Disclaimer : I own nobody from TCOR or PB.

My first Riddick fiction. I have a tendency of trying to keep spelling mistakes out of the story so much that i might screw up my grammar or something. So if u spotted any mistakes, please point it out to me (in the form of a review:P).

I would appreciate reviews to keep me going on with this story. You know, inspiration.


Shelter – Chapter 1 :Visitors :

The deep rumble of a military ship sent Sandra straight out of bed. Well, not that exaggerating, but her all her senses were on and on the alert now. Seldom there were visits from other systems, but it was unmistakably a military ship. She leaped out of bed and rushed to the window just as her bedroom door was flung open, and her governess stood in the doorway.

'Quick, girl! We're running late!' Miss Gertrude stopped cold in mid sentence when she saw her student standing undressed, exposed, in the dry wind, by the window, for all the eyes to see. Of all horrors! 'Sandra!' she cried in disbelief. 'What are you doing?'

The girl that was just shy of 20 years of age in three days did not heed her, but leaned out eagerly from her window. There, at the port, a huge, dark, sleek ship was just landing, a ship with a design not known to her. She glanced back to her governess and began excitedly, 'Look, Miss Gertrude, we have a visitor—' but stopped in her sentence with one look at the black-faced governess.

'Get. Away. From. The. Window. And. Get. Dressed!'

Sandra was too terrified not to comply.


The unannounced guest was solemn and silent, which goes the same for his escorts and companions, and strode towards the Audience Hall with a deadly air. Any who threw his gaze in his direction immediately cringed. That was the effect Riddick had on people, Lord Marshal or no.

Lord Vaako, ever loyal to the Lord Marshal even if he was an ex-convict or that his wife had plotted to kill him before, kept a short distance clear of his ruler's giant strides and flowing cloak. He glanced up at Riddick, and grimaced for the hundredth time. Even after serving him for more than a year, like other people, Vaako, too, felt the eerie effect the ex-convict unconsciously had on others, and he didn't quite like it.

Riddick had kept his customary outfit of wife beater and pants, refusing (with a mere stare at the suggester) any form of apparel that would immediately identify him as a Necromonger. Perhaps that was what made him deadly and terrifying. Riddick had a world of his own, and he didn't like people barging into it.

His entourage reached the door to the Audience Hall. Riddick, not even stopping, extended his hand, and the doors arched open by some unseen force. He smirked inwardly, though his outer expression held...well, there was no expression, in fact. Oh, yeah, he might be a reluctant ruler, but being Lord Marshal had its perks.


Sandra's wide curious eyes followed the man in black. An air of darkness seem to follow him around. She was in one of the audience box balcony, peering out from behind the curtains. Miss Gertrude, ever watchful of her prize but indisciplined student, stood behind her, and, like others, unnerved by this man that now faced her master.

She was never allowed to join the formal congregation down there, but the view from above was good enough for her. She had watched gatherings and conventions from this audience box ever since she was tall enough to peep over the railings. She had seen her father converse with many rulers and representatives, most she was allowed to meet after the meetings.

And most she had never seen again.


Lord Arthur Woolworth stood smiling widely as he welcomed his invited guests. He was the ruler of Kudakasut, a system that consisted of seven planets arranged in the shape of a horseshoe. Kudakasut was a strong universe, with 10 systems under its belt to date. How Lord Woolworth conquered them was still a mystery, though.

'It's an honour tofinally meet the famousLord Marshal,' Lord Woolworth smiled, and extended his hand. Riddick shook it cautiously, keeping his eyes on the tall thin man before him. Likewise, he thought sarcastically. After this one, I've had had enough of peace conferences. He merely nodded, and sat down. Okay, so begins another long, boring day.

Lord Woolworth began his normal speech, welcoming everyone and telling them about Kudakasut, its beauty and splendors. Vaako glanced sideways at his lord; the man wasn't listening at all, he knew from Riddick adjusting his goggles every few minutes restlessly, as if they had grown heavy and tight on his face. Riddick sensed his gaze, and slowly glanced at him. He lifted an eyebrow.

Vaako took the cue to take over and looked straight, pretending to be interested.

'...so you might have heard of the rumors of a war brewing,' Lord Woolworth remarked, smiling. What is it, man? Facial cramp? Riddick thought. Butwhen he glanced at Vaako, his loyal lieautenant had a listen-to-this-one-it-might-interest-you look on his face. Riddick snapped to attention. He knew that look--a year with Vaako and he could recognize the messages he conveyed in every expression.

'War?' Vaako pretended to ask, but in fact reminding Riddick what was the current topic of the conversation. 'The Necromongers aren't involved in it.'

'Is that why you asked us here?' Riddick cut in, speaking for the first time. 'You want an alliance, don't you?'

Smart ass, Lord Woolworth thought. 'Not alliance,' he said, shaking his head and smiling cunningly. 'I have all the help I want. Hunter, Freeaun, Garunda--' he ticked them off his fingers.

'Get to the point,' Riddick interrupted with a growl, yet again.

'What I'm saying is that I am looking for no alliance,' Lord Woolworth said. He leaned in eagerly, 'but a partner.'

Riddick appeared unfazed, nor interested, nor puzzled. Nobody knew what flashed behind those goggles. 'Partner?' he asked, and his voice held a mild interest. Lord Woolworth grinned.

'Partner,' he nodded. 'You,' he pointed at Riddick. Watch where your finger go, man. 'Me,' he pointed at himself. 'Us.' His grey eyes held a knowing gleam, as if he expected Riddick to understand the hidden meaning behind his words. Riddick remained passive for several seconds. Then his lipsspread into a smirk. Then it turned into a snicker. Lord Woolworth grinned, and nodded.

Riddick exploded into loud guffaws, joined by Lord Woolworth. Vaako felt a shiver crawl down his spine. What the-?

'I see,' Riddick nodded after he calmed some sort. 'Well, tell ya what.' He leaned forward, as if whispering. 'Let me stay here for starters,' he told him blatantly. 'Allow me to consider your system, then your offer. How's that sound?'

'Excellent! Brilliant!' Lord Woolworth's smile widened. 'Kudakasut welcomes you. My home,' he swept his arms out wide, 'is your home.' He laughed. Riddick laughed too, but silently scanned the area around him for any appointed assassins. There were many potential hiding places above his head, but one was occupied.

Sandra's breath caught in her throat when the man whom they called Lord Marshal--necromongers!--stared straight at her. Riddick cocked his head curiously, observing the innocent-looking woman in his colourless world. She didn't look like no assassin, but she did look like royalty. 'Family?' he asked aloud, still locking gaze with the woman.

Lord Woolworth glanced up. 'Daughter,' he replied. 'Only one.'

'Heavens girl!' Miss Bertrude scolded, grabbed Sandra harshly and pulled her away from view. Riddick saw the woman disappear, and frowned. Lord Woolworth gestured at the refreshments to get his attention, and smiled, 'something strong?'

Riddick didn't reply, but merely nodded. He glanced at Vaako. He was gonna need an explanation. The poor man looked very, very confused.


Well? You confused too? Don't worry, me too. I'm still sorting the story out in my head. Meanwhile, could u please tell me whats ur POV by clicking that lil' button there, RIGHT THERE, that says Submit Review Go. I'd appreciate that.

Letreen