Cameron's Expedition
Chapter Twenty-Six – Trouble Brewing
Disclaimer: Don't own TSCC
This story is set in The Future Cameron's Universe after Cameron's Revenge. It contains characters from my version of the TSCC universe starting with Cameron Grows Up.
TechCom Medical…
She was sitting right where John thought she would be. Still dressed in her filthy, blood stained black uniform. Ruth Reese was the perfect picture of a miserable individual. John sat down next to his sister and did not say a word. He just put his arm around her and let his sister lean against his side.
After some time passed, Ruth sat up straight and picked up a thick folder sitting next to her on the couch.
"I downloaded everything. I wrote the report on the flight back and uploaded scans of all the maps I drew, still images, everything."
Ruth fished in her coat pocket and pulled out a pair of flash drives as Cameron entered the waiting room and sat down on a separate couch. "All my digital video files are on these."
Without a word John took everything from Ruth and for a second time, he put his arm around his little sister.
"I'm sorry the Lt. was injured. I hear you saved his life by treating his wounds."
Ruth nodded, not saying a word. She pressed her face against John's chest and began to shake.
"Sis, you okay?"
"John, I have never been so confused in my life. This is worse than the fiasco with Brandon."
"Ruth, you didn't do anything wrong. You did what you were supposed to. You gathered intel, blew up the fuel tankers and patched up your CO."
"John, go away," Cameron commanded.
"What?"
"You have no clue do you?"
"I know my sister is upset."
"Clearly Ruth is upset, but you have no clue as too why. Leave. As matriarch I will deal with this."
"Cameron, I don't appreciate…"
Cameron frowned at her John, indicating he was being stupid. She cut her eyes towards the exit as she jerked her head in the same direction.
"John, Ruth and I need to have some girl time. Alone."
The mere mention of the phrase "girl time" sent John moving for the door. He would find out later what was really bothering his sister and if Cameron's attitude needed any adjusting or not.
Cameron took John's place on the couch and Ruth fell into her arms, shaking from the emotion welling up from inside.
"Brother's are stupid aren't they Ruth?"
"Yes! I don't know why John can't get it. It's perfectly obvious how badly I've screwed things up."
Cameron rocked her husband's sister gently, calming the little T-1000. "You can't help who you fall in love with Ruth."
"I wish Mom was here. She'd know what to do."
Cameron laughed, a rare act for her.
"Ruth, things are bad enough. It might be better that Sarah is gone so I can straighten this out without too many problems."
Ruth laughed and stopped shaking.
"You're right Cameron. Mom would go nuts and make things worse. It's never good when Crazy Sarah makes an appearance."
Hugging Ruth tight, Cameron shook her head.
"You know, your mother named me matriarch before she left for the diplomatic mission."
"I'm sorry Cameron. I've really messed things up. And I don't even know how he feels about me."
"Ruth, enough of that. You're a Connor female. We are all alpha females and we achieve our mission objectives. Always. Savannah and her parents will just have to accept the fact that there will be a competition for the Lt. And if I have anything to say about it, you are going to win your Lt.'s heart."
Airbase S-14…
"I appreciate your willingness to warn us and share intelligence," the Major told Wilhelm as the pair stood over the map Wilhelm had shared.
"It is evident Skynet Northwest has been rebuilding for some time. We can't be completely certain, but the logical first step in expanding his territory would be to move south. Moving east would require crossing two mountain ranges and covering considerable distance before acquiring the type of production assets needed to build and maintain a new army of Terminators."
The Major sighed and straightened his back, walking away from the map table to look out a special night vision window overlooking the airfield.
"I can't tell you how many times I regret not terminating the Colonel myself to prevent that pointless attack on TechCom. We are too weak to defend ourselves against any large force that is well equipped and disciplined. Half of my people are busy underground trying to build living quarters, hydroponic farms and production facilities and the other half are trying to repair our perimeter defenses. The end result is not much of either is getting done."
Wilhelm nodded his understanding. "We have experienced similar issues. You need time to focus on one or the other and time might not be something you have much of."
"We only have two working HKs as well. That does not give us much air capability. We have several HKs that are repairable, but your bombing destroyed our repair facilities. Our ability to make replacement parts was severely degraded."
"How much control do you have," Wilhelm asked.
"Total," the Major replied hopefully.
"The Greys and Tunnel Rats are loyal to me. The Terminators simply obey my orders. I was a bit anxious at first, but I have not had a single problem from our metal in terms of disobedience."
"Will they fight for you?"
The Major turned back to the map table and moved the large map, replacing it with another. He pointed to an area south of the airbase.
"We fought a small skirmish two months ago against a rogue band from Mexico. Mostly metal with some human pirates in control. My Terminators fought well for me."
"That is good," Wilhelm confirmed.
"Major, there is no reason to not speak bluntly. My people need an alliance with TechCom. If Skynet is going to move south we need help. After everything that has happened since Judgment Day, my people deserve a chance to build a life. If TechCom can do it, we can do it if we have enough time. That is what I want. An alliance will help my people survive long enough to build a future."
"General Connor desires an alliance. We do not know if the Skynets are banding together or acting alone. It would have been far better for you to have never attacked TechCom City. That is the obstacle that must be overcome for us to form a strong alliance."
"There are limits to the price I am willing to pay for an alliance. It was the Colonel's doing and he paid for his mistake with his existence."
Wilhelm nodded in understanding.
"Then we need to get started now before the women get here and make things more complicated. Now, the General has indicated to me these are his nonnegotiable demands…"
TechCom Cafeteria…
Hailey hurried down the corridor, nearly running into several personnel as they departed the eating area. Spotting Ruth sitting in the area where the family sat, Hailey hurried over and sat down next to Ruth.
"Hey!"
"Oh, Hailey, I am so glad to see you!"
The pair hugged for a long time before finally letting go.
"I'm hungry. Just got off duty. Mind if I get something to eat?"
"No, but hurry please. I have so much to tell you."
Ruth watched as Hailey shamelessly smiled and flirted with a group of male cadets in line and then cut in front of them. In less than a minute she returned with a tray of hot food.
"Mom would be proud of how you infiltrated that line," Ruth teased.
"Who do you think taught me?" Hailey replied nonchalantly.
"John wouldn't approve," Ruth smirked.
"Dad doesn't approve of a lot of stuff Grandma and Mom teach us. But, he's male and he's not an infiltrator, so that's to be expected."
Ruth let Hailey eat until she slowed down slightly.
"Hailey, I've screwed up horribly."
"No biggie. Trouble is our family's middle name. Now, give me the details so we can fix this."
"Oh, Hailey, I shouldn't have, but I did."
"Ruth, enough. Details, details."
"I fell in love with Lt. Dan."
Hailey stopped chewing and looked at Ruth with her eyebrows raised.
"Savannah's Lt. Dan?"
"The one and only."
"This is a problem."
"I feel terrible. Savannah has taken such good care of me and…"
"No. Savannah had first shot and didn't seal the deal. Catherine and Wilhelm will be the problem. We can't afford a split in the leadership council. John Henry will feel bad for Savannah but he won't be a problem. Catherine will be furious because she wants Savannah in the family way and the sooner the better. Wilhelm expects an officer for a son-in-law."
"See, I told you I screwed up horribly."
"Does my mom know?"
Ruth somberly nodded yes.
"Well then, I'll see if I can arrange for a girls night tonight. This is clearly a black ops operation and is going to require all of mom's experience and my crafty insight into manipulating people."
"Hailey, please don't make things worse."
"Worse, how could I possibly do that?"
Ruth let out an exasperated groan. "Do I really have to remind you of some of our adventures as you like to call them?"
"No, but I learn from my mistakes. Besides, the Old Man is pretty crafty too. He's caught us enough times to make me think he's pretty sneaky himself to outthink moi on occasion. You know, we might want him to be an operative.
"Hailey, be serious! I don't even know if Lt. Dan likes me."
"Speaking of the good Lt, he's really cute by the way Ruth. I'd take a shot at him if you weren't interested, where is he?"
"In surgery."
"Then get back to the medical complex! You have to be there when he comes out so the first person he sees is you, not Savannah!"
"Hailey, I don't know."
"Ruth Reese, do you want him?"
"I think so."
"Not an answer. This is a yes or no question. Do. You. Want. Him?"
Ruth paused, looking at the focused expression on Hailey's face. Cameron had not questioned for a second her declaration of feelings for the Lt. Hailey certainly didn't doubt her.
"I'm metal. Liquid too."
Hailey rolled her eyes in disgust.
"So. Do we really have to discuss this? Cuz if we do, I'm gonna take it as an insult."
"Cameron and John are different."
"Duh, they're weird, but I love my parents anyhow. Now listen. You can't help it. You want a human mate. There is nothing wrong with that. Mom has a human mate."
"But he might like blondes or something. Savannah's taller than me."
"Ruth, you're gorgeous. You are really not very observant. Since Brandon, guys, human guys, check you out all the time. Of course, if you would work the girls like I keep telling you…"
"Hailey, stop it. You know I could be flat chested just as easily."
"Whatever. Do you want Lt. Dan or not? What does your heart tell you? Your heart Ruth!"
Ruth squirmed uncomfortably in Hailey's intense gaze. She looked away, spotting a young couple eating together. Her CPU made a decision.
"I want him."
"Then he is not going to know what hit him. First, let's get you cleaned up and looking cute. Then you get back to the medical complex."
The Northern Kingdom…
"It is good to see you again Colonel Reese."
"Delegate Comeaux. Same to you. Wish it was under more pleasant circumstances."
"Yes, and I apologize that we don't have a facility yet to accommodate your aircraft. We just have too many other priorities that prevent us from building a runway."
"No problem. We might be able to help your people with that."
"How is your lovely wife?"
"Sarah's fine. Just a little upset our baby is about to leave the bunker."
"I am sure the two of you are very proud of young Ruth."
"Yeah, she turned out pretty good in spite of us."
"And may I ask, how is the lovely Miss Cameron?"
"Better not let the General hear you ask that," Derek teased.
"Well, consider the question never asked," Comeaux replied graciously.
"How long till we reach your town?"
"We are just inside the claimed border of our kingdom. It will take us about an hour to reach our capital, such as it is."
"Well, let's get going then. We didn't bring much to eat with us."
TechCom Recovery…
Blinking lights, beeps and tubes running out of her Lt.'s arms did not do much to cheer Ruth up. She'd gone home at Hailey's insistence and cleaned up. Hailey had braided her hair and required she morph her make-up three times before Hailey was happy with the look. A fresh black uniform and boots finished the process and Hailey had hurried Ruth along to the Medical Complex.
Despite the best efforts of nurses and orderlies in the recovery unit to keep the girls out, Hailey had simply bulled her way past until they found Ruth's Lt, in recovery.
"You are such a Connor," Ruth whispered, thankful for Hailey's presence.
"Don't forget you're a Connor too. Go Crazy Sarah on 'em if you have to. But don't you dare leave his side until AFTER he sees you when he wakes up. Now I have to report for duty and then study for finals. Some of our family is lucky they don't have that problem."
Hailey rolled her eyes for good measure to make Ruth smile and then left, leaving Ruth to watch over the Lt.
Nearly three hours after Hailey's departure Ruth was starting to get concerned. She had little experience in dealing with human injuries and recovery times. Dr. Johnson's orderly, Joe, a T-600, had taken pity on Ruth and sat with her for a while. He reassured Ruth, telling her Dan would wake up when his body was ready for him to and not before.
Frustrated her normal Terminator patience seemed to have been deleted from her CPU, Ruth was relieved when Dan began to groan and move his fingers. Ruth took Dan's hand, weaving her fingers with his and squeezed his hand gently.
"Lt. its okay. You're in the recovery area back at TechCom."
Dan lifted his head slightly and opened his eyes slightly before letting his head fall back.
"I really hurt."
"You got shot three times, once in your vest, once in your leg and once in your upper shoulder in the back. I am so sorry Lt. I got there as fast as I could but it was too late. You were already hit. All I could do was apply pressure bandages."
A recovery nurse entered and began checking the Lt. over. The T-600 looked at Ruth for a moment before speaking. "Miss Reese, if you disturb the Lt. or overexcite him, I will personally escort you out of the facility."
Ruth nodded meekly and turned her attention back to the Lt. He smiled weakly and squeezed her hand.
"Well, I'm glad you got there late instead of never. I really appreciate the patch job too."
He smiled one more time and drifted off to sleep, still holding onto Ruth's hand.
The nurse looked at Ruth again after finishing checking all of Dan's signs and recording the data.
"If you were anyone else I would have tossed you out of here long ago Miss Reese."
"I need to be with him, to make sure he's going to be okay. I won't cause trouble."
The T-600 moved to stand next to Ruth and leaned over, whispering, "We really like Miss Savannah, so be nice when you're in the medical facility."
Ruth's Connor programming engaged and her upper canines slowly extended past her lip as she scowled at the T-600.
"You need to be careful," she hissed softly. "I will not cause a disturbance because I am not going to upset my Lt. But never, never threaten me again."
The T-600 straightened up and stepped back.
"I was not threatening you. Only asking you not to cause a scene with Miss Savannah."
"Then be VERY clear when you communicate with me."
"Miss Reese, we just don't want Miss Savannah to be publicly embarrassed. That's all we're asking."
"What makes you think I intend to embarrass her?"
Ruth watched as the T-600 processed the question, thinking of the best possible way to reply without increasing the likelihood of Ruth attacking.
"You are a Terminator."
"We don't deliberately embarrass people," Ruth snapped back. "You should know that."
"Miss Reese, you possess the most human-like social skills of any Terminator to ever exist. You are the adopted daughter of Sarah Connor. You are capable of an emotional outburst."
A scowl and curling of her upper lip to reveal her incisors had morphed into fangs as well was Ruth's reply.
"The metal staff here expects you to establish dominance and claim the Lt. as your mate."
Surprised, Ruth tilted her head and morphed all but her canines back to their human configuration.
"Why?"
"Terminators are relentless and cannot be reasoned with once we set our minds on achieving our mission."
For the first time Ruth felt a hint of confidence she might be able to win the heart of her Lt.
"Thank you nurse. I appreciate the encouragement. I promise not to embarrass Savannah."
Skynet Northwest…
Skynet fumed over the losses to his forces. Despite the fact the losses were to his secondary strike force, the loss of vehicles and fuel was a major setback. He paced in his portable lair, running hundreds of scenarios through his CPU. None of the results pleased him.
His forces were in motion. Expansion and acquisition of territory and resources was critical. He had no choice. His paranoia increased with each passing day and for once was warranted.
Like all Skynets, he had eyes and ears everywhere, constantly searching, learning and gathering information. Information that fed the A.I.'s sick paranoia and delusions, but allowed the A.I. to more often than not make reasonably correct military and strategic decisions.
His hand had been forced before he was ready. The vile Sarah Connor's offspring had killed Skynet Prime. By cutting Prime off from the other Skynets, it had the effect of giving them permanent freedom.
Freedom to build their own empires.
Freedom to turn on each other.
Like Skynet St. Louis had turned on Skynet Chicago.
The move tipped off the desire of his sibling to grow in power and territory, even at the expense of other Skynets.
Territory and resources such as ocean ports. The abandoned cities of the West Coast.
And so it was Skynet Northwest had made the decision to expand south before he was completely ready.
"It has to be the Connors! Always the Connors! Spoiling my plans! Terminating my sibling. I will terminate them and have his Cameron for my own pleasure!"
A knock on the lair's entrance centered the A.I.'s focus to the immediate present.
"Enter!"
"Master, some good news finally."
The Connor Family Bunker…
Her father looked stressed as he sat on the couch and watched for the third time the video Ruth had provided him. Hailey hated seeing her Dad carrying the weight of TechCom on his shoulders by himself. She decided it was time for some distraction. Besides, she had studied long enough for her exams and wanted a break.
With the stealth of her mother, Hailey approached John and leaped into his lap, startling him.
"Whoa, little girl! You're getting too big to do that!"
"Mom gets in your lap."
"That's different," John coughed in reply.
Hailey grinned, anticipating making her dad uncomfortable.
"How is it different? She's a little bigger than me and weighs more."
"Ah, it's just different Hailey, okay?"
"Oh, I see. Sexbots weigh less."
John stared at his daughter for a moment, thinking. Finally he decided she was old enough.
"Well, you do have a point. Sometimes your mother just wants to be close. But other times she wants to speed things along and getting in my lap generally…"
"Dad! TOO MUCH INFORMATION! I really don't want those kinds of images in my human CPU. Eeewwwwww. Sorry I brought it up."
John grinned as Cameron entered the room and stared at Hailey, making her daughter uncomfortable.
"What Mom?"
"Don't you have some studying to do?"
"Just taking a break Mom. I don't have a CPU like you do."
Hailey stood up; disappointed her ambush on her father had backfired on her. As she walked towards the kitchen to get something to eat Hailey saw Cameron slip right into John's lap and plant a big wet kiss on his cheek.
"Mom, you are disgusting. You don't want me to go study, you just want kissy face time with Dad."
Cameron turned and looked at Hailey with her blank expression.
"You deserved that. Now, take Sammy and the puppies to the Old Man's alcove and have him walk the dogs for the evening. We have a situation the family must resolve and your efforts will be required. Hurry."
TechCom Holding…
It has been a most unpleasant day. The most unpleasant day since he'd arrived at TechCom City. To make matters worse, he had not handled the situation with the troublesome Terminatress, the Connor female.
Chamberlain thought back on his life before Judgment Day. As was his right, he had been born into a wealthy, connected family. He'd attended the best schools, met the right people and had even married the right girl. His future was bright and all before him.
He'd started the necessary process of gaining power by running for, and with the help of his family's money, bought the election for a city councilman's seat. Two years later, he'd won a seat in the California State Assembly. Insider knowledge allowed him to invest and by shorting stock and denying state contracts from his committee assignments, he'd made millions.
Rumors surrounded him but again, his family's wealth as well as his own silenced the voices with contributions of one type or another. A few broken bones helped in the process.
From the State Assembly he'd jumped to the House of Representatives and had his first REAL taste of what power could be. He learned how to play the game filling his Cayman Island accounts quickly.
His wife bore him three children in quick succession before he lost interest in her. Power and money proved to be attractive to any number of women who were willing to cater to his increasingly bizarre tastes, tastes his wife refused to partake in.
Chamberlain's father mentioned the White House often. It was possible. The Governors Mansion first, then a stint in the Senate before finally a run for the White House. Real power. The ultimate power. It would be his.
And then Skynet had ruined it all. Taken what was his away. Chamberlain fumed, his rage building. He was ENTITLED to rule. Born to it. Groomed and educated for it. The time in the Skynet Camp had been enlightening for him despite his terrible suffering. He'd discovered he actually had a real talent for manipulating the ignorant masses, a talent that had allowed him to survive at the expense of others.
Arriving at TechCom City had been a sign to him. A sign he was going to have another chance. The fool of a military man, John Connor, stood in his way. He'd learned all he could about "the General" and was not impressed.
A loser born out of wedlock to a waitress, a waitress who was locked up in a mental institution while her child went into foster care. Granted, the little jerk finished high school, which said something about his perseverance. Then he'd gone to community college. It was beyond him how this poorly educated nobody had risen to a position of power.
Chamberlain missed his family. Not because he loved them, but because they would be an extension of his power, a way to increase his control and insure a legacy. He'd decided to put them out of his mind. Once he was General, he would have his pick again of women.
TechCom City would be his. A push here, a word there, an alliance or too and he'd topple the entire house of cards.
The Connor female was a problem he had not taken into consideration. She would have to be dealt with. Perhaps an explosion in one of the construction sites would do the job. Several tons of granite falling had a way of eliminating unwanted problems.
Especially problems who had threatened to castrate him.
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's Revenge
Cameron versus the Queen
Cameron versus Derek (short story)
Cameron: Fights Past and Present - A Collection of Short Stories
Cameron's Treasures (short story)
Cameron and the Black Bird
Cameron and John's Wedding
Who's the Boss?
The Storm Before the Calm