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

More excitement this chapter. I hope you enjoy it as much as I had fun writing it!

Double Dating

Chapter Twenty One- Rescue

Becker was given the spores in a sealed container, watched over by the soldiers at all times. Monica called out two of the guards and told them they would accompany him and ensure he did her bidding. The guards looked at each other and trained their guns on Becker, keeping a careful distance from him.

"Don't try anything, Becker!" Monica told him. "Remember Jess!"

The three of them made their way to the car and Becker was made to sit in the back, handcuffed to the door just in case he had any 'bright ideas' as they put it. He'd thought carefully on his trip to the car about making his move there and then- he knew he'd be strong enough to take down the two guards easily, but what then? He'd be in no better position than he was now- he had to wait until he got to the ARC. It was his only chance.

As they drove away, the guards looked at each other again. The driver stopped the car and they turned round to face Becker. He flinched slightly, straining on the handcuffs, wondering if they were just going to shoot him- he was helpless like this. He wouldn't stand a chance!

"She's erm…she's crazy isn't she?" one of them said.

Becker raised his eyebrows in surprise. He hadn't expected that! He nodded slightly, but didn't speak.

"Look- we don't care either way about this ark place. Don't even know what it is, but…to kill everyone- all humankind. That's just stupid, that is!"

Becker still didn't reply, he wasn't sure where this was leading. He had to be careful how he proceeded with this, but he was beginning to feel a glimmer of hope.

The men tried again. "Mate- we're mercenaries- we work for the highest bidder. D'you recon your ark would pay us to help you? We don't want to die for a lost cause."

"What has she told you?" Becker finally asked.

"She just pays us to do as we're told, but we see and hear a lot. It's not just us- some of the other lads don't want to see the end of the world either. She told our Captain she's got some anomalie thing to go to when the disease spreads. Now we may be the kind that sells ourselves for any cause for money, but even we can see she wouldn't take us all with her. She'll just leave us to die. What use is money if you ain't there to spend it- or if there ain't nothing to spend it on!"

"She might keep some of us though, Marshall. She'll want protection from whatever survives. She'll want some company and help to build a shelter and find food, and all that. She wouldn't be able to do that alone!"

"That's true." Becker piped up, "but would she want to keep on a full battalion of men? The only woman left in the world plus a whole garrison of soldiers! Think about it!"

The men looked at each other and shrugged. "She's gonna clone your girlfriend for us, she said. We'll all get a girl- the same girl!"

Becker choked at this news. Was there no limit to the madness of this woman? He decided to try to play it cool, even though his heart was racing and his feet were itching to get moving. Time was wasting!

"Well, it's up to you. I can ask my boss if he'll 'do a deal' with you. Do you want to take a chance on Monica or us?"

"I'm sticking with you. A mad woman ain't gonna stick to the 'code'. She'll use us for her own means then kill us like she did with her own husband."

Marshall nodded to his colleague. "We'll tell your boss all we can- I happen to like this world- well some of it. And I like to choose my own woman, thanks very much! What fun is it if they're all the same?"

"Yeah, I like mine a bit bigger- no offence, mate." the second guard said, holding his arms in front of his body, his hands open wide to make his point.

"None taken! Right then, get these off me and we'll get going, shall we?" Becker raised his right arm up as far as he could, indicating the handcuffs. This was better than he could have hoped for, he realised, but they needed to move fast. His main worry was time- Temple, Jess and who knew how many others lives depended on it.

~~oOOo~~

They soon arrived at the ARC, and Becker took the men straight to Lester's office. He quickly outlined the whole situation to Lester who immediately went to his intercom, pressed the button and told the relief co-coordinator at the Hub to send the core team to his office straight away. Lester told security to take the mercenaries away to the interview room where Matt would speak to them shortly.

"We won't make a deal with them, of course." Lester said once the men had left the room. "But we'll be able to 'encourage' them to see reason and help us by giving us the codes to the doors, that kind of thing. A little trip to the menagerie will probably help. Now, what's your plan?"

"Wait! How's Temple and the others?"

"Not so good. Connor's holding his own- just. It appears his year in the Cretacious has actually saved his life. The weaker staff seem unable to fight it off and succumb to the disease quicker. All the work Connor's done in the field and his time in the past have built him up and he's stronger now than he ever was. The muscle in the body seems to offer some protection from the spores. But it won't last forever. We need to move as soon as possible to get the antidote and stop this woman!"

"Yeah, Helen Cutter's daughter!" Becker added just as the team joined them, having been alerted of Becker's arrival by Lester's assistant, Lorraine Wickes. Abby wasn't with them as she wouldn't leave Connor's side even for a moment unless she had to. She was devastated by what had happened and Emily secretly wondered what would become of her if Connor actually died. She didn't think that Abby would cope at all.

"Helen's daughter!" Danny cried, hearing Becker's last words as he entered the room. "Her evil just keeps on coming, doesn't it?"

"OK, so now everyone's here- Becker, what's the plan?"

"Well, I've thought about it a lot. It's no good going in with all guns blazing. Monica would be just as happy destroying the antidote and letting the spores loose to float in the air. At the moment, she's more fixated about killing everyone in the ARC, and its better if we keep it that way to contain it from the world.

My plan's this- we'll make a three- pronged attack. I'll go back, perhaps with one of Monica's guards if they can be trusted. I'll make my way in covertly to find Jess and the antidote. Matt and the rest of you guys make your way separately to find and contain the spores. The final attack will be the rest of my team of military to round up any of the mercenaries. Mobile phones don't work in the warehouse, so we'll communicate both over the comms for the core team and with walkie- talkies for the military."

"Sound good. What if you're caught?"

"I'll get the guard to confirm the job's done. I'll make her believe me. I have to take that chance. So, let's get moving, guys- time is running short."

The team began their preparations, Becker trying desperately to contain his nervous energy and fear for Jess. If muscle protected the body- well, she was very slight and although she had a lovely muscular shape, he knew it wouldn't be enough to protect her for long. But he couldn't rush headlong into this without being prepared. He'd just cause her death, and even that of the world. It was a huge responsibility, but he knew he was the right man for the job- his training had taught him how to be objective in the field and see the problem from all angles, no matter how impossible a task it might seem. He took a deep breath and went to speak to the mercenaries with Matt. He really needed at least one of them on side.

Fortunately, Lester's little 'trip to the menagerie' had the desired effect on the two mercenaries. They couldn't believe what they were shown, and agreed to help rather than, as Matt put it, 'providing the creatures with some new playmates.' They had looked in horror at Lester, who turned away, pretending he hadn't heard Matt's threats, pursing his lips and looking upwards at nothing in particular. The men were left in no doubt that should they double cross the ARC, they would become dinosaur fodder. Marshall instantly agreed to disclose everything- all the codes, where to find the antidote etc, and said he would come with Becker- just please don't leave him here with those…those things! The second man was too frightened to do anything but blubber. Becker looked at him with disdain- he hated such weak soldiers. Still, they'd found out that the two men were brothers, so it would also help to keep him at the ARC as an extra incentive to Marshall not to betray them.

Emily and Danny returned from where they'd been with the IT team, finishing up some last minute arrangements and they were ready to go. As they walked through the ARC towards the first of the vehicles, Becker paused and glanced through the hospital doors, where he could clearly see Abby, her head in her arms, sleeping next to a deathly pale Connor. Connor had a drip attached to his arm and various tubes, wires and machines helping to keep him alive. As he watched, Abby raised her head and looked straight at him. Her eyes were sad and she looked like she hadn't slept for a year. He nodded slightly to her and she laid her head back down as if she didn't have the energy to keep it up any longer. Becker sighed, but the sight of his friends like this had strengthened his resolve- he was ready to do this!

~~oOOo~~

They reached the warehouse in good time. Becker decided he'd try to enter without anyone knowing and find Jess. If he just walked in and announced the spores had been let into the ARC, Monica might just incarcerate him once more and not carry out her part of the bargain. He nodded to Matt and Danny, as they separated and went to their individual areas. The military settled down in their trucks for the command when to advance and finish the job.

Marshall and Becker entered the warehouse without any problems. Marshall knew where the guards would be this time of day, and knew various routes and shortcuts that enabled them to avoid being seen. He led Becker directly to a room where he knew Jess would be held. When they punched in the password, and entered the room, Becker ran immediately to her side. She looked terrible- so pale and drawn. He was afraid at first that she was dead- she was so still and lifeless, but a quick check at her pulse points reassured him that she was still alive- but barely.

"We've got to get the antidote!" he hissed to Marshall. "Where would it be kept?"

"I'll fetch it!" Marshall stated. "It'll be easier alone." Becker looked at the older man, unsure whether he could trust him. But it made sense- he knew where it was kept, and could bluff his way if he met any other guards.

"Ok." Becker finally said, "But if you trick me- there's a raptor with your name on it!"

"I'm not likely to ever forget that!" Marshall said grimly, and went on his way to get the antidote,

"Jess! Jess!" Becker whispered as soon as Marshall had left the room. "Can you hear me?"

"Mmm. Becker?…" Jess stuttered so quietly, he could hardly hear her.

"Hold on, darling. Hold on…it'll be OK…" He moved in close and kissed her softly, caressing her cheek. Her head rolled, but she managed to smile slightly. Suddenly the door opened and closed behind Marshall. He looked out of breath and very nervous.

"I'm not sure if I was spotted!" he cried. "Here!" With that, he thrust a case towards Becker, who quickly opened it and found several vials of antidote. Becker quickly injected Jess using one of the hypodermic needles which were also in the case. Marshall kept watch at the door as Becker rubbed the spot with some cotton wool.

"Come on, Jess! Come on!" he whispered, willing her to wake up. Jess slowly began to stir, her face quickly regaining colour. "Yes!" he hissed. Becker pulled out his walkie- talkie from his pocket- he hadn't dared use his comms in case he was captured by Monica and had to make up some story. "Matt…come in Matt!"

"Becker! We're in. We've located the spores and are just on our way to get to them. We've met a few soldiers on the way- but they've been quietly dealt with- never knew what hit 'em!" as he spoke he grinned over at Emily, who had proven to be invaluable in distracting the guards, only for Danny to cosh them and knock them out without a sound. "Should be there in about five minutes."

Becker acknowledged Matt's information, and hid the walkie- talkie from sight once more. Jess had come round enough to be able to stand with support, clinging to Becker. Becker joined Marshall at the door, helping Jess along.

"They're coming!" Marshall announced.

Becker just had time to hide the case of antidote and get Marshall to hold his gun at Jess and himself, when the room burst open and several soldiers entered, Monica at the rear.

"So! You're back, dear." she said calmly as if he'd been expected.

"Yes, I've done what you wanted, Monica. But I didn't trust you, so I've given Jess the antidote myself!"

"Really, lover! I'm heartbroken you don't trust me! But it's OK, I forgive you, I know you just adore your little Jess- and I was getting a little worried about her myself. So small and frail. So… you've done what I asked, have you?"

"Yes. The spores have been left to filter through the ARC's ventilation system. Should be affecting them all by now."

"And why should I trust you, prey? You there, soldier- is that true?"

"Yes ma'am. He did it. Tried it on, though- killed my brother! But I overcame him, ma'am. Made sure he did it! Had to remind him about his girl, though. Told him what we'd do to her if he didn't do what I said- before she died of the disease of course. Seemed to make him change his mind. He's weak! A soldier can't afford to have a weak spot. That girl's his and has been his downfall!" Marshall laughed without amusement, and Becker thought he'd managed to pull it off.

"I'll need more proof!"

"Of course ma'am." Marshall said and went over to the laptop on the desk in the room. "Put the cameras in the ARC, just like you said ma'am. Should be able to see the effects of the spores just about… now…"

Marshall pressed a few buttons on the keyboard, and a picture of the ARC operations filled the screen. Becker, a still woozy Jess, Marshall and Monica all moved closer to see the scene on the screen. In front of them was a scene of mayhem. Men and women were stumbling around drunkenly, knocking things over and bumping into each other. Lester appeared by the ADD, seemed to struggle with himself, and grabbed onto the back of Jess' chair.

"STOP!" he shouted. "Get back to work!" he slurred drunkenly. He suddenly keeled over and hit the ground, and lay there motionless.

Monica smiled evilly. "So- it's done! My mother's mission has finally been completed. James Lester will be dead soon and my father's memory will be avenged. Oh, my darling! How can I ever thank you!" Monica ran to Becker's side, and kissed him, tears teeming down her cheeks. She took one more look at the screen, and then slowly turned the laptop off, the scene disappearing from view.

"So…you'll let us go, now?" Becker asked.

"Oh no, sweetheart. I can't do that. I'm going to release the spores into the world tomorrow. I wouldn't want you to be infected! You'll come with me through an anomaly and you, me and Jess will live there together in safety. I'll pick somewhere nice. A remote beach- not yet inhabited by creatures. It'll be idyllic. A lovely little family. I might let the Captain of the mercenaries come too. He's rather sexy! What! Don't look at me like that! I have needs too!"

At her words, Marshall looked down at his feet. He realised he'd made the right choice- she had no intentions of taking the men with her! He looked at her expressionlessly, he didn't want to alert her to his treachery, or risk his brother's life. He remembered those 'things' in the menagerie and shivered slightly.

Just then, the door burst open and Matt yelled "Don't move. You're surrounded. Put your guns down- it's over, Miss Bishop!"

"What….? Guards!"

"Too late, Miss Bishop. The only guards left are the ones in here. Men!" Matt called, and the troop of ARC military entered the room and pointed their guns at Monica and the soldiers inside. "I'd lower your guns if I were you- it's over. There's no one left."

"You're right, Mr Anderson- it is over. The ARC is infested with spores. My darling Becker here contaminated it. Your beloved Connor Temple, James Lester and everyone there is dead. My mother and father have been avenged."

"Your mother was Helen Cutter? OK she was insane- I can understand you carrying on her work…kind of. But your father? What did the ARC do to him?" Matt queried as the mercenaries were being rounded up and taken away- with the exception of Marshall who still stood by Becker, gun by his side.

"Huh! You of all people...and Connor Temple. It's your fault my father died. You killed him and Temple let you!

"I don't even know your father, but I can assure you Miss Bishop, that I haven't killed anybody!"

"No?" Monica screamed, right into Matt's face spraying him with her spit as she yelled. "My father was Philip Burton! Oh yes- I see it in your eyes now! You killed him! Temple was supposed to care about him, but you poisoned him against my father. You both left him to die in the most horrible way…. The most famous scientist in the world! He never knew I was his daughter, you know- mummy told me never to tell him, but I'd decided I was going to. You put a stop to that didn't you! Murderer!"

Monica stopped screaming suddenly. She adjusted her top and took a deep breath as she continued. "Still, lovely…no need to worry now. They're all dead, you see. Look…"

Monica walked back over to the laptop, where she pushed the button to switch it on. The screen lit up with the vision of a dozen people drunkenly milling around, and Lester lying on the ground.

"There. They've all been infected. The spores will soon escape and get out into the area beyond the ARC. I would have liked to spread more, but maybe that will be enough, they will spread and multiply in the wind. Perhaps you'd like to join me and my lovely Becker through my anomaly, Mr Anderson. Our children would be particularly beautiful, I think!"

Matt and Becker laughed joylessly as Matt took went to the laptop, and fast forwarded the scene. The screen suddenly jumped and crackled. The screen went blank a moment, and then started up again- but Lester wasn't on the ground. He was shouting 'NO!' Wait! The crazed woman moved closer to the laptop and peered at the screen.

"No…this can't be right! What have you…Becker! What have you done?"

"Sorry, Monica." Becker said, holding Jess close to him with one arm around her and holding the large silver case full of the antidote in the other hand. "We decided it would be an idea to get some of the ARC's IT tech's to prepare a CCTV loop of the ARC, empty and destroyed. Some of the men acted drunk and crazy- like they'd been infected. Lester decided to join in too to add authenticity. I think he was pretty convincing, don't you?"

With that he walked away from her, handing the case to a soldier to rush back to the ARC. There was no more time to spare. "Sorry, Monica- but Helen's lost…again! Now get her out of my sight!" he barked at his men who bundled the woman off to the cars, screaming obscenities as she went.

Becker nodded to Marshall who was gently being taken back to the ARC- he'd never have done it if it hadn't been for the man's help. "I'll do what I can for you- thank you!" he said as Marshall passed him. The older man smiled back grimly but didn't speak as he was led away. He knew he deserved all he got- just as long as they kept him away from those creatures, he'd accept his punishment.

Becker turned to Jess, who looked at him adoringly. Come on Jess…let's get you home! Home! To Jess it sounded like the best word in the world.

"Yes, please!" she whispered….

To Be Continued….

Well! What did you think? I really hope you enjoyed it. Next chapter…fluff all the way!

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