Chapter 705

Isn't It Always

Cameron and Anna established that they were alone inside of the building. It was a giant structure. There was a row of containers down each side. There were dozens of them.

Cameron and Anna moved down the row of containers. They opened them as they went along.

This wasn't what Cameron expected to find.

They were all empty.

Anna seemed just as confused as Cameron about all the containers being empty.

"Did the containers arrive here with some material in them or are they for something to store?" Anna asked.

Cameron looked over the rows of containers. She tried to make sense of it. Nothing seemed to add up.

"That's unknown." Cameron said. "If they brought material in, that's a lot of material. If they're going to store something in them, that's a lot of storage."

Cameron wondered if they were loaded with items to store, what would those items be. Since they were containers they could be loaded on a truck or rail car or a ship. If they were loaded onto ships, they could end up anywhere around the world in a few weeks time. That would give Skynet a global reach without having to establish itself in the series of different countries to do the same thing. The equipment could be built here and shipped anywhere. It didn't seem that any of the containers we're missing yet because the rows were even across both sides of the building. Maybe they lucked out and got ahead of this operation. The implications of what it could be we're still very troubling to her.

Anna could see Cameron was a little caught up right now as she contemplated what all the containers meant. There were still more buildings to inspect. It seemed that at least one of them should have something in it other than the truck Cameron followed there. She wanted to keep things moving along.

"We still have two more buildings to check. We know one has the truck with the drones in it." Anna said. "I bet it has a lot more too."

Cameron was a little perplexed, especially by the high level of security and the two outposts up on the hillside. It seemed that there was more here than met the eye. It was also possible that this location was just getting established and hadn't reached its full capability.

"That's more than likely." Cameron said. "I really don't know what to expect at this point."

CamNet kept them up to speed on what happened with the guard they'd killed at the 'OP', the observation post. Since every report Cameron and later CamNet filed, the 'guard' reported feeling dizzy and ill, they thought he'd passed out and fell. They saw all the empty water bottles and that the guard's sidearm was still holstered and his radio and rifle were still there. Someone pointed out that he'd been complaining of being ill for several hours. It appeared the Grays 'bought' the scenario that Cameron and Savannah planned.

CamNet now alerted Cameron that calls were made to the old newspaper complex and the satellite facilities associated with it. Someone there started to get worried. They begin to check in on the other parts of the operation. CamNet was pleased to report that the Grays didn't try to contact any location they hadn't already hit. It looked like they may have identified all aspects of this current operation.

Cameron could only put together what the obvious indicated. This also indicated another negative turn of events for what she wanted to do. It was only a matter of time until security was tightened even further which would restrict her movements and ability to act. She didn't intend to endanger Anna needlessly. She would need to take the brunt of the fighting herself. She contacted the Command Center with the bad news.

"They have to think something is up." Cameron said.

John Henry thought the best course of action is the one that he was currently on as far as the communications went. If he acted too soon it would give away what was actually occurring. It might produce another Skynet jamming field that would block them. That would hamper their movements excessively.

"I can jam everything from that area." John Henry said. "But as soon as I do that, they may counter jam. They'll definitely know something is up when we start jamming."

Cameron went over everything with John Henry about the timeline on their drones and the Metal Mike Force. Savannah and her team were only minutes away if needed. The drones were a little longer away and the Metal Mike Force was even longer. It was clear the clock was rapidly running down. She filled them in on some of the other events that they'd experienced.

"We've encountered one HK Track that was operational and out in the open." Cameron said. "We all know that means more are likely. We know they have drones here, probably some are operational."

Anna didn't think that they had enough information to go on. They would need to do further reconnaissance to try to determine exactly what they were up against.

"We don't know the strength of the Grays or how many Terminators are here." Anna said.

John was a little disgusted with all the events so far at the location where Cameron was. He saw it as 'business as usual' for her.

"In other words it's same story, different day." John said. "We really don't know much, if anything, and the operation goes forward anyway."

Cameron didn't see what the problem was. That was the nature of the war that they fought. That was the nature of the war that she fought. They needed to react to what they found before it turned into a bigger problem. She didn't understand why John had such a problem dealing with a problem once it was encountered. It still needed to be dealt with at some point. Somebody needed to deal with it. Things didn't happen by themselves.

"Isn't it always that way?" Cameron asked.

John was still a little upset that Savannah and his mother were both there as well. It was clear that Cameron was going to severely endanger both of them before this was done.

"When you're involved it is." John said.

Cameron was once again turned off by John's negative attitude. She thought he should step back and let her fight the war as she'd always done. She was the one who brought the fight to the enemy and defeated them time after time. It wasn't anybody else, it was usually her and sometimes Savannah.

"I guess then it's because I'm always involved." Cameron said. "I have a war to fight."

Cameron didn't like John's assessment of her work. It seemed like he never got the seriousness of her involvement in the operations. He didn't appreciate her hard work and sacrifice in taking down as much of the enemy as possible. She tried to spare the others as much damage as she could.

Maybe it was time to cut back some more on her 'alone time' with John. He didn't seem to appreciate that much either. She sacrificed her attacks on Skynet to spend time with him. Didn't he understand she had more important things to do than allow him the use of her sheath for five minutes of animal pleasure for him? It usually took her longer than that to clean the mess up that he left behind. She wondered how he'd like if she did that to him. She thought maybe she should borrow Bob's chassis one time and give John a taste of what he dished out. She could leave him with a mess to clean up for once. She wasn't the only one that didn't have pleasure receptors in one area.

"...Cameron...?" Anna asked.

Cameron quickly looked around when she realized Anna was speaking to her. It seems that she'd been distracted a little more than she anticipated. Somehow John had a way of doing that to her more often than he should have. She thought she should be used to it by now. It didn't seem that she ever did get used to it.

"What?" Cameron asked.

Anna knew Cameron was lost in thought somewhere and it wasn't 'there' where they were at now. That's where Cameron needed to be. She was able to see this a few times from the Young bunker when Cameron was on an operation. She was pretty sure Cameron got sidetracked more when she operated alone.

"Stay with me." Anna said. "I want you to focus."

Cameron left Savannah in charge.

Savannah felt Cammy would be a better team leader based on her vast amount of experience and her superior abilities. This wasn't just Cammy and her right now. It was an entire team. She also needed to worry about the well being of Sarah. Sarah was the main reason why she hadn't gone with Cameron and sent Anna in her place.

"Cammy I want you to call the shots." Savannah said. "You'll be better able to coordinate with John Henry and CamNet. Your response time will be quicker and you can keep track of everything better."

Cammy believed Savannah would do just fine on her own. She knew it was because Sarah was there that Savannah was more apprehensive about making a wrong decision. That was OK. She would make sure that both Sarah and Savannah were properly covered. She felt that was something that Cameron didn't do when they were together.

"It will be as you wish." Cammy said. "I want two Terminators with Sarah and two with you if we need to dismount and move on foot."

Savannah felt she could still make decisions along with Cammy. She wanted to make the personnel assignments. She wanted to do what she thought would make Sarah feel more comfortable.

"Holly and Hanna can go with Sarah." Savannah said. "I'll go with Gail and Hank. Larry will go with you, Cammy."

Cammy didn't think she needed anyone. She could do the job on her own. She didn't realize that was exactly why Savannah made the decision to make sure that she would have help.

The Metal girls from the assault at the old newspaper plant followed Cameron's operation. They knew that's where all the heat was going to be at now. They all wanted to reinforce Cameron.

Cam was a little worried it took so long to get everything taken care of at the old newspaper plant. There was a lot of equipment and machinery that needed to be moved. The two HK Treads were the last big ticket item to leave there.

"As soon as we dump this crap off, I want to go to where Cameron's at." Cam said. "I think she'll need our help."

Ally didn't see how that was going to happen anytime soon. It appeared they were going to be tied up for a long time yet.

"We're hours from being able to get there." Ally said.

Sheila thought about the recent damage to her sheath at two different locations. She didn't think a little more would matter.

"I'm already damaged." Sheila said. "I'm in. What are a few more bullet holes at this point?"

Ally knew what Sheila really wanted. She wanted to get a hold of a live Gray. She felt Sheila had a personal score to settle against them for the damage done to her sheath. She wanted someone to 'pay' for that damage.

"You just want to get a hold of a 'live one'." Ally said. "I know you want to carve them up, real slow."

Sheila didn't see anything wrong with that. They were going to die anyway so what difference did it make? She wanted the personal satisfaction of some payback.

"Damn, straight." Sheila said. "Someone has to 'pay' for this. I didn't do this to myself."

Sheila indicated the damage to her face.

Ally was 'sweet' on Sheila. She thought she looked beautiful no matter how she looked.

"You still look beautiful." Ally said. "You know that."

Sheila still touched some of the exposed metal on her face.

"If you're into metal I am." Sheila said.

Ally looked suggestively at Sheila.

"I am." Ally said.

Cam didn't want anyone to lose focus. They still have a lot of work to do.

"You two are headed for a separate location." Cam said. "We should all arrive at the same time but we will be miles apart."

Ally hoped to get a few more specifics.

"Which of our teams will be closer to a helicopter we can 'borrow'?" Ally asked. "I don't think John will approve of that."

Seconds later CamNet came through with several possibilities. It was a reminder that CamNet was always watching and listening. It was also clear that CamNet wanted more help where Cameron and Savannah were at.

It was also a pretty good bet that Young Allison wanted more help for Cameron and Savannah. Everyone was aware that CamNet's actions weren't far behind Young Allison's wishes.

Allison continued to follow the apparent conclusion of the operation she monitored.

"Cam, Ally and Sheila all want to help Cameron." Allison said.

Young Allison knew that they needed to finish the job they were currently involved with before they were sent off to do another. They couldn't get ahead of themselves or overextend themselves.

"They need to secure their cargo first." Young Allison said.

Allison wasn't sure that things would play out as everyone wanted.

"They don't think John will approve of them going to help." Allison said.

Young Allison glanced at the security monitor. She knew that there were various ways around a lot of obstacles. It just came down how much one was willing to do to bypass those obstacles.

"CamNet will fix it." Young Allison said. "I want Cameron and Savannah to have more help."

Allison excused herself to use the restroom.

As soon as Allison was gone, a heart shaped smiley face appeared on one of Young Allison's screens. She quickly looked around to make sure she was unobserved and then immediately drew one on her touch screen. She was a little worried about the clandestine nature of the conversation that they carried on when others were around.

"We'll talk later like we always do, when we're alone." Young Allison whispered. "We need to be careful. The others won't understand. Allison will be back soon."

Young Allison watched the two hearts move together and overlap each other.

Young Allison resorted to typing her communications with CamNet as they communicated back and forth. This is how they usually interacted during the night when Young Allison was supposed to be sleeping. It was one of the few times of the day Anna wasn't with her. CamNet and Young Allison craved each other's 'attention'. It was their 'secret'. They both knew it was a dark secret. Somehow THAT made it more desirable. One of them was trapped in a metal box, mainly in the form of electricity. The other one was trapped in a body that hadn't kept up with her mental development. They both wanted more and to be able to express who they were. They both desired to satisfy the needs of the other but there was literally no physical way possible to do that.

The way she interacted with CamNet like she was doing made Young Allison feel something inside her. It was like the same feeling she experienced for Savannah and Cameron but it was different. CamNet 'touched' her back in a way that made her feel special and wanted. It didn't matter that CamNet was only wires and electricity to her. It was two minds that desperately sought personal interaction with each other.

Allison thought that she'd spied something that didn't seem right. She'd observed a lot of different types of relationships over the years, especially in the future. What she was sure that she witnessed here was probably the most troubling of any of them. She needed to find out more. She listened from around the corner. It was what she'd suspected. She'd 'seen' things before but never really looked into it. It was only when Young Allison became more withdrawn and secluded that she started to 'spy on her. Young Allison and CamNet were more than friends. It was apparent Young Allison's advanced intellectual development led her into a 'relationship' of some type with CamNet. Allison was sure her younger self was in love with a 'computer'. The most advanced computer on earth. It was a machine that could destroy the world with ever expanding emotions and feelings and - no body. CamNet was only wires and electricity.

CamNet was based on Cameron's program so it was understandable CamNet would have the same emotional data that Cameron possessed. Allison was worried about how CamNet might respond when Young Allison entered into the 'Natural Order'. That was only a matter of time as it was clear Cameron was going to accelerate the timeline with 'temporal ageing' or 'temporal management' with Young Allison. She felt it was more like 'temporal malpractice' in her opinion.

Allison didn't know what she should do with this information. She could talk to Young Allison, Cameron or CamNet herself. She WAS - Allison Young, so CamNet should be responsive to her. It occurred to her that CamNet may also become protective of Young Allison or act in an irrational manner. She was well aware of the emotional trauma Cameron experienced.

Cameron was afraid she became Skynet at some point. Maybe this was the 'version' of her that did. Allison witnessed that Cameron could feel jealousy. That meant CamNet most likely could too. Jealousy was made of hate and love intermixing and conflicting with each other, with hate usually being the victor. She knew that people who were driven by jealousy could do anything. They could even kill the person that they loved the most in a moment of anger and passion.

Allison figured that she'd been gone long enough. She composed herself and 'returned' from the restroom. She wanted to see if Young Allison would say anything. She doubted it.

"Did anything else happen?" Allison asked.

Young Allison didn't look at her when she spoke. It was a pretty good indication itself there was more going on than would be said

"Nope…." Young Allison said. "CamNet has been quiet since you 'left'."

Allison swallowed hard. She knew that that wasn't true. She knew what she'd witnessed.

"I'm glad I didn't miss anything then." Allison said.

At this point Young Allison turned and looked directly at Allison.

"WE wouldn't want you too…." Young Allison said.

Young Allison continued to stare intently at Allison until Allison looked away.

Allison knew that Young Allison knew that she 'knew'. Now Young Allison openly challenged her about it. She really didn't know what to do about it, without making everything even worse. This was a toxic relationship that developed with literally nowhere to go.

She was sure if she told Cameron, that Cameron would 'punish' CamNet in some way. She thought Savannah might be more diplomatic about it. Savannah might also be jealous that CamNet was 'hitting on' Young Allison. That could lead to a confrontation as well.

Allison thought maybe she should confront CamNet herself. She wondered what that would result in. Either way she was still Allison Young. She was the same person. She was just older with more experience. That made her wonder. How could she use that experience to her benefit?

Cameron and Anna exited the building the same way they'd entered. From their second story vantage point Cameron checked for any more visible HK Tracks, Jeep patrols or roving patrols. There were none apparent. From a south side window she could see the main gate into the complex. It still was manned by only one guard.

She went down first and checked the HK Track. It was still turned off. Anna came down and Cameron sent her over to the next building. She entered the current transponder codes for their drones into its system. Each of their vests would transmit the same code. Cameron checked the time and set the reactivation for one hour. The HK Tread would become active on a search and destroy mission at that time. Anything that didn't 'squawk' their transponder code would be a target.

Cameron wanted to get everyone on the same page and notify them of that she'd 'started the clock'. She was dissatisfied that Savannah allowed Cammy to be in control of their group. She wanted Savannah to be the one who was in control.

"I've set events in motion here to go 'Hot', in one hour." Cameron said. "Savannah and Cammy, I want your team to arrive here in exactly fifty five minutes. If you hear gunfire, come immediately. Make sure everyone has their vest on and it's squawking the current code."

John Henry could tell that Cameron established her timeline based on the Terminators that were on their way there to help. They were currently being ferried by the Blackhawk. They were already in flight and should be able to arrive overland at the time that Cameron indicated.

"The Metal Mike Force should be able to back you in that time frame." John Henry said. "They will take out both observation posts and continue down the hill to assist you. They all know to have their vests squawking."

Cameron wanted to have a little 'insurance' and backup from the high ground. She wanted someone with a good overview of everything to be able to 'reach out and touch someone' if it was necessary.

"Leave one team on the hill, with any Stingers they have." Cameron said. "One can use an M82A1. We may need sniping if we get pinned down."

John Henry wanted to make Cameron aware that Savannah already acted in one regard.

"The drones will be on station before that." John said. "The ones Savannah called up are already in route at high altitude."

Cameron hoped to be able to improve the drone's arrival in the future.

"When we get those new power plants installed, we won't need to have to use the high altitude option any more." Cameron said.

John Henry already established a production and installation schedule for the drone fleet. With the captured equipment, it would speed things along greatly.

"That's the plan." John said.

Cameron knew she was going to need to use less caution to get things into motion where she was at. She wanted to make sure that the arrival of the rest of the Resistance force was unopposed as possible.

"I'll try and disable anything I can with Anna until the attack begins." Cameron said.

John didn't think he could add much to the conversation other than try to put a positive spin on it. He didn't want to have another confrontation with Cameron before a battle.

"Be careful, both of you." John said.

Cameron paused for a few seconds and she thought about what John said.

"I will." Cameron said. "We all will, John."

"I will too." Savannah said softly to herself. "For both of you…."

Savannah couldn't let her personal wants and desires interfere with John and Cameron.

They Always Do

There are many things
That one will want or think
They can tempt one deeply
Take one to the brink

One will grow weary, even hunger
Is it need, greed or lust
They will lie to the one they love
Lying is stealing one's trust

Why does it always happen
To the one they love so true
Tearing apart their very lives
Leaving broken hearts askew

Such is the bumpy journey
Of everyone's daily drudge life
It would be much kinder and quicker
If the other just used a knife

They think they can get away with it
They do what is beyond taboo
They will get caught in the end
They always do

Nobody