Just as everything seemed to be suspiciously quiet, an anomaly was picked up in Surrey. Jess sighed and sounded the alarm.
Since the ARC had been reestablished, different teams had been based across the country for faster access to anomalies, and then the alpha team (The main soldiers with Becker leading them, usually accompanied by Matt) would meet them there as soon as possible. The Theta team were on site within half an hour and the alpha team had gathered around the ADD.
"...and there's been an incursion- three triceratops have come through, but they've been tranquillised and the anomaly is locked." Jess finished briefing them.
"Okay, thanks Jess, let's go." Ordered Matt, whilst Becker finished distributing black boxes. The team hurried off to collect their equipment but Becker hung back from the rest.
"You said triceratops right? As in Cretaceous?"
"Becker, you shouldn't get your hopes up- do you realise how small the chances of them being on the other side of that anomaly are? We don't even know they ended up in the Cretaceous..."
"According to Helen's diary, the route would take them through there and onto the Permian, but we think they never got to the Permian right? Because we're all still alive. They could be just the other side of that anomaly Jess. I know it's a long shot but it's worth a try."
"Are you sure you're ok to go? I could send someone else really easily. Just say you aren't feeling well, there's loads of people who can take your place."
"No, I'll be fine. I need to be there."
"Okay, well, be careful"
"As always" he called over his shoulder as he went to join the others.
It was a while before Jess heard anything else from the alpha team, except various questions about directions, and she didn't hear any proper news until they'd been through the anomaly.
"Jess- the other side of that anomaly is not Cretaceous, definitely not, much too early. The triceratops' must've come through to there from another anomaly and then on through this one. We need three low-loaders down here to get them back to the menagerie." Matt said, over Comms.
"On their way." She replied.
"Great. We're going to head back now, the theta team have it covered. See you soon."
There had been nothing on the other side of the anomaly. She knew Becker would be devastated, his hopes had been so high.
When the rest of the team returned Jess couldn't see Becker in the rabble. They all returned their black boxes, and Jess got Matt on one side.
"Where's Becker?" She enquired nonchalantly.
"Why, missing him already are you?" He teased, laughing when she glared. "He's went to get changed, his shirt got caught on the side of one of the trailers and ripped. It's a shame you weren't there- you would've enjoyed it" he laughed, but then noticed her serious demeanour. "What's wrong, Jess? Is there something going on between the two of you?"
"No- not like that anyway. Matt, I'm really worried about him. Have you seen how thin he's gone? He isn't eating properly, or sleeping for that matter."
"He's a grown man Jess, he knows how to take care of himself."
"No, I know he's perfectly capable, I'm not doubting that, but he's still struggling with Sarah's death. He still blames himself."
"Time heals all wounds Jess, he just needs some space."
Jess could see he wasn't going to help, so she went to find him herself.
When she got to Becker's office, she found the door locked manually from the inside. At her gentle knock a muffled "I'm busy, is it important?" Was his response.
"Becker, it's me" she said softly. It was silent for a few seconds and then she heard the lock click open. Gently pushing open the door, she took a hesitant step inside. Becker had returned to his desk and had his head in his hands.
"Oh, Becker. I'm so sorry. I know how much you wanted to find them." She said softly as she perched herself on his desk next to where he was sat. He rubbed his face with his hands and looked up at her.
"Don't be sorry. I was the one stupid enough to get my hopes up." He sighed.
"You aren't stupid. You just have hope. I think if one day they do return, they'll be glad to hear that you never gave up on them, like so many people did." She glanced at her watch, "It's time to go home. Are you hungry?" She didn't wait for a response. "Come on, I know a nice little place we can go to."
Sat in the dimly lit little corner of a quaint Italian restaurant that was one of Jess' favourites, Becker was struggling to eat anything.
"I think something you need to remember is how Sarah would've wanted you to be. You said yourself that she helped you get over losing the others- because she didn't want you to be like this. If she was here now, what would she be doing? What would she say?"
"She- she'd probably tell me that I should've gotten over it by now, and kick my arse for putting the rest of the team in danger on these past few missions with my moping and lack of concentration."
"Okay. Then listen to that. Think about how she would've wanted you to be, and be that person. It's the best thing you can do to do her proud."
"You're right. I know you're right. I hate to think about what she'd think of me if she could see me now. Especially the other night." His body tensed.
"The other night? Go on, what happened?"
"I can't... I hate myself for it."
"It can't be that bad... You didn't... You didn't hurt anyone did you?"
"No... No, of course not. I.. Erm... Well I woke up in the night, and I was just so sick of the nightmares, I just wasn't coping. I went out onto the balcony and leant against the railing, and the thought just occurred to me that if I... If I jumped, everything would be over." He choked out, as his eyes filled with tears. Jess gasped, a tear rolling down one of her cheeks.
"Becker... I had no idea things were so bad. Why didn't you just talk to someone?"
"I don't know. I wish I had."
"But you didn't though... You didn't do it I mean."
"No. I was over the other side of the railing, I was probably going to do it... And then you called. You called to tell me to come into work. And I realised that I had to carry on. That it would just be cowardly to jump."
"Well I'm glad you came to your senses. I've enjoyed having you around these past few days, granted the circumstances haven't been perfect, but it's been nice."
"I really do appreciate what you've done for me Jess. You have no idea how grateful I am."
When the pair arrived back at Jess', Jess went to brush her teeth and get ready for bed, and when she came back Becker had unfolded the sofa bed.
"Becker, don't be stupid. We know it'll work, we might as well try..."
"Jess, you don't have to do this." he said, warningly.
"I'm not taking no for an answer. If you start getting a nightmare and I hear you stirring, I'll just get out of bed and keep well back, okay?"
"I'm not going to be able to convince you otherwise, am I? He sighed.
"Absolutely not."
Becker stood awkwardly beside Jess' bed.
"There's no need to be so shy about it, just get in." Laughed Jess, pulling back the covers. Becker did as he was told and led down on the bed. Jess got in too, and moved up next to Becker. He put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer.
"Thank you Jess, for everything."
"You're very welcome" she replied, stifling a yawn. Eventually they drifted off together, smiling.
During the night, Jess felt Becker twitch in his sleep. He started to mumble and tense up, so she slipped out from his grasp, just as she'd said she would. His whole body visibly contracted like he was in pain, getting worse and worse. He was writhing. Then suddenly all of his muscles relaxed and his face went peaceful, and he uttered a single word. "Jess."