Inquisition
Rating: PG
Spoilers: Series 5
Description: Centers around a team of committee members sent to investigate the ARC. Becker's very upset when one them falls for his brother, Lionel.
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters or Primeval, but Lionel, Ashley and this version of the Becker parents are mine.
Author's Note: Sequel to Meeting the Beckers. Set after Series 5, dealing with the aftermath. Becker and Jess are a couple and feature prominently in this story. This is a behemoth: huge, at over 6000 words and not yet complete!
Inquisition, Chapter One, (1153 words)
Lionel Becker stood off from the rest of the party. His mum played hostess, offering food and wine, and introducing people. His father told of his military exploits. His brothers chatted and flirted with their girlfriends.
"Not having fun, Li?" asked Ashley, his younger brother.
"I'm fine," he said.
"You're standing here all alone, not flirting with pretty girls. You're acting like Hil."
"I heard that," said Becker.
"He meant like you used to be, dear, not since you've met Jess."
"Mum!" cried Becker.
Beside him, a young, pretty brunette giggled. She was small and thin, but dressed brighter than anyone in the room. She wore a dazzling tangerine dress, longer than usual for her, hitting just above the knees. She had paired the dress with gold open-toe high heels and a simple gold headband.
Everyone agreed that she was simply stunning, although the men tended to whisper or let their wives do the complimenting. Her boyfriend was, after all, formidable.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart," continued Mrs. Becker, "but you've always been a bit of a clam."
"Maybe I should leave," said Becker, "that way you can say really harsh things."
"Don't be so melodramatic, Captain," said his father, "and you'll do nothing of the kind."
"Don't worry, General. I'll make him stay and behave."
"Thank you, Jess."
"Don't mention it, sir," she said, smiling brightly.
"You're such a kiss up," said Becker.
"I thought you loved that about me," she said, teasingly.
"I do," he said, smirking, and pulling her close. He kissed her cheek, ending up nibbling on her ear.
"Ew," said Lionel, "that's why I was standing in the corner."
"Sulking you mean," said Ashley. "Admit it, you're bummed 'cause even Hil has a girl."
"What do you mean, "even Hil?' asked Becker.
Jess giggled.
"I've had lots of girls."
"You have?" Jess asked.
"Not that many. Not really," he said, trying to downplay his past. Becker knew Jess could be formidable as well.
"Face it, Becker," said Matt, "you're not exactly a people person."
"Yeah, you'd rather shoot first," said Connor.
"Runs in the family," said the General proudly.
"It does not. Stop telling people that," said Mrs. Becker.
The team laughed.
"Thank you again, General, Mrs. Becker for inviting us to your little soiree this evening."
"Our pleasure, Mr. Lester. We're delighted to meet Hilary's employer and co-workers."
"Excuse me, Mrs. Becker. Did you call him, Hilary?" asked Abby, as Connor and Matt tried to stifle laughs.
"It's a family name," said his father.
"It's...lovely," said Abby, smirking.
"Thanks a lot mum," said Becker.
"Sorry, dear. I forgot."
"I think it is a lovely name," said Emily, "and not feminine in the least."
"Thank you, Emily," said Becker.
Matt and Connor broke down in hysterics.
"I find you extremely manly," whispered Jess.
Becker looked at her and smirked. He said, "that's all that matters," and pulled her into a breathtaking kiss.
Lionel shook his head at the make out session, and eyed Ashley with his stunning girlfriend, Marilyn. "How did this happen?" he asked.
"What?" asked Ashley.
"That I'm the Becker with no girlfriend. You're brash and silly, Hil's the opposite, so I'm the one who should be happily settled."
"You know, Li, you're right," said Ashley. "Don't ya think Hil?"
Becker finally released Jess. "What?" he asked, breathless, as Jess happily set her head against his chest.
"I'm going back to the corner," mumbled Lionel.
"No you aren't," said his father. "There are people I want you to meet. While I agree with my lovely wife that it is a pleasure to meet Hil's associates, the purpose of this party is to meet and mingle with important, influential people."
"As any proper party should," said Lester.
"Come, James," said the General, "let's show them how to hobnob."
"Pay attention you lot," said Lester to the ARC members. "I can't be expected to be the ARC's champion forever, you know."
"He's the ARC's champion?" whispered Connor after Lester and General Becker left.
"Apparently," said Matt.
"Are you paying attention, Hil?" asked Ashley.
"Definitely," said Becker, playing with Jess' hair.
"I meant to Dad."
"Mm-hm."
"Hil's gone," said Ashley to Lionel.
"I can see that," said the middle child. "Who is Dad talking to anyway?"
"Don't know."
"She's gorgeous," said Lionel.
"She's taken," said Becker.
"Not Jess," said Lionel.
"You don't think I'm gorgeous, Lionel?" asked Jess.
"I reserve the right not to answer because I'm afraid of my big brother," said Lionel.
Jess smiled, but Becker had not heard, he was too intent on kissing Jess' neck.
"Go say hello," said Marilyn.
She was an older lady, refined and classic. She had auburn hair that was just beginning to turn silver, and a warm, kind personality. She was about as opposite to Ashley as possible, and yet, they made a happy couple.
"I think I will," said Lionel, "but mostly to get away from Hil. He's embarrassing me."
Jess giggled. "I'm enjoying it," she said.
Becker looked up long enough to laugh. "I'm trying to get us thrown out of the party," he said.
"So that's your scheme," said Jess.
"Hmm, I can't help it. You're just too enticing."
Suddenly his mother broke between the two of them. "Here dears, have some cold drinks and cool down. You, especially, Hilary."
She thrust the cups at the pair, and left. Jess and Becker broke into laughter.
"I don't think I can handle a love-sick Becker," said Matt.
"I know, it's gross," said Connor.
"On the contrary, it is quite heart-warming," said Emily.
Abby simply smiled. "That woman looks familiar," she said, "the one Lionel and your father are talking to, Becker. Where have I seen her?"
"At the ARC," said Becker. "She's one of the new committee members."
The ARC members all groaned.
"One of the watchdogs," said Connor, "intrusive, snobbish, and up to something."
The others all nodded.
"Is she a friend of your family?" asked Matt.
Becker shook his head.
"Then she's taking her job seriously," said Matt, "and watching us overtime."
"I don't like it," said Becker. "That's why I acted distracted when my father and Lester wanted us to mingle."
"And here I thought it was my irresistible charm," said Jess.
Becker smiled. "Don't get me wrong, Jess. I wanted to keep my distance so I could watch her, but," and he smirked, "I was totally enjoying my undercover position. Totally, in fact, I think I'll bring you along on all my stakeouts."
Jess laughed.
"So you think she came tonight because Becker works for the ARC?" asked Abby.
"If not, it's a very big coincidence," said Becker.
"I agree," said Matt. "Let's keep an eye on her."
"Perhaps we should solicit Becker's brother to help. He seems quite taken with the lady," said Emily, nodding toward Lionel and the committee woman. They were giggling and flirting.
"I really don't like this," said Becker.
End of Chapter One