Prologue
There was a brief moment of quiet contemplation as the man sitting at the metal desk looked over the piece of paper sitting in front of him. There were many words to digest but only three were sending waves of panic, if not apprehensive anticipation, down his spine. A brief smile crossed his lips.
"Sir?"
He looked up from his current occupation, nodding at the sailor standing in his doorway. "How can I help you Able?"
"Sir, the new officer is here." Stepping out of the way, they revealed a young woman: brown hair, brown eyes, nothing extraordinary except that he immediately noticed the way that she smiled her thanks at the sailor, the smell of her perfume and the slight crease between her eyes as she … glared at him.
He stood immediately. "Lieutenant Elizabeth Bennet." He smiled, reaching out his hand in a gesture of good faith. "Last person I thought I would have the pleasure of serving on my ship."
"Commander Fitzwilliam Darcy." She glanced down at his hand and presented her own, unprepared for the increase in tension as she gripped his hand tight and shook. She drew away hastily and brought her eyes back to meet his. "Last person I would ever want to serve under."
Darcy smiled weakly, not sure if he should be hurt or offended by her comment. He cleared his throat. "Even so, Lieutenant, welcome aboard. I trust that you have managed to acquaint yourself with the ship? We're due to depart in twenty-four hours' time."
"Yes Sir, I am aware." Elizabeth glanced away as her name was called before looking back at the man in front of her and giving a brisk nod as she left, "Sir."
Darcy watched the space where Elizabeth had been, letting out the nervous breath of air he had been holding. Sitting back at his desk he ran a hand through his hair, eyes blinking slowly as he tried to digest what had just happened.
Elizabeth Bennet was on his ship. Lieutenant Elizabeth Bennet was on his ship. Lizzie was on his ship. His ex-girlfriend was on ship. And he was her commanding officer.
Darcy let out a soft groan. Shit.
A/N: This is just a concept and I don't have a very clear idea of what sort of direction it will head towards (aside from the obvious, of course). However, drop a comment and let me know if you liked it enough to warrant a continuance. :)