Chapter 10

Kirby's eyes fluttered open and she looked around drowsily. It was very dark in the room she was

in but she found her blankets and bed furnishings were very soft. There was a dim light coming from the

corner of the room and she sat up to see it. Squinting her eyes she found it was a small night light. Kirby

exhaled and tryed to get out of bed. Her back was in terrible pain and the memories flooded back to her.

A wrap was tight around her torso covered by a tank top. She made her way to the door, hitting a desk on

her way through the dark. Kirby cussed under her breath and pushed a button on the panel next to the door.

A brightness blinded her as the door opened and she stepped out.

People roamed about wearing odd types of clothing that draped over them, making them look like

they seemed to glid over the floor. Kirby sheilded her eyes and set out into the crowd. People stared and

whispered as they glanced at her. An unmistakable bald head appeared in the crowd. He wasn't walking

through it, he was sitting on a throne as she came to see, shoving through everyone. She stopped as soon

as she was in front of him. People gawked as she didnt bow and Kirby cocked her head to the side staring at

him. Finally she gained his attention when the person he had been speaking to looked up at her. Riddick

stared at her, without goggles, the lights were dimmed enough it didnt matter. They didn't speak for what

seemed like hours but finally Riddick woke the silence.

"What do you need kid?"

Kirby scoffed. "Well you know you could at least tell me where I am."

He studied her for a few moments and then spoke. "Back on New Mecca."

"But where?"

"Here."

"Riddick. I'm not going to play your games."

"Don't get all worked up about it."

"I'm not getting all worked up about it I just want to know where I am."

He chuckled and called on someone with a flick of his wrist.

"Take her back to her and make sure she gets rest. If you harm her I will personally kill you."

Kirby stood there dumbly looking at the woman. She had a dark complexion that made her feel uneasy to go

alone with her to her room.

"You can call me Dame Vaako, it seems you are a jewel to Riddick." she said as she walked down the

hallway with Kirby.

"What do you mean by that?"asked Kirby looking over at her.

"Have you not noticed, from what I've heard he's saved you quite a few times."

"Yeah, but I'm not his 'Jewel' " Kirby said rolling her eyes."He's a dumb jerk anyways."

Dame Vaako smiled and looked away mischieviously.

Kirby stopped suddenly, "You think you could get me outta here?"

Dame Vaako stopped and grinned, "Of course."