*Waking Thoughts*
Was she waking up? Did her eyes just twitch? Did she know he was there? What the hell had happened before? Why hadn't he known those men had snuck into the room? Why hadn't she told him what she was really doing? Was she okay? She would live, right? The doctors had to be right didn't they?

A billion questions were running through Riddick's head as he sat next to her, watching for any sign of life. Damn her! He'd damn near had a heart attack when he was told she'd been shot. He'd never been so terrified in his life. Damn her again! She was his weakness. Why? He couldn't understand it. Maybe he was in lo--WAIT! She moved! She was waking up!

*********

Jack was floating somewhere between consciousness and death, she just wasn't sure of exactly where. Was she dead? No, no she was very much alive. What about those men? They were dead right? Oh, God! Riddick. . .where was Riddick? Did the men kill him? No. . .no. He's here. The men. . .all dead. . .my hands. Good, death comes unto those who call to it. Death. . .what a funny thing. Where am I? Think Jack. Hultzer. . .rescued. Bullet. Stomach. Mandol? Is he safe? Riddick! Poor Riddick. Hell to pay for lying. Lying about what? Fucking meds. Can't remember. Must wake up. Troops. . .Moran. . .Riddick, Richard B. Riddick. I lo-

"NO!" Jack flew up from the bed and straight into Riddick's arms. No. Not true! Damn meds. Damn him!

"Jack. . .Jack?" Riddick's voice was almost pleading as he stared down to her.

"I'm here." Jack put her head on his shoulder embracing him.

I'm here. I'm alive.