"Williams, we're sending you back in time."
Blair's mind whirled. "What?" she stammered.
Connor didn't seem to notice the slight in not being addressed as his position dictated, or more likely, chose not to mention it. "We've received information about an unaccounted for Terminator in a time where he shouldn't be. We're sending you to check it out."
"But Sir, how is that even possible?"
"We've developed the technology." Connor said, as if they were talking about laundry.
"To send people through time?!"
"Yes."
"Well, how do I get back, once the job is done?" asked Blair.
John Connor's eyes shifted to the side slightly, and Blair knew him well enough to know that this wasn't a good sign. When his eyes came back he stared Blair in her eyes and said "You don't."
"Oh." said Blair.
"Listen Blair, I'm going to give it to you straight." said Connor, "We don't know much, but we know there's a Terminator in a California town called Sunnydale. What it's doing, I have no idea. But if it's there, there's a reason. It's possible I sent it there, but timelines can change. But it's also very possible Skynet sent it. You need to find out."
"Yes sir." said Blair, stiffly.
"Blair, please." pleaded John, "You're one of my best. I need you for this one."
Blair sighed. "Ok sir." she said, "I'll do it. Who knows, maybe it won't be so bad. I just wish I could keep fighting Skynet."
John flashed her a rare smile. "You will be, Williams. Just in a different time and place. But what you're doing is important. The fate of the future could very well rest on your shoulders."
Blair laughed. "No pressure."
Connor returned the laugh, and then his face grew grave. "Good luck Blair." He said, "You've been a good soldier, a good pilot, and a good friend. I know you can do this. We'll miss you."
A tear ran down Blair's cheek. This would be the last time she would ever see John Connor, or his wife Kate who sat silently to his left, her eyes also red with tears, or Barnes, who sat to Connor's right.
"I'll miss you all as well." she said, "Win this fucking war while I'm gone."
" And you win yours. Good-bye Blair."
Kate stood up, came around the table and embraced her in a long hug. Blair was made from strong stuff, but she couldn't help but sob a few time's on Kate's shoulder.
"You'll do fine," whispered Kate, "we love you Blair. Take care of the past for us."
"And you take care of the future." Blair whispered back.
After Kate let her go, Barnes stood up. "C'mon kid. I'll show you the way to the machine."
Blair followed Barnes down a hallway, then through a 'forbidden access' door. She couldn't help but feel the loss of all her friends already. She was also scared of this unknown time machine, and how it worked. But at the same time there was a glimmer of hope in the back of her head.
Pre-Judgement Day.
Maybe this mission won't be all bad.