TITLE: A day in the life
AUTHOR: Wendy after Dark
FANDOM: Pitch Black
PAIRING: Riddick/Jack
DISCLAIMER: The Characters of Pitch Black are copyright to USA Films. There is no infringment intended by the use of them in this story. I claim none of those characters.
SUMMARY: It's not just a job, it's and adventure for Riddick and Jack as they put the past behind them.
RATING: R (language and violence)
Chapter 1
"Okay, men. Line up! Get your lazy carcasses out of bed and at attention!"
Jack moved by habit. One week of basic training had her sleep deprived and functioning on auto pilot. Since she agreed to sign up on this suicide mission, life had been anything but a bowl of cherries. She straightened her shirt as she stepped in with the rest of the crew. Riddick was last to rise of their group. For some strange reason, he didn't respond to authority well. Go figure.
The task leader, Mr. Maxwell, barked at a young man who swayed on his feet. "Wake your ass up, Henson! When we are out there clearing a path, yawning can get you killed."
She did a quick visual check to make sure her growing chest remained bound. Maxwell had a tendency to get right up in her face. He was busy ordering Henson to drop and give him twenty. This would be their first send out. Good thing Riddick had plenty of time on the skiff to give her flying and tactical lessons. She was a fast learner. Best of all, she believed she was fearless. Why else would she come on board?
"First things first, gentlemen," Maxwell droned. "I've noticed some tension in the ranks. Showboating and large egos have no place on my watch. So let's just deal with things right now. Pants on the floor and whip 'em out."
Jack felt all color drain. "Excuse me?"
"Your balls, son. Then we will all know for sure who has the biggest set."
She could see Riddick smirk across the room. Bastard! She knew what he was thinking. How was she going to get out of this one? There was one rule on The Red Raider. No women allowed.
Around her men of various ages and physical
condition let there pants slither to the floor. Jack turned wide eyes
to her only hope. Goggles intact, he moved his hand to his zipper. Oh
god! He would dare her even now to find her own solution. She needed
a distraction.
Raising shaky fingers, she leaned to one side and pitched herself into
the next guy. Instinct caused her to put out a catching hand. A hand
that connected with hot flesh.
"What the hell!" She was toppled to the floor and kicked in the ribs. Taking the pain and using it, she scrambled to her feet.
"Did you trip me, Zayne?"
Riddick let out a low chuckle as she sent a fist crashing into the unsuspecting fellow's nose. Trading blows flew back and forth until Maxwell stepped in to break them up.
"Exercise over! This is what I was trying to prove to you numbskulls. Get the shit out of your systems. Two mile run on the mechanics deck for everyone courtesy of Zayne and Paris. After that, suit up and be ready."
"Sorry, man," Jack grumbled as she inched past Zayne.
"I didn't trip you."
"My mistake." She sank down
on the cot to lace her boots. A cloth was thrust forward.
She recognized the legs and kept her head down. "Thanks."
"Nice block, kid. That is one nasty split lip."
Jack grimaced as she wiped at the blood. "I think he cracked a few ribs."
It was times just like this one that made him wish she would have stayed behind with Imam. When they learned that females were not welcome on New Mecca, he grumbled and groaned, but took her along. At least on a religious colony, she may have had an easier time hiding her blossoming femininity. They were lucky he was the only one with a keen sense of smell on this flight. Jack didn't sweat like the other guys. In fact, it drove him to the edge of sanity the first time he picked it up. Her body chemistry reeked of pheremones.
He clapped his hand over her shoulder. "Suck it up, pal. When we finish this trip, we'll have enough creds to move on."
Though he used the term 'we', she knew in the end he would walk. That nest egg was all that mattered. It had to be her focus. "Two miles. This is going to hurt."
"I'll give you a nudge if you start lagging," he was jogging backwards. His reward was her beaming smile. Then she winced as her lip stretched too far.
Chapter 2
They were spread out in three formations, Eagles One through Three. It was the job of the Raider to clear space debris out of the shipping lanes. So many lives had been lost before someone decided to capitalize on the removal of the hazardous material. For Jack and Riddick, the chore took on new meaning. Where would they be now if not for the H-G crash?
She imagined him blasting each chunk away as if it were a year of his life in Slam. It had to be empowering to know he was in charge of his own destiny. He kept a very low profile on board. This Riddick was easily humored and well respected. For most of the younger set, he was the role model of choice. Not too shabby for a convicted felon.
Her feelings for him had grown by leaps and bounds. Jack was smart to keep them to herself. They didn't go out of their way to associate together. The others assumed they met in training. It was better to look like yet another drifter in it for the great reward. She took aim and fired on an asteroid.
"Eagle Two your section is clear. Return to the deck."
"Sir, we have a problem in Three. A cycle destructed on an ice wall. We have no identification yet."
A wave of nausea passed through her body. Eagle Three squad was working along the edge of a huge crystal mass. It was a charted star, therefore not applicable for demolition. That section was labeled risky, however, by the flight committee. Only the best were on that team. Riddick.
"Eagle One, finish your sweep and return to base. Pronto, men. Twos, I wanted you here yesterday! Eagle Three, identify."
"Zayne, secure." The disembodied voice floated through her headset. Jack was fourth in line for landing.
"Gookin, secure." Two down, two to go. Come on, Riddick.
She was straddling the line, holding her breath. "Corgan, secure."
Her fingers were numb as she disengaged and coasted to a stop. She couldn't work the belt. Couldn't acknowledge the landing team.
"Who else is out there?" The commander shouted with impatience.
"Richards, secure."
Tears rolled down her cheeks and she raised a trembling hand. Abel Spitzer may you rest in peace. Jack was quick to dry her eyes as the hatch slid open.
"You okay, Paris?"
"Just a little shell shock. That could have been any of us." She hopped to the floor on wobbling knees. Her attention was riveted on the bay doors. Jack took some calming breaths. It wouldn't do for her to launch herself in his arms when he landed. She waited until she spotted the top of his shiny head. He sought her out with a subtle nod. Damn the man anyway! He could read her like a book.
Chapter 3
Three weeks and no close calls. Inside or outside the ship. The routine kept her from going stir crazy. Any down time was spent listening to the men share their stories. Sometimes she spun a few as well. They were simple and none too telling. She had a knack for stringing them along. As a child she had been exposed to many books. Now it was such a rarity to find the treasured tomes, she could borrow a few of the plot lines without getting caught.
"Well, Jack Paris. I had no idea your father was an antiquities dealer." Riddick was propped in a dark corner without his customary eyeware.
She sank down at his feet. Making Paris the hero today let him know she was depressed. She tried not to bring up those painful memories. "I miss them. Do you think Imam is well?"
"Why wouldn't he be? We left him right where he was headed in the first place."
"Where do you want to go?"
The glint of silver fixed on her thoughtful features. They didn't talk much about tomorrow either. No one wanted to jinx the future by having great expectations. "Somewhere green."
Interesting. She chanced another personal query. "Can you handle that much quiet?"
He was thoughtful now. "We started out as wild things thousands of years ago. Darlin', you can't get much wilder than me."
Jack dropped her chin on her knees. She could picture him out in the raw lands, meeting the challenges head on. "You will be at the top of the food chain in no time."
He grinned. "You know it."
"Hungry?"
His eyes darkened as he read a different question altogether. "More than you would guess."
A little wrinkle appeared on her forehead when she saw him caress his groin. It was an unconscious motion. "Uh, yeah. Well, I am starving for the meatless surprise. See you later."
He wondered about her sudden departure. Then a faint scent washed over him. "Damn it, Jack!"
Chapter 4
Maintenance day was met with plenty of groaning. The assignments were drawn at random. Some of the chores were tedious and time consuming. Jack had one of those. Perhaps due to her slight frame, the task wasn't so random after all. She was tucked inside the access panel checking each wire and fitting. Every last umpteen million little connections had to be in perfect order. The space was rather warm and she sighed as yet another bead of sweat dropped from her lashes. She was looking forward to a good cool shower when this was done.
Several weary hours later, she had the golden opportunity. Too tired to chew, she ducked past the mess hall. The Raider had a misting room. The temperature of the water could be set to individual liking. There was a vapor recycler, so they had a constant source. Up to six crew could go at a time. Jack entered the room with a cat like grin on her face.
It slid down in distress at the sight of her very naked cohort. "Riddick."
He turned at the hoarse whisper, giving her a tell all view of his incredible physique. Not one for shyness or sudden displays of emotion, he continued to stand beneath the gentle spray. "Want me to wash your back?"
She clutched her cover-up with a white knuckled grip. "I ...I ..."
"Ah, the eloquence." He teased her to mask his surge of desire. Jack's adequate curves peaked out at him from behind the jumpsuit. She was a frozen little rabbit to his big bad wolf. If she ran out now, someone was bound to notice. He forced himself to frown. "Stop staring like a school girl and take your shower. That is why you came."
"I ..."
"Yes, Jack. You, you." He stalked over and snatched her clothing out of her hands. He thought about leaving until she swept her gaze lower. "Great! Now there will be a rumor about boys giving me an erection."
She giggled. It was one of those moments a suffering man wishes he could have avoided. The sound reminded him of her compatible folds and soft pink skin. He glared at her and she sucked in a breath. It went downhill from there.
He grabbed her elbow and tugged her forward. His tongue was past her open lips before she could steady her feet. Large hands curved over her heart shaped ass and drew her in to his full blown hard on. "You're killing me, babe."
Petrified of losing this once in a lifetime chance, she raised her head to his throat and licked along his adam's apple. Without further concept of right or wrong, he hoisted her up and penetrated her tight cleft. Jack's howling moan was caught by his greedy mouth. He worried for a moment that he hurt her until she rocked her hips down for another go. She met him thrust for thrust with wonderful mewling sounds. He felt her velvet sheath contract with sweet release. He began to shudder and withdrew, sliding her down to her feet as his seed spilled down the drain.
Jack was staring at him with wonder in her eyes. "Snap out of it, darlin'. Rinse off and get dressed."
He shrugged into his pants all the while playing sentry near the door. He heard her take a few extra breaths. She was doing it. Putting up the wall. Man did they need that wall now. He paused long enough to comb her short hair into a masculine direction. Right now it looked way to sexy to pass. He shook his head in disbelief. "Shit, Jack. Just shit."
She covered her mouth to hide a bubbling laugh as he stormed out. Shit was right.
Chapter 5
She might have had the plague the way he was avoiding her after that. It was as though not making eye contact was going to save him from her voodoo curse. Her spirits were raised from the awkward fix. She was a horny woman in an all men's world. Bypassing his rugged features only let her see the qualities of everyone else on board. Zayne had strong shoulders and a great butt. If he worried she was after his package before, he would be double so if he could hear her thoughts.
Henson had a boyish grin. Corgan had long lashes and a beautiful mouth. She loved the nervous habit he had of wetting his lips. Even Maxwell did not escape her scrutiny. His barrel chest commanded her attention. They all paled in comparison to her lover. Yes, she had read enough books and heard several ribald tales late at night from their cots. Richard B. Riddick was her hard headed, hot blooded lover. Her tongue swirled in a rush of saliva.
He caught up with her outside of the mess one day. His tone was clipped and strained. "Stop swaying your hips! For chrissakes, Jack, remember you are a guy!"
She straightened her back and clamped back a smile. The act had been unintentional, but the effect left her walking on a cloud. "Sure thing, buddy."
The extra twang in her speech made him scowl. He joined in a game of cards for the mere purpose of focusing his wayward attention.
"You crazy bastard! Why are you always messing with Richards? He could eat you alive!" Riddick scared the hell out of Henson.
Jack was mulling over the possibilities of his statement. "Hmmm. Well, now that you put it that way. He is a big son of a gun."
"See those eyes? That means he has been in prison. Gives me the creeps."
"You're right," she patted him. "I won't turn my back on him."
Riddick stopped playing cards long enough to witness their physical contact. He scowled again. No one else noticed his distraction, but they were pleased when he folded a probable winning hand. He took a swig from the bottle of hooch.
Jack gave Henson a slow nod. "It's
good that we had this little talk. Thanks, man."
Chapter 6
Henson was bellowing the next morning. Just inside his boots was a thick layer of cold pudding. Riddick had eyes of innocent cool steel when Jack passed him. She rolled her own and headed for the work station. It was a childish move and one she had not suspected possible of the known killer. They needed to do one of two things, fuck or call a truce.
Did some of the other men have sexual relations on board? She pondered the thought. It would give them the opportunity to hook up. How would Riddick take being viewed as a swinger? She didn't know much about his period of incarceration. However, she knew a death wish when it looked her in the eye. She would pass on this line of questioning.
She was propped up against the hangar door when he approached. The devil take her bewitching eyes! "When did you get such a wicked bod?"
"Yes, I am excited about blasting off," she nodded to let him know there were others behind him. Only problem was her choice of words that followed. "There's nothing better than the feel of the thrust between your legs as you make that sucker explode into a thousand blinding hot fragments."
Three of the oncomers paused to shiver. Riddick's jaw was dangling as she saluted them all. "I'm out of here, men."
Chapter 7
How they made it through the weeks that followed could not be stated in easy terms. Jack proved to be a saucy wench with her daring. She cornered him alone one day and sucked him dry while he relayed coordinates over the headset. He might have murdered her if she hadn't been so good at hiding for the ensuing thirty six hours.
Now they were each holding a fat paycard and anticipating the drop site. Jack was wise to tip back a few shots with Henson and Zayne at the mess table. Most of them were signed up for the next mission. Riddick and Jack were not. They were coming to a good port. He had a healthy start on his financial goals. This far out in the galaxy, no one cared about his past. He doubted his real name would cause a blip of concern in a crowd. There was another source of freedom he was interested in.
She had a zest for life that he found confounding and fascinating together. His need for her came as a welcome surprise. He watched her shake her head, eyes watering from the harsh alcohol. Whatever attracted him to the frightened girl she used to be was owed in spades. He knew she longed to be titled Riddick's woman.
"You sure you can't stay on?" Corgan plunked himself down in the next chair. "No one clears as fast as you do, Richards."
"I've got plans, man. Long time in the making."
"I'm going to take my leave with the first blue eyed blonde I find. With any luck she'll have big knockers and no man at home."
Riddick nodded in agreement. "I'm going to buy my girl one of those slinky black dresses. High heels. No panties."
"A real woman. You'll show her a good time, stud."
"Nah. She'll show me." Jack was just in his line of vision. Her face lit up with a shared joke. "She'll be naked within the first ten minutes and sore for a week."
"You're going to get yourself a love slave. There goes your pay, man."
"Maybe. She'll be worth every penny." Riddick sat back and smiled. That sight alone was enough to startle some of the crew.
"What's so funny, Richards?" Maxwell was curious.
"We're looking forward to getting some, sir," Corgan grinned. He stood up to raise his glass in a toast. "To getting some."
A round of cheers resounded in the small space. Jack rolled her eyes again and tipped back her drink. Just another day in their odd, but wonderful life.
End.