Chapter 676

Don't Ever Look Back

Savannah felt helpless as she watched Cameron struggle to keep her grip on the cable and not fall off into the canyon below. She wondered if they could do anything with the helicopter to help Cameron.

"Can we get closer?" Savannah asked.

Ally knew that she could get closer but it would most certainly create a bigger problem for Cameron.

"I can't get too get close to her or the 'rotor wash' will knock her off." Ally said.

Cammy could see how distressed Savannah was as she watched Cameron struggle to stay on the cable and not fall to her doom. She wanted to reassure Savannah but maybe she wanted to reassure herself as well

"She'll make it, Savannah." Cammy said.

Sheila received a plan from the Command Center as to what their next course of action should be.

"As soon as she does, we need to get the team down to Gail and Jesse." Sheila said. "We need to get ready for the next phase."

Savannah wondered how much of what was happening up on the cable would be visible or known by the occupants of the cable car.

"Does the 'Metal Bitch' know Cameron is there?" Savannah asked.

Ally already thought about that. If the 'Metal Bitch' chose to come out of the cable car, she could try to knock Cameron off the cable or prevent her getting onto the top of the cable car herself. Either way it looked like Cameron was in a bad spot currently.

"I think that's more than likely." Ally said. "She may come out to fight Cameron."

Savannah knew that Cameron was very vulnerable right now.

"That sounds worse." Savannah said.

Sheila didn't think that the 'Metal Bitch' would hesitate to kill everyone inside the cable car itself and try to shoot Cameron to make her fall off the cable. If Cameron was still holding the cable when they reached the next support, it wouldn't matter. She'd fall to her doom a away.

"She may shoot at Cameron as well." Sheila said. "Cameron may have lost her weapons at this point."

Savannah watched Cameron in action without weapons before. She was very formidable.

"Cameron is a weapon." Savannah said. "That's all she needs."

There was a loud 'clap' sound as all the Terminators 'high fived' each other. Cameron was their inspiration.

Savannah knew they were all concerned as well.

It was clear that everyone on the helicopter rooted for Cameron. It didn't matter if they were a Terminator or not.

Cameron swung herself back up and grabbed the cable. She moved on top of it and now straddled it. She now sat on top of it. She slid back up along the cable and made it into the basket for the line attendant. She was in a semi secure position now but still highly vulnerable if the 'Metal Bitch' came out to fight her. There was less chance of her falling now even if she was in a gunfight.

She checked her weapons. She still possessed her Taser and Glock. She was unsure where her M4 ended up at. It must have gone over the side of the header station roof and into the canyon when she slipped and fell. She was aware the 'Metal Bitch' knew someone was on the top of the cable car. By this point the 'Metal Bitch' would know that person must be a Terminator as well.

Cameron felt some stability now and pulled her Taser out. If the hatch in the roof opened, she knew it would be the 'Metal Bitch'. She would have a pistol or MP5. She knew she could take those rounds. It may not be pretty but they wouldn't incapacitate her. She was willing to take that gamble and those pistol rounds if she could get a Taser shot at the 'Metal Bitch' She was pretty sure if there were any other occupants that were still alive inside the cable car itself they would be highly distressed when she pulled the chip from the 'Metal Bitch'. Maybe she would force them to all face forward in the cable car even if she needed to do it at gunpoint while she pulled the chip from the 'Metal Bitch'. She didn't want to do any unnecessary terminations.

The helicopter could be clearly heard off to her side. Cameron looked up to the 'Huey' and gave 'a thumbs up'. She saw the copter wag its tail slightly back and forth and rapidly accelerate down the canyon to let off its Metal troopers. Cameron saw Savannah was with them. It gave her a sense of pride and a twinge of guilt for not informing Savannah what she'd gone off to do.

She saw the cable car neared the center point of the trip down. That meant the other cable car would be coming up. She briefly wondered if the 'Metal Bitch' would make a desperate attempt to jump from the cable car she was in to the one going up to escape her. She hoped not because then she would have to make a jump for the other cable and try to work her way up hand over hand to the other cable car as it continued its uphill climb. She'd be a prime target for the 'Metal Bitch' to shoot at. She tried to remain unseen when the other cable car passed them. She was relieved to see that there was no one in it. That meant there would be one less report to squelch. The 'Metal Bitch' stayed where she was at.

Ally saw Cameron get into some kind of seat that was high on the bracket assembly that connected the cable car to the cable. Cameron looked secure and gave them 'a thumbs up'. Ally moved the tail back and forth and firewalled it. She wanted to make the rendezvous with Gail and Jesse so they could get a team up to the base station.

She flew past the base station. She still kept off to the side. She knew that if she set down in the parking lot it would cause a lot of 'lookiloos'. It would bring unwanted attention. She continued down the canyon. She saw the white van Gail and Jesse were in. It was about to make the turn off the main road to head up the canyon road. She decided to take the easiest course of action and what would kick up the least amount of debris as the helicopter touched down.

"Gail, we'll set down just up the road." Ally said.

Gil already had a clear visual of the Iroquois as it approached.

"We see you coming." Gail said. "That was quite a running commentary you provided."

Ally tried to make light of the situation.

"I felt like a sports announcer." Ally said. "It wasn't pleasant to watch."

Sheila looked back at one of Cameron's Terminators.

"Pete, take a 'pig' and go with them." Sheila said.

Cameron's Terminator nodded.

"Affirmative…." Pete said.

Sheila rolled her eyes slightly and returned her attention forward.

Cameron's Terminator was able to get everything ready in a few seconds with the assistance of Bob.

Ally brought the UH-1 down into a low hover without even landing. The Metal troopers bailed out along with Savannah. Gail pulled the van up alongside them. She made sure to stay clear of the rotor. The UH-1 was gone in seconds. Jesse slid the side door of the van open. They all piled in the cargo space of the van.

"This is Candy. You all saw her before." Jesse said. "We have a car for her in the parking lot. I told her not to open the trunk and dump it in the next state."

Savannah wanted to help her too.

"I have something to give her as well." Savannah said. "It's in the SUV I came up in."

Cammy was sure she knew what Savannah wanted to do.

"We have three SUVs in the various parking lots, plus Cameron's." Cammy said.

Savannah smiled at her and nodded.

Jessie looked back at the full load of Terminators.

"We have plenty of drivers now." Jesse said.

Savannah wanted everyone to keep their eye on the ball. The most important person was yet to arrive.

"We'll have one more driver when Cameron gets here." Savannah said.

Cammy smiled at Savannah to reassure her.

"She will." Cammy said.

Candy noticed that Cameron and Cammy looked identical.

"Is she your sister?" Candy asked. "I mean the girl who was in charge?"

Cammy was very glad Cameron survived her unconventional method for boarding the cable car. She was proud to be her clone at this particular point. That wasn't often the case.

"Yes." Cammy said. "We're twins. We're identical. We're the same."

Cammy looked at Savannah when she said that and smiled.

Savannah smiled back at her.

The wind seemed to have subsided some as the cable car continued its journey down. The base station grew closer and larger every second as the cable car descended.

Cameron observed they neared the last support tower. She wondered if the 'Metal Bitch' would jump to it and try to go down that way. She would be able to avoid the base station if she chose that method.

She moved down from the basket seat and clung to the support pylon in case she needed to jump to the tower as they passed.

Nothing happened. The next trick would be for the 'Metal Bitch' to jump out before the cable car docked and go around the outside of the building. She was pretty sure the 'Metal Bitch' wasn't going to go through the base station exit. Cameron knew all the communications were cut so the 'Metal Bitch' wouldn't have been able to contact anyone.

Cameron crouched low now. She stood on the roof of the cable car itself. It was slippery with ice and snow. She tried to keep her body behind the support pylon so she wouldn't be spotted easily. To be spotted by some workers where she was at currently, wasn't something she needed. She wondered how many red flags she'd already sent up with her recent activity. It was probably more than a few. She'd caused damage at the header station when she slipped and fell. She would rely on John Henry and CamNet to deal with any of that.

Cameron wasn't looking for a shootout in a crowded place. She could see the base station was mostly empty. The shops were closed as well. It was near the end of the day for the workers and few seemed to pay any attention. Everyone was ready to go home so they watched the clock.

The closer they came to the base station, the more likely it was the 'Metal Bitch' would make her move.

Even though it would be more dramatic if the 'Metal Bitch' bailed out of the cable car before docked, it would be better for the patrons inside the base station if she did. Cameron was sure that there would be gunfire at that point.

Gail ran the captured van hard up the hill to the parking lot. Some of the curves were very dangerous but she kept it safe, even if it didn't seem sane to Savannah and Candy. Terminators possessed abilities that humans were unable to match under any circumstances.

She stopped and let everyone collect the various SUVs except Cameron's.

They let Candy off at the car of the dead thief. He was still in the trunk. Savannah went to the SUV Bob and her arrived in and retrieved a few items. She wanted the girl safe and out of there. She didn't approve of the girl's lifestyle but Candy didn't deserve what happened to her either. She hoped she'd be able to do something to give her a fresh start or at least a better start. It would be up to Candy what she did after that.

Candy looked a little surprised at what Savannah handed her.

"Here's some money and a firearm." Savannah said. "Take the car and drive through one state without stopping and dump it in a mall. Take a train or bus and go across the country. Don't open the trunk and get rid of the car within a day, two at the most. You don't want to be caught driving it."

Savannah gave her some brief instructions on the operation of the pistol. Candy told her she'd carried one before.

Candy wasn't sure what the deal was with the car but it sounded like something she didn't want to find out. She was appreciative of the money and the fact that she'd been rescued and saved by the group of people she was currently with

"Thank you, all of you." Candy said as she started the thief's car. "Who are you?"

Savannah heard others in her group use the term several times. She thought it was appropriate under the current circumstances.

"We're the 'Good Guys'." Savannah said. "Run as fast as you can and never look back. You have the ability to remake your life going forward from this point. Please don't squander it."

With the multiple assaults over the last few days and seeing people die, that seemed like good advice to Candy. She knew at this point she was lucky to still be alive even. She knew she was only alive because of these people here who helped her. They'd saved her.

Candy drove off and down the hill in the dead thief's car.

Savannah went over a plan with Cammy and Bob. They thought it was a good one. They didn't have much time to act. Gail informed them that the cable car was near the last pylon on its way down.

Cameron knew her team would be ready for her and the 'Metal Bitch'. She'd lost her com, both of them, with her recent athletic activity and semi-circus stunts. The base station loomed ahead.

The cable car slowed as it neared the base station. Cameron was ready to jump down. Much as she suspected, the door of the cable car was forced open and the 'Metal Bitch' jumped out and down fifteen feet to the ground. She landed and slipped on the icy ground but was instantly up and running. It appeared that she planned to evade instead of fight.

Cameron jumped down in pursuit. She carried her Glock in one hand and her Taser in the other.

The 'Metal Bitch' went around the side of the building as Cameron thought she would. She also anticipated the next move the 'Metal Bitch' would attempt. She quickly slipped off her jacket as she ran. She slowed and tossed the jacket in front of her as she reached the corner. She heard a silenced MP5 cough out its rounds and the jacket was shredded.

The 'Metal Bitch' tried to ambush her.

Cameron came around the corner and the 'Metal Bitch' was about ready to move to the front side of the building. The 'Metal Bitch' looked back at her to see what she looked like. She knew the 'Metal Bitch' wanted to scan her to try and hunt her down later if she eluded her. She picked up the pace. That wasn't going to happen.

The 'Metal Bitch' looked back at her pursuer. She imprinted what the 'Metal Whore' looked like who pursued her. The 'Metal Whore' was now tagged on her chip. She thought she would hunt her down later. The 'Metal Bitch' thought she might even take that chassis for herself once she hunted her down and deactivated her. She could see that the sheath was very attractive. If nothing else she would reprogram her and turn her over to the Grays to be a 'Metal Whore' for all of eternity. She smiled to herself at the thought of watching Gray's do to the 'Metal Whore' what she'd watched them do to that disgusting human female. She was really disappointed she didn't get to cut her up like she'd done with the other human females. She really thought that there was way too much going on down there anyway. All the extra 'parts' were redundant and served no purpose in reproduction anyway.

The 'Metal Bitch' saw two SUVs parked on each side of the building. She saw one of their white vans as it quickly approached. Good, they'd sent someone for her. It looked like reinforcements would be waiting for her. The white van stopped in front of her but went up a ways. He was unable to see who the driver was because they'd overshot. She would be there in seconds. The side door slid open. She headed for it to jump in. She knew she was home free. She decided to silently 'communicate' with the 'Metal Whore' who pursued her. She was pleased that she'd outsmarted and outmaneuvered her. She smiled again at the thought of turning her reprogram chassis over to the Grays and watch as they abused it.

The 'Metal Bitch' looked back at Cameron and smiled as she flipped her off.

Cameron pointed behind the 'Metal Bitch'. The 'Metal Bitch' turned around and saw that the SAME 'Metal Whore' that was chasing her was now standing in front of her and fired a Taser. She tried to dodge but three of the charged barbs hit her. There was a look of astonishment on her face as she went down.

Cammy moved off to the side as the momentum of the 'Metal Bitch' carried her forward as she collapsed. She impacted with a thud and was sprawled half in the open door of the van.

Cameron arrived a few seconds behind her. She reached down and shoved the 'Metal Bitch' the rest of the way in as she entered the van. Cammy followed her inside and closed the door behind them. Gail drove off. Cameron noted one of her Terminators with an M60 was waiting as well, just in case….

"It's time to go home." Cameron said as she pulled her knife out.

Cameron resisted the urge to slice the cheek open on the 'Metal Bitch'. Instead she just pulled her chip out and deactivated her.

"You lose." Cameron said. "I win again."

Cameron was pleased that she always won. That was mainly because the game was never over until she did win.

Don't Ever Look Back

Each day through life's journey
Seems to be filled with endless flak
Maybe that all makes sense
If the journey is viewed as an attack

It feels as if every step forward
Ends up moving two steps back
It really makes one question
Each and every setback

When one thinks they broken free
They wonder if they're on the right track
Maybe where they're currently headed
Is just the result of a hijack

With the daily roll of the dice
Will they ever be cut some slack
Can anyone ever win a game
That's always out of whack

It's time to move forward
And no longer backtrack
Follow what the heart demands
Don't ever look back

Nobody