Chapter 546

I Don't Care

John Henry received some intel from one of the teams that examined the HK drones they'd shot down. It was the same information Cameron concluded. There were very few differences between what they'd come across before.

"John, the HK drones we encountered were almost identical to the ones we have." John Henry said. "They originated from the same plans."

John thought back on when they'd acquired their HK drones. They were lucky to find them being assembled instead of needing to face them in combat. He wondered if the crew going over the wreckage could assemble another working drone. Maybe all they could salvage would be some parts they could use for spares. They needed those too since one of their drones was damaged yesterday. It was clear there was more to the operation they'd taken down last night.

"That was only an assembly line where we appropriated ours from." John said. "We just smashed a foundry and machine shop. We have yet to find another assembly line or storage facility for more. Cameron needs to find the base they came from."

John Henry figured they were going to need to find a few assembly areas. There was other HK equipment that they'd come across.

"We also have encountered the tracked HK types, both the standard size HK Track and the HK Tread, the larger manned ones." John Henry said. "Those were being hand assembled. There may be an assembly line for them as well by now."

John could have done without that reminder. There was an even worse thing to think about.

"What about Terminators?" John asked. "That will be our biggest threat. They will be able to operate and infiltrate out in the open."

John Henry could picture governmental and industrial leaders being replaced by Terminators. They would be able to give Skynet a hold they might not be able to break. When they took down those Terminators in political positions it would look like an attack on the government. It could get messy.

"I don't believe any of the Terminators we've captured or fought has been a product of this time period - now." John Henry said. "If they're able to get an assembly line of Terminators running, we're going to be at a disadvantage, a major one."

John pictured the same things John Henry did but Terminators in the military as well. With 'hands on' nuclear weapons it would be impossible for CamNet and John Henry to control all of them. In control of even a single submarine they could inflict major damage.

"I think we're going to be screwed." John said.

John Henry knew they always had an 'Ace' to play with Cameron and CamNet. Both of them could act on their own accord at any time to thwart Skynet and its 'lap dog' flunkies, the Grays. He wasn't so sure that most of the Grays weren't little more than Scavengers. Few of them were actual 'experts' that Skynet 'needed'.

"I believe it's only because Cameron has seized all the Coltan we know about and controls its mining that Skynet hasn't been able to mass produce any of these things yet." John Henry said. "She has been very efficient."

John saw the real issues as the Skynet computer itself. Maybe it was just the Skynet 'program' in reality. It was elusive and resourceful. It managed to survive no matter how many times Cameron terminated it. Like some creepy 'Jack In The Box' it always popped back up again.

"The real question is, is where is the next Skynet itself lurking?" John asked. "Or any of its illegitimate offshoots that seem to spring up one after another."

John Henry didn't really see that as a problem since Cameron was on top of them once they were detected. He also knew she would go to any length to destroy them.

"Cameron will deal with them herself when we uncover them." John Henry said. "We already know this."

John knew that all too well. He knew that Cameron and her Duplicate both used nuclear weapons to bring Skynet down in her future and the past. He knew Cameron controlled four nuclear warheads and probably 'borrowed' more from the military by now.

"I'm afraid we do." John said. "We know she still has four nukes, at least."

John Henry didn't need to be reminded. He kept constant watch to see if any were used. He checked out every 'earthquake' to make sure that was what it really was.

Cameron went over the satellite photos in her files. She'd looked at the latest ones before she left. She could get better detail that way than just having them sent to her phone. This location didn't seem it was capable of what would be needed for any large scale production of HK equipment. That didn't mean there wasn't something else going on in there.

The intel gathered showed this was one of the locations where things seemed to happen at. There was a large increase in power usage and water as well.

Cameron needed to know more and she was sure it was going to cause a problem.

"Things don't add up here based on the intel." Cameron said. "I'm going to need to enter the facility and look around."

A red flag went off for Savannah immediately. She knew how Cameron operated. There were only three of them there right now.

"No. If you go inside it will go hot." Savannah said. "Cameron, we're not set up for an assault."

Cameron didn't want to endanger Savannah. She just wanted to get a look around. She would try to take it easy.

"I'll just look around and plant some of the surveillance devices." Cameron said. "I won't escalate. I don't believe this is the storage facility for the finished products. I want to find the base or location that the HK drones came from."

Savannah started to armor up.

"I'll go with you." Savannah said.

It was a struggle to get her equipment on. Bob started to assist Savannah because she'd already waved Cameron off.

Cameron frowned. She could see that Savannah was adamant about going.

"I need to go alone, Savannah." Cameron said. "I need to find out what is there first before you go. I'll keep it simple."

Savannah looked at Cameron. She could see how worried Cameron was now about her getting ready. She knew that was going to cause Cameron a problem. She felt she'd made her point. It was time to take a step back herself.

"Bob and I will get some surveillance equipment placed on our own." Savannah said. "We ALL need to be back here in one hour."

Cameron looked relieved.

Bob wanted to interject some of his influence, if he even had any.

"Let's get started." Bob said. "Cameron will be cautious."

Savannah wasn't so sure about that.

"We'll come for you if there's a problem." Savannah said.

Cameron knew that they would. She knew that Savannah would even if it meant her termination.

"I promise to be as careful as possible." Cameron said. "Sometimes things just happen."

They needed more information. Cameron was the one best suited to get it. If this place erupted into an attack on Cameron, they wouldn't be able to offer much assistance and would most likely be wiped out themselves.

Gail, Jesse and Cammy arrive at their assigned location. It was hard to say what was actually going on.

Cammy knew right away that a closer inspection was necessary to know more.

"I'm going inside to take a look." Cammy said.

Jesse was warned this might happen by Savannah. She wanted to play it cool and not make it a challenge or seem like one.

"Is that a good idea, love?" Jesse asked.

Jesse was sure it wasn't. Things could go wrong fast.

Cammy didn't see it as a big deal. Cameron and her made plans before they'd left the Resistance base and refined them as they started out and the other locations didn't pan out. Gail and Jesse could assist her with some of the footwork.

"It's what Cameron and I were going to do anyway." Cammy said. "Gail and you can place some of the surveillance devices around the parameter."

Gail knew they weren't set up for an assault.

"Cammy, you need to be careful." Gail said. "It can't go hot unless it has to or because of an emergency."

Cammy was still upset that Savannah sent her away earlier. That was Cameron's fault too.

"My fate doesn't matter." Cammy said. "I'm expendable."

Jesse moved up to Cammy and looked her straight in the face.

"It matters to me." Jesse said. "You know it matters to Savannah as well."

Gail expressed a stern look on her face. She didn't want Cammy to put Jesse in danger needlessly. She also noticed that Jesse used her sexuality to 'influence' Cammy. That might be a good thing in this case.

Cammy could feel the heat from Jesse's body she was so close. It reminded her that there were 'others'.

Jesse reached out and touched Cammy's cheek. Her left breast popped out of her top as she did. It wasn't an accident. She'd practiced those moves many times. They were the ultimate diversion. She was pleased to see Cammy look at it and her nipple ring. Bingo, point scored.

Cammy liked what she saw. She reached out and tucked it back in for Jesse and smiled. There was a little extra squeeze to go along with it.

"I'll use caution." Cammy said

Cammy turned to go.

Jesse reached out and took her hand to stop her. She wanted to make another point.

"Please, Cameron…." Jesse said and paused before she continued. "…Cammy…."

Jesse was worried about Cammy's frame of mind with the recent altercation with Cameron and that Savannah sent her away. She felt she'd scored two major points with Cammy.

Gail didn't like the interaction between Cammy and Jesse but she knew how Jesse felt about 'Cameron'.

"We'll meet back here in one hour, Cammy." Gail said.

Cammy nodded at both of them and headed down.

Cammy knew Jesse risked her life to drag Cameron out of a burning building before. Jesse stayed to the point of almost perishing herself. Jesse did it because she loved Cameron. Cammy knew Jesse must love her too…. It was something to think about.

She decided to use more caution. She was aware Cameron 'leaned on' Jesse to get closer to Savannah. Maybe she would be able to be in on it as well.

Cammy noted Gail glare at her. She figured that Gail must have come to the same conclusion. She would need to use caution. There was plenty 'more' to share at the Resistance base. She'd shared plenty in Cameron's future. It was all in Ginger's chassis though.

John and John Henry listened to the various conversations that took place as well as monitored the situation.

John was displeased with what he'd heard so far from Cameron and Cammy.

"This is going to be more than a recon." John said. "Cameron's going to make a 'point'."

John Henry came to that same conclusion and what was sure to follow.

"Cammy is going to match it and then up it." John Henry said.

John shook his head.

"I don't know what's wrong with her sometimes." John said.

John Henry believed he knew what it was for both Cameron and Cammy that drove them.

"Cameron is going to try to take the risk herself so no one else is endangered. She's become obsessed with that." John Henry said. "Cammy is going to do the same. She's also still upset about Savannah sending her to the other SUV."

John thought Savannah did that to make the teams better balanced.

"That was the right tactical choice." John said. "Savannah made a good call."

They still didn't know about the 'disturbance' between Cameron and Cammy. CamNet made sure that was blocked.

John Henry was worried about the extra 'players' on the field.

"Jesse and Savannah are out there. We have to think of them." John Henry said. "Cameron and Cammy need to think of them."

John felt that Savannah and Jesse were there to make Cameron and Cammy think twice. He still didn't know why Jesse was actually there. It was unusual for her to be out in the field.

"Don't you think THAT is why they're there?" John said. "This should be a recon only."

There was some arguing in the corridor outside the Command Center. It was clear before they saw anyone that there was going to be a problem.

"I want a full report – NOW." Cam said as she entered the Command Center.

Vanna was with Cam. She looked like she'd been crying.

"Cam…." Vanna started but a glare from Cam shut her up.

John and John Henry filled them both in. They didn't know what this was about yet.

Cam was clearly upset. She looked very much like Cameron right now. That was who she was in reality.

"I want a 'MIKE Force' ready to go." Cam said. "I'm leading it myself. We all know how these things turn out. Cameron will not let it go if she sees an opportunity – I KNOW."

Once Vanna found out Savannah was out again she became very upset. She knew how much pain Savannah must be in. She'd been beaten too for not 'responding' fast enough before. She wanted Cam to 'fix' it. Cam told her there was no 'fixing' any of this.

Cam decided to go assist them herself. When she did that, Vanna became upset at her.

"Everything has risks." Cam told her. "I'm expendable. My program is copied. I can be rebodied or a copy of my chip can be placed in Cammy's second port. We can take turns being in control of her chassis for Savannah and you."

Vanna didn't like that idea either. She did know that the cyborgs didn't sleep. That actually would make more efficient use of a single chassis. No. She wanted Cam all to herself. Cam was – her 'Cameron'.

Allison thought all night about the things that were discussed with Anna, Holly and her mother. She now sought out her mother. She wanted to speak with her alone.

She found Holly first.

"Holly, I want you and Hanna to take Summer out." Allison said.

Holly was a little confused.

"Why?" Holly asked. "Where are we supposed to go?"

Allison was already agitated. The questions irritated her more.

"I don't care…." Allison said.

Anna appeared.

"Is there some problem?" Anna asked.

Allison looked at Anna.

"Not yet." Allison said. "It looks like there may be one."

Allison looked at Holly.

Holly looked away. She didn't want to displease Allison again.

"I'll find Hanna." Holly said and left.

Anna and Young Allison were set to go out. Now there was some kind of a problem.

"I was about to take Allison out for a run." Anna said.

Anna moved forward to scan Allison.

Allison blocked her hand.

"Whatever happens – happens." Allison said.

Anna tilted her head slightly. She then turned and left without saying anything. This wasn't the time to push anything.

Soon they were all out but Claire.

Claire was a little confused about what all seemed to happen.

"What is it, honey?" Claire asked. "Is there a – problem?"

Allison was upset enough about her father being 'kicked out'. Her mother's plans further irritated her. Someone needed to draw a line in the sand. She felt it was her.

"Mom, I don't want you to have a baby and give it to Cameron." Allison said. "That would be my brother or sister. I won't allow that."

Claire touched her abdomen without thinking. Her body belonged to her.

"Allison, that's not your CHOICE to make." Claire said. "It is my body and my choice. I'm ready to do that now for John and Cameron."

Allison gritted her teeth some.

"Why?" Allison asked.

Claire knew her body could do something that Cameron's body and apparently Allison's body couldn't do. She loved both of them.

"I love Cameron." Claire said. "I can help her. I will help her. I'm going to help her."

Allison looked even more unhappy. She knew what was really wanted.

"It's my baby she wants." Allison said. "We both know this."

Claire felt she understood Cameron much better since she was close to her for nine months in her future.

"She won't take your baby from you." Claire said. "In her future she didn't do that."

Allison wondered how far her mother would 'go' to be with Cameron.

"That was Duplicate Cameron." Allison said. "Are you doing this just 'to be' with Cameron?"

Claire wanted that very much. She wanted to 'help' more to show her love. She knew how important it was to Cameron that John be protected. She'd heard the grumblings of the 'Metal Haters' in the future. It was a real threat.

"I will take that if it happens but I won't have any conditions." Claire said. "I'll do it anyway. Allison, it's going to happen. I've promised Cameron the use of my body for reproduction with John. I AM going to do it."

Allison sized her mother up. She KNEW her mother was going to do what she said she would.

"I want you to have my baby again. That way she can have my baby." Allison said. "That's the baby she really wants."

Claire figured her body was going to be busy nourishing babies. Maybe none of them would actually be hers for awhile. She still planned to have another one for herself once everyone else was taken care of.

"I may have to do that for you anyway, Allison." Claire said. "Don't you think I worry about that day and night? Ask Hanna about it, she knows."

Allison was further irritated by that reminder. She didn't like that her baby was given away. That baby should be in her arms right now.

"That was MY baby you gave away…." Allison said. "I still find that hard to swallow."

Claire felt a lot of disappointment. Future Allison was as much her daughter as Allison was. They were both 'her Allison' from two different futures.

"I gave it to you – Future Allison. She's MY daughter as well." Claire said. "She's sterile. She is MY Allison, just as you are. You're both the same person. I'd do anything for my daughters."

Allison did know that. She was still worried about all her failures.

"It was still MY baby." Allison said. "What happens if I lose this one too?"

Allison and Claire shared a long talk and what they both wanted and didn't want in their futures.

Allison wanted to lay down some new rules.

Everyone was going to listen to her.

Allison was tired of being – Nobody.

I Don't Care

What does one really feel
Is it only sexual lust
Or is it something real
Is there any trust

Maybe for a short while
There are some kinds of feelings
They fade rather quickly
With each day's dealings

It's that initial spark
That burns brightly at first
It doesn't take very long
To fade to its worst

Why can't it last
Where does it go
This is how it always is
Who don't think so

There always comes the day
When one doesn't want to share
It's really not a big deal because
I don't care

Nobody