Disclaimer: I own nothing doing with the Pitch Black franchise. I'm making no money writing this. Nobody reads this. Wow. I just depressed myself. Before I go cry in a corner let's get this chapter going.

Office Triangle

Riddick looked between the two. Obviously they knew each other. The guy though, failed to see Riddick. He was just standing still, staring at Jack. Riddick glance her way and saw...shame? Her checks were flushed and eyes cast down while fidgeting with her nails. She never answered the man's question of what she was doing in his office.

"Jack, are you in some kind of trouble? You know you can always come to me, right?" Chris spoke softly to her with concern in his voice as well as his face.

Jack couldn't look up into the blue pools of his caring eyes. Eyes she longed that Riddick's would mirror towards her. She placed her hands on the desk, still with her head down, eyes closed, she answered her boss and closest friend.

"I know Chris. This was so sudden and I really didn't want to involve you in fear of putting your life in jeopardy. I care too much for you to do that to you. My friend," she finally looked up, but at Riddick. And very upset he noticed., "Richard needs a ship, and needs it now. Emergency." she finally looked to Chris, who had noticed Riddick, but turned back to her when he noticed her attention was now on him. He looked upset to say the least. Jack continued,

"I was giving him J.D., that ship rarely used. I have enough saved up to pay you back for it. I've been saving money on the side and with this upcoming pay out, I'll have enough to pay for it and rent." she rushed out, thinking the faster she said it the faster he'd understand.

"Who is he to you Jack? You've never, in the years I've known you, acted like this. Since when did you start asking or reassuring me, instead of telling me how it is and to get use to it? I see fear inside you Jack. What has my little warrior so scared of? Is it him?" he pointed to Riddick who had folded his arms across his chest and looked to Jack. He gave her a look as to say, you better deal with this fucker before I do.

"Him? Ha! He's a problem, but not THE problem."

Riddick put his arms back down to his sides and went from staring at Chris to staring Jack down.

'Ooo, Big Evil didn't like that? Tough shit. I don't care. You can go fuck yourself, for all I care, because I don't. I don't care, anymore.' she thought while fighting back fresh tears. 'Look towards Chris, Jack. He's what you need right now. Caring, always there, gentle arm grabs, mischievous eyes, and warm smiles Chris.'

She looked back to Chris and gave him a weak smile.

"The problem Chris, is that Rid..Richard found out that someone's out to get me and they're hot on my trail. Richard says I need to get off planet now. Once we're in space, he'll give me the full report. But, I don't care to know. I figure, I'll send him off, call out for the week, and they'll figure I WAS with him and leave planet." she finished and noticed Riddick's shocked form out of the corner of her eye. She turned toward him to explain.

"I trust Chris with my life Richard. Not only has he saved it, but has been a friend when I really needed one." That last bit was a bitter jab at him and it didn't go unnoticed either.

Chris moved closer to Jack and placed her hand in both of his. Riddick actually growled, but Chris and Jack ignored him, staring at each other in the eye.

"Jack if you truly feel this way about me and trust this Richard's word of you being in danger, than you must go." he softly spoke almost lovingly while brushing his thumb on top of her hand that he still held.

"Wha..What?" Jack didn't see that coming. "You want me to go? Just like that?" She was close to breaking down in sobs. 'How Chris? How can you just tell me to leave? Do you understand I may never come back? Do you even care as much?' A few tears finally fell slowly down her check. Chris took one of his hands and wiped them away gently before he spoke.

"If it is to save your life? Yes, of course. But, with one minor change." he declared while releasing her hand, turning to the desk. He looked through the papers and instantly found the ship's information that Jack was looking for.

"And what would that be?" she asked as he handed her the paper.

"I'm coming with you."

"Bullshit!" Riddick finally spoke to Chris.

"My ship, my rules. Plus, I'm very protective of this one.", he nodded his head at Jack, "I'll kill a man before he can even think of harming her." Chris answered Riddick, but looked on to Jack as he did.

Jack saw his eyes were alive with emotion, but was unaware of what that could be. It unnerved her from how intense his stare was and she had no clue what those eyes were practically screaming at her. She looked to Riddick and wished she didn't. He looked like an animal ready to pounce onto his prey. His body was heaving from the deep breaths he was taking to control himself. Jacks lips formed a light smile.

"Chris makes a valid point. We're shit out of luck without him and his ship. So, it's up to you, Dick." She threw out the nickname for the Richard name with a wicked smirk.

Riddick frowned, not liking Jack's new attitude at him. Seeing her defiant look, he knew he was losing. He didn't need this love sick, skinny idiot tagging along and putting their lives in even more danger. Already he hated this guy and his hands that kept touching his Jack.

"Fine, but understand this Jack. You are my priority, the only one. If we run, I will not even glance back to see if he's keeping up. If he tries anything, I'll shiv him where he stands. He's your friend, not mine. Do not expect me to treat him as such. It's only going to get worse from here on, and dangerous.I urge you to make him stay, if he really is your friend Jack. What I have to tell you will be very sensitive news. News you will not want anyone to know about." Riddick gave one last attempt to keep this fucker grounded, but found it was in vain when Chris spoke up for himself.

"Appearences can be deceiving Mr...," he waited for a last name that Jack was quick to blurt out, out of reflex even after all though years ago of preparing for an unwanted Merc ship when they were traveling on that abandon ship the took off that horrible planet. "Badd. Richard B. Badd"

Chris looked back at her as if to say, Really? You think me that stupid not to know a fake name when I hear it?, then looked back to Riddick.

"Mr. Badd, then. As you can see, Jack may be the best candidate for that. Although, I've never seen her dressed as..," he paused taking in her appearance. He was raking his eyes up and down her body taking in her bad girl look, "such. This attire may just best describe her. But..," he turned back to Riddick, giving him his full attention, "as for me. I may seem small, but can be lethal when the time calls for it. I fought in the last war on planet Terra and as you can see I'm still alive. Jack can even vouch for me if you need proff that I can kill, if it's needed. Like I said, I only want to protect her. She's my friend as well. I couldn't bare it if something happened to her that I may have counteracted."

Chris had taken on a serious tone, almost deathly, when speaking about Jack's safety and it's importance to him. Riddick nodded his understanding, but still did not like Chris. Good intentions or not, this Chris guy cared too deeply for his Jack. More than she knew, and Riddick didn't like that at all.

"Great to know, that everyone thinks of me as such a weak damsel in distress that can't take care of herself. Thanks guys, remind me never to go to the both of you for a pep-talk." she walked to one of Chris's cabinets, opened it, and pulled out a dufflebag. "Okay, you guys ready, or are you waiting for my kidnappers to catch up?"

Both men watched her the whole time. Riddick chuckled. "You been planning on running?" he said while nodding his head to the dufflebag.

"Hell no. I could never do that to Chris. I love my job here. I just try to be as prepared as possible for moments like this." she explained as she crossed the room and passed both men, while exiting out of the door. She didn't make it but a few steps before hearing a loud bang and feeling something hit her sharp in her left upper arm. Looking down in shock, as Riddick and Chris instantly moved to each side of her, she noticed blood flowing out and then the pain kicked in.

Chris, who was at her left side, took his belt off and tightened it above her wound, while Riddick had taken a gun out, surveying the area for the shooter, with his goggles off.

"Hey guys? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I've been shot." Jack joked right before she passed out from the pain and the lingering effects of all the alcohol she had consumed few hours previous.

That's it! A bit long, but it's done.

FYI: I've been busy, so I haven't had the time to proof read. I'll go back later and fix the mistakes. If you notice any, go ahead and let me know and I'll fix it when I get the chance. ;)

Review and tell me what you think. ;)

What's gonna happen next? I'm thinking we're gonna get some space time after escaping. Hmm...should I let all three get out together or have one taken? Not sure yet. Your guess will be as good as mine. I usually have two chappys written in my notebook before typing them up. But, I haven't had time to write and have now caught up to the ones I have written.

Oh surprises how we love and loathe you. ;)