John sat on the thin mat and looked around him. The room was dark and cold, but it had the feeling of a space that was well lived in. A few other mats and personal belongings were scattered around the floor, currently unoccupied. He was alone, except for her. Allison.
John took the opportunity to observe her from across the room. Her back was turned to him as she was looking for something in box, presumably something he could wear.
Allison had quietly taken his hand and led him to this room, having said something to Kyle and Derek about it being too cold to be running around naked in the compound. Kyle had agreed, as he had more important matters to take care of, and at the moment, it didn't seem a naked teenaged boy was much of a threat. But he warned John the interrogation wasn't over.
"I'm sorry, it's all I could find that would fit you. They'll probably be a little big."
John took the proffered trousers and shirt, both of which had seen better days, and probably several bodies.
"It's ok, I'm sure they'll be fine. Anything's better than naked. Thank you." He gave her a half smile, and looked back down at his hands awkwardly.
"I'll be right back."
John watched as Allison left the room. He sighed in relief, glad he was alone for the time being. His modesty wasn't a concern, he would have changed with her in the room regardless. He just needed some time alone to collect himself.
He stood up to put the pants on. They were a little big, but not too bad. They would do. The shirt was a dark color, he assumed had once been black, and it dropped down to his mid thigh. It was badly stained, and had a few holes in the torso. He tried not to think about what may have caused them.
Allison had returned at that moment, carrying a heavy brown jacket. "This is an extra we had in storage. I should return Kyle's jacket…"
John swapped jackets, and watched as Allison left him once again.
Sighing, John sat back down on the mat. The new jacket fit well, but smelled like a musty basement. He fiddled with the zipper, his mind pondering the last couple hours.
He didn't really know why he had come with Catherine Weaver. He knew it was a risky decision. He didn't know what he was getting into, only that his heart told him it was the right decision. He didn't care what the consequences of that decision would be. Only that he had to try his best to get Cameron back. It's what she'd do for him, right? Yeah. It's what she'd be programmed to do…
He thought about his mother, how he left her alone in the basement of Zeira Corp. He didn't want to think about how much his decision to jump had hurt her; he'd seen it written on her face. But she chose to stay behind, instead of joining him. She said she'd "stop it", and stepped out of the bubble. She chose to do the last thing she could do to try to protect John. Unfortunately, it didn't work.
He didn't quite know the full effect his jumping time had had on the future. It was obvious that John Connor, Leader of the Resistance, didn't exist in this future. Of course Future John wouldn't exist. I disappeared in 2009. I ceased to exist for 18 years.
John thought about this. Humanity seemed to be surviving just fine without their great messiah "John Connor". All his life he'd been told that he was the key to salvation. He would lead humanity to ultimate victory against Skynet. Without him, humans would die.
How, then, were humans still here? Fighting Skynet, surviving against the odds. Maybe he wasn't that important after all?
John frowned as a bit of his ego (that he hadn't even really known he had) crumbled away. No. He thought. There has to be a catch here somewhere.
Allison returned again, carrying a small metal cup.
"Here, drink this."
"What is it?"
"It's just meat broth. Makes the water taste better."
John decided he really didn't want to know just what kind of meat they managed to find hiding underground, and took a sip. It was bland and weird tasting, but not exactly disgusting.
Allison moved to sit beside John on the floor and sighed. She knew she had to tell him, but wasn't sure if it was the right time. I doubt any time is the right time. She peered at him out of the corner of her eye. He looked lost and even a bit frightened, yet he was doing his best to remain as stoic as possible. Surprise, surprise.
"You remind me of her," she said.
John's eyes furrowed as he turned to look at her. "What? Remind you of who?"
"Your mother."