Bedell, Barnes and Williams departed. Presumably, John would begin his duties after a rest period. Aside from general small talk, the four sat quietly and ate what was left of the smorgasbord.
"That's some kind of day you've had, kid," Derek finally said. "What are you gonna do for an encore?"
John was pensive for a few moments, perhaps too long. The others exchanged glances while he contemplated his fork.
"Sorry, John," Derek said. "I wasn't really expecting an answer."
"But I've got one," John said. "What you've done here—this place, these people—it's amazing, it truly is."
"Thanks," Derek said, cautiously. He wasn't sure where John was going with this.
"But you said you've been at this facility for five years," John continued, "and fighting Skynet for 10."
Derek and Kyle nodded in agreement.
"God almighty, that's a long war," John lamented, knowing full well it would last at least another six years. The exhaustion he saw in Bedell's face and expression was shared by most of the people he encountered, if not all.
"And the results have not been good," John added, his tone becoming indignant. "Civilians in danger, terminators everywhere and no end in sight."
John stood up and walked to the head of the table with his arms folded across his chest. Upon hearing and seeing their newfound hero, some of the other residents came over to listen in.
"This is no good," John said, raising his voice as he noticed more and more people convening on their table. "We can't just live for the day, everyday—it's not enough. There has to be something to strive for. We have to make it better."
"Now we can take the fight to Skynet," Kyle retorted, hopeful.
"So now we have the means," John said, seeking more input. "But we can't just wage war for it's own sake."
"Skynet started this war," Derek replied. "But we're gonna finish it."
The gathering, some 20 strong now, replied enthusiastically to Derek's boast—shouting, back-slapping and high-fiving in an all too familiar display of testosterone.
"But then what?" John challenged, as the crowd quieted. "What is our plan beyond this eventuality?"
Everyone was quiet. John suspected this to be the case, so he pressed on.
"Will the mistrust and irrationality that has pervaded civilization since the beginning of recorded history resume in full?" John said. "That's a militant point of view—never lose sight of the other guy—eye for an eye—keeping up with the Joneses. This is precisely why this war started! Skynet used our elevated paranoia against us!"
John stopped for a breath and suddenly noticed that the crowd was leaning on every word. I'm preaching again. Why?
And then his gaze fell upon Allison. The look she gave him was unlike any he had ever experienced. It was adoration. It was love.
John smiled at her. She returned the compliment.
He had never been a good public speaker. He hated the presentations he gave at school and it showed in the results. This was why he often questioned his ability to lead, to be this messiah his mother had prophesized about.
But now the motivation was clear. And it wasn't about leading a grand army, or about defeating the machine menance, or about crushing all opposition.
It was about love. It was about Allison.
"Who leads the Resistance?" John asked, refocusing.
"No one leads," Derek answered. "We fight wherever—whenever is necessary."
"So there is no civilian leadership," John concluded, "No government."
Less government, much less, was something to aspire to. No government at all was not.
"Command accomodates us in some policing and judicial matters," Derek replied, almost apologetically. "But, like we said before, we're pretty much on our own."
"Which is why I said that I'm amazed by your work," John countered. "Your group respects your authority, your fairness, your compassion. It's quite an accomplishment under extreme adversity."
Derek nodded in thanks. John was not exaggerating just to gain points with his uncle.
"Quite frankly, I'm not impressed with Command, however," John said. "Any military that can't protect its citizenry isn't doing its job. That is their primary function. To me they're more like a large band of mercenaries."
It was a shocking statement. The crowd reacted accordingly, murmuring amongst themselves and throwing each other glances. But John didn't back down.
"The military—Command or whatever you call it—needs to be answerable to someone, or a group of someones," John continued, searching for the right words. "Shouldn't we—the people—be disappointed in the military efforts thus far?"
The obvious reference to the U.S. Constitution brought a round of applause for John, even if some of the younger ones had no clue about its etiology.
"Did you have someone in mind?" Derek asked, already knowing the answer.
"Someone has to, so if you all want me to do it, I'm willing to do so," John announced, looking again at Allison, who had not averted or altered her glare. "Very willing."
"There are, however, three things that must be done first," John admitted. "First off, the media has to be re-injected into society. We need to advertize our message in print, by radio, by phone, by loudspeaker, by word-of-mouth—whatever."
"Second, I'm going to reject Bedell's commission," he said. "I'll lead the team and the investigation, but not under his control."
"I'm not sure he'll like that idea," Derek said.
"He'll still get what he wants," John lamented. "But he's not gonna be my boss."
"And third?" Kyle asked, bemused by the newcomer's audacity and fearlessness.
"Sleep," John said, yawning and streching his arms. "This Connor needs a nap. Big time."
The crowd roared in laughter.
"No, I'm serious," John said, changing his voice to immitate actor Jack Nicholson. "All work and no sleep makes Jack a dull boy."
The crowd stared at John without a shred of recognition. Except Derek, who let out a big chuckle.
"Okay, let's get the boy wonder his beauty nap," Derek said.
John hoped he was kidding, as Derek led him out of the kitchen. He abruptly stopped his uncle.
"Wait," John said, running over to Allison.
"Thanks for breakfast," John said. "I really could use some shut-eye, so I'll see you later. I love you."
John kissed her and she kissed him back, without saying a word. Allison seemed almost paralyzed with that same adoring look, but did manage to flash her beautiful smile.
John re-joined Derek and Kyle as they headed toward their quarters.
"Got room for one more?" John asked.
"We'll make room," Derek responded. "Kyle, see if you can rustle up an extra cot."
"You bet, bro," Kyle said, running off.
They reached the entrance to the Reese abode. Derek pulled the curtain open and invited John inside. Just before entering, the elder stopped his nephew short by throwing his arm across the entrance.
"Let's get one thing straight, Connor," Derek said, looking him straight in the eye. "You better follow through. I'm not about to let these people be disappointed."
"You have my word, Derek," John said, matching his glare.
"Because I will kick your ass out if you fail," Derek warned. "I've done it before and I'll do it again. I promise."
"I believe it," John said, swallowing hard.