Chapter 389

Her Bidding

Cameron and Bob moved down into the target area. The heat was intense from the burning building. Cameron brought them in closer. She didn't think the Terminator was out of the fight yet.

Bob watched as numerous warnings began to pop up in his HUD.

"We will sustain sheath damage if we move any closer." Bob said.

Bob thought that didn't matter to Cameron but he knew when it was time to use caution. He reached out and physically stopped Cameron with his arm.

Cameron looked at him and nodded. Bob wanted her to use caution.

'Sometimes it's nice to have help.' She remembered.

"Alright, break off, fallback." Cameron said. "I say let the drones finish it."

Steve's team moved out. All four sides of the burning building were covered. There was an attempted breakaway on Derek's side but it was repulsed.

The building was now a raging inferno. All firing and movement inside ceased.

John figure the Terminator would try to fight his way out.

"Where's the Terminator?" John asked.

John Henry dropped the drones down low for better scans. There was no need to conceal them at this point.

"That's currently unknown." John Henry responded. "There is zero movement in the building."

Cameron didn't think this was finished. More should have happened. She was sure it still would. The question was when.

"Does anyone have anything?" Cameron asked.

"Negative." Was the response from all sides.

John wanted to be decisive. It seemed like they'd gained the upper hand and the victory was theirs. There was only one way to be sure.

"I want the drones to fire all of their missiles, the heat seekers too. There's plenty of heat for them now." John said. "Systematically fire on all parts of the building, we're all pulling back."

John Henry wanted to do that. He was ready.

"Roger." John Henry said.

John Henry carried out the attack as requested. The building was soon nothing more that a burning pile of rubble. He decided not to play all of his cards. There could still be something that developed.

"I'm saving one of each type of missile on one of the drones." John Henry said. "That's just in case we need them for something unexpected."

John knew he should've thought of that. Maybe if he was in the Command Center he would have.

"That's good thinking." John said. "It's time to go home."

Cameron was still dissatisfied they hadn't encountered any hostile Metal. She knew there was at least one Terminator there. She wasn't ready to pack it in yet.

"I want to keep watch from a distance a little longer." Cameron said. "Ally will stay with me. Everyone else needs to withdraw."

John Henry was concerned. He quickly rechecked everything. He didn't want to be caught off guard. It was time to act.

"I'm sending two drones back for rearming." John Henry said.

John was worried about Cameron. He didn't want to leave Cameron there with just Ally.

"I don't like leaving you here alone." John said.

Ally was offended by what John just said. She mattered too. Maybe if she still wasn't upset with Summer she would have let it slide. She didn't.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence." Ally said. "Now I feel like Nobody."

John wondered why Ally said that. It wasn't meant as a slight against her.

"I'm sorry, Ally." John said. "I think you know what I meant."

Cameron didn't want all the fuss. She would rather be here on her own.

"Ally can go as well." Cameron said. "I'm a big girl now."

The last part of that statement made John think of when Savannah said those same words to him. It wasn't long ago. Savannah was a big girl now and very shapely too. He thought about what she'd done for him earlier when Summer seemed a little over 'friendly'. He knew it wouldn't be long until Savannah came for him. Savannah and Summer…. He thought life was good.

"...John…." Cameron said.

John felt a little embarrassed. He looked around to make sure no one saw him and then readjusted his pants.

"What?" John asked.

Cameron figured that John most likely thought about Savannah and Summer right now.

"I said we will wait together." Cameron said.

Ally watched John adjust 'himself'. She wanted to lighten the mood some.

"I think we can find a way to pass the time…." Ally joked.

John quickly looked at Cameron when Ally said that.

Ally laughed.

"Maybe Summer isn't the only one who needs reprogramming." Cameron said.

"Killjoy." Ally said.

John didn't want Cameron to get riled up. She would act rash and be careless if she did.

"There's too much 'Allison' in you." John said.

Ally wanted to 'play'. The trouble looked like it was over.

"There's actually not enough of you in Allison." Ally shot back. "Or you in me."

Cameron wanted to wrap this up and take control herself.

"Enough." Cameron said. "We will stay, everyone else can go."

John Henry wanted some safeguards for Cameron and Ally.

"I'm leaving one drone there with Cameron and Ally until I can send back the two rearmed ones." John Henry said. "The minigun on it is fully loaded."

Cameron thought the last drone should be there by now.

"Is the fourth drone free yet?" Cameron asked.

John Henry double checked where it was. It wasn't close.

"No." John Henry said.

Cameron became concerned.

"Why isn't it?" Cameron asked. "Savannah should be back at the base by now. Has something gone wrong?"

John Henry didn't think there was a problem, at least not yet anyway.

"They've gone to Palmdale to pick up Cam and Vanna." John Henry said. "Jesse and Gail are going with Savannah and Cammy as well when they leave."

Cameron realized Savannah planned on more than a visit. It was what she'd said to Savannah that prompted her into 'action'. She would take the proof with her and be ready to push Young Jesse.

Cameron smiled to herself.

"That's fine." Cameron said.

This would save her time and effort. The girls would all do her bidding on their own. This was better than she'd planned on. Everything looked like it was going to work out nicely. All the girls and female Terminators were happy and occupied.

John heard the exchange and that most of the girls seemed to be up to something. It sounded like something he should know more about. Then again, maybe it was better if he didn't know….

"Is there anything I should know?" John asked.

Cameron smiled and touched John's cheek.

"No." Cameron said. "You've done your part."

John looked at her and wondered what that meant.

Cameron guessed the end result of that was going to be Summer's problem. She wouldn't be around when IT hit the fan. Summer at that point could reveal she was only a copy of 'Cameron'. John could blame the vanquished or dead then. What would be done, would be done. It appeared John was going to have three children, maybe four if Duplicate Allison was able to deliver. She needed to check everything and resume testing the TDE.

John and Bob withdrew after much urging from Cameron.

She needed to make plans and think about everything as she waited with Ally.

Cameron was glad John was out of the way and hopefully out of danger for the night.

Bob led John away from Cameron and Ally.

John looked back at where they'd just left from.

"I don't like leaving them alone." John said.

Bob wanted John out of the danger zone. Cameron didn't need babysitting.

"It's Cameron, John." Bob said. "She can handle anything."

John began to wonder about the hostile Terminator that Steve's team followed there. He was sure that there should've been more of a fight.

"Maybe we should stick around." John said. "Just for a little longer, it won't hurt anything."

Bob could detect a bad idea when he heard it. He knew Cameron wanted John out of the potential action if any developed. He was aware that they were always at loggerheads with each other over minor issues that didn't really matter. This one did.

"No." Bob said. "Maybe we should listen to her for once. Maybe things will be less heated later on."

John thought about that. He was ready for some action. He was excited about thinking of being with Summer or Savannah earlier. He would settle for Cameron. It was sort of the 'same thing' anymore with Cameron. It was better than 'Rosie Palm'. He wanted to make sure the troops were protected as they withdrew from the area. He needed to worry about Derek and Kyle too. Both of them were out with a team. It was time to act like a leader.

"OK. Derek's, Kyle's and Steve's teams can all return to the base." John said. "Everyone stay alert. Bob and I will set up an ambush and everyone can run through it. I want to make sure we're not tracked."

Steve liked the concern. He would reciprocate and be 'tail end Charlie'.

"We will do the same for you down the road afterwards." Steve said.

John appreciated the concern and that Bob and him would have a 'rear guard' that way. He wanted full drone support for Cameron as well.

"That's fine." John said. "I want those two drones back with Cameron as soon as they're rearmed."

John Henry already started the rearming process.

"They will be back shortly." John Henry said.

John took one last look around. The building was mostly smoldering burnt rubble at this point. It looked like everything was done for the night.

"Let's roll." John said.

Everyone took off.

Cameron was sure there was more to happen. She didn't know what. John's concern was appreciated. She decided they could use some additional help, just in case.

"Go get Summer." Cameron said.

Ally went to the SUV.

Summer heard someone coming and remained inactive.

"Hey, sweet cheeks, nap time is over." Ally said. "Get that tight bottom in gear."

Summer wanted to be part of the action earlier. She'd played Cameron's 'game' and she wanted a piece of the action. She'd almost joined the fight on her own.

"I shouldn't need to hide." Summer said. "I was bored lying around."

Ally was in a playful mood even if she was still miffed that Summer fooled he earlier.

"You wouldn't have been bored if I was 'lying around' with you." Ally said.

Summer knew she was just for John. Ally knew that too.

"Now who's the one risking deactivation?" Summer asked.

Ally was irritated by Summer's response. It sounded like she was going to be another 'stuck up Bitch' anyway. Then again, she ran Cameron's program.

"Get a sense of humor. Don't be a stiff." Ally said. "Cameron wants us."

Summer could tell Ally was angry with her. She could 'play' too. It would help her blend in better as well.

"Does she want us much as we want her?" Summer asked.

Ally laughed. That was better. There could be some fun and games to go along with the work.

"OK, you can be funny." Ally said. "That's more like it."

Cameron appeared behind them. She'd listened to the entire conversation. She thought it was unnecessary. She didn't think this operation was concluded yet. They all needed to be alert.

"Quiet." Cameron said.

Cameron quickly filled them in on her plans.

Allison said her goodbyes to Vanna. Holly said hers to Cam.

They were alone now.

Allison felt bad about being with Vanna right in front of Holly's face.

"Holly, I want to apologize for spending so much time with Vanna." Allison said. "You know I love and miss her."

Holly always knew that. It was something she accepted to be with Allison. She'd found a new way to deal with it. It was quite rewarding too.

"Allison, I've spent as much 'time' with Cam." Holly said.

Allison knew everyone wanted to be with 'Cameron'. Her clones were the only way and the next best thing. She wanted that too.

"It's what you always wanted." Allison said.

That was Holly's dream. She found something better. The love from Allison was something she would never receive from Cameron. It was something to cherish, even if it needed to be shared some with the other girls. Vanna was always Allison's true love and Jesse was another love.

"It WAS." Holly said. "I want you now."

Allison still felt a little guilty.

"Look, I want you as well." Allison said. "You know I love you."

Holly understood. She liked to hear it as well.

"I do know it." Holly said. "I love you too."

Allison still felt the need for some justification. Maybe it was just for her own peace of mind.

"We all have a complicated series of relationships here." Allison said. "We all know it is partially to blame or thank Cameron for."

Holly was pleased with her existence. It was much more rewarding now than it was upon her activation.

"I'd have to say thank." Holly said. "I've never been happier."

Allison was still troubled about the earlier events. She saw that Vanna offered to do what she hated to try to help her. It was for her, not her parents that Vanna would have acted. She remembered in the future when she didn't have food and was starving that Vanna would sneak away and return with food. Vanna never said where she went or got it. She took care of her and provided for her. Vanna wouldn't allow her to touch her for two days every time. She would hear Vanna cry at night. She needed to refocus.

"I'm glad Vanna is leaving for a few days." Allison said. "I think she was going to hit on my dad."

Holly thought Hanna was the better choice.

"He is a few years younger than her." Holly said. "I think Hanna should take over those 'duties' if you want your parents to stay 'together'."

Allison began to question her interference. Her mother was through being a 'wife'. She made that quite clear. Should she force her to be? How was that fair? Is that what she would want? Would she want that for Vanna? She remembered Vanna 'crying' at night to keep her from starving. What is fair?

"I know they were both dead at this point in my life in my future. Maybe they would have divorced." Allison said. "I don't know."

"We've delayed Judgment Day, twice." Holly said. "You have a beautiful sister and a baby on the way."

Allison didn't need that reminder. She'd ended up with another terminated pregnancy. Her mother carried her embryo for her now. It all seemed overwhelming. She knew she would be a terrible mother.

"I know it's MY baby, Holly." Allison said. "I'm really afraid I won't be a good mother. Maybe I should let my mother raise it and I can rejoin the team for operational duty."

Holly thought Allison would be a good mother. She would have plenty of help.

"NO. It's your baby, OUR baby." Holly said. "I will help you with everything twenty-four hours a day. Vanna and Jesse will help us. Savannah will help us. Sarah, Riley and all our female Terminators will help us. Cameron will help us."

Somehow that didn't reassure Allison. It only made her feel even more inadequate. She was sure everyone would be a better 'mother' to her baby than she would. She still needed to think how it was all a miracle in some way.

"I'm scared and afraid, Holly." Allison said. "Cameron has made this possible for us, for Riley too. We both know it never would have happened otherwise."

Holly knew that Cameron planned to make sure Allison's body would perform the same as any new mother's would.

"Cameron has a hormone regiment set up for you so your body will lactate when it is time for the birth of the child. You will be able to feed it yourself as any mother can." Holly said.

Allison could see how everyone tried to help them. The underlying fear was still there. Maybe that was the same fear every 'Allison' possessed and the root of Cameron's troubles as well.

"OK, Holly." Allison said. "I'll try. I want you to know that I am scared to death I won't be good enough."

Holly thought actions spoke louder than fears.

"I've seen you with your sister Summer." Holly said. "You're an excellent care giver and 'mother'."

Allison did need to think about that. She knew her mother allowed her to do a lot for Summer when she was born. Her mother 'trained' her without training her. Maybe somehow it would all work out in the end. Most things seemed to do that anyway.

"Thanks, Holly." Allison said. "I need you for so many things."

Holly didn't want Allison to worry. Everything was covered in about ten different ways.

"I'll always be here for you." Holly said.

Allison was reminded of what Cameron said about her devotion to John once.

"Is that until your power cell runs out or you are terminated?" Allison asked jokingly.

Holly tilted her head slightly.

"Yes." Holly said somewhat confused. "What else would I do?"

Allison wanted to show Holly how much she loved her.

"Come here you…." Allison said.

'Loves Me Like A Rock' by 'Paul Simon', played as Allison led Holly to her room.

Her Bidding

Relationships began to suffer
When sharing is no longer symbiotic
The end result of that
Is nothing short of idiotic

When one person wants domination
The other must become submissive
It can be either of the partners
When one is indifferent or dismissive

Does it really matter in the end
There is one to whose will
They must always yield and bend
That always leaves one feeling ill

Every relationship runs its course
They are all over in six months to two years
Everything after that is only toleration
As the years turn into tears

When the relationship begins skidding
It becomes very forbidding
One says you've got to be kidding
Do they do his bidding or her bidding

Nobody