Chapter 399

Plans Change

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In Some Future:

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Cammy developed a plan to help siphon off Skynet troops from leaving the 'mock strike' location to reinforce Skynet Central when Cameron launched her attack there. It would insure the battle for Skynet Central went smoother and would have a better chance of success. It would take the heat off of Cameron and Allison and place it on her back instead.

She decided she would lead the 'mock strike' as a REAL strike and launch it one day early. It would commence right before the strike was to begin at Skynet Central. If the anti-Metal faction didn't come around with an attitude adjustment, they would be terminated as well. They were a threat to Vanna and the girls as well as Cameron. That threat would end one way or another….

Cammy decided to replace Cam who was to lead the 'mock strike', since she was to one to make it a real attack. She felt it was her duty to actually lead it too. She made a quick stop to see Cam and go over everything again.

"You are to remain with Jesse and Vanna." Cammy said.

Cam felt it was her duty to go. She been the one that spent time with the troops, both Metal and human, in preparation for the 'mock strike'. She was displeased at being 'replaced' at the last minute.

"No, I should go. I've prepared the troops." Cam said. "It is my duty and function to lead them."

Cammy didn't need any arguments right now. Everyone knew the pecking order of secession that Cameron established.

"It's Cameron's wish you assume her place if we are all terminated." Cammy said. "Then you will get all three of the girls for yourself."

Cam knew that already. She thought Cammy overlooked the most important issue. She didn't mention John. That was Cameron's top priority.

"What about John?" Cam asked. "That's Cameron's main concern."

Cammy recognized the grim reality of the situation. If Cameron was terminated along with Cameron II, it was 'game over'.

"If Cameron doesn't return, there will be no John. That will mean that we are stuck here forever." Cammy said. "You already know this. We all do."

Cam did know that. There were more troubling things to consider. In her preparation of the troops the anti-Metal faction was very vocal. It seemed there was a lot of animosity. They were a threat behind the front lines.

"I should at least go with you on the assault." Cam said. "I can watch your back."

Cammy already debated what to do about that problem. The anti-Metal group never reported the incident that uncovered there were Grays within their faction. She decided to pull Ginger and Sandy to assist her. Cam was needed for the future of the girls. Ginger and Sandy were not. There were probably more hidden threats that hadn't surfaced.

"Ginger and Sandy can watch my back." Cammy said. "You know the rules and orders Cameron has stipulated. You are to follow them. You must protect Jesse and Vanna. You should pose as 'Allison' with them in case there are any more spies Mrs. Weaver may have missed. I don't think we are done with all these people yet."

Cammy knew it would be better for 'Allison' to be seen at the Resistance headquarters if anyone was still watching it. It would help keep speculation off of where she might be otherwise. It would not be unusual for the General and Cameron to be out. She would be 'Commander Connor'. That time was now. It was time to make a statement.

"Unit One, send word we are leaving now for the strike." Cammy said. "You're coming with me. I'm not going to wait. Cameron will need a diversion. We are going to take the heat off her first."

Cammy decided to bring the heat down on herself instead of Cameron taking all of it. She knew by attacking first that Skynet would concentrate its resources on her. Any Skynet reserves would be sent to the battle where she was and not immediately deployed to defend Skynet Central. It was a way for her to help protect Cameron and Allison. It was the right thing to do. It would most likely lead to her destruction. So be it. The girls came first.

Cammy and Cam unplugged. They'd tethered so that Cammy would have all the information about the preparation of the attack and what the specific threats were from Cam. They also secretly transferred information about Vanna and Jesse between each other. They both now shared the other's experiences with the other girl. That was not discussed between them by design. It was something they both secretly craved.

Cameron and her team reached the target area - Skynet Central. It was a grueling journey but they'd made it undetected. They'd followed up on the Grays transmissions and were able to narrow down the location of Skynet Central through them. Mrs. Weaver was able to obtain the specific frequency Skynet used from the transmitter in the Gray's room. It allowed for the Resistance to search specifically for that transmission. The Gray proved useful in more ways than one. It gave them a specific target and strung out Skynet's forces.

She saw the threat for what it was. Even with the 'mock strike' to 'fool' Skynet, there would be some reserve Skynet troops ready to deploy. They were a threat. Cammy notified her of the last minute change in plans. It was actually something they'd discussed in secret. Maybe there were no secrets between Cameron and her clones. They would all think the same things anyway. Maybe it was the unspoken plan all along.

Cameron knew that Cammy was more likely to sacrifice herself in not only conducting the actual attack but by leading it. Maybe it was no different than the way she thought either. She was about to do the same thing. She planned to clear the way of any opposition.

"I'll go in alone, first." Cameron said.

Mrs. Weaver didn't like that idea. It went against her plans.

"NO, the three of us will go together." Mrs. Weaver said.

Mrs. Weaver was impressed with Allison staying up with the Restorators as they advance on the target. Cameron trained her well. Allison was even a better soldier now than she was when she'd first met her in her own future. She understood why Skynet chose Allison over all the others it held captive to pattern Cameron after her.

Cameron wanted Cameron II there as well for Allison. This was a risky endeavor.

"It will be the four of us." Cameron II said. "I'm not leaving Allison's side."

Allison squeezed Cameron II's hand. She understood the true meaning of what Cameron said.

Cameron II used her natural appearance as 'Cameron'. She was identical to Cameron at this point in every way. The only difference was Allison replaced John in her directives. She would fight until termination to protect Allison. There would be no retreat.

Cameron wanted some intel first. She didn't want to walk into a trap. Even with the 'mock strike' Skynet would be suspicious. She would be. Skynet would think the same way.

"Please, let me scout ahead first." Cameron said. "We must protect Allison."

Mrs. Weaver could see Cameron's concerns. They were valid. She didn't want Allison damaged or killed either.

"I'll go with you." Mrs. Weaver said. "Allison and Cameron II can wait at this position. They will advance when it's clear."

Mrs. Weaver wondered if they actually would. Her concerns were moot.

"We'll come when we're called." Allison said. "We're all here to do a job and play our part."

Cameron divided the 'Special Unit' into several assault groups. Bob would lead one. It seemed best if the groups could act on their own accord or support each other when necessary.

She received a message from headquarters. That fact alone was worrisome in itself. They weren't supposed to communicate with anyone unless something important developed. It was Cammy. Cammy indicated she was about to lead the 'mock strike' immediately. It was now a real strike and it was about to happen early. It was about to start right NOW. That meant Cammy would take a beating.

Cameron didn't acknowledge the transmission. That was the prescheduled procedure unless she was faced with some other emergency to contend with. She figured that something must have happened if Cammy was about to sacrifice herself to draw away more Skynet resources. She realized that is what she would have done. Cammy was - her. Her actions right now were no different in reality.

"General, the 'mock strike' is about to start now." Cameron said. "It's now an actual assault. Cammy has engaged the enemy."

Mrs. Weaver was concerned. She thought she'd covered all the bases. She didn't understand the true nature of what Cammy was about to do. She didn't understand the love behind the potential sacrifice.

"Something must have happened." Mrs. Weaver said. "I must have missed something. I thought Cam was dealing with the 'mock strike'."

Cameron wanted to make a few things clear without being too direct or accusational.

"Cam has returned to headquarters. Cammy is leading the strike herself." Cameron said. "Unit One will accompany her."

Mr. Weaver picked up right away that Unit One was out in the field and not at headquarters with the girls.

"You don't trust him?" Mrs. Weaver asked.

Cameron didn't know if trust was even the real issue. She questioned everything she did herself.

"General, I don't even trust myself and there are four of me." Cameron said. "Let's move out."

Mrs. Weaver wasn't sure if she even knew that that statement really meant. She trusted Cameron. Her instincts were what made her unique. Her long term exposure to humans allowed her to develop great flexibility, even if it was irrational and illogical. It seemed to always be correct in the end.

Bob moved his strike element into position. The other two strike teams were in place as well. If the shooting started, they were to move in. The mock strike worked to draw off Skynet resources. Bob was aware the mock strike was now an actual assault.

There were still a large number of Terminators present where they were about to attack. So far their group remained undetected. Cameron fabricated special Tasers that they all carried. They were to try to disable and capture as much Metal as possible. They were however not to hesitate to terminate any Terminator that was a threat to any of them.

Bob knew that Cameron wanted more chassis to re-body more of the damaged Restorators. She also wanted the troops protected.

There was a lull right now. It gave him some time to think. So much changed since Cameron arrived and it was all for the better. The fact they were about to deliver a fatal blow to Skynet was proof of that. He was not sure why the human female was really there. She'd stayed with the Restorators on her own without assistance. She was tough. No wonder Cameron was patterned after her.

Bob and the three strike teams waited….

Skynet was aware that the pathetic Resistance was about to attack it. It strengthened its forces at the location the Gray spies reported to be the targets. It also left some troops in reserve in case this was some ruse to draw down the protection of Skynet Central. Reconnaissance scans indicated the attack really was about to take place where the Gray indicated.

An alert was just issued. The attack commenced now, a day early. It was a full blown assault. The spies hadn't informed them of the change in plans. They would be terminated as soon as they were back at a Skynet facility. They'd failed in their duty. It was no longer was in control of events, the Resistance was.

Skynet sent word out to send in all the reserves. The attack was already underway. The Resistance fooled them - again. Maybe it should not have been so worried about itself and taken the threat more seriously. Then again it thought it still would have an additional day to make refinements to its plan. The plan changed and the Resistance is the one who changed it. It didn't like the change. It decided to send even more troops.

It was unaware that this was the plan all along of Cameron and Cammy. This was the sucker play and Skynet couldn't see it.

Cameron and Mrs. Weaver watched as dozens of Terminators boarded transports and flew off. All of the HK drones went with them as protection. Skynet realized its troops were most vulnerable in the air. They were in large groups and a downed transport could result in dozens of terminations.

Cameron smiled. Cammy just made their job ten times easier. That also meant Cammy was going to catch it hard at some point. She realized Cammy may be terminated as well as her and Cameron II. Cam may be the only one left if it all fell apart and if they ALL fell. It was a real possibility.

Bob watched as Skynet depleted its resources. He now understood why Cameron arranged for some other things that she said would be a surprise to Skynet. He didn't fully understand her reasoning at the time. Now it all made sense. Cameron was two steps ahead of everyone. That included the General, Skynet and him. He understood why the mock assault just went hot. Cameron pulled off another surprise. It made their job easier. It seemed to him and the other Restorators that Cameron was full of surprises. Her illogical behavior often worked to her advantage. She was more 'human like' than a Terminator. Every Restorator held her in awe. It was her irrational and sporadic nature that allowed her to quickly adapt to any changes. The nature of Restorators and Terminators was to follow the plan. He understood now that when plans change, they needed to do so as well.

The change that Cameron insisted on was for an attack from the ground on an aerial force seemingly in the middle of nowhere. There were several special teams armed with heat seeking missiles deployed. They'd been strategically placed along the way to attack any transports returning to reinforce Skynet Central. They could also attack anything leaving Skynet Central as well.

Bob sent out word to bring down anything flying as soon as it was in a kill zone. There were several 'Stinger' teams as well with each of the strike units. They were to watch for HK drones or transports. As soon as the last transport departed they were given permission to go hot. Anything flying from this point on was fair game once any shooting started. They'd waited until all the targets were in the air. The Skynet aerial relief force was now a strung out group of aircraft that could not support each other.

The Resistance was never aware the 'mock strike' was that. They were always led to believe it was for real. It was for real now. The troops were ready.

'Commander Connor' surprised everyone by launching the attack so suddenly. They thought they would have one more day to prepare. Billy was unaware it was Cammy and not really Commander Connor - Cameron. He figured the reason the attack was launched a day early was because the Grays were found. Word must have gotten out to the General anyway. He figured that low life Snake was the culprit. He was going after Snake himself when they got back. That was one guy no one could trust. He figured that Snake would end up a 'Metal Lover' anyway. That was if he didn't become a Gray or Scavenger along the way first.

The anti-Metal faction was moved up into the command section of the Restorator assault force. There were Restorators all around them. All Restorators were made aware of the anti-Metal group's feelings and point of view. If there was any sign of treachery, they were to be terminated immediately. If not, they were to be protected and fight alongside of them. It was to show them Metal and humans could fight and work together. If a bond could not be forged in combat, it was never going to happen.

Cameron wanted to reach these people and 'bring them around'. Cammy would continue with Cameron's plan. It would pose one less threat to Vanna and the girls if there were fewer Metal haters amongst them.

She didn't like when she was prejudged by others. It was very upsetting to her. She always believed if someone took the time to get to know her. They would see she was not a machine built to kill and do nothing more. To win a battle completely required more than only killing.

Cameron knew the Resistance would remain fractured and unstable without everyone working together for a common goal. She wanted unity. She also wanted everyone united for Mrs. Weaver's sake. She was afraid of what Mrs. Weaver would do if she were openly challenged by any of the human Resistance. It would be nothing good. It would end badly for everyone and the girls would be in greater danger going forward.

She looked at what they were about to do and where they were about to enter. The prospects of a complete victory where they were was far from certain.

Plans Change

Everyone makes plans
They don't always work out
More often than not when they fail
One is left feeling empty but full of doubt

Two people don't seem to stay
On the same page for very long
It seems more often that not
That if anything can, it will go wrong

Sometimes they regroup
They want to try it again
They know there were good times
But can't always remember when

Everything soon ends up
Back to where it all fell apart
They mull over it some more
They think about a new start

Sooner rather than later
One or both come across some 'strange'
When there's a new path to follow
It's amazing how quick plans change

Nobody