The Games We Play

Ally Ranger

Introduction

[New Mecca]

Jack rolled onto her back and threw her hands over her ears. Her eyes bore holes into the plaster roof above her, as she pressed harder against her head to block out the sounds around her.

It seemed, to Jack, that all anyone ever did on this planet was chant. Chants for good fortune. Chants for healing. Chants before breakfast and after. Iman never asked Jack to join in his worship, but occasionally she would, *because,* she thought, *quite frankly it beats staring at this god-damn wall and thinking of the many ways I hope Riddick is being slowly disembowelled at this very moment.*

"If only he had taken me with him", she whispered to the wall, "then if he got tired of me, he could have dumped me on a more exciting planet. Maybe a moon-base. Somewhere where chanting is forbidden." Jack smirked at this thought. "Io or Brani. Gamat 12 even. Beaches that go forever. Mmm."

She tossed and turned restlessly, thinking of all the places that she had hoped to visit, before THAT planet had put its spanner in the works. Jack sprang to her feet, her solution suddenly popping into her thoughts. "I'm no prisoner. I'm here of my own free will, so I can leave of my own free will! I have credits! Papers! I could get a berth on a transport, I__"

"Where will you go?" Iman asked from the doorway. Jack jumped back in surprise, her face flushing from the embarrassment of being caught conspiring with herself.

"I, uh__Keratan Three." Jack stuttered aloud, while in her head she cringed, giving herself an imaginary kick in the shins for just plucking a destination out of her head. Iman would never approve her "flight plan". Sighing, Iman entered the room and perched on the edge of Jack's bed.

"What would you do on this Keratan Three? Who will look after you? What__"

"Who will look after me? Me? Need I remind you that I am quite capable of looking after myself? I'm not some helpless child and I certainly seen more than any other kid my age has." In her mind Jack kicked herself again. *Kid. Now I've gone and given him ammunition.*

Iman seized the opportunity Jack had given him, "Yes Jack, you are a kid. A young teenage girl, and a place like Keratan Three is no place for you, or any young girl for that matter. You are sheltered here. Fed here. And loved here. Perhaps you would consider all the benefits you could reap from staying here. You have many years ahead of you for exploring the galaxy. Why not wait until you are in a better position to do so."

"I can't wait, Iman. I know that you have done so much for me and I am forever grateful to you. But I don't fit in here. And don't tell me that I'm not trying. I've done the chanting. I've gone to the school. But the things those kids do there, the stuff they talk about, I have no interest in it. I can't stay here any more." She sat on the bed next to him, "please don't make me stay here."

Iman sat silent, a thoughtful look on his care worn face. "I know that it has been difficult for you Jack," be began softly, "but I ask that you take a little time before making such an important decision. I know that I can't make you stay, but I would ask that you think first. Please." He stood and placed his hand on Jack's shoulder, then turning left the room without another word.

Frozen until the sounds of Iman's steps were gone, Jack moved silently, gathering her possessions into a carryall. "I've thought enough", she whispered to the room, "and lucky for me there's outbound transports every fifteen hours standard, which means the next one is in two hours."

Walking to the door, Jack looked back at the small room that had become hers after arriving on the planet. Iman had looked after her well, *certainly better than Riddick, at least Iman wants me around*. Her cheeks flushed with shame. Iman deserved a good bye, a letter at least. Stalking to her bed, Jack pulled paper and pen from the night table and scrawled a short note in an attempt to remove her guilt.

Placing it on the pillow, she sneaked silently through the shanty and out the door, not looking back only forward to the adventures that she would find on her travels, the last remnants of guilt fading to the back of her mind.

"Next stop Keratan Three!"