Becker strode purposefully across the car park leading into the Anomaly Research Centre. The Arc was basically his second home. It had a kitchen, multiple studies and a break room, quite often used when the team had been up late after a mission. quite often used when the team had been up late after a mission. It was not uncommon for a full night to be spent at the ARC, merely checking the armoury or just simple recovering from a full day's work. Today however he was running late. He wasn't great at introductions, often coming off as rude or in a bad mood. He wasn't really, just serious. He'd lost too many people. First Steven, though that wasn't really a tragedy to Becker, after all he had been Steven's replacement… but then there went Cutter, greatest leader imaginable, after his death Jenny quit, then Abby, Conner and Danny got themselves lost inside an anomaly, presumably dead. It was done to Becker and Sarah for a bit everyone else a stranger at the ARC. Finally after Sarah's death Lester, Becker's boss, had found some new recruitment. Or as Becker put it, an attempt at replacing the world's greatest team, not that he should really complain, but it wasn't easy seeing all the people you cared about disappear.
He walked into the Hob to be confronted by Lester, "Ah Becker, now that you've managed to get your lazy rear-end down here introductions can finally begin."
"Sorry," Becker replied shortly keeping his gaze lifted but hardly focused. He wasn't in the mood to pretend life was happy and great. He just wanted things to return to the way they were.
"Here are two of your new co-workers, Matt Anderson and Jessica Parker," Lester waved his hand lazily, "And this is Captain Becker."
Matt stepped forward first, "Hi, nice to meet you," he said in a lilting accent.
Becker nodded, "Sure, you too." Matt reached out and shook his hand. This forced Becker to actually look at the man. He had to admit, the guy appeared well trained and seemed confident, much better than any stuttering newbie. Matt looked as though he knew his abilities, limits and way to use them to his advantage.
Still, no point making friends, he'll just be killed like the rest… Becker thought bitterly to himself.
"Don't worry, you can trust me to work one hundred percent and be a great leader."
Becker's eyebrows shot up in astonishment. Leader? This guy's only just started and already he's being appointed leader. He recovered quickly though settling into an unreadable expression that he was widely known to wear. Matt cleared his throat when Becker didn't respond, then stepped back to let Jess step forward.
Jess then stepped forward, "I'm Jess, not Jessica. Don't worry I promise not to get in your way. All I plan to do is sit at this desk and push the mass of buttons that not many people would manage to find their way around."
Becker smiled, he liked her boastful attitude. He gave her a quick look up and down, starting at her three-inch at least heels, rising, pausing momentarily at her mid-thigh skirt, only just a millimetre longer than inappropriate, then travelling up, noting her tiny waist, until he reached her face.
Jeez! Jess was pretty hot… and small.
If I was to… CRAP! Just met her and already thinking things I shouldn't!
Becker was glad of his ability to keep a facial expression consistent. Suddenly he realised he hadn't yet said a word.
"Oh, sorry, umm… nice to meet you also," Becker said the corners of his mouth rising just enough for his expression to seem a bit softer.
"Alright, alright! That's enough. How long does it take to say hello?" Lester cut in impatiently. He paused for a minute, "Well? What are you all standing about for? Get to work!"
