1020 words, this chapter

Chapter Two, Zombie

Halloween day, and Becker walked into Ops. Jess sat at the ADD, in a green witch's hat.

"You're not saving it for tonight?"

She smiled. She loved his attention. "It's just the hat. I didn't want to give the impression that I was passing on the spirit of the day. Spirit. Hee."

"Ugh, stop that," he said. She giggled. "So...what time's this thing?"

She bit her lip, then looked at him with a teasing smile. "Why? You aren't coming."

"I've changed my mind. Someone has to keep the ghouls at bay."

Jess smiled. "We'll be fine."

"I don't know. Lots of mischief can happen on Halloween. Besides, that costume you described...someone might mistake you for a treat and try to...nibble...on you."

She turned red. "Becker!"

He laughed. "So, can I come, or did I make too much fun of you?"

She pursed her lips. "Hmm...I suppose...it would be criminal for you to be alone on Halloween. Just be in a better...spirit."

"Ugh! Jessica!"

She giggled. "I don't think I can stop."

"Try."

"So...I'll see you then...tonight? I mean at the party, the thing. With other people. I mean our friends..." seeing his smirk, she stopped. "Shut up," she said, slightly embarrassed.

He stared at her, imagining the short skirt and the...cleavage. He sighed. The things he did for...someone. "Yeah..."

She smiled brilliantly. "Good. Looks like I won."

He chuckled. "I didn't know it was a battle."

She smirked. "Doesn't matter. I won."

He laughed. "Fine."

She giggled.

They stared at each other, not moving.

Finally Becker said, "I guess I should get to work."

"Yeah, me too. Don't want Lester screaming ghoulishly at us."

He nodded and began to walk out.

"Oh, Becker. Don't forget...wear a costume." She smiled with sugary sweetness.

He sighed. "Fine." He turned back around.

She muttered, "Won again."

He heard, of course. "I'll come as a member of a security team."

"That's cheating!"

He smirked, just before leaving.

Jess hummed as the day ticked away. She couldn't wait for tonight. The best part was Becker was coming. She sighed happily.

Then the ADD went off.

"No!"

The team burst in. "What have we got?" asked Matt.

Jess shook her head. "A ruined Halloween, that's what."

Becker laughed. "I think he meant the anomaly, Jess."

"Yes, I know," she snapped. She sighed. "Guess where it is. The fishing community. Of course."

Connor groaned. "Again?"

Jess nodded. "It's the strongest readings ever, Connor. They're not fading."

"And it triggered the alarm this time," said Matt.

"So...do we move?" asked Becker.

Matt shook his head. "I don't know. Jess?"

"Readings still going strong," she said. "Hold on. We're getting a message. It's from one of the villages in the area."

They waited while she made contact.

"Well?" asked Matt. "Creatures?"

"Sort of. They've been having some fish problems recently."

"Fish? I think we're overqualified," said Becker.

Jess shook her head. "No. There's a major problem developing, and it's a mystery. They've had strange fish caught but some of their local fish are exhibiting strange behavior and worse...people are getting sick."

"I think Becker is correct," said Emily. "It does not sound like a problem for us."

"Except," said Jess, "there have been rumors over the past several months of strange yellow lights."

Connor whistled.

"The anomaly readings are still strong," said Jess.

"The ADD has been acting weird too," said Connor, "over the same time period."

Matt sighed. "We go."

Jess groaned. "Like I said, Halloween is ruined."

"Not necessarily," said Matt.

"Of course it is! It's too far away! You'll never get back in time!"

Matt chuckled. "No, but neither will you. We can celebrate on location, anomaly allowing, that is."

"Excuse me?" she asked.

"You're coming with us," said Matt.

She groaned.

"Sorry," Matt continued, "but the readings are too crazy, plus communication over so large an area? We need our coordinator on site."

Becker laughed. "Happy Halloween, Jess."

"Shut up."

They drove down in two ARC vehicles. Matt drove in one with Emily, Abby, and Connor. Becker drove the other, Jess in the passenger seat. The others politely refused to accompany them, each wearing an annoying smirk.

"You two OK?" asked Connor over comms.

"Of course," said Jess. "Why wouldn't we be?"

"Well, you are alone..."

Becker rolled his eyes. Jess turned pink.

"Stop it Conn," they heard Abby say.

"I'm just concerned. One of them might take advantage of the situation," Connor replied. "Not sure which, though."

"Connor, I'm serious," Abby warned. "Knock it off. Now."

Becker chuckled.

Jess was still pink. "You're being silly Connor."

"I don't know. These trucks come with fully reclining seats..."

Jess gasped. Becker turned red.

Then they heard a smack, followed by Connor crying in pain, and Abby snapping, "I warned you. Serves you right." Then Matt laughed.

Jess snuck a peak at Becker. He was laughing too. He caught her eye and smiled.

She took a deep relieved breath and smiled back.

"I love the sound of Connor in pain," Becker commented.

Jess giggled.

"You seem less grouchy," he said.

She sighed. "I've dealt with the disappointment. Besides, Matt's right. We'll just do Halloween down there."

"Yay," he said flatly.

"If they celebrate. It's a pretty remote place. Although the tourist industry has taken over. They still live off fishing, but it's more recreational. They've become known in the area for their fresh catch."

"Which is a definite problem if the fish are...fishy."

Jess made a face. "That was awful."

"Just getting you back for all the bad Halloween puns."

"I guess I deserve it."

"Cheer up."

Jess nodded. "OK." She sighed. "Did I mention that with the tourist trade has come a new and improved shopping district to the village?"

He laughed. "No, you didn't. Just think of that."

"Oh, I am. I promise." She looked at him and smiled.

End of Chapter Two