EXT. BRIDGE EMBANKMENT - NIGHT

JOHN CONNOR and CAMERON PHILLIPS camp under the partially collapsed interstate highway bridge. Their armed and armored dune buggy sits parked on the debris-strewn road below.

John sit with his arms resting on his knees. He's bundled against the night chill. He scratches at the long-healed burn scar that covers the lower right side of his face.

JOHN

I should have brought more ointment.

Cameron sets up a low shelter that's little more than a two-person sleeping bag.

CAMERON

It will take time to make more.

JOHN

Put it on the list.

Cameron hesitates.

CAMERON

I need to tell you something.

JOHN

Yeah?

Cameron continues setting up the shelter.

CAMERON

I found something in the vault. A message for you.

John sits straighter.

JOHN

From who?

CAMERON

Riley.

John's mouth slackens.

JOHN

Riley.

CAMERON

In the box labeled "Derek's Things", there was a phone. Not one of ours. I was able to play a message.

JOHN

And it was Riley?

CAMERON

Yes. The phone crashed. I could only get it to play once.

JOHN

What did she say?

Cameron sits back on her heels.

CAMERON

(Riley's somber voice)

Hey John. If you got this--

JOHN

(interrupts)

Wait. Stop. Use your own voice.

CAMERON

Hey John. If you got this, I guess I'm dead. Maybe it was Cameron. I don't know...

RILEY (V.O.)

...maybe it was you.

CAMERON

...maybe it was you.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. PARK (MARCH 2009) - DAY - CONTINUOUS

RILEY DAWSON sits on the grass.

RILEY

If it was,

CAMERON (V.O.)

If it was,

RILEY

I don't blame you. But that's not what I want to say.

In distance, JESSE FLORES jogs on a path, oblivious to Riley's presence. She soon disappears from view.

RILEY (cont'd)

John, I'm sorry. I didn't know how-- this-- You were just John Connor, you know? The name. I was supposed to be saving you. That's what Jesse said. She's playing me, I'm pretty sure. She promised me that... nevermind. It doesn't matter.

A DOG BARKS in b.g. Riley startles and looks to see a "purse-dog" straining at the leash held by a TWENTY-SOMETHING WOMAN.

RILEY (cont'd)

I was supposed to get you away from Cameron; to make you remember that it's metal. I know it wants to kill me, that's what metal does. I see it in its eyes. The only reason I'm still alive is because of you. I've watched her. I've watched you and her.

(beat)

Anyway... I'm sorry. John. That's-- that's all I really wanted to say. That and I'm really glad we spent time together. I mean, I was with John Connor. How cool is that?So. I guess that's it. Wish I'd lived longer.

CAMERON (V.O.)

Whatever happens...

RILEY

Whatever happens...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. BRIDGE EMBANKMENT - CONTINUOUS

John's paying close attention. Cameron seems like she's simply doing a play-back.

CAMERON

...however you do it..

RILEY (V.O.)

...however you do it...

CAMERON

...beat Skynet. If you do that, then I'll know I didn't screw things up too bad. Love you, John. Be safe.

John considers the message as Cameron waits patiently.

JOHN

When did you find it?

CAMERON

November 9, 2027.

JOHN

That's over six years ago.

CAMERON

You had other things more important to deal with. Serrano. This wasn't critical information.

John presses his lips as he fights his emotions. He relaxes.

JOHN

You're right.

Cameron finishes with the tent setup.

CAMERON

You loved her.

JOHN

Not enough.

(beat)

Why would Derek have her phone?

CAMERON

I wondered that, too. I discovered a fingerprint belonging to Captain Flores. Derek must have gotten it after he killed her.

John reacts slightly. Cameron looks confident of her information--that's good enough for John.

CAMERON (cont'd)

The shelter's ready.

John's lapsing into remembrance.

JOHN

Give me a few minutes, OK?

Cameron quickly assesses the situation.

CAMERON

I'll scout the perimeter.

Cameron gets up and grabs her plasma rifle. She gives John's shoulder a gentle squeeze before descending the embankment.

John sits, lost in thought.