A Kid Like Her (A Riddick - Jack Romance/Adventure Story)

Prelude to Death

Back on Helion Prime

The trip had taken them almost four days to return, and in that time Jack had the opportunity to learn more about Eron, the Necromongers, and their faith. It scared the hell out her, too. She thought them no better than heartless monsters, worse than Janus (both brothers) and Jason put together, if that was possible. She had a hard time understanding how a man like Eron, who had hated the Necromonger way of life, could have stayed with them for as long as he did. With some time, patience, and explaining on his part, she finally accepted his reasoning for remaining, even though Shirah had not appeared to him until much later. It was as if a small part of him knew he needed to stay until the time was right.

She judged people by her gut instincts and had a fairly reliable track record. This time her gut was telling her that Eron was on the up and up, which is why she probably took what he said at face value. Even if he did deceive both her and Riddick to get them to back to New Mecca, at least it was for an altruistic reason. She had forgiven him, but she wasn't all too sure that Riddick would be quite as accommodating. Eron eventually asked her about Riddick and how they came to be together. She was a little hesitant at first to share their story, but soon chided herself. He wouldn't be turning either of them in for bounty seeing that he needed her and Riddick to get what he wanted.

"So let me ensure I understand correctly. The man to whom I have entrusted my entire future is an escaped convicted murderer? One of the most notorious in the universe?"

Jack snorted, "Too late to back out now!"

"No, that's not what I meant. The more illustrious the better. I would hardly want a man who couldn't fight. I've already seen a little of what he can do, and that much was impressive."

"The man can fight, but he's not invulnerable. That's what I'm afraid of because you make the Lord Marshal sound like he is."

"No man is invulnerable. I'm counting on that." He looked at her a bit odd which caught her attention.

"Why are you looking at me that way?"

"I'm sorry. I said before I could see why he chose you, but I have a difficult time imagining you fighting."

"Gotta gym?"

"Not on this vessel." Much to my relief...I'd no doubt be her sparring partner.

"Then I guess you'll have to wait until someone pisses me off."

His lips curved into a small smile. "Why did Dame Vaako's face suddenly come to mind?"

She cocked an eyebrow at him. "Eron, if I didn't know better I'd think you want me to hurt her."

"The thought crossed my mind when you first mentioned it, and I don't find it distasteful in the least."

Eron's ship was both lighter and faster than Riddick's, which allowed them to return a full two hours before he arrived and within an hour of Vaako's promotion. They entered the Basilica ship through a secreted door and made their way to his chambers, bringing little attention to themselves. After shutting the door he looked at Jack and how she was dressed. Her clothes had been torn to pieces while Janus had her, so she was now wearing a man's shirt and pants that she had pilfered.

"I'm afraid that you'll need other clothing. You need to appear assimilated and I'll introduce you as a lover that I have taken."

That got Jack's attention in a hurry. "What? I thought you were going to sneak me on board, not show me off in front of all of them. I'm not converted. I don't have those marks. They'll notice it."

"You will not be the first unconverted woman to be taken as a Necro lover. They are considered something of a...delicacy?"

"Are you going to eat me? What the hell do you mean when you say delicacy?"