Thanks so much for all the reviews!
Dragon Seraphin: Thanks! Lols, I hope that wasn't too long a wait…:x
Olischulu: Lols! Thanks, it's just a creepy vision of being in Cameron's head but keep her thoughts in mind, she has a habit of working based on them ;)
XxDeathStarxX: About Cameron's lifespan, that would be one of main problem of the story so it might last a while ^^ Thanks so much!
Mitchellsunf: Thanks! About more Derek, he is more of a side character around here, mostly with Sarah. But he is an interesting character to play around.
AJ-JC: If I am right about what you're referring to, I think chapter 12 would answer part of your question. That statement from weaver about Cameron asking for what Weaver did to her, is kind of a reference to that chapter. This Weaver is from an alternate future. Lols, I can't say how long you have to wait but I hope it isn't too long…:x And just for your information, there would be sequel so hopefully, you're glad to hear this isn't the end to all the problems yet. Thanks!
Kaotic2: Thanks so much!
A/N: so sorry for the wait, once again. Here is chapter 20, hopefully it's worth it. Enjoy!
Chapter 20: Making Fate
"Again, where are we going?" Zander asked, sitting cross legged on the bed as Cameron and John busied themselves by preparing their guns and packing.
"I told you. We're going to Catherine Weaver's office for a talk and we're moving. It's not safe here." John replied distractedly.
"But why? She hurt us! We are safer anywhere than near her!" Zander said agitatedly.
"No one is ever safe." John said sharply at him, surprisingly saying it in unison with Sarah, who stood at the open door without their noticing. John turned to look at Sarah. Even Cameron stopped what she's doing to look.
"We'll be leaving in a few minutes."
"We?" John narrowed his eyes.
"John, you're not going to her without me." Sarah shot back.
"Well, I am." He replied firmly, zipping the bag consisting of their firearms forcefully.
"John-" Sarah started only to be interrupted.
"She asked to meet me." John seethed. Sarah looked away for a moment.
"John," Cameron spoke. When he finally turned away from Sarah to lock eyes with her, she continued, "A good leader knows when help can be accepted."
He frowned, looking at the floor, hesitant now, "No."
"I'm going." Sarah stated and walked away.
John looked up in angry disbelief at her persistence but she was already gone. He then turned to Cameron, who shrugged and smiled in a very humanlike manner.
"Cameron," John spoke up to explain as she dazed off in slight disappointment, "It's-"
"Gotta go." Cameron muttered, "come on." She picked up the bag with one hand and reached out Zander with the other as if wanting to hold his hand. Zander stared at her hand, a little caught off guard. Then, realizing what she's asking for, Cameron lowered her hand and looked away, guilty and ashamed, "let's go." She said, walking out of the room. John watched her leave, glancing at Zander who jumped off the bed and followed her.
With one last glance at the room to see if they left anything behind, John shut the door. Downstairs, Derek was preparing his personal weapons while Ryan helped Sarah get their possessions packed. To John, it looked more like they are preparing for war but then again, maybe they really are…
John ignored Sarah as he past her. He glanced towards Derek but refused to make direct eye contact or a conversation with him. Then they loaded their vehicles with their bags and jumped in. After much deliberation, they left the Labrador behind. It was Ryan's friend but it never had a name.
Ryan wanted to give him one but Sarah disallowed it for a simple reason: when something is named, you get attached to it. Like all the cyborgs they have encountered. It started with Uncle Bob. John got attached and cried like a baby when he had to leave. Sarah didn't even want to think about Cameron, whom future John obviously took the trouble to name her. So Sarah decided naming a pet or a terminator would just make you attached to it. It's not good.
Both the jeeps sped off towards Zeira Corp.
John did not speak and neither did Cameron. He was busy pondering about what Catherine Weaver will and had already told him. She was worrying what the talk would be about. Zander glanced at his parents and sat back to relax, knowing this would be miles of quiet.
When they arrived at the gates of Zeira Corp, John (whose jeep arrived quicker than Sarah's) winded down his window and told the security guards that he had an appointment with Catherine Weaver. When he was halfway through telling them, they looked at him and opened the gates. John frowned but shrugged.
It was dead quiet when they parked into the lot and alighted. Sarah parked her jeep by John's and alighted. Carrying their bags, they walked towards the counter. The clerk's face lit up as she smiled at Sarah, "Ms Baum, here to see Ms Weaver?"
"Yeah." Sarah gave her an awkward smile. The clerk pointed them to the elevator.
"Ms Weaver is already in the office waiting for you."
Sarah nodded briefly and they entered the elevator to go up. Zander had a cold feeling in his guts. Last time he been here, it was to bust his parents out. He'd never dream he would come back here willingly again. No one spoke as the elevator all the way up. When it arrived at the level, they knocked on the door and entered.
The office was full glass but John didn't have time to examine it. He walked straight forward towards Catherine Weaver who sat at the end behind her desk. John could feel Cameron right beside him as they approached her, Weaver stood up and pointed to the couch. When John made a move to sit on the couch, he saw her.
There, sitting on one of the couches, was Savannah Weaver. All grown up but John would never forget her. Savannah looked up and her face brightened up. She jumped up from the couch and moved towards Cameron first. She threw her arms around Cameron's neck and hugged her wordlessly then went to John. They hugged and before they can say anymore to each other, Weaver gestured for them to sit.
Cameron and John shared a couch. Savannah sat down at her original seat and Weaver sat opposite. Sarah and Derek sat down as far apart as possible on the same couch opposite John and Cameron. When Zander made to sit down, he blinked in disbelief staring at Savannah.
"I knew you looked familiar." Savannah commented with a smile.
Zander opened his mouth and closed it. Cameron turned away, trying to hide her smile. John snickered. They both heard the story of Zander tricking a girl. Neither of them had guessed it was Savannah that their son had tricked but apparently, it was. Sarah and Derek furrowed their brows, puzzled about the tensed atmosphere
"You're the boy who played me into bringing you in." Savannah smirked as she explained to Sarah while teasing Zander.
Zander hid his face behind his long fringe in embarrassment and guilt, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. I had to get my-"
"I know." Savannah replied, grinning, "Sit. I won't eat you." She pointed to the space beside her and Zander took it quietly. Ryan grinned at Savannah before sitting beside Zander.
"So…" Weaver started.
"You captured us and…torture Cameron…and you called me here." John placed an arm on the arm rest, tensed.
"Yes. I think it's time we worked together. I'm not the enemy." Weaver said calmly.
John scoffed, rolling his eyes.
"I'm here to help." Weaver continued, deadpanned.
John glanced around skeptically but only continued on Cameron's nod, "Kaliba," John rested his elbow on his knees, starting cautiously, "We don't know what but they are doing but they have a target list. Cameron and I managed to get some information but it was still…we weren't able to be sure." John said hesitantly, carefully concealing some information.
"Bedell." Sarah spoke.
"He was on the list and we went to his house but you-" John replied.
"Got him before the triple-eight. He's fine."
"Yeah but whatever it is, Cameron and I took a look at where they got their water and we ended up on their kill list." John continued, "they knew we knew. Then, we found out…you and Savannah are target for termination."
"which is why you took her in the first place." Weaver tilted her head.
"Yes." John nodded, "which is also when I realized the waterworks company are in this as well. If only we could get in to find something out but that was after we were being chased by Kaliba."
Then Weaver stood up abruptly, "Come, I have something to show you Mr Connor." Without waiting for John to stand, she walked to the elevator, turning around and telling the rest, "Wait here." Then she brought Cameron and John down.
"What exactly are you showing us?" John demanded as they went down to the basement.
"You'll see." Weaver looked at him blankly and stepped out as the elevator came to a stop. They walked along the corridors and arrived at a huge door. She reached out and pushed opened the door. John and Cameron entered side by side behind Weaver cautiously.
John gasped in shock at what he saw, Cameron remained quiet but John knew, she, like him, is shocked.
At the table in the middle of the room sat Cromartie. He had a cord in the back of his head and his hands were on the table. John didn't need an introduction. This is John Henry, Savannah's playmate.
"To hell with you!" John growled, tearing his eyes away from John Henry, "You're building Skynet!" He reached for his gun but Cameron took his hand in hers. John froze and looked at her. She closed her eyes and shook her head slowly. Reluctantly, John lowered his hand and glared at Weaver and John Henry.
"I'm not." Weaver replied simply, walking around the table to John Henry. She stood behind him.
"Hello." John Henry greeted cheerily but in a monotonous voice.
"Hello." Cameron replied, her childlikeness surfacing again. John, however, glanced at him bitterly.
"My name is John Henry." John Henry gave her a grin. Cameron looked away from John Henry and to Weaver.
Automatically, Weaver started up her explanation, "He is the AI that my team had been working on. John Henry is an advance AI unlike others." She paused to look at John Henry, who looked up at her, "We have been developing his intelligence and John Henry has picked up many things from the internet, one of them including chess."
"But what is it for?" John growled.
"For?" Weaver repeated as if she'd heard him wrongly, "To fight."
"Humans?"
"Machines."
John scoffed, "I find that hard of believe."
"John Henry sits here in front of you. And he can tell you, he would not harm you or your kind if he could afford it." Weaver replied, undeterred by his statement.
"Human life is sacred." John Henry added, earning a bitter glare from John.
"No, not that. I find it hard to believe that you, a machine, would help humans build a machine to fight Skynet." John scowled darkly.
"You should know why Mr Connor." Weaver gave him a slight creepy smile, "Cameron stands beside you now and she is helping humans." She countered calmly. John was caught off guard as he glanced at his side at Cameron. She stood there, looking at the floor.
John didn't realize it sooner but her hand was no longer interlocked with his. He didn't notice when she let go but he was sure he didn't. He wanted to apologise to her but he know this is not the time for this. He braced himself, "so what do you want now?" He asked, harsh tone softening a little. He began to wonder if Sarah saw this and if she does, how did she live with this? Talking about John Henry is one thing, witnessing it's evolution is another.
"We want what you want. We want to stop Skynet. To win. And only John Henry can do that. You, as the leader of mankind, can but not without my John Henry." Weaver explained, "John Henry is the most sophisticated AI and you could say he is on the same level as Skynet is, or will be."
"Will be?" John interrupted, "What does that mean? Skynet is weaker?"
"Yes. That is what we believe. From John Henry, I know Skynet has not been put to military uses and has no control over the nuclear weapons which would be used to set off Judgment Day. So, " Weaver took a few more steps to stand on the side of the table, "Skynet isn't ready for anything. Whereas, we have John Henry, who went under Mr Ellison's teachings and my AI team, whose growth surpass that of Skynet's."
"But where is John Henry come from?" John asked, furrowing his brows deeply at what he had heard. Later, John decided, that he'll have to talk to Cameron about this; he needed to hear what she thought.
"You, of all people should know," Weaver paused, "Cyberdyne. The code of their work still exist."
"Which means John Henry is one of Cyberdyne's work?"
"Yes."
John paused, million of possibility running into his mind, "What do you know about Skynet?"
"What I know have already all been told to you." Weaver replied.
"Kaliba?"
"We are aware of the competition but we aren't aware of their inside information."
"You said John Henry had access to the internet right?" John continued, "couldn't he just hack into Kaliba to find out? Since he is the most sophisticated AI and Skynet has not yet acted."
"We couldn't risk going into their network. There is a high possibility Skynet would be setting a trap and waiting for John Henry to walk into it. We won't know for sure if it is as strong as it should be." Weaver explained.
"Then why don't attack it from the outside? Launch an attack on Kaliba? Sneak in to learn about them." John asked.
"That is where you come in Mr Connor." Weaver stated, "John Henry would help you when he is needed but some things, only you can accomplish."
John didn't reply her and pondered over the words for a long time, "Is there a way John Henry can provide me with the blueprints of Kaliba?"
"Yes." John Henry spoke up then looked back down at the empty table. The visualiser screen burst into life and John Henry's thoughts went on it. There were codes all over and John knew John Henry was doing what he asked.
"And all the information you can get," John told him. John Henry didn't acknowledge it but John knew that John Henry heard him. Then John looked at Weaver, "Inform me when you get those." He told her. Weaver gave him a stiff nod. John turned to Cameron, who was still looking at the floor. He slipped his hand into hers and they left the room together. Weaver didn't follow.
As they walked down the hall, Cameron surprised him by speaking first, "You are becoming a good leader." She turned to him with a small smile of pride.
John thought about it before bursting into smiles, "Yeah, thanks to you." He squeezed her hand as they approached the elevator, "I'm sorry for what I said back there." He told her, suddenly being all serious, "I didn't mean it. I just didn't think it would be possible, for Weaver to help us. I thought that you are special."
Cameron didn't reply him for the moment, "I'm not. I'm not the only one John."
"But still," John let go of her hand to slip his arm around her waist and they stopped walking. He turned her to face him, "You are special in your own way. You're not just a machine who's helping humans. You accomplish things they'd never. You feel things." He hugged her waist firmly, pressing her body against his, "You love."
"I don't-"
"Well, I love you." John cut her off, "You are special in that way, to me. I only said what I did back there because I just can't stand to see Weaver, who tortured you, on our side…it's so…unreal…"
"There's no need to explain. I'll always be here John. No matter what you do, or say." Cameron told him softly, biting her lower lips.
"Sounds like love." John grinned, leaning in to kiss her. She shied away at first then gave in. They kissed slow and gently before parting again, "Come on." He let of her waist and took her hand, guiding her into the elevator.
Sarah stood up soon after Weaver left with John and Cameron. Instantly, she started pacing. Derek rested his elbow on the arm rest, rubbing the stubble on his chin. Savannah stared into space while the two boys fidgeted restlessly. Then the elevator bell rang and all of them turned to the elevator.
James Ellison stepped out, taking in the people there. His eyes lingered on Zander for a moment before turning to Sarah, "I was told Ms Weaver is here. I need to talk to her."
"Believe me so do I." Sarah narrowed her eyes at him before turning towards Ryan, "Why don't you kids go elsewhere to hang out." She said gently but Ryan took the order. He stood up grudgingly and went to the elevator with Zander and Savannah following.
He muttered under his breath angrily as he walked past Sarah.
"Don't go too far." Sarah called after them. Only Savannah acknowledged that by turning around to give her a nod. When the elevator door closed behind them, Sarah turned to Ellison, "What's happening?"
Ellison sighed, "This morning someone is listed as being interested in purchasing Seranno point from Ms Weaver. I had a talk with him just now and-"
He stopped when the elevator bell rang again. John and Cameron stepped out. For a moment, Ellison stepped back in shock as if he'd seen a ghost. John nodded at him stiffly then turned to Sarah, "We have to get to Kaliba." He gave her a brief update on what just happened.
"So we'll go into Kaliba to get information?" Sarah asked afterwards.
"Yeah but not we. Cameron and I would be recognized. Just you and Derek. Maybe Weaver would be going in. Cameron and I would just stay outside and give you directions." John explained.
"Are you sure?"
"No. Kaliba might not be involved but it's the only source we have left. Might as well go after it."
"And the kids?"
"They'll stay here with John Henry and Ellison." John replied, glancing at Ellison who had his hands in his pockets, "Weaver is afraid someone might be after John Henry."
"When are we going?" Sarah folded her arms.
"When John Henry gets back to us with the information I asked." John replied, slipping his hand into Cameron's, "In the meantime, I'll take some time off." He shot Sarah a quick smile before pulling Cameron out of there.
When they were just outside Zeira Corp, Cameron spoke, "Why are we out here?"
"Get some space. Some air." John replied, breathing in deeply, "We haven't had any of those since…we came back." Cameron took in his words and nodded slowly. John stopped walking, taking both of Cameron's hands with his, "It's coming."
"You know for sure?"
"I think so." John gulped, "I can feel it. I'd just think." John pursed his lips, feeling anxiety and fear creep up his throat, threatening to cut off his supply of oxygen.
Gently, Cameron reached out and cupped his cheek, "You'll do great. Just be yourself."
John pushed into her touch, "You know how Mom used to tell me about this future? When she'll try and try to prepare me but I could never imagine. I thought I was ready but now, when it's time to do what I was meant to…" his voice trailed away, "I just…I wish we had more time."
"John…we have all the time together. All the time in the world." Cameron whispered, pressing her forehead on John's, "Till you are so old…"
"Yeah, and you'll still be the angel." John smirked, "You'll get so sick of me."
"No," Cameron bit her lips, whispering, "we'll be together. For so long…" She pressed her lips to the portion just below his closed eye.
"Yeah, kids and war." John mumbled, then broke into chuckles, "Sounds about right…" He grinned. They laughed together for a while before the smiles vanished and they were serious again, "As long as we're together, you know I would've nothing more to ask for. Just, I worry. You just get so…so caught up sometimes and you get hurt. I can't take that." He pulled her into a firm hug.
Cameron threw her arms around his neck, "Then don't, I'll just be here."
John scoffed, forcing a smile as he buried his face into her hair.
"So, what do you think they are talking about now." Ryan kicked a stone into the air, walking grumpily.
Savannah shrugged, "I think it's nothing much. Just didn't want you around giving comments like you always do." She teased him, nudging his ribs.
"Hey! I do not!" Ryan scowled, jerking away from her. Zander chuckled while walking behind them, "You, don't laugh." Ryan glared at him playfully over his shoulder.
"Just relax Ryan!" Savannah snapped, slapping his arm.
They were just walking in the park and away, just like how Sarah ordered them to. Silence took over them as they settled down at the bench. Ryan dug a small hole with the tip of his boots angrily. Zander sat down quietly, watching the kids at the park play. Savannah studied them for a moment then they all looked up, hearing the ice cream man ringing the bell. Zander frowned in confusion whereas the other two brightened up.
"I'll get us some." Savannah grinned, running off. The two boys watched.
"Get us what?" Zander turned to Ryan, perplexed.
"Ice Cream." Ryan replied, craning his neck to see Savannah arrive at the ice cream van, queuing up behind the group of children.
"What's that?" Zander murmured to himself, following Ryan's gaze at Savannah.
"Live in a cave or something?" Ryan teased.
"Something like that." Zander said under his breath. Then Savannah came running back, holding three cones of ice cream. Her sling bag bounding on her thigh as she ran. She passed Ryan one, who took it gladly and then another to Zander. He frowned, rejecting it politely.
"Take it!" She pushed it into his hand, then sat down beside him to lick hers. Zander watched them both devour their ice cream enthusiastically then tried his. It was brown and Zander could see the sunlight reflecting off the slick top. He tasted it and decided this was what he loved. Gradually, Zander ate as quickly as Ryan. Savannah watched with a smile as she distractedly ate hers.
Zander watched three small boys play baseball, smiling as the younger one ran to pick the baseball up. He bit into his cone and soon, his ice cream was gone.
"Did you like it?" Savannah asked him.
"Yeah." Zander nodded with a smile. Savannah chuckled then reached over with her finger. Ryan was watching when he felt his cell buzz.
"You got something." Savannah cleaned off the ice cream by the side of his mouth with her finger. Zander tensed and froze. He had never been in close proximity with her before. Zander would admit she's beautiful, not as beautiful as Cameron in Zander's eyes but she is. Savannah smiled, pulling away. Her cheek burning as she realized Zander was frozen under her touch.
"Thanks." Zander forced an awkward smile, trying to dismiss the atmosphere but he didn't look away. Ryan smirked, trying to hide it from Savannah.
"So…are we going?" Ryan asked, raising his cell, "Duty calls." He smirked.
"Always seems to be." Zander rolled his eyes.
"What you got?" John leaned over the table.
"What you asked." John Henry replied and the visualiser burst into life. John walked to stand in front of the screen. He watched closely as the blueprints pop up.
"Is this the whole building?" John asked distractedly.
"Yes." John Henry replied, not turning to look at John. Cameron went to stand beside John as she memorized the map. Then they started to formulate the plan. It wasn't long before the rest join them. The plan was soon formulated with John Henry giving them the resources they need.
They went with John's original plan, which is to have Zander, Ryan, Savannah and Mr Ellison stay in the basement with John Henry. Sarah and Derek went up to get ready while Weaver informed her secretary. Cameron nodded to John and left the room. When John was about to follow her out, Zander grabbed his arm.
"Dad, what are we doing?" He asked from his seat on the chair.
"Zan, you sit tight. Whatever happens, you have to be brave." John kneeled down on one knee.
"I know that," Zander nodded earnestly.
"Good." John forced a smile, patting his shoulder, "Remember…" John paused.
"There's no fate but what we make." Zander and John said in unison. John broke into a genuine smile, nodding.
To be continued…
Next chapter: [Sarah frowned]: "Something wrong?" [John]: "There's no guards. he's dead." [Cameron breathed, a small smile forming]: "Abigail." [Weaver]: "We have to go!" [John]: "Cameron! Don't!" [Zander]: "It's nothing serious. Mom!" [Cameron]: "There's nothing we can do. You're not a hero" [John Henry]: "Savannah? We're all here." [Cameron]: "Things change John." [John]: "What things?" [Cameron]: "Everything." [Weaver]: "It's too late."