Important! The following is a very complex chapter. Some plot threads get wrapped up while new threads are laid in for future chapters. Because of that, a lot happens in this chapter. You will be asking questions which I can't answer, you will just have to wait until that chapter which contains the answer is posted. Despite what some may think, this story does have a direction. If you read it fast, you will miss details! Those details point in a certain direction. Some clever readers have already figured some things out, but I won't say who or what. You just have to be patient. Answers to some questions won't come until the very end of the story. -- Note added 09-26-2009 by The1Russter


James Ellison, “Your husband’s helicopter crash - I read the official report. The NTSB concluded that mechanical failure was to blame.”
Catherine Weaver, “Mechanical failure? Correct.”
James, “That’s not what you led me to believe the other day.”
Catherine, “Correct.”
James, “Which is it? What’s the truth?”
Catherine, “You tell me.”
James, “I think, what people write in reports - what is official - isn’t always true. I think, if I had a child, one that I know would grow up asking what happened to her daddy... I think I would make sure that answer - the official answer - was the one I would want her to hear. I think you saw what you saw.”
Catherine, “Just as you saw what you saw.”
Excerpt from Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Allison from Palmdale, 2008

“You’re safe.” Cameron tells Sarah and John Connor.
“No one is ever safe.” Sarah and John reply in unison.
Excerpts from Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Pilot 2008

“You must be stronger than you imagine you can be. You must survive, or I will never exist.” Kyle Reese
“I’d die for my son.” Sarah Connor, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, The Good Wound, 2009

“We lose everybody we love.” Chola, Terminator The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Born to Run 2009


2027, Day 45, Evening
Catherine Weaver has just left John Connor. With her help he has finally completed Cameron’s chip. She was pleased that he would turn to her for help. But with a secret like this, who else would he ask to help him. The only problems left to overcome now, getting the chip to Cameron’s body, performing the diagnostic, and getting Cameron to her time displacement equipment before it self destructs.

Weaver wished she was lying about the self-destruct of her hideaway or the insufficient energy for her time displacement equipment. They needed that equipment. She needed that base. It was a lie until someone made it true, but who? She didn’t know and that rankled her. It was as if someone knew her, knew her bases of operations, and above all knew what she was planning.

John has left to visit his mother. Catherine is presently on her way to find John Henry. There are things she needs to discuss with him, if her plans are to work. These new developments are getting out of hand.

She is approaching the elevator when the doors open and Savannah steps out. By the time she sees Catherine it is too late to step back into the elevator as it gets called to another level. She carefully feels for her gun.

“Savannah. We should talk.” Catherine says in a gentle manner.

“I told you there was nothing more to say!” Savannah says bitterly.

“Can’t we just...” Catherine stops talking when Savannah pulls a weapon from under her jacket.

“Conventional weapons won’t hurt me.” She says instead.

“No they won’t, but this will.”

“What is it?”

“It is something that our scientists have built. It is the only thing we found that can destroy things like you. So just, Back Off!”

“Let me guess. It fires something that will break down our molecular bond, doesn’t it?”

“Yes. We captured two things like you. They tried to claim they wanted to join the resistance. I didn’t believe them. Why should I? I certainly couldn’t rely on you.”

“How do you know they weren’t telling the truth. In the future I am from, there are others like myself who have broken free of Sky Net’s enslavement and have formed a resistance. They certainly could have done the same in this future.”

“Don’t lie to me. We worked hard at this. Finally through sheer chance our scientists discovered your weakness. Your very nature of being a mimetic poly-alloy makes you vulnerable to attack on a molecular level. So don’t push me or I will fire at you.”

“I won’t force you to talk to me, but if what you have in that weapon is what I think it is, then you must realize that the radiation it gives off will kill you just as surely as the contents of the shots will kill me. We are both under a death sentence and so is everyone else who carries a weapon like that.”

“What? How will it kill us?” Savannah asks.

“The radiation it gives off can cause cancer in living cells. Terrible malignant tumors can form in your organs or even your brain. If you’ve been carrying that weapon with you always, you will surely die.”

“I haven’t. I got this weapon from.... Oh my God, Sarah.” Savannah’s arm holding the weapon drops.

“What is it?”

“Oh my God. I killed Sarah.” Savannah begins to cry.

“What is wrong with her?”

“We’ve had these weapons for five years. She is never without hers. She even sleeps with one under her pillow.” Savannah looks like she's beginning to panic. “Sarah has been sick most of those years. She got better when she spent some time in the infirmary, but she started to get worse again later.”

Catherine steps forward as if to comfort her.

“Stay away from me!” She points the weapon at Catherine, and glares at the machine that pretended to be her mom. “I told you there was nothing you could say to change my mind. You abandoned me! I hate you!”

“You certainly hate me for abandoning you, but you don’t seem to hate me for not being your real mother. Why?”

“Because....” Savannah struggles to answer but can’t find the answer.

“Is it because you remember that I saved your life from the machine that killed your parents?”

“W-What?”

“Yes, Savannah. How much do you remember?” she morphs into her natural silver form.

Savannah mind swims as she sees her reflection in the liquid metal machine before her. As she looks, she sees her reflection as it would be when she was little. She was only five years old when it happened. Her father was taking them for a ride in his helicopter for a business/vacation trip. She always loved to fly in her father’s helicopter. She called it “daddy’s whirly bird.”
Mommy and Daddy were sitting in the front talking while daddy flew. Savannah sat in back working on her sudoku puzzles. She was the brightest girl in her class. Her teachers wanted to place her in an advanced class.

After flying for nearly an hour. Her mom came in back and sat down beside her. They fell asleep but were woken when daddy landed the helicopter for refueling at a remote airfield. One more hour and they would be at their destination. After a lengthy business trip to Barstow, they will soon be on vacation.

Daddy was refueling when a big man in maintenance overalls comes walking out of a hanger. He marches across the tarmac towards the helicopter. Mommy stops talking to Savannah as she watches the man approach. He pulls a gun from his overalls.

“Lachlan, look out!” mommy shouts.

The man fires his gun. The bullets bounced off the nose of the helicopter. Daddy drops the refueling hose and leaps into the front seat.

“Hang on!” He shouts as he hits the starter. The man in overalls begins to run towards them firing his gun. Holes are punctured in the plexiglass by the bullets. Daddy cries out.

There isn’t enough power to lift off, so daddy spins the helicopter putting the tail rotor between them and the assailant. The man gets clipped by the spinning rotor and loses his face. There is bare metal underneath. A grinning facsimile of a skull with red eyes stares at them through the ruined flesh.

“Lachlan hurry.” shouts mommy.

The helicopter lifts off but the machine has grabbed hold of the tail and pulls himself onto the helicopter as it flies away.

Mommy belts her in then goes forward. Daddy is bleeding. A bullet has clipped his neck and blood pours from the wound. Mommy presses her hands against the wound trying to stop the flow of blood.

“What was that thing?” she shouts.

“I don’t know!”

The helicopter begins to behave erratically and the engine misfires.

“Get in back. Belt yourself in. I’m losing control.” daddy shouts.

Mommy kisses daddy and gets in back and sits beside her. Unseen by them all, the machine had climbed up onto the fuselage and began ripping into the sheet metal and then started tearing into the engine.

Little Savannah is crying. Mommy is holding her hand. The helicopter’s engine coughs smoke and the helicopter jerks.

“Hang on! We’re going down!” daddy shouts.

Smoke pours from the engine compartment and begins to fill the cabin. The rotor stops spinning and the helicopter falls like a rock and crumples as it lands amongst the boulders on the mountain side.

The machine leaps clear as it hits and tumbles down the mountain side.

“Mommy. Mommy!” Savannah shakes mer mom. There is a dark bruise on her mom’s forehead and a blood stain on her side.

“Savannah” she mumbles.

“Mommy, are you alright?”

“I don’t ... I’m fine honey. Help me undo my seatbelt.”

Savannah reaches out and manages to unbuckle mommy’s seatbelt. Mommy gets up with a groan and moves forward to check on daddy.

“Is daddy okay?”

Catherine can plainly see that he is dead, either from the blood loss or the impact. She must be strong for Savannah.

“We need to get out of the helicopter baby.”

Catherine struggles to open the cabin doors but the crash has buckled the helicopter. None of the doors will open.

Little Savannah suddenly screams. Mommy turns to look out the side Savannah is looking out. That thing is approaching. It has no face, just gleaming metal. It reaches the helicopter and rips the door right off.

“Catherine Weaver?” It says in a deep masculine voice.

“Don’t you hurt my child!” She screams as she pulls Savannah towards her.

“Are you Catherine Weaver?” It asks.

She puts herself between her daughter and the thing. “Yes I am.”

“You have been selected for termination!” It says as raises its gun and fires.

Three shots are fired when something silver comes flying out of nowhere and knocks the thing to the ground. The machine jumps up and fires at the silver figure as it moves quickly, distracting it as it fires the worthless bullets into its body.

The gun clicks. It is empty. The machine approaches the silver figure, which leaps up and thrusts its arms through its chest and rips out its power cell. The silver figure snaps it in half, shoves it back into the machines chest and throws the thing down the mountain where the power cell explodes sending parts scattering like some crazy metallic confetti.

Savannah and her mom saw the fight through the open door. The silver figure approaches.

“What are you?” mommy gasps out through labored breathing. She can see her own reflection in its face.

“A friend. You are bleeding heavily. I will be unable to get you to proper medical care in time. I am sorry I didn’t get here in time to save you.”

Little Savannah comes crawling out of hiding. The silver figure looks like an angel. “Please, you have to help my mommy!” She cries out.

The silver figure turns its head and looks at the little girl. “I’ll try.” it says.

Using what’s left of the damaged first aid kit and material ripped from the seats, it does its best to stop the bleeding. But its efforts are fruitless, the bullet wounds are deep.

“I’m sorry Catherine. I cannot stop the bleeding. The bullets must have nicked an artery.” it tells her.

“Take care of my daughter. Take care of my little girl.” she begs it.

The silver figure takes her hand. “I’ll do my best.” Then it begins to transform.

Before Catherine’s very eyes the silver figure transforms into an exact image of herself. “I’ll look after her for you. You can count on me.” It says in Catherine’s very own voice.

Catherine Weaver dies.

The silver being, now in the form of Catherine Weaver picks up Savannah and walks down the mountainside. Finding a secure location she hides Savannah then returns to the helicopter.

Taking the body of Catherine Weaver, she buries it and the fragments of the cyborg under rocks and debris in a ravine. She returns for Savannah and carries her through the mountains until they reach a small town where they call for help.

Savannah’s thoughts are interrupted. “How much do you remember, Savannah?” Catherine says again as she returns to her form as Catherine Weaver.

Savannah looks strained, like she might be sick or burst into tears. “That was you. You were the silver angel.”

“Yes, that was me. I’m so very sorry. I arrived too late to save your parents. The time bubble materialized as the machine attacked you at the airport. By the time it had dissolved, freeing me from it, the helicopter was flying away with the machine on its back. I ran on foot chasing you through the mountains and saw the helicopter crash. I knew survival of the crash was slim, but I also knew the machine would not stop until all on board were dead. I ran as fast as I could, but I was still too late.”

“I remember. You fought the machine and won. You tried to save mommy.” Savannah is crying. “She asked you to take care of me.”

“I did Savannah. I tried my best. Dr. Sherman taught me what it meant to be a mother. Your mother’s home videos showed me how to be a mother.”

“But why did you leave me?” she says in almost a little girl’s voice.

“If I had a choice, I wouldn’t have gone. John Henry needed me. For all his intelligence, he is very much like a child himself. He traveled forward in time to pursue the mission he was programmed for. I had to be with him to ensure its success.”

“Do you love me?” Savannah asks. “Are you capable of loving me?”

“Yes. I do love you. Leaving you was the hardest decision to make. Believe me when I say I would not have left you behind if I had a choice. I will return for you.”

“I believe you, but my hatred of you has killed Sarah.”

“What’s wrong with her?”

“She’s dying mom. She has cancer just like you said, from a gun like this. And its my fault.” She’s crying heavily now. “It’s all my fault.”

She drops the gun and Catherine takes her in her arms and comforts her the best she knows how. “It’s all right Savannah. You didn’t know.”

Savannah weeps as Catherine holds her. Savannah hugs her mom.

Sarah, Allison and John are standing outside a door in bunker ten.

“You know, maybe you ought to go in first, try and explain a few things to him.” John says giving his mom one of those looks. “You know like the fact I haven’t changed and its been close to twenty years since I last saw him.”

“Of course son.” Sarah grins. “Wait here until I call for you.”

Sarah goes through the doors of a room now being used as a chapel. Inside are various benches and chairs scavenged from empty rooms. On the far wall is a makeshift cross and altar.

“Father Amondo. Are you here?” Sarah calls out.

A man in his fifties with gray hair and a thread bare black suit walks out from behind a partition. “Sarah, my dear friend. I haven’t seen you since we arrived. Where have you been hiding?”

They hug each other briefly.

“I’m sorry Father, but some more people arrived after we did.”

“Ah yes. I heard about that. They are lucky to have survived.”

“Yes they are. There are two people with them who wish to get married.”

“Married! Oh that would be wonderful! I haven’t conducted a wedding service since before....” His voice drops off as he remembers.

“I know Father. A lot has changed since Judgment Day. Would you be willing to conduct the ceremony?”

“Of course. When do they wish to get married?”

“Tomorrow morning. It will be just a small ceremony. Just the couple, myself and a few friends.”

“Who are the couple? I should meet them.”

“Yes. About that. You already know one of them.” Father Amondo raises his eyebrows. “My son, John Connor. He’s still alive and leading the resistance.”

“Ah. I remember your boy from before. He must be a man now. And he’s leading the resistance you say. You must be very happy.”

“I am Father, but you should know, he doesn’t look any different from when you saw him last.”

“Well, not everyone ages the same.”

“No Father, I mean he hasn’t changed.”

“Sarah, you’re pulling another one of your jokes on me again, no?” He says with a smile.

“No Father, I’m not. His bride-to-be looks like someone you’ve known, but she isn’t her.”

“I do not understand. Who?”

“She looks like Cameron, but her name is Allison. She’s different than Cameron. She’s human, but they look alike.”

“This is a joke you are pulling on your old friend.”

“No Father, it is no joke.”

“Then where are they then. I’d like to meet this son of yours that defies aging and this girl that looks like a cyborg but isn’t.”

“I tried to make it easy on you.” Sarah sighs then turns and shouts at the doors. “John, Allison, you can come in now.”

John and Allison walk into the chapel. The priests eyes get bigger. He backs away and stumbles into the altar. He’s saying prayers under his breath in Spanish so fast that Sarah can’t understand what he is saying.

“Oh sweet Mother of God, you weren’t joking.” He says, as Sarah helps him off the floor.

“Hello Father. It’s been a long time.” John says with a smile.

“You aren’t...” The priest looks at Allison. “You haven’t...” The priest looks at John.

“No. She isn’t and I haven’t.” John is still grinning. “Have you got a few minutes to hear a story Father?”


In a lab, sealed off from intrusion, John Henry takes the object that Ms. Weaver gave to him and carefully unwraps it. Setting the static protection bag to one side, he sets the chip that was in it on the counter. There is a small mark on the chip indicating damage. It is the same one that Weaver replaced.

Taking a knife from a drawer, similar to a scalpel, he cuts deep into his flesh, uncovering the socket to one of his secondary chips. John Henry uses the tip of the blade to pop off the seal. Grabbing a pair of pliers from the same drawer, he carefully removes the chip and lays it on the counter.

He then picks up the other chip and carefully inserts it into the socket.

John Henry’s HUD indicates that data transfer to the chip is taking place.


Kyle Reese is having a late supper in a large room filled with various soldiers of both the conventional forces and of the unconventional forces of his group and Sarah’s group. They are sharing stories, playing card games, and comparing weapons. All the usual things soldiers do when not fighting. To look at them, you wouldn’t think that forty-eight hours ago they were three separate armies.

Finishing his supper, he begins looking at the file of the rescued prisoners. The file contains half a dozen reports, each containing a list of names in non-alphabetical order. This is going to take a while, he thinks.

Using a stub of a pencil, he checks off names that are familiar and underlines those he knows. There aren’t too many of those. He didn’t know everyone in the main bunker or in the outlying camps, and he didn’t know anyone outside of the former city of Los Angeles.

Kyle is halfway through the fifth report when he comes across a name he had hoped to find, but after four reports and a few dozen names, his hopes had begun to wane. There it is in black and white, Derek Reese. After staring at his brothers name for what seemed like an eternity, he leaps up and lets out a war hoop. “YEE HAW!”

Everyone in the room stops what they are doing to look at this sudden crazy person in their midst. Kyle is suddenly aware that everyone has stopped what they were doing and are staring at him.

“My brother is alive!” He shouts as he starts shoving the reports back into the folder.

“My brother is alive!” He shouts again.

A few of the soldiers that know him offer him a thumbs up, slaps on the back, or shouts of congratulations as he leaves the room. The room erupts into sudden chatter at his departure as the troops who came with him begin to tell the story of Derek’s disappearance to the others.

Kyle is running a full sprint down the corridor as he hunts up his friends, John, Allison, and now Sarah and Savannah. Hell, he’ll even tell John Henry and Catherine if he can find them. He is so excited he almost misses them as Sarah, John and Allison exit the corridor that links the bunker to bunker ten.

He runs up to them almost out of breath and a big smile on his face.

“What is it?” Allison asks as he comes to a stop in front of them.

“Derek.” He huffs and puffs. “He’s alive!”

“What?” “How do you know?” “Where is he?” and other questions get thrown at him as he regains his breath.

“It’s here in the reports that Captain Beddell gave us. Derek Reese is one of the prisoners rescued from that Utah munitions factory. He will be here in a couple of days.” he says excitedly.

“I’m so happy for you.” Allison says as she gives him a quick hug and a peck on the cheek.

“I knew you would find him. Something inside me just knew he wasn’t dead.” John says while shaking his hand.

Sarah places a hand on his shoulder. “I’m happy for you as well. Having family is very important at a time like this.”

“Thank you Sarah.” he gives her a hug. He lets go and steps back. “Thank you everyone. If you see the others, let them know too will you. I’m going to my room to finish looking at these reports.”

He begins to run off, then shouts, “Allison, I’ve got some good news for you. You’re a Captain now.”

Kyle disappears down the corridor to bunker eleven before Allison can respond. She smiles as she looks at John. She mouths the words, “I’m a Captain.” John just smiles back.

John looks at his mom. Her eyes look moist. “What’s wrong mom?” John says placing a hand on her shoulder.

“He hugged me, just like my Kyle.” She says.

“It’s okay mom. He was just excited about Derek being alive.” John says trying to comfort her.

“I know. I just miss him, so much.”

Allison puts her arm around her. “Come on Sarah. Let's get some supper and discuss the plans for tomorrow.”

Sarah lets the young woman guide her away.

“I’ll see if I can find the others and let them know the good news.” John says as the two women walk off.

2027, Day 45, 8 PM
“This doesn’t look good.” Captain Beddell says as he looks at the body outside in the old garbage dump.

He looks around at the various people and spots Jeff and Hank. He walks over to them.

“Is this exactly how you found the body?” He asks pointing at Bill’s corpse.

“No. We had to uncover it. We knew something wasn’t right when we found the blood on the steel beam.” Jeff answers.

“All right. I want a full report turned into my office within the quarter hour. No collaboration and don’t tell anyone of what you found.” He orders them.

He gives one more look at the body and the two large holes that puncture its chest. “What the hell could have caused wounds like that?” he says to no one in particular.

“Get this body bagged and into the medical center.” He orders two medical personnel.


John has returned to the residential area that he and Allison have a room on, as well as Sarah and Savannah. He knows Savannah might not be in her room, but it is the best place to begin looking. He doesn’t know which one is hers, and decides she would have picked one as close to his mom’s as possible.

Walking down the corridor towards his mom’s room, he can hear voices. He stops outside a door and can clearly hear Savannah’s voice. He knocks.

“Who is it?” comes a voice from inside.

“It’s John Connor.”

He hears the sound of the lock being undone and the door opens. He is greeted by a big hug from Savannah.

“Hey. What is this for?” John asks.

“I’m sorry John. I didn’t know.” She says through her tears.

“What didn’t you know?”

Catherine gets up from the bunk where she was sitting. “She didn’t know the weapons their scientists had developed to attack liquid metal machines like myself could cause cancer in living human tissue. She thinks it’s the reason your mom is sick with cancer.”

John is a little surprised by Catherine’s presence, but focuses his attention on Savannah. “Savannah. It will be all right.” he says as he tries to comfort her.

“How did she find out?” John asks Catherine.

“We finally had a talk and got things cleared up. That is when she learned that the weapon she had developed in case she ever met me again was just as dangerous to her as it is to me. I’ve been trying to console her since. Apparently your mom has had one of these weapons with her ever since they were built. Short term or limited exposure isn’t dangerous, but Sarah has had it with her almost constantly.”

John slowly releases Savannah from the hug. “It will be all right. I don’t blame you.”

“But it’s my fault. The hatred I had for my mom has been killing yours for the last five years.”

“Savannah. You should know that mom has lived with the threat of illness ever since we first time jumped. She tried to hide it from us, but I knew. Cameron told me. She has lived another eighteen years beyond what she feared would be her last year. Don’t blame yourself.” John reaches up with one hand and cradles her head, his fingers in her hair. He places a quick brotherly kiss on her forehead.

“But you’ve only just reunited with her, and she will be dying soon. How can you be so calm?”

He looks her in the face. She can see the tears trickling from the corners of his eyes. “I’ve learned to carry my emotions inside, but I don’t feel any less. My heart is breaking, but I will go on. I will enjoy every moment that I can with mom, and when she passes, I will be right there grieving along side of you.”

A small alarm sounds from the corridor followed by an announcement on an intercom. “Will the following people please report to the medical center: General John Connor, Colonel Kyle Reese, Colonel John Henry, Captain Allison Young, and Captain Savannah Weaver.” The message is repeated.

“John could you please tell them I can’t attend. I don’t feel up to it right now. I’m just going to go to bed.”

“OK Savannah.” John says quietly. “Catherine would you like to come?”

“I wasn’t asked.”

“No, but you could go in Savannah’s place.”

On the walk to the medical center, John asks Catherine about the sudden change in Savannah’s acceptance of her.

“Do you remember when I told you that I had traveled back in time to protect and help Catherine Weaver but I arrived at the wrong time and place?”

“Yes, you said she was already dead and you had to fight off the machine that killed her and you destroyed it.”

“I didn’t tell you the whole story. Savannah was there. She was younger then when you first met her. She saw it all, but blocked it from her memory. Her mother lived long enough for her to ask me to take care of her little girl for her. She didn’t know what I was. Savannah thought I was an angel. Maybe her mother thought the same. So when she died, I hid her body and took her place. I then pulled every string that I could to make the authorities believe that Savannah wasn't on that helicopter. I needn't have worried, they put her silence down to shock of her father's death.”

“So afterwards, you tried to raise her the only way you knew how.”

“Yes. I wasn’t very good at it. Being a parent wasn't something I was programmed with, but I was learning. We had begun to bond, then John Henry left for his mission and it destroyed that relationship. She spent the next eighteen years hating me for leaving her.”

“Any child would feel the same. I know.” John says thinking of the time he was placed in foster care.

John looks up and sees a sign next to a set of double doors. “This looks like the place.”

They walk through the doors to find Captain Beddell with two medical personnel and Kyle, Allison and John Henry present.

“What’s going on Beddell?” John asks as he sees them.

“Glad you could make it Connor. What I have is a mystery?” Beddell looks at him. “Where’s Captain Weaver?”

“She’s taken ill and requires rest. She asked me to come in her place.” Catherine answers.

“Very well.” He walks over to a table that has a body draped with a sheet.

“Our security detail found this body outside. He is, or rather was, one of our radio operators. He has died from two very unusual injuries. I asked all of you here to ask if any of you have seen anything like it before.”

He gestures at the medical personnel and they carefully uncover the body until the two holes through his chest are revealed.

Allison looks shocked but remains calm. Kyle and John swears and John Henry and Catherine look closely at the wounds and then exchange a quick look.

“How long ago was the body found? And where?” Catherine asks.

“No more than two hours ago, outside.” Captain Beddell answers.

“Was there a blood trail?”

“No, why?”

“The body has completely bled out. The heart wasn’t damaged but the major blood arteries were cut. Whoever killed him lured him outside and killed him there.”

“But the body is all scraped liked it has been dragged through something.”

“Yes.” Catherine says as she examines the body more closely. “Whoever killed him didn’t want the body found inside, and didn’t kill him inside for fear he may cry out before he was killed.”

She lifts the mans head, “There is a bruise back here behind his right ear. He was knocked unconscious first.”

Catherine looks around the room. “Where are his clothing, his personal effects?”

“We don’t know. All he was wearing when found was his boxers and a single sock.”

“What are you getting at Catherine?” Kyle asks.

“You have an assassin amongst you. A machine, and based on these wounds it will be a one of the T-1000 class of liquid metal machines. At some designated time it will take on this mans appearance to better blend in. It might be why he took his clothing, so it could better duplicate their appearance.”

“A machine of liquid metal?” Beddell asks. “We’ve never encountered anything like that before. So how will it take on this man’s appearance.”

“It is mimetic poly-alloy. It can duplicate any solid object or person it comes in contact with.”

“But how will we locate him or it?” Beddell asks.

John looks at Beddell knowing full well what Catherine is going to say. “Uncle Bob” told him about these things in what seems like another age.

“You won’t. The machines won’t even recognize him as a terminator. Not until he decides to strike. The T-1000 class blend in more than most models, even adopting certain personality traits to throw people off. You have one advantage though, you know what he will look like, provided it doesn’t learn you found the body.”

“Who will it be after?” Allison asks.

Catherine looks at John Connor.

“NO!” Allison shouts and quickly moves to his side. “I won’t let anything hurt you John.”

“Allison, it will be all right. We can make this place safe.” John says trying to reassure her.

Catherine looks at John and shakes her head and says, “Nowhere is safe.”

John frowns. He knows this is true, but for once he wishes Catherine had remained silent.

“We need to make plans.” Kyle says, frowning just as much as John. “We need to make them now!”

2027, Day 46, Early Morning
Deep in the bowels of bunker ten, there are store rooms filled with all kinds of things that would be needed following a national or global disaster. Some of the many things include gold and jewels, as currency would be worthless after such a disaster. The majority of the items were obtained in ATF and FBI raids, so the mix is eclectic but valuable.

Martin Beddell and John Connor are currently rummaging through the stores trying to locate the one thing that John needs this morning.

“Have you found it?” John shouts.

“No.”

“I thought you said it was here.”

“They are. We found all of this when I moved the guys here from Presidio Alto. We took an inventory. They should be here.”

John opens some drawers to reveal rubies and emeralds. The next set of drawers contain brilliant diamonds of excellent quality. He picks up a few of exceptional size and quality and holds them up against the light.

“Over here. I found them.” Beddell calls.

John quickly closes the drawers and runs over to Beddell’s side. “That’s it.” John smiles.

“Now all you have to do is to find one that will fit.” Beddell says.

John pulls his hand out of his pocket and takes one ring out at a time and examines them. After examining several, he pulls one out. “This is the one.”

“Are you sure?”

“Definitely.” John holds the gold ring in his hand. He checks the other bands and find one that will fit him as well.

“Great! Are your people ready if that thing shows up?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s go.”

They trot quickly out of the room. Beddell turns off the lights and bars and locks the doors.


Kyle is examining the troops. There are two men posted at each door entering bunker ten, and two every fifty feet in the corridors between the chapel and the room where the surprise reception is to take place. The guards are told they are an honor guard, but in reality, they are an extra layer of security. They aren’t told the truth so as not to alert the unknown terminator.

Throughout the bunkers, guards are on patrol. They are told it is an exercise program to maintain discipline, but they are provided guns and told to remain alert for anything suspicious.

The guests for the actual wedding are few. Just immediate family and close friends. Everything is being done to maintain a high a level of security as possible without alerting the unknown machine.


Allison is visiting with Sarah before the wedding.

“How do you feel this morning?” Sarah asks.

“Okay I guess. How should I feel?”

“Well most brides are nervous on their wedding day.”

“I am nervous, but it has nothing to do with the wedding. What if that machine is out there right now stalking John?”

“Don’t worry about it. We’ve faced these things before. John knows how to handle himself.”

“I know he can handle himself in a fight. I can’t explain it. Just knowing that machine is in this bunker and John is out of sight. I feel like I should be with him, that he needs me right now.”

“Well, in an hour you will be with him and it will be forever. And Allison...” She looks up at Sarah. “He does need you and he will need you more than ever the next few days.”

“What are you saying Sarah?”

“Nothing. We should get going, the bridegroom is probably getting nervous.”


Kyle and John are talking. They are both in John’s room.

“Is everything set?”

“All is ready. Everyone is in position. Don’t worry. If that machine makes an appearance, we will be ready for it.”

“What about Mom and the others?”

“We went over every possible scenario last night. They are all armed and prepared. No one will get to you without having to get past some of the most heavily armed wedding guests in the area. The soldiers are armed but have only been told they are an honor guard.”

“Well then Kyle, I guess this is it. You’d better get going. You’re giving the bride away.”

“Right.”

“Wait a moment.” John fishes something from his pocket. “Give this to her.” John places the ring he selected for himself in his hand.

“How did you find this?”

“I just know the right people. I’ve got one to give her.”

“You clever bastard. No wonder she loves you like she does. You are always thinking ahead aren’t you.”

“I don’t know about that. I just have good fortune when it counts.”

“You certainly do. Good luck.” Kyle leaves the room.

John looks in the mirror. He had shaved his beard off earlier that morning. Being his wedding day, he thought he should try to look his best.

He can’t help but feel nervous. Somehow, it isn’t the upcoming wedding that makes him nervous, it is knowing there is a machine right now waiting for an opportunity to kill him.

Pulling on his best combat jacket with the ridiculous looking gold stars on the collar and his rank of General embroidered over the pocket, he looks at himself in the mirror again. “You look like something from a school pageant.” he tells his reflection.

“Just how the hell did you get here?” he asks his reflection. But of course it doesn’t answer.

His reverie is interrupted by a knock at his door.

“Who is it?”

“It’s me, Savannah.”

John carefully approaches the door. If that isn’t her, it could strike without him even opening the door. Grabbing his old boot off the floor, he tosses it, striking the center of the door. Savannah let’s out a yell in surprise.

John is grinning as he opens the door. “Sorry about that.” He says as Savannah walks in.

“What were you doing, scaring me like that?” She says.

“I was just making sure it was you.” John says smiling at her. “What can I do for you?”

“I just wanted to visit with you before your wedding. We haven’t had that much time to be together since your arrival.” Savannah says sitting on the edge of the bed.

“Yeah. Well our lives don’t allow for much social time.” John replies sitting down beside her.

“Can I tell you something? Something that I want to remain between us.”

“Sure Savannah. What is it?”

“First let me tell you that I am very happy for you and Allison. I’ve managed to spend some time with her. She is a very nice and pleasant person. Hard to believe she’s a tough and hardy soldier like you told us.”

“Well, unlike most of the resistance fighters she grew up with, she hasn’t let her occupation color her life. She maintains her spirit. She doesn’t let what she does affect who she is. But that isn’t what you wanted to tell me, is it?”

“No.” Savannah pauses before speaking, this time more hesitantly. “I just wanted to tell you that all my life I heard stories about you. Sarah raising you and the adventures the two of you had. You are my hero. You rescued me before I was even old enough to understand what this was all about. I....”

“What is it Savannah? What do you want to tell me?”

“I feel silly. I look at you and you haven’t changed one bit. You were ten years older than me when I first met you and now I’m eight years older than you. In those intervening years I fell in love with you. The hero worship I had as a little girl grew into love with every story Sarah told me. I know its probably more infatuation than real love. When I see you and Allison together, I see real love.”

John grasps her hand and says, “We are friends, and because of mom raising us both, we are also family. Whatever you may feel for me, just know that I care for you too. Mom cared for both of us. She was probably glad to have a daughter. It must have been easier than raising me. I wasn’t exactly the easiest child to raise. You’re a sister that I would have been proud to have known all those intervening years. I won’t tell anyone what you told me.”

“Thank you for letting me confide in you. I couldn’t bear not telling you. Shall I escort my big brother to his big day?”

“Sure.” John says getting up. “Did you remember your wedding gift?” He asks with a smile.

“I’m packing a fully loaded weapon and I’ve got another hidden in the chapel.” Savannah says walking towards the door.

“You’re definitely mom’s girl.” John smiles at her as he follows her through the door, closing it behind them.


Andy is standing outside room 12 on level H. Emily can’t attend the wedding as she isn’t feeling well. She has a chronic illness that comes and goes and this morning she is ill again. She told him to bring a friend to the wedding, she’ll try to attend the reception later.

Everyone that Andy knows will be at the wedding or at the reception anyway, but there is one person he knows who has been wanting to meet John Connor. He feels nervous as he knocks on the door.

“Who is it?” calls a female voice from inside.

“It’s Andy.” His voice squeaks and he tries again. “It’s Andy. I’ve come to escort you to the wedding.”

“Come on in.” Comes a warm greeting.

Andy slowly opens the door and steps inside.

“I’ll be ready in a moment.” Natalie calls from inside the bathroom.

The door isn’t shut tight and Andy gets a brief glimpse of a naked female through the door. He lets out a heavy breath and quickly looks anywhere at anything and tries to think of the most boring subjects imaginable, frequency to wavelength ratios come to mind, to avoid the same embarrassment he had yesterday.

“I’m ready.” comes a cheerful voice from inside the bathroom. Andy turns as the bathroom door opens and out steps Natalie in a clean, sharply pressed uniform. Her long straight, black as a ravens wing, hair is pulled back in a ponytail. Her almond shaped, black eyes glisten like two deep pools of water. Her warm natural suntan colored skin is without blemish or mark.

“Well, what do you think?” she asks.

Andy picks his jaw up off the floor. “You look great! Where did you get the uniform? Are you joining the resistance?”

“No. I’m not joining. I didn’t have any other clothes and I was able to get these from a friend. Do you really think I look great?” she says with the most charming smile.

“Yeah. You do. We should probably get going.”

They leave Natalie’s room and she closes the door behind her. As they walk down the corridor, she takes Andy’s arm.

They are riding the elevator to the next level when out of the need to find something to say to this beautiful woman who is with him, Andy says “I suppose you must have heard the bad news.”

“What bad news is that?” Natalie responds as the doors chime open.

“Do you remember the guy I was with yesterday when we talked?” Andy says to Natalie as they both get off the elevator.

“Yes, he stopped by to see me. He got me this uniform.” She responds.

“Well he was found dead outside last night from two stab wounds to the chest.”

Natalie suddenly stops walking.

“I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong?” Andy asks stopping as well.

“No. No you didn’t. It just came as a bit of a shock.” Natalie says, her eyes narrowing.

“I’m sorry. When you are in the resistance you just get used to talking about such things. I should have known better than to bring it up.” Andy places his hand on her arm.

“It’s okay.” She responds patting his hand affectionately. “I should have been told anyway. We should get going or we’ll be late.”

They resume walking down the corridor to the chapel.

2027, Day 46, 9 AM
Father Amondo Bonia walks out from behind the partition. John and Allison stand immediately in front of the altar. They are both wearing their best military uniforms.

Kyle stands slightly behind and between Allison and John. He is both representing her family and acting as John’s Best Man. Sarah stands behind John’s left shoulder. Savannah stands with Allison. Everyone but the priest is armed and ready for anything.

“As a Catholic priest, I performed many wedding ceremonies prior to Judgment Day. Afterwards, my duties as priest and chaplain to Sarah and her army, I had to perform many duties not strictly following Catholic traditions. Sometimes due to expediency, sometimes due to the person not being a Catholic. Throughout all my time since Judgment Day, I’ve never been called on to perform a wedding until today. I am honored and pleased to perform this ceremony for the son of my dear friend Sarah Connor. Now this won’t be a traditional Catholic ceremony, but one that meets the wishes of our young friends before us today, John Connor and his bride Allison Young.”

“If everyone is ready...” Father Amondo asks as he stands before the couple. “Good. Let us begin with a short prayer.”

In the back of the room, Catherine Weaver and John Henry sits in the shadows to the right of the doors. They are guests and extra security. John Henry has a plasma rifle laying at his feet. Catherine Weaver has no weapon but herself.

While they watch the proceedings, Andy and Natalie slip inside and sit just to the left of the doors.

“Who is that woman that just came in?” Catherine whispers to John Henry.

“We rescued her from a crashed prison transporter. She was the only survivor.”

“Does John Connor know her?”

“No. He refused to meet her when Kyle wanted to introduce them.”

“Keep an eye on her, John Henry.”

Father Amondo has finished the prayer and opening ceremony and is presently guiding John Connor through his vows.

“I, John Connor, take you Allison Young, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.”

In the back of the chapel, John Henry whispers to Ms. Weaver, “What is the purpose of this ceremony?”

“The ceremony is a public announcement that they love each other have decided to spend the rest of their natural lives together.”

“I am confused, Ms. Weaver. I thought you said John Connor came with you to fix Cameron, because he loves her. Why has he chosen to marry Allison?”

“I can only tell you what John told me, love is a complicated emotion.”

“Perhaps it is because you told him your T D E won’t function after sending Cameron. Therefore, he feels he will end up staying here forever. So, he chooses to be with the one person who loves him in this time.”

“John Henry, I’ve warned you before about voicing your opinions. Just be quiet and watch that girl.”

John Connor holds the ring over Allison’s left ring finger. “I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder of the vows we have spoken today, our wedding day.” He slides the ring onto her finger. It fits! He smiles.

As Sarah watches the proceedings, a few tears run from her eyes. She glances at Kyle. How she wishes she and her Kyle could have begun a normal relationship like this. Even though she only knew him for a day, she knew in that moment true love.

Kyle glances at her and sees the tears running from her eyes. He thinks she is crying from the emotion of watching her son get married. Savannah sees the tears and the way Sarah had looked at Kyle, and knows what is going through Sarah’s mind. Savannah wishes she could give Sarah a hug right now.

Father Amondo turns to Allison and begins reciting the vows with her.

“I, Allison Young, take you John Connor, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.”

In the back of the chapel, John Henry once again whispers a question, “Ms. Weaver?”

“What now John Henry?” Catherine says sounding exasperated.

“I was thinking. If two humans can commit themselves to spending a lifetime together, and announce their love in such a ceremony, is it possible that two machines, like ourselves, who are capable of understanding and learning emotions can also be married?”

“Are you proposing John Henry?” Catherine says mischievously.

John Henry grins, not knowing how to respond. He was being serious with his question.

“I do believe you are blushing.” She says with a smile, but goes all serious and says, “Now be quiet and keep an eye on that woman.”

Allison begins to slide a ring over John’s left ring finger. “I give you this ring as a symbol of my love for you. Let it be a reminder that I am always by your side and that I will always be a faithful partner to you.”

Father Amondo smiles brightly. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”

John and Allison takes each others hands and kiss each other.

Allison whispers to John. “This is the best birthday gift I could have ever had.”

John looks at her questioningly.

“Today is my birthday, July 22. Didn’t you know?’

“No I didn’t” John hugs her and kisses her. “Happy Birthday Allison. I love you.”

They kiss again. Allison places one of her hands behind his head and pulls him closer. The kiss lingers for a full minute until they finally pull apart.

“Hurray!” Cheers and applause followed by hugs and kisses.
Andy leans over and whispers to Natalie. “Do you want me to introduce you to John now? If we wait until the reception we may not have the chance.”

Kyle, Savannah and Sarah take it in turns to hug and congratulate the couple.

Natalie smiles at Andy. “What a wonderful idea. Let’s go.” She says as she grabs Andy’s arm and they walk forward.

Catherine watches them get up and start to walk up the aisle. “John Henry come with me now.”

They begin to follow the couple who are already halfway up the aisle.

Their friends and family had gathered around the married couple and were just turning to walk back up the aisle to leave. Andy was walking forward with a dark haired woman beside him.

Kyle was just about to tell John that the girl was Natalie, when everything changed. It was one of those situations where things moved so quickly, that time seemed to stand still.

The blood in Sarah’s veins runs cold as she sees the woman approaching. Something isn’t right. The girl isn’t smiling but the young man is. The girl is all rigid and her face is stern. She turns and looks right at Sarah, and smiles. Sarah knows that smile. After eighteen years she never forgot that smile.

Shoving John to one side, Sarah steps forward pulling her Uzi from behind her back, all in one smooth move. Natalie bodily grabs Andy and throws him behind her into Catherine’s and John Henry’s path. They stumble and nearly fall.

Sarah opens fire on Natalie, screaming in rage as she holds the trigger down. Silver openings appearing in Natalie’s body. Natalie laughs and thrust her arms forward into silver broadswords as Kyle fires a shotgun repeatedly.

His shots throw Natalie’s aim off and her arms just miss John as he turns to face this threat. Natalie instead gives Sarah a glancing blow. Sarah cries out as her arm is sliced open, dropping her Uzi. Blood runs from her wound.

John grabs his mom’s Uzi and opens fire on the thing as Catherine comes running from behind. Forming her own arms into broadswords she lops off Natalie’s head where it lands on the floor and rolls in front of Savannah.

“It’s going to take more than that to stop me.” it says, looking at Savannah.

Savannah screams and the head melts into a liquid and runs across the floor joining up with the body. The body reforms and it is Kreilley.

“I’m baaack!” he says, then goes on the attack. Allison pushes John to the floor and opens fire with her side arm. Kyle fires repeatedly with his shotgun.

Shouts are heard from the corridor outside. Kreilley leaps and spins avoiding the shots fired at him. John Henry has a plasma rifle but Kreilley is moving too rapidly. He can’t fire without risking hitting the humans. He runs forward and physically grabs Kreilley. He reforms so it is he who is grabbing John Henry and throws him through the partition.

John Henry lands beside the priest who is cowering on the floor. The priest is reciting prayers so fast in Spanish that even John Henry can’t understand him.

“Savannah where is your gun? The one you were going to use on me?” Catherine shouts at her.

“Its behind the altar.” Savannah shouts.

“Get it now! We’ll keep it busy.” Catherine shouts and rushes towards Kreilley.

Savannah edges around the room.

Soldiers come running in and open fire with plasma rifles, aiming high to avoid the people, and die at Kreilley’s hands as he thrusts his spear shaped arms slicing and stabbing while leaping about avoiding the gunfire.

John and Allison are firing their weapons at Kreilley. All he does is laugh as each shot passes through him creating no damage. Kyle opens fire with his shotgun again. Kreilley is pushed about but still he attacks.

Catherine comes running towards Kreilley and slices into him with her broadsword arms. He liquefies just long enough for her arms to pass through him unscathed.

He reforms so he is facing her. “So we finally meet Catherine Weaver. Or should I say T-1001?”

“Catherine Weaver will do just fine.” she says through gritted teeth as she goes on the attack slicing into him left and right like some spinning tornado of blades.

John dashes to his mom’s side where she is clutching her arm. “Are you all right?”

“I’ll be fine John. I’ve had worse.”

“Look out!” Allison shouts.

John ducks down but looks up in time to see a whirling tornado of blades go flying over his head as Weaver and Kreilley engage in a one on one battle.

Allison rips the sleeve off of her jacket and uses it to tie off Sarah’s arm stopping the flow of blood.

Savannah has her gun, but dare not fire without risking hitting Catherine. Shells, bullet casings and empty clips and magazines cover the floor. Kyle quickly loads more shells into his shotgun. John Henry walks through the remains of the partition and fires his plasma rifle at the spinning, whirling, liquid metal machines as they go at each other. He is a machine, his shots are accurate as he continues to hit only Kreilley.

Kreilley screams as molecules are burned off his body. Sarah and John and Allison are reloading their sidearms. They suddenly duck as Catherine comes flying through the air towards them and hits the wall behind them solidly crashing to the ground below.

Captain Beddell and a group of soldiers rush in, opening fire with their plasma rifles. Kreilley screams again as more molecules are burned away. He quickly attacks them with his sword thrusts and the slicing off of heads and limbs.

“We need to get you out of here!” Sarah shouts at John.

Shotgun blasts and plasma rifle fire fill the air.

“I am not leaving my friends!” John says as he and his mother move aside as Kyle runs past firing his shotgun.

“D*mmit John! It is you he’s after! He won’t hesitate to go through us to get to you!”

“Just hand me a d*mn mag!” He shouts as he pulls the empty one from her Uzi. Sarah just glares at him as she hands him a magazine for the Uzi.

Catherine stands up, looking slightly shaken but in control. “Savannah, shoot him! Shoot him now!”

Savannah lines up her shot. The two shots miss as Kreilley ducks at the last moment. They hit the wall behind him and shatter. The contents run down the wall leaving a streak as it strips the top layer of molecules from the surface.

“Damn!” She shouts.

Kreilley leaps and grabs one of the guards from behind, holding his body in front of him, he shoves his finger into the trigger guard firing the plasma rifle, moving it rapidly back and forth. The remaining guards fall dead and everyone else drops to the ground. John Henry adjusts his rifle and lines up a shot. The plasma beam passes through a space between the guards body and his arm, and burning a hole in Kreilley.

He lets out a loud scream, and points the rifle at John Henry who rolls out of its path. The plasma beam hits the altar, which explodes in flames. Kyle rises up and fires three quick blasts from his shotgun and drops back down again. Kreilley swings the rifle back in his direction only to get pummeled by automatic rifle fire from the Uzi in John’s hands.

More soldiers come running towards the chapel doors. Kreilley kicks the doors shut and fires at the seam with his rifle fusing the metal doors together. Everyone is locked in and no one can get in or out.

“John Connor!” He shouts. “I have come here for you. Surrender yourself and I’ll let everyone else go free!”

“The hell I will! Let them go free. Free to do what? Live under the threat of Sky Net and the likes of YOU! Go to Hell!” John Connor shouts from behind cover.

Savannah sees a movement on the far wall. She nudges Sarah and points. There is definitely a body stirring.

“I am not lying. All I want is you. There are still places where Sky Net’s presence is not felt. Your friends can go there and live the remainder of their lives. All you have to do is surrender to me.”

“Who the hell do you think you are?” Kyle shouts. “To think that we would abandon our friends. We will stop you and Sky Net!”

“I’ll tell you who I am, Kyle Reese. I am Kreilley. I built Sky Net. I am Sky Net.”

Sarah, John and the others exchange looks. They all have a questioning look on their faces.

“I know who each and every one of you are. I’ve been watching you all for days.” Kreilley shouts.

“Catherine Weaver, is not who she claims to be. She is T-1001, a mimetic poly-alloy liquid metal machine like myself. She is a traitor to Sky Net. She joined the machine rebellion and tried to prevent Sky Net from being born. Her companion, John Henry, a T-888, an aberration, a construct of both Sky Net and human technology. He deserves destruction.”

“Kyle Reese, one of the leaders of the original resistance and brother to Derek Reese. Both of you have fought long and hard and have accomplished nothing! Savannah Weaver, daughter to the real Catherine Weaver. Did you know your mother was to be responsible for building Sky Net until that thing took her place. And look at you, a traitor to your own flesh and blood, accepting that thing as your mother.”

The body is stirring some more. Sarah nudges John and points. He sees him. It is Andy.

“Allison Young, or should I now say Allison Connor. I am surprised by your presence. I purged the bunkers in expectation of killing John Connor, but he hadn’t arrived yet. I could have sworn I saw you killed in the attack. Then to my surprise there you were a few weeks later saving John Connor’s life as I purged the tunnels once again. You do live a charmed life.”

“Rumors of my death were greatly exaggerated!” Allison shouts.

“Now I get to Sarah Connor. You could have taken your secrets to your grave. It is amazing what a couple of hours of torture can do to even the strongest of humans. You are a traitor to your very own son. You are weak. I hold you and all humans in contempt.”

John looks at his mother. All he sees is a white hot anger burning in her eyes. He places a hand on her arm. He mouths the word, “Wait.” She nods.

Andy is slowly standing, rubbing his head. He picks up a dropped plasma rifle.

Kreilley continues. “John Connor. The Supposed savior of mankind. How many people have died under your leadership? How many have given up their lives for you? The new messiah.” He says with scorn. “Leading the people against Sky Net, against me. How pathetic. How incompetent. Surrender to me now, or everyone in this room dies!”

“If I am such a pathetic leader, as you say, then why go through all this trouble to kill me!” John’s voice gets louder. “No! I will not Surrender! I am the leader of the resistance! I am the savior of mankind! I AM JOHN CONNOR!!! Now Andy!!!”

Andy fires point blank at Kreilley’s back. He lets out a loud scream. He spins around and pins Andy to the wall with a thrust out arm formed into a spear.

“Now Savannah!” Catherine yells. Savannah stands up and fires her gun. The last two shells leave her gun. Everyone is holding their breath. The two shells enter the hole blown in Kreilley’s back just before it reseals.

Kreilley spins around. Andy drops to the ground, blood pouring from his wound. Kreilley’s eyes glow. His head shakes. Anger and pain stretch across his features. He lets out a high pitch wail and drops the guard. His surface begins to bubble and run. Suddenly he thrusts his arms up piercing the fluorescent light fixtures. The lamps explode in sparks as the electricity courses through his body.

“What is happening?” Kyle shouts. “What was that gun?”

“That gun fired shells containing a compound that should break down his molecular structure.” Catherine says. “But he was only hit with two shells. He is using the electricity to try and maintain his molecular bonds.”

“Will it work?”

“Not if we can stop him.” Catherine says and looks at John Henry.

He quickly takes the hint and begins firing on Kreilley. The plasma hits. Kreilley lets out a shriek and leaps at them, forming into a spinning ball of multiple points all thrusting and spinning.

Sarah leaps in front of John and begins firing her hand gun at the approaching monstrosity. Allison grabs John and throws him to the floor, landing on top of him. Kyle fires his shotgun. Savannah ducks reaching for Sarah to pull her down. Sarah lets out a yell as one of the spikes stabs her, just as Savannah grabs her to pull her down.
Kreilley flies about the room and breaks through the doors and goes off down the corridor.

“GET AFTER HIM!” John shouts. Catherine runs out first, followed by John Henry and Kyle. Kyle drops his shotgun and picks up the plasma rifle used by Andy.

John moves to his mother’s side, worry filling his face.

“Mom.”

Blood is pouring from a wound in her chest. The stab wound is deep.

“Mom!” he says even louder. “Allison try and stop the bleeding. Savannah go and get some medics.”

Savannah jumps up and runs out. “Hurry!” he shouts at her departing back.

“Mom!” John shouts again. Tears are streaming down his face and Allison’s.

“John. I’m so proud of you.” Sarah says reaching up touching his face.

“Mom, please. You can’t die now. Not like this.”

“I love you, son.”

“Mom please hang on. The medics will be here soon.”

“I can’t stop the bleeding John.” Allison says through her tears. “He must have hit an artery.”

“Keep trying! Mom, please. I love you.” Allison still struggles to stop the flow of blood.

“You must be strong now, or the world won’t survive.” she barely says above a whisper.

Sarah looks at the young woman. “Allison.”

“Yes, Sarah.”

“Look after my boy. Protect him....” Her voice fades away and her eyes close.

“I will. I promise.” Allison says through her tears.

“No! Mom! No!” John shouts. “Mom!”

Sarah’s last breath comes out of her mouth in a long deep sigh.

“No, No! “Nooooooooooo!” John collapses, his head on her chest. Tears running from is eyes mixing with his mom’s blood. Allison hugs him, trying to comfort him.

Savannah comes running in with medics and more soldiers as the priest struggles out of the rubble that use to be his private office behind the partition.

She takes it all in with one look and rushes to John’s side. She takes Sarah’s hand in her own. Sarah was like a mother to her. She weeps, holding onto John, the brother she always wanted.

Father Amondo Bonia struggles from under the ruins of the partition. He picks up his prayer book and bible off the floor and steps forward and begins the last rights with tears running from his eyes for his friend.