Part Two, Primeval Match . com

The canteen was packed. Everybody ate, talked and laughed.

"Not a bad turnout, Parker," said Lester. "I'm impressed."

"Thank you," said Jess.

"I thought it would be all hearts and roses and sappy music, but you've kept it rather dignified," he said, sipping Champagne. "I'm very glad you didn't present us with an all chocolate menu."

Becker laughed. "Chef Bernie wouldn't let her."

"No, he would not," said Jess, eating her fourth piece of chocolate cake. "However, I forgive him since the chocolate things he did make are to die for."

Becker laughed.

"I'm not sure I approve of the oysters, though," said Lester. "Don't want anyone getting too randy after all."

"Take it up with our Chef," said Jess, wrinkling her nose. "They were his idea."

"I'm also not sure I approve of your idea of matching my employees romantically with each other," said the ARC director. "Looking around I see enough couples."

Becker laughed. "I wouldn't worry, Lester. I seriously doubt Jess and Connor's little project will create any new couples, at least not ones that will outlast the champagne buzz."

Jess dropped her fork. "Becker! That's a horrible thing to say!"

"Relax, Miss Parker. The good Captain is not saying anything the rest of us aren't thinking."

"What a bunch of spoil sports!" she cried. "Way to kill the Valentine spirit!"

"Come on, Jess, we're just teasing."

"No, Becker, don't try to back track now," she said. "If you really hate Valentine's so much, then maybe you should just leave."

"Ooh…" teased Lester. "You're going to be alone tonight, Captain."

The table all laughed, but Jess was visibly upset.

"Hey, Jess, when do we get to see who our dream dates are?" asked Nicole Bilson, a sergeant in Becker's force and a good friend of Jess. She was also tall, blond, and beautiful, not to mention kind-hearted.

"You know Bill," said Vale, third in command under Becker, and also tall bond and gorgeous. He was a flirty ladies' man, "if you're looking for someone who's a dream…"

"Stow it, Vale. Sir.

Becker laughed, but he noticed Jess was not smiling. "Cheer up," he said.

"You…leave me alone."

Vale's eyebrow went up. "Something wrong in happy couple land?"

Becker didn't answer and Jess turned from him and pouted.

"O…Okay," said Bilson.

Becker frowned. "Jess? Come on Jess. Look, I'm sorry."

She huffed.

Becker sighed. He stood up and barked for order. "Thank you. I just wanted to take a moment and point out that Jess," he smiled and blushed, "I mean, Miss Parker…"

The room laughed at his momentary lapse of discipline.

"Miss Parker has presented us all with this little party. It's more than just a chance to eat Chef Rice's fantastic desserts and joke about taking out Cupid…"

"Yes, that discussion of earlier was disturbing," said Lester. "I know a large number of us are soldiers, but honestly a little naked guy with wings is hardly a match for the ARC's elite troops."

The canteen broke out laughing.

"As I was saying…"

"Oh, yes, sorry Captain, proceed," said Lester.

"Miss Parker is a lot more than just our field coordinator." Jess turned and looked at him. "She's our link to the world outside the ARC, including lattes, short skirts, and Valentines."

There were a few chuckles. Jess blushed.

He smiled back and continued speaking. "She's made this little…diversion…for us and I think we should all acknowledge that she did a fantastic job."

The crowd broke out in cheers and shouts of Jess' name. Jess looked appreciatively at Becker as he sat back down beside her.

"Here, here!" cried Lester, as the uproar died down. He stood up. "I propose a toast…to Miss Parker."

The entire canteen held up their glasses and cheered

Jess turned pink. "Thank you," she said, smiling and nodding at the crowd. She then leaned across and tenderly kissed Becker. "You can be so surprising."

He smirked. "You deserved it."

"And it got you out of the doghouse, Captain," said Lester.

Becker chuckled. "Well, that's not entirely why I did it. I meant every word."

Jess smiled and hugged him tightly. "I'm sorry. I've been frazzled over this party and I guess I got a bit oversensitive."

"Don't worry about it," he said, kissing her again.

"Hey, hey, hey! That's enough! You've got your dream girl, Cap ," said Vale. "I want my list lovely young applicants!"

"Lovely, young…applicants?" asked Jess. "That's terrible, Vale!"

"Wow. You are such an idiot," said Becker, chuckling, "but luckily we're all used to that fact."

"Luckily," said Bilson.

"You know you love me," Vale said, smiling flirtatiously at her. "What better place to admit it then at a Valentine's Day party?"

Bilson rolled her eyes. "If you're one of my matches, I may have to transfer."

He smiled. "Are you sure?" He handed her a glass of champagne and offered her his arm. "Why not hear my plans for our date?"

"Your date?" asked Jess. "Nicole, you didn't tell me he asked you out, lately, that is."

Nicole shook her head but took his offered glass of bubbly. "He hasn't. When was the last time, a month ago?"

"I can't wait forever, Nicki," Vale said.

"Don't call me that."

"Wait, Vale you just said you had a date with Nicole."

"No, he didn't," said Becker. "Vale tends be a bit open as to who he actually dates. When he said 'our date' he didn't mean Nicole specifically. It could any woman."

Jess looked aghast.

Vale shrugged. "I'm flexible."

"You're a louse," said Bilson.

"I prefer to think of myself as a hopeful romantic always looking for love."

"Always," said Becker, chuckling.

"Especially on Valentine's Day. That reminds me," said Vale, turning to Nicole. "Want to be my Valentine?"

"No thank you, Vale," said Nicole.

"Oh, well. One less."

"One less? Vale, how many women did you ask to be your valentine?" asked Jess.

"This year? I think it's only been about five," said Vale.

Nicole shook her head.

"That's disgusting."

"Don't get me wrong Jess, I mean, Miss Parker," said Vale, looking with worry at his superior officer. When Becker didn't react, Vale sighed with relief. "I treat all my ladies with tender care and respect."

"You're a two-timer," said Jess, "I mean five-timer."

"Oh, no. All my women are informed of the others."

Jess looked incredulous. "You're joking."

"No, he isn't," said Nicole. "I've seen it. They go out with him anyway."

"They love me enough to share."

"They're dumb," said Nicole.

Jess laughed and nodded. "Which is why," she said, "Nicole will never go out with you, that is, as long as you have others. She's not dumb."

Nicole smiled and shook her head.

"Well, then she's in luck," said Vale. "One of my matches this evening, will get me and only me. For at least the next 24 hours."

"Like I said, you're a louse."

"Don't you even want to hear where I made reservations for dinner and the evening's entertainment."

Nicole wrinkled her brow. "Fish and Chips and a seedy motel room?"

Becker laughed. "She's got you sussed."

"No," said Vale. "I'll only tell you about the restaurant if you sit with me. As for the entertainment, Jess and verify that I have tickets for a West End show."

"He does," said Jess. "Nice seats, too. I arranged them."

Nicole raised an eyebrow. "Well…" she took his arm. "I guess sitting with you in a crowed canteen should be safe."

Vale flashed his winning smile and led her to the table beside Jess, Becker and the rest of the team.

"That's an odd pair," whispered Becker.

"I don't' know," Jess said. "They seem pretty compatible to me."

"You're confused; you mean combatable."

Jess nearly choked on her cake. "That's true too."

"Miss Parker," said Chef Bernard Rice. He was an older, rotund man with a kind face. "My staff is growing…impatient. I'm afraid if you don't start the entertainment soon, they may go digging for my reserve Champagne."

"How dare they!" cried Lester. "Since I'm already matched, I'll lead the defenses. Who else is happily married, hmm? Lieutenant Flowers!"

Sitting beside Vale and Bilson was a young, fit soldier of African heritage. "Sir?'

"Gather up all the marrieds and have them report to the kitchen!" Lester then stood up, took the champagne bottle he'd been draining and walked to the kitchen.

"How much alcohol has he imbibed?" asked Emily.

"Apparently too much," said Flowers, getting up. "Don't worry, I'll see to him."

Becker nodded. "Thanks, Fred." Flowers nodded as he followed Lester into the kitchen.

"I think you're going to have to start with the…fun," Becker said.

Jess grimaced slightly. "It is fun." She kissed him quickly and got up. She moved to the center of the canteen. "OK, everyone!" she called loudly. "Please, everyone!"

"Quiet!" yelled Becker.

Silence filled the canteen.

Becker smiled.

"Thank you….Captain," she said, smiling as she shook her head. "Men."OK, let's get this party moving!"

End of Chapter Two