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

Toal Trouble

"First thing I do is find out who the hell he is. Then I want him the fuck off this ship."

Unfortunately, the only thing she had to go by was his physical description and that he was military. She hoped Vaako could help identify him based on his dress or what little she could describe to him.

Finding out the identity of one man roaming Necropolis would not be easy. The Basilica was the largest ship in the armada and had the most number of residents. That, and as the heart of the armada, people routinely came and went. Their travels were logged but there were many transient people passing through on a daily basis.

Walking swiftly through the main hall she saw a young man she recognized who worked with Vaako. What's his name? Screw it. She jogged the distance between them and grabbed his arm to get his attention.

"My lady!" The man looked as though his heart was in his throat.

"I'm sorry for startling you, but I'm looking for Vaako. Don't you work with him?"

"Yes, I do, my lady. Our meeting ended not long ago and I believe he's headed for the gym."

"Thank you." By the time she caught sight of the tail end of his mohawk, she was almost too late. He had just turned the corner headed toward the men's changing room and sauna.

"Vaako!"

She ended up smacking right into his chest. "Damn!" She rubbed her nose. "Sorry, but I had to get you before you went in there. It's about a man I ran into. He was wearing some military clothing, which is why I thought you could help. He's tall, tall as you, black skin, short hair, dark eyes."

"Can you describe his dress?"

"Not very well." She ran a nervous hand through her hair. "He wasn't in the full get up that I've seen you wear. His clothes were all black. Not uncommon around here, so that isn't much help. He had on those shoulder things you wear, a breast and backplate, forearm armor. I don't remember seeing any other armor, but then again I didn't thoroughly examine him either."

"Breastplates are all different depending on rank, regiment, and valor in combat.

"So what you're telling me is that I've given you nothing to go on."

"Unfortunately. Did you see any markings on it?"

"No. I was in the conservatory and the lights were dimmed."

"What of his face? Scars or other markings?"

"No."

The more he couldn't tell her, the more she was bothered by her encounter with him and Vaako sensed it. He was hesitant to ask, feeling it wasn't his place but was compelled. "This man...disturbed you."

She nodded. "You could say that. Actually, more than disturbed." Jack screamed when arms suddenly snaked around her waist from around the corner and a mouth suddenly went to her neck. Realizing it was Riddick, she elbowed him hard in the gut and got a perfunctory grunt out of him. "You scared the shit out of me."

"Looks like I spooked Vaako, too. Good thing I didn't cop a feel, huh?"

"Cop a feel?" He had not understood at all.

"Thank you Riddick." Jack blushed. "Not exactly one I'd like to explain."

"Why so skittish?"

"Some man bothered her not long ago." Jack cringed not wanting to tell Riddick right here, but didn't lay into Vaako for opening his mouth. He was only trying to help.

"What did he do to you, Jack?"

"He didn't hurt me. Just really freaked me out. It wasn't what he said, it was how he looked at me and spoke. Possessively. Menacing almost? He grabbed my hand and kissed my wrist. That's when I sliced his hand, but he still didn't let go. Man just smiled at me, then released me."