Disclaimer: I don't own anything except the plot.

A/N: Enjoy, hope this answers some of your questions.

Chapter 17: Easing Into Things

April 11, 2009, 6 am

Sarah Connor sat on a bed in deep thought. She was thinking about all that she had seen, all that she had heard, and reviewing her own conclusions.

John went to the future, a place where humanity had all but been killed off, and fought there for two years.

All because of his attachment to a cyborg.

Where had she gone wrong? She wasn't so convoluted to think they would have survived this long without Cameron, but she could have done something to prevent this, right?

She ran her hands through her hair again as she tried to find that answer.

John was sleeping on the bed she sat upon while Cameron's human twin, Allison Young, lay unconscious on the other bed. The scarred young woman had an IV and a feeding tube hooked up to her.

They'd said that Skynet itself had interrogated and tortured her, not a new Cameron. That didn't lay the woman's mind at ease though. What if Cameron had done that to the Allison she'd been based off of?

She decided it really didn't matter, all that was long into Cameron's past and nothing could be done about that.

The floor creaked, causing Sarah to look up. Cameron had moved away from the window and was looking at her sleeping son. She couldn't miss the affection in the machine's eyes and wondered if John Henry had only made Cameron a better liar when he added that new 'emotive expression program'.

Whatever, there was nothing she could do to hurt her or convince John that she was dangerous. The only two weapons that could kill Cameron were in the machine's constant possession, and that made getting to them out of the question.

Besides, John would never talk to her again if she tried to separate them in any way. She shoved that hopeless subject from her mind and moved onto the next.

Weaver, the liquid metal machine posing as a mother and CEO.

A machine as a mother, no wonder the girl had needed counselling. While she didn't really like the machine, she did trust John's life with it. Weaver had risked her own life many times to save John's in the future. She healed his wounds and taught him things he needed to know. She also knew the machine wasn't programmed, it was as free as she was. While she still doubted that about Cameron, there was more than enough evidence to prove that Weaver was.

Even though she didn't like LMTs, she had to say that this one was okay in her books. The only thing that bothered her was the machine's lack of clarification about her plans for John Henry.

She moved onto the next subject on her mind, Cortana, the AI from another universe 500 years into the future. THE most powerful one built by human hands from the known universes.

Even more powerful than Skynet pound for pound, but Skynet possessed far more brute force than the blue bodied AI in her tiny chip, but still, Sarah found her to be alright too.

She couldn't hurt John as far as she knew, and she definitely had emotions. The AI wore her heart for all to see, unlike Cameron who continued to hide most of hers, if she had any at all.

It was easier to trust someone you could understand.

Then there was the Reese brothers and Allison. While trust was still something that was earned, she was having a hard time remembering that the two brothers were strangers. Allison wasn't going to be as hard though, if she lived anyway, cancer was not something that was easily cured when you are on the run.

Lastly there was Ellison. She was beginning to trust the man more and more, but he needed to wise up a bit before she put him on her speed dial. Until then, he was a useful tool and possibly a friend.

Sarah blinked as she ended her evaluations and looked around the room.

Cameron was by Allison's side looking down at her face. The cyborg knelt down next to her bed as she continued to observe the young woman.

"What are you doing"? Sarah scolded as she got off the bed.

"Observing her". She said as if Sarah were stupid, her gaze never leaving Allison's face.

Sarah had to close her eyes and breath deeply twice to keep herself from yelling at the cyborg and waking John.

"I meant why are you staring at her face"? Sarah said through gritted teeth. Cameron spared her a glance that was more like a glare before turning back to Allison.

"I sensed she was waking up, I wanted to visually confirm". She said simply as she rose to her full height. "I need to wake John, he was the last person with her".

"You think she'll freak out". Sarah guessed as the cyborg made her way over to John.

"Yes, she knew very little before we rescued her". Cameron leaned down and shook John's shoulder. He leapt out bed as he brought his Glock 17 to bear.

"Sorry". Cameron apologized with her hands raised.

John let out an adrenaline filled breath as he lowed the gun.

"It's okay,... just... don't do that". He said as he slipped the Glock into his waist band. He was shaven and showered now, his hair had been cut down to finger length get rid of the singed, dirty, greasy hair.

"Allison's waking up". She said as her gaze drifted over to the stirring young woman. "We'll be in the other room". She said as she dragged Sarah along with her, much to the woman's behest.

John sat down on the bed, his eyes followed her as her head moved from side to side as her eyeballs darted beneath her eyelids. She began moaning like she was in pain, her face scrunched up and her body tensed up. Her breathing became shallow and she began to break out in a sweat.

John quickly realized she was having a nightmare and began shaking her by the shoulders to wake her up.

"Allison. Allison. Allison wake up you're having a nightmare"! When she wouldn't open her eyes, he was afraid she going to hurt herself if he didn't wake her up.

There seemed to be only one option left.

John reached for the water bottle on the nightstand.

There was a bright light, there was always a bright light.

Cold metal chilled her skin, ropes rubbed her wrists raw, cold air nipped at every exposed body part.

She only had her underwear on.

Questions, always questions...

Pain, searing pain like lightning flowed through her when she refused.

Drugs, beatings, and shallow cuts that felt like fire.

Her wrist was broken, swollen and tender. The ropes hurt much more on that wrist.

More pain, more torture.

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME!

Blood running down her skin, each stream feels like a river.

What is it doing to me? Why do these things happen always happen to me?

"Allison. Allison... "

A voice, she knew that voice.

John's voice.

Is it torturing him too?

Shaking, why am I shaking?

Oh god that's COLD!

Allison returned to consciousness with a gasp as her body arched off the bed, water dripping from her hair and body.

John set down the bottle held her shoulders down.

"Allison! You need to wake up"! He practically yelled as she fought to keep conscious, the lingering drugs were still having their effects on her system.

Her eyes snapped open, but they looked crazed and confused.

John knew that when people were like this they could be dangerous. When her eyes locked on him, she screamed and lashed out at him.

"WHAT DID YOU DO WITH JOHN"! Her fists were trying to hit him, but in her weakened condition, it might as well have been a baby trying to hurt him. John was more worried about her injuring herself further than himself.

He grabbed her by the wrists and held them down above her head while he used his own body weight to hold her legs down.

She struggled violently, causing the IV to tear out of her arm.

"LET ME GO YOU..."!

"ALLISON, ITS ME". He yelled as he got right in her face and met her eye to eye. "Look at me, I'm not a machine Allison, I'm John Connor. We were rescued, just stop, your hurting yourself"!

"No, no, you're not"! She looked at him with utter despair and hatred. Tears were welling in her brown eyes and her face was pained with hopelessness it broke his own heart.

How many times had he needed to see that look on people's face before he realized just how much he was needed?

Too many he realized, but if none of the others had, this one would have. Allison had been broken by Skynet's interrogation, she looked utterly defeated. The worst part was it was his fault.

"Yes I am". He said with a seriousness he hoped she'd pick up on. "I'm going to let you go, but you've got to calm down". He said as he slowly released her wrists. "You were in pretty bad shape, We're trying to make you better".

She tried to calm her breathing as she fought to believe her eyes. She slowly moved one hand up towards John. He didn't object. She pushed her hand against his chest and felt him breath, she felt his heartbeat.

Allison looked back at the green eyes she had once hated and saw the concern in them. Machines could fake it, sure, but something deep down told her that this was the man she'd eventually come to trust and care about like a brother.

This was John Connor, one of her best friends.

"John"? She whispered, almost afraid if she said it too loudly it wouldn't be true.

A smile broke out on John's face. "Yeah, it's me Allison".

She pulled him into a hug so fast it was almost a blur. John was taken aback for a moment, but returned it.

"Allison". John said as he pulled back.

"Where are we"? She asked as she looked around the motel room. The soft light of the lamps in the room and the clean beds, the clock, everything seemed brand new to her.

"Van Nuys, a motel". He said as he helped her get the feeding tube out of her nose.

Once it was out she wiped her nose to get rid of the feeling it left. "God that was nasty" She said with a grimace on her face. "Where did you find a place this intact"?

"It's a long story". She gave him a look for a moment before getting off the bed. She tried walking, but that only ended with her having to lean against the wall for support.

"How about I show you instead". John said as pulled her arm around his shoulder. She leaned on him for support and they began walking towards the door.

John twisted the handle and pulled it open.

A warm breeze blew in and warmed Allison's skin, but her eyes were fixed on what was in front of her.

Los Angeles.

The sounds of horns and sirens filled the morning air as the blur of cars passing on down the road and the city lights filled her vision. It was like she heard it described as.

Even the infamous smog was in place.

He sat her down on the curb as she stayed transfixed on everything in front of her.

"How"?

John turned his head as saw that she had turned her awe filled gaze towards him.

"Time travel".

Allison could tell that he was being serious.

"Time travel? John, how did we even get off the ship"?

John let out a long breath at that. How was he supposed to explain that?

"Cameron found us".

"You're girlfriend"? She asked incredulously.

"I never said girlfriend, but I love her, and yes, she got us and Weaver out of there".

Surprise and fear spread over her face when he said that.

"The machine"? She whispered as she began looking around for any sign of Weaver. It almost made John chuckle.

"If she wanted to hid from you, you'd never find her". A humorous smile adorned his face.

Allison blushed in embarrassment for not thinking of that. It would defeat the point of being a shape shifter if you could find it just by looking.

"Is it here"? She asked as the blush receded.

"Yeah, she's in the other room, and don't call her an it, she hates that". John added as a warning.

"I never thought machines cared what you called them". Her eyes glazed over as a memory involuntarily entered her mind. "Not until..." Tears began to pool in her eyes.

"Shhh, I know". He rubbed her shoulder in comfort as she fought to keep the emotions at bay. "She saved your life".

"What"? She wiped the tears away and looked at him.

"Weaver, she saved your life". He gently grabbed one of her arms and showed her the healed cuts and bruises, along with the 'cast' on her arm. "We were rescued only about a day ago, she used part of herself to stop the bleeding".

The hundreds of thin scars still remained along with all the others she'd gained over her nearly 21 years of living.

Allison stared at the scars in horror as she remembered the pain each of them had caused.

"Don't look at them". John said as he pushed her arms down gently.

She just sat there with a thousand yard stare as the flashbacks continued to haunt her.

"Kyle and Derek are here". He said trying to distract her from flashbacks. It seemed to work.

"What"? Hope spread across her face. "They're not dead"?

"Why would they be dead"?

John realized his mistake as soon as the words left his mouth.

Her head twisted away from him as shame overcame her. Allison curled up into a ball and laid her head on her knees.

"I'm sorry". He tried to apologize, but she just shook her head.

"No, I should be sorry". She took a deep breath that ended in a cough before she turned her head towards him. "I'm the one who broke".

The guilt in her eyes was as plain as day.

"Allison... it's not your fault we got captured, I'm the one to blame". He said as he heard commotion coming from Derek and Kyle's room. "Besides, I'm sure that's Derek and Kyle wanting to see you". He thumbed in the door's direction.

She chuckled sadly as she tried to stand.

"You really think they want to see the person who got our friends killed"?

"No, but I really think they want to see you". He said with a coy smile as he supported her weakened body. He took her back into the room and helped her into a chair.

"Want some water"?

She nodded her head and he gave her a water bottle. She chugged the thing so fast John barely had time to blink.

"I haven't had water that good in years". A look of satisfaction crossed her face as she leaned back into the comfy chair.

"I like that smile on your face a lot better". John said with a grin as he opened the adjoining door.

Derek walked through so fast he nearly knocked John over.

"Allison". The man ran over to her and pulled her into a hug. "I didn't think you'd ever wake up". He said as she returned the hug.

"Neither did I". She whispered loud enough for only him to hear.

Kyle followed in right after with an equally relieved look on his face. Derek pulled back to allow him to hug their 'baby sister'. She accepted the hug gratefully as she got a good look at the two.

"You two look nice". She said as she eyed their clean skin and Kyle's shaven face.

"Tell that to the shower". Derek said as he grinned.

She giggled a bit, but it seem forced.

"I think I might be up for bath, if you left any water". She said pointedly to Kyle. She'd never let him forget the time they had a chance to bathe and he used the last of the water.

Kyle rolled his eyes as small smile broke out on his face. "At least we don't have to worry about that here".

She looked at them with some skepticism, she still wasn't sure about this whole time travel thing.

"Are we really in the past"? She whispered, still not sure about anything at this point.

"Yeah, Bedell found the machine while you two were POW. After the metal was taken out, the liquid metal finished it and we escaped the counter attack". Derek explained, and it seemed that she believed him.

"So, what's the plan"? She asked as she subconsciously rubbed some of her scars.

Derek let out a sigh, and Kyle averted his eyes momentarily. She knew something was up.

"Our war with Skynet is just the most recent one, the war has been fought many times". Derek explained, but Allison wasn't catching on.

Kyle jumped in to fill the gaps. "Every time someone's sent back it creates a new reality, a new timeline. So every time that happens, a new Skynet is built, and a new war begins".

"Oh". Allison's eyes were wide as that information sunk in.

"Only it seems that John leads mankind to victory in them, and Skynet sends back machines to kill his younger selves, and that's why everything gets reset".

If Allison's eyes could get any wider, they'd pop out of their sockets.

"John? As in John Connor? He's not even twenty yet"!

Kyle answered this one.

"That's because he was born in 1983 Allie, he's jumped forward twice".

"He's older than all of us"?

"Technically, yes, but that's why he knew so much about the machines, he's been trained to fight them from the cradle"! Derek said with a chuckle as he still tried to believe all this craziness.

She shook her head and laughed.

"Wow, that's quite a story, just how drunk were you when he told you that"? She asked while looking at John.

"They weren't drunk Allison, and neither am I". John said as he knelt in front of her chair. "It's the truth, as crazy as it sounds". He said as his piercing eyes penetrated her skeptical glare.

She blinked first, and realized she was being paranoid. If she couldn't trust her brothers, then she couldn't trust anyone.

"Alright, you were saying something about the war being bigger"?

"It is, but to understand that, you have to met Cameron".

Allison perked up a bit, she was finally going to met the mystery superwoman, the one who had stolen John's heart from the get go apparently.

"But not yet, you need to get some food and some more sleep". Derek interrupted, he didn't think it would be wise to introduce the cyborg right now.

She let out a sigh, but didn't really argue.

"Alright, but I want that bath". She said stubbornly.

John nodded and suggested something. "Since I don't think you want us to help you, how about I have my mom help you"?

"Your mom's here"? She asked in surprise.

John nodded and she agreed. He went into the other room where the rest of them were hiding and found his mother glaring at Cameron.

"Mom, Cameron's not going to burst into flames by looking at her". He said in a rather annoyed tone. Sarah turned around and her face softened.

"What did you need"?

"Allison needs someone to help clean her up, I volunteered you".

Sarah instantly agreed. She hoped to get some info from the girl while she was at it.

As she was about to enter the room, John whispered something into her ear. "Don't say anything about Cameron mom, she doesn't need that yet".

Sarah nodded once and left the room. Weaver was lying in bed next to Savannah, the girl was sleeping soundly despite all the commotion from earlier.

"You told her about me"? She asked with an eyebrow raised in confusion.

"Yeah, she wanted to know one thing about me that wasn't a lie, and since you were kinda out in the open..." He let her fill in the gaps.

"I see, now I'd appreciate it if you two leave so Savannah can sleep". She said as she pulled the little girl closer.

John nodded and walked out the front door with Cameron hot on his heels.

"I heard everything". She said as John unlocked the SUV.

"I know". He said while giving her a funny look. What was she trying to get at?

"You seem close to her". She said as she entered the car. John looked at her again and noticed her face was not the same it had been a moment ago.

He didn't respond for a moment as he studied her face, he'd seen that look before...

Like an anvil falling from the sky, the answer hit him.

Cameron was jealous. It was like Riley all over again.

"Cameron... It's not what you think".

"What am I thinking John"? She asked rather flippantly as she refused to meet him face to face.

"You're thinking that Allison and I are closer than we actually are". John said as he leveled a glare at her overreaction.

"Am I? You're actions say otherwise". She said as she leveled her own glare at him.

John let out a sigh and started the car. He got out onto the road and drove to the nearest park.

"What are we doing here"? She asked as he got out of the car. He didn't answer her except to just open her door and offer his hand.

She took it without saying anything and closed the door. He guided her to a park bench and they sat down, still holding hands.

John looked at the sunrise and let a small smile cross his face.

"I wasn't sure I'd ever see one of those again". He said as he turned to face her. "How much do you know about my time in the future"?

"Not much, just that you stayed at Ziera base and became a Staff Sergeant".

John fought back a chuckle. She really had no idea about what he went through, what everyone in that future went through.

"You make it sound so simple". He mused as he locked his green eyes with her brown.

"I didn't mean to insult you". She said apologetically.

"I know". He reassured. "But you're judging me on something you know nothing about". He said as he took her other hand in his.

"Then help me understand".

John took a deep breath and began.

"I wasn't always on the best terms with Allison, or even the Reese brothers".

After two days of being interrogated non stop, John was on his last ropes. He'd had no food or water, he was naked and strapped to a metal chair in a room with a steel door locked with a dead bolt.

When he'd first been brought in, Derek had interrogated him the normal way, but when they weren't satisfied with his answers they began more rigorous methods of persuasion.

Now he was covered in cuts and bruises, his right eye swollen shut and he was sure he had a cracked rib. Right now one Derek's Sergeants was continuing the questioning.

"I'm gonna ask you one last time boy, why are you here"? He asked almost nicely, but his eyes said otherwise.

John began to repeat the same cover story he'd made up which earned him another punch in the stomach.

"That's gonna cost you boy". He said as he whipped out a knife and rested it on John's left pinky. "You know, I'm sure that husky you saw earlier would like some fresh meat, he's been livin' off of three day coyote for months".

John was too tired to beg and waited for the inevitable pain. Instead he heard the metal door squeak open.

"Rollins, stop". Derek ordered as he walked into the room.

The man snapped to attention and gave off a crisp salute.

"Yes sir, may I ask why"?

"Old man Ellison vouched for him". He said as he cut John's bonds with his own knife.

"The guy we picked up last year"?

"Yeah, he and that red haired girl of his confirmed his story. They said they used to be neighbors down south". He explained as he poured water into John's mouth.

"Understood, permission to return to duty, sir".

Derek nodded and Rollins left. He threw John some clothes and started for the door.

"If you can put those clothes on, you can stay". He said as he closed the door.

It took every last ounce of John's will to put those clothes on and walk out the door, but he did it, much to the surprise of the Lieutenant.

John had heard every word, and now he was going to find his saviors before he passed out.

"That when I joined the resistance, once Ellison and Savannah patched me up, I went through training. Only two weeks after I arrived did I get to go on patrol".

"Where was Weaver"? Cameron asked as she fought back tears. The image of John being beaten and tortured burdened her mind with guilt and sadness.

"She was trying to locate John Henry, but she came back and found they were about to kill me so she tipped off Ellison about my arrival".

"Oh".

"Yeah, we didn't start off with the greatest of working relationships. Anyway, Allison didn't like me even before I joined them". John explained to Cameron.

"What changed her mind"? She asked as confusion swept over her sunlit face.

"Well, It was about four months after I arrived. I had the highest kill rate of the entire base, and at the time, I was a team leader in Kyle's squad, Allison was the other".

"You were rivals"?

John shook his head. "No, she didn't like me because I stared at her on occasion because she reminded me of you". He explained as he let out another sigh. "She didn't like me any better when I began working myself up through the ranks quicker than anyone one else. She thought I was getting cocky and thus, was going to get us killed". John said as he rolled his eyes.

"She was jealous of your performance and thought that you might molest her given the chance". Cameron concluded and John nodded. "What did she do about it"?

"Allison decided one day to put me in my place".

Allison's fists were shaking in rage as she sat on her bunk. Connor had proven to be the 'hero' again by taking out an Ogre single handedly and saved the mission. She couldn't believe it when Derek had made him a team leader after only three months and now he was thinking about promoting him again!

She had really hoped he'd be a Grey, especially since he'd stared at her when they'd found him. Heck, he still did when he thought she wasn't looking, and if she hadn't wanted to look like she couldn't handle the problem herself, she'd have told Derek or Kyle.

Allison knew she could handle one boy pervert, but since he was doing so well nor had he actually done anything more than stare, she didn't have to grounds to harm him.

Until now.

He was doing too well, and getting a tad bit cocky too. If she didn't put him in his place, it wouldn't end pretty for them once he screwed up.

At least that's the excuse she used to reason beating him up with.

She got off her bunk and marched down towards the mess hall. Everyone in her way stepped aside, when they saw her on a mission they knew not to get in her way.

She marched into the mess hall with her fists clenched and her face set. She knew karate, and right now she planned on using it to knock Connor down a few pegs.

"CONNOR". She shouted out, causing all conversation to stop. John looked up from his canned beans and turned towards her.

"What do you want Young"? He asked in an almost exasperated voice.

She didn't bother to respond as she marched over and tried to punch him. John had seen it coming though and ducked.

Allison recovered as John got up and into a fighting stance. She did the same only her's was one a student of martial arts would use. John recognized the stance instantly and prepared to counter her most likely move.

She attacked as he predicted and he blocked her like she was moving in slow motion. She tried a kick but met with the same result.

At this point, Allison's frustration was serving only as a distraction, giving John an opening. He punched the nerve in one of her thighs, causing her to stumble before knocking her feet out from under her.

He got on top and pinned her to the floor with her arms above her head. He leaned down til their noses nearly touched and his annoyed eyes were all her enraged ones could see.

"I've had it with your crap Allison". He said rather calmly, but there was no mistaking that he was ticked off. "You act like I killed your dog for the fun of it since day one, and I'm sick of it. Life sucks enough without you making it worse".

She struggled more as she tried to break loose, but failed.

"Oh yeah, maybe I'd cut you a break if you'd stop looking at me like a piece of meat"! She spat back through gritted teeth.

John looked at her in confusion for a second before closing his eyes for another.

"It's not like that". He said a lot more softly.

"Then what is it Connor, cause we don't let those kind of people keep breathing". Her tone was no less hateful and she continued to try to break free.

"You look a lot like someone I once knew, that's all". He said as a flash of emotion crossed his face. "What did you think I was gonna do? Rape you"? He asked in an offended tone as his eyes narrowed at the implied accusation.

Her features changed almost as quickly as she quit struggling. Her eyes went from being filled with rage to fear. Her breathing went from a exhausted pant to hyperventilation in a matter of seconds. When her eyes glazed over, he knew that she was remembering something she'd rather not.

"Just leave me alone". She whispered as a tear streamed down her face.

Everything he held against the girl instantly disappeared as the truth of the matter became clear to him.

He let go of her arms and got off of her. She stayed there for a moment as she tried to bury the emotions. It took a moment, but she finally collected herself and left the room as she wiped the tear from her face.

John stood there as he watched her leave, feeling guilty for making her relive that. He felt a hand on his shoulder and he turned around to find Derek looking at him with understanding.

"She'll be fine, you're not the first she's accused".

"Still..." He let out sigh as he wiped the sweat off of his brow. "I wish I'd known, I'm sorry".

Derek knew John well enough by know to know he hadn't meant any harm, plus Allison had stepped over the line this time.

He'd have to talk to her later when she'd calmed down.

Meanwhile, Allison sat alone in her bunk with her arms wrapped around her legs and her head buried in her knees. She wasn't crying like she had been, but she was struggling to put back up the barriers she worked so hard to establish. As she did, she pondered over what had happened.

John Connor.

She still knew next to nothing about the man. He fought metal like he'd been doing it forever, he made her look like moron despite her training.

He hadn't turned out to be what she'd expected, and it just added to the mystery that he was.

Allison felt the hate and paranoia leave her slowly as she continued to sit there in her bunk. John Connor had all of a sudden become interesting to her, not in a romantic way, but almost like a detective who'd just picked up Sarah Connor's case in one hand and a T-888 skull in another.

She laid her head down on the pathetic excuse for pillow and went to sleep.

Tomorrow she'd try to crack this case wide open, no matter how stubborn it was.

John finished telling the story to Cameron whose attention had never left him, and she seemed surprised by the story.

"It seems like she got to you. It's not easy being your friend".

John chuckled a bit. "I guess I deserve that". He said, he knew that he could be quite unfriendly around people.

She gave him a smirk in return, she'd understood.

"I'm sorry I overreacted. Ever since I found out that Allison was in the same base as you, I thought...".

"...That I'd end up with her". He finished for her. "I went to the future to find you, not the person you're made to look like".

"I'm sorry I doubted you". She said as she averted her eyes for a moment. "You risked everything for me John, because you care".

John released one of her hands and brought it up to her face.

"I do, I just wish I'd realized before you were gone". He said sadly as he stroked her cheek.

John watched her reaction with fascination. She leaned into it and closed her eyes.

"I like that". Cameron said when he stopped, she sounded slightly annoyed.

"I know, but we need to get back with breakfast". He said as his stomach grumbled.

She pouted and stood up. John thought it was cute.

They got into the car and drove off to the nearest fast food restaurant.

While they were driving, John decided to continue their conversation.

"Are you going to play nice with her"?

She broke her vigilant gaze from the road and looked at him.

"Only if she plays nice with me". She deadpanned. "I won't tolerate another metal hater, it creates disunity".

"In other words, you're tired of being pushed around". John translated as he conjured up all the unpleasantness that could follow. "You know she'll be afraid of you".

"I understand, she was tortured by a machine made in her likeness".

"Promise me you'll give her time, okay"? John asked pleadingly.

Cameron's lip twitched for moment as she considered it.

"I promise".

He smiled and took her hand in his once more.

Maybe, just maybe, he'd be able to make things work out for a change.

A/N: Read and Review, your opinion on these rather difficult transition chapters matter.

Next time, Allison get filled in, and meets Cameron.