Just the Beginning

Fandom: Chronicles of Riddick
Pairing: Riddick/Vaako
Rating: R Language, sexual situations.
Feedback: Yes please. :) silver_sun31@y...
Summary: Riddick's becoming more accostomed to his rulership.
Disclaimer: Not mine sandbox, I'm just playing in it momentarily. :D

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When the entrance to Riddick's chambers admitted him, Vaako entered an altered room from the one he had left the night before. New sleek furniture decorated the sitting, dining, and work areas. He was sure the bedroom would contain a different bed as well as new clothing. Vaako looked for the occupant, and caught sight of Riddick dressed in black from head to toe, lounging sideways in a new tall-backed chair, similar to the one in the throne room. Tight trousers hugged the muscled legs, flaring slightly at the bottom before bunching at the tops of shiny ankle-high black boots. A sleeveless armored top with a cloak thrown over the arm of the chair completed his look.

Riddick still looked like a dangerous convict, just one who had the fortune to have ownership of a people. 'Who better to lead an army of killers than a killer?' Vaako thought as he moved to stand to the back left of the chair, hands placed at the small of his back.

He himself wore an echo of the Lord Master's garments. Trousers with boots, a long-sleeved light-weight armored shirt, and a dark cloak trailing behind him. Vastly different from the robes and headdress society men often wore. Vaako found that the more time he spent around the Lord Marshal, a part of his soul he thought was buried long ago, slowly rekindled itself. The time he worked for the former Lord Marshal had leeched him of his vitality, the man not tolerating, much less encouraging, those below him to have a mind of their own. With the first contrary word, or a hint of uncertainty of his methods, one was sent to the Purifier to "remind them of the way." Riddick, however, wanted forward thinking men, not "drones." The more he got to know the man, the more he knew this new leadership would prove beneficial to the Necromongers. They were mighty now, but with Riddick, the Necromongers had no limits.

Vaako paused in his thoughts, and mentally snorted when he realized he sounded in love with the man. But something about Riddick inexorably sucked him in, like a ship to a black hole...

"So how do you like the new you?" Riddick's voice floated from his seat, his head silhouetted by the muted sunlight that bounced into the room off the slick hull.

"It's not as bad as I thought it would be. Did you sleep well?"

Riddick chuckled and swung his legs off the armrest to hop to his feet. "Like a baby," he said as he stretched with a quick crack of his neck. He turned to study the commander, head tilted as he soaked in the new changes. "And you look a hell of a lot better. I think I'd even say you've got a spark to ya now..."

Vaako smoothly rolled his shoulders, and inclined his head to the taller man. "I feel...different. Freer than I have in some time. Perhaps there is something behind your idea of a new image."

"Well when you've got a Lord Marshal with a stick up his ass, you begin to resemble him. But me, I like freedom, and having this type of makes sure I stay free... Besides, your people seem to like my animal magnetism so much I can let the beast out to play," Riddick said as he leisurely circled Vaako, closing in until he lightly pressed into the man's back. Just enough to let him to feel the firm, compact strength of his Right-hand's body. Vaako swallowed as his belly tightened, Riddick's deep, rough voice invoking a shiver in response. Even a hint of sexual tension in so many years threatened to make his knees weak.

"Necromongers have ruled without impunity, without fear for far to long. We became weaker as time went by. No one had challenged us like you did, so confident, laughing in the face of our might. Can you blame them for the attraction?" he asked softly as he tried not to sway into the large, solid body pressed against his.

Riddick grinned, dipping his head to inhale at Vaako's neck as one large hand slid down to cup his hip. "Nah. And what about you, Vaako? That why you want me to lead?" he asked, deliberately brushing his lips against the smooth skin. Vaako's body heat spiked, a warm, spicy scent swirling up in a cloud around Riddick's head.

"Does it matter?" he whispered as he was forcibly turned around, body pressed to lean against Riddick.

"Mmm...It's been a while since I've smelled clean, hot sex. You want it, don't you? Want it bad..." Riddick whispered as he nuzzled at the man's long throat. Vaako's eyes narrowed to slits as he tilted his head back, allowing room for Riddick's warm, wandering lips.

Suddenly, his comm. beeped, startling him into jerking away from Riddick's body. He fixed his eyes on the alert, a shiver marking the attempt he made to control his body's reaction.

"That," Vaako said huskily, pausing briefly to clear his throat, "means the men are to gather soon. We should eat, so we may meet them on time," he said, briskly turning to walk to the breakfast table holding a variety of foods on display.

Riddick's eyes narrowed, two long strides bringing him within distance to grab Vaako's arm and swing him around. "Fuck the meetings. We're in the middle of something," he said pressing his hips into Vaako, making sure he felt the solid heat against his belly.

Vaako glanced up at him, mentally working hard to withhold the lust that wanted to jump Riddick now. He barely had any control, certainly not enough to keep resisting the attraction he felt to the new leader. He calmly gestured to the table in invitation hoping to distract the man from his pursuit.

"Come. Eat. You have a full timetable ahead of you," he said, watching as Riddick's face darkened. He caved then, and leaned forward to kiss him quickly, pulling away before he couldn't stop. He would at least show him how much he wanted this thing between them...But now wasn't the time.

"You don't want to give the people an undesirable impression. Though there are no precedents set as to who you sleep with, it would be better for you to appear open to receive overtures. Give yourself time to make an informed decision."

"Do I look like I give a fuck what they think? Or that I need time?! And what the hell do you mean I need to be open for 'overtures?'"

"Riddick, try to do this my way, just for now. You may decide to take one of the others, and if we show up at the gathering with passion marks, only the power-hungry will approach you. Once they're used to you, to your rule, nothing you do differently will affect you negatively. Agreed?" he asked hands clasped around Riddick's biceps. He might want Riddick, but he wasn't stupid, or particularly sharing. He was in fact downright selfish, not standing to be a onetime fuck, only to watch someone else have him in the end.

"I've been around long enough to know what I want, that much I know," Riddick said with a frown.

"I'm sure. But trust me on this, there's no rush to make a decision...Let us eat," Vaako said, using his grip to pull Riddick to the meal table.

"What's on the agenda?" Riddick rumbled after he slid into a chair, food piling high on his plate. Following suit, Vaako put food on his plate before settling down into a chair across from him.

"You should choose your advisory council first, as they will be able to inform you in their individual matters of expertise. Then you will be shown the army at your fingertips in action. And then the gathering of society. Many are eager to meet the new Lord Marshal in a less stressful setting," he replied as he methodically cleared his plate.

Riddick, a fast eater, finished first and found himself watching as medium-sized bites disappeared into Vaako's full red lips. "To hell with it," he said moving to turn off the lights as Vaako looked up in surprise. He pulled off his goggles in the dark, predatorily stalking his prey, moving to stand behind him. One hand shot out to land on Vaako's nape, the other dipping under his tunic. Bending at his waist, Riddick inhaled that hot spicy scent, one he would easily classify as Vaako's from then on.

"Riddick..." Vaako gasped as Riddick's hand stroked over his abdomen, briefly wetting his lips while he tried to unsuccessfully hold in a moan. "We have business to attend to..." he said as he gripped, then tightened his hold on the insistently plunging muscled arm.

Riddick mouthed Vaako's lobe, before he pulled him up and around to press against his body. Vaako stared, mesmerized at the glowing eyes slicing through the dark. They reminded him of a vicious feline he'd encountered on a primitive planet, her eyes flashing like Riddick's just before she struck.

Cleaning the table with a sweep of his arm, Riddick bodily lifted him onto it. Pushing thick thighs apart, he heavily grinded between them, his hand moving up to rub through the peach-fuzz growing on Vaako's head. Leaning forward, Riddick used his grip on the man's jaw to manipulate him until he was wide open, feasting on Vaako's smoky, sweet flavor. He let up when Vaako groaned deeply, his hand rising to clutch, then push at the broad shoulder. Riddick sucked on his lower lip harshly before letting him go with a wet pop.

"We can't..." Vaako moaned as the Furyan changed his grip, wide hands spreading down over his back, gentle bites moving along his jaw. He tensed, eyes snapping open at a not-so-gentle bite, and shoved hard at Riddick's chest. "Stop," he moaned huskily.

Riddick lifted his head searching the dilated pupils. Vaako fell into the enhanced orbs, silently wondering if this was what the inevitability of fate felt like. He knew at that moment that Riddick would always be a part of his soul, whether physically there or not. Those glowing eyes would haunt him forever.

"Why?"

Vaako tore his gaze away with difficulty, looking out the viewport into the dark spaces between the stars as if searching for something. Knowing nothing but the truth would satisfy the Furyan, but unwilling to share, Vaako tried to guide him towards the duty he had to the people. "We should meet the warriors soon. It wouldn't do you any good to look--"

"Give me the real reason," Riddick said, hands busy kneading the tense thighs under his hands, suddenly sliding up to rest his hands at the top, thumbs trailing over the existing bulge. His eyes glinted when Vaako attempted to close his legs, his breath catching in his throat.

Vaako closed his eyes, dizziness crashing over him as Riddick's body pressed up against him. He rested his head on the man's shoulder, arms coming up to lean on his broad chest, one leg twining behind Riddick's increasing the contact between them.

"Because--I said so," he said, suddenly shoving hard, his leg jerking to yank Riddick's leg forward as his upper body fell the other way. "And that's all the reason that should be needed."

Riddick stumbled back, growling as Vaako hopped off the table putting it between them in the dark.

"You have much to do today, so I would suggest we meet the advisor potentials. Immediately, my Lord."

Riddick paused at the determined look on Vaako's face and began chuckling in the dark. He pulled on his goggles as he moved to switch the light on, leaning against the wall to watch as Vaako adjusted to the sudden light.

"You've got balls, I'll give you that Vaako. But I really don't want to tell you about that Lord crap again, whether you're pissed or not."

Vaako relaxed when Riddick moved to stand across from him to take a swill of his drink. Vaako caught his breath and cleared his throat, his body slowly calming down from the flush of arousal Riddick so easily inflamed in him.

"Fine. We'll get a start on the day. I guess I have to meet the high-society snobs sooner or later, but make it short as possible. And schedule Aereon in sometime before then. Maybe I'll keep her nearby for entertainment."

Vaako's jaw clenched briefly but he said nothing, his view of the Elemental known by the Lord Marshal. "As you wish. The mechas have been clamoring for your attention as well. When would you like to see them?"

"Tonight. Maybe they have something for me. Just make sure there's nothing scheduled for later. You and I need to talk."

Vaako nodded, trying not to think of why as his body came under control from an assault on his senses. It had been a long time since he had sex, much less the promise of passionate, lust-filled, feral sex. "Of course. If I may, I would like to coach you on the ones you will meet later for the gathering. There are some who like to cause conflict if they can."

"Let them try," he said baring his teeth at the thought of having a little tussle. Vaako grinned, and shook his head.

"That doesn't mean for you to go after them. They're useful in their own way." Riddick chuckled and stabbed a lone piece of fruit, popping it in his mouth as the glistening juice slid down the length of his knife.

"Spoil my fun, then. I'm done here. Let's go."

~~~

Riddick ended up being a quick and decisive Lord Marshal, picking who he wanted, and who he didn't with barely a word and a glance. All the men chosen were one's that Vaako knew excelled at what they did, even if he didn't favor some of them. They were in some shape or form men who took no nonsense, were swift, and blunt about what they had to say...Once Riddick informed them he wanted it that way.

Tactics, Mann; navigation, Poshi; weapons, Dar; army divisions, Eleck, Traax, and Fierce reporting to Vaako; med, Soolh; mecha, Reev (the same lead man Riddick had spoken to earlier); and after Vaako convinced him he needed to know what was happening in Necropolis, morale, Blils. Each man went off to start their weekly reports, with Reev excitedly reminding Riddick of their meeting later on. Eleck, Traax, and Fierce informed their Lord Marshal that the men were ready for his visit, and that they looked forward to showing him their ability.

The Lord Marshal visited the divisions, observing the training and skills of each unit carefully. He would stop and point out flaws, or strengths, not afraid to get in the middle of a group and 'get his hands dirty.' The men quickly grew to respect him for his prowess, strength, his checkered background giving him a foundation with the warriors, fighter to fighter.

After he scoured each division, improving the men's abilities, and fierceness, they set a time to train alongside the men each week. He also had Vaako set up a private training room for his regular use. Riddick now had the means to keep in top shape, and he would use the warrior-like settings to the fullest.

He left, satisfied with the strong, organized front the army division showed, proud that the advisors he had chosen had a hand in that. Before long there was nothing else to inspect and Riddick went off to the fresher before his audience with Aereon. And though Vaako wanted to be in attendance as well, Riddick wanted to speak with the elemental alone, and no matter how much he had objected, he wouldn't bulge on the matter. So, Vaako went his way, stopping in his quarters to change and use the fresher as well as eat. He would meet the Lord Marshal later, before the gathering.

Stepping into the dark quarters, he flipped the light to see his wife reclining on the bed platform. He narrowed his eyes, hands stilling from stripping off his clothes.

"I see you're doing well, my husband. You hardly ever return to our quarters, unless to sleep that I wondered how you were," she purred, sitting up to study him carefully.

"And now I've only come to shower and change," he said coldly bypassing her to the wardrobe and pulling out a formal outfit for the evening to come. He did not want a confrontation with her this night, nor any other night. At times he wished he had in fact divorced her as Riddick had said.

"You don't desire my company, Cylus?" she asked, eyes flashing at the brush-off. No one ignored her. No one.

"If you hadn't noticed we don't share company well, Terrah. You yourself pointed this out on more than one occasion. Now I must get ready for the gathering tonight, since I must attend the Lord Marshal as well."

Her face twisted, a jealous rage gushing forth from the slow simmer she put in the back of her mind. "And his company is much more desirable to mine, isn't it?"

She watched as he halted, body tense, the profile of his handsome face tightening in anger. "As you say, not I, wife."

"But you think it! Just know, husband, I will not give up on the greatest opportunity in my lifetime. I am the most beautiful one in this galaxy, and he knows that. And you! He'll see how weak you are and turn you away just as I have," she said spittle flying from her mouth, her words venomous, hateful in manner. "You're nothing without me! I pushed you to the man you are now."

Vaako lifted his bent head, and turned to face the woman he was once proud to have as his own. "And you are nothing more than a vile, empty creature, hoping for the chance at a glory long past. While he may not want me, he'll see through you as I did in the end. Your quest for power will lead to your downfall, Terrah. You simply refuse to see it." He turned his back on her, the exchange leaving him with a burning desire to be clean, mentally, and physically.

"No, I'll simply be free of you before my glory! I want a divorce!"

Another pause as Cylus entered the bathing chamber, his words slowly drifting back to her ears. "It shall be as you say."

~~~

Riddick watched as Aereon ghosted over the floor, the movement making her seem to flow in and out of solidity. After Reev excitedly informed him of the new lighting and the mechas installed it, he could now comfortably gaze at her without the goggles, glowing eyes taking in her every move.

"I see you've taken to ruling as an aquatic animal to water," she said taking in his relaxed sprawl on a tall-backed chair in the center of the room.

"Yeah, well going from hunted convict to Lord Marshal in seconds takes a little getting used to, but I'm having a good time."

"I see. And you seem to have a little help with your adjustment, appointing a new advisory council. And your Right-hand has been especially helpful hasn't he?"

"Who, Vaako?" Riddick snorted. "He more pushed his way to my side, than me asking for help."

"Perhaps that is what you need. Someone who will stand by you, even if you don't feel you need anyone. Can you say he has not been helpful?"

"Did we really meet here to talk about Vaako?"

Aereon inclined her head with a smile, gliding over the stand by viewport. "No, of course not. He is only part of our discussion. The army has remained stationary since the former Lord Marshal's demise, I see. So you have plans for this mighty people?"

Riddick stood and ambled over to lean on the cold window, his eyes never leaving the Elemental.

"Maybe I've got plans. What do you care? The galaxy is at peace now that they aren't attacking worlds, right?" he asked, watching as her expression flickered momentarily, before sliding into the smooth countenance she usually wore.

"I only wish for you to use the power at your fingertips to the best of your ability. After all, you've only known a convicts life, imprisonment, escape, running, hiding, hunting, killing. What would you know about leading an entire people?"

"Enough to get by."

"Really? Is that what your Right-hand tells you?"

"I thought we were keeping Vaako out of this?"

"Of course...Though you didn't answer my question."

"Look, I lead a group of people off a dangerous planet, I lead a group of inmates out of the Slam, I can lead these people."

Aereon smiled at the scowling man, and moved to rest her hand on his arm. "Yes, you have done those things with courage, and strength. A mighty task for a man used to saving himself alone. But is it truly enough to lead the mightiest warrior race of our galaxy alone?"

Riddick narrowed his eyes, silently studying the seemingly harmless woman gazing up at him.

"And who would rule then? You?"

"Oh, no, dear Furyan...I am not interested in ruling them. I think it is your fate. Yet, you cannot do it alone. My people and I can help."

"I already have advisors. What makes you think they can't do their jobs?"

Aereon sighed, and stared out, eyes glazing to focus inward. "The former Lord Marshal trusted his men. And that was one of the things leading to his downfall. Should you do the same?" She turned to him, hands raising in supplication. "I'm simply asking you to think of the help we can offer you. I have calculated the future of your people, and the end is the same each time. You, and the Necromongers, will face a catastrophic conclusion."

~~~

Vaako waited for Riddick outside his chambers, unable to keep from pacing. He straightened up when the chamber entrance swooshed open, the Elemental gliding out of it with barely a glance his way. He frowned at the almost troubled look on her face, it being the first time he had seen the unemotional woman look unsettled.

A growled "come in" shook him out of his musings, and he entered the room taken aback by the luminous white-blue light. Looking up, he was pinned by the Lord Marshal's glowing gaze.

"I see they've been successful with the lighting. Does it bother you at all?"

"No," Riddick answered shortly, stalking around his Right-hand, noticing a difference in the man. He scanned his body, noting the emerald and rust colored sleeveless thigh-length vest, dark pants ending in shined boots. His eyes trailed over the broad shoulders, down the narrow hips and swell of ass, to the tightly encased legs. Pacing to the front of the commander, he grabbed his jaw, tilting his face up to study his features.

"We should go over the people you are to meet Riddick. The gathering is in an hour," Vaako said quietly, content to let the man look, if that is what he desired.

"There's something different about you..." Riddick said, staring into hazel eyes that hadn't, until now, been able to stare back into his. Vaako smirked slightly, noting how quick Riddick was to pick things up.

"I...Dame Vaako and I are divorced. It was done a few hours ago. I suppose what you're seeing a newly unattached man."

Riddick chuckled, his thumb tracing over his lips. "Well unattached looks good on ya. Until you're attached to the right person anyway. Then you'll just look well fucked."

Vaako couldn't hold in a small sound escaping from his chest, his head starting to swim from the tension that held him close to the Furyan like a physical line. He felt himself sway towards Riddick's body, the heat penetrating the thin vest clinging to his form.

"And who would put that look on me?"

Riddick grinned, face closing within inches, his lips a fleeting touch against his own. "I'll be happy to oblige. But it seems we have a party to crash."

Vaako pulled back, and ran his hands down the vest to straighten it, all to aware of Riddick's feline-like eyes watching him. He thought the intensity of his gaze with the goggles on was harsh...To look up and catch his naked gaze made his heart skip a beat.

"Of course. I bought a data pad of the people I thought you should keep an eye on. Let's go over it, and we can trade notes after the gathering."

"Then, we need to talk. I want your opinion on some...matters...before we go to the other advisors," Riddick said, his expression darkening. Vaako watched him, wondering what he was thinking to darken his playful mood.

"Of course. Let's start with former advisor Frosh..."

For the next half-hour they went over the list of troublemakers, Vaako extracting a promise from Riddick not to finish the trouble if they started any. When they prepared to leave, Riddick wrapped an arm around his waist, pulling him into a bruising kiss.

At Vaako's questioning look, he simply grinned pulling the goggles into place before they left the newly lighted chambers. "Let's get this over with."