Shenko

Shenko is the non-binary ship between Commander Shepard and Kaidan Alenko from the Mass Effect fandom.

Mass Effect
During the events of Mass Effect Kaidan is only interested in females, therefore Kaidan isn't available to enter a romantic relationship with a male Shepard.

Alenko and Shepard are both assigned to the SSV Normandy, where the team prepares to travel to Eden Prime for a shakedown. Shepard heads to the cockpit to find the pilot, Joker, and Alenko and they discuss the odd circumstances regarding the mission. After Shepard is informed that she's being considered for a Spectre position, she lands on Eden Prime with Alenko and another Marine, Richard Jenkins. Minutes later, the group stumbles upon an ambush, resulting in Jenkins' death. Shepard has the opportunity to comfort Alenko.

The two come across Ashley Williams, the sole survivor of the military population on Eden Prime. The three team up to find their objective, a mysterious beacon. Upon locating the beacon, Alenko comes too close and is lifted and pulled towards it. Shepard immediately rushes to rescue him, pushes him out of harm’s way, and touches the beacon in place of Alenko. Shepard sees a series of chaotic images and passes out.

Later, Shepard wakes up in the Normandy med bay, evaluated by Dr. Chakwas and questioned by the ship’s commanding officer Anderson. Alenko is seen waiting in the hall outside the med bay where he commiserates the loss of Jenkins, but expresses his thanks that Shepard wasn’t lost too. Paragon Shepard remarks to Alenko that she couldn’t have done it without him.

Mass Effect 2
Two years since the Normandy was destroyed and Shepard was presumed dead, the Commander wakes up in a Cerberus facility that is under attack. After escaping the station, Shepard talks to the leader of Cerberus and has the chance to ask where Alenko is, but they don't get much of an answer.

Mass Effect
"FemShep: "Why not? We've got oceans, beautiful women, this emotion called love. According to the old vids, we have everything they want." Kaiden Alenko: "When you put it that way, there's no reason they wouldn't like you. I mean, us! Humans! Ma'am." Ashley Williams: "You don't take much shore leave, do you, L-T?"

- A conversation between Kaidan, Ashley, and Female Shepard on the Citadel

Mass Effect 3
"You’re real enough for me."

- Kaidan to Shepard regarding their doubts about authenticity

"Shepard: "When this is over, I’m going to be waiting for you. You’d better show up." Kaidan Alenko: "Don’t get me wrong. I’m going to fight like hell for the chance to hold you again."

"Shepard: "What would I do without you?" Kaidan: "You'll never find out."

- Date in Shepard's apartment on the Citadel

Fanon
Shenko is a commonly-written ship but other ships are often favored over Shenko, as some in the fandom don't like Alenko as much as the other romance options.

On AO3 Shenko is the second most written ship for Female Shepard, the top ship for Male Shepard, and both female and male variations of the ship are Kaidan's first and second most written ships respectively.

Fandom
FAN FICTION

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