Ch 41

Today Kouta was expecting his crutches and the clearance from the doctor so he could go home. The break wasn't a bad as the doctor first thought. Instead of being crushed, his lower leg bone was broke, but only a simple snap. It was nine in the morning, he should be out of here by eleven. He then sot a surprise.

Kaede rushed in, looking distressed, and sat by him. Gripping his shoulders, she said in a run, "Kouta, I'm sooo sorry! Never again, I swear! No more of these jobs. Ever! I do have to go to Sarah's trial, but that's it! I ain't leavin home again."

Kouta cast her a gentle smile and pulled her close. Petting her hair, he said, "I'm OK, it's just a broken leg. I'm going home today."

Pulling back, she took on an intense tone. "It's not OK! I was off some place else and ya got hurt. I wasn't here for ya! That's not OK."

Petting her face, he gently said, "Things happen. If you're going to be home an not out risking yourself, that makes me happy. I just had a stupid accident."

"I shoulda been here," Kaede stated.

He kissed her and got a big kiss in return. After the kiss, Kaede looked at him sheepishly. "I didn git married ta keep runnin off. I wanna be home wit me family. With you."

Kouta smiled. "That will make me happy, others will be glad to hear that too." His smile dimmed some. "Have you thought about this? Will it make you happy?"

"It will," Kaede said firmly. Tapping her fingers together, she said, "I took this job so we could have our home. Lately, it seems like It's beginnin ta break us apart. That's the last thing I want. I doan wanna lose you."

"Good, I don't wanna lose you either. Does this mean you can give me a ride home?"

Kaede nodded vigorously. "Aye, an plan on being waited on. Cameron's headed home, but she'll be back ta take us home."

Kouta frowned. "In that little Cortina?"

"Nay, Lad. I got a Jaguar," Kaede said with an impish grin. "An in a few months, we kin go sailin if ya want."

"Sailing? You got a boat?"

"If ya wanna call it that. Fitzcarin gave me an old sailboat so we could get back from Europe. What pain that was gittin across the channel!"

Kouta grinned. "Working the sails was hard?"

"It doan have any. Mast was gone too, and right after we left land, the motor died …"

Kaede enjoyed telling her husband about their trip back, and he enjoyed listening.

.

Cameron, came and retrieved Kaede and Kouta from the hospital, then took John, Nana and Jeff to Inverness to retrieve the Cortina. Jeff and Nana drove the Cortina back.

Kaede had gone straight to the hospital upon arriving. Upon getting home, Kaede helped Kouta as much as he would allow. That was until the family met them at the door.

Duncan wanted to find out about this boat Kaede got from Fitzcarin. When Kaede told him about it, he kept wincing. "Kaede, the closest place ya kin tie that boat up is Loch Eil. Loch Shiel doan have an ocean access fer boats."

"Right now, it's in Brightsea. That's where Firtzcarin said was the best place ta park it."

Duncan's eyebrows raised. "Brightsea? Kaede! That's about the most expensive place in all of England! They charge docking fees by the foot per day. How big's this boat?"

"Forty feet'er so'"

"Ya gotta git that boat outta there now!"

Kaede gaped at him. "But … they're gonna put it in drydock ta fix it. It's not in good shape, Dad."

Duncan rubbed his face and said, "Lass, ya done got a big hole in the water yer gonna be pourin money inta. Ya plan on using this money pit?"

Kaede looked at him, then Kouta. "Well I gotta go fer Sarah Connor's trial. We kin sail there, can't we?"

"Ya better find out how long it's gonna take at fix that boat," Duncan said firmly. "What's it need again?"

"A mast, sails, all the lines, the inside is waterlogged, paint, a motor, maybe more stuff," Kaede said meekly.

Duncan let out a huff. "If ya git outta it spending less than a half million pounds, I'll be surprised."

"But, we kin go sailing, right?" Mayu asked.

Kouta chuckled. "For what Kaede's spending, we'll be going sailing all right."

"Ya got a skiff?" Duncan asked.

"A what?"

"Skiff, a small boat so ya kin anchor yer boat in the water an not have at pay docking fees," Duncan explained.

"Didn see one."

"Where is this trial gonna be held?" Inari asked.

"Los Angeles. I got a date of 15 December."

Duncan shook his head. "Never make it. For what yer telling me, that boat will be in drydock fer at least two if not three months. It'll take a five weeks to cross the Atlantic, then ye'll have to go through the Panama canal, and up the west coast which'll take another three weeks. That's providing the weather's good. Not to mention ye'll have ta learn how ta sail. I'll fly ya there."

"Can we see the boat?" Mayu asked.

"Ain't much ta look at right now," Kaede told her.

"Oh. Well, when it's done can we git a picture?"

"When it's done, we'll go see it," Kouta told her.

.

Kaede was having a nice time at home. Kouta was enjoying Kaede being home also. They decided that they were going to invest more in Duncan's enterprises. Richie and Roberta were doing well with Roberta's investigative services and the sheep farm.

The boatyard send Kaede a folder containing the latest estimates of the work being done. New hull boards to replace the holed ones, The mast sail and rigging, and the new 100 HP motor and generator were all ordered ad the interior cleaning was being done. So far, the bill was going to be 98,430 pounds.

Mid October, Angus died. The funeral was huge affair, Kaede and Inari helped Rachel and some local lasses set up tents at the church and grave site, and get the inn set up for the wake afterwards. On one wall, all of Angus's accomplishments were displayed, with photos of him. His time in the Royal army and his medals were displayed. It was a solemn time and Kaede was sure most of Glen Finnen showed up to pay their final respects to Angus.

Jeff became a diesel mechanic, and part of his business was servicing Kouta's fleet of six trucks. His dream was to build a house for Nana and Mayu, so he lived at home, or up in the castle an saved his money. Nana and Mayu also saved all they could to help Jeff with his dream. Stone block cemented together was still an approved building material. Kaede helped Nana cut stone at the quarry to make blocks to build Jeff's house when he was ready to begin.

Mr. Smith did contact Kaede the last week of October. Cutting stone blocks with Nana at the quarry, Kaede answered her phone.

"Kaede."

"Mr. Smith here. Your last mission was a rousing success. Kaliba is gone. The leaders are dead and so is their tech and their technicians. They were found drowned in their ruined basement servers. The Polish aren't happy, but you can't have everything. There are some elements left, but with no leaders or funding, we don't expect them to last very long. I sent your final payment of fifty two thousand pounds to your account. I would ask if we can call on you on a case by case basis if there is a problem we cannot otherwise handle."

"I'd have ta think hard bout that," Kaede replied. "We're kinda busy now, I doan see anythin possible much fore spring time. Got alota family work ta do."

"Understood. I do say you have done much for us and the world. Enjoy your family time."

"Will do."

Kaede noted Nana had set another block down on the growing stack. She put her phone away and went over to the ten foot cube of stacked blocks. "Think ya got enough?" she asked.

Nana frowned. "Seems like it, but we doan know how big Jeff's gonna make our house, or where. We're still just talkin bout it."

"Maybe ya should start plannin it," Kaede offered. "Things like how many rooms yer gonna need, single floor er double, where ya wanna live."

"We know where," Nana said any pointed off towards the valley. "There's a nice spot on the hillside towards town. It's pretty and downwind most of the time, and it's only a couple kilometers from town. Easy ta git ta the main road coming up here too."

"Sounds nice. Ya gotta show it ta us sometime here."

"Nana and Jeff will!" Nana beamed.

"Mayu gonna live wit ya too?" Kaede asked.

Nana nodded. In a serious tone, she said, "Aye. Mom, Mayu needs us. We've been tryin, and Mayu's getting a little better bout bein round boys, but, she really wants ta just stay wit family. Jeff understands."

"Aye," Kaede agreed sadly. She was hoping Mayu would eventually want a family of her own. "Ya know, only one of ya kin marry Jeff."

"We know, an I'm marryin Jeff. Mayu's ok wit it so long as she kin stay wit us."

Kaede cast Nana a tiny smile. "Yer a good sister to'er, Nana. Just doan ruin yer life wit Jeff."

"Doan worry, Mom, we kin handle it."

.

Towards the end of November, Kaede got a call from the boatyard in Brightsea. They wanted to know what colors to paint the boat in, and the name to put on the boat. Kaede wasn't sure, she they were going to send her paint schemes to look at to give her an idea what she'd like.

When the package came, it became a family affair on choosing what colors to paint the boat in. With help from everyone, Kaede decided on a light blue hull with dark blue trim. The name of the boat was also kicked around, and Duncan chuckled at what the general consensus was for the name. The Sea Witch.

At this point, Kaede had sunk 101,560 pounds into this boat. She was really hoping it was worth it.

Duncan had his flight plans registered, they were leaving on the tenth. Duncan and Amanda were going to fly. On this trip, Kouta and Kaene were coming with Kaede. Nana and Mayu wanted to come along also. Cameron was to bring the terminator pieces, which filled Duncan's plane. Duncan was also itching to get a look at The Sea Witch, so he planned a day layover in Colchester to drive down to Brightsea.

This was a new experience for Duncan, flying with a plane full of people. Leaving Glen Finnen was interesting. He had to use the whole shorter runway to take off. At Colchester, they took an airport minibus down to the Yacht club, to return the next morning to pick them up. Splitting the rooms for couples, Kouta and Kaede, Ducan and Inari got rooms together. Cameron Nana and Mayu got a room. Once they got settled in their rooms, they met in the lobby to go see The Sea Witch. Kaede was hoping that is was looking better than when she last saw it.

Greg Davidson, manager of the Yacht club Boat Repair met them and took them over to a row of large buildings.

"Mom, yer boat's inside?" Nana asked.

Greg cast her a grin. "It is, and nearly ready for the water. Wait till you see it."

He led them into one of the buildings and climbed up a flight of stairs. "It's been a challenge, but I think we did all right with it."

Up on a catwalk that was level with a sailboat's deck, Greg asked Kaede, "So, what do you think?"

Kaede looked at the boat he motioned to. It was beautiful. The brass fittings seemed to glow, the railings were bright silver and the mast was tall with a radar dish on top by the mast light. "It's perfect," Kaede said. "But, where's my boat?"

"This is your boat," Greg said with a wide grin.

"Mom, it's HUGE!" Mayu cried.

Greg motioned to the front. "With the bow mast back in place, The Sea Witch is 46 feet long, sixteen foot beam at the widest point. Instead of the 50 horsepower gas engine it had, we put a 100 horsepower diesel in. It's better on fuel usage and shock mounted to keep the vibrations down. The engine room is insulated and the screw is more efficient that your old one. Come on board."

"I can't believe it's the same boat," Kaede said as she gazed at it.

"It is, it just needed some TLC," Greg assured her. "And the days of heeling over thirty five, forty degrees are done also!" he announced. "The keel has the new leveling system that helps the boat stay upright in crosswinds. It's lighter than a lead keel, and drafts shallower. Instead of a fifteen foot draft, The Sea Witch only will draft nine feet giving you access to shallower ports."

"Wow," Mayu said vacantly as she took in the size of this boat.

Going down inside the cabin, Greg slowed them the kitchen, laundry bay, bathroom, six bunks, three to a side with storage under and overhead, a spare hammock above each bunk and curtains for each bunk, and the forward storage area. Standing in front of the hatch to the forward storage area, Greg turned to them and asked, "So what do you think?"

"I think you performed a miracle," Kaede told him. Everything looked new, and there wasn't a hint of the musty smell it had before.

"Can we go sailing?" Nana asked hopefully.

"This is rather nice," Inari said. "Much better than the wreck Kaede described."

"You have done a good job on it," Duncan agreed. "Kin we see the helm?"

Greg took them back topside to the helm and showed them the new controls. Besides speed through the water, there was relative and actual wind speed and direction indicators, a compass and GPS position indicators. A monitor screen showed engine speed, fuel and fresh water levels, and the leveling keel angle indicator.

To Kaede, Greg said, "We're totaling up the bill. It's tad over a hundred thousand, but not by too much. We planned to store it inside until spring, the first of April it's scheduled to be waterborne. Unless you have other ideas."

Kaede nodded. "That's fine. We need to learn how to sail, spring time will be good."

"I'll get you a training book and a nautical rules of the road," Greg said. "We also have instructors to help guide you. It makes for a more pleasant experience."

"Got a question," Duncan asked, " What's the docking fee here?"

"For members, it's twenty pounds a month up to thirty feet. Twenty five up to fifty feet, which what The Sea Witch is classified. Members also have their dedicated berths. Non members, it's fifty pounds and a hundred. For the larger craft that come in, we have a fixed rate of twenty pounds per ten feet."

"That's actually not that bad for members then," Duncan noted.

"That's why the berths are usually filled up," Greg said. "Members also get reduced rates on their rooms an other services. By having your boat rebuild here, You can get your a membership with the rebuild."

"That does sound like a good idea," Kaede said.

"Let me talk to the harbor master, I'm sure I can get you a berth," Greg offered.

Duncan saw Kaede look at him. He shrugged. "Your call. Here, you'll have support that ya won't have up in Loch Eil."

Kaede and her family spent much of the day exploring on The Sea Witch. Nana and Mayu were eager to go for a ride.

The day of checking out their new boat went fast. After seeing the boat, the family went down to see the boats in the harbor. Nana, Mayu and Inari too, thought Kaede had the prettiest boat there was. That night, Nana and Mayu dreamed of sailing on their boat.

.

In the courtroom, Sarah in her prison garb sat at the defense table with her lawyers Douglas and Douglas. On the other side of the room three prosecutors sat. Bailiffs were watching as the jury came in and sat in their box. In the common seating behind the prosecution and defense teams, people sat to watch. Some bore note pads, others had cameras. Other came just to see what happened.

"All rise for Judge Harold T. Stone," the tall, bald bailiff announced. Everyone stood up. The Judge came in and sat behind his bench announcing, "Be seated. Bull, what do we have today?"

The tall, bald guard brought over some paperwork and said, "Your Honor, Case 563889B, the People versus Sarah Connor. Sarah Connor is suspected to be mentally ill, and a terrorist involved in at least three bombings and one murder. The specific charges are illegal possession and use of explosives, illegal possession of firearms, escape from a mental institution, robbery, murder, terroristic activities, kidnapping, resisting arrest, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, and arson."

Judge Harry looked at paperwork, then glanced up at Sarah. "Sarah Connor, you are aware of these charges?"

Mr. Douglas stood up. "My client is, Your Honor."

"And how does she plead?"

Mr. Douglas stated, "On the charges of murder, kidnapping, escape, being mentally incompetent, and performing terrorist activities, Innocent. On the charges of possession of explosives and firearms, no contest, Your Honor."

"No contest? You mean guilty?"

"No, Your Honor. No contest in she did have these items, but under extreme circumstances that are normally not covered by the law, Sir."

Looking over the top of his glasses, Judge Stone said, "Defendant Pleas are noted. The Jury has been sworn in. I want to remind the Jury that only the evidence presented here in the case are to be considered. As each side presents it's case, if you have any questions or doubts about any facts or information, the Jury foreman is to let it be known so the question will be answered. I will also remind you that innocence is assumed until guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is a question whether someone is guilty or not, then that is reasonable doubt. It is your job to determine if the defendant is guilty. Miss foreman, are you ready to proceed?"

A black woman stood up in the box. "Yes, your Honor."

Judge Stone looked down at his bench then asked, "Has all evidence from both sides been submitted to the court and each side has had access to all the evidence?"

The prosecutor stood up. "Your honor, the defense has stated they have what they call a 'terminator' for evidence, but we have yet to have access to it."

Mr. Douglas stood up. "Your honor, the terminator in question is on it's way from Europe. It will be here as soon as possible. We have stated that. The police target range has been reserved for demonstration purposes for the Jury. With the terminator, Dame Kaede Kikumura, one of our witnesses, will also be arriving."

"Your Honor," the prosecutor said, "We have Dame Kaede Kikumura listed as one of our witnesses. She cannot be a witness for us and the defense team."

"We are here to find the truth, are we not?" Judge Stone asked. "I agree that Dame Kaede Kikumura is an important witness, and either side is able to call her to the stand for questioning or clarification. I will also remind the prosecution and the defense that Dame Kaede Kikumura has been Knighted by Queen Elizabeth, making her a noble person. As well as being a citizen of the British empire she is also an American citizen an retains all of her rights as such."

Judge Stone then said, "Mr. Prosecutor, you may present your opening statements."

The prosecutor got up and faced the jury. "Sarah Connor has a long violent history. To our knowledge, her criminal lifestyle began in her early twenties when she blew up a tech company. Upon capture, she told this outrageous tale of things from the future coming back to kill her so she could not have her son. Since this thing failed, it was now going to kill her son and blow up the world in a nuclear Armageddon. Knowing Sarah Connor was dangerous, and frankly out of her mind with these fantasies, she was committed to Prescardo stated hospital and listed as criminally insane."

Going over to his desk, the prosecutor held up a thick pack up papers. "Since then, Sarah Connor escaped custody and attacked another tech Company to blow it up and this time she murdered someone. When she was caught, her vehicle was full of guns and explosives. This tells me and any reasonable person that she was going to do it again. All this time, this poor woman truly believes machines are out to destroy humanity. Let me be clear, I do not hold animosity towards Sarah Connor, but pity. For her own good, and the safety of everyone, she needs to be put away under heavy guard in a maximum security prison to ensure she does not escape again. We will show you specifically the crimes she has committed in the name of her deluded fantasies, so you will know without a doubt, that Sarah Connor needs to be put away."

Judge Stone watched the prosecutor sit down. "The defense will now present their opening statement."

The older Mr. Douglas stood up and slowly paced back and forth in front of the Jury. "Mr. Prosecutor is partially correct, but there are items he has failed to mention. Imagine, if you will, you are being chased by, let's say a gang. You know they want to torture and kill you. You know they are after you. You go and tell the cops, like you should do and they say you are crazy, there is no gang. They refuses to help you and threaten to put you away if you keep to your story of insisting this phantom gang exits! What do you do now? If you do nothing, this gang will come and kill you and any children you have. You are doomed unless you can stop them."

Douglas pointed over to Sarah and said, "That is exactly what happened to Sarah. Her husband, Kyle, died when the first terminator came to kill her. He saved her from death, but was himself murdered when he destroyed that terminator. Sarah sought justice with the law. She tried to tell everyone what was going on. She feared for herself and all of us. Instead of admitting there was something going on no one else knew about, or was able to conceive, she was put in an insane asylum." Holding up a finger, he added, "NOT committed, just stuffed away with no due process, no chance to defend herself. Unless we're turning into Stalin's Russia here, Sarah has had her rights horrendously violated. We will prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt that from the beginning, Sarah was doing what she could to warn everyone while trying to fight these things herself. Terminators do exist, this Sky Net is being made by a company. Or was until just recently." Motioning to the courtroom in general he got louder as he said, "Ask yourselves why, if Sarah has already been committed, why are we having a trail now? The answer is, she never WAS committed. Never in her whole life, ha she had her day in court as is guaranteed to every citizen by our Constitution that certain authorities have ignored!"

Calming himself, he added, "Now Sarah Connor will have her day in court and we will explain her seemingly 'terrorist' activities as the prosecution calls them. It will be up to you to decide if Sarah Connor is a criminal, or is a hero who has fought for us all against not only an enemy more dangerous than Hitler in World War two, but also had no help whatsoever from the very ones she has been trying to save, as well has having to hide from everyone."

The Jury mumbled quietly as Mr. Douglas went back to the defense table and sat down.

Judge Stone nodded to the Prosecutor and said, "Mr. Prosecutor, present your case."

The Prosecutor brought a box over to a small table in front of the Bench. He pulled out a document. "Exibit 'A', the interview with Sarah Connor after she was arrested. In this she states her reason for blowing up Dynatech. As my first witness, I call Officer Carl Perkins to the stand."

The police officer called came up, swore in and took his seat on the witness stand.

"Officer Perkins, you were Sarah Connor's arresting Officer the night Dynatech was bombed. Tell me about what you experienced from Sarah Connor that night."

Perkins said. "She was going on about killing machines and this computer thing that was going to destroy the world. I got her in the car and calmed down enough to let her tell me that she did blow that place up. She said it was going to make a machine that would cause a nuclear war."

"Did that seem believable to you?"

Perkins snorted. "Not in the slightest. I went along with her to get her out of there and took her to the station for questioning and have a doc look at her. From what she was saying, I was sure drugs were involved."

"Were any drugs found in her system?"

"None, she was clean."

"So what was her claims attributed to?" The prosecutor asked.

"The on duty psychiatrist at Prescardo was called in. He talked to her. When he was done, he did what they call a '302', he stated Sarah Connor was a danger to herself and others. He took her away to his hospital."

"Thank you Officer." The prosecutor said.

"Does the defense wish to cross-examine?"

"I do, your Honor!" Mr. Douglas announced. Going over to the witness stand he said, "Officer, did you read Sarah Connor her rights?"

"She just started telling me all that crap. It's called spontaneous confession..."

"That is not what I asked," Douglas said. "Did you read Sarah her rights?"

The Officer fidigeted. "I don't remember," he said weakly.

"You said Sarah began telling you things, what was her mood, Officer?"

"Like she was scared to death of something. Very fidgity and spontaneous in blurting things out. That's why I thought she was on something."

"You did find out Sarah was not under the influence of drugs, so you attributed her behavior to being metally ill?" Douglas asked.

"No, I didn't know why she was acting like that except she was obviously afraid. The Doc said she was mental and took her away."

Douglas nodded. "Thank you Officer. Your honor, I am done with this witness for now."

Next, the prosecutor brought up the chaos during Sarah's escape from Prescardo. Three men dead, and another four injured. He showed the report as exibit 'B'.

Douglas asked, "Your Honor, there are recovered security tapes that have to do with that report. They show that Sarah Connor was being shot at by an unknown man who had broken in. I would like those submitted as exibit 'B-two'."

Judge Stone asked, "Where did these tapes come from?"

"From the Prescado security center. Dame Kaede collected them for Jury review, Your Honor."

"Your Honor, I object on two counts," the Prosecutor said. "One, the defense will have their turn to submit any evidence they have. Two, we knew nothing of these tapes before the trial began."

"That is not true!" Douglas announced. "In the list of evidence items my Office sent to you a month ago, those tapes are listed as evidence. Your Honor, you have a copy of that list I presented at the beginning of this case."

Judge Stone looked at the lists on his desk. "Yes, here it is, and three Prescardo security tapes are on the list." He looked at the prosecutor. "Objections over ruled. Myself and I am sure the Jury will want to see what is on those tapes."

Douglas announced, "Let the records show the Prosecution tried to halt the introduction of defensive evidence..."

"I OBJECT!" the Prosecutor all but screamed.

Judge Stone banged his gavel. "Order in the court! Both of you, sit down! This is a court of law, not a schoolyard argument. The tapes are submitted as evidence. Prosecution, get on with your case."

The prosecutor brought up Sarah blowing up Cyberdyne and the murder of Miles Dyson. Douglas quickly jumped in with an objection, Sarah Connor was never charged with either crime. At best, those were accusations. His objection was sustained. The prosecutor had to admit blowing up Cyberdyne and murdering Miles Dyson were mere suspicions.

The prosecution next submitted lobby photos of the bank that had blown up, that showed Sarah, John and Cameron coming in wielding guns.

Getting to Sarah's flight from her house, the prosecution showed photos of the inside of Sarah's car, and the guns and blocks of explosives and flares she had collected.

By the time the prosecution was winding down their evidence, Judge Stone noted the time. He called a recess until 9 AM tomorrow.

.

Sarah was escorted back to her cell by Mr. Douglas and the tall bailiff. The Bailiff opened the cell door for her. "Ah Mrs. Connor, when you're ready, I can take you to dinner."

Sarah cast him a brief smile. "It's actually miss. I was never properly married."

"Oh, right, Miss Connor," he said, correcting himself. "I'll be nearby, so just give a holler."

Douglas waited until the door was shut, then said, "I've got a good feeling about this," he told Sarah. "Did you see the juror's faces when I mentioned being able to produce a terminator to prove what you said was real?"

Sarah let out a sigh. "So what terminator are you going to present to them that won't kill everyone in the room?" she asked.

"Cameron is coming with Dame Kaede. Don't worry about John being alone. Kaede assured me her people are keeping a close eye on him in an undisclosed location. Even if someone does find out where he is, they have zero chance of getting to him. He's living with Kaede's mother and her daughter. They are just like Kaede. It would take a suicidal fool to get within a half mile of John."

Regarding him, Sarah asked, "I was expecting a common public defender. I have to wonder, why are you putting so much effort into defending me?"

Douglas smiled and said, "It's my job. Dame Kaede is paying me well to ensure justice is done for you. Besides the professional pride of winning my case, I also do not want to disappoint Dame Kaede. I have heard that is a very bad idea. I will see you 8AM tomorrow. Have a good night, Sarah."

Sarah sat down on the cot. At least the cells here were semi-private in that they had solid walls and the cell door was offset from the shielded toilet and sink. She was thinking about calling the Bailiff to take her to dinner when he showed up outside her cell door. "Miss Connor? Are you ready for dinner?"

Sarah got up. "Sure."

He opened the door and motioned her out. "No cuffs?" she asked.

"Naw, no need. Besides all the doors are locked, Harry's sure if you get any jail time, it won't be too long. You'd be real dumb trying and escape," he said confidently.

"Harry?" she asked, eyeing him.

"You know, Judge Stone. We see lots of cases, and besides reckless driving and resisting arrest, there's not much they have solid on you."

Sarah paused then asked, "Are you suppose to be telling me this?" she asked.

"It doesn't matter, We could be wrong, but I don't think so. Harry's pretty smart." He then motioned to a door. "Right down here, trays are on the left when you go in."

Sarah went into what looked like a small cafeteria with a normal serving line. The Bailiff had Sarah go first and got in line behind her.

One of the servers, an oriental woman looked over at them. "Bull! You let her out of her cell with no handcuffs?"

"She's Ok, Mrs. Chin," the Bailiff replied. "Miss Connor isn't going anywhere, and it's hard to eat with handcuffs on."

Sarah got some food and sat at a table with Bull the Bailiff.

While they were eating, the Judge came though to get a drink. He stopped by their table and asked, "Bull? Why doesn't Miss Connor have any handcuffs on?"

Bull looked at him. "Oh, Hi Harry. Don't worry, I'm watching her," he said confidently.

"You have to go by procedure Bull. We've talked about this." Harry said firmly.

"But Harry ..."

"No buts, Bull. She had to wear handcuffs when she'd out of her cell unless she is in court," Harry stated.

Bull winced. "OH, OK. Can she finish her salad first?"

Harry cast Bull a blank look. Bull let out a huff and pulled a set of handcuffs out. Harry went on his way.

Sarah put her fork down and held her wrists up. "Bull, thank you," she told him.

Bull shrugged and clamped both cuffs onto her right wrist. Sarah cast him a smirk. "I don't think this is how they work."

Bull waved at her wrist and said, "Harry said you had to wear them. He never said how." He went back to eating.

Sarah suppressed her smirk. She kept her hands low and together, hoping no one would noticed she wasn't truly handcuffed.

After dinner, Bull took her back to her cell. Not long after she was in, Bull came back. "Sarah Connor, you have a phone call."

She got up to be let out and Bull handed her a cell phone. He shrugged and said, "Your personal items box was ringing, so I answered it."

Sarah took the phone. She heard the security code and replied.

"John?" she asked.

"Mom! Are you OK? Where are you?"

"County Courthouse," Sarah told her son. "Did Kaede find you? Are you safe?"

John chuckled, "Yeah, Mom. You should see this place! I mean some things are pretty strange but one thing's for sure, no one's going to find us! I heard you're going to trial?"

"Yes, John, the trial has started. Where are you?"

"Sorry, Mom, I can't say. Inari, Kaede's mom, is a nice lady but she said not to say, and I don't want to do anything to get her angry." he then chuckled and added, "She and Nana are like Kaede, so is Kaene, Kaede's young daughter. Duncan, that's Kaede's dad is a pretty cool guy..."

Sarah listened as John told her about the family then his and Cameron's bedroom that had a big bed a fireplace and their own stuffed chairs. That was when she interrupted.

"Hold on, your AND Cameron's bedroom?" she asked in a stern tone. "John what are you doing with Tin Miss?"

"Nothing Mom, Cameron's not here, she went with Kaede..."

"Don't tell me nothing! WHY are you sleeping with Tin Miss?" Sarah cried. "John, you can't do that!"

John firmly said, "There was only one bedroom available, so we share the room."

"Cameron doesn't need a bedroom, John. STOP sleeping with her!"

"Mom! Cameron has changed. She doesn't have that chip any more..."

"She's still a terminator, John. Have you forgotten that?" Sarah cried.

There was a pause, then John said, "I'm glad you're Ok, Mom. I'll talk to you later." *click*

"Arghhh!" Sarah growled and closed up her phone. Seeing Bull watching her, she handed him the phone back. "Thank you."

"I take it your son has a girlfriend?" he asked.

"She's not a girl," Sarah grumbled at him. "She's a friggin machine made to kill people. She's seducing my son while I'm stuck in here!"

Bull winced. "You mean like an animated mannequin?" he asked.

"Too damn animated," Sarah growled. Looking at Bull, she flung an arm and said, "She's supposed to protect John. That's it! But lately it seems she is turning into a sexbot! Yes, she's pretty on the outside, but inside she's all metal, wire and circuit boards. She can't love, or have real emotions and she sure as hell can't have kids, And John should know better!" she raged.

"Hmm," Bull hummed and thought for a moment. "You know, I did see this movie about a mannequin coming to life..."

"This is real, Bull, and she's after MY SON!" Sarah cried.

"Wow," Bull said, seeing Sarah's anger. He offered, "Well, you can't do anything about it right now, so try to calm down and get some sleep, OK? We have a full day of court tomorrow, and that can be tiring, even if you're just watching. I know."

Although Sarah was not pleased that John was getting cuddly with Tin Miss, and she had to spend time in jail, somehow, the big sweet ox that was the Bailiff made it seem a little more tolerable.

.

The next day, the prosecution went over the '302' form to show that it was the doctor's discretion to determine if a person was mentally unstable, and it was under his authority to retain and give the person treatment as necessary. To reinforce the case that Sarah was a danger to society, the prosecutor showed the video capture of Sarah, John and Cameron going into the bank with guns. The prosecutor used this as proof they were there to rob.

Mr. Douglas came back with the '302' is a contingent on an evaluation, followed by a trial, which was never done. He also stated that in that bank, Sarah and the ones with her made the teller lock them in the bank vault. The video showed that. Locked inside a steel vault, it's not possible to rob the bank. They were trying to hide in something strong enough to keep the terminator chasing them out.

The prosecutor asked the Judge, "Your honor, the defense is using these things called 'terminators' as an excuse the for defendant's actions. The state needs proof whether or not terminators exist outside of Sarah Connor's fantasies!"

Judge Stone looked at Mr. Douglas. "The court agrees with the prosecution. Defense, you have listed here a terminator as an exhibit for the defense. I need you to produce your exhibit."

Mr. Douglas replied, "Your Honor, the terminator is coming with Dame Kaede Kikumura. They are on their way and should be here by tomorrow."

"Very well," Judge Stone said. "Court is adjourned until this terminator and Dame Kaede arrive and are present." He banged his gavel.

.

Of all the jails Sarah had been in, this one wasn't that bad. She even got a call from John to let her know he was doing all right. It also pleased her that Cameron seemed to be hanging around Kaede and not John. They had been gone for a while, and now they had left again to come here. Sarah played card games with Bull to pass the time. Since she couldn't have cards in her cell, Bull opened the cell door and put a table in front of it. He sat outside the cell, Sarah sat inside.

For how much Bull was trying to make things easier on Sarah, and the progress her lawyer was making, she didn't even think about trying to escape.

.

Duncan had landed outside LA and got them hotel rooms on the outskirts of the City. Talking to Mr. Douglass, Kaede waited to arrive at the courthouse when he told her to. Due to the 'terminator' pieces being trial exhibits, Kaede and Cameron took them to the courthouse to be submitted as evidence and locked in a cell.

Arriving, two officers escorted them down to the holding areas. Mr. Douglass was there with the prosecutor. To see the items brought in.

Unloading their bags, Kaede and Cameron pulled the body chunks out to lay them in a line on the bench of the closed in cell.

"What's this!" the prosecutor cried. "The brought in pieces of a dead body!"

Cameron looked at him and lifted a lower leg up to him. She tapped the steel knee joint. "This is a terminator. Humans are not metal on the inside."

The man stared at it, then looked a the other pieces that had steel and wire hanging out of them. "You expect me to believe this is real?" he asked.

"Why not? I am real," Cameron said, then made her eyes glow red.

"Cameron is one also," Kaede stated. "This other one is one we disassembled so the jury can see inside it."

"Court starts at ten, we need to get up there," Mr. Douglass told them.

Leaving two officers on guard at the locked cell, they headed up to the courtroom.

Going in, Kaede and Cameron sat behind the railing of the court area with the reporters and observers. Sarah and her lawyers came in as the prosecution assembled, then the jury arrived. Finally, all rose as Judge Stone came in.

"Be seated," Judge Stone announced. Looking over the courtroom, he focused on Kaede briefly. "Prosecution, defense, are you ready to proceed?"

"We are, your honor." the Prosecutor said.

Harry motioned with his hand. "I will now see this terminator exhibit."

Cameron got up and walked up to the bench. Mr. Douglass and the prosecutor bracketed her.

"Who's this?" Judge Stone asked.

Cameron stated, "I am TOK 715, a terminator made by Cyberdyne industries in the year 2026. I came back in time to protect John Connor from hostile terminators. I have a sentient human style brain and can duplicate human beings in nearly any environment. I am stronger and faster than any human, and my interior is reinforced with armor plating, making me much more durable than any human."

Frowning at her, Harry asked, "You serious?"

"Yes. The terminator I deconstructed is in holding, under guard. It has been disassembled for inspection," Cameron stated.

"Your honor, I have secured an airport X ray machine to show the Jury Cameron's internal structure." Mr. Douglass said.

"Please, proceed."

Bull helped a pair of techs roll the X-ray machine out into the courtroom. It was plugged in and turned on. Cameron walked over beside it. Mr. Douglass nodded to her. Cameron stepped in and faced the jury.

Gasps sounded. Cameron skeletal structure, her servos and actuators were all in view.

Mr. Douglass pointed to Cameron in the machine. "HERE is proof that everything Sarah Connor claimed, is true! Down in holding, there is another one where you can see if you wish. That one is broken into parts, torso, head, arms, legs. Be advised, since these machines are made to duplicate humans, there is a very realistic type of blood they leak out when taken apart. Cameron, you can step out now."

Cameron stepped out of the machine and looked at Judge Stone.

The Judge scratched his head. "I'm not sure how Cameron can be taken into evidence. I've never had a walking exhibit before."

"Your honor, you can see that Cameron is not human," Mr. Douglass coaxed.

Frowning, Judge Stone said, "Bull, give her the next exhibit tag to put in her pocket. Cameron can return to her seat."

Bull got a tag and gave it to Cameron. "Ahh, here, Just make sure we can see it. You have to stay in the courtroom while court is in session."

"Thank you," Cameron said and stuck the tag in her shirt pocket. "I will remain for the time you require me to be here." She then went and sat back down.

It was obvious everyone was stunned by Cameron's appearance. The prosecution gathered at their table and talked in hushed voices.

Judge Stone asked, "Prosecution, do you have any further evidence or witnesses to call?"

"Yes, your honor. We call Dame Kaede Kikumura to the stand."

Kaede got up, got sworn in and took her place in the witness box.

The prosecutor came over. "Dame Kikumura, can you identify Sarah Connor?"

"Yes, she is there at the defense table."

"Tell me about the day Sarah fled from her home in with her vehicle loaded with guns and explosives."

"I will tell you what I know," Kaede replied. "I came lookin for signs of the thing I was searching fer. While doin that, I learned a little girl was in trouble. Someone shot her home school teacher and was lookin fer her. I arrived at find a man with a gun. He tried ta shoot me. It was a terminater. I pulled his chip. Sarah an her family arrived right after an got the terminater in her car. I took the girl to her mother fer safety then followed Sarah home. There, Sarah burned the terminater body whole, which caused a big stink. I left."

"This was another terminator like Cameron?"

"Nay, it was male and very aggressive. It emptied it's gun at me. Structure wise, yes it was very similar to Cameron, but not near as intelligent."

"Did you see guns or explosives while you were in Sarah Connor's house?"

"Aye, hand guns. Nothin big. I saw the thermite she used to light the terminater on fire."

"You left before the fire trucks and police arrived."

"Aye, that thing stunk an I had stuff ta do."

"Why did you follow Sarah Connor home?"

"So I could git the terminator's chip after John an Cameron got it out. I needed it fer information on those I was trackin down."

"So you were at the home of a wanted woman, yet you didn't tell the authorities you knew where she was?" The prosecutor asked in an accusing tone.

Kaede frowned at him. "Nay, lad. I was workin me own case with another country, an needed that chip. Sarah Conner weren't me problem, I had somethin bigger going on and needed the infermation she provided. It was possible I might need more an I wasn't gonna turn her in fer ya till I knew I had everythin I could git outta her. Ya might have been after'er, but I was after Kaliba to stop Sky Net from comin on line. Ta me, savin the world was a bit more important."

The prosecutor stepped back and asked, "Who were you working for?"

"Objection, your honor!" Mr. Douglass called. "What Dame Kaede was working on has no bearing at all on this case. It is documented she was here under authority of a foreign government, but the details of that are irrelevant."

"Objection sustained. The witness does not need to answer that question."

The prosecutor gathered himself. "Dame Kaede, can you tell me where John Connor is?"

"Nay lad."

"You brought his protector, Cameron, here. You must have an idea where he is."

"Didn say I doan know. Said I can't tell ya," Kaede replied. "He's under protective custody."

"Who's custody?"

Kaede shook her head. "Can't tell ya Lad."

"Your honor," Mr. Douglass said, "The prosecution is asked where a person under protection is being held. To divulge such things is against the law. He should know that."

The prosecutor quickly said, "John Connor was kidnapped by Sarah Connor, we need him here to testify."

Judge Stone looked at something on his desk and said, "Only the authority of a person under protection can divulge the location of that person. If it is detrimental to the person being protected, even the authority can be considered confidential. Where John Connor is right now, is also not part of these proceedings."

The prosecutor returned to his table and talked quietly with the others there. He finally said, "No further questions, your Honor."

"Your witness." Judge Stone said to Mr. Douglass.

Mr. Douglass got up and went over to Kaede. "First off, thank you, Dame Kaede for coming. This entity you were looking for, was it the same one Sarah Connor was trying to fight?"

"That is correct. I found it an got rid of it."

"So, what Sarah Connor was saying all this time about terminators and Sky Net, was real?"

"Aye. The source is gone, but there still may be more terminaters and people workin fer that company around. It was a big network."

"That's why you have John Connor in protective custody?"

"Aye. He'll stay there till we got reasonable assurance that no one'll be comin after'im."

"Dame Kaede, I understand you are a person of honor. You've been Knighted by Queen Elizabeth, and hold the respect of many people around the world." Mr. Douglass then motioned to Sarah. "Please, tell us your opinion of Sarah Connor."

"She's brave, no doubt bout that," Kaede said firmly. "Sarah's tried her best under very extreme circumstances, an she never gave up. Unfortunately, she ain't the brightest bulb on the tree. Take that runnin off in her Jeep after she realized she'd burned that terminater with the skin on, smoking and stinkin up the neighborhood. She coulda handled that much better. Doin a panic an flee was the worst thing she coulda done."

Sarah glowered at her.

"You don't think she's insane?"

"Nay. Harried so bad she makes poor decisions, sure. Gotta remember, I've been in tough spots, but I had some support. Sarah's been fightin Sky Net and it's minions most of her life with no support atall. That and having ta hide's gotta be drainin. All that on ya has gotta weigh hard on a person."

"Thank you, Dame Kaede. No further questions, your honor."

Judge Stone looked at the clock. "We'll take an hour recess for lunch before the next witness." He banged his gavel.

Kaede was part way back to her seat and a man stood up, holding a device in his hand. "Nobody move!" he yelled. "This is a bomb and if I let go, it goes off!"

Kaede eyed him, grabbed his hand the bomb was in and ripped it free of his body. "Well, what ya gonna do now?" she asked.

The man clapped a hand to his wrist and tried to flee. The guards in the back intercepted him. Bull announced, "Clear the courtroom!"

Everyone fled except for Bull and Harry. The man was taking out in handcuffs.

"Ahh, don't let go of that until the bomb squad gets here," Bull said staring at the bomb still in the hand floating in the air.

"I got it, go," Kaede told him. Bull went over and got Harry out the back door. Kaede frowned. She figured this meant she's miss lunch.