Chapter 3

John paced up and down his quarters. For almost two weeks there hadn't been a sign of life from her. He was reluctant to admit it to himself. But if he was honest, he knew the truth nonetheless: Allison was dead.

The girl had almost been like a child of their own to his wife and him. He missed her immensely. And the fact that Kate was currently out on an inspection of Goldfish bunker didn't help to calm his spirits either.

Just when he was about to let himself fall down on his mat in frustration, the radio unit gave a crackling noise. "General Connor, do you copy?"

John suppressed a moan and grabbed the microphone: "What is it, Yelkov?"

"You won't believe it, Sir! Lieutenant Jagger's troop has just picked up a hand full of refugees. They were seeking cover from two Tripple-Eights behind an improvised barrier. We were able to destroy the attackers and rescue the people. All turned out to be soldiers that had been captured during the Lombad offensive two weeks ago."

Now John jumped up like a scalded cat. "Don't tell me… Is she…?"

"Yes", Yelkov interrupted him happily. "Allison is among them! Can you believe it?"

"Send her to me, as soon as they've reached the base!"

"Of course, Sir."

About half an hour later, John heard someone knock on the door of his quarters. He opened immediately, full of anticipation. After a short embrace, he asked Allison to come in and locked the door thoroughly from the inside.

"Allsion! You can't imagine how glad I am to see you again! I've never completely given up the hope… but you know by yourself how likely it is to see someone again that you have lost to the machines."

"Not very likely", Allison replied dryly.

John gave her an astonished look, but then continued: "So, tell me, how are you? Have you been hurt? Have they tortured you?"

Allison put on a smile: "Everything worked out fine." And then she reached out for John, who could understand very well that she was in need for a little security at his very moment. So he instinctively wanted to return her hug.

However, Allison didn't embrace John, but instead she grabbed his throat, and spoke, deprived of all emotion: "John Connor, you are terminated."

John immediately started to struggle and tried to free himself, but he didn't stand a chance. The door was locked from the inside. People would hear his screams, but by the time they could react, it would already be too late. He tried to summon all his strength, but he knew it was pointless.

A few seconds after her announcement, the machine increased the pressure.