NOTE: This story takes place after episode 20 of season 2 ('To The Lighthouse'). There are major spoilers forthcoming, so I recommend catching up on the show before reading.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story. Ownership belongs to FOX, Josh Friedman, James Cameron and whoever else had a hand in creating all of these characters.

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Los Angeles, California. Present day.

Blue sparks crackled in the midnight air. The rustling of refuse and swirling of discarded paper filled the acoustics of the vacant alleyway; it was no longer empty.

With a sudden bang, the sparks coalesced into an orb-like shape. It grew quickly and within seconds was the size of a small car. The air warped into indiscernible patterns, moving in a multitude of varied directions, unable to settle on a particular course. After several more seconds, it emitted a strange hiss not unlike ignited wood being doused in a puddle of water. Opening even larger, the orb deposited the form of a human being onto the pavement. It shimmered and, faster than the human eye could blink, disappeared into non-existence.

Crouched on all fours, the human form shuddered. Completely naked, it methodically took in its surroundings, processing each and every item in the vicinity. There was little light in the alley with the exception of the meager illumination of the moon. That did not matter. It could still see.

It appeared to be in a warehouse district.

The form stood, slowly, and examined its body. Peak, perfect physical condition. Limbs intact after temporal displacement. No obvious wounds. No feeling of internal injury.

It needed clothing.

Taking a few moments to adjust to the difference in humidity, the quality of air, the lack of debris in the area, the form assessed its mission parameters and objectives.

Accessing database…

Mission Objectives:

-Primary Objectives:

Terminate specified target.

Termination ordered by: SkyNet

-Secondary Objectives:

Secondary targets: Initiate nuclear meltdown of Diablo Canyon Power Plant in San Luis Obispo County.

Tertiary targets: none.

Accessing Mission Parameters…

Mission Parameters:

Locate specified target after temporal displacement.

Terminate using any means possible.

Human casualties acceptable loss.

Initiate self-termination protocol upon completion of Mission Objectives.

Accessing memory banks…

Visual replication…

Supercomputer John Locke:

…Your mission is to intercept the savior of John Connor outside the Diablo Canyon Power Plant.

…The android failed to terminate him.

…Destroy the plant after completion of mission to ensure no evidence.

…You have three days.