OK guys sorry for the long wait but here's chapter four. It's a long one but there's a lot I wanted to put in it. The next chapter will be the last of this story. As always let me know what you think!

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"We're leaving!" Sarah was frantic, she had allowed herself to become too comfortable, too safe and it had blinded her. No one is ever safe she reminder herself. Pushing away from the table she grabbed the coffee pot and poured another cup, an attempt to calm her nerves. The morning had been going well, she hadn't burned the pancakes, Derek was keeping to himself, everything was fine. There's the problem she thought. Than John had gone and ruined it. She couldn't really blame him but it wasn't what she had wanted to hear from her son first thing in the morning. He had brought his laptop into the kitchen and set it on the table before calling everyone over, a look had been set on her face that she couldn't describe. It had only taken a second for Sarah to recognize the face; John had enlarged an image and cleaned it up. Sitting on his computer was a picture of Cromartie, laden with guns and ammunition. Whatever the machine was planning it spelt danger for John and Sarah had no intention of sticking around waiting for it. So she did the first thing that came to her mind.

"Derek! grab the guns, grab the money, and get our papers. John pack your bag! We need to get out of here!" Sarah said placing the cup on the counter causing some to spill over the brm and making for her bedroom. Cromartie could be outside for all they knew while they sat around reading the morning paper. What Sarah failed to notice was that no one seemed to respond to the orders.

"No" Johns defiant response cut through the air stopping Sarah in her tracks. She knew he hated moving so this wasn't wholly unexpected but she was also his mother and he should be listening to her. The real surprise was that Derek also hadn't moved from his seat. She rounded on the two of them intending to whip them into action.

"What the hell are you two doing, we need to get out of here before that machine shows up at our front door!" Sarah's hands ran through her hair in frustration.

"Mom you are freaking out, there's no way he found out where we live. I knew I shouldn't have shown you this." Derek cleared his throat before looking a Sarah.

"I have to agree with the kid Sarah, what's to say that he's not going after another target?" Derek was a soldier; it was his instinct to fight and he had been fighting metal for years. He didn't run away from his problems, he turned and faced them head on. Besides it was time John started getting some real experience, no more of this nursery school shit. "About time we took the fight to the metal!"

"No, I said we are going and that's final, go get the Tin Miss and get to the car!" Sarah wasn't going to take any chances, not with Johns, not with her son.

"Canada" The sound of a new voice drew everyone's attention to the door Sarah was standing in front of, it caused her to jump slightly. In it stood Cameron with her usual blank expression as she surveyed the room.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Derek sneered. Cameron glared at him with what looked like a flash contempt before answering.

"If we are moving again we should move to Canada. The majority of the country avoids nuclear fallout and very few resistance leaders are from Canada. That makes the chances of encountering threats less likely." Was her stoic response, she didn't understand why they simply starred at her. It was a logical plan. John took the silence as an opportunity to speak.

"It doesn't matter because we aren't going anywhere. He doesn't know where we are and now we have an idea of his location. The tables have turned; we should use this to our advantage and take him down while we can. God knows he's caused us enough problems already…" John was sick of hiding, packing up shop and high tailing it every time someone so much as sneezed him his direction. It was time to stand up and fight.

"John it's too dangerous, you know how importa-" Sarah was cut off before she could finish her ago old mantra.

"Important I am?? How am I ever going to become this great military leader if you keep babying me? You have been training me to kill these things since day one, let me finally do it!" John slammed his hand down on the table. All the years of moving, all his pent up anger from being forced into this situation was beginning to boil over. "What happened to fighting Skynet? Or did you forget what you said? If we leave now we lose EVERYTHING we have worked for. Our leads, the Turk, taking down Skynet. All of it starts and ends right here, we aren't going anywhere mom." John sat back into his seat, surprised himself by the outburst. He heard a grunt of agreement come from Derek's side of the table and saw a smile on Cameron's face. Sarah on the other hand looked shocked.

"I...it…jus…" She couldn't find the words to rebuttal her son's statements and he wore a cold look of determination on his face. It was true, John had to grow up one day, she had just been hoping it wasn't today. Besides if they left now they would lose everything like he said. Sarah's shoulders dropped in defeat. "Fine…but we aren't running out guns blazing. Be smart, do surveillance on him before any sort of attack. Understood?" Sarah wasn't sure if she was reminding herself or john that she was still the adult here.

"Absolutely" John let out a sigh of relief before standing and walking back towards his room. Smiling at Cameron on his way out but nothing more.

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Frustration, anger, annoyance, disappointment…these were all emotions that any man in his shoes would feel right about now. After failure these are common reactions. There was only one problem with that logic, it wasn't a man filling these shoes, it was a machine. Cromatire, Terminator T-888 advanced infiltration model, unit designation CR8265936, wasn't affected by any of these distracting emotions. He was indifferent towards his target John Connor, the man who would one day lead humans to victory against his kind. He had a mission to complete and would take whatever measures necessary to see its completion. If contemporary tactics failed it was time to "think outside the box" as he had heard when in the presence of humans. This was an illogical statement as all thinking occurs in the brain for humans. The brain was not remotely shaped like a box and thinking outside of it is impossible no matter its structure. But like many human statements, what is said is not what is meant. If he couldn't get to his target, he would bring his target to himself.

"Thank you for your time!" Cromartie watched as his "hired muscle" left the room. Seven men, all of whom were tools for his mission. They would aid him in the Termination of John Connor. He turned and stepped onto the balcony overlooking the warehouse floor; it was cluttered with stacked crates and dusty machines. Below the men were selecting their weapons from a rather extensive collection he had acquired the night before. Silently the machine bent down grabbing a coil of think electrical wires and a portable generator in each hand. He had very little time until the Connors arrived and so much to do…

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John stood still as he let the water pound against his scalp, the sound was very relaxing. Relaxation was what he needed after the last few hours: Cameron, Cromartie, his mother, it was too much in too short a time span. He was surprised that his mother even agreed, albeit not without a fight but she had agreed none the less. John wasn't sure how to feel about it, yes he wanted to kill that son of a bitch but was he ready? Letting out a sigh John slowly leant forward until his head made contact with the wall. He was going to go after something that's one purpose, one reason for existence, was to see him dead. He had made up his mind, it didn't matter if he was ready, this had to be done, and it was just another stepping stone towards stopping Skynet. Reaching for the shampoo John poured a generous amount into his hands and began working it into what little hair he had. Switching gears he began thinking about Cameron and a smile crept onto his face. She had kissed him…and he had kissed her back! It seemed like a dream but John knew it wasn't everything she had told him was the truth. She had no reason to lie, no need to manipulate him, unless she was still lying…no. It was hard to wrap his head around that fact that a machine and a human could be in love. But she wasn't just a machine, she was so much more and it angered him to no end that he was the only one who saw it.

John was so lost in his own head that he didn't hear the bathroom door open and close. He was so caught up in his own thoughts that he didn't notice the presence standing just outside the shower door. It wasn't until a voice broke the tranquil sound of the water that his eyes snapped open.

"John, you should be more aware of your surroundings." John spun towards the voice to see Cameron standing outside the shower. His hands flew to cover himself in an attempt to provide some form of modesty. "I have been present for 4 minutes and 16 seconds"

"What are you doing!" John hissed, embarrassed at being exposed in front of his protector and love interest.

"I wanted to see you" she said taking a step closer to the clouded door and cocking her head at an angle. Her features were distorted by the glass but John could still clearly see her outline.

"Couldn't it have waited till…you know I was out of the shower?" he said. The water was beginning to lose temperature and he was still standing and covering himself best as possible.

"I suppose" Cameron said before quickly opening the door and revealing John. His eyes widened in shock, feeling as though his one protection had been stripped away. He did notice her eyes roam over his body before she ask: "Am I your girlfriend?" The question caught him off guard, her large doe eyes starred at him with what looked like curiosity.

"Well..uhh…yea I guess you are" John managed to stammer while shifting uncomfortably onto his other foot. He saw the large smile spread across her lips and his stomach did flips.

"And you're my boyfriend" It wasn't a question this time. Cameron noticed Johns breathing become faster and he was fidgeting. She looked at his body once more and saw he still covered his reproductive organ. "I have seen you naked before John." She pointed out

"Well yea but we were all naked, on the middle of a freeway…and my mother was there…" John didn't enjoy the mental image he received after recounting the night they had arrived in the future. He looked at Cameron and saw her bright smile transform into a devilish grin.

"You would be more comfortable if I were naked as well?" She said while letting her jacket fall the floor and grasping the hem of her shirt. John gasped in surprise but recovered quickly before she could remove any other articles of clothing.

"NO!" He said a little too quickly as she dropped her head in rejection. "I mean just ehmm…I would…not now. I have a lot on my mind." She nodded her head but still looked disappointed by his rejection as she left the room. I have a lot on my mind what kind of line was that? The truth being that she was the only thing on his mind right now. He was barely able to keep his hormones in check most of the time! What was he supposed to do with Cameron coming on to him? He let out another sigh and began to finish up; at least life was never dull.

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Nathan Mayers sat comfortably behind his desk as he finished preparing the last document. In front of him lay a rather thick folder which is where he put the last page before sealing it shut. A quick glance out the window of his small office revealed a setting sun just about time he thought. Looking at his wrist watch confirmed that it was 5:47, his client should be arriving soon. Stenciled on the door of his small office, which was nestled in a corner of downtown LA were the words Nathan Mayers – PI. Nathan was a Private Investigator and had been ever since he got out of the Seals. He was also extremely good at what he did. He had spent 6 years in the navy as a Seal which benefited him greatly in a line of work where secrecy and stealth were always required. It also gave him access to resources most law enforcement agencies would kill to have. He had contacts in every echelon on the cities government and all the local gangs. His reputation for excellence was well known in LA and it had gotten him contracts from celebrities, CEOs, you name em' and he has probably done a job for em'. But all of that didn't matter anymore, after this latest contact Nathan would be retiring.

He had been contacted by a gentleman who was seeking out a family in the LA area. This was a pretty basic contract for a PI. Locating lost family members or wives who had run with their husbands assets were all common requests. The difference in this case was that Nathans client hadn't requested the usual meet up that occurred at the end of an investigation like this and had requested he dig up everything there was. Something told Nathan that this was a family matter. But he had learned long ago not to ask questions and with the amount of money he was going to be paid the only question on his mind was where he would be retiring. Nathans thoughts were interrupted as a man stepped through the doorway.

"Mr. Ferguson!' Nathan said as he stood and extended his hand towards his client. Their dealings had been strictly on the phone until this point so Nathan took a moment to study the man. He was well built with blond hair and blue eyes. He wore a light blue shirt and a pair of jeans. He had the looks of movie star if it wasn't for his "stone" face. After an awkward moment, almost like the man didn't understand the gesture Mr. Ferguson took his hand, it felt like a vice.

"Do you have the information I requested?" The man dropped his hand and began looking over the room. Nathan shook out his finger in an attempt to get some blood back into them as he moved back towards his desk to grab the folder.

"Yup, its all right here." He leaned over the cluttered workspace and grabbed the folder labeled Case 263-Ferguson. I gotta tell you this was a little more work than I had expected but you came to the right man. Everything you asked for is in here: aliases, locations, movement patterns, known accomplices, I even got the kids report cards."Nathan said as he handed over the folder. His client leafed through the documents inside checking for himself that everything was in place.

"Yes they have been difficult in the past" Closing the folder Mr. Ferguson placed in the chair next to him and turned back to face Nathan with a smile. "Thank you for your time!"

"Now about my payment, I have an account th-" He was cut off midsentence as his client extended his hand. Nathan reached out to return the shake slightly confused as this gesture usually followed the completion of business and this deal wasn't over till he got paid. Mr. Ferguson did not shake Nathans hand though; instead he grabbed the PI by the neck and lifted him into the air. An inaudible gurgle escaped his mouth as Nathan reached for his pistol. Left side, under his arm…it wasn't there. His eyes grew large as he saw the H&K sitting on his desk. It was getting harder to breath as his "client" single handedly crushed his windpipe. Looking into the man's eyes he suddenly saw them glow bright red…*CRACK*.

Nathan Mayers fell limply to the ground, his neck broken. Cromartie grabbed the file, turned, and left the office.

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…SCANNING…

…System operating at 95% efficacy…

…Chip integrity compromised…

…Emotional restrictions failing - 22% - repair needed – Logic Core Compromised…

…Recommend immediate reboot…

Ignoring the scan Cameron carefully read the information in front of her, committing each piece to her memory banks. On her bed carefully aligned in symmetrical rows were magazines. Some she had read already, some she still needed to look at. Teen Vouge, Seventeen Magazine, etc were all present. Cameron used these as valuable sources for references on how to blend in as a human. The problem was that she often misunderstood what she read and when she attempted to perform a suggested action it was at an inappropriate time or unwelcomed by others. The shower incident earlier in the day was another failed attempted. She slowly closed the magazine revealing the cover: cosmopolitan with the head line: 10 ways you please your man. She made note that showering together did not seem to interest John. This magazine was apparently ineffective, its suggestions seemed to cause John to become agitated and nervous, she wanted him to be happy and calm around her.

Looking back down at the title Cameron considered the head line your man, was John hers? She certainly did not own John nor did she believe he could be bought. Still many humans referred to their significant others with implications of ownership. If John was hers was she his? Second John wasn't a man; he was still a teenager, only 16 years old. The question didn't have a logical answer but she knew that he was her John and she certainly wouldn't mind being his Cameron. Once again a feeling immense happiness rushed through her neural net,…it felt warm. Whenever Cameron thought of John she felt this way. It was almost euphoric, second only to physical contact with him. As quickly as the feeling had emerged it vanished, replaced with instead with…rage? Since their first kiss John had made no attempts to show any affection towards her or make conversation unless she initiated it. He had said she was his girlfriend though, but why wouldn't he show it? Cameron was suddenly overcome with a desire to punch him, much to her surprise. She forcefully pushed these feelings away attempting to return to her emotionless state. As with her recent attempts it was only partially successful, as the restrictions continued to fail she lost more control over herself. She was unstable at the moment. Standing up Cameron carefully realigned the magazines that had moved from the mattress shifting and left her room. The walk to Johns was short and she covered in seconds, knocking once she opened the door and walked in.

John was sitting at his computer, his head was resting on a balled fist and his eyes were closed. Cameron couldn't help but smile when John was asleep; he looked very content and happy, now she was happy again. Taking a few more steps into the room his eyes shot open and he pulled out his pistol, aiming it in her direction. Seeing it was only Cameron he let it drop.

"Ohh my bad, didn't hear you come in." John absent mindedly dropped the berretta back onto the table and swiveled his chair to face Cameron.

"It's good that you're a light sleeper, it makes termination attempts more difficult" Cameron said as she took a seat on the edge of his bed. Her posture was stiff as a board. "How's the search?" Sarah and Derek had left to investigate the weapons shop Cromarite has ravaged, ordering John not to leave the house until they returned. He had been using the time to search the machines location.

"I pulled up the traffic cams and got a license plate but it's probably no good, he would ditch the car right?"

"It's what I would do" she deadpanned. John faced the computer again as he began adjusting the search parameters. Cameron took the opportunity to reach out and run her fingers through his hair. "I am sorry I made you uncomfortable earlier, Cosmopolitan Magazine suggested it as an activity romantic couples should participate in" She withdrew her hand from his hair and looked at it as if something was wrong while blinking back tears. "If I misinterpreted our relationship or you do not find me physically attractive I understand" John suddenly spun around, she sounded close to depression if that was even possible for a machine.

"Cam you are beautiful! And I love you, the shower thing was just… kinda sudden" John took her hands in his and rubbed his finger across her knuckles. It was amazing how small and soft her hands were and scary to think of what they were capable of. "Are you ok?"

"My emotions are unstable; the restrictions have fallen to 22%." Suddenly Cameron pulled her hands back and pointed a finger towards John's chest, the sudden movement shocked him. "You say you love me John Connor but you show me no affection. We do not "cuddle" or kiss or take numerous photos of ourselves together! You haven't even made a asexual advance on me! You are hiding your feelings from your family, are you ashamed of me??" She was actually yelling by the end, it was the first time John had never heard Cameron raise her voice. Her outburst shocked him and he couldn't help but blush at the mention of sex.

"Of course I do Cameron; I want to be able to do those things so badly! Everything I see you I want to pull you into my arms and just hold you there…but I am afraid. Afraid of how Derek and my mom will react, afraid they will try to destroy you!" John rubbed his eye to clear the moisture; he was such a sap sometimes. He brought his hands up and cupped her face, the anger it had held quickly fading away. He ran his thumb over her check and Cameron's eyes fluttered involuntarily. She hadn't meant to yell at John but the feeling that he didn't return her feelings had scarred her. She gently closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. "I love you Cam and we will tell them when they are ready to hear it, together"

"I'm sorry I yelled John, my systems are unstable at the moment…"

"Ha it's like you are Bi-polar"

"A mood disorder sometimes called manic-depressive illness or manic-depression that characteristically involves cycles of depression and elation or mania. I do not understand" Cameron said tipping her head slightly while trying to understand Johns meaning. Surely he knew she was incapable of mental disorders.

"I was joking Cam, I just meant that your having mood swings because your emotions are still new." John leaned over and kissed her quickly before going back and shutting his laptop. Changing the subject completely he asked "I need a break, wanna watch a movie?" Cameron face brightened at the suggestion.

"Thank you for explaining, and yes I would like to watch Star Wars again" John chuckled slightly and nodded his head. She had watched the whole series too many times to count but she always claimed it was scientifically "intriguing". Cameron grabbed his hand and pulled him after her towards the living room like two normal teenagers.

Many hours later and four movies into the series John had fallen asleep. In his hurry to spend time with Cameron, John had overlooked the fact that she intended to watch all 6 films in one sitting. Cameron on the other hand sat slightly forward on the couch starring intently at the screen. An audible gasp escaped her mouth as Obi-Wan was killed. It was illogical that he would disintegrate after being killed with a light saber. Maybe it was because she did not understand the weapon full? She made note to study it further and came to the determination that it would be effective in dealing with terminators if such an invention was possible. Cameron looked over at John and saw his head roll to the side as he shifted in his sleep. She reached over and pulled him closer so his head to rest on her shoulder for support. Slowly she began to trace circles on his back. During the films she had drawn many comparisons between Luke Skywalker and her John. Both had been forced into a destiny to save their people when they simply wanted to live their lives. Both had to give up a normal family to become what was necessary. Cameron rested her head on top of Johns and let out a sigh of satisfaction, she was with John and that's all that mattered, she would make sure he was always happy. Cameron did not see that Sarah and Derek were standing in the kitchen watching….

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Johns eyes fluttered open as the morning sun blinded him. It took a few moments for him to take in his surroundings. He wasn't where he normally woke up; instead he was lying on the couch. That answers one question but now why was he here instead of his bed? It didn't take long for last night's events to come back to him. He and Cameron had been watching a movie…movies. Apparently if you watch one you have to watch them all with her he concluded. Letting out a pent up yawn John stretched his arms towards the ceiling trying to shake off the sleep. Where was Cam? After straightening out his clothes a little bit he headed for the kitchen with a smile on his face.

When John entered the kitchen he knew something was up immediately. His mom wasn't making any pancakes like she always did; Derek didn't have his morning paper, both of them simply glared at him as he entered the room. Derek's foot was tapping on the floor in a fashion that told John that the resistance fighter had something he wanted to say. John flashed them a sheepish smile wondering what this was about as he took a glass out of the closet.

"I told you Sarah" Derek said in a hushed voice, both eyes bore into Johns back as he poured the juice.

"Told her what?" John casually asked putting the carton back in the fridge as he turned to face his uncle. Something in Derek's face told him he wanted to scream, and that's exactly what he did.

"WHAT THE FUCK JOHN?!" Derek exclaimed as he stood from the table. John's response was a shocked silence, still not understanding what his uncle was talking about. Seeing that his nephew wasn't picking up on the conversation Derek continued. "Do you think I haven't picked up on what you're doing? It's a goddamn machine John!" He had tried to stop this from happening but that metal bitch had John wrapped around her fucking finger. John, finally realizing what this was all about stammered to respond.

"W-what are you talking about?"

"I have seen you with it John, when it was crying. WE saw you two last night. Looked pretty comfy" Derek walked around the table and got into Johns face. "She's going to twist you and turn you against us, it's what they do John! Do you want that?"At this moment Sarah decided to join in on the tag team.

"John you have been getting to close to her, she could go bad again." Sarah didn't want to admit her son had feelings for the machine but the evidence was sitting in front of her.

"Getting to close? She's the only one I can get close to! I have a paranoid mother and a fucking psychotic uncle." John was close to yelling now, they had pushed him into a corner and he was lashing out. "She isn't going to go bad again, Jesus you don't even know anything about her. All you see is a machine."

"All she is, is a machine! John they trick you, they lie to you, they deceive you, and then they kill you!" Derek wanted to hit this kid; his head was as thick as coltan if he couldn't see the truth. "That metal may look like some hot 16 year old but underneath it there's nothing but lights and clockwork." Sarah could see John becoming angry but her son had to realize what he was doing.

"Don't forget what she is John" Hopefully he hadn't and this was a misunderstanding she prayed.

"She's a killer John not some fucktoy!" Sarah gasped at Derek's last statement, it shocked both Sarah and John but what followed it was even more surprising. Before he could react Derek was lying on the floor with a red hand print across his face and a few teeth missing. A furious looking Cameron stood over him. She must have come in from the other room.

"Mine and John's relationship, whether platonic or romantic is none of your business Derek Reese. I have never initiated in Sexual activities with John either since you seem so interested" John blushed when she said this and Cameron smiled slightly before returning to her anger towards Derek. Holding out her right hand and closed it into a fist and raised her middle finger. "Fuck you!" Derek looked like he was ready to tear her head off with his bare hands.

"THE HELL IT ISNT MY BUISNESS, I'm not gonna sit here while you fuck with Johns head." Derek got back to his feet and pushed Cameron, she didn't budge. Derek got a smug look on his face. "Let me ask you a question bitch, all this bullshit your showing us…these emotions where were they in the future? Where were they when you killed Allison young and took her fucking face?!?" Derek stood back and watched as his attack unfolded, but not with the desired affects. The machines face suddenly went blank and she stared into the distance. Slowly her hands began to slightly shake and her face once again changed. Her lower lip began to quiver and tears started flowing freely down her cheeks. Cameron turned and ran out of the room followed closely by the sound of a slamming door. This wasn't what Derek had expected at all. John slowly stepped forward looking at both his guardians with a mixture of sympathy and utter disdain.

"…I haven't forgotten what she is. On the contrary I'm the only one who has actually seen what she really is. Both of you are so blinded by hatred you can't see that she's so much more than a terminator." John turned and head towards the stairs but stopped and looked back at them; both seemed to be shell shocked. "By the way…I love her. I think I always have." John jogged up the last few stairs towards Cameron's room. Back in the in the kitchen Sarah and Derek just stood there. A cell phone began to ring jarring them out of the trance. As Sarah walked over to pick it up she looked at Derek.

"Who was Allison Young?" She wasn't sure she wanted to know the answer but asked anyway.

"John's fiancée"

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John walked up to Cameron's door and lightly knocked before pushing it open. He couldn't see her inside so he called out her name.

"Cam?" Taking a tentative step he heard a sob come from the corner of the room. Quickly he turned to see Cameron sitting on the floor crying. Her knees had been drawn up to her chest and her arms were wrapped tightly around them. John hurried over to her side and put his arms around her. "Shh it's alright Cam, fuck Derek" She shook him off and stood up walking to the opposite side of the room.

"I'm not like that anymore John I swear, I'm not like that!" She said even though she started crying again. John assumed she was talking about the Allison thing.

"I know you aren't like that. I don't care about what you did while you were a slave to Skynet. You aren't anymore, your just Cameron…my Cameron" Cameron turned around to look at him, her eyes were bloodshot and red and her hair was a little frazzled. She was still beautiful.

"You wouldn't say that if you knew what I had done. Derek was right; I'm still just a machine. I'll always be a machine John." Her tone had become very serious; slowly she reached down to her combat book and drew a rather large and scary knife. For his credit John didn't move. "Do you love me John, or do you love what I look like?" With incredible speed she raised the blade and plunged it into her own arm quickly bringing it down to the middle of her forearm.

"CAMERON!" John ran forward and tore the knife from her. She looked back at him as she peeled the synthetic flesh off her arm and raised it to Johns face.

"Lights and-d c..clo—ck" Cameron couldn't finish the sentence as she started to cry again. John put his hands on her shoulders and she fell into him sobbing. This was not the first time they had been in this situation.

"Listen to me Cameron, I love you." John said this while tapping the spot where her CPU port was. "Yes you are very beautiful on the outside but it's your personality I love. I don't care that you have a hyper-metal chassis underneath. It's actually pretty cool." John chuckled in an attempt to light the mood. Cameron raised her head and wiped away a few of the tears.

"It's actually a Hyper Alloy Combat Chassis" She corrected, followed by a half laugh half sob. John grabbed her hand and led her over to the bed where he began to silently stitch her arm up with the med-kit she kept in the room. "I love you John" She said and once again rested her head against his. He smiled and kissed her; she reached up and grabbed the back of his head. As his mouth opened she quickly slipped her tongue into it. The magazines were right about some things! John returned the action, both releasing their passion for one another. The moment was interrupted though when Sarah walked into the room causing them to quickly separate

"I uhhh…" It took Sarah a moment to remember why she had come in as she took in the sight in front of her. John was holing Cameron in a very protective embrace and she seemed to be drawing comfort from it. "I need her" John looked at her suspiciously.

"Why"

"I just got a call, we found the Turk, sounds like after Sarkissian it fell into the hands of a Spanish gang. They want 500,000 for it." Cameron looked at Sarah in the same manner John was.

"We don't have 500,000" Slowly she stood up and ran a hand through her hair. "We will have to negotiate" She reached into the back of her pants and pulled out a pistol racking the slide in a single motion. John stood up next to her and slipped his hand into hers while looking at his mother.

"I'm going as well" It was a statement. He wasn't about to leave Cameron alone with the two of them.

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The tension is the truck was ridiculously high as it turned down the empty road. No one had said a word since they left the house. They were headed for a warehouse on the other side of L.A. to "acquire" the Turk. The guy said 500,000 was the price, which was something the Connors did not have. Since they didn't have enough money they would be asking kindly with guns as Derek had put it. Over whelming them would be easy with their hidden ace, Cameron. John looked over at her, she was staring intently at him, she flashed a smile. The sound of brakes drew his attention as the truck crawled to a stop in front of what John would call a very sketchy warehouse. All four of them stepped out and Cameron looked at Sarah expectantly.

"They said to meet them inside and they would bring the Turk once we showed them the money, seems pretty straight forward." Systematically they all checked their weapons. Derek hefted and M4-A1 with a red dot sight. Sarah took out a Remington 12-guage. John examined his Berretta with precision, ensuring it was in proper working order. Cameron drew her Glock and stepped towards the building.

"Wait here, I'll be back" John wanted to go with her but realized she would tell him to stay for his own safety so he bit his tongue and stayed put. Cameron walked towards the building scanning the area as she went. Once she reached the doubled doors that served as an entrance a low buzzing sound caused her to pause. Unable to determine its origin she figure it must be coming from inside and quickly and reached to grab the handle. Upon contact a massive electrical surge threw her body 10 feet away. She landed at and awkward angle and lay unmoving.

"Cameron!" John jumped up to sprint to her aid when he was suddenly jerked back by his jacket collar and landed on his ass behind the truck.

"Don't be stupid!" Derek growled through clenched teeth as he fired off his M4-A1 using controlled bursts. John looked from him to his mother and saw they were both firing. In his panic he hadn't heard the gunshots. The previously empty windows of the warehouse flashed with automatic weapons fire that was landing all around them. John looked back and still saw Cameron lying on the ground. He mom screamed for him to stay down but it was too late. John was running on automatic, his years of training kicking in as the adrenaline pumped. The quicker he dealt with this the quicker he could get to Cameron. Only 120 seconds he reminded himself. In a fluid motion he drew the Berretta and slammed the safety off. Careful to control his aim John fired round after round into one of the windows until he saw the gunman catch one in the throat. With a awkward cry he dropped out of sight…dead. John hit the magazine release and slid a fresh one in. Tapping Derek on the shoulder John pointed towards a large pile of tubing indicating that Derek move for a better position. He nodded and John opened up the building in unison with his mom drawing the attention of their attackers.

Derek sprinted towards the cover, hitting the ground as soon as he reached it. He took a second to steady himself before peaking over the wall of cover. Not more than 10 feet away in a window stood a rather large man reloading a shotgun. Derek brought his M4 to bear and whistled. The man was so surprise to see Derek this close to the building he dropped one of his shells in shock. He took the opportunity and put a bullet through the man's forehead. Derek continued scanning for targets and his eye locked on a man standing in the door way firing at the truck. Derek squeezed off three rounds into the man's chest and was horrified when he barley stumbled.

"JOHN, SARAH WE GOT METAL!" Derek screamed as he unloaded the remainder of the magazine at this new threat. It did little as the Terminator changed its focus and advanced towards him raising a rather beefy looking pistol, aiming it at Derek's head. He tripped over a rock and fell onto his back, helpless. Derek heard the shot but didn't feel it, that's because a piece of concrete hit the machine first. Suddenly Derek was aware of hands on his shoulder. He was being dragged towards the car and was shocked to see a beaten and dirty looking Cameron pulling him.

"It's Cromartie" She stated while pulling one of the shotguns out of the car. Cameron looked over at John to ensure he was still safe. He gave her a thumbs up before he continued firing his weapon. "This was a trap"

"Yea no shit" Derek reached onto the passenger seat and quickly grabbed his USP before the bulled impacted on the seat. The truck was taking one hell of a beating. They wouldn't be able to keep this up much longer. Cameron quickly moved to engage Cromartie with the shotgun. John and Sarah dropped back behind cover and began reloading as their attackers renewed the assault. It wasn't as powerful; they had lost a few men. Derek counted 5 still standing plus that piece of trash as he popped back up firing once again.

-----

John and his mom had been putting an endless amount of fire on the building but these assholes were dug in. John watched as someone fell from the roof screaming in pain, the ground abruptly silenced him. So far this was going pre---

"Mom!" John spun wildly towards his mother as she fell to the ground clutching her arm. He could see blood leaking through her finders. Gently he pulled her hands away to examine the wound.

"I'm fine, it was just a graze." It may have just been a graze but it had still managed to take a decent amount of meat off her arm. Derek let lose another burst which caught one of the fatter men in the chest before he could move. He leaned over towards the Connors.

"Can you still shoot?" It was sort of blunt but they didn't have time to mess around, there were still three more shooters.

"Yea…yea I'm fine" Sarah wrapped he shirt around the wound and pulled it tight with her teeth. John looked at her with uneasiness. Picking up the fallen weapon she nodded at Derek. John peeked around the truck for a new target. That had been close, his mom had been shot! John's eyes hardened as he saw a man with an AK-74 sneaking slowly around the rubble near the building. He had been the one who shot his mother; he was the only one with the angle. John quickly rolled forward, hatred clouding his judgment as he moved to flank the bastard.

"John!" Sarah moved to grab her son but she was forced down by another salvo from one of the windows. She couldn't reach him. Keeping his head down John quietly moved towards the man. Not far away a shotgun barked multiple times. He smiled at the thought of Cameron kicking Cromarites ass and glad she was back up. His lack in focus, even if only for a moment cost him. As John rounded a piece of debris his gun was suddenly knocked away. Quickly John brought up his hands Ready for a fight. Grabbing the man's wrists he similarly disarmed his opponent. Not allowing the man a chance to recover he followed up with a vicious right hook. The man stumbled back but regained his balance and charged John. There was nowhere move, no way to evade the attack in such a cramped area. The air exploded out of his lungs as John doubled over from the hit. The man brought his fist down on John's shoulder like a sledge hammer. The force of the hit sent John to the ground as he heard a distinct pop from his shoulder blade. Biting his lip forced the pain to the back of his mind and quickly rolled away to avoid further punishment. John snapped out his right leg and caught the man knocking him over as well. Not to be outdone he retaliated by pushing himself on top of John and mercilessly landing hit after hit on his face. John knew this wasn't going to end well; he couldn't force the larger body off of him. Desperately his finger clawed the ground searching for anything to use as a weapon. His hand found purchase on the grip of the Berretta. Quickly as he could John brought the weapon to his assailants head. The man clearly wasn't expecting this from the look on his face and with gritted teeth john pulled the trigger three times. He watched as brain matter and blood exploded from the head and the body limply rolled over.

John could hardly breathe; he had just viciously murdered a man. But it had been self defense, and he was protecting his family. That justified it right? On shaky legs John stood up but it only lasted for a moment. Before he could even move a mind numbing pain ripped through his already beaten body, he heard someone scream and the next thing he was the ground.

Cameron felt the bullets impact her chest and saw the signs flash across her HUD warming that her epidermal layer had been compromised. Ignoring the messages she pumped the shotgun again and fired another slug towards Cromarties chest. He was visibly moved by the impact and Cameron closed the distance. Chambering another shell she fired again. The majority of Cromarties chest had been exposed along with half of his face after four blasts from her weapon. As she made to fire again the terminator grabbed onto the barrel of the gun and twisted it, causing the shot went wide. Cameron attempted to pull back but Cromarite held her in place. He shoved the gun into her chest locking her arms in place. She tried to push him back but he had the advantage now. Almost effortlessly his left leg flew out and connected with her side. She tilted ever so slightly but it was enough and he used it to throw her into the truck. The force of the throw sent her body through the hood of the truck and into the engine block. The impact that would have killed a human barley fazed her and she pushed herself up. Her arm was caught, twisted in the metal and it held her in place. It took her a moment to grab the fram with her free hand and rip the sheet metal back to free herself. Grabbing the shotgun off the ground she looked for Cromarite. Where had he gone? A quick scan of the battle revealed the machine standing 20 meters from his last know location. He had his pistol razed and Cameron follow his line of sight…John. A few rounds from Derek hit the machine in the side jarring its aim. It did not stop the Terminator though and the weapon fired twice and she watched as the heavy rounds sped towards their target. The first ripping through John's right thigh and the second connected with his opposite shoulder. The impact sent him spinning like a top in to the ground.

"JOHN!!!!" Cameron and Sarah screamed together, surprisingly Cameron's vice rang louder.

…Chip integrity compromised…

…Emotional restriction failure -0% - repair needed – Logic Core Compromised…

…Warning shutdown immanent …

…60…59…58…57…

Cameron jumped into action, sprinting forward towards Cromarite continuously firing until the shotgun *clicked* empty. She was three feet from her target when she swung the empty gun like a bat impacting the back of his head. She followed quickly by relentlessly punching the area containing the machines CPU port. Cromarite responded by grabbing her arm but was quickly caught by a hay maker in the neck knocking him to the ground.

…29…28…27…

Cameron brought her foot down but the triple eight deftly rolled away only to be caught by a kick in the side. He slammed into the side of the warehouse almost going through the wall. Rushing forward she drew out the knife she had used earlier to cut herself and grabbed the machine before it could right itself. Upon contact she drove the blade through its right eye and punched it deeper into the coltan skull. Tears were rolling down her face as she assaulted her enemy in absolute hatred for taken the most precious thing in her existence. She continued to punch him even after she had broken through the CPU. She continued punching even after she had obliterated its chip. She continued until her world suddenly went black and she slumped forward unceremoniously onto Cromarites inert body.

…3…2…1…0…

….Initiating System Shutdown…

-----

Derek and Sarah stood up simultaneously and fired at their targets until both their weapons were empty.

"John!" Sarah took off running towards her son as the two remaining attackers dropped dead under the hail of combined gunfire. Derek followed closely behind her praying John wasn't dead, that he hadn't lost another family member. When they reached him he was slowly crawling towards them, his clothes soaked in blood. Sarah dropped to her knees next to him letting out a chocked sob. He gave them a grin revealing his bloody teeth.

"I guess…this..is what it feels like…to get shot" He said clearly in pain. Derek ran towards the warehouse leaving Sarah with her son. He cursed as he rounded the warehouse. Where the fuck is it? He was looking for the vehicle those assholes had to of arrived in. He question was answered when he saw a grey van sitting on the side of the road. Derek ran to it and yanked the door open. He didn't bother looking for keys, kicking the bottom of the steering column instead, revealing a mess of wires. He expertly grabbed two and after a quick spark tied them together. Throwing the van into reverse he sped towards John and Sarah. As soon as he got close enough Derek slammed on the breaks and jumped out leaving the engine running. He threw the back doors open and slid some miscellaneous gear away.

"Help me get him in!" Derek shouted as he grabbed John's shoulders. Sarah picked up his feet and they lifted him into the back of the van. John let out a grabbled cry of pain when they did so. Sarah jumped in the back and began looking for a medical kit. Derek couldn't help but notice the amount of blood on the ground as he got back in the driver's seat. Putting the van in drive he sped towards the road. But he stopped when John called out.

"D-Derek…wait for Cam…she will be here soon…" John rolled his head trying to look for his protector.

"She's out of the game, there's no time we have to leave John." John groaned as Sarah tied a tourniquet around his leg. She was mumbling incoherently as she tried to keep her son from bleeding out in the back of a van. John's voice was barley a whisper now and Derek almost didn't hear it.

"P-please…120 se-e..conds" he said as his head dropped to the floor, unconscious from blood lose. Derek glanced in the mirror and saw both of the machines still lying on the ground.

The 120 second marker had passed three minutes ago.