Just the Beginning

Fandom: Chronickes of Riddick
Rating: Overall NC-17 (Not for the first couple of chapters.)
Pairing: Riddick/Vaako
Feedback: Yes please! :)
Notes: I've done a little research on the movie from the main website to be as accurate as possible, but since the universe is so wide open, I just popped names, phrases, what have you in there. Momentum is a little slow at first, but the story will pick up speed afterwards.
Disclaimer: The Chronicles of Riddick characters, concept, etc, belong to David Twohy and Universal Studios. This story was written for entertainment, not profit.


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"You keep what you kill. We are yours to command."

The hall fell eerily silent as the echo died down, and everyone in attendance knelt to their new Lord. Yet, the stillness failed to make an impression upon Riddick. With his head in his hands, his thoughts lie with the beautiful young woman who, unknowingly, had made an impact on his psyche. Though she had become a hard and unyielding woman, her remembered innocence had brought about a protective instinct for a life other than his own, something sorely unfamiliar to him.

He held well to his life philosophies, trust no one, and look out for number one. But, for once, these rules had been broken for a small group of people on a backward hellhole of a planet five years ago. He had come to trust Imam before his death, had in fact been entrusted with the welfare of his family. Then when he found out Kyra had gone looking for him, he flipped on Imam. He had walked away from her, thinking she would be safe, that he didn't have to worry about her, only to find her stuck on Crematoria.

Though he had forgiven Imam, Kyra's death now weighed heavily upon his shoulders. Her strength and character in the face of those conditions had led him to show the caring part of himself he didn't like to acknowledge existed. Kyra's freedom from The Slam coming to an end in such an abnormal state awakened a rage that begged to be unleashed...Especially on the people that made her that way.

Riddick lifted his head and scanned the hall of Necros waiting at his feet. Their acquiescence fueled his anger, and he rose to his feet with menacing grace.

"Get out.," he growled. "Now!"

The speed with which his command was obeyed sparked an animalistic desire to chase his prey into the bowels of the ship. Until his eyes fell on one who dared to remain kneeling in the deserted hall.

'Vaako,' his mind supplied, 'Dame Vaako's bitch.' He prowled down the steps and around the prostrated man, his footfalls echoing in the empty hall. He stopped besides the Necro warriors commander and placed his boot on the back of his neck.

"You must have a death wish," he said to the bowed head before him.

"No, Lord Marshal, I simply thought to be of immediate service to you. I was the former Lord Marshal's first in command, and it falls to me to be yours as well. Is there a command you wish to bestow your army at this time, my Lord?" Riddick's eyes narrowed and he leaned on his knee, putting pressure on the man's neck, crushing his chest to his bended knee.

"Do you think I didn't know about your planned backstabbing? That it just happened that he fell to my knife, instead? What makes you think I'd trust you as far as I can throw you?"

Vaako swallowed and bowed his head even more, accepting the pain the stretch and pressure bought. "Of course, you're right to be concerned Lord Marshal. However, there's a difference between the late Lord Marshal, and you."

Riddick snorted and removed his foot to come stand in front of the kneeling man. "And I'm sure you're bursting to tell me."

Vaako cautiously looked up, his cool hazel eyes meeting the dark goggles that rendered Riddick essentially unreadable.

"One thing I am is useful, Lord Marshal. And I extend my knowledge and skills to you, with my personal pledge of loyalty. Something the former Lord Marshal had never willingly received from me," Vaako said lowly, holding contact with the dark surface of the goggles. Long enough to let Riddick see what he would, before his eyes flicked back to the polished black marbled flooring.

Riddick eyes narrowed behind his goggles, and his head tilted as he considered the commander before him. His eyes were drawn past the kneeling man, to the pillar the motionless figure resting against it. A sharp pain stabbed his heart, his fist clenching in response. Looking down at the commander, he made a decision. He wouldn't trust the man, but he would use his 'service.'

"Get up," he said shortly, toeing the man's booted foot. Vaako rose cautiously and stood hands behind his back, feet shoulder width apart, waiting for word on his fate.

"Have Kyra's body frozen in a stasis chamber, and put her in one of your fastest ships. I need to handle some business."

Vaako breathed a silent sigh, and nodded his head in compliance. "I shall ready my own warrior ship with the best pilots, and your personal guard contingent, to take you wherever you need Lord Marshall. I shall accompany you as well."

Riddick scowled and stepped into the Vaako's personal space, his face inches away. "I didn't say anyone but me is flying the ship. And I sure as hell didn't say you'd be coming with me," he said, his warm breath ghosting over Vaako's face.

The commander lowered his eyes, and inclined his head minutely. "Of course, Lord Marshal," he said lightly, very attached to his head upon his shoulders, "but you must see the wisdom in, if not a small contingent, at least one of your people going with you. As Lord Marshal, your safety is paramount, as the leader of the Necromongers. I can list several warriors fit to accompany you if my presence is unwelcome, my Lord."

Riddick gritted his teeth, and growled low in his throat. "You're testing my patience. Get her on a ship and hurry up...Before I get angry."

"Yes, my Lord," Vaako said as he slowly backed away. He was leery of turning his back on the dangerous man before him, but his orders were to be followed. He turned on his heel and spoke lowly into his comm. unit sending out the Lord Marshal's wishes. As he paced in the hall outside the throne room, he also arranged for a group of men to meet at his ship. All were known for their prowess, and he could only hope at least one would meet his Lords standards.

The orders were carried out quickly, a medical group carrying a stasis pod preceded him into the throne room. Riddick stood with Kyra in his arms, and gently placed her within the pod. As the top sealed, a gentle hissing sound signaled the freezing process taking place.

Vaako watched the Lord Marshal as his fingers traced the viewing window framing Kyra's still face. Riddick straightened his spine, his face turning toward him. A jolt went through his body, almost like the bolt of electricity would feel. He bowed his head in respect as the man's unseen gaze burned its presence into him.

Riddick turned and raised a hand to indicate the meds to take her to the ship, following closely behind. Vaako paced behind him, knowing the confrontation ahead of them may result in his death. But he would do his duty, and protect the Lord Marshal until he no longer could.

As they came into the space dock, Riddick tensed at the group of warriors stationed at the mouth of the ship. He studied them as they drew closer, guessing at the reason for their presence. As he approached, they dropped to one knee, bowing their heads in respect.

"And what's this?" he asked as the pod was loaded on the ship.

Vaako cleared his throat and worked at exuding subservience to the Lord Marshal as he turned to face him. "As I urged earlier, my Lord, you need someone to accompany you. If not me, surely one of these strong warriors will do, Lord Marshal."

Riddick was in his face so fast he barely had time to blink. "For someone who's supposed to follow my every command without a word, you take a lot of liberties."

Vaako licked his lips, and took a careful breath which almost caught when the intensity of Riddick's body heat seared into him. 'Do I dare speak my mind? Perhaps it is now to let him know where I stand, so he may decide what he will...'

"Yes, my Lord. Former Lord Marshal disliked being advised as well, though I simply desire to do my duty for you. I feel that you need someone to accompany you on your business, in case you're in need of assistance at any time. And as you are a man that acts on your instincts, I assumed that you would welcome, perhaps even respect that in your people, my Lord."

It was silent for a heart stopping moment, before Riddick stepped back and smirked. "It's dangerous to assume anything about me. Fine. You want to come for the ride, get on the ship. But I'm telling you here and now, don't play with me. You'll lose."

"Yes, my Lord," Vaako murmured, knowing that was a close one, watching as Riddick walked up the ramp.

"Eleck."

"Yes, Commander?" A tall well built man stepped forward, his impassive eyes belying the intelligence lurking behind the bright blue orbs.

"I expect order to be kept in the ranks as Lord Marshal handles his business. When we return I want the army at peak performance for his use."

"Yes, Commander. It will be as you say."

They nodded to each other, and he trotted up the ramp after his Lord. He silently slid into the navigator seat as Riddick checked over the controls, familiarizing himself with the ship. "You finally ready?"

"Yes, my Lord. Where do I plot the ships course, Lord Marshal?" Vaako asked as he sent confirmation to launch to the dock controls.

"To Helion. I've got some things to check up on, and a friend to bury. And Vaako?"

"Yes, my Lord?"

"If you call me Lord Marshal, or my Lord one more time, I'm going to lose it. It's Riddick." Vaako's startled glance quickly turned back to the controls before him, long elegant fingers inputting the destination.

"Yes...Riddick." Riddick shot him a feral grin, and punched the ship as soon as the bay doors where open enough. 'If this is the typical behavior I should expect, then this will be a long ride,' Vaako thought as they cut through the vastness of space. 'A very long ride.'