CH 9. Sky Net strikes
Becky had a birthday coming up. Allison and the rest of the class got gifts and with Gloria's help, came to school early that day and set up decorations and wrapped presents for Becky. All the parents available came. As always, formal attire was required at the school.
Outside the school building in the back, they set up at a small a pavilion with balloons, streamers and a large 'Happy Birthday Becky' banner. Becky's mother made a cake, and the presents were stacked on one of the tables in the back where the closed in portion of the structure was.
Becky's father drove his car around the back, to bring Becky right to the party. Allison and the gang greeted her, and hustled her over to the cake.
John and Cameron joined in with the parents and class singing happy birthday to Becky. Becky took in a big breath and blew the candles out as everyone around her cheered.
"You are Allison's parents?" A woman asked as she approached John and Cameron. "Byron talks so much about Allison!"
"Good things, I hope," John asked with a smile.
"Oh yes!" With a giggle, she said in a conspiratorial tone, "He even insists he's going to marry her when they grow up!"
They had a laugh, and listen as the woman talked about her Byron. Another couple joined them, Becky's parents. John noted the drinks on the table were going fast. He got the pitcher went to the back of the pavilion to refill it.
Crashing in through the woods, a tracked vehicle drove quickly into the pavilion area and stopped. At the same time, the car Becky's father had driven blew up.
There were yelps and stares of disbelief at the now burning car. The tracked vehicle that had driven close to the pavilion had dual tracks that went the full length, like a bulldozer. The ten foot long machine looked to be made of metal. A hatch on the top sprung open. A voice from a speaker on the vehicle spoke.
"Attention! This area is targeted by multiple cannons. Allison Connor, enter this vehicle, or else everyone will be fired upon!"
While it was still registering with most of the group what was happening, Cameron grabbed Allison in her arms and ran into the walled area of the pavilion. "Stay down!" she called to John as she made Allison lay on the floor.
"Who are you!" Gloria called.
"Allison Connor, enter this vehicle immediately of everyone will be killed."
John and Cameron crawled out to peek around the edge of the walls.
"I don't see anyone," John said.
"They are using range weapons, The tracked vehicle is most likely their targeting reference," Cameron replied.
"Allison Connor, you have five seconds left to comply!"
Allison got up and ran out, holding her arms up. "Don't hurt anyone, please!" she yelled.
"Allison, get back here!" John screamed.
Allison turned to him, wearing a stricken face. "I can't Daddy, they're gonna hurt my friends!" she said in a pained voice.
In a lower voice, Cameron said, "Allison, go. Wait until you are away, then use your mind Hands and escape. We will be following you."
Allison looked at Cameron and nodded. She walked over to the tracked vehicle.
"Allison, don't do it!" Byron cried. He bolted over and hugged Allison.
Allison pried him off. "I have to," she said, looking into his terrified face. "Don't worry, I'll get away."
"Promise me," Byron blubbered.
"I promise," Allison told him. She stepped away and climbed up into the hatch, which shut behind her.
The tracked vehicle spun on it's axis and took off.
"Scatter and RUN!" Cameron yelled as she shot up. No more than had she gotten John to his feet, when the ground erupted, throwing dirt over the party goers. That was enough to get everyone screaming and running.
John and Cameron raced around the building as a couple more shells hit, one punching down through the pavilion roof to explode bits of concrete floor in the air and destroying the table with the cake on it, another landing close enough to John and Cameron that the flying dirt from the impact knocked them down. Cameron helped John get to his feet as they raced around the building. Cameron got on line with John Henry, they had a satellite lining up to show the area in real time view.
"I'm driving," Cameron announced as she jumped into the driver's seat. John got in, Cameron put it in four wheel and raced off for the back of the school.
.
Inside a small compartment of the tracked vehicle, Allison listened to a voice as the machine bounced along. "We have your family and friends targeted. Any escape attempt by you will result in their deaths." a hole opened up in the cylindrical space. "Place your hand into the hole."
"Why?" Allison asked.
"Place your hand into the hole, Non compliance will result in the death of your family and friends."
Allison stuck a mind hand in the hole, making sure to touch the edges. She heard a hiss, and a mist came from the hole.
After another minute of bouncing around in the fast moving vehicle, Allison heard, "Tranquilizer ineffective. Commence secondary immobilizing operation."
Allison gritted her teeth. She was afraid for her friends, but she had to trust what Mommy told her. She lashed out with all ten mind hands, slashing away at the hatch above her, ripping it apart to explode up and away. She then pushed herself out hard, shooting out the top as gas filled the space she'd been in.
High in the air over the vehicle, she saw it racing on, trailing gas out the top. She also noted another one it passed by. This one had some kind of gun pointing back the way it came. That had to be the one that was going to shoot at her friends. As she dropped, she pushed down with her hands, bringing herself behind this vehicle. She landed a dozen yards behind the vehicle,and slammed her mind hands down on it, splitting it in two lengthwise. Sparks and balls of fire from circuits shorting out erupted from the wreck. Pulling her mind hands close, Allison shielded herself from the burning bits that spat out.
Allison looked for more low slug, tracked vehicles as she ran back towards the school. Hearing an engine noise coming at her, she braced herself to destroy that one. Their jeep burst into view. Cameron slowed down and slid the last few yards, bringing the vehicle to a halt. John opened his door.
"Allison, come on!" he called.
Allison ran up and got in. Cameron took off the way they were pointed.
"Mommy, what was that?" Allison cried.
"Sky Net. There are two more of those tracked vehicles. They are now retreating. John Henry has them on satellite, and helicopters are on their way to destroy them," Cameron stated.
"Is everyone OK," Allison asked.
"So far," Cameron stated flatly. Coming to a dirt road, Cameron took it, slowing only as much as needed to keep them from tipping over. She then checked the rear view mirror. "Allison, are you injured?"
"No, but that thing tried to put something in my arm. I tricked it."
"Good for you, sweetie," John said proudly as he held on for dear life from Cameron's driving.
"Are we going back to school?" Allison asked.
"It's no longer safe there," Cameron said flatly. "We are taking the back roads home."
.
Major Franklin was there with his General, Catherine Weaver, and the Connors as the wrecked vehicle was brought into a secure warehouse.
"Someone made a small Stug," the General said as he eyed the wreck.
"A what?" John asked.
Waving a hand at it, the General said, "Tracked vehicle used by the Nazis in world war two. It was designed to be a mobile field gun. It worked well as such, but they also found out it was a good tank destroyer. Low to the ground since it had no turret, it made a small target. It was one of their most versatile war machines and widely used. The only drawback was the whole vehicle had to be turned to aim the gun. It did turn fast for the day, so that was not much of a drawback. Stugs were taking out Russian T-34's before any of their tanks did."
Looking into the wreck, Catherine said, "Very efficient electric drive ... The gun is powered by electromagnetic energy. No powder, which means it can hold more rounds in less space."
"It's a rail gun," Major Franklin stated. "Which also means it is higher velocity and longer range than the standard gunpowder driven shell."
"If Sky Net does not have to duplicate the human form, this is a more efficient means of attacking," Cameron noted.
"Where did Sky net build this thing?" John asked no one in particular.
Major Franklin let out a snort. "For the size of it, you could build one of these in a household garage. I bet it's some place under ground. Mrs. Weaver, did John Henry find out where the other ones went?"
"They destroyed themselves, most likely with termite. Sky Net could not afford to recover such cheap vehicles when doing so would give away where it's base is," Catherine stated. "By the construction, it can build fifty of these for the effort of building one T-800."
"The tunnels John Henry found, Sky net could be using them to distribute these machines to various locations," Cameron said.
"And it's first target was Allison," John said heavily.
Cameron looked at John and her daughter. "Yes, we are a large threat John, but Allison could be even a bigger threat to Sky Net. It wants to copy her."
Allison's eyes became round. "Daddy!" she cried. "It already has! Remember that girl that looked just like me?"
"That wasn't a copy of you, sweetie, that was a human girl," John explained in a gentle tone.
Cameron knew who Allison had met. Squatting down by Allison, Cameron said, "She is not a copy of you. I am a copy of her. Some day, when you can understand it, I will explain."
Allison frowned at her mother. "How can that be? You're older than we are."
"That is why I must tell you after you're old enough to understand. You were named after her," Cameron said.
"If you say so, Mommy," Allison said with a confused look on her face.
"One of the projectiles," Catherine said and handed a teardrop shaped object to Major Franklin.
"Solid." Major Franklin said as he hefted it.
"Yes, Hardened steel shell with a depleted uranium core," Catherine explained.
Looking at it, Major Franklin handed it to his General, saying, "This is not good. That shell is slightly larger diameter than the shot of an M-1 tank round. Driven by a rail gun, it's probably higher velocity. Delivered by a machine that is only what, three feet tall, maybe four wide and eight feet long? Oh yeah, it's self operating also."
"Your estimations of the dimensions are slightly diminished, but what you are saying is correct," Catherine Weaver said. "This vehicle has better firepower and range of your large battle tanks, and with the smaller profile it is easier to conceal itself and harder to hit."
"I wonder what else Sky Net has come up with?" John mussed.
.
In the years Sky Net had spent rebuilding, it got three vital projects completed. The tunnels under San Fransisco and the underwater facility was finished and in operation. The stealth submarines made there were carrying war machines and manufacturing drones to other parts of the world, as well as salvaging wrecks from the bottom of the ocean to remelt the usable steel to supply it's factories. It had tapped a major oil pipeline for it's refinery to fuel the new H/K's that sat waiting for the day they would needed, as well as fuel the missiles in underground silos. The all important base on a remote, mid pacific island was in operation, the factory there pumping out more war machines.
Even with all it's accomplishments with humans being none the wiser, it had failed again in attacking John Connor. Monitoring the data stream from the capture vehicle, it concluded the child of John Connor must be another terminator. Using human methods of reproduction, John Connor found a way to grow terminators. Although slow, the method was undetectable and over the long run, strategically more effective. It wanted that technology.
Sky Net sent it's T-800 into the Palmdale area to search for John Connor and his family. It was not to come in direct contact or engage until the destruction of all Sky Net's enemies could be completed swiftly and with 100 percent chance of success.
.
Allison sat in the Weaver lab, staring at the bank of monitors John Henry was watching. She picked up on the images flashing on the screens, but wasn't paying attention to them. To her side, her mother was involved with her own monitoring. For all the information reaching her senses, Allison wondered what Byron was doing right now. He was probably in school with Kate, Becky and Dan, with Gloria up front, handing out assignments and tests. They were talking about things, doing things and having a good time. She wondered if they missed her.
"Allison, what are you doing?" Cameron asked.
"Huh?" Allison asked as she snapped back to the present.
"You weren't doing your work. You were staring at John Henry," Cameron stated.
Allison had been staring in that direction. "Sorry mommy, I was just thinking about school. I really miss going," she said sadly.
"I know. It can't be helped. You still need to do your work," Cameron said sympathetically.
Allison looked down at her books. Once again, her friends had been taken away from her. She was still learning, but it was no longer fun. "I hate Sky Net," she grumbled.
"We do too, sweetie, we're doing our best to find it and get rid of it," Cameron told her.
Allison perked up at her mother's words. That was the first time she heard her mother call her sweetie like Daddy did. She offered her mother a smile, which was returned. Reluctantly, she went back to her assignment.
Today, Allison finished the last of her Second grade work. Second grade was done. Whoopee. She had no friends to share her accomplishment with. Second grade was done, and tomorrow she turned six. Big deal.
Walking home with her mother, Allison was wishing she was riding home from school. It was silly, but she really liked Byron calling her 'Christmas tree pretty', and the fun talks they had on just about everything. Thinking about school now left knot in her stomach. She couldn't help but think that once again, she'd lost her friends because of something she had done. Yes, she had saved the other Allison's ice cream from falling. She used her Hands in public and someone had seen. It was right after that the trouble started. It was her that had put all her friends in danger. If she hadn't done that, Becky would have had a nice party.
"I think it's best I don't go to school," Allison said as she watched the sidewalk in front of her.
Cameron put her arm around Allison's shoulders. "I'm sorry it has to be this way," she offered.
"Not your fault, Mom, it just sucks," Allison grumbled.
John got home not long after they did. They had a quiet dinner. After dinner, Allison didn't really feel like playing. She went in and sat on the couch with her parents, sitting on her Daddy's other side.
What they were watching was a story about older kids in school detention on a Saturday. Again, Allison's thoughts drifted away from what was going on in front of her and shifted to her old classroom. Dan would be wanting to perform his experiments that Gloria didn't allow, then complain because Becky, who had put more thought into hers, got to do her experiments. Kate would be the quiet one, always observing, and every week Byron would find a new language to tell Allison she was pretty, or find a reason to call her 'Christmas tree' pretty.
Suddenly, Allison burst into tears. She wasn't even sure why she did, and she couldn't stop. Daddy put his arm around her and before she knew it, she was in his lap, crying her eyes out on his chest. The soothing arms around her and the gentle way he petted her hair made her cry all the more. Snuggling into her Daddy's comforting embrace, Allison cried herself to sleep.
.
John held Allison,listening to her sniffle even though she was asleep in his lap. Meeting Cameron's sad look with his own, he quietly asked, "Anything happen today?"
"Allison misses going to school," Cameron replied.
"That much, huh?"
Cameron nodded and said, "When we left LA, she was sad, but she got right back into Dietrich. She's made friends there and was very happy. Sky Net knows where that school is at now. She can't go back there."
John thought for a moment, then said, "That man that followed us, he found us because we were driving her there every day."
"Yes, that must have been how," Cameron agreed.
"Do you think she'd be all right getting a dorm room at the school and come home on weekends?" he asked.
Cameron stared at John as she tipped her head.
"If they are looking for her, they'll be looking during the week when school is in session. They can't just walk in the school and not be discovered, so if they don't see us going to and from, they will determine we've moved on," John reasoned.
"That does make sense, but we won't see her all week. How will we know Allison is all right?"
"Daily phone calls?" John guessed. He then said a little firmer, "Cam, she's miserable. Think about it. I'll call the school and see if they will agree to her staying just during the week."
Cameron stared at him a little longer, head tipped to the side. She then nodded and said, "If you think that is best, John. We make it three daily calls, before breakfast, at lunch, and after dinner. "
.
John noted in the morning, Allison had gotten over her crying, but she still lacked the bounce she had before the attack during Becky's party. Her smile wasn't as bright and seldom seen. John left right after breakfast, getting to the communications center early where he worked in the computer lab. He finished his virus hunting program, then called Dietrich Academy.
"Miss Jacobs, may I help you?"
"Yes, this is Mr. Connor, Allison's father?..."
"Mr. Connor, yes! Tell me how is Allison? Was she recovered?" Miss Jacobs asked quickly.
"Yes, Miss Jacobs. Allison is fine, but she is really ..."
"Was she hurt? Tell me if there is anything we can do to help," Miss Jacobs said, interrupting him again.
"Well, that why I was calling. You see, Allison really misses going to school. Today's her birthday, so I wanted to ask..."
"Oh yes! There is still time to arrange a party for her," Miss Jacobs said eagerly.
John hadn't thought about that. He had his mind on getting her back in school. "Ah, yes that would be nice, Miss Jacobs. What I was calling about is the possibility of having Allison come back to school, and stay during the week in a dorm room so she won't be seen going back and forth every day."
"Absolutely! That can be arraigned. Some of her class mates have the same schedule. They are here all week, go home Friday night, and return Sunday night. Of course Allison can do the same. We will be happy to do that. Now, about that party..."
.
It was just another day for Allison. She went to the Weaver house with her mother, and spend her morning on history lessons learning about the ancient Egyptians. Lunchtime came and they had a small party celebrating her Sixth birthday. John Henry gave her a new hat and a cupcake with six candles on it.
"Make a wish just before you blow out the candles," John Henry told her with his goofy smile.
Allison did. She wished with all her heart that she could go back to school with her friends. She blew them out with one breath.
John Henry clapped. "Good Allison! You blew them all out. That means, according to folklore, that your wish will now come true," he said happily.
His good mood was infectious. Allison returned his smile, but wasn't sure if she dare to hope that she would be going back to school. She didn't want to feel bad when it didn't happen. She thanked John Henry for the nice lunch party, then they all went back to work.
Allison studied the afternoon away. She found that at least if she became absorbed in her books, she wouldn't think as much about learning all by herself. She finished the day with a few sheets of math questions on fractions.
Going home, Allison noted her mother tip her head slightly, then looked at her and smiled.
"What, Mommy?" Allison asked. It was like her mother had just found out something.
"You'll see when we get home," Cameron said with a grin.
Allison thought about it, and decided the odds were that her Daddy had gotten presents for her and decorated the house for her birthday. "Daddy has a surprise for me?" she asked.
"You'll see when we get there."
Approaching the house, Allison noted there were more cars parked on the side of the street. She had been half expecting a big 'happy birthday' banner on the house, but the house looked normal, and no lights were on inside. That was odd. Coming up to the door, her mother opened the storm door the said, "You first, Allison."
Allison thought that was odd too. Usually her mother entered first to ensure there were no threats, no matter where they went. Allison stepped into the dark house. She had just noticed heat sources around the room when the lights came on and people jumped up from behind furniture.
"SURPRISE!"
Allison's jaw dropped as everyone cheered. Daddy and Savannah were there, but so was Gloria, Dan, Becky, Kate, and Byron, all smiling at her. Allison dropped her book bag. She was surprised. Seeing her friends, a wash of happiness passed though her. Even though she was happy, she began to cry as she raced over and hugged Becky. Her next target was Gloria, then Dan, a run behind the couch to hug Kate and then Byron.
"OWWW! Not so tight!" Byron complained.
"Sorry," Allison said as she grinned ear to ear, gazing at him as she bounced in place. "I'm just so happy to see you!" she cried.
Allison had a great party with her family and friends. She opened her presents sitting by Byron. One looked like a wrapped card. She opened it to find a key with a tag on it marked 7G, a meal pass, and the card was the cafeteria schedule. She looked at her Daddy.
John smiled at the dazed face of his daughter. He explained in a stern tone, "You're going to need those if you're going to be staying at school during the week. Since it's dangerous to go back and forth every day, you'll go Sunday night, stay in your room at school during the week, then come home Friday nights after school. Keep in mind you'll be expected to behave yourself all week ..." John was silenced as Allison launched herself over to him, knocking him back in the chair as she hugged him tight.
"Thank you thank you thank you!" Allison cried as John's eyes bulged out.
"You're crushing me," John got out in a weak gasp.
Allison let go and put her arms around his neck much more gently. "Thank you Daddy THANK YOU!"
"Thank your mother too, sweetie," John said with a pained chuckle.
Allison launched herself over and hugged her mother, which was better, because her mother wasn't fragile like Daddy and Gramma were. "Thank you so much Mommy!" she cried.
"You're welcome, Allison. I will be calling to check on you every day, morning, lunch and evening." Cameron told her as she took the full force of Allison's hug.
"OK, Mommy," Allison said happily. She then remembered their lunch. Pulling back, she said excitedly, "Mommy! It happened just like John Henry said it would! I made a wish to be able to go back to school before I blew the candles out, and it came true!"
"That's great, sweetie," John said as he rolled his shoulders, checking for broken bones from Allison's hug. At times, he forgot Allison was part terminator. Days like this reminded him.
.
Sunday night, John and Cameron helped Allison pack for her first full week at school. Cameron had rented a car so their vehicle would not been seen going to the school. Cameron made sure Allison had enough clothes for a fresh set every day, and packed all her nutrient supplements, stressing to Allison she had to make sure she used them at every meal. She gave Allison a new book bag with a compartment just for her nutrients.
Allison was back to her happy self as they loaded the car and drove to the school. Seeing someone else unloading, John waited until they left before driving up and unloading. Going up to Allison's room, John and Cameron noted Allison had her own bathroom, desk, and clothes closet in the decent sized room. Her room also faced the back, which meant it could not be seen from the road, which made them a little more relieved.
After getting Allison settled in, John made sure Allison's cell phone was on her bed table. Seeing a worried look on her face, he asked, "Allison, you sure you'll be OK here all week by yourself?"
Allison gave him a bounce of a nod. "Sure Daddy. Yeah, I'll miss being home, but I still can come home on the weekends. I was just worried about those bad things finding me and hurting people."
John offered her a smile and said, "As long as you do as Mommy told you, stay in the school and don't go out in front where people from the road can see you, and keep your phone with you at all times, everything should be fine."
"OK Daddy," Allison said. She then cast him a sheepish look and asked, "Daddy, could you tuck me in before you go?"
John laughed. "Sure, go get changed for bed." He watched her grab her pajamas and run into the bathroom. He also noticed Cameron bore her 'scary robot' blank look. "You OK, hon?" he asked.
"John, our child isn't going to be in her own bed. Maybe I should stay and keep her company," Cameron said in her flat tone.
"She'll be in her bed here," John reminded her.
"You won't be able to tuck her in tomorrow night, or for the rest of the week."
"No, I won't but we're going to call her every night, right?" John asked. He then noticed tears welling in Cameron's eyes. "You're going to miss her." he said.
Cameron nodded. "Allison has been with us since the day she was born. John, she won't be in her room down the hall tonight. I will not be able to monitor her safety."
John gathered his wife into a hug. "Our little girl is growing up, Cam. This is something she needs to do for herself. We have to let her do it."
Cameron hugged him back, snuggling tight against him. "I know this is the logical thing to do for Allison's benefit. Why don't I want her to stay here?"
Gently stroking her back, John whispered, "Because you love her and want to be there for her every second of every day. I feel the same way, hon. We're going to have to let go a bit more every year as she grows up. It's not going to be easy, but we must do what's best for Allison."
"Allison is not a baby any more."
"No, she's not," John agreed.
Cameron puled back and stared at John with her blank stare. "I like having a baby to take care of. I want another one."
Wearing a smirk, John said, "Well, lets see what we can do about that when we get home."
Cameron waited as Allison came out and climbed in bed. John tucked her in and kissed her on the forehead good night, then Cameron took her turn. She petted her daughter's cheek, amazed and very pleased with how intelligent and kind their little girl was. She was also impressed how Allison had destroyed that Sky Net machine. Her little girl rocked.
"Mommy, are you crying?" Allison asked.
Cameron wiped the tear away and smiled at her. "I am only happy for you and very proud of you, sweetie. Good night."
"Night, Mommy."
Cameron turned the light out and left with John, quietly closing the door behind them. On the way home, Cameron went through a mix of feelings. She was proud of their daughter, and at the same time, sad because John was right, Allison had to grow up. When Lucy had given her the DNA, she had also planted three egg cells in the lining of Cameron's womb that Cameron had made dormant. Sniffling and holding John's hand on the way home, she activated the second egg cell.
