Chapter 933

Not Good Enough

John and John Henry tried to formulate a plan and brainstorm what was happening. It was quite evident that what they lacked most were facts. They needed to deal with a lot of supposition and speculation.

They discussed if there was any way to set the H-bomb off from outside of the mine. There was no way for them to do that. They still didn't even know for sure if the H-bomb was still there and hadn't been appropriated by the Skynet forces. If it was encased in Cobalt, it would be the biggest spreader of the deadly Cobalt radiation.

There was a reason all of the nations agreed not to build a Cobalt bomb. A C-bomb was too deadly for anyone to have. If anyone used one, the Cobalt radiation would reach their nation as well. The effects of the Cobalt radiation would last long after all of the inhabitants were dead from the effects of it.

John thought about sending more Terminators to back up Cameron and her team. He was sure that would create an additional problem with Cameron. He wanted John Henry to look into what was available.

"Where's Bob at?" John asked. "He was here awhile ago."

John Henry wasn't sure where Bob went.

"Do you want me to call him?" John Henry asked. "Do you need him for something?"

The more John thought about it, the more he figured it was going to be a problem with Cameron if he sent the additional personnel without her asking for it. Then again, she probably wouldn't ask for it even if she needed it. It was a classic 'Catch 22' problem.

"Bob must have something that he needs to do." John said. "Do you know what it is?"

John Henry didn't know what Bob was up to.

"I'll call him." John Henry said.

John thought maybe they would need fewer Terminators where Cameron was at, not more. If they were going to detonate an H-bomb underground, maybe fewer personnel would be better. He remembered Savannah wanted to send all the Metal girls away earlier except Samantha. It was for the same reason.

"Don't bother." John said. "I don't like looking over someone's shoulder."

John used to hate when his mother, and then later on Cameron, did the same thing. It was very irritating.

John Henry decided to find out where Bob was at. He didn't know of any specific task he would be working on now. CamNet interrupted his search and informed him Bob was 'working with her'. He was instructed to return to his duties and 'leave it alone'.

He didn't want to get into a scuffle with CamNet. He was sure someone was probably doing something they shouldn't be but it wasn't his job to be the 'police'. That was CamNet's 'job' not his.

John Henry decided not to share his silent exchange with CamNet with John. It would most likely cause a bigger problem.

"I won't bother with it." John Henry said. "No one likes a nag."

John wanted to have some options ready. He thought the best chance of success would be if they could use the TDE. They would need some way to make sure it would work in the way he wanted it to work. There was no way to conduct that type of test that he knew of.

"I need to know what we can test with the TDE to see if we can get to where the H-bomb is at." John said.

John Henry already advised John against using this option earlier. He still saw it as a bad choice.

"I know of no way to 'test' that without actually sending someone." John Henry said.

John knew the TDE was limited to organic covered matter. He wasn't about to send anyone, even if it was a deactivated Terminator.

"That's too risky." John said.

John Henry didn't believe the use of the TDE was prudent in this case because they didn't know the coordinates and if everything was still the same a half of a century later from when the H-bomb was placed in the bottom of the mine. If somehow Sheila or Cammy were able to come up with that information, he thought it was worth giving it a shot to keep Savannah and Cameron out of the mine. He knew what his first option was going to be.

"If it will prevent the termination of Cameron or Savannah, every Terminator will volunteer." John Henry said. "Starting with me, I'll go first."

John was afraid that was true. One by one they would all be sent to their doom to protect Cameron and Savannah. There'd been enough situations like that. They didn't need another one.

"NO." John said. "I don't want to start getting into one of those situations again."

John Henry knew John was still bothered by the 'Day Of Loss'. It did lead to a very traumatic fifteen months but Cameron was able to 'fix' all of that, more or less. At least no one from their group was terminated even if several of them were banished to different futures

"It never ends well." John Henry said.

The mine was one problem. What was actually in the mine was a bigger problem. The rapidly approaching trucks were a new problem. Depending what their cargo was, they could be an even bigger problem. There was only so much time they would have to deal with them before it became a bigger problem.

"Where's the convoy of trucks?" John asked.

John Henry had tracked the progress of the big rigs. He hoped that they would take a divergent route somewhere along the way. They didn't, they were still headed towards the mine. Before they arrived at the mine they would need to pass by where the girls were at.

"They're nearing the location the Metal girls and Savannah are at." John Henry said. "They will arrive in less than thirty minutes."

John wondered if there was any way to slow them down some. It would give Cameron's team more time to prepare.

"Can you do anything to slow their arrival?" John asked.

John Henry didn't have many options available to him where the trucks were at currently at on the open road. There were no signals in the area that he could control. There was one possible option he could use but he thought it wasn't a good choice. He would still offer it to John.

"I could direct a State Trooper to pass them and slow down." John Henry said. "It's doubtful any of them would attempt to pass him. That was unless they didn't care if they sparked a confrontation."

John didn't think that was a good idea. It was a good bet that there were probably more than just the drivers in the big rigs. There could be two or more Grays per truck. They could have a Terminator with them for all that they knew. If they wanted to make time they wouldn't let the State Trooper stand in their way. He would be terminated.

"No. That would endanger the State Trooper if they are up to no good." John said. "I don't think we want any law enforcement personnel in the area for what is going to happen later on. They'll be at risk along with any other people on the road for that matter. Maybe that's something else we'll need to address soon."

John Henry thought the termination of one State Trooper was a fair 'trade off' if prevented nuclear weapons from being used, especially if Cobalt was involved. The more he looked into the effects of a C-bomb and the long lasting radiation, the more it bothered him. Maybe Cameron's or Savannah's life was worth the sacrifice if they could stop Skynet. With five missing nuclear weapons from the nearby Air Force Base there was too big of a gamble not to try and prevent it. Five C-bombs would be devastating. That's why the H-bomb was put in the mine in the past. It was to stop this. Maybe they should let event's play out. There was obviously some form of 'temporal management' in play here. If the 'Chosen One' was involved, they knew what they were doing. At least he hoped they did.

"No State Troopers will be redirected." John Henry said. "I'll make sure that none are even close to the area. That will help avoid a chance encounter."

John wanted to get some control over the situation. Right now the events controlled them.

"Can you jam the truck's communications separate from those in the mine?" John asked.

John Henry would be able to isolate the trucks from contacting the mine. He could prevent them from communicating with each other as well or allow the trucks to communicate with each other if they decided to. He would have to see how events played out as to what the best course of action would be. Right now the answer to John's question was simple.

"Yes." John Henry said.

John didn't know what was in the big rigs. He knew that there were nuclear weapons missing from the nearby Air Force Base but he didn't know if they were in the trucks currently or already in the mine. Those trucks were there for a reason. They were to pick something up or deliver something. Either way they were a threat.

"Maybe the Metal girls can take the trucks down before they get to the mine. We can stop them and intercept whatever cargo they have." John said.

John Henry could see the merit to John's plan. Any resources or reinforcements they could deny Skynet in the mine would be a benefit to the Resistance in the long run.

"They could have anything from Cobalt to the missing nuclear weapons." John Henry said. "They could also be unrelated."

John doubted it was anything unrelated if it appeared they were going to go to the desert warehouse first. He wanted to get something set up. He hoped to do it without alerting anyone in the mine as to what they were up to. He didn't want to accelerate Skynet's plans any further than they appeared to be accelerated.

"Quickly, let's work out a plan." John said.

John hoped it wasn't the missing nuclear weapons. He didn't want Cameron to get her hands on any more. Then again, he didn't want them in the mine either if they were about to set off an H-bomb.

Skynet could build a group of C-bombs to flood the environment with Cobalt radiation with more nuclear weapons. Maybe Cameron in control of them was safer, at least until she became 'Skynet'.

There were times he really wondered how everything was going to play out in the end. He was pretty sure that Future John never anticipated many of the things that had occurred since he first sent Cameron back in time to watch over him and prepare him. More than likely at this point they'd created several alternate futures with all the events that they'd engaged in. There was really no way to know that.

When it became clear that Young Allison wasn't going back home, CamNet acted.

Bob was summoned by CamNet before Young Allison even formulated her plan. She'd anticipated what Young Allison would do. She also knew what she wanted done. She often came to the same conclusions that Young Allison did.

Sure enough, Young Allison wanted to do the same things CamNet decided already needed to be done to help Cameron and Savannah and end this new threat.

CamNet facilitated what Young Allison asked for without mentioning that she'd already set things in motion. She didn't want to become the problem any more than Young Allison did.

Currently Young Allison and Anna were in a jet flown by Bob. It was on its way to Las Vegas. It would arrive in minutes. CamNet orchestrated everything so there wouldn't be any problems and it was the fastest way to get everybody into the target zone.

Bob touched the jet down at the Las Vegas airport. He'd been contacted by CamNet and asked to remain dark. Young Allison wanted to go to Las Vegas to be with Cameron and Savannah. Flying there on a private jet was the fastest way for that to happen.

Earlier:

Bob flew in from Van Nuys and picked Young Allison and Anna up from the airport in Lancaster and flew them to Las Vegas. Bob offered to let Anna be the copilot. Instead Anna motioned for Young Allison to step up and take the copilot's seat.

Young Allison strapped in. Bob instructed her on everything he did before he did it. Once they were at altitude he let Young Allison take over for a few minutes.

"I really appreciate this opportunity." Young Allison said. "Thank you, Bob."

Bob was pleased to be of service to the 'Chosen One'. All of the Terminators understood that the term 'Chosen One' applied to both Savannah and Young Allison equally. He was well aware that Young Allison on her own chose to head into the danger area to be with Cameron and Savannah. He knew physically that she was young but he knew mentally she wasn't. She was cold and calculating when it came to dealing with the enemy. He was aware that when she hit, she hit hard, she hit low and she kept hitting. There was no mercy for the enemy. There was only termination. He often was selected by both Young Allison and Summer to do their training when Cameron was unavailable.

"We can do this more, some other time." Bob said. "I'll assist you with whatever training you desire to have. That applies to your sister as well."

Young Allison knew that Bob was Summer's favorite Terminator, next to Cameron that is. Currently this was her first time at the control of a jet aircraft. She found it very exhilarating and eye opening.

"I just wanted to get the feel of a new aircraft." Young Allison said. "I'll fly this jet one day."

Bob was aware of many of Cameron's long range plans. They all needed to follow the goals she set for the girls. So far the girls exceeded every one of them much quicker than was expected for any human. That was especially true for the youngest Young daughter.

"I'm sure it will be one of many." Bob said.

Anna wanted to keep this 'operation' under wraps for as long as possible to allow Young Allison to accomplish her mission. She was aware that Cameron, Savannah and John would all try to interfere as soon as they found out where she was at.

She looked over at Bob.

"You'll return back to the Resistance base and not mention this unless you're specifically asked." Anna said. "You don't need to lie but you don't need to volunteer any information either. Young Allison wishes to remain clandestine for as long as possible."

"Affirmative…." Bob said.

Young Allison felt bad about lying to Savannah, Cameron and John. She didn't want Bob to need to lie on her behalf. She wanted to take responsibility for her actions but she didn't want anyone to try to stop her. She didn't want to get into an 'order war' between Savannah with the Terminators. It would be very traumatic for all of them to receive conflicting orders from each of them. She wanted to reiterate what Anna said and also let Bob hear it from her. She didn't want either Bob or Anna to suffer later on for her actions. They're most likely would be some type of repercussions. So be it.

"Bob, I don't want you to have to lie, especially for me. I'll take the heat. If you're specifically asked, you may answer truthfully." Young Allison said. "I did lie and I feel bad about it."

Bob wanted to ease Young Allison's mind some.

"Everyone lies." Bob said. "It is how we must operate sometimes to achieve the goal."

Young Allison understood that to 'achieve the goal' was the same as 'winning'. She wanted to win but she didn't want to hurt those that she cared about to do it. It still troubled her that she deceived the ones she cared the most about. She told them that she was going home and she didn't have any intention of doing that. She was compelled to join the girls in Nevada from something deep inside of her. She only did what she needed to do to accomplish that goal. She was much closer to it now but she still wasn't there. she still couldn't help but think about John, Savannah, and Cameron.

"It's the people I needed to lie to that bothers me." Young Allison said. "They'll all know soon enough."

Bob was able to see the deep conviction that Young Allison felt about her actions. He admired her resolve and fortitude. She was very goal driven and motivated. He was aware that she would make an excellent Terminator if she wasn't a human. He understood even more why Skynet chose to pattern Cameron after Future Allison. He hoped to ease Young Allison's mind a little but he doubted he would be able to.

"You're doing what you feel is 'right'." Bob said.

Young Allison believed what she was about to do was the right thing. Everything in her body told her that it was. Her deception still bothered her.

"I am. This is something I must do. I just know that it is." Young Allison said. "I still don't like lying to them."

Bob understood that Young Allison was troubled by her physical age. It was her ability that mattered to any of the Terminators. It wasn't her age or years on Earth. Many of them were actually younger than her in years of existence.

"You're worried because of your age that they don't fully understand you." Bob said as he taxied to the jet ramp. "Your Cessna is over there, fueled and ready."

It was the plane that Allison flew in before. It was the same plane Savannah and Cameron flew to Las Vegas in. That all started what felt like a week ago. It was only yesterday.

"Age is just a number." Young Allison said. "Ability and knowledge speak for themselves."

Bob didn't mention that he, and all the Terminators, were aware that the success of the operations of the last few days came from decisions made in the Young bunker. They were decisions that were made and enacted that bypassed normal channels. They were decisions that saved lives and machines. They were decisions that mattered and made a difference. They were all the right decisions and they were all made by her. She'd acted on her own and did what she thought would help the Resistance forces the best.

"I have trained with you." Bob said. He wanted to keep it simple. "Your ability and tactical thinking are superb."

Young Allison only did what Cameron taught her to do. She was taught to act when necessary and deal with the consequences later. She also wanted to be a team player.

"I'll let John do the strategic planning. Cameron, Savannah and I will all do the tactical planning on the spot." Young Allison said. "Sometimes there needs to be fast thinking and quick action."

Bob didn't like to see Young Allison about to go off on her own with only Anna to assist her. It reminded him too much of Cameron and Savannah off on some dangerous mission together. In fact they looked exactly like the younger versions of Cameron and Savannah.

"I can accompany you." Bob said. "It would be an honor."

Young Allison didn't want to tie up any more Resistance resources. She needed to think about the others and that they may need them for something.

"Thank you, I want you to return home." Young Allison said. "I want the jet returned and fueled in case John needs it for anything."

Anna didn't want Bob to worry too much about them. Once she arrived with Young Allison, all of the Resistance female Terminators would be at the same location. That was definitely an unusual gathering.

"There should be enough Terminators where we're headed." Anna said. "Allison doesn't wish for you to have any problems with John."

Young Allison didn't want to cause trouble for anyone. She wanted to make sure Bob was protected from any repercussions because of her actions.

"Tell John you were on an assignment for CamNet if it comes up." Young Allison said. "If it becomes a problem, ask John to speak directly to me. I'll take care of everything for you."

Bob thought maybe she would ask Savannah or Cameron to help her smooth out any difficulties.

"You don't want Cameron or Savannah to handle it for you?" Bob asked.

Young Allison knew what she needed to do and that's what she did. No one else was responsible for her actions but herself.

"NO. I can handle John on my own." Young Allison said. "I take full responsibility for my actions. We'll be 'interacting' more in the future. I mean John and I we'll be the ones 'interacting' going forward."

They all knew at that point that Young Allison would have 'control' of John for the 'rewards' she would be able to 'share' with him. They were the 'rewards' that everyone would want to 'share' with her. It didn't matter if they were male or female.

It was evident to Bob that she wanted to do it herself. He thought he might be able to help briefly and escort them to the Cessna. He didn't want any lookiloos to be involved with what the girls did.

"Do you want me to go to the Cessna with you?" Bob asked.

Anna was assured by CamNet that everything was covered at the airport.

"CamNet has all airport personnel engaged in other tasks away from the Cessna." Anna said. "We're cleared to go once we're in it."

Anna opened the door on the jet.

"Watch the engine." Young Allison said.

Bob already took some preemptive action for when they exited the jet

"I've turned the starboard power plant off." Bob said.

Young Allison went up to Bob and touched his cheek with her hand.

"Thank you, Bob, for doing this for me." Young Allison said as she smiled. "I really appreciate it."

Bob I was captivated by her beautiful smile. He felt that way when Cameron smiled too. It wasn't often for her but it was the same beautiful smile as Young Allison.

"You know we will all do what we can for you." Bob said.

Young Allison wanted to hold herself in check and be responsible for her actions

"Don't ever let me abuse that privilege." Young Allison said. "If I ever 'step over the line' I want any and all of you to say something. I'll listen, even if I don't change my mind. I want to always hear the facts. There's always more that I can learn from someone else. Everyone has something to contribute. We're all on the same team."

Bob didn't want to create an issue now but this seemed pretty risky to him.

"To be honest with you, this is pretty close to 'stepping over that line'." Bob said. "I'm very worried for you, both of you."

Young Allison felt duty call to her. There was no need to endanger anyone else.

"I need to protect Cameron and Savannah." Young Allison said.

Bob could see she believed in what she did.

"Your motives are pure." Bob said.

Young Allison was worried about her family as well.

"Check on Summer and my mom for me when you get back." Young Allison said. "I'd appreciate that very much. I'll check in with them myself when I get back."

Bob understood that the unspoken part of that statement was, if she didn't get back.

"Affirmative…." Bob said.

"Bye, Bob, thanks." Young Allison said as she gently drew her hand across his cheek.

Anna and Young Allison exited the plane and closed the door, they heard Bob secure it.

"You treat Terminators very special." Anna said.

Young Allison grew up around Terminators. She didn't view them as anything different than any of the other people she associated with that were human. She remembered that Savannah told her that they were like mechanical humans anyway. She believed that as well. She wanted to treat everybody with the same respect that she wanted them to treat her with.

"They are special, like you." Young Allison said. "So I treat them as such, like I do you."

Anna was very pleased with Young Allison.

"You're like Savannah." Anna said. "You're both the 'Chosen Ones'."

Savannah taught her to always respect everyone including Terminators and to treat everyone like she would want to be treated.

"Savannah is superior to me in her experiences in many areas." Young Allison said. "I hope to be her equal one day in everything. I'm afraid I won't measure up. Savannah has set the bar very high with her abilities and accomplishments."

Anna believed Young Allison was equal to every task as was Savannah.

"You will." Anna said.

They arrived at the Cessna and gave it a quick inspection before they fired it up.

They checked with the tower and were given clearance. They taxied and took off. They headed for where Cameron's team was at. They were off into the unknown and certain danger.

Anna wanted to make sure Young Allison was holding up as well as she put on that she was.

"Are you afraid?" Anna asked.

Young Allison didn't feel fear currently, maybe she would later on. She was very concerned about the girls on the ground already.

"I'm worried." Young Allison said.

Anna hoped for a little better answer than that. She wanted to make sure.

"Are you scared or afraid?" Anna asked again.

Actually there was one fear that Young Allison always felt.

"I'm afraid I might be viewed as - 'Not Good Enough'." Young Allison said.

Anna knew it was the same fear that haunted Cameron.

Anna wondered if this was the root of that fear.

John and John Henry went over what they wanted to do with the big rigs with Cameron.

Cameron notified the girls.

"John wants us to intercept the trucks." Cameron said.

Cameron quickly organized the Metal girls.

Savannah still held the message that they hadn't viewed yet.

"What about the message from inside of Cammy?" Savannah asked.

Cameron believed that the best course of action was to have Savannah go over it with Young Allison. It appeared that Young Allison was the one behind the H-bomb and Cammy's missing power cell.

"I want you to speak to Young Allison about it." Cameron said.

Savannah didn't see how that could help anything.

"What will she know?" Savannah asked. "She hasn't done any of this either yet."

Cameron looked at the most obvious conclusion.

"She may have survived this encounter and we didn't." Cameron said.

That was the same morbid conclusion that Savannah reached as well.

"I can't get that thought out of my mind." Savannah said.

Cameron believed that all the events culminated soon.

"Before this day, we didn't know any of this." Cameron said. "I think what happens, happens today."

Savannah knew that they didn't know what would happen later on in the day.

"We don't know what it is yet." Savannah said.

Cameron felt they had a lot of the pieces of the puzzle already.

"I think we have a pretty good idea." Cameron said.

Savannah wanted to stitch Cammy up.

Cammy brushed it off.

"We don't have time for that." Cammy said.

Savannah didn't like seeing Cammy damaged. She knew that the area would have to be reopened to place another power cell inside at a later date. She wanted to fix what she could for now.

"I'll do it as we drive." Savannah said. "I want it done."

Savannah cared about Cammy. She wanted what was best for her.

John Henry went over his plan to stop the trucks with Cameron as the Metal girls and Savannah listened.

Savannah thought the plan hinged on the trucks stopping. She wanted to know what the guarantee was that that would happen. She didn't see it.

"What if they don't stop?" Savannah asked.

Cameron touched her weapons.

"We'll make them stop." Cameron said.

The teams headed out in their vehicles towards the target area.

They were after the unknown before and headed to a new unknown now. Everything was in a state of flux.

Savannah believed that the plan derived in the Command Center left a lot to be desired. She was sure it was going to need some tactical modification.

Young Allison was vectored towards Cameron and Savannah by CamNet. She'd also used a map and heading to do it first. Her calculations were spot on.

"I make it about twelve more minutes at this speed." Young Allison said as she looked at the map.

Anna noticed that Young Allison didn't 'push' the plane. She remembered that Savannah told Young Allison that they were times when things needed to be 'pushed' and times when they didn't need to be.

"We might be able to shave off a minute." Anna said. "That's if you want to 'red line' it."

They listened to the plan John Henry laid out for Cameron's team. The plan seemed to leave a lot to be desired from their interpretation.

Young Allison silently moved the throttle forward. She pushed it slightly past the 'red line'.

Anna noted the increased strain on the engine.

"It will be ten minutes at this speed." Anna said. "Watch the gauges."

Young Allison did watch the gauges. She also noted the feel of the aircraft. Everything felt right to her and that was what was most important.

"It'll take the punishment." Young Allison said.

This was one of the times when the 'red line' needed to be pushed.

They didn't know it then but it would come down to a point where every second would count. Right now they'd earned some of those seconds that would make a difference.

Not Good Enough

There are many things in life I fear
The one most likely to bring a tear
Is if I will measure up for another
Or if I they think I'm not good enough

I often cower and worry
As through life I hurry
I don't really know
If I will be seen as not good enough

Then there were those
Who another they chose
They made me feel like
I was not good enough

Maybe I was the wrong race
They wouldn't say it to my face
They only thought of themselves
That's the reason to be not good enough

Into myself I'm forced to retreat
There are no victories only defeat
Forever I will lack the right stuff
It appears I was born not good enough

Nobody