Chapter VI: Loud Mercs and Tricksy Girls

Jack had received a reply from Imam saying she was more then welcome to bring Liege with her for the summer. She immediately told Liege who was ecstatic.

School had ended and the pair was going to leave that day, but Jack had a few concerns with packing, considering she had accumulated more clothes and accessories during the school year then she'd ever imagine.

"Lieeeeeeeeeeeeege! You've GOT to help me!" Jack shouted, looking around at all her stuff scattered everywhere. Liege had already packed everything into a canvas bag, a replica of the ones used in the army on old earth.

The taller girl walked in, in the process of strapping on her new cuffs that served as knife-sheathes. Smirking she watched the distress cross Jack's face. She also saw how Jack subconsciously rubbed the ring that she had put on a chain to hang around her neck. Jack hadn't taken it off since the day it went on and when she upset or nervous she would rub it.

"What seems to be the problem, lass?" Liege sarcastically asked, toeing what seemed to be a pile of shirts.

"This. Won't. Fit. In."

"So then get it shipped home. Can we go now?" Liege replied shortly, sitting on the stripped bed.

"Oh…yeah. Good idea. Let me box it then. If you help we can get to the transport sooner." That was all Jack needed to say to have Liege seize cardboard boxes, a role of duct tape and her clothes.

An hour later they were waved into the city and they began their trek across it to the transport loading dock. Liege refused to have her bag shipped so she carried it with her. Jack, on the other hand, carried a small messenger bag.

Arriving at the crowded port, the pair got on line to get their tickets checked. This proved to be a test of patience on both parts, especially Jack.

"You know, they could have more people working…then this wouldn't take so long." She said after ten minutes.

"Or maybe…if we just obliterated everyone in front of us it wouldn't take this long." Jack growled after twenty minutes.

"Let's cut the line. This is insane and I'm going to go CRAZY." Jack begged after thirty minutes.

"Jack, lass. Hold tight. Why don't ye go get something for us to eat n drink on the transport and I'll wait." Liege suggested, not the least bit bothered by waiting.

"YES! I'll be back!" Jack almost skipped out of the waiting area. Rolling her eyes, Liege turned her eyes back towards the line.

Sensing a change in the immediate atmosphere she whipped her head around to see a group of mercs walking through the waiting area.

They were whispering, but she trained her sense of hearing to be very sharp and she intently listened to their conversation.

"I've got a damn good lead on good ole' dickhead." One said, grinning from ear to ear.

"You mean Riddick?" a younger merc asked, obviously inexperienced. He was cuffed on the back of the head and ordered to be silent.

"You know what the bounty for this bitch is?"

"No. Please tell me I'm risking my ass for a good cause."

"Sweet thing, this is the best of the good causes. You and I, split 3.5 mil. And he ain't far away. Last I heard he was hiding away on Helion Prime."

Liege almost choked on the number but turned it into a cough. The mercs were out of range by the time she recovered and just at that moment Jack came bounding back in, well-stocked for a short trip.

"Hey, we're almost there!" Jack happily announced, handing her friend a slushy. Taking a sip of hers, Jack noticed how pale Liege had become.

"Oy, Liege, you alright?"

"Fine…just fine…I…Jack, remember that night you told me about him?" She stressed the last word in a hissed whisper.

"Yeah, why?" Jack suddenly looked concerned.

"Those mercs just said he was on Helion Prime. They're goin' after 'im on a bounty. Jack, what are ye goin' to do? Ye goin' to warn 'im, right?" Liege spilled out the information she just heard.

"I've got an idea. You saw where they went right?"

Liege nodded and suddenly knew Jack was planning something good. Something very good, yet simple. She listened intently as Jack spilled her plan and by the time she was done, they were at the front of the line.

Almost gagging at the sweet smile of the desk worker, Liege and Jack started towards their gate. Breathing deeply, Liege turned to Jack.

"Jack, if I don't make it back in time, get on that transport. I'll meet ye there, alright?"

"Got it, Liege. I'll talk to Imam as soon as I can. You've got about forty minutes. Get to work."