Chapter 499

Never Ask Again

Cam was in the manned drone. She circled high over the initial attack site. She kept it under observation as the current events unfolded. She'd watched the gang members fight it out between the two apparent rival gangs. The new arrivals eventually ended up as the victors. They plundered the attack site afterwards. It appeared they were about to depart. She knew that Cameron wanted a 'patsy'.

"The gang members are getting ready to leave." Cam said. "I'm going to use the 'gun' on them."

Cam switched her targeting from a missile strike to the minigun. She needed to drop down in altitude to get a good shot.

Cameron didn't want them to leave yet. She also wanted to make things 'look good' for the authorities to find later on.

"Wait. Don't shoot until they actually start to roll." Cameron said. "I want them found at the scene with the rival gang members. Disable the tires first if you can."

Cameron didn't want the second gang vehicle chewed up by the minigun or a second missile strike. She tried to 'pin' whatever she could on street gangs or drug gangs. She often left vehicles she'd used on a previous operation in gang held territory with the keys in them. If the gang members were picked up by law enforcement later on and the vehicle description matched a prior 'incident' they got blamed for whatever escapade she'd previously used that vehicle at. Leaving a firearm that was used at the scene from the earlier incident usually 'sold' the deal and sealed the fate of the gang member. It all kept her 'secret war' on future Scavengers on track. A 'tip' to the authorities at the right time often helped to have a gang member picked up by them.

Cam spotted Cameron's Terminators as they approached. They drove right up to the gang vehicle and opened fire. That was an incident that didn't last long. The rival gang didn't know what to expect and they certainly didn't know what a Terminator was. By the time they'd found out the hard way. It was too late.

"Cameron, your Terminators have arrived." Cam said. "They've disabled the gang's vehicle and have engaged the 'crew'."

Cameron's Terminators moved in and terminated the gang members. They then planted additional drugs and cash in both of the gang vehicles and on the gang members themselves. They left one of the weapons they used as well with one of the dead from the first gang.

Cam liked the efficiency. It was time to move on. The night was far from over.

"The operation is complete." Cam said. "I'm disengaging. I'll do recon on the 'new target' that you've selected for tonight."

John Henry fed her all the information he was able to gather based on the terrified man's confessions. He checked past satellite images which would be updated with drone images as soon as they arrived. They would look for changes or fortifications that were recently constructed.

Sheila was about to depart with Ally.

Savannah kissed Sheila's cheek.

"Thank you." Savannah said.

Sheila was very pleased with Savannah. She didn't want to let her down. She knew she needed to use moderation. Savannah did say that sometimes extreme measure may be needed to protect the group.

"No. Thank you for helping me." Sheila said. "I'll do better. She didn't want to have a problem with Savannah or Cameron.

Cameron hoped to tie up all the loose ends. There were two more Gray bodies to dispose of. One was in the back of an SUV the other was in a trash bin.

"Dump the body back at the original attack location along with the one in the dumpster." Cameron said. "Steve will take this last vehicle we appropriated and we will use it later on. I think it will serve as a 'Trojan Horse'."

Cameron hoped to drive right into the location unopposed with a vehicle the Grays knew and expected. It seemed like a good plan anyway. Things didn't always work out as planned.

Gail and Jesse returned to the base earlier with all the items collected from the Grays. There was information to be gleaned. John Henry went to work as soon as he received them.

John hoped to find out more before Cameron acted. He didn't want her to jump the gun. He couldn't actually 'say' that or it would become an issue and she would act immediately.

"How's it going?" John asked.

John Henry looked up. His server was connected to everything.

"I'm going through all the data on their phones." John Henry said. "We've gathered a lot of intel from them."

Kyle watched as the information was processed. Things flashed by quickly on the monitors.

"This is always so awesome to watch." Kyle said.

John understood how things should work. That wasn't always the case.

"Cameron and John Henry have it down to a science when they're operating on the same page." John said. "Sometimes Cameron is on her own page."

Kyle was aware of some of the dangers and difficulties that Cameron faced.

"Why?" Kyle asked. "Everyone needs to work together."

John frowned. He'd been over it a million times with Cameron. He just needed to accept how she was going to do things, even if he didn't agree.

"It's to protect and insulate us." John said. "She does it even to protect our Terminators."

John Henry was a little upset with the way that Cameron treated her Terminators. He didn't agree with that policy.

"Cameron has kept her Terminators distant and not even named most of them. They have only basic programming." John Henry said. "They're very crude and unemotional."

Kyle thought the purpose of a Terminator was to act as an infiltrator and blend in to get to the specific targets. They required association with humans to better mimic them. He thought all of their Terminators could pass that test. It took some of the male Terminators a little longer but they were all good to go now.

"Why?" Kyle asked. "That seems it would hinder their development."

John questioned the policy himself. It didn't do much good. He didn't like having the Resistance and Cameron or CamNet's group on different pages. Cameron didn't want her operation tied to what Mrs. Weaver set up for the Resistance. Cameron refused to answer to Mrs. Weaver. Cameron didn't want a 'closeness' to her Terminators.

"It's to keep them as machines." John said. "Not as individuals or 'people'."

John Henry knew this all stemmed from the damage that Cameron suffered over the years. She tried to carry the Resistance on her back alone whenever she could. It minimized damage to others.

"The losses and damage have greatly affected her." John Henry said. "She now worries about everything even more."

It reminded John of how Cameron described Future John's behavior. He became more withdrawn and secluded as the Resistance loses mounted. She eventually took over running things which caused the anti-Metal movement to be born. That created a new set of problems. No wonder Cameron always pushed him away as she became 'Future John' herself. It appeared that history would repeat itself. Maybe what bothered him the most about that was that Savannah was the one that stepped up and that Cameron would listen to. That would put a big burden on Savannah's back along with a target. He felt that burden and target should be on his back. Cameron wouldn't allow that. It was her job to 'protect' him. That might mean that Savannah would be eventually sacrificed in his place. He pointed that out to Cameron. He remembered the incident.

Cameron looked at him with a sad face

"Everyone sacrifices for John Connor." Cameron said and walked away.

He was sure he heard her sob as she went around the corner.

Savannah and Cameron sat in the back of the SUV as Cammy drove.

Cameron was very upset that their team seemed to have been targeted. She didn't like that it was based on their descriptions. That actually seemed to make it more bazaar. The fact that Savannah was targeted as well made her wonder.

"I think our last encounter with Skynet was transmitted somehow." Cameron said. "It always seems to know who I am when I terminate it. I don't know how they communicate or if it is data from one encounter that's been passed on."

Cameron made sure every Skynet was cut off and isolated before its destruction. She must have missed something somewhere. They always recognized her. It made her wonder about other timelines that may have been created as well. That would probably fall back on her at some point.

Savannah didn't care for 'The Redheaded Witch' title. That title left some explaining to be done at some point.

"So now Skynet thinks I'm my 'mother'?" Savannah asked.

Cameron wanted to know more about that. She didn't want Mrs. Weaver interfering in their future or past. She wanted Savannah to return to a more secure location for now.

"Someone does." Cameron said. "I'm asking you and Jesse to return to base for this next operation."

Savannah didn't want to do that. It wasn't an 'order'.

"You're asking me?" Savannah asked. "Jesse and Gail left already."

Cameron was notified by John Henry that Jesse and Gail returned back to the operation after they'd left off the phones and other intelligence that was collected. They were supposed to stay at the base. They didn't.

"Yes." Cameron said. "I would appreciate that. Jesse and Gail are on there way back to rejoin us. You can make Jesse return if you ask her."

Savannah wasn't about to leave on her own accord.

"What about you and Cammy?" Savannah asked. "Don't tell me your programs are copied on the server."

Cammy didn't want any issues to develop. Everything was already prearranged.

"They are copied, you know that." Cammy said. "You do know at some point in your life that Cameron and I will become one program again anyway."

They all knew what that meant.

Savannah wanted a few things taken care of first.

"I don't want to talk about it." Savannah said. "I want MY Allison mature before that happens even if we aren't together as lovers and she is with John only."

Cameron knew that adventure was problematic. She knew she could 'barter' with Claire to get what she wanted. She knew what Claire wanted.

"I've spoken to Claire about it." Cameron said. "It is a lot to ask of a mother."

Savannah felt a touch of remorse and regret. It saddened her greatly.

"You've already asked A LOT from some other mothers, Cameron." Savannah said. "I know."

Cameron looked away from Savannah. She would never have allowed what happened to Savannah on her own.

Savannah could see her words hurt Cameron. She knew that Cameron didn't know what she'd done with Young Jesse.

"I'm sorry, Cameron." Savannah said as she took Cameron's hand that started to glitch. "I made those choices, not you."

Savannah knew she acted behind Cameron's back both times. She'd done it so Cameron wouldn't know. Maybe that was a violation of trust. Maybe it was an act of love that went awry.

Cameron wondered if she'd pressured Savannah to use her body.

"Savannah, I'm trying to help everyone and fix everything." Cameron said. "I'm SORRY. I didn't know how else to 'help' them."

Savannah knew she made promises as a girl. She was aware what those promises were. Maybe at the time she didn't understand everything that was involved but she knew those were things she wanted to do for Cameron. That never changed. When her body was capable, she'd taken action to reproduce for Cameron. Is she could do that part of her life over, she would do the same things again but she would start earlier.

"I promised you I'd 'help' you." Savannah said. "It's a little different than I thought. Actually it's a lot different. I know I still have to do the same thing again, maybe, a few times."

Savannah's promise was to have John's child FOR Cameron to raise as her own child with John. The actual events played out differently. She knew it was what Cameron 'wanted' even if she didn't ask for it. She also knew she helped 'herself' too. The future versions of herself that Skynet 'ruined'.

Cameron felt very unworthy. She felt Savannah's pain when she left her two daughters behind in two different futures.

"No." Cameron said. "I'll never ask you to do that again for me. I'm sorry you have sacrificed for me."

Cammy was irritated by this subject. She didn't like how Savannah was hurt either. She wanted to change the subject.

"What about the targets tonight?" Cammy asked. "We need to refocus and operate with clear heads."

Savannah didn't want to cause Cameron anymore grief tonight, at least not openly.

"I'll return with Jesse and Gail." Savannah said. "I don't want to be a problem or have you two worry about me. It sounds like tonight will be a war zone. I want both of you to be at one hundred percent."

Cameron still felt guilty about all the things she'd 'pressured' Savannah about growing up. She knew it was wrong.

"Thank You, Savannah." Cameron said. "I want you to make your own choices from now on about everything."

Savannah gave Cameron a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"Oh, Cameron, don't worry." Savannah said. "I love you. You know I'll do anything for you."

Cameron felt another glitch impulse. Savannah would do anything for her.

"I do know it." Cameron said. "I know you will even die for me or with me. I've seen it with my own eyes. I can't allow that ever."

Cammy looked in her rear view mirror.

"The other SUV is behind us now." Cammy said.

The two vehicles stopped.

Savannah transferred to Jesse and Gail's SUV and they were off.

Cameron quietly directed one drone to accompany them. She wanted Savannah protected. The drone was ordered to engage anything that appeared to pose a threat to Savannah, Jesse and Gail. That covered a lot of possible scenarios.

Hanna received a call in Palmdale from John Henry. She knew it was important.

John Henry notified Hanna that Cameron needed her NOW.

Claire was alarmed that Hanna needed to enter combat. She clung to Hanna's arm.

"Do you have to go?" Claire asked.

Hanna was previously removed form combat duty by Cameron. She knew why she was needed in this instance. It was the right call.

"Cameron needs my help." Hanna said. "There's no discussion on this. If Cameron didn't need me, she wouldn't ask."

Hanna knew if she didn't go that Savannah would volunteer. That wasn't an acceptable choice.

Claire remembered that Hanna warned her sometimes things needed to happen.

"I understand." Claire said. "I know Cameron has allowed us a lot of 'freedom'."

Hanna wanted to remind Claire what mattered to Cameron.

"You and your daughters are important to the future and to Cameron." Hanna said. "She's worried about all four of you."

Claire was troubled by Cameron's request. She'd basically asked her to give her daughter up. That would only leave her with Summer.

"Cameron asked me if she can take Young Allison into the past to mature and then return her to this timeline as a grown teenager." Claire said. "I love Cameron but I don't know."

Hanna didn't see the problem. Claire could go too.

"You can accompany her." Hanna said. "You can leave this timeline and return a minute after you leave regardless of how many years you spend in the past or future."

Claire worried about her age. She already spent almost a year in the future. She would need to age more or miss her daughter's maturation.

"I'll be years older if I do that." Claire said. "If I don't go, My Allison will grow up and I'll miss all her years of development and growth into a young woman."

Hanna didn't think anything was set. Cameron was much more flexible now.

"Cameron will not make you do anything you don't want to." Hanna said. "You know that."

Claire didn't want to disappoint Cameron. Her love was strong.

"I love her, Hanna." Claire said. "You know that."

Hanna didn't like 'second place' but she knew the rules.

"I do." Hanna said. "You told me that from the beginning."

Claire knew her body was important to Cameron for the production of children.

"I can provide the things for her she can't do herself." Claire said. "I want to help her. I won't be able to provide for her if I'm 'away'. My body is in prime condition now."

Hanna knew there were incentives. One of them wasn't her.

"I don't know, Claire." Hanna said. "You'll have to decide what you want and don't want. I'll go with you unless you want Cam or Cammy to go. I do understand the issue, we ALL want HER."

Claire thought of another option.

"Will Cameron go too?" Claire asked. "Will she watch My Allison grow with me?"

Hanna could see that Claire wanted to 'trade' herself. It was unlikely he desire would be achieved.

"Yes. It can be the same way Cameron was with you in the future. She'll personally watch over you." Hanna said. "You know her limitations as herself – Cameron Prime."

"I do but one can always hope. Several years away can be a long time together." Claire said. "I know why you'll accompany me."

Hanna knew the clock was ticking.

"I have to leave now." Hanna said. "Holly will look after you."

Claire thought of some other options when Holly's name was mentioned.

"Could Holly come with us too?" Claire asked.

Hanna looked a little upset at the mention of 'competition'.

"That's up to her and Allison." Hanna said. "I do understand."

Claire hoped that Sheila or Jesse could go too. She decided not to bring it up. Not now anyway.

"It was just a thought." Claire said. "I'm sorry."

Hanna knew the human females were all promiscuous. The more they experienced, the more they wanted.

"Sometimes we all get 'hungry'." Hanna said. "I'll be back."

Hanna knew they all wanted a little more. Sometimes when the others were out, it happened. Each of them managed to get 'a little extra' from time to time. As long as everyone remembered where they belonged at the end of the day, it wasn't a problem. They really were one big happy family. There was plenty to go around.

Never Ask Again

Everyone is a mystery
There are many things about them
That we don't really know
From them many problems may stem

Often it is determined
That new friends are not needed
In times of loneliness or weakness
One's own warnings are not heeded

Every new chapter in life
Is really a repeat of those before
The past lessons are forgotten
Everyone comes back for more

How much really changes
It doesn't seem to be much
How much is one willing to sacrifice
Just for a simple touch

It seems that every now and then
It's not always remembered when
One gets rejected and pushed away
And vows to never ask again

Nobody