Chapter 774
Alert The Girls
John didn't like the way events developed. He was worried about Cammy and Sheila. He needed to worry about Bob too with the big truck full of HK drones. He wanted to get more help there as fast as possible. They'd already staged some drones nearby before daylight. He didn't want them spotted if possible but he wanted them available.
"Can our drones make it there unobserved?" John asked.
John Henry ran a few calculations.
"That's most likely." John Henry said. "The quarry is in the foothills."
John wanted to make sure they'd be ready in a moment's notice.
"I want them both ready to fly." John said.
John Henry made sure they were available before Cammy and Sheila started down the road to the granite quarry.
"They're both ready now." John Henry said. "As soon as Cammy reported contact, they were both powered up."
John nodded.
"I can always count on you." John said.
John Henry would like to feel like he never dropped the ball. There were times where he felt that he had.
"I've experienced my lesser moments." John Henry said.
John thought that he had multiple times. He was sure his list of failures was probably the longest of everyone at the Resistance base.
"We all have." John said. "ALL of us."
John didn't want to have to use the drones while it was daylight still. Since it was a remote location, he would risk it to keep the team safe. He wanted that cargo of captured HK drones. He also wanted the third truck.
He felt this whole endeavor was on him by not taking the HK equipment from the box cars in the beginning. He knew that he cut more than a few corners with a lot of the things that happened since. He looked the other way at things that he didn't approve of to get results. He was sure he'd probably needlessly endangered his troops. He didn't like having to watch Savannah fight for her life and almost be killed several times. He didn't believe he was done cutting corners yet either. He better understood how goal driven Cameron could be when she was on an operation. He felt the same way right now.
Cammy carefully checked every one of the Grays below. She was confident none of them were Terminators. She watched their mannerisms and movements. No attempt was made to move any of the boulders yet either. Sheila gave her the description of the one individual that she'd suspected.
"None of them are Terminators." Cammy said. "As best as I can tell."
Sheila brought her M4 up. It seemed to her that now was a pretty good time to clean house.
"Let's take out the trash." Sheila said.
Cammy put her hand on the barrel of Sheila's M4 to gently lower it down. Since the Grays were isolated she didn't think they needed to be in a rush. Perhaps there were a few other endeavors they could partake in before everyone was terminated.
"Maybe we should go down and 'talk' to them." Cammy said. "We might get some more information."
Sheila's expression lit up at the prospect of some additional 'interrogations'. She touched her knife and then she frowned. She knew she'd been way out of line with the Resistance policy. 'Off the books' operations with Cameron were one thing. Resistance operations were another.
"I think we should follow the plan." Sheila said.
It made Sheila think of Savannah. She decided to confess to Savannah what she'd done. She knew she'd taken things too far earlier. She knew she'd enjoyed it too. That would also need to be confessed. She wasn't supposed to take pleasure in others' suffering. Especially if she was the one who caused the suffering.
Cammy was a little surprised at Sheila's reluctance to do what she enjoyed. She was ready to act. It seemed rather straightforward to her.
"I'm going down there." Cammy said. "They're all trapped in there. There's only one way in and out."
Sheila thought Cammy was pushing things a little bit too much. Maybe things were a little bit too convenient.
"Are you sure about this?" Sheila asked. "Think about this first."
Cammy did give it some thought. She doubted things were what they seemed.
"Do you mean because the Grays showed up at just the right time for us to see them?" Cammy asked. "I have thought about it. This reeks of Skynet."
Sheila didn't care much for the change in atmosphere.
"Do you think it is a trap?" Sheila asked.
All the indications seemed that way to Cammy.
"Yes." Cammy said.
Sheila checked the inside of the quarry again, rock by rock.
"I don't see anything." Sheila said.
Cammy checked as well.
"I think there's a Terminator down there." Cammy said.
Sheila needed to question Cammy's decision.
"And you want to walk out into the middle of it?" Sheila asked.
Cammy was ready to meet any challenge.
"I do not fear Skynet." Cammy said.
Sheila was a little shocked at Cammy's sudden boldness.
"That's the 'Cameron' in you talking, not 'Cammy'." Sheila said.
Cammy tilted her head slightly to one side.
"What's the difference?" Cammy asked.
Sheila believed the difference what's the time that they'd invested in each other while they were in the past. Cammy may run Cameron's program but she wasn't Cameron.
"The difference is eight years in the past alone with me…." Sheila said. "Us…."
Cammy also knew it meant Savannah, her true love. Maybe she needed to rethink her impulsiveness a little bit. It was a very strong calling that was hard to ignore.
John Henry monitored everything in the area where Bob and the Metal girls were at. He watched the air for all activity, specifically HK drones. He soon spotted something that he hoped he wouldn't see.
"I have an aerial hit." John Henry said.
John was afraid that was going to happen sooner rather than later. He immediately thought the worst.
"Is it HK drones?" John asked.
John Henry double checked on the hit.
"Negative. It's a helicopter." John Henry said.
John hoped that they could track the source from where the helicopter came from. He wanted the teams to be aware there was a helicopter in the area
"Alert the teams." John said. "Try and find out where it came from."
John Henry figured that Bob would be the largest target.
"Bob, I have a helicopter approaching your area." John Henry said. "It is fifteen miles out."
Bob took that for the bad news that it was.
"If they use infrared they'll spot me." Bob said.
John Henry wasn't sure what they were up to yet.
"I don't know if they're looking for you." John Henry said.
Bob worked on one of the HK drones. So far he'd reprogram three of them. Theoretically John Henry could activate and control them at any point in time. They should operate like any other Resistance drone.
"I have three of the drones ready for combat." Bob said. "You can take control of them as well if you want."
John actually liked that idea. He'd like to use Skynet equipment against them.
"If that copter gets within five miles, I'm going to authorize it." John said.
John Henry wanted to get things ready. He wanted to make sure that one of them would be ready to go in an instant if it was necessary.
"I'm powering up the one closest to the rear of the truck." John Henry said.
Bob was impressed at the minimum noise output of the engines.
"It's very quiet." Bob said. "Those new power plants are very advanced."
John floated the idea that they'd discussed before. It seemed that they were dealing with different Skynets not only from different futures but at least one from a further future. There were many things that they weren't sure of.
"What if this design is from a Skynet further in the future?" John asked.
John Henry didn't believe they had anything concrete to work with as to the nature of any of the other Skynets that they might encounter.
"We've discussed this before." John Henry said. "It could be from another timeline as well."
Bob didn't want to worry about Skynet, different timelines or different futures. He wanted to know where the closest threat to him originated from. That was his immediate concern. He'd like to pay that location a visit when they were done there.
"Where did that helicopter come from?" Bob asked. "Where is it now?"
John Henry was somewhat relieved to see the trajectory of the helicopter change slightly.
"It just appeared." John Henry said. "It must have been parked somewhere close by and hidden. It is ten miles out but veering."
Bob hoped it wasn't headed in his direction still.
"Which direction is it veering to?" Bob asked.
John Henry was a table track the progress
"It's headed towards the quarry." John Henry said.
John was afraid the girls we're exposed because they were up on the rim of the canyon that overlooked the quarry below them.
"Alert the girls." John said.
John was pretty sure this was about to go from bad to worse. There seemed to be a lot of unanswered questions that revolved around all of this.
Cammy and Sheila currently searched for any hidden Terminator when they received the disturbing news.
They wouldn't be able to elude a thorough helicopter search.
"It looks like the Grays are getting reinforcements." John Henry said. "Are you well enough hidden?"
Cammy hadn't anticipated a helicopter entering the arena.
"Our vehicle will be spotted in any kind of search." Cammy said. "How far out are they?"
John Henry was aware that the girls didn't have much time to act.
"It's fifteen miles from your position." John Henry said.
Sheila doubted it was a gunship but it would be nice to know if it was.
"What type of 'bird' is it?" Sheila asked.
John Henry could only view a 'blip' on his monitor.
"The type of helicopter is unknown." John Henry said.
Cammy was a little concerned with the sudden appearance of the helicopter. It either hugged the ground from wherever it originated from or it came from a much closer location. She'd like to pay that location a visit when they were done there.
"We only have a few minutes to act." Cammy said. "Where did it come from? We heard you tell Bob it was just 'there' all of a sudden."
John Henry was unable to determine its origination.
"It just appeared without warning." John Henry said.
Sheila hopped into the SUV to try to get it to a more concealed location. The options were very limited on the rim of the canyon.
Cammy thought it was time to throw caution to the wind. They were probably going to need some more firepower and they'd probably need it soon. She wanted to use more of their available resources.
"Sheila's moving the SUV now. If they have infrared or a Terminator with them, they'll still spot it." Cammy said. "I want the drones up and at altitude, now."
John Henry already took that precaution.
"Our two are already up." John Henry said. "Bob has three more ready."
Bob was able to complete his task.
"They're all ready now." Bob said.
Cammy was a little weary of using the captured Skynet equipment. If there was a squadron of HK drones headed towards them, then it would be worth the risk to use them.
"I don't want to use those unless we need to." Cammy said. "There may be hostile HK drones even if this is a trap. We really don't know what any of this is or what we'll face before this is done"
Sheila would have liked to have possessed a heat seeking missile. They didn't have one.
"We don't have a Stinger." Sheila said. "I can knock the helicopter down with the LAW rocket if it gets close enough. It shouldn't be anything more than a 'slick'."
John Henry wanted to remind them the type of helicopter was unknown. It was doubtful if it was a gunship but it could still be armed with door guns.
"We don't know what it is." John Henry said. "The helicopter would have to be fairly close to hit it with the LAW rocket."
Cammy didn't like the way everything continued to unfold with this operation.
"We'll have our weapons ready." Cammy said. "Have one drone target the helicopter and the other one search wider for low flying HK drones that might approach us. I think we're being set up."
John Henry made sure that the Skynet forces wouldn't be able to communicate with each other.
"All communications are jammed in a ten mile radius." John Henry said. "That includes four separate locations around here."
Sheila figured that would buy them some time and put some doubt into all of the Skynet forces.
"That will create confusion for them." Sheila said.
Cammy figured she'd be able to add a little confusion of her own
"I have a suppressor on my M4." Cammy said. "I'm going to 'pop' the Grays."
John wondered if something changed on the ground there. He wondered if the Grays took an aggressive posture.
"Do they look like they're expecting combat?" John asked.
Cammy wanted to make sure her targeting was all preset based on where the Grays currently stood.
"No, I'm marking their positions." Cammy said. "I should be able to hit all five in less than two seconds, if they keep standing there."
John figured that they must know that the helicopter was on its way.
"I think they're waiting for the helicopter to arrive." John said.
Sheila readied the LAW rocket.
"It looks like it." Sheila said. "I'm waiting for it too."
Cammy could only think of one reason why they would send a helicopter to that remote location.
"The only thing they would need to bring there is a Terminator." Cammy said.
John Henry was able to move their drones into position. The enemy was targeted.
"The helicopter is locked up." John Henry said. "If it takes aggressive action, there will be a missile fired at it in seconds. Tell me to 'fire' if you think it's needed sooner."
Cammy checked her targeting of the Grays on the ground inside the quarry again.
"I can hear the helicopter now." Cammy said. "The people on the ground haven't moved. They appear to be waiting for it."
Sheila made some calculations of her own. She thought she could do more damage if she timed her shot placement correctly.
"If the helicopter flies over the Grays on the ground on its approach, I'm going to use the LAW rocket on it." Sheila said. "The flaming wreck should fall on top of all of them."
Cammy liked that idea. She didn't want to use the missiles on their drones on a soft target like the helicopter. They still needed to worry about HK drones showing up. The missiles would be better used on those.
"Save the missiles on the drones." Cammy said. "They may be needed elsewhere."
John still perceived the helicopter as the main threat.
"What else would they be needed for?" John asked.
Cammy decided to spell it out for him.
"For the HK drones that I think are going to show up." Cammy said. "That will be our biggest threat."
Cammy was sure this was going to get bigger before it was over. Sheila and her selected several different firing positions to engage the helicopter or the Grays on the ground. They would be ready to move to those locations in seconds and change positions as needed. They'd worked out several different scenarios that they could instantly switch to or from as needed.
Sheila was ready with the LAW rocket. She hoped the helicopter would be close enough so she could use it. If there were no Terminators involved, the Grays should all be 'sitting ducks'.
They were also both worried about hostile HK drones making an appearance after they'd given away their positions. They didn't think the helicopter and Grays were bait but they could be.
Like every operation, there were a lot of unknowns, this one was no different.
Savannah could see how happy Young Allison looked. She knew that Young Allison didn't get out enough and was very isolated. She knew that feeling well. Sometimes it was a feeling of being trapped. There was a whole world to be explored and places to go and people to meet but she couldn't do any of those things. Her whole life was predetermined for her and she was forced to live it.
Right now they all shared a good and happy time together. Savannah and Young Allison enjoyed the music. It seemed Cameron did too. That was a positive note for all of them.
Cameron was aware that the bass and drums actually could be felt through her chassis and added a physical aspect to the audio input. She saw how the pulsating throb actually reached out and touched the girls and her. It became quite stimulating. It made her wonder why so much of the current music was so mundane and boring. She felt music that actually reached out and touched someone was a powerful tool.
Savannah and Young Allison each ordered a cheeseburger and fries along with their malts. Savannah ordered 'chocolate peanut butter' and Young Allison ordered 'double strawberry'.
Cameron only got a 'sticky chewy chocolate' malt. She ate a few fries from each of their plates as well. She didn't try any of the cheeseburger. She'd tried a few bites of deceased animals before. They didn't appeal to her. Sometimes it made her wonder how cruel it was to breed animals just so they could be terminated and consumed. Somehow it reminded her of Skynet type activities.
The three of them all interacted playfully as the food was consumed.
Cameron dipped a fry into her malt and took a bite.
Savannah and Young Allison looked at each other but said nothing. Savannah decided if Cameron went to try any ketchup or mustard with her malt that she would stop her. They didn't want to draw any unnecessary attention.
The three girls all spent some time dancing to the different tunes that Young Allison selected. They laughed and joked and shared a very good time together. They could all see how they interacted with each other. They were like 'one'. It was a very beautiful feeling.
Savannah and Young Allison noticed how much more like 'Allison' that Cameron seemed to be the longer they interacted this way.
Cameron was no longer a scary robot from the future. She was almost 'human'.
Savannah and Young Allison were very aware of it. They didn't think Cameron was. They didn't want to mention it and spoil a brief moment like this where Cameron didn't need to be wound so tight. She didn't need to worry about Skynet or where her next battle would be fought.
Cameron was aware herself how different she felt with Savannah and Young Allison in this setting. Now she began to wonder when she took Young Allison into the past and when Savannah was there too, she might not want to leave. Savannah would still have Vanna's baby. They could all stay in the past and raise the child together. This is the life they could lead, the four of them. It would be beautiful. She could always return to the present from the past and visit John to 'tank up' and deliver more genetic material to Savannah or Young Allison if they desired to have more children. She should be able to time her arrivals back to the present either hours or days after she'd left with Savannah and Young Allison. John wouldn't know what was actually happening if she did it that way.
Cameron didn't want to get caught up in this idea and 'zone out'. She excused herself and went outside to check on everything and make a quick patrol around the premises.
Savannah and Young Allison returned to their seats.
Young Allison sat across from Savannah now. She reached over and touched Savannah's hand as she looked into her eyes.
"Maybe the next time we come here I won't be a tween anymore." Young Allison said. "But we will both be here again when I'm older."
Savannah really didn't want Young Allison to dwell on this subject.
"Please, I don't want to talk about this now." Savannah said. "We already talked about 'everything' in your room. It will all happen when it is supposed to. I promise, Allison. I swear it."
Young Allison smiled at her and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. She figured that she needed to make a couple of amends herself.
"I want to apologize for what I did earlier to Allison and you." Young Allison said. "I know Allison is 'me'. I know you both wanted to share. I was jealous. I was wrong and acted immaturely. I'm deeply sorry I took something from you and her that you both wanted to share."
Savannah believed that the situation could have been handled better on all levels.
"We should have been more discreet." Savannah said. "There's a lot of 'sharing' in my life. I've told you everything. I never want secrets between us. I only haven't mentioned details or personal things. I've shared with all of the girls in one way or another."
Young Allison knew that included her mother.
Cameron entered the front door and headed for their table.
"I apologize again. You are free to do as you chose." Young Allison said to Savannah. "I will apologize to Allison as well."
Cameron saw Savannah and Young Allison were having a personal discussion.
"Is everything OK?" Cameron asked.
"Yes it is." Savannah said. "There were a few things we needed to work out. There were a few growing pains. Everything worked out fine."
Cameron thought about some of her trials and tribulations in this timeline.
"I've experienced plenty of those myself." Cameron said. "I still do."
Savannah wanted to reassure Cameron that they weren't unique to her.
"We all have." Savannah said.
Young Allison wanted to take Cameron and Savannah back to the dance floor.
"Let's dance." Young Allison said.
Young Allison led both of them by their hands.
A song that 'moved' just started to play.
'The Twist' by 'Chubby Checker', drifted around the room.
We Need To Go
There are many directions
For one to choose from
Some may be easier
Others will be harder to overcome
Even if we know the future
The path isn't clearly marked
We may think we're moving
When we're really parked
Isn't the future
Soon the past in but a second
Things seldom seem to happen
As we've planned or reckoned
I really don't know
I really don't care
As long as we have each other
Our lives to grow and share
Nothing is written in stone
That by now you know
You tell me where
We need to go
Nobody