Chapter 10 – Kinetics
They arrive near a small spring and Lina rushes to the water's edge. She checks it first and as thirsty as she is, she knows it's not wise to drink it before it is sterilised.
Instead she scoops some up and wets her neck and face. After a short scan of the area, Riddick too cools his head in the refreshing water.
Lina ties up her cotton shirt and finds a seat in nearby shade and leans against a tree. Riddick finds a spot opposite her and looks to the sky.
Another vessel has discovered their ship. The locals now know that there are unregistered people on the surface.
"Start talking." Riddick growls breaking the silence.
"A few weeks ago I was fitted with an inhibitor chip whose side effects were apparent memory loss. The days after that were somewhat disorientating." She looks up at him then stares off into the water's reflection.
"Go on." He encourages.
"I worked for an organisation called The Company. They enhanced my telekinetic ability to a degree that served them best. In short, I decided it wasn't the business for me and they decided I became a liability."
Riddick takes out his blade and begins sharpening it on a stone. "So they tried to silence you with the chip but for good measure, they're holding your kid too."
"No, they don't know about Sam. I hid her but who knows what I told them in my delusional state." Lina looks back at Riddick once more. "She's only five Riddick. She's innocent in all this."
He sheaths his blade and gets up. "So where is she?"
"A system not too far from here."
Riddick looks around to gain a sense of direction. "Let's move. I saw a small holding to the east as we landed. We can get what we need there."
Lina nods and is thankful for the assistance. Right now she's confused and emotional, can't think straight, might make mistakes. Not to mention he's a pilot – and that's what she needs.
After a distant walk, they arrive near a homestead, which appears to be a fruit farm of sorts. It has a large main house, a smaller rundown guesthouse to the one far corner and several rows of fruit trees.
Riddick scans the area from a safe high up position. The farm seems quiet. Must be out of season, no fruit on the trees.
"We're in luck." He states in a quiet voice, "Skeleton crew. I'd say no more than four people."
He points to the rundown guesthouse. "There. Looks like it hasn't been used in a while."
Before Lina gets a chance to voice her opinion, Riddick is on the move again. She follows able to match him in speed and movement.
They sneak up to the small broken down guesthouse. Only half the dwelling has a roof and two walls have been broken down, but for now – it will do.
Lina sits in a corner and tries to fathom their next move.
"We'll wait till sundown." Riddick orders, not really giving a care if Lina approves or not. If she wants his help, then she should take it as it is given.
Too tired and hot to move, Lina Pulls up her knees to her chest and rests her head.
Sleep setting in, Lina whispers, "Thank you."
Riddick doesn't look back at her but he definitely heard her.
Don't thank me yet.