Autumn Fires Chapter 12: Arrivals, a pitch black / riddick fanfic

I'm so sorry for the delay everyone. I've been pretty sick. Thank you all for the reviews it means a lot that this story is liked so much. For all you followers, here's another chapter.

I would be lying if I said that night didn't change everything. For the first time in my life, my animal was sated and calm. She didn't demand blood, didn't ask to get her fill by hurting mercenaries or other such people. No. She was happy and that was enough, I supposed, for now. I hadn't ever gotten used to being on a ship this long. Not that there was much time to practice in the slam. It would only be a matter of time before I grew restless, this I knew. One could only stay on a ship for so long without touching down on a planet and not go insane.

With a sigh, I knew that we needed to land this bird and get Paris off the ship. He was bringing everyone down and I swore to myself that I wouldn't let anyone get in our way. Especially not someone that was egotistical and deluded like this man was. He still seemed to believe the hype that was Johns and still thought that we would kill him in his sleep. As long as he was afraid of us then there was less of a chance of him betraying us... until we'd left his planet. That much I did know.

Slipping from the warmth of the bed I shared with Riddick, I pulled on a pair of dark black cargo pants, threw on a bra and a black tank top, and forwent shoes. Padding through the cold metal of the ship, I listened to see who was awake. I could hear voices coming from the living quarters. By the sounds of it, it was most everyone but Paris. Riddick's voice carried the loudest, Jack's laughter came next. I could hear Shazza and Zeke trying to scold the convict for something he said but he wouldn't have any of it. Imam was laughing too, but it sounded reserved, almost as if he was afraid to laugh at whatever it was.

Slowly, I walked into the room and everyone turned to look at me. It was the first time in twenty five years that I'd actually seen people smile at me, as if they were welcoming me to join them. The hand that was held out, that was the thing I shouldn't have expected. Quickly I moved over and took Rick's hand and let him pull me to his side. I look around at everyone, feeling a bit out of place since they were all awake and I just stumbled into their talk.

"I seem to have missed a few things." I say softly as I look around. For a moment I saw hurt flash in Jack's eyes before she ran over and hugged me close. The girl was like my baby sister now, there wasn't anything I wouldn't do for her. I knew they didn't mean to disclude me but it still happened. I had been asleep though, which was strange because normally I knew the moment that Rick left our bed.

"You looked exhausted and I wouldn't let them wake you. If you wanna be mad take it out on me, baby."

I heard his voice carry to me and I couldn't fight the smile. He would always put my needs before his own, a sure sign that he cared about someone other than himself. Not that there was any doubt. Ever since we'd gotten off that hellish planet Rick had been doing things to protect me and Jack. The others too, if they wanted to stop and think about it. For someone who was supposed to be a big bad convict, capable of murdering people without remorse, his actions lately would change a lot of minds.

"Aww don't get upset, Autumn. Riddick was just telling us a few stories about Johns and few other merc's he'd manage to escape from. Apparently most of them were rather stupid."

"They'd have to be to come after Big Evil over there."

I said with a thumb jabbed into Riddick's stomach. Anyone that tried to come after him was stupid. They knew what they were getting into and yet they tried to use force to get what they wanted. A part of me wondered if we ever came across a merc that actually just wanted to talk to us and convince us to come in, would we still kill them. I doubted any mercenary would be like that, most only cared about nabbing the big payday anyway they could. If people died so be it.

It was clear that by the time I entered the room most of the stories were over. I noticed a tray of food sitting out on the living room coffee table and smiled. Someone had cooked and put together some sandwiches and fruit it looked like. This was the first time in as along as I could remember that I actually ate healthier. Food in a slam wasn't all that good. They normally only fed you enough to keep you alive, because in essence the longer you lived the more money they made.

Moving from Rick's arms, I went and had a seat on the couch and started to nibble at the food. As I was eating I watched the others come and take a seat around me. We needed to figure out what we were going to do once we dropped Paris off. We had two options because both were within the same system. We could drop off Zeke and Shazza or go and try to get Jack's things from the planet she was from. Either way, we needed to make up our minds and quick before anyone else got a better idea.

As I was eating I watched the others talk and, for a moment, I wondered if it was natural for me to zone out as much as I did. Something was on my mind, there was no denying that. It was clear that I was worried about something, but how do I tell the others? How do I explain that I don't want to be left alone, that I'm afraid that when we reach our final destination I will end up all alone? Maybe it's just my brain trying to play tricks on me because a part of me wondered if Riddick would actually let me go.

Before I could stay in my head too much a hand gripped my chin and turned my face to look into his eyes. Looking up, I saw Riddick looking down at me. I knew at that moment that he knew what I was thinking and feeling. Our bond would let us sense each others emotions from time to time. At least that's what he had said. Being that he was the alpha, he was the one in control I had assumed that it was stronger for him. Not that I didn't believe him. He had yet to prove to me that he couldn't be trusted.

"I don't know what you're thinkin' but stop it. I ain't leavin' you or the kid. We're pack, family. When we get to Helion Prime we will just need to figure out our next destination. Stop worryin' sugar and let me handle it."

I wanted to kiss him, and I did. Around Rick I didn't see the point in holding back. Why? He knew how I felt to begin with, my animal calling to his animal on a level that I had yet to understand. I looked up at the time, the dial telling us we had about two hours until we hit the spaceport for Paris' planet. Two hours to kill until I would be needed, or someone else, to get us through the port security and landed. Rick couldn't do it, not with his voice one that could be easily recognized. We didn't need a whole unit of marines or mercs swarming the place. I understood what he was trying to tell me, but we were going to be on this ship for a lot longer than anyone realized. The universe was vast and I was starting to realize that I much preferred a star jumper like this one to the ships that require cryo sleep.

When the food that I had in my hand was done I turned to look at the others. They were doing their own thing, but also spending time in each other's presence. It was strange. We were a sort of family without being related by blood. This was the only room with a vid library and we had no choice but to turn it on if we wanted to watch something. Looking at Jack, I motioned for her to choose a movie and she did. What we were planning on watching was entirely up to the whims of a twelve year old girl. This could get interesting.

When the lights dimmed and the movie started I thought about things for a moment. This would be the first time I had ever seen a movie. So many things that were normal to her, maybe even Rick, would be the first time for me. I watched as the vid screen in front of us blossomed to life and images started to fill it. Whatever this was that she had chosen, I could tell I would already like. The preview seemed to suggest it was some kind of superhuman thriller but only time would really tell me.

Maybe it's that I've never had the chance to do this, but the moment the movie starts I'm drawn into it. I could feel Jack curl up at my side, as if I would be a buffer for her. Rick was to my left and I know, if I needed to, I could lean against him for support. I didn't need it though. The vid was really more cheesy than anything. Not even scary in the least bit. So much for getting scared. Oh well, that was the way life went. It was one of those movies that sort of wasted time until what you were waiting for was ready.

Sirens alerted us that we were approaching the spaceport. Just in time too as the last of the credits rolled across the screen. Standing up, I stretched to work out some of the kinks in my muscles. Hearing the cracking and popping of joints, I frowned but moved towards the cockpit. In the pilots chair, Riddick was waiting for me. He had removed the ship from auto pilot and was waiting for me to take the com. I saw the blinking light that was asking us to allow them to send a message. It was just lucky that we had pulled up a shipping manifest earlier that had mentioned the name of the star jumper.

"Lupus Four spaceport, this is the Phoenix requesting permission to dock."

"Phoenix this is LF Spaceport. Docking request under advisement. Do you have any passengers or cargo?"

"Passengers yes, one ready for departure here on his planet but no cargo."

"Docking permission granted. Port 342, Bay else you need?"

"Some fuel and supplies would be nice. We've traveled quite a long way."

"Alright Phoenix, we'll have a crew waiting for you when you land. Over."

As the controller ended our conversation, I looked over at my mate. He seemed contemplative but I didn't mind. I knew that on some level it was hard for him to relegate the way I talked and acted with someone that grew up in the slam. It would eventually sink in, but it was more than that. He seemed to be trying to understand something. Normally when someone sees a convict they don't ask questions, they just run and get the nearest cop or mercenary they can find. My voice isn't on any of the databases and this ship was worth a whole lot of cred. Between the two of those it makes people more inclined to help.

Laying a hand on his shoulder, I turned and looked at him. I won't distract him from landing, not when we don't want to crash. I've had all the crash landings I could take for a lifetime. There was a poetry in the way he landed the ship, the way he flew. I knew that there were secrets in his past, things that would add up if he ever told me. A normal convict didn't learn to pilot a ship like this, didn't learn to be this good at understanding the mechanics of it all. No, there was more to his story than he was letting on and eventually he would tell me.

When the ship was landed we parked it and moved from the cockpit. I would go greet the people that would refuel us and give the others an idea of how long it might take. On my way to the door I was nearly plowed over by Paris, who was in too big of a hurry to even apologize. Grabbing the wall to keep myself upright, I heard the growl from behind me. I wasn't even going to say anything, it wasn't worth it. He would be out of our hair soon enough. When the hatch was down, I watched the snivelling man run as fast away as he could from the ship. Standing just outside the doors were men in what appeared to be mechanics uniforms.

"The ship is getting gassed up now ma'am. We have your supplies right here. We just need someone to sign for it."

"I'll do it."

Walking closer, I watched as they hand me the paper and Zeke came to get the crate of supplies. They understood on some level our fear of letting strangers aboard. We didn't need people poking their noses around and asking questions. More than that, we didn't need mercs hidden behind uniforms of every day workers. Still, there wasn't much of a question. The money we were using to pay for this wasn't ours, and it wasn't like Antonia needed it anymore. Signing a name to the bottom of the sheet, not even really caring if they had her signature on file before, I noticed the price and dug through the bag of money that was by the door. Why it was there I really had no idea, but now was not the time to question it.

Handing back the sheet and the right amount of credit chips, I watched as Zeke wheeled the cart off and handed it back to the techs. That was it, we were done. Just a few more minutes in fueling and we'd be ready to leave this place. I watched for a moment as the men just turned away. They didn't in the least bit seem suspicious or anything. Hitting the control that raised the hatch, I waited for the sign that it was locked and secure before leaving. Two problems dealt with and now to sort out another. As I was moving through I watched Zeke, Jack and Shazza going through the supplies. We would have enough food to last us another month if we stayed in space. It hopefully wouldn't take us that long to get to our next destination.

Turning back to the cockpit, I smiled. Riddick was in the pilots seat again, waiting for the queue that we were clear to leave. We needed to verify our departure with them. I watched, in awe a moment, as the tanker left when the fuel gage was filled. The whole process had taken no more than fifteen, twenty minutes at most. So many things I'd learned, and so many more to deal with. With the signal that we were free of the tanker, I hit the com again to talk to the port.

"LF port this is Phoenix requesting departure clearance. Flight plan data has already been transmitted."

"Phoenix this is LF Port. You are clear for departure. Hit runway 12 in about five minutes and you will be clear to leave the zone."

"Runway 12 in five, got it."

We moved from the docking bay and headed out towards the runways. They were all neatly lined up and clearly numbered for us. As we moved towards runway 12, I watched the other ships in the area. We were being lead in circles until it was our turn and no ship went off the runway at the same time as another. The staggered take offs seemed to make it easy enough to not hit someone. As we approached our lane, I waited. The others were strapping themselves into their crash webbing as the ship took skyward. Soon enough, we were back out in the open vastness of space and the stars shot past us.

"So our next stop, the two systems are within a day of each other. So do we drop Zeke and Shazza off first or go to Taurus 1 for a bit of revenge and Jack's things."

"They want to go help Jack."

My head jerked from Riddick to Shazza and Zeke. I smiled at them and got a smile in return. There was no room for doubt. We were going to go get Jack's things and find a way to make up for what she went through. We couldn't just call the police, too many of us were wanted and there was no way to keep Zeke, Shazza, Imam and his children safe. I knew that they would be staying on the ship while the rest of us went out into the town. With a nod, I turned my head back to the window that showed the stars. We could unbuckle ourselves now and we did. Each of us moving back into a place where we could talk about strategy.

"If you don't mind. I think the boys and I will stay on the ship. Plausible deniability and all that. We will pray that whatever course of action you need to take is expedient and prudent"

"Ain't exactly expectin' ya' to go out there with us holyman. Just keep thin's locked up tight here till we return."

"That I can do. If you will excuse me I think we will go find something to do while you plan."

The conversation was quick and a part of me was curious about why they didn't ask more questions. I did care, to a point. What we would probably do would get more than enough people in trouble and while I knew that Shazza's ties with her father might get her out of a situation or two, I couldn't speak to how far it would actually go to protect her. Yet they were determined to see this through with us, and I could only hope that it meant that they both had formed some sort of attachment to the child. I knew that Jack was like my sister and, if she would allow it, we'd take her with us. Rick already told me he had no intention of leaving me behind when he left so why would we leave Jack?

Moving from the cockpit back into the living room, I took a seat on the couch and leaned against the right side. It was clear from my body language that something was going on. I felt left out almost, as if everyone was planning things around me. I knew that wasn't their intention but I had been sleeping a lot more lately. While it was true that in the slam you don't get much sleep, I felt safe here and perhaps that was why I was sleeping so much. I did have to say that I looked much more refreshed in the mirror now than I ever had. Rick, he didn't want to wake me up when I was sleeping.

Leaning with my head on the arm of the seat, I watched the others file in. Jack sat in the chair to my right and Rick scooped me up in his arms and sat back against the couch. Even now I could tell he was trying to make me feel better, whatever it was that was bothering me. The heat that came from him was soothing and warm, something that called to my inner animal. She was just as confused as I was by this whole thing. We wouldn't fight though, couldn't. The choices were already made.

"Jack, we need you to give us some information about Taurus 1. When we dock, how far away is the orphanage where you were staying? Who's in charge? What kind of security are we talking about in a place like this? That sort of thing."

I could see her mind spinning as if trying to process what I was saying. No, she wasn't going to actually come with us, because I wouldn't let them get their hands on her. There was nothing stopping me from claiming that she was family. From what I gathered this place didn't really check papers or anything of that sort. Maybe we could do this without anyone getting hurt. Though I doubted it. One look at the big guy and they probably would piss themselves to give us what we wanted.

"The town isn't all that big. The house I grew up in, that should still be there if my father hadn't sold. It is about four blocks from the spaceport. It's two story. My room is the upstairs, attic room. I have no idea if any of my stuff is still there or not."

"Well there's only one way to find out. We get your things from the house, hop over to the planet with the orphanage. Convince them you are related to me and get your things from there, with a few veiled threats, of course."

"Veiled? I'll make them understand just who they are fuckin' with if they ever send someone after her. No one messes with family."

I can't help it. A laugh bubbles up from me at the adamant nature of Riddick. He was more than sure that we'd be hurting someone. It wasn't the people on Taurus 1 that I wanted to hurt. No. It was the others on Taurus 4. Those were the ones that I was going to enjoy killing with every last bit of my breath. They had no idea what was coming. Pain was going to be fun to inflict and for once it was going to be on someone outside the walls of Butcher Bay, someone that didn't see it coming.

Maybe it was just the randomness of the thought or perhaps I really was smarter than I thought, but I suddenly stood up and headed into the office I'd seen on the shop. Grabbing a few items off the desk, I headed back into the living room. Setting down the paper and the various pens and pencils, I looked to Jack with a smile. Maybe she would understand. A map was what we needed but I had a feeling that it wouldn't matter much. Rick always seemed to know his way around places and we still had a few days to sort it all out. Taurus 1 was a good journey away from this past stop. We'd not be out in space for more than three weeks but it still felt like a long journey.

"Jack. Do you think you could draw us two maps? The first of the area by the spaceport and your parents house. Don't leave anything out. If there's a guard station or a lone mercenary patrol document it to the best of your ability. The other map, should be of the establishment on Taurus 4, the one they forced you to stay in. Give us the layout so that we can figure out a strategy. You don't have to stay here, during this if you don't want to."

For a moment the room was silent, and I couldn't help but look around. There was pride and admiration in Riddick's eyes, and a smidge of lust, but that was always there. Shazza and Zeke seemed shocked almost as if they felt they should have thought about it first. Jack looked scared but I knew she'd come through in the end. If we were going to get her things we needed to know the layouts. I refused to let any one of us go in blind and get in a situation that we couldn't get ourselves out of. I would not lose anyone else.

Sitting down, I waited. What else could I do? We needed the information in her head but we didn't need her to tell us. Jack was one of the few people I actually wanted to keep safe regardless of how the world saw it. She was that little sister of mine and I wanted to make sure she was looked after. The first map was done rather quickly. It wasn't anything fancy but it got the point across. We could get the rough idea of where we would be going upon our arrival.

Picking up the first piece of paper, all I could do was study it; at first. I was trying to memorize the plan but the drawing needed some work. With the pencil in hand, I started to sketch a few things out myself. Of course, I knew that Rick had a plan, he always had a plan. There hadn't been a time in either situation that we were in where his mind hadn't been working out some way to get us out of a situation. He was like that, always thinking, always plotting.

Happy with the results of the changes to the paper, I set it down on the table and moved it closer to the others. I wanted them to see what they were about to get into. At least, through my eyes. As I moved the paper, I heard Rick hum in approval and it made me smile. I was actually happy that I was seen as having more than just a body. Before I could say anything though, I watched Jack get up and head out of the room. A part of me wished she could stay here for this but she didn't need to know. No one did, except those that were staying here. Jack might not be the most innocent of the children, but she didn't need to be a part of a murder. Not right now.

Closing my eyes, I tried to steady myself by taking a deep breath. I felt a hand start to trace a pattern on my lower back, easing my muscles into relaxing. I was grateful and my breath came out in a calming rush. Cocking my head to the side, I stared at the man that was my mate with a small smile. I could see him smile down on me, almost forgetting that we had an audience. Our gazes locked and we seemed frozen that way for quite some time. At least until a cough broke us apart.

"Alright so here's what I've done. The layout of this planet seems to be laid out much like the bowels of Butcher Bay. Or am I seeing things Rick?"

"You're right."

"With that being said I think I know what the best route and path to take are. From the moment we land we will be on a time crunch. I want all of this done and us back on the ship within the hour. Please don't make us have to come after you. We cannot lose anyone else on this trip."

"Calm down baby. Nothin' goin' to happen if I can help it. This place is just like the Bay and we escaped that with ease. Just relax."

I could hear the last part of the word being whispered into my ear. It was as if he could read every thought and emotion that came from me. Probably could since fear and anxiety shifted the scent of the air and made someone with a sensitive nose like Rick pick up on it. I knew also that he could feel me tense underneath his arms. So many things about me he could pick up on, not that I minded. It was nice, for once, to have someone look after me.

I was sure that our plan was solid and, once the others could recite their parts without hesitation, I knew we could do this. Rick and I would probably be the only ones going in armed to the teeth and I liked it that way. Shazza and Zeke didn't need to get arrested for being killers or for having weapons. Not that anyone would look twice at them. Glancing at the chrono on the wall, I noticed that it was well past evening. We needed to get some rest for now because in three days time we would be where we needed to.

With a yawn, I stood up and stretched and moved from the room. This ship was starting to grow on me and I'd be sad to see it go. I knew in the end we couldn't keep it forever. A part of me wondered what our next steps would be. Riddick and I would always be running from mercs and that would never change. At least probably not until we were actually dead and gone. Not that I expected us to die anytime soon. Freedom was a foolish notion, even for people that weren't convicts. No one was ever truly free. There was always someone higher up calling the shots after all.

Heading to bed, I didn't even remember hitting the pillows before I was out. So much had gone on in the last few days that my world seemed to be confused. I was trying so very hard to adjust but really there was no way to do that but to just jump right in. There was a whole vast world outside the prison walls of Butcher Bay and my body was tired trying to adapt. I knew that. What I also knew was that I seemed to be sleeping more than before and maybe I just needed the rest or maybe there was something else too it. Regardless what it was, I was out for the night. Tomorrow would be a new day.

I don't know what woke me early. Could have been my internal clock tellin' me to get up before the others, or it could have simply been the fact that I was actually rested. Whatever it was, I had gotten up quite early and headed out into the ship. Autumn was still asleep from where she had been beside me and a part of me wanted to crawl back under the covers with her. Lookin' down at her with love I leaned over and kissed her forehead. We were bonded now, I could feel her emotions swirlin' through me and I knew that longer we were around each other the more of mine she'd feel.

Outside the room I made sure to walk as quietly as possible. Wakin' her up wasn't anythin' I wanted to do. She looked as if she hadn't slept in days and probably hadn't. Most slams didn't afford people the luxury of safe deep sleep. You learned how to always be on guard, how to hear when others were comin' around. I just wanted her to get some sleep. She deserved that chance, to really sleep and know what it was to be at rest.

I wasn't up long before the other's started pilin' into the living quarters. I was startin' to feel like I could be myself around this group and it wasn't a feelin' I was used too. I knew that Jack wouldn't mind much of anythin' but the adults, they were the ones that Autumn and I had to be wary of. They could turn on us at any given moment and I was just waitin' for that to happen. Still I couldn't resist the playful edge that crept up inside of me as I watched the others join me.

It didn't take long for Jack, Zeke, and I to start wrestlin' around. I was teachin' them both a few things. I wouldn't hurt them, not too much at least. No one ever learned without a little pain and if, in the end, they were better for it then so be it. I knew my offer wouldn't be accepted by the holy man or his children. They weren't anti-violence and even after everythin' they'd been through on the planet I couldn't blame them. Didn't mean I would follow suit. It was durin' the wrestlin' match that I said somethin' I probably shouldn't and I could hear Shazza scold me, but even that wasn't enough to take the smile off my face. I could hear Imam laughin' at the situation, tryin' not too but failin'.

I heard footsteps approach and smelled the scent that was my mate. I would never get enough of that smell. I watched the others out of the corner of my eyes and saw the smiles they held for her. One look at Autumn and I knew she felt awkward. People didn't often smile at convicts, and it took some getting used too. Holdin' out my hand. I waited. She'd either take it or she wouldn't. When she place dhers in mine I pulled her to my side. She belonged there, beside me, always.

"I seem to have missed a few things."

"You looked exhausted and I wouldn't let them wake you. If you wanna be mad take it out on me baby."

I could sense her unease. Scenting the air I could almost feel the nervousness on my lips. We weren't goin' behind her back but I understood her feelings. She felt like we were tryin' to leave her out and that wasn't the case. I didn't want to wake her up. I wanted her to sleep. I had no idea how long it had been since she'd last had a decent nights rest. I wanted her to calm but I couldn't force the issue. Instead I just kissed the top of her head and waited.

"Aww don't get upset Autumn. Riddick was just telling us a few stories about Johns and few other merc's he'd manage to escape from. Apparently most of them were rather stupid."

"They'd have to be to come after Big Evil over there."

I heard her voice and the nickname and laughed. Yeah I'd been called Big Evil a lot. Most people didn't quite understand what it meant though. I wasn't all that evil. So I killed people, the first ones I ever killed that weren't sanctioned by the government had been mercs tryin' to come after me and send me to the slam. If anyone bothered to look into my supposed list of kills, they were all mercs. When Autumn moved from my arms I frowned a moment before I watched her go eat the food. She needed to eat. The slam had kept her lean but they didn't feed people very well. You had enough food to live but not really enough to be anythin' but skin and bones.

The mood in the air shifted again and I couldn't help but sigh. She needed to get over whatever it was that was holdin' her back. My mate was stronger than this. She wasn't some helpless little victim and I don't know why she kept feelin' the way she did. I could feel panic set in, almost as if she was afraid she'd be abandoned now that we were out of the danger. I couldn't help it, the words slipped out before I really thought much about them. She needed to understand her place, truly.

When she kissed me, I purred. My animal was more than happy for that even if the others were watchin' us. I didn't care. She was mine and if I wanted to make out with her in the middle of a crowded shoppin' district I would. No one could stop us, not that I'd let them try anyways. I could feel the animal inside of her, submittin' to mine once again. Eventually she'd come to understand what it meant to be Furyan. To feel the animal brimmin' at the surface, to give into baser desires. She was my other half and the quicker she realized it the better off we'd both end up bein'.

Glancin' at the chrono that hung from the wall in the lounge I saw that we had two hours still till we could drop off the weasel that was Paris. I'd be glad to see him go. Not much right now was stoppin' me from killin' him. Aside from the mess it'd be trying to clean up. This was a nice ship, would fetch us a pretty penny when we tried to sell it. The less blood we had to try to scrub out of it the better, honestly. I wanted to kill him though, for everythin' he'd put all of us through but I couldn't. Nope not yet. Instead I watched Autumn as her and Jack started to watch a movie. She seemed enthralled at the idea that there were vids out there that had stories on them.

A part of me forgot that she grew up in a slam. I at least had the luxury of knowin' what life was like outside the prisons. She'd never seen the world outside the walls. Thin's like a vid library were only something she'd heard of but never seen. Not wantin' to interrupt the girls and their movie time I left the room. I didn't wanna interrupt them. I'd probably already seen it anyway. Jackie girl seemed quite taken with it but I could feel a bit of disbelief comin' from my mate. Scary movies weren't quite so scary when you spent your life livin' through things far I wasn't all that surprised when she wasn't scared.

Leavin' them alone, I moved through the rest of the ship. The place was pretty much spotless but we would need supplies in the next town. The Phoenix, as I had found she was called, had space but hadn't been used in a while. Her stores of food were gettin' low and without restockin' we'd be dead in the water, literally. We didn't need to be floatin' out in space waitin' for more mercs to pick us up. Instead I started makin' a list of things we'd need supply wise so I could let the spaceport know. The sooner they had our info the better.

Sirens alerted me to the fact that we were approachin' our target. Movin' the list to the send off manifest, I waited for Autumn to join me in the cockpit. She was the only one who's voice probably wouldn't set up off alarms. We couldn't land in autopilot so I turned on the manual controls and waited. Soon enough I was joined by my love and pointed to the com. The blinkin' light should have been enough of an indicator. Sittin' there with my goggles on so that the full light in the area could be seen, I heard the other's strappin' in.

"Lupus Four spaceport, this is the Phoenix requesting permission to dock."

"Phoenix this is LF Spaceport. Docking request under advisement. Do you have any passengers or cargo?"

"Passengers yes, one ready for departure here on his planet but no cargo."

"Docking permission granted. Port 342, bay else you need?"

"Some fuel and supplies would be nice. We've traveled quite a long way."

"Alright Phoenix, we'll have a crew waiting for you when you land. Over."

As I heard the same sort of nonsense that all the ports give, a part of me wondered somethin'. How long was it goin' to be before even Autumn's voice became a sign that she was wanted? Right now she was our savin' grace. It was her voice that wouldn't pull up in any database, regardless of her escape. Most convicts had at least their name in the voice recognition system, gotta talk at some point durin' the capture. Yet, she seemed to be able to get us through scott free. I wasn't complainin' at the moment, just worried it might actually stop workin'.

I felt her hand on my shoulder and I tried not to lose my focus. I could pilot most ships without even blinkin' so this one was a piece of cake. Still, I didn't want to take any focus away from what I was doin'. There was no tellin' what I was about to pilot into. In the two hours that Autumn had been occupied watchin' a movie I'd found the docs on the ship and knew what type it was. I'd also found the credits that we'd need to make it the rest of the journey. At least now we didn't have to worry about breakin' into our own stashes. Not that Autumn had much. When we landed I simply waited. If I moved around the ship there was a chance that someone could see me and report us. No one that came aboard was allowed in the cockpit, that much I was sure about.

Turnin' in my seat though I watched Autumn movin' from the room in time to be hit by Paris in his haste. Lettin' out a growl I know they both heard it and only Paris jumped. He couldn't wait to get off the ship and I couldn't wait for him to be gone. The fool needed to be out of our hair quicker than yesterday. I could hear the voices of the techs that were bringin' aboard our supplies and the exchange of coin. We would be long gone before anyone found that Antonia was dead and that this wasn't her ship anymore. By that time, the Phoenix would probably already be sold.

Spinnin' my chair around, I studied the instrument panel as I waited. Time was the only enemy right now. If we didn't make it off this planet before someone saw us it was all over. This stop would be our shortest, it only took us about twenty minutes total to get everythin' done. For that I was grateful. I wanted gone, the stars in front of me so we could put Paris behind us. That was the life we were demandin' and we needed to get goin'.

"LF port this is Phoenix requesting departure clearance. Flight plan data has already been transmitted."

"Phoenix this is LF Port. You are clear for departure. Hit runway 12 in about five minute and you will be clear to leave the zone."

"Runway 12 in five, got it."

With the right time, I moved our ship out into the take off lane and waited. They had a certain system that was workin' and I wasn't goin' to fight it. It was workin' after all to prevent people from crashin' into each other. When it was our turn to go I went. We were up in the stars faster than most people would have thought but I was happy enough with the speed. The thin' I liked about this type of ship was the fact that there was no cryo sleep. No need to pump ineffective drugs through our systems. When we were far enough out that the auto-pilot could take over, I toggled the thin' on and turned in my chair.

"So our next stop, the two systems are within a day of each other. So do we drop Zeke and Shazza off first or go to Taurus 1 for a bit of revenge and Jack's things."

"They want to go help Jack."

I knew this conversation would come up sooner or later. Both destinations were within days of each other but the free settlers had decided they wanted to help take care of the girl. Jackie had some how managed to worm her way into the hearts of everyone on board. I knew Autumn had too but she couldn't see it. Not the way I did. We were becomin' a team, strangely enough and the others saw it. Though they would never openly admit it. I took the time watchin' the others. I could see something brewin' in the Imam's head but I wasn't a mind reader. He wouldn't betray us, yet, if at all. That didn't make me less wary of him. Somethin' wasn't quite addin' up about him but time would tell us what.

"If you don't mind. I think the boys and I will stay on the ship. Plausible deniability and all that. We will pray that whatever course of action you need to take is expedient and prudent"

"Ain't exactly expectin' ya' to go out there with us holyman. Just keep thin's locked up tight here till we return."

"That I can do. If you will excuse me I think we will go find something to do while you plan."

I want to glare at the man. He didn't need to speak out loud for the others to understand the holy man wasn't comin' to the party. It was hard not to growl. I wanted to shake the man and yet I didn't. I watched the man walk away and felt myself relax only slightly. We needed a plan, we had three days before we would be to Taurus 1, the planet that Jack was born on. In those three days we needed to make sure we had all our options out there. There was no room for mistakes. Mistakes got you killed and we'd spent too much time survivn' already.

I followed Autumn out of the cockpit and into the lounge area. We seemed to spend a lot of time here. Not like there was anywhere else to be on the ship. I saw the way she was sittin' and I couldn't help it. Scoopin' my mate in my arms I sat down on the couch and pulled her down with me. She was safely locked in my grasp. Somethin' was still botherin' her but now was not the time to talk about it. We'd have a good while to discuss these thin's. Our focus right now as on Jack and gettin' as much information as we could outta her. Before I could say anythin' Autumn spoke again.

They were all good questions and ones we need answers too but would she be able to tell us. I understood the importance of it all, the need to know what we were up against but sometimes you just had to go in and hope for the best. Traumatizin' Jack again wasn't going to get us the answers we needed. Still the girl had showed us that she was strong, that she could handle things. I sent a smile at Jack and let her know without words that we needed this but if she couldn't talk about it now, we could do it another time.

"The town isn't all that big. The house I grew up in, that should still be there if my father hadn't sold it is about four blocks from the spaceport. It's two story. My room is the upstairs, attic room. I have no idea if any of my stuff is still there or not."

"Veiled? I'll make them understand just who they are fuckin' with if they ever send someone after her. No one messes with family."

I growl at the thought of Autumn saying I would give someone a veiled threat. I don't hide. They know what's comin' their way and if they chose to ignore it well then, that's their problem. I wouldn't stand there and let anyone hurt her. Anyone even thinks about comin' after Jackie girl or Autumn and they will find themselves at the business end of my shiv. Still I knew the true threat would probably come from Taurus 4. That was the planet that had wronged Jack in more ways than one.

I watched for a moment as Autumn seemed to get up for no reason and leave the room. I knew my girl better than that though. She had somethin' goin' in her mind. Plottin' was second nature to us convicts. I still don't understand why it seems so abnormal. We are escaped convicts for a reason. We had to have planned and plotted our way out of the slam and yet we are seen as stupid. Stupid people didn't get themselves out of these types of situations, they got themselves killed. Instead I watched my girl walk in with paper and several writin' implements. Oh yes she did have a plan.

This was an idea I could get behind. Knowin' the layout of something was enough to give us an advantage. A lot of cities were laid out the same way even though people would swear they weren't. I'd been to enough cities in my life to know that most people when the left to go 'found' a new planet they took their unconscious thoughts from their own home world with them. Pullin' Autumn into my arms as she sat back down I watched little Jackie start to draw. When she was done she seemed to be hesitant on her own skill.

I watched as my girl started making some drawin's too. She seemed to have an idea 'bout things. Watchin' her I noticed what she was doin'. The map looked just like the bowels of Butcher Bay. That place was easy enough to escape. It only took me eleven hours and some change to get out. Autumn had escaped as well and we were lookin' at almost the exact same floor plan, only this was a city. I wanted to slap these people. Why did people have to do this? Makin' it easy on us to get in and get out. Well alright, they probably never saw us comin' and usin' it this way.

"Alright so here's what I've done. The layout of this planet seems to be laid out much like the bowels of Butcher Bay. Or am I seeing things Rick?"

"You're right."

"Calm down baby. Nothin' goin' to happen if I can help it. This place is just like the Bay and we escaped that with ease. Just relax."

As she was talkin' I could feel Autumn gettin' worked up again. I couldn't help but lean in and whisper the words to her. I wouldn't let anythin' hurt her or Jackie girl over there. Squeezin' my arms around her, I let her lean against me. She was my everythin' and I wouldn't let her work herself up over this. All this emotion it was goin' to wear her out before long. We had time, time to work this out but we couldn't always prepare for the worst. I was goin' to get her to see that one day. She needed to take thin's as they came or else she was goin' to get sick.

We spent the rest of the night goin' over the parts we would play. I was surprised at how big a role the free settlers wanted. They seemed sure that they could handle it. Autumn and I would be armed and I'd make sure that Zeke and Shazza had weapons if they wanted them. I was always carryin' a weapon, except when I was asleep in bed. The shiv stayed under the pillow then. Not that Autumn didn't have one on her side too. It was several hours before we were all satisfied that we knew what what we needed to do.

I watched as Autumn got up when we were done and slowly followed her. She was exhausted, that much was clear from her look. The moment her head hit the pillows she was out like a light and I couldn't help but sigh. She was workin' herself into a frenzy and then fallin' into a slumber. I wanted her to relax a moment. Tomorrow would be a day just for us, and I'd make sure she was relaxed before anythin' else like this happened. Oh yes, I had a few ideas on that one.