Terminator: Realities

PBJ (peanut butter & jelly)

Quin sat at the dinner table in John's house. John himself was sat across the table. Kate was busy in the kitchen.

"Thanks," Quin said. "For letting me stay. You got a comfy couch."

John smiled. "Mi casa es tu casa!" he replied.

"Again, thanks," Quin said. "I have to ask. Please come back with me."

John laughed. "I'm sorry, but why in the world would I ever go to hellhole? I have everything here. Isn't your place all messed up and wartorn?"

Quin slightly sunk in his chair. "My John Connor is dead, killed by Chad just before I got here."

John placed both hands on the table and fiddled with his fingers. "I got an idea," he suddenly said. "Why don't you stay here? I can get you set up with a job at my place and get your feet planted in your own home. I'm sure Danny will help."

Quin almost seemed to consider it before dismissing it outright. "I can't," he said. "The ol' ball 'n chain is waiting for me I'm sure. Look, we need a leader. A lot of people are depending on you."

"You mean the other John Connor," John said. "Don't you think it'll be kinda weird if I show up?"

"No," Quin replied. "I learned those other Terminators have a way of getting rid of bodies. No one even has to know you're from a different reality."

John shook his head. "I'm sure your John Connor was different. Sooner or later, someone will notice. I don't know the first thing about your war."

"I can guide you," Quin said. "You already know half the story. I can tell you everything else you need to know."

John took a deep breath and thought for a moment. "Quin," he said. "Put yourself in my shoes. You got a beautiful wife, your world is at relative peace, and you don't have to worry about what to eat next or where to sleep. What would you do?"

Quin then seemed to give up trying to convince John. "I'd stay too, I guess," he said. "Can't say I blame ya. Me, I can't stay. I've got a world to save."

Kate entered the room and set down some plates before sitting herself. "I hope you like PBJ," she said. "It's just a quick snack before we go out and get some real food."

John's cell phone began ringing, Seeing that it was Danny, he leaned over and kissed Kate on the forehead. "Perfect, Hon," he said. "Excuse me while I take this."

John answered the phone. "Danny, what's up," he said. "It's only been a week. You got something for us?"

Danny laughed. "Hey, John," he responded. "I got everything back to the company?"

John was in disbelief. "Already," he asked. "How the heck did you manage that?"

Danny sat at the controls of the RDE. "I didn't get a degree in engineering for nothing," he replied.

John spoke more with Danny as he returned to the table and sat before hanging up. "Good news," he said. "Danny says the machine is ready. We can send you home right away."

Quin took another bite of his PBJ before setting it down. A tear came to his eye as he looked at the sandwich. The words 'POSSIBLE SOLUTION' kept flashing on his HUD.

John noticed Quin's tear. "Look, dude," he started. "I said I'm sorry."

Quin looked up at John. "Me too," he replied and stood to leave the table. "Excuse me for a moment."

Kate turned to John and spoke in a low voice. "What's wrong?" she asked.

John shook his head. "Nothing," he answered. "We were just talking about his home."