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jaye_voyTitle: Only the Strong, 46/47
Author: Jaye (Copyright February 2015)
Codes: (Vaako/Dame Vaako), Riddick/Vaako NC-17
Disclaimer: The Chronicles of Riddick and all related characters and concepts are the property of David Twohy et al. No infringement is intended or profit made. This is NC-17 for adult themes, violence, sex, and language. If you aren't interested (or aren't old enough), don't read it.
Archive: No.
Feedback: Yes, please, positive or negative, especially suggestions for improvement. E-mail is reader8901@fastmail.fm
Summary: Riddick discovers his troubles have just begun.
Notes:
*Set immediately after the end of the movie.
*I've only seen the Director's Cut of TCOR, so some things may not jibe with the theatrical version or novel.
*Written February 2006 - February 2015.
Previous chapters: HERE
***************
CHAPTER 46
“Lay it on ‘em, V.”
Vaako nodded to Riddick and stepped forward on the dais where Riddick was sprawled on the Lord Marshal’s throne. Took a moment to observe the crowd that filled the Necropolis.
The people packing the space represented all occupations in the armada: Cooks, Cleaners, Manufacturers; Warriors, Pilots, Administrators; Techs, Medics, Historians; Consorts, Sirs, and Dames. The Furyans had created new roles: Builders, Crafters, Gardeners, and Animal Keepers.
In the months to come, Child Tenders and Teachers might need to be added, with the Necromongers continuing to revert to normal humans and the Furyans’ fertility no longer controlled by their planet’s whims.
The groups were still feeling each other out. Things became more...interesting...when the Rage reappeared a day after the Furyans came aboard.
Fortunately the desperate need to return to Furya did not resurrect as well. More personally, the dark dreams that plagued Vaako all his life had finally, *finally* ceased.
But overall, the Necromongers and Furyans had discovered many parallels in their outlooks. Both societies ran on similar structures. Very function-based and hierarchical.
And they both kept what they killed.
The Council---with new Furyan members, including Shirah---crafted a more formal procedure for challenges to ensure that the fights were fair.
The fact that Riddick and Vaako literally had to pound understanding into a few folks kept them in top form as they traveled to rejoin the ships from the Helion mission.
Now the armada was complete once more. Vaako nodded to a newly-returned Campbell, Troan, and Jarrah. To Shirah, Gihrest, and Osull. To Celeste, Kirin, and Aereon. Friends and allies.
Then his gaze turned to where a freshly-promoted Commander Durz and his squad stood guard over the leaders of the plot to overthrow Riddick. Josslen had been stripped of his armor, Reese of his Purifier’s robes. Both were dressed simply in boots, tunics, and trousers. They matched as well in their expressions of disgust as they looked at Riddick and himself.
“People of the armada,” Vaako addressed the crowd here and watching via viewscreens on other ships, “You have lived under the rule of Lord Marshal Riddick. Some of you for a few days, others for months.”
It had made for an interesting division of labor. Riddick decided to school the Furyans in life aboard the fleet---fortunately aided by Celeste and Troan.
Vaako suspected that in part, Riddick was cementing his unofficial “Alpha Prime” status. Shirah’s relinquishing of the role had been both absolute and gracious---perhaps because she’d already planned to step aside when Vaako landed on Furya.
Jarrah, Durz, and Campbell took charge of keeping the shiploads of dissenters secure and rooting out any lingering sabotage.
Shirah and Gihrest joined Kirin and him in the massive task of preparing to start anew on a planet none of them had actually seen.
Aereon had been far too busy exploring the Codex of Conquered Worlds to be of much use in the transition. But at least she’d turned her pestering from Vaako to Osull. And her curiosity from UnderVerse to Furya.
At least for now.
“And you have contemplated the choices Riddick first laid out for you before the Gates. To join him on a new planet, or to leave to continue your attempt to eliminate life in this ‘verse.” For a moment Vaako remembered the faces of those who took the third option, the ones who’d chosen death at their due time on the threshold of UnderVerse.
Vaako focused on Josslen and Reese. “The Lord Marshal keeps his word.”
“What?” Reese startled---perhaps in an unwise attempt to barge forward. Durz’s quick and heavy hand on a shoulder stopped the Purifier short.
Josslen’s gaze turned speculative. “You’re going to let us go?”
Vaako waited as Riddick nodded and the crowd’s murmurs crested and ebbed. When quiet reigned once more, he took a breath to continue. “We all began as something else. We are not what we once were. We are no longer slaves to a planet that both gifted and punished its children. We are no longer Furyan.”
Kirin had quickly managed to integrate the newcomers into her virtual-reality program. Conversations both inside and outside that venue had reshaped the people who would now start a new life. “We are no longer slaves to the pursuit of UnderVerse and the death and purification it demanded. We are no longer Necromongers.”
What they would become was not yet decided. But these two men and their compatriots would never know, for they had their own fate.
Vaako took a few steps down the stairs to more fully address Josslen and Reese. “You and your people---anyone who wants to keep to the old ways---will be placed in cryosleep aboard a number of frigates until those ships establish orbit around the first planet of your new quest.”
He leaned back enough to glance at Riddick. “A very special planet that played its role in forging Riddick’s path.”
And Kyra’s death. The planet where Riddick and Kyra/Jack had first met---the planet of fiendish creatures who thrived on the night.
Vaako fell silent as Riddick stood and sauntered over, brushing shoulders on the way.
“Lemme tell ya---keep a light on if you wanna live.” Riddick looked from one conspirator to the other. “Yer ships’ve been wired not to go anywhere else ‘til there’s no life on that rock. So you’re gonna be out of action for a while.”
He shrugged. “But if ya can clear *that* hellhole of the flyin’, walkin’ death dealers, then ya deserve the name of Necromonger. And I don’t give a fuck if ya wanna call yourself Lord Marshal or Head Trashman while ya do it.”
Vaako stepped aside while Riddick waved an all-clear and went to chat with Durz and the other guards.
There had been a distinct lack of personal conversation between Riddick and him since the return from Furya. Part of the reason was logistical---Vaako had been exhausted enough to go back to his own quarters for some peace and quiet.
And Riddick had been...surprisingly accepting. No pushing, no shoving, no dragging, no jumping. Just work-related meetings and the occasional “teaching moment” with individuals who didn’t like the new rules of the regime.
It could be a pause before their relationship resumed---or a prelude to a gentle parting of the ways. Vaako wasn’t sure what Riddick was thinking---Vaako readily admitted that he was rather clueless when it came to personal interactions.
But he was sure he’d meant what he said to Riddick on Furya: There would be no bond between them.
The next move was Riddick’s.
As Josslen and Reese were led away, Vaako pivoted to meet Riddick’s approach.
And blinked at the hand clamped firmly on his bicep. Vaako looked up at Riddick and raised an eyebrow.
Riddick let go, tilted his head toward the exit. “Convo time.”
Vaako nodded and fell into step beside him.
***************
Celeste found her eyes following Commander Durz as he herded the prisoners out of the Necropolis. He was, she freely admitted, a fine figure of a man.
And making quite the impression. His dedication to her safety had never been in doubt---and he had quickly realized the value of her contingency plans involving Josslen.
In fact, he’d been a strong ally in persuading the other members of his squad to undergo purification and insinuate themselves into Josslen’s conspiracy.
And despite that purification, Durz---Allen---had exhibited a sharp wit and a hint of roguish charm upon his return from Furya. He joined in the speculation and intrigue that transfer to a planet entailed, eager to puzzle out possibilities and plan for them.
So different from the Furyans who had come aboard. All straightforward and uncomplicated---she could well see where Vaako’s naivete had sprung from.
Durz seemed to be one to look beyond the surface and see the undercurrents. His blue eyes had twinkled at her as he gallantly bowed over her hand, appreciative rather than overwhelmed. He’d received her thanks with a drawled, “Always a pleasure to be of service to you, Councilor.”
She was definitely contemplating the possibilities. Councilor Demond and Commander Durz had a nice ring to it.
But such thoughts were for another day. Her eyes focused on two other exemplary specimens of masculinity as Riddick and Vaako passed by on their way to the exit.
She stepped into their path to sweep a grand curtsy. "Masterfully done, gentlemen."
Riddick's grunt and finger-twitch suggested that he wanted to be on his way. And from his glance at Vaako, preferably with his First in tow.
Vaako, of course, stopped to acknowledge Council members old and new. After he'd nodded to his friends, he focused on her with a slight smile. "I'm glad you approve. It's good to have the matter settled."
He shifted slightly to include Kirin. "And to have so much information on what people want and need from their new lives. It has been extremely useful in making preparations. I wanted to mention again how much I appreciate all the work Sara and you did while---"
"While you were gallivanting about?" Kirin smiled and rested a hand on Vaako's shoulder in a rare gesture of affection. "No need for further thanks, Vaako. Of course we took things in hand. It was either keep the armada safe for your return or take over ourselves---I certainly wasn't going to go back to wasting time in the purification chamber every month."
"A regime led by Celeste and you? That would have been something to see." Aereon's far-off gaze indicated that she was indulging in some speculation---and possibly calculations.
Riddick's grunt and the tap of his fingers on one of his knife hilts suggested that his patience had been tested enough for the moment.
Celeste hid a grin---she could certainly understand his desire to get to his more personal plans for the evening. "Until tomorrow, then."
Vaako blinked at the abrupt end to the conversation, but understanding cleared his expression as he noticed Celeste's head-tilt toward Riddick's obvious readiness to bolt.
Both Necromongers and Furyans scattered before the two men as they resumed their departure from the Necropolis.
Celeste suspected it was the Lord Marshal's scowl that inspired the sudden wish to be anywhere but in Riddick's way. She didn't think he'd take too kindly to any additional obstacles.
With a snap of fingers at a sudden recollection, Celeste tapped Kirin’s shoulder. “You missed your chance to let Vaako know about his new title.”
“New title?” Shirah questioned with a furrowed brow. “He already gave up the honorific of Ako Uhl---though it may take a while for people to drop the habit.”
Aereon leaned in. “Have decisions already been made about the new community structure?”
Celeste was tempted to point out to the Elemental that *some* people were too busy wallowing in esoteric studies to do their part in designing the “new community structure”, but didn’t get the opportunity.
Kirin waved a hand as if fending off the questions. “Some flunkies wanted to put their stamp on the new world order, so they suggested that Vaako be given a more formal role---Vice Marshal or Heir Apparent or some such nonsense. It’s already over and done with.”
“How so?” Troan asked as Campbell, Jarrah, and he moved closer into the circle of conversation.
“In a way, the Lord Marshal took care of it.” Kirin snickered. “Someone in the virtual reality mentioned the idea, and the Riddick avatar was not pleased. It stated firmly that Vaako was his First and only, and no one had better mess with that arrangement. Then it slit the characters’ throats.”
“Certainly an efficient way of getting the message across,” Jarrah noted.
“If I may say so, I’d prefer things stay as they are.” Campbell nodded to himself. “I’ve always thought it’s a good thing to have someone so Tech-aware at the head of the military---no offense, sirs.”
Celeste joined in the laughter as Campbell blushed and Troan and Jarrah shook their heads. The Second Tech had certainly grown from the timid creature she’d seen for years scurrying in Vaako’s shadow.
She glanced at the door Riddick and Vaako disappeared through. “Well, I’m sure things won’t change tonight. At least, not out *here*.”
Aereon’s lips pursed. “Privately, however... Riddick certainly seemed determined to get Vaako alone.”
“Are they having problems? I thought they were...” Osull floundered to a stop. The poor boy looked around as if asking someone to fill in the blank.
“*I* think that it’s none of our business,” Gihrest said firmly as she crossed her arms.
Celeste shrugged and slanted a glance at Aereon. “Let’s just say the odds are very good that they are in for an ‘interesting conversation’.”
“That will come after sober contemplation,” Aereon said with disarming innocence.
“And serious cogitation,” Kirin offered with a grin.
“Along with lengthy negotiation,” Shirah put in as she picked up on the game.
“You have to figure that it’s been a week---Riddick must be dealing with some considerable frustration.” Troan’s smirk was positively wolfish.
Jarrah slid an arm around his lover’s waist. “And the end of *that* will be cause for jubilation.”
Some message must have passed between them, because the two men sauntered off without even a good-bye.
Gihrest plucked the sleeve of a goggle-eyed Osull. “I think it’s time you called it a day, young man.”
Campbell fell in with the Furyan pair as they murmured their farewells and departed.
Celeste regarded the trio still conversing. All such different women. All friends she had never dreamed of having. All holding a part in shaping the new world they would make their home---and guiding the disparate souls who would dwell there. “Ladies, I’m in the mood for a celebration. Who’d like to share a toast to the future? And perhaps some brainstorming on what our fierce and formidable people will be called.”
As she gestured for Shirah, Kirin, and Aereon to precede her from the Necropolis, Celeste turned back to spare a glance up at a particular balcony. At the spot where she had sent Vaako after Zhylaw in a failed coup, a lifetime ago.
Where she had, in a way, initiated the entire wave of change that swept through the armada after Zhylaw’s fall from power and Riddick’s rise to the title of Lord Marshal.
With a smile and swing of skirt Celeste turned toward her future without a single regret.
NEXT
Author: Jaye (Copyright February 2015)
Codes: (Vaako/Dame Vaako), Riddick/Vaako NC-17
Disclaimer: The Chronicles of Riddick and all related characters and concepts are the property of David Twohy et al. No infringement is intended or profit made. This is NC-17 for adult themes, violence, sex, and language. If you aren't interested (or aren't old enough), don't read it.
Archive: No.
Feedback: Yes, please, positive or negative, especially suggestions for improvement. E-mail is reader8901@fastmail.fm
Summary: Riddick discovers his troubles have just begun.
Notes:
*Set immediately after the end of the movie.
*I've only seen the Director's Cut of TCOR, so some things may not jibe with the theatrical version or novel.
*Written February 2006 - February 2015.
Previous chapters: HERE
***************
CHAPTER 46
“Lay it on ‘em, V.”
Vaako nodded to Riddick and stepped forward on the dais where Riddick was sprawled on the Lord Marshal’s throne. Took a moment to observe the crowd that filled the Necropolis.
The people packing the space represented all occupations in the armada: Cooks, Cleaners, Manufacturers; Warriors, Pilots, Administrators; Techs, Medics, Historians; Consorts, Sirs, and Dames. The Furyans had created new roles: Builders, Crafters, Gardeners, and Animal Keepers.
In the months to come, Child Tenders and Teachers might need to be added, with the Necromongers continuing to revert to normal humans and the Furyans’ fertility no longer controlled by their planet’s whims.
The groups were still feeling each other out. Things became more...interesting...when the Rage reappeared a day after the Furyans came aboard.
Fortunately the desperate need to return to Furya did not resurrect as well. More personally, the dark dreams that plagued Vaako all his life had finally, *finally* ceased.
But overall, the Necromongers and Furyans had discovered many parallels in their outlooks. Both societies ran on similar structures. Very function-based and hierarchical.
And they both kept what they killed.
The Council---with new Furyan members, including Shirah---crafted a more formal procedure for challenges to ensure that the fights were fair.
The fact that Riddick and Vaako literally had to pound understanding into a few folks kept them in top form as they traveled to rejoin the ships from the Helion mission.
Now the armada was complete once more. Vaako nodded to a newly-returned Campbell, Troan, and Jarrah. To Shirah, Gihrest, and Osull. To Celeste, Kirin, and Aereon. Friends and allies.
Then his gaze turned to where a freshly-promoted Commander Durz and his squad stood guard over the leaders of the plot to overthrow Riddick. Josslen had been stripped of his armor, Reese of his Purifier’s robes. Both were dressed simply in boots, tunics, and trousers. They matched as well in their expressions of disgust as they looked at Riddick and himself.
“People of the armada,” Vaako addressed the crowd here and watching via viewscreens on other ships, “You have lived under the rule of Lord Marshal Riddick. Some of you for a few days, others for months.”
It had made for an interesting division of labor. Riddick decided to school the Furyans in life aboard the fleet---fortunately aided by Celeste and Troan.
Vaako suspected that in part, Riddick was cementing his unofficial “Alpha Prime” status. Shirah’s relinquishing of the role had been both absolute and gracious---perhaps because she’d already planned to step aside when Vaako landed on Furya.
Jarrah, Durz, and Campbell took charge of keeping the shiploads of dissenters secure and rooting out any lingering sabotage.
Shirah and Gihrest joined Kirin and him in the massive task of preparing to start anew on a planet none of them had actually seen.
Aereon had been far too busy exploring the Codex of Conquered Worlds to be of much use in the transition. But at least she’d turned her pestering from Vaako to Osull. And her curiosity from UnderVerse to Furya.
At least for now.
“And you have contemplated the choices Riddick first laid out for you before the Gates. To join him on a new planet, or to leave to continue your attempt to eliminate life in this ‘verse.” For a moment Vaako remembered the faces of those who took the third option, the ones who’d chosen death at their due time on the threshold of UnderVerse.
Vaako focused on Josslen and Reese. “The Lord Marshal keeps his word.”
“What?” Reese startled---perhaps in an unwise attempt to barge forward. Durz’s quick and heavy hand on a shoulder stopped the Purifier short.
Josslen’s gaze turned speculative. “You’re going to let us go?”
Vaako waited as Riddick nodded and the crowd’s murmurs crested and ebbed. When quiet reigned once more, he took a breath to continue. “We all began as something else. We are not what we once were. We are no longer slaves to a planet that both gifted and punished its children. We are no longer Furyan.”
Kirin had quickly managed to integrate the newcomers into her virtual-reality program. Conversations both inside and outside that venue had reshaped the people who would now start a new life. “We are no longer slaves to the pursuit of UnderVerse and the death and purification it demanded. We are no longer Necromongers.”
What they would become was not yet decided. But these two men and their compatriots would never know, for they had their own fate.
Vaako took a few steps down the stairs to more fully address Josslen and Reese. “You and your people---anyone who wants to keep to the old ways---will be placed in cryosleep aboard a number of frigates until those ships establish orbit around the first planet of your new quest.”
He leaned back enough to glance at Riddick. “A very special planet that played its role in forging Riddick’s path.”
And Kyra’s death. The planet where Riddick and Kyra/Jack had first met---the planet of fiendish creatures who thrived on the night.
Vaako fell silent as Riddick stood and sauntered over, brushing shoulders on the way.
“Lemme tell ya---keep a light on if you wanna live.” Riddick looked from one conspirator to the other. “Yer ships’ve been wired not to go anywhere else ‘til there’s no life on that rock. So you’re gonna be out of action for a while.”
He shrugged. “But if ya can clear *that* hellhole of the flyin’, walkin’ death dealers, then ya deserve the name of Necromonger. And I don’t give a fuck if ya wanna call yourself Lord Marshal or Head Trashman while ya do it.”
Vaako stepped aside while Riddick waved an all-clear and went to chat with Durz and the other guards.
There had been a distinct lack of personal conversation between Riddick and him since the return from Furya. Part of the reason was logistical---Vaako had been exhausted enough to go back to his own quarters for some peace and quiet.
And Riddick had been...surprisingly accepting. No pushing, no shoving, no dragging, no jumping. Just work-related meetings and the occasional “teaching moment” with individuals who didn’t like the new rules of the regime.
It could be a pause before their relationship resumed---or a prelude to a gentle parting of the ways. Vaako wasn’t sure what Riddick was thinking---Vaako readily admitted that he was rather clueless when it came to personal interactions.
But he was sure he’d meant what he said to Riddick on Furya: There would be no bond between them.
The next move was Riddick’s.
As Josslen and Reese were led away, Vaako pivoted to meet Riddick’s approach.
And blinked at the hand clamped firmly on his bicep. Vaako looked up at Riddick and raised an eyebrow.
Riddick let go, tilted his head toward the exit. “Convo time.”
Vaako nodded and fell into step beside him.
***************
Celeste found her eyes following Commander Durz as he herded the prisoners out of the Necropolis. He was, she freely admitted, a fine figure of a man.
And making quite the impression. His dedication to her safety had never been in doubt---and he had quickly realized the value of her contingency plans involving Josslen.
In fact, he’d been a strong ally in persuading the other members of his squad to undergo purification and insinuate themselves into Josslen’s conspiracy.
And despite that purification, Durz---Allen---had exhibited a sharp wit and a hint of roguish charm upon his return from Furya. He joined in the speculation and intrigue that transfer to a planet entailed, eager to puzzle out possibilities and plan for them.
So different from the Furyans who had come aboard. All straightforward and uncomplicated---she could well see where Vaako’s naivete had sprung from.
Durz seemed to be one to look beyond the surface and see the undercurrents. His blue eyes had twinkled at her as he gallantly bowed over her hand, appreciative rather than overwhelmed. He’d received her thanks with a drawled, “Always a pleasure to be of service to you, Councilor.”
She was definitely contemplating the possibilities. Councilor Demond and Commander Durz had a nice ring to it.
But such thoughts were for another day. Her eyes focused on two other exemplary specimens of masculinity as Riddick and Vaako passed by on their way to the exit.
She stepped into their path to sweep a grand curtsy. "Masterfully done, gentlemen."
Riddick's grunt and finger-twitch suggested that he wanted to be on his way. And from his glance at Vaako, preferably with his First in tow.
Vaako, of course, stopped to acknowledge Council members old and new. After he'd nodded to his friends, he focused on her with a slight smile. "I'm glad you approve. It's good to have the matter settled."
He shifted slightly to include Kirin. "And to have so much information on what people want and need from their new lives. It has been extremely useful in making preparations. I wanted to mention again how much I appreciate all the work Sara and you did while---"
"While you were gallivanting about?" Kirin smiled and rested a hand on Vaako's shoulder in a rare gesture of affection. "No need for further thanks, Vaako. Of course we took things in hand. It was either keep the armada safe for your return or take over ourselves---I certainly wasn't going to go back to wasting time in the purification chamber every month."
"A regime led by Celeste and you? That would have been something to see." Aereon's far-off gaze indicated that she was indulging in some speculation---and possibly calculations.
Riddick's grunt and the tap of his fingers on one of his knife hilts suggested that his patience had been tested enough for the moment.
Celeste hid a grin---she could certainly understand his desire to get to his more personal plans for the evening. "Until tomorrow, then."
Vaako blinked at the abrupt end to the conversation, but understanding cleared his expression as he noticed Celeste's head-tilt toward Riddick's obvious readiness to bolt.
Both Necromongers and Furyans scattered before the two men as they resumed their departure from the Necropolis.
Celeste suspected it was the Lord Marshal's scowl that inspired the sudden wish to be anywhere but in Riddick's way. She didn't think he'd take too kindly to any additional obstacles.
With a snap of fingers at a sudden recollection, Celeste tapped Kirin’s shoulder. “You missed your chance to let Vaako know about his new title.”
“New title?” Shirah questioned with a furrowed brow. “He already gave up the honorific of Ako Uhl---though it may take a while for people to drop the habit.”
Aereon leaned in. “Have decisions already been made about the new community structure?”
Celeste was tempted to point out to the Elemental that *some* people were too busy wallowing in esoteric studies to do their part in designing the “new community structure”, but didn’t get the opportunity.
Kirin waved a hand as if fending off the questions. “Some flunkies wanted to put their stamp on the new world order, so they suggested that Vaako be given a more formal role---Vice Marshal or Heir Apparent or some such nonsense. It’s already over and done with.”
“How so?” Troan asked as Campbell, Jarrah, and he moved closer into the circle of conversation.
“In a way, the Lord Marshal took care of it.” Kirin snickered. “Someone in the virtual reality mentioned the idea, and the Riddick avatar was not pleased. It stated firmly that Vaako was his First and only, and no one had better mess with that arrangement. Then it slit the characters’ throats.”
“Certainly an efficient way of getting the message across,” Jarrah noted.
“If I may say so, I’d prefer things stay as they are.” Campbell nodded to himself. “I’ve always thought it’s a good thing to have someone so Tech-aware at the head of the military---no offense, sirs.”
Celeste joined in the laughter as Campbell blushed and Troan and Jarrah shook their heads. The Second Tech had certainly grown from the timid creature she’d seen for years scurrying in Vaako’s shadow.
She glanced at the door Riddick and Vaako disappeared through. “Well, I’m sure things won’t change tonight. At least, not out *here*.”
Aereon’s lips pursed. “Privately, however... Riddick certainly seemed determined to get Vaako alone.”
“Are they having problems? I thought they were...” Osull floundered to a stop. The poor boy looked around as if asking someone to fill in the blank.
“*I* think that it’s none of our business,” Gihrest said firmly as she crossed her arms.
Celeste shrugged and slanted a glance at Aereon. “Let’s just say the odds are very good that they are in for an ‘interesting conversation’.”
“That will come after sober contemplation,” Aereon said with disarming innocence.
“And serious cogitation,” Kirin offered with a grin.
“Along with lengthy negotiation,” Shirah put in as she picked up on the game.
“You have to figure that it’s been a week---Riddick must be dealing with some considerable frustration.” Troan’s smirk was positively wolfish.
Jarrah slid an arm around his lover’s waist. “And the end of *that* will be cause for jubilation.”
Some message must have passed between them, because the two men sauntered off without even a good-bye.
Gihrest plucked the sleeve of a goggle-eyed Osull. “I think it’s time you called it a day, young man.”
Campbell fell in with the Furyan pair as they murmured their farewells and departed.
Celeste regarded the trio still conversing. All such different women. All friends she had never dreamed of having. All holding a part in shaping the new world they would make their home---and guiding the disparate souls who would dwell there. “Ladies, I’m in the mood for a celebration. Who’d like to share a toast to the future? And perhaps some brainstorming on what our fierce and formidable people will be called.”
As she gestured for Shirah, Kirin, and Aereon to precede her from the Necropolis, Celeste turned back to spare a glance up at a particular balcony. At the spot where she had sent Vaako after Zhylaw in a failed coup, a lifetime ago.
Where she had, in a way, initiated the entire wave of change that swept through the armada after Zhylaw’s fall from power and Riddick’s rise to the title of Lord Marshal.
With a smile and swing of skirt Celeste turned toward her future without a single regret.
NEXT
(no subject)
Date: 2015-04-01 12:23 am (UTC)