Chapter Four

The Calm before the Storm

John hated speaking in front of people. He wondered if later on in life he got over it or it remained just as nervous. Either way, he began with a loud voice. "Hi, I'm John Connor," he began. You idiot! What are you doing?! "We called you here because there is about to be an imminent threat to the area which will undermine all of our efforts to stop Judgment Day."

Automatically the Resistance fighters and Joseph leaned in. Sarah's breath caught and he could sense Cameron coil like a spring. Ellison tensed; only John Henry remained unperturbed. It was ironic; Ellison had a guess as to what was going on, so only the three TechCom soldiers really didn't know what was happening. Yet everyone froze, waiting to hear what he had to say.

"In five days," John said slowly. "Skynet will arrive in our time, with twenty-four Triple Eight Terminators." The reaction was instantaneous and fit in with what John expected. Mark, Jack, and Fred immediately leaped out of their seats and began shouting shock and fear with colorful words. A deep growl came from Joseph's throat and the gun in his hands loaded. Derek gripped his gun tightly for support while exchanging looks with his mother. Cameron moved a step closer to John, in an attempt to protect him. Ellison muttered a prayer to God. John Henry sat still and took in the activity.

Cameron's processes were divided up into checking for any threats near John and if the uproar might become dangerous to him. She noticed that his heart rate was up; was it because of Skynet or because he was in front of people? However, they soon quieted down, and waited for John to continue speaking. She resumed her regular stance and listened to John's perspective of it.

"Here's what we know so far from this letter," John said, holding it up. "The mainframe Skynet is in is a metallic cube with a flesh covering. It's six by six by six feet, so it shouldn't be hard to miss, not to mention that it can't move by itself. The T-888s are going to appear in groups of three, and apparently they all look the same. So if you see three identical naked men, they're definitely machine. Already here is a T-1001."

At this point a couple people swore, mostly Jack. Cameron checked her data files; she didn't have anything on him. She had never met him before John had sent her back. Perhaps she met him later after Judgment Day. Either way, his behavior did not constitute a response; all three fighters visibly respected and were loyal to John. John Henry constituted watching though; he may not be a Terminator, but he might still prove a threat to John. Several processes created a file labeled John Henry and began to compile data to decide whether he had the potential to become Skynet.

"We don't know where any of them are going to appear; only that it's in five days and they'll all appear at midday. It's obvious that Skynet has likely two goals in this; jumpstart Judgment Day and kill me. If it succeeds in either, we lose. And that puts us at a disadvantage; all Skynet has to do is upload itself to the internet and that's game over," John explained. In his mind, he was coming up with a course of action.

"Who here knows how to use a computer? Raise your hand," John asked, raising his own. Mark, Jack, Fred, Derek, and Sarah exchanged blank looks.

"Beyond turning it on and off?" Fred asked. Slowly the three started to raise their hands.

"As in using the internet to watch surveillance cameras in the city," John explained. All three dropped their hands. John was disgusted. Only his own hand, Cameron's, Ellison's, and John Henry's were in the air. He mentally kicked himself. This is going to be fixed. I swear that computer lessons will be mandatory—no, life-dependent—in the future. I don't know how we get through it without using technology and computers…oh: Terminators.

John sighed. "Okay, here's the basic plan. Obviously we're going to need some more transportation. We have the one vehicle outside, which can hold four, five if necessary. I'd like to limit it to four, though, so we have extra room for ammunition and weapons. Since there are…" John counted silently to himself "…ten of us, I suggest we break into three teams. It'll be me, Cameron, Derek, and Sarah in our car; Mark, Jack, and Fred in another; and Ellison, Joseph, and John Henry in the third. Agent Ellison, do you mind using your car?"

"Not at all," Ellison replied. "I'd prefer it." That's good news.

"So that only leaves us one car short. Sarah, Derek, you're in charge of getting a car for the TechCom soldiers. Make sure it's durable; see if you can find an older metal frame one." Derek nodded; he knew something about cars, hopefully more than Sarah did. John turned his attention to John Henry and nearly flinched; he knew it was John Henry, but that face scared him each time. "John Henry, how proficient are you with computers and watching monitors?"

"I am fully capable of controlling several computer terminals," John Henry replied blankly.

"In that case, you'll be the one in charge of watching the city's surveillance cameras so we know where they are when they arrive. Stay here a moment; I'm going to talk with you about what you'll need. Mark, Jack, Fred: when Joseph first got here, he threw a chemical at the T-1001 that melted part of it."

"Oh, that?" Mark answered. "I'm pretty certain we could build that here."

"Good, otherwise I don't know how we'd deal with it. You're in charge of getting materials for and building a lot of it; that way if it's gone and we have extra, we can use it on the T-888s. Cam, I need one thing from you: explosives. I don't really care how we get them, but we need explosives to take out Skynet. Ellison, you are in charge of acquiring body armor for the humans here; we can't take a couple shots to the chest and keep walking. Joseph, start out early and mark spots where Skynet might try to locate after it gets here. All right, get to work."

Bodies got up and shuffled to do as they were told. Joseph was the first out the door, running beneath cover on his way to keep hidden. The three Resistance fighters were given the keys to car and left to find a nearby supermarket; Sarah and Derek started walking. Ellison left in his car for the FBI building downtown. That left John alone with Cameron and John Henry.

"I do not approve of your tasking," Cameron said immediately. John turned to face her.

"Why not?" he asked.

"I will not be near you at all times."

John wanted to roll his eyes, but his heart wouldn't let him. "I'll be fine, Cam. If you want you can bring things in from the garage and work on it at the table. I'll just be right here. Don't worry."

"It's my directive and want to worry," Cameron said, and went through the door to the garage. John watched her go before turning to face John Henry. He had to remind himself again it wasn't Cromartie. I hope he doesn't surprise me at night or anything. I would end up shooting by accident. Who knows what might happen then; this is going to take time to get used to.

Before John could speak, John Henry asked a question. "I have been observing human behavior. Do you love Cameron?"

The question took John by surprise. He did love her, but how would have John Henry recognized it? Why did he want to know in the first place? Was this part of his exploring routine? "Yes, I do," John answered, wondering where John Henry was going with this. The AI's face was blank.

"Can you explain love?" John Henry asked.

Uh… "Well, love is where, ah, you are, um, attached to something or someone. Not physically attached," John added as John Henry looked at his hand, "but emotionally attached. You care about their welfare and health; you want to be near them physically and you feel, complete and happy with them."

John Henry didn't move for a time, blinking only because John was certain he'd seen humans do it. Finally John Henry asked, "Would it be unhealthy to not love yourself?"

"Yeah, I suppose it would be."

"I think I love myself. Is it possible to love all things regardless of whether it is inanimate or not?" John Henry questioned. The conversation was making more sense to John know. John Henry was exploring the realm of human emotion, which was completely foreign to him.

"Yeah, you can love anything, although there are some things more appropriate to love, such as loving art or driving more than killing or being cruel."

"I understand," John Henry replied. The AI looked off the side at the door, and then back at John. "If you love everything, then how can you be near it all?"

John had to think about that one for a moment. "I don't know," he admitted.

The machine stared at John for a second. "I understand," John Henry stated. "What did you wish to talk about concerning computers?" Just at that moment Cameron returned with a huge stack of items; she would not be leaving again unless John did. Taking a seat, John began to discuss with the AI what type of equipment John Henry would need. John Henry's question remained stuck in the back of his mind.

*****

Ellison pulled into the driveway about the same time as Sarah and Derek returned in a used car. "That's definitely a durable one," Ellison said as he examined it, getting out. Sarah and Derek climbed out. "Metal frame?"

"Yeah, and if you ask me it's a metal deathtrap," Sarah grunted. Derek disagreed. Ellison could see something between them.

"Sarah, this thing could take a hit from his car and keep on going," Derek countered. "We used these types of frames in vehicles all the time, and they lasted way longer than the plastic ones. If you reinforced them, then they would also serve as excellent cover and armor. Pickup trucks were the best for it."

Sarah looked ready to say something back, but she held her tongue. Unconsciously, Derek shifted, moving as if to protect his face. Had Sarah attacked him once, or had Derek started a scuffle? Obviously, arguments between them were common; it looked like part of their friendship. If only Ellison knew… "So how much did it cost?" Ellison asked.

Sarah and Derek shared a look and didn't meet the FBI agent's eyes. "You're kidding me," Ellison grumbled, rubbing his temples and feeling all at once tired. "You stole it?"

"During times of war it's called requisitioning," Derek explained. "And since—"

"Please don't try to justify it," Ellison muttered. "In fact, don't even mention where you got it; it'll be easier to deal with that way. Just pretend Santa got it."

"Well, how did you get your body armor?" Derek challenged, pointing a finger.

"Legally," Ellison answered with a victorious grin. Derek frowned angrily. Ellison pulled the vests out of his back seat.

"Oh, well, you're ugly," Derek countered. Ellison stopped and faced him.

"What does that have to do with it?" Ellison asked, taking a step towards Derek. Both looked ready to face off. Then Sarah stepped between them, gun at the ready.

"That's enough," she said. "We don't need macho showoffs. Get inside."

"He started it," Derek accused.

"You stole a car," Ellison accused back. "That's against the law."

"And what about using assault rifles to fight killer rifles?" Derek jested.

"ENOUGH!" Sarah shouted. "Ellison, head in. Derek, stay."

"Fine," Ellison grunted, taking the vests with him.

"No problem," Derek said, hands up in the air.

As Ellison reached for the door, he heard what sounded like a punch, followed by Sarah's angry whispers. "I told you we should've bought it!" Yep; arguing was definitely part of their relationship. He allowed himself a smile.

Inside, Joseph had already ran around a large portion of the city and was done for the day; he was lying on the floor. John Henry had several computer parts at the table and was constructing one. John and Cameron were sitting together on the couch, Cameron resting her head on John's shoulder with his arm wrapped around her. But what bothered Ellison the most was on the other end of the table, with a line drawn, Mark, Jack, and Fred had chemicals out and were playing with them.

"Heaven help us," Ellison shouted, getting everyone's attention. "You're running a meth lab."

The three soldiers stared at him. "What's a meth lab?" Fred asked. Ellison groaned and sunk his head into his hands. John gestured sympathetically towards the kitchen. Ellison took him on it. Derek and Sarah walked in. Their reaction was less than shocked; neither showed any sign of interest in the chemicals. Derek went to the kitchen as well, switching keys with Mark. Sarah went to her room; it was the only room now she could be alone.

John Henry finished his computer and had uploaded the OS without any difficulty. His task completed, he stored it and asked John what else was required. "Nothing right now; go ahead and do what you feel like," John answered. So John Henry turned around and watched the soldiers work.

It didn't take long for them to become aware of John Henry's watch; Mark gave him a dirty look. After a minute, Jack faced him and asked harshly, "What do you want?"

"I am studying human behavior," John Henry replied. "It is interesting."

"Well go do your studying somewhere else," Fred told him, waving him away.

"Your request does not make sense to me."

"It does to us; go away metal," Mark muttered. John Henry didn't understand their tone of voice or the meaning of metal: he was made of metal, wasn't he? Nevertheless, he obeyed and took two steps to the right.

Eventually they noticed him again. "What are you doing?!" Fred shouted.

"I am studying somewhere else," John Henry stated. For an incredulous second all three Resistance fighters stared at him. Then they groaned simultaneously. John snickered.

"John Henry," Joseph called, getting to his feet. The AI turned around to face him. "If you're meant for exploring, how do you intend to fight?" The three Resistance fighters paid attention to this, as well as everyone in ear shot.

"I studied the human martial arts styles of unarmed combat while traveling here," John Henry stated.

"Have you used them yet?" Joseph asked. John could see where Joseph was going with this. He gave Cameron a look, and she helped him moved the couch back out of the way. The Resistance fighters pulled the table away. Ellison muttered about needing a video camera.

"No; I have had no chance for combat," John Henry replied.

"I haven't fought in a while; would you like a practice fight?"

"What is that?"

"It's where we fight, but not truly. We're only practicing to keep our skills sharp."

"We are not trying to kill?"

"No."

"I understand. I accept your invitation," John Henry said. He moved and settled into a fighting stance that made John realize that John Henry knew exactly what to do. Joseph's genetically enhanced body seemed to bulge with power and energy, and he looked more like a viper ready to strike. Then they attacked.

It was incredible to watch; Joseph fought with brute strength while John Henry fought with fluid grace and motion. It was more like the ultimate showdown of east meets west. And, naturally, it involved a lot of throwing the other around. Soon they were making "ooh" noises and cheers as one performs some impressive stunt. The most impressive one so far, in John's opinion is when Joseph managed to shove John Henry's head into the ground so hard it rebounded. I hope there isn't damage to fix from this.

Then the doorbell rang. Nobody else heard it; they were busy watching the brawl (John had to admit, it was hard to answer the door). He did, though, and opened it up. He was surprised to see Riley.

"Hey John; what's up?" Riley asked.

This was difficult for John. He didn't really have any feelings for her; he loved Cameron much more; Skynet was going to be here in five days; there was a super-strength fight going on in his living room. "Hey, Riley," John replied.

"What's with all the cars? Who's here?" Riley asked, trying to look over his shoulder. John tried to block her line of view.

"Riley now's not—" John was cut off as behind him, Joseph smashed into the wall, accompanied by loud cheers. John turned around to see Joseph roll to his feet and block an attack by John Henry before shoving him back. "—the best time," he finished, glancing at her expression. She looked ready to either have a heart attack or start screaming.

Inside, Cameron had suddenly noticed John was not standing next to her. She got angry for herself for focusing too much on the fight, and then checked to make sure her hidden handgun was ready. She moved to the door and stopped behind John. She saw Riley, and her emotion simulator went off.

"What is going on in there?!" Riley screamed. "He just got thrown…"

"Riley, trust me, this isn't the best time," John emphasized. He became aware of Cameron standing there. Cameron decided to solve this issue. She exchanged a look with John, and John nodded. He went back to watch the fight.

Cameron turned to Riley, who seemed to have regained some of her composure. She had also noticed their faces. "You're not really his sister, are you?" Riley asked.

"No," Cameron answered honestly. She was starting to heat up with anger. Warning: Emotion simulator running multiple emotions………emotions are jealously, protectiveness, hatred. Suggested course of action: do nothing. Riley is an enemy and wants to take John. "John is mine."

Riley glared back and turned around to leave. "You are such a freak. What are you all doing in there?" she asked one last time, pausing to hear an answer. Processing sentence………analyzing responses: tell the truth, say nothing, tell her not to worry………Emotion simulator automating: emotion is hatred………suggested answer………replaying answer heard from Derek Reese………answer is not appropriate………emotion simulator overriding………

"None of your fucking business you bitch."

*****

A/N: Thank you to those who have submitted ideas so far, I'm going to incorporate a few of them. Don't stop though; if Skynet is supposed to be such a powerful AI (one that doesn't understand the Law of Consistency for some reason, though), it might have multiple objectives and reasons. So please continue to help! (Crack is not a proper suggestion still).