Author Note: I didn't get a chance to post a chapter yesterday, so I'm doing two today to make up for it. And for those not interested in my ramblings, the meaty stuff is about half a page down.
Several people have asked if Riddick will show up soon... To put your minds at ease, he has a cameo in this chapter and will appear in a couple more chapters before I reunite him and Jack (at which point he'll join the 'cast' full time).
Whitelite: You asked about the Jack/Kyra thing and whether I was following the CoR canon. Yes, I am following the events of CoR, but I'm putting my own spin on them. I always really liked the original actress who played Jack, so I was disappointed when they replaced her (especially given that she wanted and auditioned for the part). So given that Jack from PB and Dark Fury is one actress (Rhiana Griffith) and Kyra from CoR is another (Alexa Davalos), I figured what they heck. Why can't they be different people in the story as well. As for how Kyra ends up on Crematoria... evil grin keep reading. All questions will be answered in due time.
Finally, thanks so much to everyone for their support. I really appreciate it more than I can possibly say.
Chapter Fourteen
Toombs frowned at the console of the Purgatory. He called up a display that indicated they would arrive at Helion 5 in about an hour. His movements were deliberate as the irritation in him simmered. Damn, kid!
"She got to you, too. Didn't she?" Kyra said from behind him. She then moved forward and dropped into the co-pilot's chair.
"This whole job has gotten to me. This is not why I got into this business. The thing that gets me is the fucking kid is right. We are responsible for that boy's death. I hate that... civilian casualties are what give mercs a bad name."
"It's not your fault that Sanchez was hyped up and pulled a gun when you'd specifically said no shooting."
Toombs turned to look at her. "I'm the one put him on the team in the first place. That makes me responsible. But the truth is, I'm gonna have to suck it up and deal with it. We both are."
"You're right. And, I've read Riddick's rap sheet. He's a brutal, inhuman monster. How many lives will we save in the long run if we bring him in? Hundreds, maybe. As tragic as the loss of that boy's life is, if it means we get Riddick, maybe it'll be worth it."
"Baby, I hope so. And if it helps you deal, then you focus on it. As for me, I'm a bounty hunter; I'm not supposed to have to worry about moral dilemmas. I'm just supposed to bring in the bad guys and make a good paycheck doing it. But you know, this shit just takes all the fun out of being a merc," Toombs said with a wry grin.
Kyra responded to his attempt at humor with a weak smile. Her distress bothered Toombs and he extended his hand to her. When she took it, he gently pulled her from the co-pilot's seat and then guided her into his own lap. Kyra wrapped her arms around him and leaned against him. She seemed tired, worn down by the recent events. He nuzzled her neck and traced his tongue along the arch of her ear. She shivered delightfully and pulled back so that she was looking him in the face. There was a hint of her normal sparkle in her eyes. "Tell ya what, baby. We finish this job, we'll go someplace fun for a while. We deserve it... hell, the whole crew deserves a break."
Jack slumped sideways in the restraint chair, letting her mind wander. She was trying to figure out who could have sent bounty hunters after her, but she wasn't having any luck. Suddenly, the restraints, which held Jack into the chair, released and slid into their housings.
"What the… Hello?" Jack said. There was no response. She stood rubbing her arms and stretching to relieve the tension of sitting in one position for too long. Jack moved cautiously to the door that separated the cabin with the restraint chair and cryotubes from what she assumed was the cockpit. She pressed her hand to the lock pad and the door opened instantly. She stepped through the portal into a cabin that was extremely familiar.
There were two chairs at the front of the ship, which offered a view into deep space. Along the walls, there were several more cryotubes as well as jump seats. Jack suddenly realized this was the shuttle in which she, Imam and Riddick had escaped from Chillingsworth's ship. She glanced over her shoulder, and the door through which she had entered was gone. "I must be dreaming," she said aloud to herself.
To her surprise, the pilot's chair at the front spun around and Riddick grinned at her. "Yeah, kid, you must."
"Riddick!" she exclaimed and her body moved toward him almost of its own volition. She pulled up just in front of him, afraid to touch him lest the apparition dissipate. The dream Riddick apparently had no such fear because he stood and pulled her into fierce hug that brought back a flood of memories. "I've missed you," she mumbled into his chest as she hugged him back just as fiercely.
"Missed you too, kid," he informed her and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. He held her a little away from him and stared at her for a moment.
"I'm sorry, Riddick. I didn't mean for them to capture me, but I didn't know they were coming. And they hurt... no, killed..." Jack trailed off as a lump formed in her throat.
"Listen, kid, this ain't your fault. You've always been strong. You stay tough through whatever they throw at you. I promise you, one of these days, we'll take care of the bastards responsible for this. You got me?"
Jack nodded, unable to speak, and placed her hand on his chest. She could feel the solid rhythm of his heart beating against her palm. He pulled her into another hug and said quietly. "I gotta go now, Jack."
"No, Riddick. Just stay a little longer. I need you," she said as tears prickled behind her eyes. He ran his fingers along her hairline and cupped her face in his hands. One thumb brushed at a tear that had leaked from the inner corner of her eye and was tracing a path down her face.
"I'm with ya, kid. I'm always with ya," he said and then tapped her chest. "I'm in here."
She felt a tug and he was abruptly a long way away. "I love you, Riddick," she called across the distance, and then she was back in the restraint chair.
Jack jerked as someone grasped her hand. With the remnants of the dream still clouding her mind, she half-expected to see Riddick when she opened her eyes and she smiled warmly at him. Unfortunately, instead of Riddick's features, Toombs's arrogant face greeted her. Jack felt her smile twist into a sneer of disdain as she realized who had awakened her.
Toombs attached a shackle to her right wrist and then released the restraint on that side. Jack tried to jerk away from him, but his grip on her arm was like iron. He smirked at her as she tugged against him and then forcefully pulled her arm across her body and secured it with another shackle to her left wrist. Jack tensed waiting for him to release her left side. Her plan was to strike him with the manacles as soon as she was free. She didn't really think it would help her escape, but she was eager to get in a good hit on the arrogant merc.
To her disappointment, he did not disengage the restraint. Instead, he retrieved a metal rod with a length of chain at each end. Jack glared at him: "What? You've got me tied up and now you're gonna beat me with a chain? Real classy, merc."
"I've warned you about that smart mouth of yours, girl," he cautioned with a grin that caused Jack's hair to stand on end. She hardened her resolve and shifted her gaze to a point behind him, studiously refusing to acknowledge his presence any further, regardless of how he might abuse her.
To Jack's surprise, rather than thrashing her, he clipped the length of chain on one end of the rod to a clasp between the manacles. As she glanced down at the rig, she realized that its purpose was to prevent her from reaching the leg restraints that would surely be placed on her ankles. She raised her eyes to Toombs. His expression told her he was highly amused at her assumption that he was going to strike her. She was tempted to make an acid remark about his need to use such elaborate restraints for sixteen-year-old girl; however, she had little doubt that he would follow through with his threat to gag her, so she clamped her teeth together on any further comments. Instead, she once again focused behind him, deliberately ignoring him as he shackled her ankles and clipped the other end of the chain-rod to the leg-restraint.
"We'll be arriving in about 30 minutes. So, don't get too comfy," he tossed back at her as he walked back to the front cabin. Jack continued to ignore him, refusing to rise to the bait of his poor attempt at humor.
Once Toombs closed the door, she tried to slip her right wrist free of the cuff, but it was too secure. It didn't pinch, but it wrapped around the narrowest part of her wrist so snuggly that she was unable to even shift it up and down her arm, much less force it over her hand. She leaned her head back against the chair and tried to get comfortable as she felt the ship make the characteristic dip that indicated it was moving downward through atmosphere.
Due to its position in the Helion system, the mining colony on Helion 5 was dependant on one of Helion Prime's signature beacons for its light and energy. A specialized satellite network distributed the energy to the surface of the planet; however, the network's presence made landing on H-5 a tricky endeavor. While most pilots depended on computer homing systems to guide their ships down, Toombs took pride in flying the difficult course by hand.
He expertly landed the Purgatory at the spaceport in Santiago, the capital of Helion 5, and then sat back with a smug grin at Kyra. She laughed with genuine humor and clapped in appreciation of his skill. Her response heartened Toombs, relieving some of his concern over the effect this mission was having on her. As he completed the shutdown of the ship, his mind turned to the task ahead, delivering the girl to the group who had hired him. His mood and expression both became uncharacteristically grim. Kyra moved up behind him and squeezed his shoulder. The gesture was reassuring and he captured her hand and pressed a brief kiss of thanks into the palm.
"Well, let's get this shit over with," he growled and she nodded curtly in agreement. He rose from the seat and stretched before retrieving a gun-belt, which held a pair of impressive pistols, from the weapons locker. He stepped aside to give Kyra access to her weapons and then strapped the belt around his waist. He tested the draw of the pistols and adjusted the belt a bit. He drew the guns a second time and then, satisfied with their position, secured the holsters to his legs with small straps. Kyra performed a similar procedure with a shoulder holster.
When she was happy with the fit of her weapons, he led the way to the back cabin and Jack. The girl glared at them from the restraint chair, but she said nothing. Apparently, his admonishments about her sarcastic remarks had gotten through to her because for once she held her tongue. Nevertheless, the accusation in her eyes spoke volumes without her uttering a word. His own conscience niggled at him as he hit the release and helped Jack to her feet, but it was Kyra's pained expression that made him wish he could justify blindfolding the girl to cut off that condemning gaze.
Instead, he grasped her elbow and prodded her forward. The girl shook off his grasp and began shuffling toward the open hatch. Toombs shook his head in admiration at her defiance. She was definitely a tough kid, and he could see why someone like Riddick might have taken to her. He reflected ironically that under other circumstances, he would be trying to recruit her rather than delivering her in chains.
The girl stumbled slightly as she made her way down the ramp. Kyra leapt forward to catch her, preventing her from falling headlong to the tarmac of the landing site.
"Careful," Kyra said as she steadied Jack and helped her down the incline. Once she was on flat ground, Jack jerked away and glared at Kyra. She seemed about to speak, but then glanced at Toombs. He saw her jaw tighten and she looked away from the two of them. A hurt expression flickered across Kyra's face and increased Toombs's annoyance at their insolent, young prisoner.
Toombs was thankful that the agency had provided the air car he had requested before beginning his descent. He wanted to complete this task as quickly and smoothly as possible. He jerked open the door of the vehicle and made an overly elaborate flourish for Jack's benefit. "Your carriage awaits, your highness."
Jack glared at him and didn't move. His irritation spiked and he snarled at her. "Get in or I'll put you in the cargo hold."
The thin line of her lips twitched slightly and her green eyes flashed, but she shuffled forward and climbed awkwardly into the back seat. Once she was in, he slammed the door then opened the front passenger door for Kyra. Obviously bemused by his gallantry, she quirked her eyebrow at him with a smirk before entering the vehicle. Shaking his head, he crossed to the opposite side of the vehicle and climbed in behind the controls.
Toombs started the car and guided it out of the spaceport and into traffic. The address they had been given was in the heart of the Santiago business district and the drive from the spaceport on the outskirts of the town took about 30 minutes. Tense silence reigned during the entire ride.
Toombs identified their destination before he saw the sign indicating the address. It was a soaring glass and iron structure that was very similar to the one they had visited on Aquila 3. Per his instructions, he pulled into an underground parking area and stopped at a loading dock where a man in a nondescript, dark suit met them.
"You are Mr. Toombs, I presume," the man said when Toombs exited the car. The suit's eyes flicked over Toombs's tall form, blatantly surveying his appearance: military boots, cargo pants, and a sleeveless vest. From his expression, he obviously found Toombs wanting.
"That's me," Toombs replied as he returned the man's appraisal just as deliberately and sneered back at him. "Now, who the fuck are you?"
"You have the package?" the other man continued. His eyes shifted quickly to Kyra who had exited the air car and then returned to Toombs.
"She's in the back," Toombs said and gestured with his thumb toward the back seat of the car. The man's supercilious attitude was chafing to Toombs's already raw mood, but he held his tongue. This little prick is just a lackey, no sense wasting effort on him.
"Very good. If you will bring her and follow me, my employers would like to speak to you in person to complete the transaction."
Jack fidgeted in the back seat of the air car. Her restraints didn't allow much movement, but she stretched as much as possible to ease the growing soreness in her muscles. She also realized with a rising urgency, that she hadn't had the opportunity to use the bathroom recently. She considered needling Toombs about his oversight, wondering if he would make good on his threat to gag her now that they had obviously arrived at their destination. She decided that it was worth the risk when the rear door was forcefully jerked open and Toombs stuck his head in.
"Last stop, kid. Time for the 'evil mercs' to get their payday," he said sarcastically as he reached for her elbow. He stared at her briefly and Jack was once again surprised by the brief flicker of remorse that escaped from behind his mask of arrogance. Jack stifled the invective she had planned to hurl at him. She looked at him questioningly, allowing her own expression to soften a bit, but then his smirk was back in place leaving her to wonder if she had simply imagined the other emotion.
Jack allowed him to help her climb out of the vehicle and then shook his hand off. She found herself in a parking facility facing a man she had never seen before. He looked at her as though she were an unsavory object then turned and motioned for them to follow him. She summoned her pride and defiance against the trill of fear that tingled in her mind. She stood at attention the way captured soldiers always did in the vids and shuffled along between Kyra and Toombs.
The man led them through a set of automatic doors into a long pristinely white corridor. There were numerous, identical, unmarked doors opening off the main passageway, but Jack didn't have time to examine them. She did wonder how anyone managed to distinguish one from another without needing to count from one end or the other each time. She guessed there was some sort of electronic identifier, because the man in the suit led them unerringly to one of the doors, which he opened. He ushered them through into a large, dim chamber lit by some sort of indirect lighting for which Jack could not determine a source. The only furnishings in the room were a row of four large, heavy chairs in its center.
As their guide led them before the chairs, she heard Toombs grumble under his breath. "Not this shit again. I should have known. Goddamned, megalomaniacal, robed bastards. I hate this job."
Jack furrowed her brow and glanced at him in confusion. On her other side, she heard Kyra snort in amusement. "Eyes on the prize, Toombs," she muttered back to him. "This one sucks, but it's worth it if we get Big Evil."
Who ever heard of a merc who wasn't happy to deliver his catch to his employer? This just gets more and more bizarre, Jack thought as she surveyed her surroundings again looking for any clues to the identity of those who had her brought here. During her distraction, their guide had managed to disappear, but a new form now detached itself from the darkness at the back of the room and moved toward them
The person was garbed in a dark colored robe and seemed to float across the floor. Jack found the motion extremely disconcerting. This must be one of the 'robed bastards' who sent the mercs after me. Maybe, now I'll finally get some fucking answers.
The figure came to a stop in front of the chairs ."Check her."
Jack was shocked by how melodious the voice was. For some reason she had expected the insane cackle that vid villains often sported, not a voice that sounded like it should be singing arias. She was also rather surprised because the voice and even the bearing of the individual was that of a woman. She wasn't sure why she had expected a man. Hey, just because the bad guys in the vids are always men, doesn't mean it has to be that way in real life, she chided herself.
Their original guide reappeared and crossed to them with a cylindrical device of some sort. In one smooth motion, he pressed the device against Jack's neck and she felt the prickly sting of a needle piercing her skin.
"Owww, hey!" she said and instinctively tried to raise her hand to her neck. The chain attached to her wrist cuffs stopped her movement short. She had to settle for glaring at the man who was studying a small readout on the instrument. She prepared to tell him off; however, before she could protest, Toombs iterated her question for her.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" he snapped and stepped toward the other man threateningly.
The man gave Toombs a glance of distaste, but did not respond. Apparently, he wasn't intimidated by the big merc. Instead, he walked to the robed figure and presented the device. "The DNA's a match. It's the right girl."
The hood of the robed figure nodded and then turned back to Toombs. The melodious voice floated across to them again. "It is just a bit of insurance, Mr. Toombs. We do not question your… integrity. However, it would be a pity if for some reason we received the wrong child. Surely, you understand?"
"Look, you've got her. Just give me my damned money so I can leave," the merc snarled back.
"Certainly," the robed woman replied smoothly. She handed something to the guide who carried it to Toombs. When he was close enough, Jack could see that it was a standard credit chip, obviously payment for delivering her. Toombs accepted the chip and made a show of sliding it into a reader he had unclipped from his belt.
"You will find that it is the amount we agreed upon, Mr. Toombs," the woman said.
"Sure. It's not that I don't trust ya. It'd just be a pity if for some reason I didn't get my money. I'm sure you understand," he said in a mocking voice.
"Of course," the woman replied with an edge to her voice that hadn't been there before. "It has been a pleasure doing business with you. I'm certain that our future dealings will be equally enjoyable."
"Right, 'enjoyable,'" Toombs repeated with his voice laden with sarcasm. "Look, just tell me where to find Riddick. That's the agreement. I give you the kid and you give me the con."
"That is information that we must glean from the young lady, Mr. Toombs. We will contact you when we are ready to proceed with the operation."
Had she not been the commodity they were bargaining for, Jack would have found the whole exchange highly amusing. As it was, her anger was beginning to reassert itself.
"Hey, I am in the room here, you know. And if you think I'm gonna rat out Riddick you've got another thing coming," Jack snapped as she stepped toward the robed woman.
The woman raised an arm vaguely in her direction and the guide withdrew another device and moved toward Jack with it. She tried to fend him off, but the restraints frustrated her attempt. He pressed the device against her neck and blackness once again rose up to swallow her. She felt her body begin to fall, but she was unconscious before she hit the floor.
