Chapter 20

Disclaimer: Don't own TSCC

Note: As an exercise in trying to improve my storytelling and writing, the portions of this Chapter involving Cameron will be written in first person from her viewpoint.

TechCom Medical Complex…

Thirty-one seconds had passed sense the technician had given me the results. It took every one of those 31 seconds for me to process the fact I could not say 'I told you so' to my John. The results only confirmed what I already knew. Rachel was Riley's daughter. Now I had to convince my John she was a threat and had to be banished.

It took less than 2 seconds for me to dismiss the idea of paying a visit to the idiot principal who refused to understand Rachel was a threat to Hailey, and Ruth, as well as other students in our school. Some people are not capable of learning truth they do not want to see.

I walked to TechCom Command for the morning staff meeting. I played scenarios in my CPU, hoping to determine the best way to convince the leadership to force my John to banish this threat.

A sense of anxiety and dread began to creep into my emotion simulator based on the data provided to it by my CPU. John was likely to explode when I confronted him with the evidence. I wanted to avoid another emotional conflict.

Hailey. That was the key. John would be suspect of any solution I propose because of my Riley issues. But Hailey was different. A threat to Hailey was serious. Our baby girl was a human, a lethal one, but a human child none-the-less. Rachel was not a direct threat to me physically. Her termination would take seconds for me to accomplish. Rachel could harm Hailey, especially if she caught our daughter off-guard and was able to inflict an incapacitating blow to initiate the combat.

I had to make this about Hailey and not my fear of Riley.

TechCom Central Park…

"My hands are starting to get dry," Hailey commented as she looked at the red, irritated skin on her hands. "You're lucky your matrix doesn't react to hot dishwater like human skin does."

"Yeah, well, I like washing dishes for hours about as much as you do," Ruth replied. "And I might add, if you would just develop some self-control over that temper of yours we would not be in this mess."

"I didn't make you hit Ralph in the stomach. You did that on your own."

"He's a perv and he was making things worse."

"See, you have about as much control over your temper as I have over mine."

"Ralph doesn't look down your blouse every chance he gets."

"So he's a perv. Uncle Derek's right though. You should have punched him out when there weren't any witnesses."

The pair walked in silence, passing younger students with their T-600 protectors on their way to school.

"I guess our parents are right," Hailey sighed. "We really do need a strategy to deal with this bitch whore. I just know she's going to call mom a metal bitch whore again and I'm going to have to kick her Tunnel Rat butt again. If I know how and when I'm going to teach Rachel her lesson, I might have a better chance of controlling my temper and walking away."

Airbase S-14…

Standing before the assembled staff of the Colonel, the Major felt tense. Initially he had felt honored the Colonel had selected him for the task of planning the assault on TechCom. Now he felt anxious. The T-888 who led their rogue army was no more tolerant of failure than Skynet had been.

"Surprise is the key," the Major began.

"TechCom is having a community social function on the evening of our scheduled attack. From the intel provided by our operatives, nearly everyone in TechCom, human and Terminator, will be attending. An attack is the last thing they will suspect," he asserted. "The bulk of TechCom's population will be concentrated in a single location. They will be largely unarmed, an added benefit."

He paused and looked at the faces of the staff officers in attendance, looking for signs of support. Sensing no approval, or disapproval, he forced himself to continue.

"Our operatives will set bombs designed to weaken the roof of the primary open area of the community where the dance will be held. I believe it is referred to TechCom Central Park. We will coordinate the timing. Within seconds of the bombs going off, we will drop our bunker busters."

The Colonel raised his hand to ask a question.

"Is it possible the attack can be this simple?"

"No. The entire complex is very well engineered and constructed. The goal is to collapse a portion of the area, killing as many as possible in the initial blast and immediate follow up with the bunker busters. Our ground forces will enter through the crater created. For the most part, the battle beneath ground should be the initial, ah, engagement, followed by mopping up in the tunnels. The mopping up operation will be the most difficult."

"Logistical challenges," the T-888 asked.

"Timing is everything. We must have complete operational security. General Connor will undoubtedly have perimeter forces in place above ground. This plan relies totally on the application of airpower, both the bombing and the use of airborne troops."

"Explain."

"Our HK's that have been adapted for bombing will make the initial run and drop the bunker busters. Immediately afterwards, the airborne will land and descend into the TechCom Complex and began," the Major paused, "the elimination process."

"Why this approach?"

"Opportunity. One winner-take-all battle. The bulk of our enemy's entire population will be concentrated in a single area and unarmed. We will not have to engage in heavy ground fighting on the surface and then fight our way into the underground complex. This approach should minimize our casualties while allowing us to inflict as many as possible. The kill ratio should be very favorable."

The Colonel sat in silence for exactly one minute.

"Tell me the single greatest risk to the operation's success."

"There are several. Our operatives could be captured and forced to talk. We would lose the element of surprise. Instead of springing a devastating trap, we would be walking into one. The bombs set by our operatives might not do the job. From what we have learned, the TechCom complex is deep underground and well built. We need the combined damage of the bombs placed in the support structure with the explosive force of our bunker busters to collapse a section of the ceiling of the common area. Finally, we do not have a complete picture of the air defenses."

Again the Colonel sat in silence for one minute.

"I like it. High risk, but high reward. Proceed with planning. I expect an update in two weeks."

TechCom Holding…

Trevor lay on his bunk, drenched in sweat from his workout. Since he had received the second note informing him of the day his escape was to take place, he'd started a rigorous workout regimen, forcing himself to eat all of the dreadful mush served to him three times each day.

Just that morning a third note had come. Like the other's Trevor had eaten the note after reading it. His escape was meant to be a diversion for a major incident. In return for springing him, he was to lead as many TechCom M.P.'s as possible away from the Central Park. Once he had been free for two hours, he could do whatever he pleased. The note had promised a map would be provided close to the day of his escape, allowing him to plot his route.

Two hours of playing cat and mouse. Then the mouse would become the cat. And the Connor family would pay.

Trevor closed his eyes and began the daydreams that had kept his spirits up. The dreams of raping, torturing and murdering the Connor women while John Connor watched, helpless to save his wife and daughter.

His eyes popped open, the daydreams set aside for the moment. He would need weapons and restraints. The Connors were lethal, dangerous. Not that they scared him, he simply needed a way to restrain them, especially that Terminator wife of his. For nearly an hour, Trevor thought about what he would need and where to locate it quickly after he escaped.

TechCom Medical…

Savannah looked around her small office one last time. She had tidied up before that morning's leadership meeting. Picking up her backpack to leave, a polite knock on her door surprised her.

"Enter."

The door opened a few inches and the face of Lt. Dan peered in.

"I just got of duty and wanted to say hi."

"Hi," Savannah said playfully. "How was it outside last night?"

"Cold. Colder than normal," the Lt. replied. "Leaving for the leadership meeting?"

"It's that time," Savannah replied.

"Can I walk you?"

Savannah smiled at the young officer. She still wasn't completely sure how she felt about their growing friendship. Or was it a relationship?

He was handsome, very polite, a fact her mother pointed out to Savannah at every opportunity, her stepfather approved of him and John Henry even liked him. Dan was shy, but obviously smitten with her. He treated her with respect and kept his hands to himself.

Their "dates" consisted of eating dinner together in the TechCom Cafeteria and when he was able to, the Lt. walked Savannah to her destination. She enjoyed his company and appreciated the fact he was not pushing her into either a serious relationship or a physical one.

Everything could stay just like it was and Savannah would be content. There was, alas, the small problem of the approaching community dance. If her mother had anything to do or say about it, things would change after the dance. And Savannah wasn't sure she wanted things to change.

"Savannah?"

"Oh, I'm sorry," she said, snapping back to the present. "I just got lost in my thoughts for a second. Yes, please. Walk me to the Command Central."

TechCom School…

"What are you doing on campus?"

The Old Man turned his head to identify the source of the voice, finding exactly who he expected standing in the hallway, hands on hips.

"I am maintaining surveillance of the threat to my charges."

"You have no right to do that," the principal snapped.

"It is my purpose."

"This is my school."

"No, you are merely the administrator. The school belongs to every citizen of TechCom, including me. Terminators attend classes here. Our charges attend school here. The safety of everyone here and the protection of the facility is a high priority. You should welcome the presence of the Protectors."

"I want you to leave. Immediately. That is an order."

The Old Man took one final glance at Rachel through the window in the door before walking towards the principal.

"I am leaving only because the Connor family has established a protocol for me to respect the authority of leaders in TechCom."

The principal arrogantly smiled at the T-600. "Good. Then obey this order. Never comeback to my school."

The Old Man's red optics increased in brightness at the principal's words. The smile on her face vanished as she took a step back.

"My protocol does not require me to obey an order from you. It merely requires me to respect the authority granted to you by the leadership of TechCom. I will be back. Everyday. Do you know why?"

"You're a menace," the principal stammered.

"Hardly. Hailey and Ruth will be back. Their safety requires my presence. THAT, overrides any authority you have."

The Old Man pointed at the classroom door.

"The menace is in there."

TechCom Central Command…

John and Wilhelm watched the awkward moment as Lt. Dan said goodbye to Savannah.

"He likes her," John chided Wilhelm.

"He is a good soldier. I can tolerate him being around my stepdaughter."

"Sure," John laughed.

Wilhelm frowned. "This 'parenting' behavior is far more difficult than I realized. I knew I would have to assume this role when I wed my Catherine, but I did not account for the time I would need to allot to fulfill my responsibilities as Savannah and John Henry's stepfather. Nor did I account for the anxiety the data I have collected in that role would cause me."

"Comes with the territory."

John called the morning staff meeting to order. Everyone sat down. Within half an hour, John had worked through the normal agenda.

"Last of all, before we finish, any new business?"

"Yes."

Everyone looked at Cameron. Her normally blank expression was gone. In its place was a look of stern determination. Without a word, his wife stood and extracted a piece of folded paper from the pocket of her beloved purple leather jacket. In two quick strides, Cameron stood before John and handed him the paper.

He unfolded it and read the contents.

Looking up at his wife, John read the pleading in her eyes. This was hard for her and he knew it. Public submission was not something Cameron did easily.

"There is the proof. Banish her."

"It's not that simple and you know it."

"Yes, it is. Banish her. You are the General. You have the authority."

"Cameron…"

"I am not asking for termination even though that is the best solution. I am compromising. Just banish her."

"Would the two of you please let the rest of us in on what you're arguing about," Sarah demanded.

John looked at his mother. He knew instantly his mother would side with Cameron and demand banishment. Sarah hardly had the compulsive fear and insecurity Cameron did in regards to Riley, but there had been no love lost for the girl either.

"This is the result of the DNA test on Rachel," John said simply.

"Let me guess, she's Riley's daughter," was Sarah's sarcasm laden reply.

"Yes, it turns out she is."

"Banish her. She's a problem."

John looked around at the faces of his leadership team, seeking support.

"Hailey and Ruth can be problems," he said evenly. "I don't hear anyone suggesting the girls be banished."

"They may be problems at times John," Cameron said evenly, "but they are not a threat to the safety of TechCom. There is a difference between being teenage girls who do something wrong and a vile, evil individual who is plotting trouble. This Rachel is a real threat to our Hailey. Ruth too! The fights should be the only proof you need to know this girl is a threat."

"How do you know Rachel is a vile, evil individual plotting trouble? Cameron, JUST because you have issues with the girls mother does not mean she's a threat. I agree, Rachel IS a problem. But I was a problem when I was in junior high." John frowned. "I turned out okay, though we both know Mom had her doubts at times."

"She is a threat," Cameron insisted. "I want a vote for banishment."

"I second the call for a vote," Sarah added firmly. John watched as his mother elbowed Derek.

Derek leaned forward to speak, "I'll third the vote, but it should be secret. Just write down yes or no. A yes vote is for banishment. A no vote means Rachel stays."

"Don't we need to discuss this?" John asked, incredulous at what he was hearing.

"No," Sarah said, scowling at her son. "This girl is trouble. Serious trouble. We don't need problematic citizens, John. We have the death penalty and we've used it. We've banished people before. As Cameron said, we're not suggesting the death penalty. We both know how hard it was for Cameron to not ask for termination." Sarah paused, measuring her son. "Rachel is a Tunnel Rat. She'll survive just fine in the Wastelands."

Savannah reached over to a desk and picked up a small pad of paper. She stood up and began distributing a piece to each individual present. Within a few minutes everyone was finished voting. Savannah collected the votes and sat down to count them.

"For now, Rachel stays," Savannah said when she finished.

"Then she must be watched," Cameron demanded. "Around the clock."

"And just how are we going to do this?" John asked.

"The Old Man," Cameron responded. "And when he has other tasks or duties to perform, I will watch Rachel."

Ellison spoke up. "General, it's a reasonable precaution. If this girl is the threat Cameron and Sarah believe her to be, we need to know. If she is simply the off spring of a former threat, we need to know that as well. Rachel should be given the benefit of the doubt, innocent until proven guilty."

John thought for a moment. Avoiding conflict with Cameron was desirable but should not be the basis of a decision as the General. Ellison did have a point. They did need to know if Rachel was a threat or not. Surveillance was a wise precaution.

"Very well. Better to err on the side of caution. But, I don't want the Old Man, or Cameron, following Rachel around 24 hours a day." He scowled at his wife to make his point. "Ellison, draw up a surveillance schedule." Noticing the anger in Cameron's eyes, he added, "include Cameron and the Old Man as well, but for short durations."

A final glance indicated everyone was ready to leave. The quick, smooth meeting had become tense. Everyone understood Cameron, despite being a machine, would not be completely logical and rational in regard to the child of her sworn, though dead, enemy, Riley. With busy days ahead of them and the tension between John, Cameron and Sarah growing by the second, everyone simply wanted to depart.

John decided to put them out of their misery. "Dismissed."

TechCom Cafeteria that evening…

"You are not going to believe this."

Ruth did not look up from her sketchbook as Hailey sat down and re-positioned her tray.

"Mom got a DNA test done on Rachel."

"So."

"The blonde bimbo of a bitch whore is Riley's daughter!"

"No! How is that possible?"

"Time travel! Riley must have hatched the spawn of evil out before she was sent back in time to interfere with Mom protecting Dad. She is just a little older than we are."

Ruth considered the news.

"Are you sure?"

"Mom is sure and she's furious with Dad for not banishing Rachel."

"So I take it you'll be spending the night tonight?"

"You better believe it."

TechCom Central Park…

Rachel stood still and looked at the junction of the supporting steel beams. John Henry had successfully designed the support structure in such a way that the ugly steel beams were hidden, and when visible, performed the function of serving as architectural detail.

In order to place the bombs she and Brandon planned to build, Rachel would need a means to climb up to the beams. What's more, she could never be seen placing the bombs. She was so close to paying back Cameron for stealing the General away from her mother. Being discovered now was unthinkable.

Reviews are always appreciated. If you liked this story, you might want to consider my other TSCC stories:

Cameron Grows Up

The Future Cameron

Cameron and the Black Bird

Cameron and John's Wedding

Who's the Boss?

The Storm Before the Calm