Possible dumb question about AC-DC

I always thought electrons were not present in a wire or conductor unless they had a place to go, like a ground or resistance.
Is this true?

Example:
If a peice of wire is connected to a positive electrical source and it is not connected to anything, are there electrons in the wire already?
Or do the electrons wait at the source till there is a path for it to continue to
a ground?


PS Leave to our military to come up with a phrase like that.