for''

With that she was picked up by a small ship and taken straight to the SSV Agincourt for immediate medical attention

Once she was aboard she lost all form of consciousness, then rushed to the citadel for surgery.

The medical personal in charge looked at the woman's dog tags and instantly swore, then called the captain to the medical bay urgently

''What's the problem?'' he asked

''Her name is Shepard''

''Shit, get me linked to a comm boy now, I need to get hold of Anderson and Hackett immediately'' the Captain barked

''Ai, ai Sir'' called the pilot

Anderson and Helen raced to the citadel as fast as they could, as Anderson had insisted upon it as Helen's ship was already en-route there for a little shore leave

''Where's my daughter?'' barked Helen Shepard

''She hadn't arrived yet''

''Where is she?'' asked Karin as she ran into the hospital

''Not here yet'' said Helen as she hugged her old friend

''Are they prepping a room for her?''

''I don't know'' said Helen clearing trying to hide any tears

''I've got this'' said Karin as she forced Helen to sit down, allowing her to do her job as a doctor and having great fun getting nurses rushing around the place

Anderson was the last to enter the hospital before she arrived and instantly wrapped his arms around the worried mother

''Captain Howard assured me that she will be here soon''

''I bloody hope so'' barked Helen

''They've taken good care of her'' he insisted

''That's not what I'm angry about David, it took far too long for the bloody reinforcements to arrive and you know it''

''We don't know the full story yet'' he insisted

Before Helen could bark once more, a team rushed into the hospital with Alya old cold, covered in dirt and blood, with rudimentary bandages holding her wounds closed

''Tell me everything now'' barked Karin as she followed the bed

''Five bullets have already been removed from her back to help her remain comfortable, but the twenty bullets in her arms and legs are a little more complex to remove'' sighed the Doctor who had been assigned to the Agincourt

''How much blood has she lost?''

''Not as much as we feared, though a blood infusion will help with her recovery

Helen was already rolling up her sleeve in order to give the hospital a fresh batch

''Take her into surgery now, I need someone to ask her mother's permission for a fresh batch of O positive blood'' barked Karin

''Take care of her'' shouted Anderson

Karin nodded with a worried look on her face, one nurse approached Helen who offered the blood sample before she could even ask for it.

Anderson sat down with Helen while they took a small bag of blood from her

The pair waited for three hours, taking it in turns pacing up and down the hospital. Until Hackett finally walked in.

''How is the War Hero?'' he asked

''We don't know'' sighed Helen Shepard

''She's fine'' smiled Karin Chakwas as she entered the waiting room looking rather pleased with herself.

''Oh thank god, can I see her?'' asked Helen

''You can but she's not awake at the moment''

''Do you know when she can leave?'' asked Hackett

''Not until she can walk on her own, she took fifteen shots to her legs alone, it'll be a miracle if she can still be an Alliance soldier after this''

''That won't stop our girl'' smiled Anderson

''I hope not as it's been leaked to the press about what happened on Elysium and their calling Shepard a War Hero, the brass want to give her a commendation for what she did down there, plus there's a crowd of press outside the hospital'' sighed Hackett

''She's going to hate that'' sighed Anderson

''I take it your close to the soldier in question?'' asked Hackett

''Old friend of the family, I knew her father well before he died twelve years ago in a shuttle accident''

''Anderson, she's awake and wants her omni-tool'' said Helen as she poked her head round the door

''What?'' barked Anderson as he marched into the room

''Oh hey dad, have you seen my omni-tool I need to send a friend of mine a message so he knows not to worry about me'' she smiled sleepily

''What's his name I can send him the message?''

''No, you'll just get all dad like and over protective'' she sighed

''I swear to you that I won't'' he smiled

''Alright then, I need you to tell Kaidan Alenko where I am, that I'm fine and I have a few more holes now than before I left''

''I'll send it now'' he smiled wanted to pat her on her shoulder but noticed a blood soaked cloth covering her body

Anderson wondered out of the room, relieved that she had survived, also smiling to himself that the pair had managed to keep in contact over the years, while in the waiting room he sent the message making sure to let Alenko know that she had broken her omni-tool during the assault as well as give Alenko the floor and room number she was currently in. Hackett nodded once Anderson sighed with relief and joined him outside the hospital to give the press a statement

''We received word that a large force of Batarian Pirates invaded Elysium three days ago, thankfully we have one survivor who looks like she will make a full recovery'' said Hackett making sure he kept his face free from emotions

Alenko watched to news and all of the colour left his face, as he was about to wonder down to the gym for a late night training session

''Alenko you alright?''

''Please tell me she survived?''

''You know someone who was there?''

''Yeah''

''Shit'' said the soldier as he too turned to face the screen

''The sole survivor is a Lieutenant by the name of Alya Shepard, she has been badly wounded in the assault, but we expect her to make a full recovery'' finished Anderson

''I gotta go'' said Alenko as she grabbed his bag and hoodie and left the base and almost ran to the hospital she was staying at

Once there he quickly realised that he had no idea what floor she was on or even which room she was in, then as she leaned on his knees, he caught his omni-tool flashing with a message from Captain Anderson

''Alenko, I know this goes against regulations, but Alya's omni-tool was damaged while she was fighting to save the civilians on Elysium, she asked someone to get a message to you telling her that she is fine, and staying in floor six, room thirteen. I hope you make it here soon as she could do with a friendly face who isn't related to her in some way''

Kaidan couldn't help but smile, as he had heard rumours that Anderson was secretly her father and it was a lie that her father died twelve years ago. He didn't care though as he had to find out how she was doing and needed to see her for himself

Once outside the hospital there were a number of security trying to keep the press at bay, with Anderson keeping an eye on the foyer. Alenko pulled his hood down, once Anderson spotted him outside, Anderson pushed his way through and escorted the cadet inside, which the press trying to get more answers and even asking who this man was, as she made a point to hide his dog tags

''I got here as quickly as I could''

''I know you did, I'm sorry I didn't warn you sooner as Hackett wanted to get that report done quickly as the brass are asking questions and the civilians she saved have leaked the events to the press''

''Can I speak freely Sir?''

''Of course Alenko''

''This is only going to be worse, we both know she's just going to bunker down until this all blows over''

''Yes I know, your forgetting I know her just as well as you do''

''Sir may I ask something, there are rumours floating around the base that….''

''I'm not her father, I knew him though, damn good pilot in my books. I swore to him I would look after his girls if anything happened to him''

''You were good friends with him then'' Alenko smiled as the pair walked through the hospital

''Yes, I was the best man at their wedding, kicked himself when he missed the birth of Alya''

Alenko was finally relaxing

''Helen Shepard is only around for a few days, while we wait for Alya to be out of danger, so I have a personal favour to ask''

''Of course Captain'' replied Alenko

''Get her back on her feet for us, neither of us want to see her lose her position in the Alliance as we know it will destroy her''

''Don't worry Captain'' he nodded

''I'll inform the higher ups that you're on bodyguard detail until she's cleared for duty''

''Body Guard duty?'' asked alneko

''The Batarian government are pissed off as are the pirates who survived the attck, plus the press are practically breaking down the hospital windows to get the exclusive on what happened from the only survivor''

''Of course Sir''

Anderson pointed to her room, Kaidan took a slow deep breathe, and took his time opening to door, then poked his head round

''Hey you'' smiled Alya

''It's good to see you'' he sighed as he fully entered the room

''I'll swing by before I have to get back to work'' said Helen as she leaned down and gave her daughter a gentle kiss on the cheek

''Thanks for being here when I came to mum'' Alya smiled

''See you soon darling''

''It looks worse than it actually is'' she hissed as she tried to sit up, clearly unable to move her shoulder to allow herself to be more comfortable with Kaidan in the room

''Really because it looks like you've taken one hell of a beating''

''Nah, bastards got a few lucky shots'' she insisted

''Well it could be worse'' he smiled

''That's true I could be medically discharged from the Alliance'' she hissed

''You won't be, from the amount of press outside, they'll shower you in medals''

''Your joking'' she sighed

''No'' he smiled.

''How bad is it?'' she dared to ask

Alenko moved a few things around in her room and brought over a terminal and allowed her to see for herself

''Executive Officer Shepard, care to share news on your daughter's state?''

''She's awake and in pain right now, but her newly appointed guard is with her as we speak, so if you'll excuse me I must take care of a few things'' she replied as Hackett helped her to get through the crowd along with a few security personel

''Your my bodyguard'' she laughed, only to cringe in pain

''Yeah Anderson asked me to help you out after he sent me a message. Meet me at the entrance to inform me of my new post''

''I bet the press had a field day with that'' she laughed

''Nah it wasn't that bad, though the rumours flying around when your back on your feet will be interesting'' he joked

''Oh shit, I forget how rumours fly around base'' she sighed and buried her head in her hands, flashing Kaidan the damage she had done to her shoulder

''We should get that Bandage changed'' he said as he slowly lifted it to see a huge burnt section on her shoulder around a bullet wound, with a bullet still in there. ''We need a doctor in here now'' he barked

Kaidan pocked his head round and noticed an Alliance Doctor by the door

''Shepard needs a fresh bandage on her shoulder once the bullet has been removed''

''What, let me see'' barked the silver haired Doctor

''Hey Auntie Karin'' smiled Shepard

''Let me have a look at that shoulder'' barked Karin

''Shit'' hissed Alya

''Bloody hell, that woman should not be allowed on a ship if she missed something like this. Give me a moment to grab a few things and we can remove it now'' with that Karin rushed out of the room and grabbed a few things only to hear other doctors trying to tell her off

''If you don't like me performing my sworn duty as a doctor on my god-daughter take it up with the Alliance'' she shouted

''God-daughter?'' asked Kaidan

''Yeah, Karin is my god-mother if anything happened to my mum, mum insisted as they became good friends after Karin helped my mum give birth to me on our way here'' she smiled

''That explains what Anderson said to me otuside'' he smiled

''Before you ask Anderson isn't…..''

I know he didn't told me himself that he and your father were good friends before he died''

''So you heard the rumours then'' she sighed as rubbed her face with her left hand

''And I don't care, knowing the truth just makes me feel a little easier around him now'' he sighed

''That's alright then'' she smiled

''Let me show you what you bloody missed'' hissed Karin as she dragged a younger Doctor into the room and slowly removed the bandage, Alay wanted to hiss and curse so Kaidan stepped forward and held her hand as she squeezed it as tightly as she could. ''Now get out so I can perform my duty as a doctor and once I'm done I'll be having words with your captain and the Alliance about your work''

''You alright Karin?'' asked Alya with a smile on her face

''I'll be better once this bullet is out of your shoulder, now I need you to stay still for me''

''Alright'' she said as she nodded

''Alright Als, I have to know what happened down there?'' asked Kaidan still holding her hand making sure Shepard was distracted from the job Karin was trying to accomplish

''We were about to tuck in for the night, once we dropped off the supplies, next thing I know there's a rumble right above our heads and the alarms are going off. I don't think I've ever moved so damn fast in my life and this includes when my mum's ship was in the first contact war when I was younger. Anyways, we're all scrambling to get our guns, me being the sensible one on the team had all of my gear organised under my bunk''

''Basic logic as it means you can make sure your armour is on properly and your guns are going to work for you''

''I'm so glad I'm not the only one that thinks like that damn, I was starting to think that I was insane''

''Your not insane, crazy yes, but I would never call you insane'' laughed Kaidan

''We managed to get outside but there were no defences for us to use, I managed to find a small section to hunker down in, but every time someone got a little brave, they were gunned down until it was just me left. There were moments where I thought I wasn't going to make it until the civilians I was trying to save saw me take a few hits and finally came to my rescue'' she sighed

Kaidan could see there were unshed tears in her eyes, but she also had to keep still in order to save a stray bullet removed

''Damn'' she hissed

''Got it'' smiled Karin

She dropped the bullet into a nearby bowl, then cleaned to wound and added on a salve and re-covered the wound, she quickly left the room as she could tell that Shepard needed someone to talk to

''Als, it's alright your safe now''

''But my team, their…..'' then tears poured from her

Kaidan felt the weight of the assignment on him now as it was Shepard's first post and she had witness a massacre that not many soldiers witnessed, He put his arms around her allowing her to finally begin to let go of everything that had happened on Elysium.

A few days later, Shepard finally left the hospital, with Kaidan' supporting her more damaged side, allowing her to use to use a crutch on her left side. Granted the hospital had been reluctant to release her but she argued that she had to be at the memorial of those that had fallen during the Blitz. They had to almost fight their way through the press, at which point Shepard gave Kaidan a look as she was clearly struggling to get past, she he knelt down and gave her a piggy back as the security team tried to hold them off.

''I hope this blows over soon'' she sighed once she was in the skycar

''It will don't worry about it'' smiled Kaidan

''Just so you know I hate all of this''

''I know you do, but your on medical leave right now and I'm on assignment to look after you until your back on your feet''

Alya couldn't help but laugh as they made their way to the Shepard apartment on the citadel. Once inside Kaidan helped Shepard to the sofa then went outside to grab their bags and dropped them off by the door. Then he quickly rushed around to make sure the blinds were closed to allow her some privacy after one reporter managed to get into her room while Kaidan slipped out to use the restroom.

''Would you relax for fuck sake'' teased Shepard

''I'll relax once your back where you belong'' he sighed

''And where would that be?'' she teased causing Alenko to take to huge gulp, allowing Shepard to laugh at him

''You know you belong in the Alliance'' said Kaidan as he wondered into the kitchen to find three notes on the table

''What have you got there?'' asked Shepard noticing that Alenko had gone a little too quiet for her liking, so she grabbed one note and realised it was from her mum

Hey sweetheart, glad your out of the hospital, there's beer and food in the fridge for you and Kaidan to enjoy, yes I know it means you'll have to cook so please don't burn down the apartment. I love you and I'll try to swing by before I get back to work. Everyone here hopes you get back on your feet soon

''So you can't cook'' tease Kaidan

''I survive'' she smiled

''What on rations?'' he asked only to be nodded. ''I take it you kept your biotics hidden on jump zero then?''

''Yeah, after what happened at BAaT, I didn't feel comfortable using them until you showed up at Alliance'' she smiled

''I get that'' he smiled

Alya looked at the other notes, one of which was from Karin

Hey Als, I hope your feeling better now your home. I have left plenty of medical supplies in the restroom encase your wounds re-open and I know Alenko can take care of them for you due to his training as a combat medic. Get better soon, we could do with you back in action

''So you're a combat medic''

''Yeah, Anderson encouraged me to go for it'' he smiled

''That sounds like dad, encourage someone close to me to become a medic so she knows I'm safe'' she smiled

''You sound like your expecting us to one day be on the same assignment

''I know it'll never happen but dad would rather prepare for the worst''

''If Anderson isn't your dad then why do you call him dad?'' asked Kaidan as he reached into the fridge and pulled out two beers

''He was always there for me growing up, she was one the first faces I saw after my eye surgery and he held my mum during dad's funeral. He was the one who helped me get past basic training and encouraged me to go for everything I could''

''Apart from Biotic training'' finished Alenko

''He knows how I feel about being a biotic'' she sighed. ''Well not as much as you do but not far off''

''Fair enough''

''Plus he and my mum have a huge crush on each other, but their Alliance postings are too important for them to actually do anything about it''

''I know that feeling'' muttered Alenko

''It's a shame though, he might not be my dad, but I have hardly any memories of him as he was always away flying some protoype ship or another, Anderson though, if there was a problem with me or mum he was there in heartbeat. I just wish that they would risk their careers for each other'' she sighed

''Ok so let me ask you this, would you risk your career for someone you cared about?'' asked Alenko

''I t would have to be my soulmate, nothing else'' she smiled

''I get that'' then the pair toasted to find their soul mate, the one person worth risking their career over

The next day Alenko was happy to change her dressings and even helped her to get dressed in her dress uniform as it was the day of the memorial service for the squad members that had fallen. She had been offered the use of a wheelchair, but she had refused to as she wanted to be seen as a strong soldier.

Once they were at the memorial site there were press everywhere, Alenko tried to escort her through, instead she held her own and even addressed the press.

''I don't see myself as a hero, I did what any marine would have done in my shoes as I held off the invaders of a peaceful earth colony to save as many civilians as I could. I wish I had done more to save the rest of my team but we were all heavily outnumbered I was lucky to have survived, now please excuse me while I pay my respects and give the families of my team my condolences''

''Nicely done'' whispered Alenko as he lead her through the crowd, at her slowed place with a walking stick and her arm strapped to her chest encase her shoulder tried to open up once again

''I had to say something to them otherwise they won't leave me alone'' she hissed as she turned around and noticing that the crowd of press had thinned down a little

Alenko decided to stand at the back of the crowd, leaving Shepard on her own at the front before the memorial of those who had fallen. She tried her hardest to control her emotions but as each name was rolled off the list she recalled how each of them had died.

''Lieutenant Sarah Mills'' killed after dashing to grab a young boy and take him to safety

''Lieutenant Nathaniel Lewis'' gunned down as he tried to move a shipping box to protect the rest of the team

''Lieutenant Jack Dennis'' gunned down in the first wave as his armour wasn't secured properly as he panicked. Not that Shepard was going to tell his family that

''Lieutenant Antony Lovell'' gunned down as he reloaded his assault rifle after talking down a small squad of pirates in close combat, though Shepard had to admit it was impressive to watch it

''Lieutenant Kathryn Thomas'' bullet in her head as she tried to patch up another squad member. Her name caused Shepard to flinch as she had watched her gunned down as she had tried to give her some cover

''Lieutenant Hirosheme Orime'' gunned down as he tried to duel wield two assault rifles after he watched Kathryn Thomas shot down

The list went on and on each name was a painful reminder of just how brutal the attack had been

''Commander Ray Reynolds'' gunned down as he pushed the ground force to go on the offensive

Once the service was over and Shepard had spoken to almost everyone at the service, the ghost of the woman Alenko had come to know hobbled over to him, clearly carrying the burden of battle.

''Kaidan, take me home'' she whispered

Kaidan called for a skycar and got her back, the moment they were both inside she collapsed on the sofa and broke down, telling Kaidan every detail of the attack, how each one of them had died. He had wanted to stop her but he was well aware she needed the release

Shepard finally fell asleep on the sofa from sheer exhaustion of having to keep it together, so he snuck into the office and made a call

''Alenko how's everything?''

''She's not doing well, it was the memorial service today''

''I heard it couldn't have been easy for her''

Anderson replied

''She needs to speak to a profession about all of this Sir, otherwise it's going to haunt her'' sighed Kaidan

''Has she spoken to you?'' Anderson asked

''yeah she did and I can't believe she survived it''

''None of us can from what we can tell from the de-brief she received before she could leave the hospital''

''How rough was it hearing it all from her?'' Alenko asked

''Let me put it like this, I suggested she should get a psych evaluation before she returns to active duty''

''That's understandable sir, if that does happen she'll need a friendly face there to help her let it all go'' sighed Alenko

''We know, I would do it myself but I know Shepard will hold back some of the details, by the sounds of it quite a few of the soldiers had only just graduated before they were sent to Elysium''

''Yeah I assumed as much from the way some of them were taken down'' Alenko sighed

''How is Shepard?''

''She finally fell asleep on the sofa about an hour ago, before that she was pouring her heart out over what happened down there'' said Alenko as he rubbed his face

''That can't be good'' sighed Anderson. ''Get some rest son, and be there when she wakes up and look after yourselves, if you need anything let me know''

''Thanks Anderson'' smiled Kaidan

''Anderson out''

Alenko sat back and sighed knowing this assignments was meant to be a fvour to the family but was getting more and more complicated as time went on, it was clear they all trusted him with Shepard and she was clearly comfortable with her presence as she refused to allow him to leave the room during the debrief

He tuned the console off and left the office, then grabbed a blanket for Alya as she finally seemed at peace with everything, he pulled up a chair and a blanket for himself, and used a small section of the sofa as a foot rest where he too found his rest.