DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction using characters from the Pitch Black universe. I do not claim any ownership over them or the world of PB/TCoR. This work is solely for entertainment purposes and is not considered canon (not by a long shot).
Vaako sat next to Riddick, concealed from view. The dog sat near them idly mouthing its golf ball. Its ears perked up and swiveled forward as the sound of a ship landing reached them. Riddick scratched between the dog's ears.
What cards did we draw?
Vaako leaned back against Riddick and closed his eyes. The thoughts of the ship's occupants slid across the surface of his mind. He skimmed everything and then began to tell Riddick what he saw.
Typical merc bastards, Vaako sent, amusing Riddick with the resentful tone to his thoughts. Seven man crew … one female but they've got her in suspension. Prisoner, if I had to guess.
Let's see if they can read.
Vaako smirked. Vaako had picked up the mental signatures of another ship in the system. It was too far away for him to determine much more than it was another group of bounty hunters. Riddick had taken Vaako's blade and slit his palm. Using his blood, he left a message on the inside of the station door – "Leave on one ship or die." Vaako had suggested another use for the animal traps and so they'd spent the afternoon waiting on the ships setting up a little amusement for the mercs. Now they just waited to see how stupid their prey intended to be.
What's the word you used to describe Toombs' last team?
Skittish.
That would aptly describe what we've got here.
Good … makes 'em easier to pick off.
Vaako and Riddick watched as the ship landed next to the station and the crew disembarked. Vaako chuckled when one of the crew, a young man, fell to his knees and began to kiss the ground.
Young one … new to the life … not exactly well-suited to it. Vaako explained. His name is Luna.
They watched as the leader walked into the station followed by a huge mountain of a man. They emerged a few minutes later, their body language tense.
For men who had deliberately called down their own hunters, neither Vaako nor Riddick were overly concerned. Mercs were driven by one thing - bounties. As long as there was money to be had, bounty hunters could be counted upon to have a very narrow focus. Riddick and Vaako made sure to operate outsidethat focus — and usually the body count proved them right.
Vaako leaned back against Riddick who shifted to allow his mate to comfortably settle into the curve of his torso. The Furyan was casually running his fingers between Vaako's braids, bringing them up to his face to inhale the scent of his lover. Vaako was half-listening to the mercenaries frantically setting up a perimeter and half-focused on Riddick's hand on the back of his neck. Suddenly, he sat up, attention pulled to the ship.
What's up, beautiful?
Prisoner … she's —
Before Vaako could finish his sending, a woman sprinted down the ramp of the vessel and broke for the open plain. She was headed directly for them. Vaako frowned and Riddick put a restraining hand on his arm.
Wait, Vaako.
Vaako growled but did not move - he could sense well enough what was about to happen. The gunshot that echoed across the sand made him clench his jaw. He and Riddick watched as the wild-eyed woman slammed into the ground practically in front of them. Her eyes widened as they focused on the two concealed men.
Don't think I like this asshole much.
There was a question about that? Vaako replied. He looked at the woman who was bleeding out into the sand. He turned his head ever so slightly toward Riddick.
Go ahead, beautiful. Don't take too long.
Vaako sent his mind into the woman's – her thoughts were a chaotic whirlpool but floating on the top was a steady pleading, I don't want to die, I don't want to die, I don't want to die …
Vaako regarded her impassively.
He won't be far behind you, Vaako sent, knowing she couldn't hear him. He looked at the sky for a moment, then severed her mind from her body. Vaako felt a light curl of gratitude before silence descended and her breath escaped in a sharp exhale. Riddick's breath ghosted across his ear and his eyes closed when Riddick nipped his earlobe.
Does nothing dampen your libido, Riddick?
Riddick's hand snaked around Vaako's waist and palmed his very hard erection. Vaako bucked up against his lover's hand involuntarily. Riddick smirked.
Don't seem like you mind, beautiful. Riddick licked Vaako's ear. Told you I was gonna pay you back.
Vaako glared at Riddick. Now?
Both men were distracted by a strange noise that came across the space. Riddick smiled looking at the large, bulbous scanner.
Should we be flattered, Riddick?
Breakin' out all the toys, ain't they?
Vaako snorted. Then he stiffened and a voice carried across the sand to them.
"Riddick!" A tall man with shaggy dark locks and a distinct accent bellowed at them. "This is Santana … shot caller for this crew right here! I am the guy who knows all! Sees all! Beats all!"
Riddick chuckled low in his throat as Vaako shook in silent laughter against him.
I'd forgotten how amusing these idiots could be, Riddick.
Don't look like his crew think much of the grandstandin'.
Of course not … they know it will get them killed.
"I've come all this way to collect your head in a box — right here!" Santana shook the suspension box he intended to store Riddick's skull in. "Go easy and I might let you share it with that pretty boy fuck of yours!"
Vaako rolled his eyes. Asshole.
We'll teach him manners, beautiful. Let 'em underestimate you … my beautiful animal. Riddick nipped at Vaako's ear again. He chuckled when Vaako swatted irritatedly at him, leaning forward to hear the rest of Santana's speech.
"Have yourself a fine afternoon, Richard B. Riddick — I suspect that it will be one of your very last." Santana turned to walk away and then turned back. "Kiss the fucktoy for me, eh?"
Riddick's arm tightened around Vaako's torso to keep his lover from breaking cover. Easy, beautiful.
Vaako's thoughts were verbose. Riddick grinned. His lover in a temper was a sight to behold. They made their way back to their 'lair' and gave the dog a fairly meaty haunch to gnaw on. As Vaako turned, Riddick pinned him to the wall of the cave, teeth against his neck.
Riddick …
Gotta pay ya back, remember?
Riddick, the other ship …
So keep an ear out … I'm busy.
Vaako groaned and tried to keep one part of his mind focused on the incoming vessel. He jerked suddenly and pulled out of the link. Riddick's growl reached him through a haze of pain.
"Vaako?"
"… new ship … neural disrupts … all of them …" Vaako gasped.
He'd reached out to sort through the thoughts of the new crew and had been immediately enveloped in a savage white noise that shredded his concentration and sent waves of pain pulsing through his head. Riddick held Vaako against him and rubbed his neck firmly.
"Guess we're gonna have to take them seriously," Riddick muttered. Vaako could not help but agree.
