Disclaimer: I don't own Pitch Black or the Chronicles of Riddick which are the creative and legal property of David Twohy. Any constructive criticism is welcome.

Hello!! Yes, I am still alive. I apologise for the wait but hopefully it was worth it and I can make up for it in the future!

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Reflections

Chapter Five - Footfalls of Memories

"Footfalls echo in the memory

Down the passage which we did not take

Through the door we never opened." By T.S. Eliot

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She threw herself out the door and slammed it shut. Sighing in relief she slumped against the opposite wall. "Okay, okay, you're all right, just remember to breathe." Taking a deep breath she held it in, and then slowly exhaled, keeping her lips pursed as she'd been taught. "Just, calm down."

"Are you alright, love?" Startled, she snapped her head to the side and found the owner of the voice, the old man from across the hall. What was his name? Barry, Brady… Barney? She had spoken to him a few times, he had told at some point, but just like everything else, she couldn't seem to remember his name.

Staring at him like a deer caught in the headlights she pulled her face into an unconvincing grin. Laughing, a little weakly, she shook her head in the affirmation. "Yes, yes, I'm fine… Thank you."

"Are you sure? You scurried out that door like there was somefin' after ya. Why don't you come in for a cuppa tea?" he asked turning in a circle to face his doorway, and swinging his arm, encouraging her to join him.

She pushed herself off the wall and took a few tentative steps toward him. "No, no, that won't be necessary. I'm late as it is… I have an appointment… and I…"

He shook his head as he walked toward her saying, "Nonsense, I insist. I don't much have the pleasure of pretty young women for company these days." He grasped her arm gently and ushered her toward his door. She stumbled over her feet in her reluctance to follow.

Tipping her head slightly she considered wrenching her arm from his grip, but discarded the idea. She needed as many friends as she could get, and her appointment at the hospital wasn't actually for another hour, she just needed to get out of her apartment, away from her minds vivid images. "If it's of no trouble to you? I don't want to intrude."

He chuckled gently. "I wouldn't 'ave asked ya, luv if I minded. Now, what did you say your name was, I know you've told me, but me old mind can't remember things like it use to."

She gave a brief snort, "that makes two of use." Mumbling under her breath.

"What was that, luv? Need to speak louder, honey."

"Umm," her throat closed over as she tried to force the name out, "…L.. Lynn." Would it always be this hard?

He stopped to look at her, concern shadowing his face. He opened his mouth as if to ask a question but thought better of it and his eyes brightened again. "Lynn, Lynn, wouldn't happen to be short for Jacquelyn or Carolyn would it?"

A smile started to form on her lips, ready to laugh the query off, but those names… Something fluttered in the back of her mind. She knew those names. But where from?

Jacquelyn, Jacquelyn, Jac… Jack. Why did that mean something to her? What did it mean? Her brows furrowed as a dull ache started between her eyes. Argh! It only started to hurt like this when she couldn't remember something. It was right there, just behind the door to her memories, all she had to do was open the door.

"You alright, hon?" the old man asked.

Her hand fell from her face as she looked up at him. When had she raised her arm?

"Ah… yes, fine. Just got a sudden headache, sorry."

"Ha ha, no-no, luv, you're alright. Got something for that if you'd like." He chuckled, give her hand a pat.

A genuine smile crossed her lips, "No, thank you. I'll be fine."

"If you say so." With one last pat on the hand, he shuffled off into the kitchen to put the kettle on.

It was nice, the inside on his flat. Small, smaller than hers, but much more warm, homey. She could hear him tinkering about in the kitchen, the sounds of drawers being opened and closed, crockery being pulled out of the cupboard, running water filling the kettle.

"Don't be shy, make yourself at home!" his chipper voice ran out.

Hesitantly she edged towards the kitchen table. Pulling a chair out, she cringed as it scraped against the floor, and sat down quickly as to not make further noise. She sat there awkwardly until the silence started to pierce her ears.

"You've umm, you're got a lovely home, er… umm Ba… I'm sorry, what was your name again?" She couldn't do it anymore, she needed to know! It would be at least one thing she could be sure of.

"Oh, that's mighty nice of you to say, haven't changed much since my wife passed, so it's all her handy work.' He gave her a quick smile over his shoulder. 'She was a beauty in her day, mind you, I thought she was beautiful, until her last moments."

Lynn stared at his back puzzled. He had completely avoided her question. Maybe he hadn't heard her. Clearing her throat she tried again. "I'm sorry but I've seem to forgotten your name…"

If she hadn't been watching him she wouldn't have noticed the slight pause in his actions before he went on with what he was doing. He definitely heard her that time, she was positive. He was purposefully ignoring her. Why wasn't he answering such a simple question?

The minutes ticked away slowly as she contemplated the situation. He has been very aware when he asked her name, even asking if it was short for something, pointedly suggesting Jacquelyn and Carolyn. He hadn't even pushed for the answer when she failed to respond.

He knew something she didn't. She might not have the greatest mind at this point in time, but her gut told her something was off.

"Here we go then," the old man said as he pushed the tray carefully onto the table, not wanting to disrupt the tea pot and cups. Setting a cup in front of her he poured the tea. She watched distractedly as the steam billowed before her, before she noticed the man's arm half way towards her tea with a sugar lump.

"Sugar?" he asked just as he dropped the cube.

Her hand snatched out to clasp the rim of her cup, the sugar cube hitting her fingers before falling to the table. "No, thank you."

A twitch started in his left eye, his face pinched before his face smoothed over and he blinded his ire away. Lynn pursed her lips, suspicion clouding her features. She couldn't be sure if it was her mind playing tricks on her or if he really was up to something. Letting out a deep sigh she shook the idea from her mind.

"Oh well,' he laughed nervously, 'how's about some milk then?" he lifted the jug ready to pour.

"No!" her hand reached out to protect her cup again but in her panic sent it sailing towards the floor.

Both pair of hands rushed for the broken shards. "I'm so sorry, I didn't think. I've been so distracted this morning… my mind's been…" Lynn rambled on as she picked piece after piece from the tiles.

"No-no dear, its no worry. I'll just get a mop." He stood and hurried to get the mop and bucket.

Shifting her balance she lent to grab a piece from under the table. It was further then she thought and swayed again. Her shoe slipped causing her to lurch forward, and she sent out both hands to stop her decent. She hissed as the shards bit into her palm.

"Ah shit." She muttered, watching as the blood pooled in her hand

Coming back to the kitchen the elderly man mopped up the tea and the bits of cup from the floor. He looked up at Lynn's motionless form and stopped to watch her. "Lynn, Love? You alright?"

"Hmm. Oh… I seem to have cut myself." She looked up at him absent-mindedly. For one quick second she'd had a flash of red splotches on grey rock, but it came and went too quickly, she couldn't hold onto to it.

"Come on love, we'll go get that cleaned up in…" He leaned the mop against the wall and walked over to her.

"No…..I'll….I'll…be alright. I should leave anyway, I have somewhere to be." She mumbled, cutting him off. She gingerly picked up her bag and waddled to the door. All the while looking at her fingers and trying to recall that one quick flash. But it was gone, locked tightly behind the door along with all her other hidden memories. She tilted her head to the side as if to peer over her shoulder. "Thank you… for the tea, I think. Sorry I broke your cup." Still in a daze she walked down the hall to the stairs.

Her bloodied hands pushed against the door to the stairwell leaving a crimson smear as she stumbled through. She looked around coming out of her daze. "How'd I… I was with that man…" She walked slowly down the steps on autopilot, trying to recall the eyes she knew but couldn't remember. The splotches of blood were again forgotten.

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Lynn stood in front of the hospital building, looking up at it in confusion. "Wasn't I just… This is not my day." She rubbed tiredly at her forehead. Blue eyes opened to stare at the building again for a few moments, before she willed he legs to move. Shuffling forward through the sliding doors her nostrils were assaulted by the sterilised scent that was a hospital.

A sick feeling pulled at her stomach. Taking a short breath she hurried to the triage.

On tiptoes she pushed herself up against the counter to talk to receptionist. "Ah... Hi, I'm Lynn Richards. I'm here for my appointment with doctor…"

Without looking up the harried woman pointed a finger, directing her to the waiting area. "Please take a seat, and he'll get to you eventually."

Taken aback, she slid away from the counter and back onto the flats of her feet. "You don't even know who…' the nurse waggled her finger at the waiting room, 'Right, I'll go wait then." She rolled her eyes as she stepped back from the triage and wandered to the waiting room to find a seat." I hate this place!" she sighed and sat down. Hand at her temple, she rubbed it in an attempt to ward off an oncoming headache. "Stupid hospital, I don't wanna be here. Stupid doctor making me come; should've just scheduled an appointment for another day when he was at his clinic," she mumbled to herself.

Her hand fell from her face and she unconsciously rubbed them together, working the pieces of ceramic further into the skin. Blood now stained both hands. Biting her tongue she shook her hand to rid it of the pain, before focusing on the blood she had smeared on her hands, and twitching fingers.

"Stupid, stupid. How could you be so careless pickin' up the broke cup." Hands balling into fists she hissed in pain as her nails accidently hooked the damaged skin. "Fuck! Fuck that hurt." Tears stung her eyes and again shook her hand vigorously to try and control the pain.

"Miss, are you alright?" Lynn jumped in fright at the gentle hand on her shoulder. Eyes flicked from the hand on her shoulder to the body attached. She tried smiling but it came out as more of a grimace.

"Yes, yes. I'm fine. I just hurt myself that's all… Thank you." Wide-eyed she stared at the older woman.

"Are you sure? You don't seem all that fine if you ask me." Concern filled her face as she took in the smaller woman's dishevelled appearance. "Are you here to have your wound treated?"

The blonde narrowed her eyes at the nurse, glaring at her. 'Well no one asked you did they?' she thought. She crossed her arms, carefully tucking away her wounded limb. A fake smile pulled her lips "No no, just here to see the doctor. It's not that bad. Really.'

The nurse drew up to her full height, leaving her hand resting on Lynn's shoulder, "Why don't you let me have a look at your hand, honey?" she asked, trying to gently pull Lynn's hand from its hiding place.

"No. It's fine. I don't need it looked at. Please leave me alone." The blonde forced through clenched teeth.

"I'm a nurse, honey. Just humour me." She said a no-arguments look on her face.

But Lynn wasn't having it. "I don't care what you are. I've politely refused your help so back off,' her eyes scanned the nurse's nametag, 'Maria."

Maria's face pursed like she'd just sucked on a lemon. "Fine. Just don't come cryin' to me if it gets infected." Lifting her head, she turned on her heeling a pranced away, colliding with a man, sending flowers and chocolates flying everywhere. With a huff she marched past his now hunched form, refusing to apologise.

"For fuck's sake." The blonde said under her breath. That woman had something serious stuck up her arse. The thought ebbed away and her gaze was drawn back to her hands. Maybe she should clean them up a bit.

Lynn stood from the chair and hurried to the ladies bathroom. She leant forward to push on the door but jumped back as a woman swung it open. "Sorry." The word echoed by the women as they danced around each other to go their separate ways.

She kept her head down to avoid looking in the mirror and turned on the tap. Pushing the lever on the soap dispenser only a drizzle came out on her palm, frowning, she started pushing it furiously. "Come on, soap! Get out!" With a growl she used the pitiful amount, rubbing it gently between her hands. Rinsing off the pink bubbles she tentatively picked out the remaining pieces of cup.

The door swung open as the small blonde used her bodyweight and stumbled against it. A small snort emitted from her throat, holding in a giggle while the people in the hall looked at her oddly. Wiping her damp palms down the legs of her pants, she saw a flash of metal and she gripped the material covering her thighs. The texture felt odd, different from the simple cotton slacks she wore.

Confusion knitted her brow, her once baggy beige cargo pants were now a slim, tight-fitting, dark blue uniform. She blinked quickly and the colour changed. Her legs were once again covered in the soft beige cotton. A confused frown marred her pale features as she shuffled back to her chair.

With a sigh of relief to be sitting again, she leant her head against the wall and looked up at the ceiling and let her eyes drift shut. She expected the stark white of the waiting room lights to keep the darkness at bay, even through closed lids, but all she could see was black. A shiver travelled down her spine as she sensed a darker shadow pass over her, and an ear-piercing wail sounded out. With a gasp she tried to draw away from the sound but something stopped her.

She concentrated trying to see through the darkness and beyond to what held her. Finally the dark shadow came into hazy view. Tilting her head to look up, she saw its eyes glinting in the silhouette. With a gasp her lids snapped open and she took in the pallid hospital waiting room. "Not again, please, not again."

"'Please, not again' what?" asked a curious voice.

Lynn blinked quickly only to be blinded by the ceiling lights. Head tipping forward she covered her face with her hands to rid herself of the spots filling her vision and looked to the source of the question. "Oh… ah, nothing it's not important." Vision clearing she saw it was Doctor Adams.

With a tolerant huff he crossed his arms. "Not important? Concerning you, it's very important." Extending a hand, he reached for hers. She stood on wobbly legs. Concern crossed the doctor's face.

"You alright?"

"Mm hmm." Not trusting herself to speak again with the images still floating in the back of her eyes.

"Come on, we'll go somewhere more… private." wiggling his eyebrows mock-suggestively. Her nerves relaxed at little as a small smile turned her mouth and followed him down the corridor.

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Doctor Adams closed the door after they had entered. Sliding past Lynn's chair he sat down in his own. "So, what was it you were talking about out the waiting room? I had to call out to you a few times before you woke up."

Shifting uncomfortably in her seat, she was hesitant to answer. "I… earlier today, I had… I saw something that wasn't there. Something I didn't recognize."

"Could it have been a memory?" He inquired, leaning forward over his desk.

"Maybe… I don't know. I… I felt like I knew them… but I just. I don't know." Grimacing she rubbed at her face, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Them? You saw people?" he asked, as he leant further toward her.

She took in his form hovering over the desk and raised her eyebrow. "If he keeps it up he's going to be sitting on it." She folded her arms a little defensively. "Umm, not exactly." Doctor Adams watched her expectantly. "It was… a pair of eyes mainly. They were kind of… silver coloured.' She let out a short laugh, 'this is going to sound stupid, but it was like, it felt like they were looking at, no. Into me. Like they were trying to tell me something." Throwing her arms up, she signed. "I don't know. I… when I was in the waiting room I saw them again."

Adams slid off the desk back into his chair. "It seems to me, Lynn; that you're on your way to recovering your memory." As he tapped away on the touch screen monitor inputting the latest pieces of information, she pushed her bum off the seat to see what he was writing.

Pausing briefly he lifted his brow at her, smiling guiltily she slide back into her chair. Finished he turned off the screen. "Tell me again why you choose the name Lynn Richards? What was it that drew you to it?" he prodded.

Brows drawing together she looked at him in suspiciously. This was just like this morning. "I… umm, well. It just… sounded right, you know. I just… I don't know, Lynn felt right, like it belonged to me. We've been over this before, why are you asking me again?" A little voice inside of her told her to be careful. That something obviously wasn't right. First with her neighbour, now the doctor.

He could she was drawing back inside herself, putting back up the walls from before. This would not do. Smiling he lent back in his chair "No real reason, just wanted to refresh my memory. Now that you have, let's take a look at that back of yours." Shuffling past her, he stopped at the exam table in the corner of the room.

She rose from her chair and stepped tentatively towards the table. Once she'd jumped up onto it, she kicked off her shoes and shifted to lie on her stomach.

Cautiously Adams lifted the bottom of her shirt drawing it up her back. "Excuse the cold fingers," he muttered as he felt the damaged skin. "It's coming along nicely. Does it hurt when I apply pressure to what is left of the scar tissue?"

"No. It just feels like you're pushing on my back."

With a small chuckle he pulled her shirt back to its original position. "All right then. I think two or so more treatments with the nano-bots and your back will be back to the way it was before… umm, well you get the idea. Are you sure you don't remember how you came to get your wounds? Maybe these mysterious eyes are connected."

She slid off the bed and slipped her shoes back on. "Maybe, but neither of us will know until I remember."

With his hand on the small of her back, he led her to the door while nodding. "Too true, too true. Don't force the memories. Let them return naturally. But lets hope it's soon." His smile was strained, as she stared at him. She shuffled forward as he pushed her, pointing towards his assistant, he asked, "You remember Timothy, don't you? Go with him and he'll perform your treatment."

"Okay, thank you. I'll see you later then." With a small wave she followed Timothy.

Waving a little while longer, Doctor Adams watched her as she was directed around the corner. The smile fell from his face as he turned around and strode down the hall to another door. "Sorry to have kept you waiting, but it seems our patient is making progress, albeit slowly. Told me, somewhat begrudgingly that she had seen something, or rather someone's silver eyes. I can't possibly think who she might have known with eyes like that, can you?" He smirked at himself.

Dresden looked at Adams with disdain. "Shut up you idiot. I don't care for your sense of humour. What I want to know is does she know? And how do you know if she hasn't held any information back. You did say she wasn't willing to part with what she had told you."

"I've been treating her for the last year; I think I would know if she was holding back." Adams didn't appreciate this man's accusations. He knew damned well when a patient wasn't telling him everything. But she had seemed a little off today. Normally she had no reservations about what she'd tell him. That stupid old codger must have done something to rattle her.

"You might have that confidence in yourself, but I don't. All my sources are proving to be inadequate. Bernard has proved to have caused more harm than good and it's unlikely the woman would be willing to talk to him in the future." He let out a disgusted sigh. All the people he had monitoring Carolyn Fry were proving to be completely useless, as was the woman herself.

"Somewhere in that pretty little head of hers she remembers him. But what I want is to know if she has any idea of where Riddick is!"

Adams sneered at the other man. "If she knew don't you think she would have tried to contact him by now?"

"Weren't you the one saying she doesn't remember? How the hell is she supposed to get in contact with someone SHE DOESN' T EVEN REMEMBER!" Dresden all but screamed, standing from his chair.

The doctor was ready to let loose when a sharp knock broke their gaze and both men looked towards the door.

"Enter." came the sharp command from Dresden.

A small skittish man threw himself into room, slamming the door closed. A little out of breath he saluted the captain. "Dresden, sir." Drawing in a deep breath to be heard clearly, he spat out the words, "We've found him. We've found Riddick."