Author's Note: Yeah, hopefully I'll get this story rolling nice and quick with no hitches!!
Disclaimer: Whatever in this story you haven't heard of, that's mine, everything else probably belongs to someone else.
Chapter One: The Devil's Bargain
"The only people who come down here are guards and other prisoners too stupid to know what's good for them. Trying to make a name for themselves and prove that their hot shit." The man in the cell leaned forward, his eyes flashing again as a faint light hit them. "What most of them don't realize is that those of us put down here, we don't have anything to prove anymore because we are hot shit."
He chuckled harshly. "Well…they seem to think so anyway. Obviously you aren't one of those adrenaline junkies out to turn yourself into something you're not."
The woman moved forward and folded her arms across her chest. "Tell me then, Riddick…what exactly do you think I am?"
Riddick shrugged then grinned. "Fair game for the rapists."
Eyes sliding shut, she laughed softly then motioned for the guard to leave. "Richard B. Riddick, S-ranked criminal for the murder of over two hundred people during a Necromonger invasion. You've got eyes that can see a pin dropping in the dark and reflexes that have saved your ass one time too many."
"Well lady, seems you know something about me…"
She looked up and moved closer to the door of his cell. "Age: 36, weight…depends on what planet you're on. You can fly a ship and kill without a second thought. My question is, are you the man I need for this job I have in mind, or do I have to go with the runner up sitting two cells down from you?"
"That depends on the job."
Her hands came to rest on the bars. "I'll tell you what, if you agree to help me with the first part of this job then I'll get you out of this hell hole and fix you up with a hot shower. Then, if you manage to complete that stage, I'll tell you what I need you to do."
He snorted even as he moved to the door and reached out to finger her hair. "Been a long time since I've smelled a woman. Might decide to take a little personal gratification from you."
One dark eyebrow lifted. "You could try, but then where would you be?"
"Probably sitting pretty on your ship while your body floated out of the air lock."
Once more she laughed. "Fair enough. I need you to help me out with convincing a prisoner to leave a prison you know very well. Quaint place, a little hot, smelly as hell. But we won't be there long enough to let the stink sink in."
"Cremetoria…and what are we after there?"
"Someone with a record most of you criminals have wet dreams when you think of copying it."
He let out a low whistle. "Lady you are some kind of crazy. I've only heard of six Alpha ranked criminals in the verse and, from what I've heard, they're all long gone."
"Not all of them. This one's still alive and kept in a neat little cell you've probably walked over hundreds of times during your stay in Cremetoria. But if you're scared…"
"Who said I was scared?" Riddick's eyes narrowed. "You want that type of man working for you then obviously this job is something special. But what do I get out of it besides a trip away from the slam?"
"That's the pretty part isn't it? I dangle the bait and you hem and haw over whether or not it's worth chasing. I guarantee this one will get your motor running." She brushed his hand away from her shoulder. "Freedom Riddick. Once you complete this job for me…all of your records will be cleared and no one will chase you for bounty again. Unless you decide to go on another killing spree."
"What, no money?"
"After the job is done, there will be money."
"Well then lady, I've got one more question to ask you."
"Ask away."
"You got a name or should I keep calling you lady?"
"Kat, and I might just be the only person who will ever bring themselves to saving your life these days."
This time his laugh was low and menacing. "Well Kat, you've got me intrigued enough by mentioning a man that I still don't believe is alive. Let's say you cut the bullshit and get me out of this place."
Kat smiled and stepped back from the door, letting it swing open for the first time since it'd been unlocked at the start of their conversation. "Don't disappoint me Riddick." She turned to walk away. "You won't like the consequences if you do."
"Lady, there's not much in the verse that I do like."
"I was counting on you saying that."
