Sarah closed her eyes as she killed the engine in the SUV. She was exhausted. Over the past twelve hours she and her band of misfits had taken a road trip up to Northern California. She and Martin had gone to take a look around Danny Dyson's dorm room while Ellison had taken Savannah, Lauren, and the baby shopping. Sarah had forgotten just how much stuff a young child could need.
"Sarah?" Ellison said from the passenger seat. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah." She lied. "Just tired is all."
From behind, Lauren's sister Sydney began crying. Sarah groaned and lightly pressed her forehead against the steering wheel. She just felt defeated today.
"Please," Sarah said without thinking. get that child to stop screaming."
"She is hungry. When we get inside, I'll get her something to eat." Lauren said as she pulled her sister out of the car.
Sarah nodded her head and then stepped out of the SUV. Slowly, she moved towards the door. Sarah was ready for a night in her own bed. If she could just get a few hours of sleep, they could start again in the morning. She moved towards the back door and then stopped. The door was ajar slightly. Pulling her Glock out of her holster, Sarah turned and held a finger up to her lips.
"Quiet!" She hissed. "Someone has broken in."
Ellison and Martin both drew their weapons and quickly moved to Sarah's side. Lauren quickly moved the two children back into the SUV as she drew her own sidearm. Sarah nodded to Martin and he pushed the door open. He quickly checked the corners and then stepped into the house. Sarah quickly followed and Ellison came in behind her.
Sarah pointed at Marin and then pointed towards the front room. Martin nodded and moved slowly towards the dividing wall. Once in position, he signaled Sarah to move up. Sarah moved up and then entered the front room.
There was someone sitting on the chair. Sarah raised her Glock. The dark figure sitting in the recliner sat up slightly. The lights in the room turned on and Sarah was shocked to see who was in the room.
"John?"
Sarah lowered her weapon. John was sitting on the recliner with his leg wrapped in bandages and propped up. Standing besides him was Catherine Weever and John Henry. Sitting on the couch was Derek and a young girl who looked just like Cameron.
"Hi Mom."
It had taken Sarah several minutes to compose herself. She had half collapsed on the couch as Martin left to let Lauren know that it was ok. Ellison had moved back into the kitchen and returned a few minutes later with a fresh pot of coffee. Lauren was nervous as she entered the room, but little Savannah rushed over to the two terminators.
"Mommy!" She cried out as she threw her arms around Catherine's body.
"Savannah." Catherine crouched down and picked the girl up. "Were you a good girl for Sarah while I was gone?"
"Yes, Mommy."
"Good." Catherine looked around the room before saying "I am going to take Savannah to bed. It is well past her bedtime. Ms. Fields, would like us to take your sister? John Henry and I will see her safely to bed."
"You're metal." Lauren sneered. "Get away from—"
"Lauren, you don't need to fear them." Ellison said as he sipped his coffee. "I worked for Mrs. Weever and I personally tutored John Henry. They are not the same Machines that tried to kill us."
"Just stay away from me and my sister." Lauren said as she picked up Sydney. "Sydney and I will be in our rooms. I just need some time to figure this out."
Once Lauren and Sydney left, Catherine carried Savannah off towards her bedroom. John Henry followed. As soon as they were gone, John began explaining his story to those left. Sarah remained silent throughout the tale. Her eyes glanced from her son to Derek, to the young girl that John introduced as Alison Young. As John got deeper into his story, a sadness filled Sarah. She felt like she had failed her son all over again. She had spent so much time fighting against the future so her son wouldn't have to fight the Machines. She had spent so much time in pain so that John wouldn't have to feel the pain. Now he had faced his future and seen what haunted her dreams. As he described his time in TechCom, Sarah also had a feeling of great pride. She always knew that John would become a great leader and would live up to the legend of John Connor. She was proud that he and done so.
John paused before continuing. "Mom, Mr. Ellison. We have an idea of how to stop Skynet. I know where it is. We can win this war."
Sarah looked around the room and took a deep breath. "Not on that leg your not." She stood up and walked towards her son and smiled. "John, let's hear this plan. What do you need us to do?"
