This chapter is really short but I thought it best to have a peaceful chapter before I go through Judgement Day. Thank you again for all of your reviews. They are much appreciated.
August 29, 1997
It had taken her a few moments before she could collect herself well enough to be around Brewster. His deception was still on the forefront of her thoughts, and she could feel anger burning in her like a wildfire. But, Sarah cannot allow this anger to continue to cloud her judgement.
She searches through a dimly lit storage room. It's so clouded with dust that she can see tiny particles floating underneath the dim yellow light bulb. She sees a stack of MREs stashed in the corner of the room and several canned food items on the shelves.
She watches Robert Brewster reach for a book on an wooden shelf. He brushes the dust off of the book and she reads the word Bible on the front of the black leather bound book. He stares at the book and she seems a brief smile emerge on his face.
She can't really say she believes in god anymore, but she resists the urge to make a snide remark to him. Everyone is already on edge, and she just want to make it through this first horrible day without anymore tension.
"Mom," she turns to John. "I found weapons."
Both her and Brewster follow John out of the room. He leads them into another room. There are three bunks and an open trunk towards the back. Sarah approaches the trunk and sees that it contains several different types of weapons from pistols to assault rifles. The thought of having a means of self-defenses makes her feel just a little bit more at ease.
She turns to Brewster. She hates that he's the one making calls, but she needs to cooperate with him. He's a West Point graduate as well as a military officer of high rank. People will naturally be more inclined to follow his lead than hers.
"When do we leave?" she asks.
"I've received information of a fortified location several miles from here," he informs. "The helicopter won't have enough fuel to make it to the location, but we'll be able to make the remainder of the trip on foot. We'll rest here for another day before leaving."
Sarah doesn't like this prospect. So much can happen on the ground that may compromise John's safety. On the other hand, she already hates this bunker with a passion, and she is dying to leave. She gives him a single nod and leaves the room. She knows that a bunch of MREs aren't exactly appetizing, but she's starving.
…
The four of the sit at a small table off to the side of the bunker. John can feel his stomach growl at him as he rips the brown packaging of his MRE. He knows it's not going to be appetizing, but he's willing to devour anything at this point.
"Wait," Brewster says. "We need to say grace."
"Seriously?" he hears his mom snap.
"Yes, seriously," Brewster's temper flares as he glares across the table.
"This is ridiculous," his mom argues. "It doesn't matter anymore."
"It does matter," Brewster's tone is clipped.
John can see the animosity in both of their eyes. He may not be religious, but religion seems to be important to Kate's father. He needs Brewster's respect to become the leader he is destined to be, and because one day he'll marry his daughter. He clears his throat and both his mother and Brewsters eyes turn to him.
"I'll say it, Mr. Brewster," he says.
Kate is looking at him from across the table, and John notices a look of disbelieve as Brewster glances over to him. His mother folds her arms, and John can see a small look of betrayal in her eyes. He feels a hint of guilt on taking Brewster's side, but it is what must be done to ensure that he replaces him as a leader in the years to come.
"Well go on, then," Brewster encourages.
John bows his head. He's never prayed before, but he's seen it enough time on television to have a general idea of it. He clasps his hands together and closes his eyes.
"Dear god in heaven," he begins. "Thank you for being kind enough to give Kate and I parents that will set us on the right path. Thank you for allowing us to live through Judgement Day so that we may restore peace in our world. I ask that you protect us from whatever danger we might encounter when we leave Crystal Peak tomorrow. Amen."
Kate and her father both say amen after him. He didn't expect his mom to go along with it, but she doesn't argue any further. Perhaps this will be the last of their arguing for the night.
"Faith in a merciful higher power creates levity," he hears Uncle Bob say. "Levity relieves tension and fear of death."
For a moment, no one says a word. Finally Brewster breaks the silence. "Does he always talk like this?"
"Yeah," John says. "Sometimes he can be a total buzzkill."
...
John can feel the overwhelming feeling of exhaustion rush through him. He makes his way to the bunks, but stops at the sound of Kate's voice. She's on her knees and her hands are clasped together in prayer.
"Thank you for keeping John and his mom safe. Thank you for letting my father and I live. Please let us stay alive tomorrow. Amen."
He's never really thought much of God or any kind of afterlife. He imagines Kate and her father were the type of people that went to church every Sunday morning. He's not sure if he believes in their god, but he does believe in fate.
He enters the room and her eyes turn to him. He walks over to the bunk next to hers. How many times has fate brought Kate and Robert Brewster into his life? How many lifetimes has he lived these memories or some altered version of them? The thought of it makes his head spin.
He pulls his blanket around him and lays his head down onto the his pillow. He'd heard about Judgement Day his entire life, and now he is living it. He thinks to his father, and it gives him a nudge of hope.
He'll see him again one day. He'll be able to create more memories with his father, and that is enough motivation for him to live his destiny. He must become the John Connor that sent Uncle Bob back years ago. He must become the man he's always fated to be.
"Goodnight John."
The sound of Kate's voice breaks his thoughts. He turns over to face her.
"Goodnight Kate."