Chapter 954
Not Fade Away
John wanted to know more about the equipment they captured over the last few days. They'd taken in more HK Tracks and HK drones. He was always worried about a 'Trojan Horse'. Skynet may tag one of the pieces of equipment or some other of the HK products with a hidden tracker. Cameron was very adamant from the beginning that everything be taken to different remote locations to be thoroughly checked first before it went to its final storage location. That method seemed to have worked so far and no trackers were found. Maybe Skynet was overconfident in its abilities. Since it dominated the future, it didn't fear the past. It was overconfident.
"How is everything we appropriated checking out?" John asked. "I know our people need to put a lot of work into it."
John Henry always made sure there was no significant deviation in the construction of the equipment. If there was, it indicated a different version of Skynet at play. That evidently was the case when they found the drones with the new quieter power plants in the Palm Springs area. They never knew which version of Skynet that they would deal with. They needed to worry about alternate futures that may have inadvertently been created. The one constant in all of that was that each version of Skynet wanted to be supreme and wouldn't work with another version for very long before one tried to take control.
"It's all standard Skynet designs." John Henry said. "There's little deviation from what we've previously confiscated."
John was worried about different versions of Skynet.
"Do you think this is all from the same Skynet or more than one?" John asked.
John Henry was confident that everything that was confiscated in the last few days with all of identical construction and therefore from the same version of Skynet. He didn't want John to worry about it.
"Everything over the last few days was from the same source." John Henry said. "We know we've dealt with more than one at the same time before."
John felt that any version of Skynet was bad enough. His real worry was with SkyMaster and the fanatical Grays associated with it. The Fanatics were the most illogical followers of any version of Skynet they'd ever encounter. They didn't work for SkyMaster, they believed in it. It was more like a religion to them and SkyMaster was their god. He really wondered what kind of a messed up future they must have come from where they turned Skynet into a god as SkyMaster.
"What about anything on the hard drives from the Fanatics?" John asked. "Those are the most disturbing ones to me right now."
John Henry was aware of the threat the Fanatics posed. If they were unable to poison themselves before capture, they would attempt to blow themselves up along with everyone around them. More often than not there was going to be an explosion of some type whenever they dealt with a group of Fanatics.
"I agree." John Henry said. "We are going through everything. Nothing has changed since you last asked me. I'll let you know if we find anything of significance. So far you know that's been rather elusive."
John had been adamant Cameron not enter the mine to see what actually was in there. He was concerned for her safety and survivability if she would have entered the mine. The downside to that caution was they didn't know what exactly happened in the mine.
"Do you think we destroyed a Skynet inside the mine with the H-bomb?" John asked.
John Henry was sure there was a Skynet in the mine of some type. Maybe it was SkyMaster and it took control of the Skynet that was there. If it was done properly the Grays and Terminators there may not know. Another Skynet builds a 'nest' and tries to get established. SkyMaster, like a cuckoo bird, comes along and takes over the 'nest' while everyone else still serves it. This would allow someone else to do all the heavy lifting and SkyMaster shows up late and takes over. He was sure of one thing, whatever was in that mine was eradicated from the face of the Earth.
"Yes." John Henry said. "We have no proof one way or the other but I believe we did."
John was aware that fell on his shoulders.
"We have no proof because Cameron wasn't allowed to enter the mine." John said. "I think that was a good thing. I know we lost a lot of information that way but it was the safe way to go."
John Henry doubted any way was safe. At best he would agree that some ways were a little safer than others. Everything came with a price of some kind.
"It was." John Henry said. "None of our group were terminated."
John hoped they could determine what time period SkyMaster originated in.
"What about the Fanatics?" John asked. "Can we tell what future they're from or how far in the future?"
John Henry always found that to be a source of contention. They were unable to establish a firm date as to when SkyMaster existed and when the fanatic followers were sent back from.
"We only know they are from a further future than Cameron is from." John Henry said. "As to what timeline, we've been unable to determine that."
John was worried about the danger everyone in the Resistance faced whenever they encountered the Fanatics.
"We do know they all choose death over divulging anything." John said.
John Henry knew that belief was a powerful force. When someone believed in something, it didn't matter if it was true or not. They believe that it was. Therefore that made it real and true to the followers. Like all religious fanatical followers, they were very dangerous to everyone else.
"That version of Skynet - SkyMaster is their god." John Henry said.
John understood with most of the religions that there was a hierarchy involved that was like a pyramid down from the top.
"If Skynet - SkyMaster is their god, then the Terminators associated with them are its disciples." John said.
John Henry wasn't sure exactly what they were. He did know that they were a threat.
"Apparently…." John Henry said.
John wondered how fanatical the Terminators were that worked for SkyMaster. If they were programmed in the same manner that the fanatical followers believed, they would be even more dangerous to deal with.
"It sounds more like they are Disciples Of Destruction." John said. "The Fanatics were in contact with something when Cameron's team took them down. Maybe they were spying on the version of Skynet we just destroyed."
John Henry knew it was only speculation. They didn't have any facts.
"Maybe the Fanatics were controlling it." John Henry said.
John wanted some answers.
"We need to find out." John said.
John Henry wanted that information as well. He didn't like the fact that he'd been targeted specifically at the casino hotel. He wanted some payback for that direct threat upon himself and the Resistance team. He personally didn't normally face a threat like that. He knew it was a threat that Cameron faced all of the time. In fact Cameron ended up in a fight for her life with the 'Metal Bitch' on top of the elevator on her way to come up and attack him.
"Both CamNet and I continually search everything to find that version of Skynet - SkyMaster." John Henry said. "That Skynet may be what sent the 'Metal Bitch' to our location. She received that information from someone. It could have been her Skynet overlord or SkyMaster as well."
John Henry wondered if the Fanatic's Skynet - SkyMaster was exerting control over any other things besides Skynet. It may be advanced enough to make another Skynet do its bidding and set them up as patsies. It may be able to exert direct control on other things. Maybe SkyMaster was the force behind what actually happened at the Syndicate casino. That was more than likely something they were going to have to look into in much greater detail.
John was sure any fanatical group that preached 'the end of the world' or the 'rise of the machines' would draw plenty of nut jobs. With a little indoctrination and proper handling SkyMaster could get their followers to do anything, including 'drink the Kool-Aid'. In SkyMaster's case it was to have the Fanatics take poison or blow themselves up.
"I want you to look into other fanatical or cult groups." John said. "The Fanatics will be able to find followers in some of those groups. They'll be able to create their own fanatical Grays here."
John Henry found it somewhat amusing that John finally came to that conclusion. It was something that he'd already looked into earlier.
"I was notified of that same thing by CamNet earlier in the operation." John Henry said.
John looked at John Henry for a long moment. He understood what that actually meant.
"Don't tell me it came from the Young bunker." John said.
John Henry knew he was supposed to respond even though John told him not to. He also thought a lot of good ideas originated in the Young bunker. So far every one of them was the right call too.
"There have been many 'good calls' that came from there the last few days." John Henry said.
John slowly nodded his head in agreement. He felt of some of the calls that were made there were very bold and aggressive. They all worked too.
"I think all of their ideas were better than ours." John said. "I don't disagree with any of them."
John Henry didn't think John would have much choice to agree with them or not since CamNet acted on her own and made sure that all of them were implemented. They were going to happen with or without any input from the Command Center. He was aware of John's previous aversion to Cameron possessing her own nuclear weapons. He'd been adamantly dead set against it earlier.
"Does that include the use of the H-bomb?" John Henry asked.
John didn't think that decision specifically came out of the Young bunker. From the information that they knew, that all happened in the past which is actually in the future for the people who went to the past since none of them had left yet. He needed to look at the result and determine if it was worth it or not. Cameron and Savannah and Young Alison we're all safe. That was all that really mattered in the end.
"I don't condone the use of nuclear weapons by anyone but Cameron and all our people are safe and accounted for." John said. "There was no significant radiation increase."
John Henry needed to think of a bigger threat. He wanted John to think about it as well. If Skynet tried to build a C-bomb, they most likely weren't done yet.
"What about the Cobalt?" John Henry asked.
John wanted to know more about that. They never found any conclusive proof that there was Cobalt in the mine. It was all speculation. They did know that the Skynet forces put the grab on at least three nuclear weapons that were capable of creating a C-bomb if they were encased with Cobalt.
"I wanted to ask you about that." John said. "Where did the Cobalt idea even come from on this operation? We don't even know if that was a part of this for sure."
John Henry thought that the Cobalt situation may have existed twice. It may have existed in the past and was dealt with then and it may have re-emerged in the present with what they had just taken care of in the Nevada desert. There was no way to know for sure. Not yet anyway.
"It was something that we only have fragments of." John Henry said. "It may have been something from when Cammy and Sheila were in the past that they stopped then. At this time they are unsure of everything that they did."
John wondered about that. Cameron and Young Allison hadn't left yet but whatever they did in the past was already done. What if it was Cameron and Young Allison from a different timeline? Cameron in a different timeline would want to do the same things. The things he programmed her to do. Somehow this always came back to 'him' even if it was Future John.
"I want you to watch for more missing nuclear weapons." John said. "Find out what you can about the Cobalt."
John Henry felt he needed to remind John that not everything needed to happen in the present in regards to Skynet. He was sure that was part of the issue with the current situation in the Nevada desert.
"John, Skynet could do this in the past as well." John Henry said.
John tried to piece it all together. It was pretty hard to do.
"I think they were and that's what someone in our group uncovered." John said.
John Henry felt that opened the door to a lot of things that may have happened in the past. Whatever they were at this point, it was what they knew currently. There could also be divergent timelines that were created at some point as well.
"I'm afraid to know what else was 'uncovered'." John Henry said.
John let out a slow breath. There were some things that just turned into a problem when they tried to deal with them. He knew Cameron was always less than forthcoming with the truth. He knew that for a fact because she even told him that when he asked her previously. Fortunately for him Cameron might not be the only one involved with some of the activity in the past that occurred.
"Savannah will be able to tell us if she goes back." John said. "She won't lie to me."
John Henry wasn't so sure of that. He knew that Savannah would try to be as truthful as she could but she was going to protect Cameron. It was more than likely that some important facts would be omitted from any reports that she made.
"She won't be there that often." John Henry said. "She may not lie to you but she may withhold facts. She may not know all of them either."
John had to think about that a little bit. He knew John Henry was right. He also knew the reason why Savannah may not be as forthcoming with all the information as she would be on her own.
"Cameron is a bad influence on her." John said.
John Henry wanted John to think about his statement a little deeper. He didn't view most of what Cameron did as 'her fault'. He felt she was more a victim of her programming.
"Is she?" John Henry asked. "Cameron's doing what you programmed her to do."
John really didn't want to hear about Future John right now.
"She did tell me she lies to me sometimes, even about important things." John said.
John Henry didn't think that was anything unique.
"Everyone lies." John Henry said.
John quickly looked at John Henry. He was a little worried.
"Do you?" John asked.
John Henry felt that there were personal issues that sometimes didn't need to be discussed. He also thought some things were best left unsaid.
"It would be a lie to say I haven't." John Henry said.
It made John wonder about what and when. It didn't matter, life goes on.
"We all have." John said. "We all have…."
John didn't think there was anything stellar about his life. He certainly didn't have any shortage of shortcomings. Who was he to judge?
Vanna led Gail to her room. She could tell Gail was acting differently. That wasn't a good sign. She would try to be subtle to find out what was wrong. She didn't want to force the issue. She didn't think it was related to her specifically.
"You seem a little 'off'." Vanna said. "We've done this before."
Gail tried to smile a little.
"I know." Gail said. "I enjoy sharing with you."
Vanna could still see the things were a little off. She wanted to make sure it was nothing more severe.
"Is something wrong?" Vanna asked.
Vanna felt Gail wanted to say something but was unsure what to say or how. She waited.
Gail didn't say anything.
Vanna looked at her for a long while. Then it hit her. Gail and Savannah must have shared.
"You and Savannah…." Vanna said. "You were together…."
Gail didn't say anything. She didn't want to compromise Savannah but word would get out, it always did. There were no secrets at the Resistance base. Even if someone didn't see something with their own eyes there were usually enough clues to put it all together.
Vanna smiled to herself. She would allow Gail to have a treat and compare the two of them. She didn't know it was only a short time ago in reality when it happened.
"Now you can 'compare'." Vanna said as she started to strip.
Gail felt a little guilty being with Vanna after being with Savannah. There were different types of love at play here.
Gail wanted to explain herself. She felt it was important.
"I love her." Gail said.
Vanna was pretty sure that everyone loved everyone else at this point in time. It certainly seemed that way anyway.
"We all love each other." Vanna said. "ALL of us."
Gail felt a deeper calling inside of her.
"It's more than that." Gail said. "I really, really love her."
Vanna could see that Gail was headed for a slippery slope. She knew the rules and she needed to stay within them. She would give her a little reminder.
"She's 'spoken' for." Vanna said. "You know this."
Gail frowned a little. She did know everything. That still didn't change her feelings.
"I do." Gail said.
Vanna wanted to help Gail. She could see she was a little lost. Maybe she was overwhelmed by everything that happened. She thought the best thing to do to help Gail was to offer her everything.
"We're here now, you and me." Vanna said. "I want to share with you, if you'll have me."
Gail looked at Vanna.
Vanna moved up and kissed her. She wanted to remind her how everything worked. Seldom did anyone get everything that they wanted all of the time. It just didn't happen. Everything in life was a certain amount of give and take.
"We don't always get to be with the one we love. Sometimes we can love the one we're with." Vanna said. "That's why we all have multiple lovers. It keeps the pain from overtaking us. To share makes us feel 'alive'. We don't need the pain to do that."
Gail was aware the pain of losing Duplicate Jesse was no longer in her thoughts constantly as it was before Savannah shared with her. The pain and guilt of nearly being terminated wasn't either. Savannah was still with her. That meant everything was OK.
She looked at Vanna who already removed her top and she stripped hers off as well.
As she undressed, Vanna noticed Gail's back.
Vanna moved over and looked. She was concerned about what must have happened.
"You're damaged." Vanna said. "May I look?"
Gail was glad that most of her damage had already repaired itself.
"Savannah patched me up." Gail said. "I'm almost healed. Thank you for your concern."
Vanna wanted to make sure that everything was fine. She thought this might be part of the reason why Gail seemed a little bit off as well. Her sheath wasn't at one hundred percent. She knew that was something that bothered all of the Terminators. It especially bothered the female Terminators.
"Safety comes before pleasure." Vanna said as she checked the almost healed wounds.
Gail was very grateful for all of the things that Savannah did for her personally. She thought she could give Vanna a quick rundown of what happened.
"That's almost exactly what Savannah said." Gail said. "She took care of me. She prevented me from being shot up and all of us from being damaged severely in an explosion. She was almost term… damaged by staying to protect me."
Vanna wanted to refocus Gail's thoughts. She knew that was part of Gail's problem currently. Her mind was all over the place. She was a little concerned when Gail said that Savannah was almost killed. She would have to look into that later on and see exactly what happened. It seemed whenever Savannah was out with Cameron anymore that the chance of that happening went up exponentially. She didn't want to go off on a tangent right now. She wanted to soothe Gail.
"Now it's us and there is minimal danger here for us." Vanna said. "Now it is time for sharing and pleasure."
Gail wanted to share with Vanna. She knew that sometimes Vanna needed a little more 'work' than the other girls. That wasn't a problem for her. It was always her goal to make sure that her partner made it.
"I know it takes you a little longer than the other girls." Gail said. "I'll deliver. I promise."
Vanna was ready for a little escape of her own. She knew Gail would be able to do that. Gail was very accommodating when one of the girls wanted to push it a little further. She was aware that she'd taken Jesse all the way to the edge and beyond it. Jesse needed to be revived more than once when she reached the realm of eternal pleasure.
"I know you will." Vanna said as she gently pulled Gail to her bed. "Keep me 'going' when I get there, even when I beg you to stop."
Gail was much more excited at this point.
"I will." Gail said. "I know what you like and how."
Vanna smiled. She knew she was in for an intense ride.
"I would turn off the light and say 'pretend I'm her'." Vanna said. "But you can still see it's me and I really am her anyway."
Gail often imagined that Vanna was Savannah. It wasn't hard to do since she really was.
"I'll love you as if you were her." Gail said. "It's easy to do because you ARE."
Vanna always liked to hear that. She was Savannah Weaver too.
Gail shared and loved Vanna, like Vanna never experienced before.
Time passed quickly at the diner.
The girls all danced some more but it was getting late.
There was really something in the wind that the three girls all felt.
Savannah and Young Allison could really 'feel it'. It was obvious Cameron did too. The three of them together all felt so content and peaceful. It all felt so natural…. The three of them together was a perfect harmony of love.
The music stopped and they all headed back to the table.
The waitress didn't 'bother' them anymore. She'd indicated what she wanted and was available and then backed off. Cameron eyed her some more. She didn't think she was done with her yet.
Cameron decided to have Anna keep a better 'watch' over Young Allison when they went out. It was obvious that males weren't going to be the only 'problem'. The aggressive females in the past would be fewer but those that exerted themselves would be forceful.
Savannah was ready to get Young Allison back home. She knew she needed to go by and see CamNet. She needed to thank CamNet personally for her assistance on this operation over the last few days. She also needed to fulfill several other obligations she promised to CamNet. She really didn't know where things were going to go.
Cameron noticed something troubled Savannah.
Savannah looked up and saw Cameron look at her.
Another song was about to finish up as the girls gathered their things. Savannah smiled and got up. She looked at the songs on the jukebox and selected one.
Cameron looked at the waitress again. She decided to leave another tip at the table. She wasn't sure why but she thought the waitress may have some future 'usefulness'. For what, she wasn't sure but she was young and attractive.
Cameron stood as Savannah returned. Savannah and Young Allison each took one of her hands. That's how the three of them walked out.
Cammy, Anna and Holly followed. They knew the 'Natural Order' when they saw it.
The waitress went to clean the table and saw there was another large tip waiting for her. She looked at the group of females that were on their way out the door. She couldn't help but feel a sense of loss for not being able to hook up with any of them. They were the finest group of females that she'd seen in the diner ever. She really wanted to be with any of them.
'Not Fade Away' by 'Buddy Holly', echoed in their ears and hearts as they departed.
Not Fade Away
Love once kindled
Is easily extinguished
It's better to be unique
And be distinguished
Run of the mill
Is more of the same
One needs to work harder
To keep up love's flame
It's easy to become lax
Some want to coast
Those are the ones
That end up as toast
To make love flourish
Is a lot of work
It can die on the vine
If someone is a jerk
Always listen to what
The other one will say
It's the only way for love
To not fade away
Nobody