Chapter 3

'That wasn't right. Too jumpy. Somethin's wrong with Vaacko.' Riddick thought, twirling the bone shiv he had gained on Planet 6. "Kid?" He looked up to see the boy crouching in corner, his eyes wide. He looked like he had seen a ghost. "What the.... damn kids scare too easy. Kid, get over here."

For fear of death, it seemed, John got up and stood in front of Riddick.

"Take this. Back on Furia, this was the symbol of respect." It was the first time Riddick had spoken since the meeting with Vaacko, and the words cracked his throught. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small coin on which he had engraved a small Furion mark. He handed the coin to John, along with the shiv that he had been holding. John reached out his small hands and took them from Riddick.

"Thanks Mr. Riddick. I'll keep them safe." John, feeling a little better about Riddick's fury, pocketed the items. Riddick went again to his thoughts on Vaacko. It didn't feel right that Vaacko would come for help. He usually didn't want to give up command that easily. "Mr. Riddick?"

"What kid?"

"I'm hungry."

'Aw hell.' Riddick thought.

The market place on one of the smaller planets in the UV system was very crowded this time of year. Riddick, covered by a large furry cloak he had saved from Planet 6, and John made their way through the crowds, looking for some easy steals. Riddick could see every kind of food imaginable, but all goods here were under heavy lock and key, and Mercs were swarming over the planet looking for him. If any noise got up, he'd have to fight his way back to his ship, with no knife or gun at that. Riddick was used to the circumstances by now anyway. He could feel the heat of the sun burn through the cloak, heating him up.

"What a cute little boy!" said a voice Riddick didn't recognize. It was a woman's voice, young, mid twenties. He flipped around to face her and noted that she was pretty. She was around Kyra's height and she had very bright blonde hair. She wore a very tight space suit with a gun holsterted to it. He looked down at John, horrified that he had attracted someone. He was also was happy for the young lad, who was also as horrified as Riddick himself was. This made the man chuckle, which he didn't do very often. "Is this your son?" John suddenly grabbed Riddick's hand and Riddick had to force back another laugh.

"Yeah, it is. Who's asking?" Riddick said, cocking a smile.

"Oh my god he's so cute." the woman said, kneeling down to John's eye level and pinching his cheek. "What's your name?" she asked John.

"My name is John, and this is my daddy." John said smiling. Riddick stood there and smiled down at the woman, trying so hard not to laugh or give away John's act.

"So, what's your name?" The woman asked Riddick, and he felt his stomach sink.

"Marshall."

"Well, Marshall, I need to get someplace in the system, and I was wondering if I could hitch a ride with you? I can pay for the fuel and anything else."

Riddick thought about this. They needed food and fuel anyway.

"Sure, whats your name?"