This is Number #11 in my Soulmate AU Series; you can find the masterlist of fics here.
Soulmate AU Prompt: You and your soulmate have the same unique tattoo, that represents something related to how you meet.
Plot: As Y/n joins the Enterprise crew to help with negotiations for a possible new Federation planet. Both Y/n and Erica expect to meet their soulmates on the planet that reflects their tattoos. But what neither of them know, is that they've already met.
Pairing: Erica Ortegas x GN!Reader
*reader is an Intelligence Officer
Warnings: None~
Words: 2.9k
A/N: This was written for the Femslash event being held by @discoveryfemslashfortnight for the prompt "AU"
-
Standing in front of the mirror, Erica ran her hands through her hair. As her eyes caught on the reflection of her tattoo, she paused in her movements. Looking down at her arm, she gently ran her fingers over the tattoo.
She remembered the first day it appeared, right around the time she joined Starfleet. It appeared later than many other's tattoos did. Causing her to fear that maybe she didn't have a soulmate at all. But when it finally appeared, she got so excited when she saw it, she couldn't stop showing people.
It wasn't very big, and was located on her upper wrist of her left arm. It depicted a colorful planet of oranges, pinks and tans, with rings around it. She had never seen a planet like it in her years in Starfleet so far.
But she waited impatiently for the day her eyes would see it for the first time. Because she knew it meant that she would meet her soulmate.
The tattoos always had something to do with how you meet your soulmate. She figured it meant her soulmate lived on whatever planet it was that she had on her arm. Or at least that was where they would meet. But when that would happen, she had no idea.
Every time the Enterprise visited a new planet, she held an anxious excitement that it might finally be the planet. And every time it wasn't, she grew more and more disappointed, and even more impatient as time went on.
The thought of her soulmate sat heavily on her mind as she finished getting ready and made her way to the bridge. They would be going to another new planet today, well, new for her.
And maybe, just maybe, today would be the day she set her eyes on the planet that held her soulmate.
Was her soulmate anxiously waiting for her as well? Wondering when they would finally meet? How often had they run their hands over their tattoos, thinking of each other at the same time?
- - -
Your eyes were glued to the screen as the projected planet reflected the one on your own arm. A mix of anxiety and excitement sat in your chest.
After learning of the Starfleet mission to hold a meeting with the government of a planet called Xalis, that had previously rejected joining the Federation, you were tasked with prepping the Captain of the Enterprise for the meeting on planet.
Once you saw that the planet was the one on your arm, the one symbolizing how you would meet your soulmate, you convinced Admiral April to let you go down to the planet with Captain Pike. Luckily for you, you had known the Admiral for a long time, and he was more of a romantic than he would admit.
Your thoughts were interrupted when the doors slid open and Admiral April himself walked in.
"Admiral." You greeted.
"Lieutenant Commander L/n." He greeted professionally, before you could see a soft smile grace his face. "Ready?"
You nodded, repressed your own smile. "Yes Sir."
"I know I don't have to remind you that you are going down to the planet for an official and very important Federation meeting, that is the primary mission at hand."
"Yes, Sir."
"That is where I need your primary focus. But, with other matters, I wish you the best of luck."
"Thank you Sir."
"The Enterprise is arriving now, they are awaiting your arrival. Good luck Lieutenant."
You nodded your head at the Admiral as he turned to leave. Taking a deep breath, you walked over to the window, and looked out, seeing the Enterprise approaching. Grabbing your supplies, you made your way to the transporter station.
- - - - -
"Lieutenant L/n has been beamed aboard Captain." Spock announced.
"Thank you Mister Spock. Alright, everyone, listen up."
Erica turned in her chair as Pike began making an announcement.
"Today's mission is fairly simple. We're going to the outer quadrant of a non federation system to the planet Xalis. To meet with a highly advanced civilization who previously rejected joining the Federation. A week ago, they elected a new board of officials, who are more interested in joining the Federation than the last. The planets government system is a bit more complicated than we're used to, so, we will be joined by an Intelligence Officer, assigned to us for the mission by Admiral April. Lieutenant Commander L/n will aid us in understanding the people we are to meet, and help with the negotiations. So, now that we have our new Intelligence officer, we'll be on our way. Everyone understand?"
As a cacophony of 'Yes Sir's" met his ears, Pike met Erica's eyes and nodded.
Erica smiled as she turned to her controls. "Planet Xalis, here we come."
As the lift doors slid open, Erica looked back, seeing Una entering onto the bridge with someone she had never seen before. 'Wow' the thought entered her mind before she expected it, but she was not surprised, you were certainly attractive.
The Captain approached you with his hand stretched out. "Lieutenant L/n, Captain Pike, welcome aboard."
You smiled and nodded your head as you shook his hand. "Pleasure to be here Captain. Thank you for allowing me to join you."
He smiled and nodded before he turned towards the bridge. "If you don't mind, would you briefly brief my crew on what we are heading into?"
"Of course." Looking around, you met the eyes of the crew, your eyes lingering on those of the ship's pilot. 'Cute' you briefly thought before you began to speak.
"Xalis is a small planet on the outer ridge of a system they refer to as 'The Xalissian Sector'. They pride themselves in their technology and government systems. They haven't had any war on their planet for nearly three hundred years, which is why the Federation was originally interested in befriending them. But, Xalis at the time was run by officials who had no interest in being in the Federation. Mainly because they feared we would bring them into a war they wanted no part in. With the newer officials being more interested, and wishing to negotiate a treaty with the Federation, that would allow them to be a part of it, without having to be involved with any wars or battles we might find ourselves in, we might just make some new friends today."
Erica smiled as she listened to you speak. You seemed interesting, and nice. Much better than some intelligence officers she's met. When you finished speaking, you and the Captain made your way off off the bridge to discuss the mission more.
Erica looked down at her controls and let out a soft sigh. This mission felt different, but she didn't know why. She didn't want to be hopeful for no reason, but she couldn't seem to stop the jittery feeling taking over, that seemed to grow the closer they got to Xalis. It was three hours to the planet, maybe she would feel less anxious by then.
- - - - - -
"So, Y/n, what's it like working on a Starbase?" Erica asked as she watched you from across the mess-hall table.
You took a sip of your drink, as Nurse Chapel and Ensign Uhura watched you as well.
"Much less exciting than being on a ship." You admitted. "I've been transferred to multiple different ships a few times, but they never let me stay."
"Why?" Chapel asked.
"A lot of Captains don't like having an intelligence officer, many think it's a pointless job when they already have a second in command and a security chief."
Uhura shrugged her head. "I can see how that would make sense, but you'd think having a Intelligence Officer on board would take off unnecessary stress from the second in command and security chief, so they can focus on their primary jobs."
You pointed at her. "That's what I always say, but-" You shrugged "They never listen, so I just get bounced around as needed."
Erica watched your closely "Maybe Pike will take a liking to you."
You smiled at her and she felt her heart jump a bit.
"Maybe. It would be nice to actually have a place to belong."
Erica watched you closely, unable to shake a feeling that she knew you. Or unable to shake an attraction that was forming. But reminding herself that her soulmate was waiting for her somewhere else, she shook the thought away.
"We'll put in a good word for you." Christine smiled, making you chuckle.
"Thanks."
"Erica, we are approaching Xalis." Jenna's voice came through Erica's comm.
"Got it, I'll be there in a minute."
Stretching, you stood with Erica, she watched you "You coming to the bridge?"
You shook your head. "No, I'm going to get prepared to go down to the planet. I have a feeling this is going to be a long negotiation."
Erica watched as you left the room, before she looked down at Christine and Uhura who were smirking at her.
"What?"
"Someones got a crush." Christine teased.
Erica tapped her covered wrist. "Someones got a soulmate."
Christine rolled her eyes as Erica left, "Someones in denial."
- - -
As Erica sat down at the controls, she heard Pike enter the bridge. "Whats our status Erica?"
"Coming out of warp Sir, in three...two...one"
When Enterprise jumped out of warp, Erica looked up and felt her breath catch in her throat. The planet was just ahead, it as a relatively small planet, the atmosphere made up of bright oranges and pink clouds, with rings around the planet. Identical to the one on her arm.
Jenna, recognizing this, looked over at Erica with a startled look, who turned to meet her gaze.
"Something I should know about?" Pike asked as he noticed this exchange of looks.
As Uhura entered into the bridge her eyes locked on the planet and she let out a soft gasp, making the Captain look between them with a confused look. Looking back at the planet, he realized it did seem familiar.
"Wait a minute..." Pike trailed off as he looked down at Erica.
She looked back at him, her face a bank stare of shock. As realization hit Pike, he stood and and walked over to Erica. Gently taking her arm, he pulled down her sleeve, and lifted her arm.
Comparing the tattoo to Xalis, he let out a soft laugh. "Well would you look at that."
A smile finally spread across Erica's face as she met the Captains gaze. "Permission to come down to the planet with you Captain?"
He smiled at her "I think that could be arranged."
Erica met Jenna, and then Uhura's eyes, who smiled at her in excitement and wonder. As Erica looked back at the planet Xalis, and began taking the Enterprise closer, her heart beat heavily in her chest as she tried to steady her hands.
This was why this mission felt different. It was like she knew somewhere deep down that it was finally time to meet her soulmate. And she couldn't be more ready.
- - - - - -
As you entered into the transporter room, you had a momentary feeling of confusion as you saw Erica standing beside the Captain. But the anxiety of beaming down to the planet where your Soulmate surely waited, pushed the thought aside.
Your mind rotated the same thought over and over. Primary mission, hold the negotiations, and then find your soulmate. Maybe your soulmate would be a part of the negotiations. That would certainly make this whole thing a lot easier.
That ideal thought was proven incorrect however, when you met with the official council of Xalis. The warmer temperature of the planet allowed you to see their arms easily, as they wore more revealing clothing. Looking for any matching tattoos, you were disappointed when you saw that those who had tattoos on their arms did not match your own.
Even with that disappointment lingering in your mind, the negotiations went as well as you could hope. After leaving Captain Pike to finish the deal, you made your way through the center of the city, overwhelmed with the amount of people the small planet seemed to have.
As you walked down a set of stairs, you spotted Erica, leaning on a banister as she looked out at a bright pink waterfall leading into a large lake in the center of the city.
Erica was startled when someone appeared beside her, turning, she saw you leaning against the banister. "Oh, hey, the negotiations over?"
"Mostly, Captain Pike is finishing up now. It went well."
Erica watched you for a moment, "You seem quite subdued for someone who helped achieve something that has been in the works for nearly ten years."
You smiled and let out a soft breath "Yeah, I was just expecting...more, but it doesn't matter. What did you come down here for? I thought you were going to be in the meeting as well."
"Oh no, I came down for something else, to find...someone...but, it didn't happen."
"You've been here before?" You asked with piqued interest.
She shook her head. "No, no, this is my first time, I just-" she cleared her throat as she pulled up her sleeve, revealing her tattoo. "When I saw that Xalis matched my tattoo, I thought I would find my soulmate here, but there are so many people, I just- what?"
When Erica looked back over at you, you were staring wide-eyed down at her tattoo. Slowly, you looked up and met her gaze. "That was why you came down to the planet?"
"Yeah?"
Erica's heart picked up pace as she watched you grab your own sleeve and being to pull it up.
"I originally wasn't supposed to come down to Xalis for this negotiation but, when I saw that Xalis matched my tattoo...I requested to come."
Erica's breath caught in her throat as she saw the identical tattoo on your own wrist, perfectly reflecting her own.
Your eyes met as the tension rose between you, the silence was heavy as neither of you knew what to say or do.
Finally you spoke, your voice soft. "Seeing how many people were here, I thought it would be impossible to find my soulmate...I didn't stop to think I had already met them."
Erica let out a soft laugh as she shook her head. "I knew there was something about you, that seemed so...familiar, but I was so determined to think my soulmate was on the planet too. But, the tattoo didn't mean this is where we would meet, it's just-"
"Why we met." You finished her thought.
Erica nodded and let out another soft laugh. "Imagine if we spent all our time here looking for someone else, and never figured it out."
You chuckled "I don't want to imagine how crazy that would drive me."
Erica looked around, letting out a soft chuckle "God, I always thought about the moment I would meet my soulmate, I never thought about what to do after."
You laughed "Neither have I. But I guess one way to start, is by telling you you were right. Pike did take a liking to me, and asked if I wanted to stay on the Enterprise. I told him I'd think about it, mostly because I was waiting to meet my soulmate to decide what to do, but, now I know."
Erica grinned, "You're gonna stay?"
"Well obviously." You said with a laugh.
Erica laughed as well "Just checking."
"Hey you two." A voice broke in.
Looking over, you saw Captain Pike and Commander Spock approaching.
"What's got you two so happy?" Looking over at Erica he smiled "Find what you were looking for."
Erica smiled as she glanced at you and then back at Pike. "Yes Sir, but not how I was expecting."
As Pike cocked his head in wonder, you and Erica stretched out your wrists, showing your matching soulmate marks. Pike and Spock's brows rose in surprise.
Pike grinned "Well, isn't that something." He met your eyes. "I was wondering why April insisted you come to Xalis with us."
You shrugged your head as you and Erica locked eyes again.
"So, I assume this means you are going to accept my offer of staying on the Enterprise with us?" Pike asked cheerfully.
You met his eyes and nodded "If you're certain your okay with it, yes Sir"
Erica raised her hand up "If it's left to a vote, I vote yes."
Pike looked over at Spock "What do you think Mister Spock?"
Spock rose a single brow as he looked at the Captain. "I have always suggested the use an Intelligence Officer would have aboard the Enterprise. And, considering what has now occurred, it would be...cruel, to not allow Lieutenant L/n to stay."
Pike smiled as he looked back at you. "I agree. Welcome to the family Y/n."
You grinned as you looked back at Erica, as your heart fluttered. "Thank you Captain."
"Well. We have a few more tings to clear up with the Xalis council, why don't you two go get to know one another a bit more, we'll let you know when it's time to leave."
"Are you sure you don't need me anymore Captain?"
He shook his head softly with a smile. "We can handle it."
As he and Spock left, you and Erica locked eyes again, as your smiled reflected each others. "So, wanna get some lunch?" Erica asked.
You smiled and nodded, "Yes, I do."
Turning, you began making your way towards the city, arms brushing as your hearts fluttered, and butterflies rampaged through your stomachs. All this time you had been waiting for one another, waiting for the moment you could plan the rest of your lives. It was definitley worth the wait.
xx End xx
This did not come out as long as I wanted, nor did I really know how to end it, lol, but I hope you enjoyed it!
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This year, we won't run our Fortnight event mainly because of mod unavailability, but worry not: a very similar event is organized on @startrekfemslashweek for all Star Trek wlw content!
Make sure to click through their short participation survey if you already know you'll create something, so the mods know it'll be worth it to organize the event! Prompts will be revealed in June to give you ample time to write and draw until the actual posting happens in the first week of September.
Have fun! And send us an ask if you're interested in helping with future DSC or Star Trek Femslash events, and feel free to follow, we might still be back next year!
Wanted to have a picture of the three of them with nobody else in it, poor Worf had to go xD
Made for the Star Trek Femslash Fortnight!
Bottom right's without filter, top left my fav edit, the other two just two faded/aesthetics pics!
For some reason, I can't find the gif I took a screenshot from for this in the gif search, even when looking for the originals post's exact tags, which used to never fail?? Probably also bc of this tumblr update fuckery... @staff @wip please fix that sometime soon 😩
Anyway here's a similar gif with Worf still in it!
Not sure who started this headcanon, but I just love the idea that L’Rell and Dennas knew each other as teens and L’Rell, the shy one, had a crush on her. Also imagine that shaving the hair off is a comming of age ritual for their clan and at this point they are both to young still
This year my only contribution for @discoveryfemslashfortnight because life happened, unless I get some spontanous ideas.
