Disclaimer: Primeval and all its characters belong to someone else.

Summary: - Please be kind! I have only ever written a tiny bit of Becker and Jess (Vancouver Calling), but this time, my story contains both couples- Becker/ Jess and Connor/ Abby. This is because it's a gorgeous day- the sun's shining, people look happy and young couples should be spending time together, enjoying both the weather and each other! Set after S5 ep 6

Not sure if there are actually gun conventions in the UK, but they definitely have them in the US, so have used some 'poetic licence' here for my story!

Please review if you think it's OK!

Double Dating

Chapter Two- Tanks and Boys Toys

"Wow! Just look at this place!" Becker enthused when they arrived at the halls where the munitions exhibition was being held in one huge part of the building. Across the tarmac there was another building where the Star Wars convention was being held, and Becker and Abby could see a mass of people converging on that venue in various costumes- from Storm Troopers to Han Solos! They looked at each other and shook their heads- each to their own! Abby was sure Connor would be in his element over there and half wished she'd gone with him, just for the pleasure of watching his boyish excitement and toothy grin- both had been lacking lately and she had missed his exuberance and sense of fun so much. Still, she had no doubt he'd have much more fun in that setting with Jess who loved dressing up and adored sci- fi as much as Connor did.

It was much more sombre and professional this side of the vast area, and security was extremely tight and showed it's presence in the form of guards at every door as well as uniformed soldiers mingling with the guests. This event was by invitation only and there was an airport like scanner in place at both the entrances and exits to ensure nothing was removed or brought in that shouldn't be. Becker showed their invitations and they were given passes to wear in full view so that the security team could see at an instant that they were legitimate. If truth were known, Abby felt a little intimidated by all this security and a bit out of her depth as she followed Becker into the main arena.

They just stood there for a few moments looking around. Becker looked like all his Christmases had come at once as he quietly surveyed the exhibits displaying the latest in technology. As they glanced around, they could see stalls with leaflets and information; areas cordoned off for displays later in the day and an area with vehicles and Becker's beloved tanks! There were, of course, areas for food, and even a few stands where miniature models of armoured cars could be purchased as well as posters and general merchandise. It was all very impressive! Abby decided that she'd buy Becker a model of a tank for a keepsake- always assuming he didn't get carried away and get a real one for the ARC!

"This is great!" he breathed, itching to go and look at all the exhibits. "OK, here's the plan- we'll browse around first and note down any areas that seem interesting to us… for the ARC of course!"

"Of course" Abby agreed smirking a little.

"Then we'll go back to those important exhibits and look more closely into what they have to offer. By that time, it'll be lunch time, so we'll take a break then and then we can watch the displays in the afternoon. We can split up then, if there's anything you want to do. How does that sound?"

"Perfect! Let's get started, then shall we? Tell me anything you see that you want to return to and I'll note it down. But remember, Becker- the EMDs give the creatures more of a chance to be returned home without injury. I don't think Matt would want to return to conventional weapons- and nor would I!"

"We still need some, though Abby. Remember the giant insects that took Connor! The EMDs wouldn't work against them. Their shell was too hard. We'll get enough for emergency, but also look at the new technology- they've got it all here. Look, I know I appear to be…well… gun mad- and yes, I do like them...it's been part of my military training for so long- but it's also my job to try to keep everyone safe- not just the creatures- you, Temple- Matt even, and if I have to use a gun to do that, then…."

Abby could see the veiled sadness in his eyes and knew he was thinking about Sarah, who had died trying to find them when they'd been lost through an anomaly. She patted his shoulder and nodded slightly, showing him she understood. Let him get his soldier toys, but she'd fight tooth and nail to protect those creatures and she knew that he realised that fact.

They moved off and started to wander around the room, which was more of a hanger really, noting interesting displays to return to later. Abby found she was enjoying herself more than she'd expected. Becker was really good company she realised, making her laugh, but sharing his extensive knowledge with her when they saw a particularly interesting weapon. She found herself looking at him with surprise. It would be good to go out for a meal with him and the others and get to know the real Becker- the man behind the stern soldier exterior. She knew he cared about them, and she cared about him- in a sisterly way, but realised she didn't really know what he liked or disliked (other than guns and Connors tricks and jokes!). It was going to be very interesting, and it was obvious to everyone that Jess had a crush on him. Be fascinating to see how that would pan out, with a little help and perhaps a push in the right direction!

The day sped by. They had marked down the particular areas they wanted to revisit, Becker finding a new progression on the EMDs very noteworthy, although Abby let the improvements wash over her and left Becker to discuss the pros and cons with the supplier. Becker seemed very excited about them. They seemed to make their own ammunition, as the ARC's did, of course, but a modification meant they didn't need a power source. That had nearly cost Jess and Lester their lives when some future predators had infiltrated the ARC. They'd had to get more power cells from the armoury, and not only were they nearly out of the cells, but they'd inadvertently made a noise, alerting the creatures to their presence.

By this time, Abby was getting tired. She'd been getting tired a lot recently, she mused. It was all the stress of New Dawn, she thought. Some rest and attention from Connor would soon buck her up and get her back to normal. They finished their second tour of the exhibits, and Becker had some contacts to revisit after speaking to Lester and Matt, and some items which he purchased on the spot and which would be delivered direct to the ARC. He was feeling elated at his successful day.

"Abby" he said "Do you want to watch the displays or can we just…." His eyes turned towards the tanks and other vehicles. Abby loved driving any kind of vehicle so she eagerly let Becker pull her across the arena to the outside area where the various conveyances were housed for visitors to examine and sit in- and hopefully purchase. Becker made a bee-line towards an enormous tank, much to Abby's amusement, and Becker's grin of excitement and glee. He immediately turned into a carbon copy of an excited Connor! Abby had never seen Becker so animated and he seemed so much younger as a result. Hmm! That was interesting! She had wondered if Jess was too young for him, but under that stoic exterior, there was a glimpse of the real Becker- just as full of life and boyish exuberance as her own fiancé! Maybe Jess was what he needed to keep him from becoming too serious! She was a great lover of watching other people's lives and how they panned out. Jenny had sometimes asked her advice about Cutter, and Emily about Matt. The only person she had seemed to be unable to sort out had been herself and Connor! She'd been too blinkered and scared to see what had been in front of her all that time- the most wonderful, caring soul she had ever met! All she had seen at the time was an annoying student who had followed her around like a puppy with an enormous crush!

"Come on, Abby- just look at this beauty!" Becker said reverently. "It's a M1 tank engine! Look at those caterpillar tracks! Did you know that the most recent M1 model holds 1,850 litres, which allows the tank to go about 426 km without having to refuel! The M1's weaponry is brilliant- it has an advanced fire control system. An array of sensors constantly monitors the turret's motion, the tank's tilt, and any gusts of wind. Then a computer adjusts the gun accordingly to keep it aimed at its target. It's really amazing! This means that the M1 can take out other tanks while it's on the move while less sophisticated tanks have to come to a full stop to hit targets reliably!"

"Er…wow?" Abby replied, a bit bored by Becker detailing all the features of the tank, but in awe at the sight of it up close. She wouldn't mind having a go at driving that, herself actually. She imagined herself passing Connor- up in the turret of the tank waving to him as she passed! His face would be an absolute picture!

Becker turned towards Abby, his face full of excitement. "You don't suppose Lester would…." Abby shook her head slightly "Er…no. No, of course not, but she is a beauty, Abby!"

"Becker, do you ever think of anything else apart from guns and tanks? I mean… do you have a hobby- another hobby" Abby quickly added as Becker was about to say that guns were his hobby. "Don't you want to meet someone- a life partner? Fall in love- that sort of thing?"

Becker looked horrified at Abby's forthright question. He wasn't used to showing and sharing his feelings. His years of training had long since knocked that out of him. As he thought about her question, a vision of Jess came unbidden into his mind, taking over any other coherent thought. His face and eyes softened as he thought about her, and Abby cottoned on immediately.

"Aha! So there is someone! Who is it?"

"What..er…no, of course there isn't, Abigail! I'm far too busy saving all your lives to have time for anything like that!"

Abby and Becker turned their attention back to the vehicles, but Abby smirked to herself- she'd seen Becker's expression. And she could guess who he had a soft spot for! She was so looking forward to this meal tonight!

Becker also turned back to the armoured cars, but his thoughts were far away. A future with Jess…could it ever be possible...?

To Be Continued…..

Thanks to the website 'm1-tank.htm' for all the tank info- no copyright intended