a.n. If the new version of Battlestar Galactica could have an Ikea ship in the fleet keeping them supplied for over five years, then by skippy so can the predators. Its AU people

Little Susie Homemaker

Chapter 13

Royce took point, and Varro the six as Chloe, and Carolyn clutched onto each other in the middle both visibly upset. Riddick knew Royce wanted to pick up the pace but he also knew neither of them could handle it.

Stopping to refill their canteens once they were a significant distance away, Carolyn was staring at him from where she stood next to a tree. Capping his canteen he rose making his way to her, close enough that their bodies were touching, squeezing her waist with a hand.

"We're almost there."

She simply laid her head against his chest.

Making the descent into the valley on a path that had been worn into the side of the mountain Riddick pulled Carolyn to a stop pointing to an area in the distance.

"Is that it?"

"Home sweet home," he drawled.

Carolyn gave him a soft smile. As the sun rose, stretched out before them was a lush green valley with groves of trees scattered throughout rich, thick, grassland. You could just barely see the roofs of the settlement through the grove of trees surrounding them. "You said they were livable?" Her eyes sparkled as she looked up at him.

"From what little we saw, yes. I'm sure some will need repaired."

After emerging onto the valley floor it was still a bit of a hike to get to where they were going but no one was in a rush now that their harrowing journey was near an end.

"Do you think the dogs will come for us again?" Carolyn inquired not looking directly at Riddick but taking in her surroundings. Hearing her question, Royce turned to look at Riddick over his shoulder. Slowing his pace, he and Isabelle fell in step with the couple, as Varro and Chloe led the way.

Riddick observed her, as she looked everywhere but at him. "No, I doubt they'll come after us again, I think we're right where they want us."

Carolyn frowned, mulling that over for a moment. "And, what makes you think that?"

"You didn't see what we saw."

Knowing that nothing rattled Riddick, Carolyn was almost afraid to ask.

"What was it?"

"If I had to speculate, I would say it was a final test. And we're not the first people it was given to. However, I would say that we're the first ones in a long time to pass it."

Finally looking in his direction, Carolyn asked, "We're back to the whole zoo thing again aren't we?"

"We did exactly what they wanted us to do," Royce stated, bitterness lacing his voice.

The group fell quiet as they continued on. Regardless of the circumstances, Carolyn couldn't help the bittersweet smile on her face as Chloe chattered away, having rebounded quickly from their overnight ordeal, wishing she could exorcise her ghosts as easily.

The trees started thinning out a bit as they neared the abandoned settlement. The huts were made of bamboo and appeared to still be sturdy as Carolyn pushed against one as they walked by. Catching up with Varro and Chloe she stepped onto a large stoned circular area. From the fire pit in the center she imagined that it was probably the gathering area of the community. Rustic handmade chairs and tables lay scattered around the area. A child's swing hung from a nearby tree. Dropping their packs on the ground they took it all in.

"Well," said Isabelle looking around, "shall we see what's what?"

Finding huts that had been used for a kitchen, laundry and what Isabelle speculated was a bath, it was in the back that they found huts that had been used as homes.

Looking into hut after hut of belongings, Carolyn was on the verge of having flash backs of the last planet she had been on.

"They all look the same and with all this stuff it looks like they just got up and left one day." Chloe called as she bounded out of yet another one.

"That's what worries me," Carolyn muttered.

Carolyn went to work making a fire, shaking her head at the absurdness of it all. She was a docking pilot for Christ's sake. She should be in space right now. Not on this planet playing Little Susie Homemaker or being traumatized by some creature that wanted to have her for dinner. And she most certainly should not be pining over Riddick like some lovesick fool.

She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn't hear the men approaching her. She jumped letting out a small yelp when Varro touched her shoulder. "Are you alright, Carolyn?"

"Just freaking peachy!" she snarled, stalking off towards the hut she had claimed as her own. He pursed his lips not saying anything, and turned to look at Riddick.

Riddick ignored both men as they went to help Isabelle and Chloe. Instead he watched as Carolyn entered one the huts set off to its self and started pitching things out onto the ground.

He had to admit other than the most basic difference of desert versus jungle it was eerily reminiscent of the miners' colony they had been in not to long ago. He filed the thought away and went on his own more detailed tour of the area.

Lunch was a standing affair of fruit that they brought with them, ate amongst the chores of setting up households in abandon huts with limited supplies. Chloe washed and hung the parachutes that had previously been used for their bedding while Isabelle and Carolyn cleaned. Each hut had rough wooden bed frames. Properly padded Isabelle was confidant they would work out fine. Anything was better than that hot drill that stank to high heaven.

By the time they had cleaned out three of the huts and put together beds it was late afternoon. The men had wondered off somewhere, doing something, and Carolyn eyed the water that was reflecting the late day sun. Without conscience thought her feet started moving.

"Carrie!" Chloe called after her.

Carolyn turned around walking backwards with a grin on her face. The first one Isabelle had seen on her face since the attack last night. "I want to go swimming!" Carolyn called back to them while unzipping her shirt, "Who's coming with me?" Chloe giggled as she ran to catch up. Shaking her head at their antics, Isabelle trailed after them.

The men, who had wondered off beyond the grove of trees to do some hunting came back to three missing females. They laid aside their catch, weapons at the ready. Hearing Isabelle and Chloe scream simultaneously, followed by Carolyn begging someone to stop, Riddick and Royce were off like a shot with Varro on their heels. Bursting out of the tree line they stumbled to a halt. There before them, outlined by the setting sun, were three very naked, very beautiful, water nymphs. Riddick's lips curled up, and clapping Royce on the shoulder, headed back. Chuckling, Royce and Varro watched for a moment more before they turned back as well. Royce would never admit it, but it eased his heart to see Isabelle so carefree for the first time since he had met her. Like everyone else it had been pretty much balls to the walls since they arrived. Even if he wasn't happy about the current circumstances, he was happy that she felt comfortable enough with these people to relax a bit. Still smiling the three of them proceeded to prepare the food they had brought back, hoping the smell would bring their women home to them.

Carolyn was the first to comment on it. "Thank God they're self sufficient," she quipped in Isabelle's direction.

Isabelle laughed. "No doubt."

Dressing, they headed towards their men.

"It smells wonderful!" Chloe exclaimed, embracing Varro.

"I hope you're hungry," he replied pulling her down onto his lap

"I'm starving!"

Everyone looked up as Isabelle and Carolyn leisurely strolled into the area laughing at something one or the other had said.

Joining Royce, Isabelle took his hand as Carolyn hung back a bit.

"Do you know what happened to the plates? Royce asked.

"I'll get them," Carolyn spoke up. "I know exactly where I put them."

"Thanks" he responded gruffly.

Smiling she walked past them to the kitchen. It was dark in the hut with no light so fumbling around a bit she found the shelf where she had placed them. Turning around she found her nose planted in Riddick's chest. She gasped softly, pulling back and placing her free hand on his chest to steady her self.

"Richard! Is everything alright?"

His goggles were off and his head was tilted to the side. "Did you have fun?"

"Fun?"

"Swimming."

She laughed; a light tinkling sound that fascinated him. "Actually I did. I haven't played in the water like that with other people since I was a child. Being a deep space pilot doesn't really lend itself to a social life. I had forgotten how much I missed having friends."

"And what about me Carolyn? Am I a friend?"

She gave him a cheeky grin. "I'll play with you anytime you want Riddick." He gave her his best wolfish grin in return, moving aside so she could pass.

"Are you coming?" She asked, suddenly unsure of herself around him even after the playful banter of seconds before.

"Right behind you." He answered, the timber of his voice causing a shiver to run down her spine.