Chapter 338

I Swear It

Over the years, Cameron conducted extensive training and simulated combat with Savannah. She wanted to make sure Savannah was ready and protected. She wanted Savannah to learn and be able to take care of herself and be able to protect John better as well. It all protected the future.

Cameron knew what the future was for Savannah and John. It was to be what it was in her future. History was to repeat itself in that regard. She'd set it all back into motion in her future. Everything was returned to the way it was before her arrival. The 'Natural Order' was restored. She knew she needed to establish the 'Natural Order' here as well. It may be the past for her but it was the future for Savannah and John.

Savannah trained to become a Resistance fighter. In a very short while under real conditions, that training was about to be tested.

Cameron knew there was no substitute for experience. She was going to make sure that experience was gained as safely as possible. The bullets here would be real. They could hurt, maim or kill.

She arrived back at the Resistance base. Everyone was geared up. It was time for action. The time for planning was over. She spotted John and headed for him.

"Hi, John." Cameron said.

John watched as Cameron approached. He'd really hoped to be out in the field before she'd found out about the mission. It appeared the cat was out of the bag. He didn't like how Cameron crimped his style and 'babied' him. He wanted to lead his troops when he could. He wanted to make his displeasure known to Cameron.

"Oh, you're here." John said.

Cameron didn't like John's attitude. Her disposition immediately soured. She was unable to make him understand his importance in the future. Needless risks were just that. She wondered if maybe he suffered from a mild learning disability. She wanted to make her annoyance known.

"It's not all fun and games." Cameron said. "There's serious work to do. People can get hurt. People can die."

John smirked at her. It was the same smirk he used on her when he went up the stairs after she'd caught him when he'd spent the night with Future Riley.

Cameron really didn't know what John's problem was. It seemed he always found something to pick a fight with her about. It seemed to be tension in their personal relationship rather than about actual operations. It was all very rude and unnecessary.

This was about Savannah tonight. Cameron wasn't going to let John spoil it. She was also not going to let John endanger Savannah. Maybe John wanted to 'pop' Savannah before she got 'popped' in a different way with an enemy bullet. She would allow the former because it was John's destiny. She would not allow the latter or for Savannah to be harmed.

Cameron took Savannah aside and went over all of her gear with her. She made sure everything was as she wanted it to be. It was. Savannah didn't miss a thing. She was still very worried about Savannah. She would rather have them share a bed than either of them go out. If Savannah was a young mother she would be less likely to risk her life. If Savannah was killed or severely injured protecting John on a needless operation like this, she would never forgive him.

"I don't like you doing this, Savannah." Cameron said.

Savannah was drilled and grilled on her future and all of her 'functions'. She understood the use of her body was one of them. She was ready to try that too. She looked into Cameron's eyes.

"I know, Cameron." Savannah said. "There are going to be a lot of things I NEED to do that you're not going to 'like'. I'm sorry. They'll still need to be done. I'm going to do them. It's what you've 'trained' me for. I'm ready, willing and able for everything."

Cameron and Savannah exchanged and held a long glance. They both knew she was ready for everything.

Cameron wanted John protected and she wanted Savannah protected too. A sexual relationship with John that was based on love was the way to do that. Children would give both of them more pause and caution going forward.

"They MUST be done to protect John and the future." Cameron said.

Savannah noticed that Cameron's hand started to glitch. She took Cameron's left hand and the glitch stopped immediately. She loved Cameron with all her heart. She would do anything for her.

"I will protect BOTH of you, Cameron." Savannah said. "I swear it."

Cameron took Savannah in her arms and held her tight.

They both wished they could be alone 'together' at least one time. They both wanted to consummate their love. She knew that true love was about sacrifice. She would sacrifice her love for Savannah to have John protected. John came first.

"Thank you, Savannah." Cameron said. "I'll protect both of you as well. We will all protect the future 'together'…."

Savannah really wondered about that. She was pretty sure that once they were together that Cameron and her would spend most of their time together and John would be worked in as an afterthought. She would still need to allow John the use of her body. It was her future function.

John watched from the distance. He was unable to hear what was being said but their body language said it all. There was no stopping Cameron, no matter what it cost her personally. She was going to put Savannah in his bed. He wouldn't turn her away anymore either. It was time to teach Cameron another lesson. He smiled to himself at the thought. He also adjusted his pants when no one could see him.

Bob and John Henry heard it all. They both knew Savannah would do whatever Cameron asked of her. They also both knew it was their job to facilitate it as well and not hinder it. Cameron made it clear to everyone that Savannah was the 'Chosen One'.

Cameron looked at Bob and John Henry. They both nodded. She smiled at them. She spoke quietly but intently with both of them.

"John Henry, you are to remain with Savannah at all times as Bob is to do with John. I will cover both of you as needed." Cameron said. "Your chassis are their shields. Don't be afraid to use them as such. You will take whatever punishment there is and not fail. I have copies of your programs."

Bob and John Henry both stood tall. They didn't look forward to destruction but they wouldn't fail their missions.

"Affirmative." Bob said.

John Henry nodded.

Both of the big Terminators knew Cameron previously took rounds for all of them. She'd taken the damage for both humans and Terminators. She was fearless.

Now that Cameron orchestrated the creation of several 'alternate' chassis identical to hers and a spare chip, she would be even more driven in combat. She'd made herself invincible and eternal. It was just like Savannah always said. Duplicate Cameron even existed in the distant future if she was ever needed. There might be another Duplicate 'In some future' as well.

Cameron told the others to start out and she would catch up with them soon. She wanted to talk to Vanna and Jesse before she left. That was an issue that still bothered her. She'd given Vanna a clone of herself to help her. She would need to prove her love to Jesse somehow as well. She was not about to leave 'John's girls' in pain. They may be needed at his side one day.

Cameron finished up with Vanna first. She was going to be OK. She moved on to Jesse's room.

Gail heard Cameron outside the door in the hall. She slipped out to talk with her.

Cameron could see that Gail was troubled.

"How's Jesse doing?" Cameron asked.

Gail looked back at the door to the room.

"She's not doing well." Gail said. "She blames herself for the loss. She feels responsible that her body is flawed. It's Skynet's fault not hers."

Cameron was pretty sure the assaults and beatings that went with them didn't help any. Her time as a victim in several Scavenger camps was also a big negative factor. Both Vanna and Jesse were assaulted nonstop for days at a time when they were younger.

"What can I do to help?" Cameron asked.

Gail didn't say anything for a long moment. She looked intently at Cameron. Her eyes 'begged' her.

Cameron could tell what Gail wanted for Jesse. Gail was willing to sacrifice for the betterment of Jesse. It was the true test of love. Gail wanted her to be with Jesse.

"You know I can't do that." Cameron finally spoke. "Even if I want to share with her."

That response was not what Gail wanted to hear for Jesse's benefit. That was why she did not verbalize her desire.

"I didn't say anything." Gail said.

They both knew what Gail was thinking.

Cameron did think of it herself before too. She'd shared with the girls before with a surrogate through Isabel. Isabel was a different sheath but with a copy of her program. Isabel shared with Vanna, Allison and Jesse one time before her deactivation. She still possessed a copy of that encounter and events that she'd never uploaded.

"Let's give it some time and I will think of something to help her." Cameron said. "Maybe she can return to Australia when Camille goes there."

Gail thought that was the next best thing. Camille only ran Cameron's program currently. Camille was a one hundred percent clone and copy of Cameron. Camille was – Cameron.

"Cameron, maybe my program doesn't need to be loaded into Camille - right away…." Gail said.

Cameron and Gail shared a long look.

Cameron already considered that option. She was afraid it would damage Gail's and Jesse's relationship.

"I thought about that but I don't wish to hurt you." Cameron said.

Gail loved Jesse so much she would take any 'risk' to help her 'get better'. Jesse came first to her.

"I will sacrifice anything to make Jesse well." Gail said. "I love her. I want her to heal mentally as well."

Cameron was ready with a contingency for just this occasion. It just needed some refinement. Gail willingness to sacrifice moved her.

"That's true love." Cameron said. "I need to go. You have a little more time to decide and think about it. Please keep this subject to yourself for now."

Cameron was aware that Gail was the most Terminator like of all the female Terminators. It touched her deeply when Gail hugged her closely. She really packed a pair of breasts that didn't quit.

"Thank you, Cameron." Gail said. "You are a true friend. I will do anything for you as well. Please help Jesse."

Cameron left. She smiled as she went to join the operation already underway. She'd planned to have Camille 'do that' anyway before Gail's program was loaded in. Camille's sheath just needed a little more time to be a complete and identical copy of hers. She wanted the best for Jesse.

Cameron loved it when a plan came together.

Earlier:

Derek and Kyle reported for duty to go on the new mission. They were primed and ready to go.

John told them that they weren't going on this mission. It was to be more of a training mission for Savannah.

When Sarah heard that, she wanted to go instead. She knew Savannah was trained but being trained and trading bullets were two different things. She felt more than obligated to go with Savannah.

"I'm going with her." Sarah said.

John didn't want this to be an issue. He felt everything was covered and arranged. He didn't like it that Cameron already barged her way into the operation. He felt very insignificant at this moment.

"Cameron, John Henry and Bob will all be there, Mom." John said. "I will be there too, if that matters."

Sarah felt very protective of Savannah. She didn't even want to think of Cameron's 'personal' plans for Savannah. Combat seemed worse because it was worse.

"I want her protected, John." Sarah said.

Sarah knew this was a big step for Savannah.

John was sure Cameron would 'take over' the mission.

"She will be, Mom. Cameron will not let anything happen to her or me." John said. "You know that."

Sarah was very aware that Cameron took on the brunt of the fighting and combat to protect everyone.

"I know Cameron has kept you safe so far." Sarah said. "Even in her 'absences' she's made sure there was plenty of Metal to protect you."

John knew what Cameron planned for Savannah and him. He really didn't want to 'go there' with this right now.

"I get it, Mom." John said. "I know by protecting Savannah, we are protecting more than Savannah. We are protecting the future and me. Cameron has made that clear to all of us. I don't need to hear it from you as well."

It took Sarah a long time to figure it out and accept it for the reality that it was. She wanted to remind John too.

"Cameron is right, John." Sarah said. "She's always right, never forget that. Remember, she may have done this before…."

John looked at Sarah and walked away without saying anything else. He knew they were all on Cameron's side, even his mother. He didn't disagree with them. He just wanted everyone to wait a little longer, for Savannah's sake.

Cameron joined the operation already in progress. She took a few extra precautions since Savannah would be with them. She sent her four 'program clones' to assist. That consisted of the two male and two female Terminator clones. They were ready to back her up. With five of 'her' on an operation, things should go a little smoother. If nothing else, there would be one heck of a firefight.

Cam, currently an older version of 'her', but still a full clone, would take John Henry's place at the server in the Command Center. Sheila was there with her. Ally would be with Vanna in their absence.

Cam sent two drones up and kept two ready to go. She made sure the Blackhawk was on standby and ready to respond on short notice. Nobody was going to take any chances.

They all knew Savannah was out for the first time. Everyone wanted her safe. They wanted John safe too.

The team reached the outskirts of the target area. They all silently moved into place. Everything was prearranged and they all knew where to go for the start of the operation. There were several contingency plans if it started to fall apart. If things turned bad, Cameron and her clones would hold the line at any cost. John and Savannah would get out.

Savannah was excited to be out but she was also anxious, not scared. She felt her heart beat rapidly. She'd trained for this. She wore full body armor and carried loaded weapons. She knew she may be shot at, shot or have to shoot someone and maybe kill them. She knew her training would kick in and she would do whatever was required to get the job done. Cameron and Sarah prepared her well, she hoped. No. She was sure.

Savannah currently observed with John Henry. She tried to keep track of everything that was going on and where everyone was at. There was additional information to process. There was also what the drones picked up and there were updates from Cam and Sheila that came through the com. It was additional information to factor in. A lot was happening. She thought she took it all in and was aware of everything around her.

"How's it going?"

Savannah jumped. That question took her by complete surprise. She'd been unaware there was now an additional person with John Henry and her.

It was Cameron.

"Where did you come from?" Savannah asked as she looked around again.

Cameron smiled at her.

"I've been here for a while." Cameron said.

Savannah was not as combat aware as she'd thought she was. She thought she should've detected Cameron at some point on her own. Then again, Cameron was the best of the best.

"You have?" Savannah asked.

Cameron nodded at John Henry.

"Yes." Cameron said. "John Henry noticed me a few minutes ago."

Cameron never ceased to awe her.

"You're like a shadow, a shadow at night." Savannah said.

Cameron thought about that, she'd written a poem about that with those same words…. It was about a different 'subject'. It was a subject she didn't want to think about right now. She let it slide and concentrated on Savannah and the job ahead.

Tonight was about Savannah experiencing the real deal. Cameron knew Savannah would do fine and her training would guide her. She never expected Savannah's combat 'cherry' to be the one 'popped' first. She'd really hoped it would've been the other way around.

I Swear It

Esteem, honor, pride and worth
All make up one's character inside
The true nature of it in the end
Isn't what one can forever hide

People can fool most
For some of the time
But not everyone for long
Before it is a personal crime

When one lies to another
They steal their trust
That is the worst kind of theft
It leaves behind ashes and dust

If one can't be
Who they really are
The words of love
Will never go far

Trust in the love
Don't buckle or quit
Be honest and say
I swear it

Nobody

A Shadow At Night

I live in a prison
The prison is my home
Surrounded by others
But I am alone

Abandoned but trapped
In my own home
It is worse than nothing
For I can not roam

A twelve by twelve room
Like a prison cell
Stuck, stuck, stuck
It is worse than Hell

In my sad eyes
The bleeding tears well
Nobody can hear me scream
As my mind and heart yell

Death is not an end
But a path to freedom
Escape into the future
False Prophet or wisdom

Sometimes I fall
Deeper and deeper
Tomorrow means less
Life grows cheaper

I am nothing but a shadow
A shadow at night
No matter how hard you look
It remains out of sight

Nobody