This is my first Star Trek fan fiction, I hope you will all enjoy it! I do not own anything, except Erica Ravencroft is my own character.
The overcast skies appeared very threatening during the dawning of a new day. Storms had been forecasted and at any moment they might unleash their fury upon the world below. Erica Ravencroft loved days like this, thunderstorms to her were fascinating and thrilling. The wind picked up a little, forcing her to close pull her black jacket closed a little more. Her senses were heightened, that smell of the coming rain invaded her nose. She would love to watch the storm roll in, but that particular day she was going to be far too busy to focus on the weather. Walking side by side with her father, Captain Robert Ravencroft, she would be starting a brand new assignment waiting for her at Starfleet. Thunderstorms might make some people incredibly nervous, but the thought of what waited for her inside made her far more nervous.
With her free hand she pushed a few stray brunette bangs out of her eyes which the wind had blown into her vision. Her heart pounded a little as they approached the building, knowing that her new assignment would begin but there were so many unknowns left for her that she felt anxious. Her father glanced over at her, reading the concern in her features.
Robert smiled. "Now Erica, you're not worried about your new assignment are you?"
She looked over at her father, "No. Well...maybe a little."
He laughed a little. "My daughter, nervous? Erica you are one of the top weapons specialists in Starfleet, not to mention one of the youngest ones. You have a vast knowledge of weapons and you're an incredible marksman. This assignment is perfect for you, you get to work on designing brand new weapons. I thought you would welcome this opportunity with far more enthusiasm."
Erica sighed. "That's not what has me nervous, Father. It's the man I will be working with who has me nervous."
"Erica you have nothing to worry about. I'm sure you will impress him with your work and your knowledge. Remember, he will be doing most of the designing, but you're helping him with the process. You're the only one that Admiral Marcus allowed to work with him, how could anyone be more perfect for the job than you?"
"Have you met him? What's he like?" she inquired.
"I have met with John Harrison briefly. He is very intelligent and seems to know so much about weapons, he might even teach you many things. Think of this as an opportunity to expand on your knowledge, Erica."
Erica sighed and nodded. "Okay, I trust your judgment."
Walking inside the building they both stopped as this was the point in which they would be going their separate ways. Robert placed his hand upon his daughter's shoulder and gave it a small squeeze.
"Don't worry, Erica. You're going to do brilliantly. You've always exceeded my expectations as well as many other's. Why not his?"
She smiled. "I'll do my best."
"Good. Now you get going, he'll be waiting for you. That's an order," he said with a smile.
"Yes, sir," she replied.
Robert left his daughter standing in the foyer of the building. Erica tried to muster her courage together before she walked off to the location in which she would be assisting John Harrison. As she walked she hoped that they would get along well. Her father never led her to believe anything negative about this assignment, nor did he tell her anything that might make her worry about Harrison. She always trusted her father's judgment, after all he had raised her on his own for twenty-two years of her life. Her mother had been killed when she was only five, leaving her with very few memories of her. Robert had taken the greatest care of his only child, he also had her training in the martial arts from a very young age in hopes it would benefit her in her future and keep her safe. Erica had mastered different fighting styles and found an interest in weapons when she was young, leading her to study voraciously and become a specialist in that field. She owed her happiness to her father and felt so grateful that she was blessed with such an incredible man as her father.
Arriving at the location where she would be working, Erica entered the room only to find it empty. Glancing at her watch she found that she was a few minutes early. She took off her jacket and laid it over the back of a chair before sitting down to wait for Harrison. Realizing that the wind had messed up her hair despite it being held back in a ponytail, Erica pulled the tie out of her long hair. She then decided to begin braiding her hair to ensure none of it would get in the way of the work she would be doing. With all of her hair braided she twisted the braid into a bun before pinning it in place.
"You must be Miss Ravencroft," a deep voice said behind her.
Erica jumped a little when she heard the voice, not even noticing a sound of the door opening or footsteps entering the room. She stood up and turned to find a tall man dressed from head to foot in black. His dark hair was smoothed back, his skin incredibly pale, and his pale green eyes gazed at her in a way that she thought they might pierce through her body. Her immediate thought about him was that he was incredibly handsome...but he seemed to be looking at her as if she was prey to him. This caught her a little off guard.
"Y-yes," she replied holding out her hand. "John Harrison, I presume."
He looked at her outstretched hand before extending his own, his fingers wrapped around her hand with an incredible grip. Erica began to think that she might be working with someone who was more intimidating than many people she had encountered.
"I have been informed of your credentials," he said releasing her hand. "Weapons specialist, a skilled fighter and marksman. Admiral Marcus certainly praised your accomplishments."
Erica shook out her hand when he had turned away from her. "Very nice of him."
"While I am aware of your skills you must understand that I do not need an assistant," he stated.
Her deep emerald eyes were met once more with his intimidating gaze. Erica began to believe that he doubted her expertise.
"I am willing to prove myself to you," she replied.
"And I intend to test you," he said motioning for her to join him.
Erica walked over to the table he stood next to. All across it were various weapons, all of which she knew very well.
"I want you to tell me everything about these weapons," he challenged.
Hearing that tone of intimidation Erica decided it was best not to let him get the better of her. Gathering up her confidence she described each weapon one by one down to the very last detail as if she were giving a lecture. She described everything from range, functions and design along with anything else she deemed noteworthy. The process took quite a while and that entire time John's stern visage never changed no matter what she said. Upon completing this challenge he set before her, Erica caught her breath feeling slightly worn out from doing such an in depth explanation.
"Hmm...impressive," John replied. "It appears that you are smarter than you look. You'll do as an assistant."
Erica didn't know whether or not he really meant that. Whenever he spoke his voice seemed to lack emotion, remaining flat and filled with arrogance. She wished he would give her a little more credit for her work.
"What did you expect? A weak young woman who would not meet your expectations in the field of weaponry despite it being her specialty?"
"Crossed my mind. As I said, you'll do as my assistant. Now, I believe we should get started, Miss Ravencroft."
John turned away from her once more preparing to get started on designs. Erica stood in place for a moment, wondering just what she had gotten herself into. No one had been this way with her before, usually she managed to wow people with her knowledge. Apparently John Harrison might take more convincing.
Night had fallen after the storms rolled through. Robert sat with Erica back at their home after preparing dinner.
"So sweetheart, tell me about your first day," he said.
Erica sighed, frustration interlaced with her exhaustion. "It was long. John and I worked on some designs, but they need more work of course. I will say that he is really intelligent when it comes to design. It's almost...frightening how good he is."
Robert smiled. "See? I told you everything would be fine."
"But...I don't know if he really sees me as much of an assistant. I have to say our first day was rocky when it came to working together."
"I'm sure that it will just take time. You two just met, of course there's the chance that you won't get along right away. Cheer up, kiddo. Just give it a few days and I'm sure things will go better for you."
Erica couldn't suppress a smile, her father's confidence lifted her spirits a little. "Thanks, Dad. I'll do my best to work through it."
"That's my girl."
I just wish I knew why John doesn't seem to trust me and how I could convince him that I am hard working and intelligent.
Hope this first chapter was a good introduction and enjoyable! Please comment!
