Chapter 356

What A Surprise

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Cameron Prime Timeline:

Events Pick up From Chapter 350

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

John went out with Bob and a team of Metal, Derek was along also. The goal was to keep the mission as a recon. It was to one of the targets identified on the truck delivery and pick up schedule. They didn't know which components were fabricated there or at the other target locations identified yet. The goal was to track down all facets of this operation. Once they were identified they would be terminated.

John spit the group into two teams. Derek would lead the second group. Bob was his lead Terminator as Jim was for Derek. They were to remain with them at all times. He knew Cameron hated him being out in the field but he was doing his job fighting Skynet. It was one of the few chances he was able to actually do things. That was why it was 'sold' as a recon. He would not shy away from it if it turned hot. Cameron usually took the lead on most of the assaults. Cameron also took most of the damage. It always bothered him to see Cameron shot up. She never came around anymore when she was. That seemed to bother him even more. He thought Cameron felt he would reject her if she were too badly damaged cosmetically.

He knew Cameron tried to protect him and protect the future, her future as she saw it. He tried to explain to her that THEIR future could be different and was different. Cameron insisted it would end up the same eventually as it was the 'Natural Order'. They only could buy more time until Judgment Day. Cameron told him the only way to beat Skynet was at its level, in its realm and on its playing field.

John asked Cameron if John Henry would be able to do that. Cameron said he was doing that now but eventually he wouldn't be able to. He knew that Cameron believed she would have to become Skynet herself in order to defeat and control Skynet.

John Henry monitored the traffic cams and surveillance cameras in the locations they wanted to investigate. He'd spotted a new development.

"John, two trucks have departed the facility." John Henry said.

John and his team were not near the area. He was concerned they would lose them.

"We're not there yet." John said. "Are the trucks together?"

John Henry watched a traffic cam for a few seconds.

"No, they've split up. They're taking different routes." John Henry said.

That was about the last news they needed.

"Typical." John said disgustedly.

John Henry was contacted from Cameron's base with a new update.

"I've just been informed that Cameron has addition Metal in your area." John Henry said. "They're going to assist you."

John tried to control his temper. He was very irritated that Cameron didn't think he could do the job.

"What a surprise." John said sarcastically.

John Henry noticed John's tone. He thought it was uncalled for. This was a team effort not a personal competition. It looked like more than a recon at that point as well.

"Is it really a surprise to you that she cares about you?" John Henry asked.

John remembered how fast things could fall apart. More than once Terminators were there to protect and even save him on several occasions.

"I'm sorry." John said. "We can use the extra help."

John Henry wanted to know how John wanted to play it. He needed to set things into motion very soon.

"How do you want to cover the trucks?" John Henry asked.

Right now Derek's team was in one vehicle and his team was in the second one.

"Derek, Jim and Tom can follow the closest truck to the freeway." John said. "How much Metal is Cameron providing?"

John Henry checked for an additional update. There was none. He only possessed the original data.

"She has five Terminators on station." John Henry said.

John wanted the trucks followed and he wanted to go to the location they were dispatched from. He was sure there was more there.

"Send three of them after the second truck and follow it to its destination. The other two can reinforce, Bob and me." John said. "The building needs to be checked too."

John Henry sent the message to Cameron's base. The reply was curt.

"Two Terminators can handle the second truck." John Henry said. "Three of them are to reinforce your team. That's their response."

John didn't say anything for a second. He was aware that Cameron still controlled everything, even if it was indirectly. He was irritated again.

"It's great to be in charge." John muttered.

Bob picked up on John's discord. He'd heard John make a statement several times. He repeated that statement now.

"Life's a bitch and then you marry one." Bob said.

John tried not to laugh. He'd thought that before himself. Maybe he'd even muttered it. He figured Bob must have heard him say it one time.

"Was that a joke? It was almost funny." John said. "It would be funny if it wasn't true."

Bob wanted to reminded John that those were his own words. It didn't seem like a good idea right now. He decided to point out the real truth about the whole thing.

"To have someone truly care about you isn't a bad thing." Bob said.

John wasn't pleased to be reminded of the truth. It was still the truth even if he didn't like it.

"Cameron cares about all of us." John said. "I know, Bob, I know. It's because she cares so much that's she's killing herself. I know she cares about all our Terminators too."

John was aware when Cameron and he were alone together and after he'd drift off to sleep that Cameron would almost immediately start to glitch and head off to do other things. She tried to 'control' everyone's life and future. Since humans were irrational by nature, it made her 'job' all that much harder. How could he fault Cameron because she wanted him safe and protected? She was just doing the job she was programmed to do by him – Future John.

"What's the status update?" John asked.

John Henry dispatched one drone earlier. It was on station now. When the trucks left he readied two more drones. When they took divergent routes he dispatched them, one for each target.

"I've sent a drone after each truck. The one for reconnaissance in your area has arrived and is ready to strike at your command." John Henry said.

John thought that was an improvement. They'd planned to do a recon and it looked like it was about to escalate into combat. There was still one more drone.

"Where's the fourth one?" John asked.

John Henry was given a new update as John asked the question. It was clear that Cameron's base monitored all the com traffic. What bothered him was that he didn't have any indication he was being monitored. He really wondered what all went on at Cameron's base.

"Cameron has it on standby but said if it's required to send it at the first sign you need it." John Henry said. "The Blackhawk is also on standby with more Terminators onboard. They can act as a separate strike team or a Mike Force to back you up."

John didn't think any of those things were necessary. He thought someone over reacted.

"Who ordered that?" John asked.

John Henry knew Cameron wanted John protected when he was out in the field.

"Cameron put everything into motion." John Henry answered. "She likes to cover all the bases."

John knew there was no point in arguing. Cameron would probably send additional assistance. He decided to just go with the flow.

"Sometimes it's nice to have help." John said. "Everyone approach your targets and stay with them. Watch out for an ambush or enemy Metal. If you spot any Terminators, l want you to withdraw."

"We want the advantage." Bob said. "Everyone, watch out for the unknown."

Cameron helped Savannah with some decisions and 'directions' in her life. She didn't want any of them to cause Savannah or her any problems. She knew Savannah made some personal decisions with her life that she'd facilitated. They were decisions that some were not going to agree with. She was about to make some more herself that that were going to be troublesome. She felt the need to justify her actions.

She sought out Sarah. She was afraid there was going to be a problem. She didn't like problems. Enough of those seemed to happen on their own.

Sarah looked up and noticed Cameron looked very concerned about something as she approached her. She hoped it wasn't going to be a problem. It seemed she needed to deal with enough of those on her own.

"Hi, Cameron." Sarah said.

Cameron managed a smile. She decided to dive right in.

"Hi, Sarah." Cameron said. "You know Savannah is a young woman now."

That seemed more of a statement than a question to Sarah.

"I do." Sarah said.

Cameron thought if she established some facts before she started, it would make things easier. It didn't.

"I went to High School and I know you did too…." Cameron said and paused.

Sarah was pretty sure she knew where this was headed. She wanted to see how Cameron handled it.

"Go on." Sarah said.

Cameron felt awkward as she addressed this issue.

"We both know what happens with teenagers all the time…." Cameron said. "We know what many of the young adults 'do'."

Sarah was reminded about what she saw under her own roof.

"I do." Sarah said. "We both saw John and Riley…."

Sarah noticed Cameron's hand start to glitch. She took Cameron's hand in hers. The glitch slowed and stopped. She knew she'd made a mistake.

"Cameron, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that." Sarah said.

Cameron didn't want to dwell on it. She dwelt on it enough everyday anyway.

"That's my point. We know they all want to 'grow up'." Cameron said. "They do 'grow up'."

Sarah knew that all too well. She been with males and females in school. She actually preferred females since they knew how to make her 'finish'. None of the high school boys ever did. They just left her with a mess and the worry if she'd timed it right and wasn't going to get pregnant. In retrospect she wished she taken Vanna and Jesse up on their unspoken offers to 'share' with her. She still wouldn't mind.

"I did too." Sarah said. "I experimented."

Cameron figured she might as well just say it.

"Savannah has asked for 'companionship'." Cameron said.

Sarah busted her cherry around Savannah's age. It didn't hurt really bad like some of the girls said it would but it still hurt some.

"I can understand." Sarah said. "John isn't going to touch her, you know."

Cameron was very displeased that John hadn't already acted. She wanted what Savannah could only give one time for John. It still bothered her that she wasn't able to do that for John. A new glitch impulse shot through her hand. Maybe they made her a 'Metal Whore' when they'd captured her. Maybe Future John 'used her' as he thought of Future Allison in his arms and under him. It was all erased. Why else would it need to be erased? What happened to part of her life? She needed to get it under control. She refocused.

"I know." Cameron said. "Not yet, anyway. He will one day."

Sarah glared at Cameron but didn't argue with her, she knew Cameron believed that. She also knew it was true in Cameron's future. If Savannah continued to keep rubbing John's nose in it, he was going to lose control and take it. If it was really what Savannah wanted, what could it hurt?

Cameron looked for the right words. They eluded her.

"Savannah 'grew up' some in Australia." Cameron said.

Sarah observed Savannah try to seduce Jesse several times. Jesse always looked nervous or terrified as Savannah pursued her. She didn't know Jesse was sure Vanna or Cameron would kill her if she even touched Savannah, let alone anything else….

"Was it Jesse?" Sarah asked worried.

Cameron would have allowed that sooner or later if Savannah sought someone on the outside. She could control Jesse even if she couldn't control Savannah. She thought her solution was the best.

"Sort of in a way. It was Young Jesse." Cameron said. "They're almost the same age. They were both virgins…."

Cameron thought that revelation would take the guess work out of it.

Sarah let out her breath. She was actually pleased to hear that since they were the same age group. That's how it should be.

"Girls will be girls." Sarah said somewhat relieved. "I think that's a better way for any girl to start out. They know how to please each other better."

Sarah wasn't sure men really understood a female. She was happy Kyle was good in bed. She thought she'd taught him well.

Cameron tilted her head some. She was surprised Sarah was on board. Now it was time to up the ante.

"Savannah asked me for a 'companion'." Cameron said.

Sarah was aware that all the girls except Riley and her shared a Metal lover. Riley and her both were only with human mates….

"Do you mean Metal?" Sarah asked.

Cameron thought it was a good move on several levels.

"Yes." Cameron said. "I need you to understand she's isolated here for her protection. She can be better protected as well with a Terminator close to her. Sarah, she's very lonely."

Sarah was slightly amused. Cameron didn't need to do any of this with her but she did for some reason. It pleased her greatly that Cameron reached out to her. That happy thought didn't last long.

"Are you asking me for my permission?" Sarah asked somewhat surprised.

Cameron tilted her head slightly. It appeared Sarah didn't fully understand what she'd tried to convey to her. Maybe it was her rambling approach. It was rather awkward as was the subject.

"No." Cameron said. "I'm informing you of what has happened and why. It's important to both Savannah and I that you give this your understanding. I don't expect your blessing. If there's going to be a problem, it's my problem and not Savannah's problem. I facilitated her desires and wishes on my own accord. I'm the one responsible. I will take the heat for it. This is about Savannah. This is for Savannah."

Sarah could see that Cameron acted for the future and not the present, even if that's how it seemed.

"And in the end it's about the future and John." Sarah said.

Cameron smiled. The worried look was gone.

"Thank you for understanding." Cameron said.

Sarah decided to say what she'd thought earlier. It was the truth after all.

"To be honest, when I was about her age or younger, I'd already found a few 'friends' most of them were female. I think we all felt less threatened being with other girls and not having to worry about getting pregnant. That was how I first finished with someone else. It was very beautiful." Sarah said. "I don't like it but I do understand it. Once that 'cherry bomb' gets lit. It needs to go off. What about the future with her and Young Allison when she grows up? Where does this go and how is anything controlled or managed? Feelings and emotions are going to play a big part for a human girl."

Cameron didn't see this as an issue. The future was already determined. A 'snack' along the way couldn't hurt much.

"Savannah already knows EXACTLY, what awaits her." Cameron said and walked away.

Cameron was in communication with John Henry through her com and needed to attend to other matters. They were things that irritated her.

No sooner than Cameron departed than Cammy and Savannah came around the corner, both with giant smiles on their faces. They looked so happy. They held hands.

Sarah gritted her teeth and exhaled long and slow. She thought Cameron was back but the clothes were different and she'd just watched Cameron go around the other corner.

Sarah walked over to them.

Savannah looked at Sarah. The smile vanished. She looked very nervous as she waiting for a verbal tirade.

Sarah gave both of them a hug.

"Time waits for no one." Sarah said and started to walk away. "I wish you both the best of times."

Savannah was relieved. She thought she would be admonished and not accepted. The smile returned to her face.

"Thank You, Sarah." Savannah said. "THAT really means a lot to me. I AM a big girl now…."

Sarah could see that Savannah looked almost identical to Vanna. She wanted to throw Savannah a carrot.

"I was a big girl by your age too, Savannah. I really do understand." Sarah said. "It happens to us all. At least we could make our own choices. Most of mine were the same as yours…."

Savannah cringed as she thought of Vanna's 'story'. Many others made the choice for her as they held her down and took turns….

Cammy noticed Savannah reaction. She knew what she just thought about. It was her job to make sure Savannah was protected.

"That will never happen to you." Cammy said. "I promise."

Savannah swore the only male to ever touch her would be John, just like she'd promised Cameron. Just like Cameron wanted…. Just like SHE wanted….

Nobody was about to change her future.

Wait.

What did Sarah indicate most of her 'friends' were?

Savannah smiled. What a surprise!

What A Surprise

No relationship is ever easy
They involve a lot of compromise
Some try to be kind and harmonize
Others would rather belittle and criticize

To take things for granted
Is the wrong choice and unwise
One should try to romanticize
Instead of chastise and demoralize

When the relationship hits the rocks
It may destabilize and soon capsize
It is hard to accept but easy to ostracize
The love once there will soon vaporize

As the relationship slowly dies
No one can hear the other's cries
Soon each wears an internal disguise
Neither really cares and no longer tries

Instead of sharing each will despise
No one wants to bend or apologize
Both move on to find another to idolize
When there is nothing left, what a surprise

Nobody