Chapter 1: Priority
"Dad!" Zander implored, his hand on his belt, "Come on Dad!" John glanced at him, rolling his eyes as he continued to browse the weapons.
With a huff, Zander stood his ground, both hands gripping his thick belt tightly, where all his weapons were.
John whipped around, "Zander, what I say is final." He stated firmly, in a dad-tone which John never seem to get last time, "Don't you make me repeat that again." He brushed pass the stubborn boy and picked up a gun from the shelves, checking the magazine.
Zander furrowed his brows, "Mom isn't going, is she?"
"So what if she isn't?" John turned around, exasperated.
"So all the more, you'd need me there. To look out for you!" Zander replied indignantly, "I could be the second in command!"
John couldn't hold in his laugh. Zander pursed his lips, glaring as John stopped, biting his lips, "You're too young for that." He smirked, glancing at the child, "Besides, I got Derek with me."
"Derek? You barely trust him." Zander scoffed.
"Well, I can't trust you to keep yourself out of trouble either," John countered.
"Are you two done here yet?" Cameron timely arrival interrupted their small argument.
They both turned just in time to see Cameron walk to them. It was only a week since Judgment Day. So far, in Crystal Peak had only a handful of civilians and some soldiers which Weaver had saved. They seemed more than willing to follow John Connor's lead; after all the messages before Judgment day, which worked well in John's favor. They were all depending on the fact that 'Connor knows what is going on'. But John only allowed himself to trust the few: Cameron, Sarah, Zander, Ryan, Savannah, Ellison, John Henry, Weaver, Abigail, Sean and maybe even Derek.
The war just started and there hadn't been a real confrontation from Skynet forces. The human race was too busy trying to recover from the lost of at least billions on judgment day. They have gotten some messages through the radio from the other bases, requesting shelter for the many civilians which were all crammed up in the smaller bunkers. John had allowed the transfer of 50 civilians to Crystal Peak by the transport jet as he didn't want the bulk transfer to attract attention and Cameron had insisted to inspect everyone of their arrival.
After Judgment Day, Weaver went to Serrano point to let the resistance use it, since it is already hers but when she arrived there, skynet had already overrun the place. Cameron, John Henry as well as Weaver had convinced John to take back Serrano point for it would be a key source of power for the resistance. John agreed to it and had already radioed the other bases over the world, requesting for some support on his attack on Serrano. They agreed and promised to send their support. The soldiers are to be arriving soon.
Since this was the first real 'threatening' visit, or so how Cameron had put it, they would have their own unit of readied soldiers welcoming the visitors along with John Connor.
John was aware that he had only a sparse amount of soldiers under his command now and that was definitely not helping. He could only hope and pray that the others would be willing to follow his lead. Right now, he already started planning the attack on Serrano and had no intentions on bringing Zander or Cameron.
"Nope, not really." Zander crossed his arms, obviously knowing where Cameron would stand.
"John," Cameron touched his shoulder.
He sighed deeply before turning to face her, placing his hands gently on her shoulder, "Cam, both of you aren't going. I need you here. Mom would stay with you." He explained, tone soft but apparently, Cameron was not appeased.
"You'll need me there." Cameron objected.
"No, I don't." John shook his head. Zander growled before leaving the room. Neither of them even glanced at him, preserving their eye contact.
"John," Cameron pleaded, looking down, her face twisted in worry, "Please let me go with you."
John bit his lips, "Cam, I want you with me…but I don't want to put you in danger."
"All the more I should be there," Cameron paused in slight hesitation, "To help. Just help." She quickly added.
John chuckled, shaking his head as Cameron scrambled for the words to convince him, "To be honest, you're getting damn stubborn." He smiled warmly, using the back of his fingers to brush her hair away from her face.
"I want to go!" She persisted, not falling for John's attempt to digress.
He sighed deeply before closing his eyes and hating himself as he nod. Cameron's face brightened up and John caught it just as he looked at her, "I still can't believe you're happy that I'm putting you in danger." John stated bitterly, clenching his jaw so tightly that Cameron could see the muscles strained.
"I'm sure you'll do the same if it were me in your situation." Cameron smiled, kissing John gently before pulling away.
"Go on then. We'll be meeting the squad in a while and we'll have to get our attacks on Serrano." John managed a small smile, taking her hand.
"I am already prepared." She replied promptly.
"You're really that confident you can convince me to let you go with me?" John raised his eyebrows in disbelief. Cameron nodded with a smirk before leaving the armory. He chuckled, leaving the armory and locking it up. He couldn't stop smiling as he made his way to the Connors Quarters, or so how the soldiers are calling where he, Cameron and Zander lived.
Cameron was there, sitting on the bed. She was folding some of John's uniforms that were to be kept away into their wardrobe. John stood at the door, watching as Cameron pack, a distracted look on her face; she didn't even seem to notice he was there.
This was another thing that was constantly on his mind. Since they arrived here at Crystal peak about 2 weeks ago, Cameron seemed to be always thinking about something but whenever John confronted her; she dismissed that with another conversation. John frowned, worried. He wondered if Sarah noticed too. He caught her stealing glances at Cameron during meals too at the mess hall.
John walked towards Cameron slowly, not wanting to startle her. He placed the Beretta on the table and gently sat down beside Cameron. She doesn't seem to notice he's there yet till his hands came in contact with her shoulders. He felt her jump under his gentle touch and felt a pang of sympathy for her. Sometimes, John really ran out of ideas to approach her and not startle her when she didn't notice him.
She spun around and blinked, as if trying to recognise him before she quickly forced a smile at him. Cameron turned around, almost nervous as she continued her task. John grimaced at the amount of effort she used to put up this pretense. He rubbed her shoulders gently with his fingers.
"Cameron." John spoke, his voice husky. She tensed under his hold as John moved closer, his face so close to her neck that she could feel his warm breath. John really marveled at how a petite and beautiful creature like Cameron could just transform into a tough killing machine just to protect him. He witnessed it himself how she'd glared down some of the soldiers down so fiercely that they decided to obey John's every command. He wouldn't forget that but right now, her small shoulders felt so fragile under his larger hands.
He felt her relax as he took in a deep breath of her vanilla scent. John kissed her soft skin, hearing her gasp. He smiled but then, before he knew it, Cameron twisted around and left the bed. John sat there, appalled by what just happened. She was standing there, her lips folded in and her brows lifted in fear and worry. John could tell she was breathing heavily.
"Cam-" John shifted forward on the bed and was about to reach out and offer her his hand to come back to him but she interrupted him.
"We have to go." She said hurriedly before picking up the clothes on the bed and putting them into the wardrobe. Cameron was reaching the door when she turned around, "We'll be taking a few soldiers with us as well as Sarah, like you originally planned." She forced a small smile before rushing out of the door, closing it behind her softly.
John sat there, still frozen in shock by what happened.
Cameron picked up the bag of weapons by the floor outside and clutched it tightly in her hand to resist from going back to him. She had to keep it together before John finds out. No matter what she did, Cameron couldn't stop thinking about what would happen if she were to die. She worries about John, Zander, this child she was pregnant with and everyone else. She couldn't stop thinking about it.
Just before John came, she was wondering if she should distance herself from him but that took much more effort than she initially had thought it would. It was worse than death to distance herself from him mentally or physically. They were together for too long and breaking relationship between them wasn't easy even if Cameron tried. Cameron knew all this was her fault. She let herself get reeled in because of a moment of losing control. She hadn't thought of the consequences at that time, but then again, she didn't know the consequences then…
It turned out to be all in one circle.
Future her had sent Catherine Weaver back in time to help John fall in love with her by turning her human but Cameron'd bet future her never thought how the plan would fail if John and her were to have children; Cameron would have to leave John. Future her might have considered the fact of the death but even if she did, she wouldn't hesitate to still do it for John, Cameron know she wouldn't hesitate for sure.
However, this plan had obviously backfired.
John was now fully and irrevocably in love with her. Yanking him out of this blissful love would just kill him all over again just as it had when he had no one to love or love him.
It wasn't just John though, Cameron couldn't imagine what would happen to her after she die, how would she be without John? Cameron let herself care about John and eventually love him; the pain of a separation was what she had to bear as a payback for all the happiness John had given her. She should've guessed: things never came easy for a machine that bends the rules of nature to be human.
Cameron stopped walking and realized she had arrived at Zander's door. She knocked hesitantly and opened it. Her son was there, looking at her.
"I'm going with your father. I want you to stay here." Cameron instructed him softly in that tone she knew he'd listen to and obey ever since he was a child.
"Mom…" Zander started, pleadingly, "Why can't I go?"
"You need protection, here, away from the other soldiers. I don't want you anywhere near any of the soldiers, whether if it is our own or not." Cameron explained gently. Zander left his place on the chair and hugged her, slipping his arms around her waist stubbornly.
"What about you?"
"I have John and Sarah and…I have Derek." Cameron replied.
"He wants to kill you." Zander reminded her, mastering his deadpan voice from Cameron herself.
"Not anymore…" Cameron gave him a small smile, inwardly feeling doubtful about what she'd said.
Zander seemed to feel that way too, he scoffed.
"Whatever it is, I want you to stay here." She ordered him firmly. Zander nodded stiffly, feeling Cameron kissing his forehead gently before leaving the room. He stood there for a while before turning around to lying down on his bed. It wasn't long before he heard the door of his parent's room open and close, knowing John was leaving now too. He closed his eyes, pinching his lips, turning to lay on his shoulder and pressing himself down on the bed. He wanted them to come back so much...
John waited at the bay where the jet was to land. He reached for Cameron's hand. She seemed to tense up but let him take her hand. John couldn't help but smile; at least she allowed him to touch her now without jumping away. It still puzzled John but he wouldn't push her further for answers. He understood the war and the baby she was carrying in her must be pressuring her.
John looked at her and gave her what he hoped was a soft and ensuring look instead of the compressed exhilaration he is feeling.
Sarah glanced over to them. She pursed her lips, looking ahead. This war brought on new experiences for her son and not just physically but emotionally too. It made him need her more. It strengthened his love for her. Cameron could do things others could not. Sarah couldn't judge if that was a good or bad thing; Cameron was his rock now, not his mother. Just like how Kyle was her rock…Sarah knew first hand how comforting it is to know someone would always be there for you, but it won't be when that rock was to go away later on when you get comfortable leaning on it.
Though John knew he might be the first, it didn't stop him from feeling bliss after Judgment day…
John glanced back to Sarah, noticing that she was there. There was a deep thoughtful look on her face but he didn't let himself ponder on that for too long; trying to figure Sarah out was even more difficult than figuring Cameron out, which was already tough enough.
He felt happy with Cameron; she didn't bring him anything bad but worry. He loved her and this war made them stronger together. But he would end this war. It pained him to see her so pressurized that she wouldn't even tell him about what she's thinking now. Zander seemed fine after all those years of preparation. John knew Sarah was tired and he knew and expected this after so many years of fight she's bound to lose some of them. This is only the beginning but he was already working to end it.
John didn't mind this war killing him, but it's killing his family too…
The loud alarm to signify the opening of the blast doors startled John out of his thoughts. He blinked, bringing his mind to attention. The jet landed and the ramp was lowered. Soldiers piled out of the jet and stood there at attention. In front of them was a tall dark man. John glanced at his tag before making eye contact.
"Perry, I'm John Connor." John reached out and Perry took his hand.
Perry nodded at John stiffly before narrowing his eyes. It took a while for John to figure that it wasn't at him. Perry was looking at Cameron.
"She's with me. Her name is Cameron." John stated, pursing his lips. Perry was clearly uneasy around them and John was frustrated with that. He couldn't believe that even at this point in time, they find it necessary to fight among themselves instead of against the machines, "Baum will escort your men to their resting quarters." John glanced to Derek who led the soldiers away. John watched as the bulk of men went through the narrow corridors.
"Shall we talk at your office?" Perry enquired in an undertone, replied with a simple but stiff nod from John.
000
"So, Connor, what is this about? You said over the radio that you want to launch an attack on…Skynet?" Perry asked.
"Yes, they have one of our key strategic power sources, Serrano Point. We will need the power from that." John explained, "What are the resources you have at the Air Base?"
Perry looked grim as he replied, "We barely have enough when the people started piling into the base for shelter from the bombs. We experienced an attack just two days ago in one of our neighbor bunker. Our weapons are useless against those machines..." His voice trailed off.
"Terminators. That's what they're called." John finished for him, "There are pockets of resistance all over the place and I've managed to radio some but most of them are unresponsive." Perry stared at John, looking shell shocked at the information, "I think they're hiding, scared, confused."
"How'd you know all this, Connor?" Perry demanded, "And you have the resources. Working radios? We could hardly find signal in this heap."
John bit his lips. He wanted to tell him how Skynet's been sending terminators back in time to kill him but decided against it. This conversation would just lead to Kyle which John didn't want talk about, "I was prepared for this war. I know things. And I can help you all defeat Skynet."
"For being a leader in the military, you're so…" Perry's eyes ran over John for a while, "young."
"We're all once." John scoffed. Then Perry looked at Cameron, looking even more disturbed for Cameron looked 16 and John was well aware of that; she was the never ageing angel. John didn't blame him, sometimes, even he himself felt disturbed being around Cameron. Even if she's his wife, he felt uncomfortable touching her like that, it looked wrong…and it'll get worst when he gets older but Cameron never let that feeling for him last. When he's with her, he hardly considered how they looked together.
"John," Cameron called out to him, her voice even and gentle. John turned around to look at her. She shot him a look which he recognized so well. Hiding his expression from Perry, John sighed inwardly.
"Dad!"
John heard it before the knock. He walked towards the door, pulling it open. There he was, Zander Connor, always yelling before knocking on a door. Zander was about to push past John when he saw Perry. He froze, seemingly understanding the severity of his barging in. John looked infuriated with his disobeying orders but Cameron, as usual, had an expressionless mask on.
"Hi." Zander smiled at Perry, who looked bewildered but smiled back, nodding in a greeting.
"Zander. Now's not the time." John gritted his teeth.
Zander looked up at John, frowning, "then when is the time?" He stared. Then he felt Cameron's hand on his shoulder.
"Come on." Cameron tugged at him towards the door. Zander was reluctant but Cameron soon won over, she'd always win in this tug of war anyway. John watched as Cameron shut the door behind them. John stood facing the door awkwardly before spinning around.
"So, your son?" Perry asked, jerking his chin towards the door.
"Yeah." John replied stiffly, knowing there is no denying that. He didn't intend to have anyone know of Zander's existence, John and Cameron both know being the General's son had its benefits but at the cost of being a target.
"He looks like a good kid."
"Yeah, I know that." John nodded, "do you have family?" He asked tentatively.
"They…died in judgment day, I suppose." Perry hesitated and his eyes glazed over.
"I'm sorry." John muttered.
"It's alright." Perry shook his head, "It's like that…So this really is a war?" He asked, steadying his voice.
"We have to win it..." John said firmly, "Will you join us?" He asked.
Perry paused, locking eyes with John, "yes."
"I really…need some convincing," Perry narrowed his eyes.
"I know," Zander growled. He was annoyed that Perry, as everyone else, was underestimating his abilities.
"Hello." John Henry walked into the room, startling Perry. He stared as John Henry sat down in front of the main computer beside John, "My name is John Henry." John Henry gave a grin which looked forced and awkward. Perry looked bewildered but kept opinions to himself. Zander snickered.
Then Cameron entered the room, marching up to John and tapped his shoulder gently, "The soldiers are all ready. So are the ones from air base. There are riflemen available as well as fighter pilots." John listened as Cameron whispered to him.
Zander glared at them, hearing every single thing they said.
"Alright, thanks. Get Zander to his room. That kid is bound to charge in after us." John mumbled in an undertone. Cameron nodded and walked down from the small platform and towards Zander.
"Come on, Zan. You heard him." Cameron pursed her lips, taking hold of Zander's arm but the boy tugged at the strong grip indignantly.
"I can help!" Zander insisted.
"From here with John Henry." Cameron continued for him, dragging him to the door. Zander dug down his heels and resisted but no matter how strong he was, he was no match to Cameron. By this time, even the techs at the computers are watching.
"Mom! No!" Zander yanked his hand away, yelling like a child. Perry turned wide eyed as he glanced from John to Cameron then at Zander; the dysfunctional-looking family.
"Don't." Cameron stated firmly in an undertone and Zander's shoulders sagged. He knew what that meant. He lowered his head and dragged his feet out of the door, Cameron was right behind him. When they were out, she took his hand and they walked down the corridors. Zander was crushed and Cameron could tell. She led him back to the 'Connors Quarters'. She typed in the pass and let it scanned her before opening the doors.
Zander was quiet as Cameron led him to the couch just near the door. She sat him down and settled next to him. Habitually, her hand flew up to the back of his head, feeling his soft hair under her palm. Cameron gazed at the side of her son's brooding face. His eyes was downcast, his lips in a small pout which seemed to be picked up from her. Despite herself, she smiled.
"I'm sorry." Zander spoke all of a sudden; he turned to face her, "I know, I promised. Just give me while" He said earnestly, though his forehead was still in creases.
Cameron looked into his eyes, for a moment getting lost in the same bottomless eyes which John had. Then she blinked herself out of the reverie, catching his smile of amusement. Cameron flushed, feeling the heat in her cheek rose before she spoke, "You better be." She removed her hand and made a move to stand up, adding, "And don't…do that." knowing fully that Zander always loved to tease her with John's eyes.
"Be back soon." He said, surprisingly light heartedly. Cameron nodded before leaving, taking endless number of glances to check on him. When she was out of the door, Cameron realized she couldn't bear to leave him here. She couldn't trust him to be safe here but she could only protect him so far. She made her way back to the control room, passing soldiers on the way there. They all recognized her and saluted/greeted her.
Cameron could hardly get used to this. The last time she had any contact with soldiers post judgment day, they were hurling insults at her and shooting her dirty glares. She couldn't imagine them saluting her just as respectful as they would to John but they are. Cameron didn't know if this was a blessing or a curse.
John and the rest were still in the control room. Perry, however, had joined John at the controls. John Henry sat there, busy.
"Hello Cameron." John Henry greeted as she approached, his back still facing her. His simple greeting alerted John of her arrival. He spun around and beamed at her.
"Hey." John grinned and Cameron knew that he must have managed to get at least a significant amount of resistance fighter behind him now from all the radioing, "We'll be good to go within an hour." He informed her.
Cameron nodded, glancing at Perry before turning to John Henry, "Where's Catherine?"
"Ms Weaver's location is unknown. However, she did promise to be back before Mr Connor departs to Serrano Point." John Henry replied an assurance.
They spent the next hour planning their attack in the meeting hall with Perry and some of the others Platoon Sergeant, including Derek, Sean, and Perry. John was grateful to Derek for at least assigning them to their platoons, though most of it might have been just recalling what platoon was a particular soldier in from the future Derek had came from. From all the questions and fidgeting, John knew his men were nervous. They were uneasy about going head on with Skynet.
"And Platoon A would attack from the front and when Skynet moves its defenses up, we sent in-"
"But sir how would we know if Skynet will move its defenses up?" Paul Barthelow, one of the Platoon Sergeant, spoke. He was a general before Judgment Day and John would admit, when he arrived at Crystal Peak, many capable men followed him in. But his pride of being a general made him a hard man to work with. He always doubted John's decision, which was mainly based on John Henry's decisions about what Skynet would do.
John stared at him blankly. "We won't, we don't need to know. I know and that's enough." John countered evenly. Paul clamped his mouth shut, for the time being. Everyone else glanced between Paul and John nervously. Cameron observed the situation from behind John. She didn't speak throughout the meeting. John continued to bring the piece of charcoal across the map, that Cameron drawn out, and made markings for the places to attack.
The briefing was done in a few minutes and the men were dismissed to brief their platoons. Derek lingered for a moment and seemed to be hesitating to approach John but he decided against and left the room. Perry left as well, his role as an acting commanding officer for all the soldiers of the air base. John sighed, rolling up the map.
"Are you alright?" Cameron asked; her tone flat but John could make out the concern after being with her for so long.
"Yeah." John nodded, stowing the map away at the shelves, "A little tired and the war just started. What an awesome leader I'm becoming."
"It'll be alright." Cameron replied. John chuckled, turning around to face her.
"Cameron," He started earnestly, placing his hands on her shoulders, "I need you to stay behind. You can help me whenever I need help but I don't want you anywhere near the front line."
Cameron pursed her lips, "And you?" She looked to be weighing her options.
"That's out of your concern." John retorted.
"Is it?" She shot back sharply. They stood there, staring each other down.
John sighed in defeat, "I'll be about at the front. Like the plan, I'll be one of those men going in when the defenses outside is down."
"That's dangerous." Cameron commented, furrowing her brows.
"It's all dangerous. Now I'm really considering if I should even have you with me there. But since I promised you could come this time…" John looked away.
"I'll be fine." Cameron touched his shoulder, "Remember, I don't feel the pain like I used to."
John's face puckered, "Don't bring that up, I haven't get back at you yet."
"For what?" Cameron frowned in confusion.
"For killing part of My Cameron." John replied matter of factly.
"You're unbelievable." Cameron rolled her eyes.
John bit his lips before pressing them together, his eyes studying her facial expressions closely, "At least not all of you is killed." He muttered.
Cameron sighed in exasperation, "Let's go. Everyone's waiting." She slipped past him and out the door. John watched her leave, knowing she wouldn't listen to his orders to stay behind. In the chaos of the fight, it would be even difficult for him to keep an eye out for her. He went out the door, locking it behind him and headed straight for the loading bay where three of the transport jets are. Zander was there as is Ryan.
Everyone there but the two boys were well suited up, even Sarah. John walked towards her, nodding to practically everyone who gave him a salute.
"Mo-" John paused, catching himself just in time, "Sarah."
Sarah turned around and smiled, "Ready to go, sir?" She asked, looking to be deliberating if she should salute.
John ignored that and eyed her attire. She was wearing fatigues and her hair was tied up. He tried not to think of the similarities but she looked like his mom back when they were still in the forest; the quiet, cold and hard Mom. She looked great and fit for a war.
"Yeah, everyone else ready?" He asked, glancing around. Sarah didn't even need to be a mom to figure out that the question was filler.
Sarah shook her head in disbelief with a sigh but John was too busy glancing around to notice. She spoke, ignoring his question knowing that's not what he really wanted to know, "Cameron's in Crystal Peak's main jet, talking to Weaver."
"Weaver's coming?" John asked incredously. Inside, he was elated. With a liquid metal on their side, he knew the odds would be in their favor. John hadn't thought of asking, he thought Weaver would never leave John Henry's side. Apparently, she surprised him. John decided that he should ask Weaver for her reasons later on, John Henry might need her to do something for him at Serrano.
"John?" Sarah interrupted his thoughts, "Why is she coming?" She asked, her tone low.
"I don't know. I intend to ask her. Maybe she wants something from Serrano after we got hold of it." John shrugged nonchalantly but his eyes kept wandering to the open ramp of Crystal Peak's main jet, somewhat hoping Cameron would pop out from there to accompany him for a while.
Sarah growled, waving her hand in his sight, "Pay attention."
"What?" John turned to her, innocent.
"I'm asking about Cameron." Sarah hissed, punching John's arm.
It took his slow mind to process that before he said flatly, "Oh, that." Sarah could make out the reluctance in his voice to explain but John's discomfort about this had did all but stop her from pursuing for her answer, "She wanted to come." He replied lamely.
Sarah punched his arm again and this time not to get his attention but to reprimand him. He winced, feeling the bruise already forming, "And you let her?"
"Why not?" John countered between clenched teeth, rubbing his arm grudgingly.
"Do you realize your wife is pregnant, Connor? If you haven't come back to earth, this would be a good time to." Sarah scolded him, "She's pregnant for…weeks…" She could feel it at the tip of her tongue but it slipped with all the pressure of the upcoming battle on her mind.
"12." John replied glumly, blaming Sarah for bringing this up and letting his guilt rise to the surface.
"And you do realize this is the time a miscarriage is most probable to happen." Sarah hissed became fiercely. John winced at the tone, feeling like he just got a slap in the face. For a moment, Sarah felt a tinge of pity for him but she had to train this boy up, after years of smothering from her, he was not as dependable as a father. Or not as dependable as he should be; as Kyle was.
"I know that." John gritted his teeth together, getting quite comforted yet annoyed with Sarah's new founded love for her grandchildren, and maybe Cameron, "But you know how stubborn Cameron can-"
Sarah turned her intense glare from John to his side, her face smoothed out calmly and she forced a smile. He turned and there Cameron stood, closer to him than he'd thought.
"Hey." He rushed to greet her. She was looking from him to Sarah, puzzled. Connors sucks at lying. John thought miserably. Obviously, Zander inherited the better genes in that area…
"Hey." Cameron said distractedly, still glancing from him to Sarah, "What are you talking about?" She asked, her expression wary.
John considered it carefully before deciding to tackle her; this would be a good time, with Sarah behind him, "About you." He replied honestly. It definitely felt better not having to lie. Cameron narrowed her eyes at him.
"What is it?"
"We both think you shouldn't go. We both think you should sit this out." John told her bluntly, briefly glancing around to see the soldiers gathering in their platoons and squeezing into the jets. This only made him more anxious to convince her to stay.
"I shouldn't." Cameron turned to Sarah, a disturbed frown on her face, "I need to protect John."
"Sean and I got this covered." Sarah said with a small smile. She didn't mention Derek and neither of them wanted to, "You have other matters to attend to here." She emphasized on the last word, eyeing the bulge at her belly which was enhanced by the belt Cameron had placed just at her hips. Sarah shot it a disapproving look before making eye contact with Cameron.
Cameron pouted, just barely noticeable, "No. I need to be there for John." She amended her statement.
"John needs you here." Sarah stated, getting frustrated. John was right for one, this is one stubborn cyborg. Sarah Connor never thought a day that she would describe a cyborg with a character would come but it had, "You are damn stubborn for a cyborg." Sarah blurted.
Cameron blinked, "That's not relevant. I am going." She said the final statement before turning around. Zander was there, forcing a small smile.
"Be careful." He said, slipping his arms around her waist and hugged her. Cameron nodded, hugging him firmly before pulling away.
"You be careful." She smiled. Zander nodded, his face grim. Cameron kissed his forehead and squeezed Ryan's shoulder before walking past them towards the jet. John patted his shoulder and gave Sarah a nod before turning to follow Cameron.
"Mom?" Ryan's voice shot up two octaves as he called her. Sarah spun around instinctually, knowing he'll call her.
She took a step to close in the space between them before placing a hand on his shoulder, "You'll be somewhat in charge here but try to take it down a notch. And listen to Ellison."
Ryan scowled, "I'm old enough-"
"You are old enough but Ellison has better common sense than you." Sarah countered.
"You are ridiculous." Ryan growled.
"You are too." Sarah smirked, reaching out to pat down a clump of hair sticking up. Ryan grunted, ducking his head to get out of her reach.
"Mom!" Ryan whined, ducking. Sarah smiled, slowly stretching into a grin, "Please. I'll be alright."
Sarah pulled him into a firm hug, "I'll be back before you know it." She muttered, "And don't try anything funny, both of you. I will know..."
"Um. I knew that." Ryan replied defensively. He grinned as Sarah turned and walked hesitantly to the jet. She went up onto the ramp, catching a glance of James Ellison in his fatigues at the corner. He seemed to have nodded to her but Sarah couldn't be sure. Either ways, she took one last look at Ryan and Zander. Ryan was pouty and a little angry but Zander was glaring. Sarah shifted, disturbed by that determined glare from Zander. It worried her for no one will know what that boy was ever up to next; then again, no one ever knew what Connors would be up to.
The jet was dimly lit and soldiers were all piled on the floor, checking their clips and fiddling with their gears. John and Cameron were sat near the controls, their hands clasped together. John was leaned over, his lips at her ear. Sarah approached and sat down opposite them, knocking on the metal 'wall' beside her. Weaver turned around and looked at her.
"We're about ready." Sarah told her. Weaver nodded stiffly. She was dressed in a grey dress like she used to in Zeira Corp. Many of the soldiers huddled together and glanced at her, muttering something under their breaths. Soon, the alarms blared out and the ramps closed just as the blast doors open.
John stood up, leaving Cameron as he went to the radio at the controls, "Perry? Come in." John spoke.
For a moment, there was no reply before the radio burst into life, "Connor?"
"We'll drop Platoon A little distance away from Serrano. We don't want our jet shot down by HKs. My jet would be going over the other side. Over."
"HK?"
"Hunter Killer. Skynet's aerial army…" John explained.
"Copy that. Over and out." Perry replied was accompanied with static.
John put the radio down. He turned to Weaver who was in the pilot seat, "Does John Henry has all the firewalls up?"
"Yes." Weaver replied, "Skynet would not be able to hack into our communications."
"Good. Go around the side. Like the plan." John instructed her while he headed back to prepare. He glanced at Sarah who sat opposite him and nodded ever so slightly. Then he absently took Cameron's hand and squeezed it. He wanted Weaver -the best protector ever- to protect her. He'll get to that the moment Cameron's head is turned, "you will stay behind." John stated warningly to her. Cameron pursed her lips and turned away. John sighed in resignation before glancing over Cameron.
She had her rifle in her hand, the one with the scope and was known for its powerful force. For once, John felt glad. He heard the engine of the jet whirled and slowly came to a stop. John leaned in to Cameron and mumbled, "Would you do me a favor and lead the platoon out? I'll be with you in a minute." He assured her as much as he can.
She turned to him, narrowing her eyes before nodding. She rose, adjusting her hold on her rifle. Cameron could carry it single handedly but she didn't want to freak the soldiers out. John touched the small of her back, feeling her warmth. She walked to the ramp as it opened. The rest of the soldiers got up to follow her. Sarah regarded him with a cautious look before following the rest of them out.
Soon, there was only left Weaver, him and a few retreating soldiers in the jet. Not wanting Cameron to get suspicious and worried, John approached Weaver just as she stood up.
"Is there something I can help you with, Mr Connor?" Weaver asked, her tone as monotonous as before. John cringed before nodding.
"Yes actually." John spoke. He didn't understand the difficulty in telling Weaver to protect Cameron. Maybe it was the feeling of being away from her and that he can't do it himself like he'd promised…but realization didn't soothe the uneasiness.
Weaver's eyes read him like a book, "You want me to protect Cameron. With my life." She stated.
John gave her a stiff nod before looked up at her.
Weaver glanced behind John and nodded too, sealing her promise, tying her down in this fight.
"Keep Cameron mostly in your sight. She'll be with the back-up unit. Get help from the other soldiers positioned with you. They would help in restraining Cameron if necessary." John grimaced at that thought of Cameron flinging the soldiers away like rag doll to get to him, "Even if they won't be any help."
"They know of her pregnancy?" Weaver asked, curiosity seeping through the cracks.
"No." John choked mildly at that word. It pained if what a failure he'd become to protect his pregnant wife. But as time passes in this fight, he wasn't sure if it was responsible of him to try to forget that fact of her pregnancy just to ease his guilt
"I will protect her to the best of my abilities." Weaver promised. John nodded; hoping gratefulness was on his face and not fear or pain.
With that, they walked to the open ramp. The pilot who was supposed to fly the jet away to safety was standing at the ramp, giving them the privacy they needed. He straightened up and saluted to John, who did likewise. He glanced back as the pilot ran to the controls, getting ready to fly the jet away.
For the first time, John laid his eyes on the barren land. He barely even recognized this place anymore. There were gravels and twisted metal everywhere you look. As the soldiers walked, the gravels crunched under their boots noisily. John looked up. Judgment day was not too long back and the dust from the nuclear missiles were blocking out the sunlight. The sky was blood red.
His soldiers seemed to be looking around for the first time too. There were gasp, sobs and cries of pain and shock. John closed his eyes for a moment, welcoming the pickup of a soft wind. He wrinkled his nose immediately at the unpleasant smell of fuel and smoke. John tumbled back to the present abruptly when he heard cries from a distance accompanied with explosions.
The soldiers around John tensed as well, raising their weapons despite knowing it was just Platoon A fighting at a distance to pull the terminators away from Serrano. Cameron and Weaver were the only two in the group who hadn't lifted their weapon but stared at John intensely, waiting for his orders. He looked only at Cameron.
"We move in." He said tersely as the second jet whirled around, near their position. His radio burst to life. John took it out of his belt loop and brought it up.
"Platoon C? This is Bravo over." John heard Paul Barthelow's voice.
"Platoon C in position and ready. Bravo, get down here now." John ordered.
"Negative Connor. Skynet didn't pull out their defenses in response to the attack from Platoon A." Paul barked over the radio. The soldiers around John stiffened.
"Well they will so get you and your platoon's asses down here now!" John commanded calmly, the veins of his neck straining.
"Screw you Connor! You don't deserve to be in command. You're getting us killed out here. My platoon would withdraw from this attack." Paul spat.
"No, you're getting us killed out here if you withdraw. All your buddies out here will die if you do!" John growled, his hand clenching the radio. He didn't notice the strain of the plastic of the radio in his hand.
There was silent over the radio and the rest of the soldiers looked nervously from John to the transport.
"Don't do it Barthelow!" John snarled.
With an anguish cry of frustration, Barthelow seethed into the radio, "Listen here Connor, I'm gonna let my men go in there but not for you, for some of my men who you send into that death trap in Platoon A. After this fight, I'll shoot you myself."
The soldiers cringed. Sarah growled, unable to ignore a threat given to her own son while Cameron tightened her small hands into fists. She looked to be having an anger overload behind her blank mask that John could already see through. He pretended to be nonchalant about the reactions.
"Can't say I'm looking forward to it Barthelow. Nice partnership." John said into the radio before switching it off, knowing the reply would be the cusses. He tucked his radio back into the loop and watched as the jet landed. The ramp was lowered and out came Barthelow, face flushed with anger. His men followed close behind, nodding to some of John's soldiers.
"Watch yourself Connor." Barthelow threatened as he took two quick steps to John. Before he could get any closer, Cameron was in front of John in a minute.
John couldn't see her face but Barthelow's face turned white and he stepped back. Gently, John reeled her in, pulling her at her elbow, "Come on." He tugged at her stone posture. Cameron did and relaxed, her face painfully empty. John guided her behind him and turned to face the soldiers of Platoon B and C.
The soldiers were fidgeting, apparently all suddenly seeing the 'truth' of Barthelow's words. They were nervous and John could plainly tell even if some of them had their Balaclava covering part of their faces.
"We're going to follow the plan. I know some of you had information that the plan went array. But we'll stick to it. Whatever Skynet does, we got them." John said, trying to assure them. There was a distant explosion and followed closely by shouts. John's radio burst into life again.
"Connor? This is Platoon A. We got them. Skynet are pulling out their forces to push us back." John could hear Sean panting into the radio.
There were mutters instantly within the soldiers in front of John.
"Good going Reeds. I'll send in some reinforcement. Hold your positions." John instructed.
"Copy that Connor. Over and Out." The radio was silent again. John smiled smugly at Barthelow. He wasn't looking at John but at a distance.
"Now, Barthelow, lead half of your platoon down to assist Reeds. The rest will join Platoon C in the attack to cut off Skynet's forces down the middle. Platoon D would be covering our backs in the fight. Keep close." John said. Barthelow gave a reluctant nod and took half his platoon and ran over the hill to assist. Instantly, John heard the triumphant roar of the people, "Prepare to go in." John said to the remaining men who looked more than willing to follow John's orders now.
As the soldiers approached the hill, John went to Cameron, taking her small fists in both of his hands.
"Cameron, calm down." He whispered to her gently, "It's alright. You need to keep it down for the baby." John reminded. Instantly, Cameron closed her eyes and her fists loosen to hold onto John's hands, "Now, I want you to stay near this hill. I'll assign a couple of men with you. You can help me from here with that sniper of yours." He grinned, trying to soothe out the troubled folds between Cameron's eyebrows but it didn't work.
"John-" Cameron opened her mouth to give one last plead.
"No, don't do this to me Cameron." John pleaded, squeezing her hand, "I need you alive. So that I'd keep myself alive." He looked into her eyes, seeking some understanding.
"And me?" Cameron muttered, "what about me?" John sighed, taking her face in between his hands.
"You are the reason I'm doing this." He replied in an equally quiet mutter.
"Sir…" One of the soldiers came up to him, seemingly awkward to be interrupting them.
"What is it?" John sighed, letting go of Cameron's face and took one of her hand.
"Platoon D is ready to go."
"Okay, get into position." He told the soldier who nodded and ran off to join the ranks. John turned to Cameron, "Please…just listen to me and stay out of this, just this once." He pleaded. He could sense Cameron softening.
"Don't get yourself killed by doing anything stupid." She told him finally. John gave her grateful smile, nodding intently. Cameron pursed her lips, pushing him towards his soldiers who were all waiting, reluctantly, "Go." She told him then looked away as if afraid she'll change her mind.
"I'll watch out for him." Sarah whispered to her when she passed. Cameron found some comfort in that as she watched John and Sarah lead the group of them down into the fight. She barely acknowledged the number of men who stayed behind to protect her from unexisting danger on this hill. She watched John's platoon move down to the chaos. For a moment, something seemed to be pulling her to him, like this was a bad idea to be away from John.
Something seemed to be pulling her to John. She can't be away from him and Cameron had the first hand experience knowing it'll only be a matter of time before it caused her physical pain. For Cameron, knowing was better than not knowing no matter how painful the truth would be. Subconsciously, her left hand flew up to touch the small bulge at her middle; the only thing John had left her to go into battle. Then as she watched her husband leading a platoon of soldiers down the hill, shooting constant glances back to her, she realized he had not only left her his flesh and blood which resides in her now, he'd left his heart with her.
"Cameron." Someone touched her left arm. She spun around and was horrified to see Weaver standing there, unmoving.
"What are you doing here?" Cameron demanded, hiding her emotion pretty well.
"Mr Connor instructed me to bring in support when he needed them." Weaver lied smoothly. For once, Cameron registered the 25 men around her, all armed and a little sloppy but Cameron didn't blame them; they got all prepared only to find out their babysitting her in the back seat.
"Bring in support?" Cameron's eyes widened just a little as she stared at Weaver, "You should be helping in the fight!"
"Cameron, Mr Connor said-"
"Is there any use of me being here other than to take John's men away from protecting him?" Cameron exploded, taking a step closer to Weaver but naturally, she was all but threatened, "You listen to me. We're going down there now."
The soldiers seemed rooted to the spot, glancing from Weaver to Cameron.
Weaver stood there, staring. But the moment Cameron turned around to march into the battle, she thrust out her hand and grabbed Cameron's arm, "I can't let you."
"And is John more important or me?" Cameron demanded. The soldiers were tensed, waiting for this to become a fight. They seemed hesitant to step in if a fight broke out, their eyes taking in the two female's ferocity.
Weaver took a glanced down at Cameron's bulge at the abdomen. It was so quick that no one but Cameron would've noticed, "You."
To be continued…
A/N: Hello! I'm back! First things first, to the new readers of the story, please check out the prequel to this story or you'll be very lost…To my avid readers, I apologize for the long wait. As many of you would've noticed, I got caught up in a Harry Potter story I recently got up! Go read it! Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! I'm not completely satisfied with this chapter but will be working to improve this whenever I found out what exactly is wrong with it! Don't forget to leave me a review about what you think!