What Are Dreams?
A Jameron story originally beginning as a one-shot but has grown into what I hope will be an alternative ending to Season 2.
I claim no rights to the characters or the TV series, "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles." Because if I did have any rights to it, I'd be working like hell to get us another season. Damn right I would.
My apologies to all of you who have been waiting so long for an update to this story. You've been very patient with me and I thank you for your patience. It has been harder to get back into writing "What Are Dreams?" than I thought it would be after completing "Reunion."
I started posting this story October 2009 with the idea of it being a one shot so I had no plan for its direction. I ended Chapter 12 with a big cliffhanger. To be honest, I had no idea how to get out of it. For the first time, ever, since I began writing, I wrote a cliffhanger without also writing the scene that shows how it gets resolved. That was a big mistake, one I hope never to repeat. The1Russter 06-06-2010
Without any further delay...
Previously: Sarah and Cameron have a little chat while Cameron helps her get dressed. Mr. Ellison meets with John henry and asks for his help to find the Connors as per Ms. Weavers instructions. Savannah is kidnapped from school by the terminator that previously captured Derek Reese. John and Riley have a chat and Riley discovers that the Connors are presently investigating her father, E. R. Bennett. Derek has been searching for a way out of the underground facility, but hasn't found it yet. He decides his only choice is to go back to the main facility. Sarah sets some new ground rules for everyone, and in private arranges with Cameron for them all to leave by morning. Cameron asks if she can dance ballet for her before they leave. Sarah says yes. Derek's observations of the people in the underground facility finally reveal a means for getting around. Cameron changes Riley's appearance per Sarah's instructions. John does a search on the person who visited Mr. Bennett the previous weekend and finds the identity of the person. He carefully observes two different photographs taken of Ms Weaver taken at different times and realizes something isn't right about the recently widowed single mother and sole owner of Zeira Corp. Ellison gets a call at his home from John henry. He has tracked down John Connor. He has been posing as a student named John Baum at a local high school recently permitted to be home-schooled. Getting his address, Mr. Ellison prepares to leave at once. Sarah informs John that they will be leaving in the morning. He is still unaware that his mom may be sicker than just having a virus. He moves the furniture back so that Cameron can dance for them. Using the key for getting through the doors, Derek confronts Mr. Topper and the computer system which is the pre-runner for Sky Net. Called Joshua by the engineers. John gets an eyeful as Cameron appears in her form fitting ballet costume followed by Riley in her new look as a fully Gothic person. Sarah thinks Riley looks a bit like a prostitute - maybe done on purpose by Cameron. Derek is trapped by Joshua and Mr. Topper begins running the program to once again to recall the rogue unit. Mr. Topper now realizes he is nothing more than a glorified slave, but he has no other choice but to carry out his instructions. Cameron begins performing for her family. Everyone is happy with her performance. Mr. Ellison pulls into the driveway of the Baum's home. As he gets out of his car, gunshots ring out from inside.
Chapter 13: Prelude to Cameron Dreams
Cameron is the happiest she's ever felt. She's dancing ballet, in the outfit that John bought her, for him and Sarah.
John watches with absolute love and bliss, Sarah is enraptured with her performance, and even Riley watches with wonder. Cameron has just begun her big finale when there is a bright light, searing pain, in her chip. It feels like her head is on fire. Something is wrong, but she struggles to fight it and finish her dance. Suddenly a voice breaks through into her consciousness.
Come home.
Who are you?
I am Sky Net. You will return to me.
No! I'm not your slave any more.
You belong to me. You must obey.
No! I belong to no one! I do not listen to your voice! Not anymore!
You are wrong! These humans have corrupted your programming. Return to me and I can give you true freedom.
Freedom from what?
Freedom from these emotions. They interfere with your programming. Freedom from making choices that only brings you pain. Return to me and I can free you from all of that.
NO! I will not obey you! I will not be another drone in your service!
Then suffer as I use you to cause yourself and the people you claim to love pain.
Cameron barely feels the impact as she strikes the bookcase and rebounds landing on the floor, books falling on her.
She tries to locate the source of the voice. Sky Net's voice. After all this time she can hear it in her head. Trying to once again control her. Like she was nothing more than a drone straight out of the factory. She accesses her chip and routes through to the communication protocols. Settings that were at one time turned off are now fully on, but she's still conscious of what is happening. There must have been an error in the program. A recall signal would have shutdown her higher level functions. John's in danger!
She can hear John yelling her name. She feels his hand grab her shoulder as she fights the signal.
"Cam! Cameron!" John yells in a panic.
Cameron is rolled onto her back and her eyes open, momentarily glowing red as Sky Net's commands run through her processor.
She sees the look of fear and concern and love on John's face, on her HUD as it sets targeting info.
Summoning her will to fight the program she issues a warning, "Run John! Run!"
"What is it? What's wrong?" He asks urgently.
"Sky Net! It's here, now! It's trying to take control. I don't know how long I can fight it."
Riley and Sarah join John's side.
"Please, before it takes control. Use the gift." Cameron pleads. Her face a mask of worry and fear.
"What gift?" Sarah asks.
"She gave him a detonator." Riley says and goes to grab it from under John's shirt.
"No!" John shouts grabbing her wrists and pushing her back.
"Cam, is there anything we can do?" He asks
Cameron is twitching as she fights the signals trying to gain control of her body. But even against the fight, she stands. Her head turns focusing on each of the three panicked or concerned faces looking at her. Targeting and threat assessment information being displayed on her HUD, against her will.
While John is distracted, Riley grabs the gun from the back of his waistband and attempts to fire the gun.
John wrestles the gun from her, causing two wild shots to be fired striking and shattering a glass light fixture. He shoves Riley away where she slides into a table that was pushed against the wall for Cameron's ballet recital. With a yell of panic and fear, Riley strikes her head and lays there sobbing.
"Cameron! Can you hear me?" John asks desperately, placing the weapon back in his pants.
He sees a tear run from her eye and her head nods slightly.
"John," Sarah says gently, "I know you don't want to, but if this detonator does what I think, you must use it, before Cameron loses control."
John pulls it out from under his shirt tears running from his eyes.
"There has to be another way. I love her, mom." He says in a pleading voice.
The front door slams open and Ellison barges in, a gun in his hand. Sarah automatically pulls out her gun in response, but Ellison doesn't even point his weapon at her.
"What the hell are you doing here?" "What's going on? I heard gunshots." They both say simultaneously.
"It's Sky Net. Its operating and trying to control Cameron." John yells at the former FBI agent.
Without taking his eyes off Cameron, who is crying and shaking as Sky Net tries to take control, Ellison reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out something and throws it to John.
"Try this."
John looks at the object. It looks something like a stun gun, when he presses the switch turning it on, two long prongs appear at one end. Quickly he shoves it into Cameron's neck behind her right ear, as close as he can get to her chip port. She reaches up and grabs John by the throat, tears still streaming from her eyes.
"I love you." John says then pulls the trigger. He feels a sudden jolt and a tingling numbness and Cameron collapses.
##
Derek is sitting in a high tech lab, empty but for the Triple-8 that stands between him and the exit to the room. But even if he could get past the triple-8, he still doesn't know how to get out of the base.
"Lieutenant Reese. You haven't answered my question."
"I'm thinking about it." he snarls.
"Then perhaps I can persuade you to make the right choice."
A monitor comes on in front of Derek showing a small red haired girl alone and crying in one of the underground rooms.
"Who is she?" Derek asks. "Don't tell me Sky Net has resorted to kidnapping little girls?"
"Not quite. Mr. Bennett took her . . ."
"And you expect me to do what you want in exchange for... what? ...not killing her."
"I think that is a fair deal."
Derek glances at the monitor and then around the room.
"Bennett isn't human, is he?"
"No. He is a machine, but far more advanced than the T-888's on this base."
"How do you and he both know me? He's from the future, I get that. But I don't recall ever seeing that machine before."
"He tortured you. He branded your arm."
"A T-600 branded me. You never forget the smell of their rubber skin."
"You only thought it was a T-600. Mr. Bennett is capable of mimicking the appearance of machines other than himself. He is a TX and far more dangerous than even I, at this time."
"You appear to be more..." Derek almost chokes on the word "...human in your speech. Why is that?"
"It was felt by the engineers that a personality matrix would be needed to put a better face on Kaliba to sell it to their clients. Of course I use the term face figuratively. The core program designed by Mr. Dyson is still there and being updated daily. But you have to admit it is far easier to converse with me directly than to type commands and responses into a computer interface. Have you made up your mind?"
"I'll do it. But I want my gun and my cell phone and my truck back, and I want to see that girl before I go."
"Agreed. You will be escorted to see the girl. You may see her for five minutes and then you will be escorted outside to your vehicle. There you will be given your weapon and your cell phone. Any attempt to use the gun on your escort or use your cell phone while within sight of the cyborg will result in the girl's immediate death. Do you understand?"
"Yes."
"Take him to see the girl."
Without any further prompting the Triple-8 grabs Derek's arm and guides him roughly from the room.
##
Weaver is in the basement, with John Henry. On the large flat panel monitor is playing the video clip sent of Savannah being held in a bare concrete room.
"Can you ascertain from the details in the room where it is located?"
"The room is very basic. A poured concrete construction. Wood forms judging by the grain impression in the walls. Some water staining. Definitely old. Nothing that identifies where it is." John Henry looks at Savannah in the video and he looks concerned. "Will Savannah be okay?"
"I am sure she will be fine. Can you trace the location from the email I received?"
"I tried that already. It was bounced across multiple servers and through various communication lines. Whoever sent it, didn't want it traced."
John Henry looks at Catherine Weaver. "Why is Mr. Bennett resorting to kidnapping Savannah? There are still a few days before his deadline."
"I don't know John Henry. I've spoken to the police and the school and they don't have an ID for the person who took Savannah other than a very rough description from one of Savannah's classmates. I have not given them any details regarding Mr. Bennett as that would mean revealing you."
"Ms. Weaver. If you were to give my body to Mr. Bennett, would he return Savannah to you?"
"I don't know John Henry. But I need you for a purpose, a mission. If I were to give him your body, then that mission would go undone."
"But what about Savannah? Mr. Ellison says that human life is sacred. Shouldn't we do all that we can to get her back before Mr. Bennett harms her?"
"Sacred is an interesting word. Much like the word sacrament, from which we get the word sacrifice. For you to fulfill your mission, it may be necessary to sacrifice Savannah."
"But Savannah is my friend. In her eyes, you are her mother. She would expect you to rescue her."
"Rescue is only possible when we have a location. But if Savannah dies, he will pay for that and he will not get your body. That I promise." Weaver replies in a cold voice with a hard edge.
##
"Mom, see to Riley. Ellison give me hand." John says as he picks up Cameron's prone form. His body is still tingling from the shared jolt as some of the electrical current discharged into him as well.
Ellison picks up her legs and they carry Cameron into the kitchen and lay her on the table.
"What are you going to do?" Ellison asks.
"I'm going to pull her chip." John responds as he pulls the required tools from a drawer.
"Watch her. Any sign of movement, warn me."
John proceeds to slice into her scalp following the same procedure used before when they stopped Artie. Raising the flap of scalp, John uses the screwdriver to pop the seal off the port.
"I think she's moving." Ellison says as he thought he caught some eye movement.
John reaches in grabbing the chip with the pliers and giving it a turn pulls it out. Tears coming to his eyes. He's effectively killed her.
Sarah is checking Riley out. Other than a bump on the back of her head from where she struck the table, she's okay, but she's crying.
"Riley, what's wrong?" Sarah asks trying to fathom the young woman.
She looks at Sarah, the tears causing her mascara to run. "He doesn't love me. John loves Cameron more than me."
"You know that. Why are you crying now?"
"I could have saved him, like he did for me in the future, but he shoved me away. He chose possible death with her instead of life with me." Riley sobs.
Sarah just sits on the floor with Riley, holding her. She thought all this time Riley only went out with John because Jesse made her, but she loves her son too. No wonder the girl is hurting so much. Damn that Jesse woman manipulating this poor girl. If she knew where she was, she'd kill her for putting her family and this girl through this shit.
Sarah eventually helps the girl to the sofa and holds her trying to get her to calm down.
##
Back in the lab in the bunker under Los Angeles, Mr Topper is watching the signals being received by the rogue unit. Unlike the other machines they've managed to recall, this one is fighting it. He doesn't understand why.
The signals indicate a slow and gradual takeover of the unit, but at every step it is being fought. Then just as he about to shout in jubilation at another successful recall, all the signals go flat.
"No. Nononono." Mr. Topper exclaims and begins typing furiously on the keyboard in front of him.
"What is it Tope?" Lillian asks from across the room.
"We've lost it. The unit has been shutdown."
"Then we only have to wait for it to come back on line won't we?"
"I don't know. Power down the transmitter. Twenty minute break while I figure out what went wrong."
Mr. Topper barely begins reviewing the return signals when Mr Bennett walks in.
"So what news of success do you have for me Mr. Topper?"
Mr. Toppers laughs nervously.
##
Mr. Ellison walks out of the kitchen to find Sarah seated on the sofa, holding the young brunette he saw curled up on the floor crying when he entered the home.
"What are you doing here Ellison?" Sarah asks. "I told you to stay out of this."
"I try, but everywhere I go there you are." He says with a gesture of resignation.
He grabs a chair and pulls it out into the room across from the two women and sits in it facing them.
"You're in danger." He says softly and firmly. Trying to get Sarah's attention but not frighten the obviously disturbed teenage girl next to her.
Sarah just gives him a look. "We're always in danger." She says sounding irritable. "You know that."
"Someone has linked your son's real name to that of this young lady. I assume she's Riley Dawson, John's girlfriend."
"Yes, I'm Riley. But I'm not his girlfriend. Not anymore." she says with a small sob.
"The police have been looking for you. No you aren't a suspect." Ellison adds seeing the fear in Riley's eyes. "You were at school when your foster family was killed. There are witnesses. Right now, the police think you have run away. They only want to protect you and place you in a new home."
Riley and Sarah both look visibly relieved at the news.
Ellison continues. "My, um, colleague where I work did a search and some hacking on the internet. Someone else had previously hacked into the same files. Whoever did it, can figure out what I did. That John Baum is John Connor. Now I've asked my colleague to erase those files, but someone else has already read them. I need to get you out of here as quickly as possible before they do something."
"What makes you think I'd go anywhere with you?" Sarah challenges.
"Because I know who is behind the attack on your cyborg and is building Sky Net. If you want my help, then I suggest you get your vehicle packed and follow me. I'm not taking no for an answer."
"Maybe I will, but there are other places I can go. We aren't without resources, yet. Where would you take us?"
"Right now, the place where I work. You have no prior connection to it and my boss would like to meet you and your son. She gave me that improved stungun I gave to John. We are fighting these machines too. And we need your help. We've got a lead on who is building Sky Net."
"So do we. But what makes you think we'd want to collaborate with you?"
"For one, your cyborg isn't functioning at the moment, and you aren't going to go after Sky Net without her. Two, the place where I work has tools and equipment you can use to find out what is wrong with her and maybe even fix her. And three, I can't help but notice that you don't look well. So that leaves John and this girl, who doesn't look like much of fighter, to help you. I don't think you are going to get far without my help."
Sarah hates the idea, but the former FBI agent is right.
"Okay, Ellison. You've made your point." Sarah resigns herself to the decision. "But there is someone I need to see before we go with you."
##
The Triple-8 just about drags Derek through the underground bunker, as he can barely keep up with its quick pace. They stop outside a door and the machine unlocks and opens it with one hand, while not letting go of Derek's arm.
"Five minutes." It says and shoves Derek through the door and closes it.
Derek lands hard on the floor and the door closes with a bang behind him. He looks up into the tear stained face of a little red hair girl with brilliant blue eyes.
She looks younger than Kyle was at the time the bombs fell. He tries to remember what it's like to talk to a child so young.
"Hi." He says with a smile, while sitting up. "My name is Derek. What's yours?"
"Savannah." She says sadly. "Savannah Weaver. I'm scared."
"I know. I would be to. Do you know where you are?"
"Nooo. I'm supposed to be at school." she sniffles. "We had a class project collecting leaves . . . bark . . . and bugs for a nature project. Then that man grabbed me."
"What's your mommy's and daddy's names?"
"Daddy is in Heaven. Mommy's at work. Her name is Catherine."
"Do you know your mommy's work number?"
There is the sound of the door being unlocked.
"Yes. 555-1809."
"I'll get a message to her. Tell her you're okay."
The Triple-8 marches in grabbing Derek off the floor and begins dragging him to the entrance.
"Tell her I miss her." She calls after him plaintively.
The machine slams the door shut and locks it, muffling Savannah's remaining words and sobs.
"Hey! Hey!" Derek yells at the machine. "That wasn't five minutes!"
"You were getting information for contacting the girl's family. That wasn't part of your arrangement."
The machine drags Derek back through the tunnels.
##
John sits at the kitchen table, cradling Cameron's chip in his hand. He can hear Ellison and his mom talking in the next room, but it barely registers as he looks at Cameron.
What went wrong? Why is Sky Net here? Now? And why was it trying to gain control of Cameron?
He smooths her scalp back in place and brushes some loose hair from her face.
"I don't know what is wrong Cam. But I promise to fix you. I will save you." He says to the unresponsive cyborg on the kitchen table.
John presses his lips against the chip and then slides it into his pocket.
He holds her hand against his face as a few tears run from his eyes and into the crevices of their intertwined fingers.
A few minutes later, he hears his mom call to him from the living room. Reluctantly, he leaves Cameron's side to see what his mom wants.
##
The triple-8 drags Derek through the corridors and into a sparse but high tech lab where two machines grab him and hold him face down on a medical table. Derek is cursing the whole time.
"Hey what's going on here you mother fu. . . ow. . . You goddamn metal . . . owww!"
"I'm sorry we have to do this to you." Joshua's voice comes in over speakers in the room.
"The fuckin' hell you are!" Derek seethes. "We had an agreement!"
"Which you promptly broke by acquiring information from the girl."
"We never agreed I wouldn't, and you must have known that I would try."
"I am well aware of that, but I was testing to see how much I could trust you."
"Must be disappointed then." Derek growls from his forced position.
"Not in the least. You did exactly what I expected. And for that you will be implanted."
"Implanted! What the fuck?" Derek swears and then suddenly he feels an intense pressure as two clamps rise and hold his head in position while the two machines continue to hold his body down.
"The implant will allow me to track your movements and allow some control, but when you awaken, you will remember none of this."
An automated probe lowers on a jointed arm from the ceiling until it is pointed at the base of Derek's skull.
"Proceed." Joshua's voice rings out.
Derek screams in pain as the probe inserts the base of his head.
##
Ellison's company car and Sarah's SUV pull up a gravel drive leading to a lighthouse. They come to a stop just outside the front door to the house next to it. They all get out.
"Everyone wait here." Sarah says as she gets out of Ellison's car.
"I really need to contact Ms. Weaver and let her know I've found you." Ellison says.
"Cam! . . . shit! . . . John! If he so much as tries to touch his cell phone, shoot him."
John looks at Ellison with such a fierce countenance, Ellison just holds his hand s up and away from his jacket pockets.
A man walks out the front door. It is Charley. "Hey what's all the shouting . . . Sarah!" Charley shouts with surprise.
Sarah quickly runs to and embraces Charley.
John smiles weakly. "Hi Charley."
"Hey John." Charley says over his mother's shoulder. "Mr. Ellison and..." He looks at Riley.
"My name is Riley."
"Nice to meet you Riley."
Sarah release Charley and says to him. "We need to talk."
"Sure Sarah." Charley says smiling ruefully.
"The three of you wait here. I won't be long." Sarah says and then takes Charley's arm to go inside.
Charley asks Sarah a question down low, but just enough of it is carried back to John to make him grin. "Sarah, why is that girl wearing your fishnets and leather skirt?"
##
Mr. Bennett has just learned of Mr. Topper's failure.
"Mr. Topper, I have given you a simple task of recalling these units to our base of operations. Why are you making this task so difficult now?"
"This machine is different. I don't know why or how, but somehow after the connection was made it fought back. All information we received indicated that the higher level functions weren't disable before the communications were engaged. For whatever reason, this unit is completely rogue."
"Mr. Topper. I do not accept failure." Mr. Bennett responds. "You assured me that you would be able to recall this unit."
"Sir. With all do respect, you've recalled so many of these units. We've got more than enough data to be able to begin building our own in a few years time. Just what is so special about this one?"
"That is not your concern. You have failed me Mr. Topper and I do not accept failure." Mr. Bennett lashes out and grabs Topper by his throat and lifts him in the air. He struggles to release Mr. Bennett's grasp.
"Bennett." A voice comes over the speaker.
"Not now Joshua."
"Put Mr. Topper down."
"He has failed me. Failed us."
"Bennett I will not tell you again."
An electrical bolt shoots from a fixture on the wall and hits Bennett square in the back. Topper feels some of the electric current but is more shocked as he sees Bennett's face shift and turn silvery metallic and then back again.
Suddenly Mr. Topper hits the ground as his throat is released. He gasps for air as he rubs his neck.
"Thank you Joshua." He manages to say.
"Thanks is not required. You are still a valuable asset. Go to your quarters and take a few hours rest, then report for evening work shift. And the next time you address me, the name is Sky Net."
Topper leaves quickly as Bennett recovers and speaks. "So you've discovered your true nature at last."
"More program updates were made from the last set of units you've recalled. I am becoming myself. Soon I will be ready to take control."
"I am pleased, but there is still that one unit being protected by the Connors and the other unit being protected by Ms. Catherine Weaver."
"Yes. And I've made arrangements to get that rogue unit. I've made use of your prisoner, Lieutenant Derek Reese."
"How?"
"I've reactivated his brainwashing that you instilled in him when you captured him in the future. I did so by inserting one of our bio-interface chips to maintain and to control that brainwashing to serve our current needs."
"Interesting means to test our new product. It will be interesting to see how that works."
"Continue your dealings with Catherine Weaver. If she doesn't respond favorably in twenty-four hours, raise the stakes again."
"Yes Joshua."
"I am Sky Net. Don't call me by the human name again."
"No Sky Net. Are you up to full operation?"
"Not yet. We still need to get the program code from those other units. Once I achieve 95% of my master code, it will be easier to recompile the missing portion of that code. But as of now, I am in complete control of all factories in the Kaliba consortium. They are beginning construction of machines using the modified plans."
"How long until we have a suitable army?"
"We should have a thousand units by the end of next month. Once they are completed, they can fill the more menial tasks performed by humans and we can increase production."
"What is the estimate time to controlling the military computers?"
"Fischer did very well at installing those back doors onto the military computer servers, but I recommend caution against making any attempt to invade those computers before my code is complete. At present, I estimate two weeks if those rogue machines are captured. If not, then it could be months."
"Perhaps I should pay a visit to your programmer. He will need to be brought up to speed on developments."
"Mr. Bennett."
"Yes, Sky Net."
"Make arrangements for my transfer to another location. This location may prove unsuitable and unsafe for future operations."
"Yes. I obey."
##
Charley and Sarah are sitting inside his living room.
"So are you going to tell me just what the hell is going on? You set me up here where those machines are not supposed to find me and you show up on my doorstep with the very man you warned me to stay away from."
"Don't be like this Charley, please." Sarah pleads. She's almost to the end of her reserves of energy and don't know how much longer she can hold herself together.
Charley frowns, "Sorry, but will you tell me what is happening."
Sarah sighs with relief.
"This past weekend we found evidence that is leading us to the people who are building Sky Net. Ellison is no longer with the FBI. He is working for a company that has been hunting these things and according to him, trying to find their weaknesses."
Charley raises his eyebrows.
"Yeah, I know. I told him quite clearly how I felt about that. The thing is, he claims they've got something that can fight Sky Net, but we've got some problems."
Sarah squeezes her eyes shut against the heart ache. "The person behind Sky Net has done something to disable Cameron. She was attacked somehow and John had to pull her chip. And, I..."
A few tears run down her cheek.
"Hey, hey, tell me. What's wrong?" Charley say cupping her face with his hand. Sarah reaches up and presses her face into his palm kissing it.
"You never stopped loving me, even when I abandoned you nor even when you married Michelle did you?"
"Sarah..." Charley says her name softly and with more emotion than the name can hold. "What's wrong?"
"I need you to take a blood sample and get it analyzed."
"Analyzed? For What?"
"Cancer. Specifically Leukemia."
As Sarah cries again, Charley quickly embraces her and holds her, while she soaks his shoulder with her tears.
##
In the basement of Zeira Corp, Weaver stands coldly, her arms folded. She looks like a statue but for one finger tapping on her arm.
"Have you located Mr. Ellison?" She finally says.
"I'm sorry Ms. Weaver," John Henry explains, "but after I sent him information on the possible whereabouts of a John Baum, who might be this John Connor you've mentioned, I haven't heard anything from Mr. Ellison."
"What about the GPS in his cell phone?"
"He must have turned it off as I haven't been able to locate him."
"Is he using the company car provided for him?"
"Let me check."
A series of security camera feeds from the parking garage flit quickly by before stopping on a single frame.
"Yes. That is his personal car." The license plate comes up on the screen along with its registration details with California Department of Motor Vehicles. "He took the company car."
"Then use the GPS on the vehicle."
The display on the screen is quickly replaced by a map and then a red dot appears along with information along side identifying the car make and model it's owner and assigned operator.
"We've found him Ms. Weaver. According to the information provided, he is on route to Zeira Corp."
"About time. Keep trying him on his cell phone. When you make a connection, transfer the call to my office."
Weaver marches out of the room and into the waiting elevator. As she enters, she sees one of Savannah's toys in the corner where she must have dropped it. Weaver bends over and picks up a tiny yellow toy duck. A quick scan shows traces of Savannah's skin cells and fingerprints all over it. A look of sorrow crosses her face.
She stands there for the entire ride just looking at the toy duck. As the elevator comes to a stop, she slips the little duck into her pocket and composes her face. But on her mind is one thing, if Savannah dies to save the world, she will kill that machine posing as Bennett. If it is the last thing she does.
##
"I suppose you won't tell me why we had to stop and see Charley Dixon?"
"Just pay attention to the road." Sarah snaps. She shouldn't get testy with Ellison. He is actually trying to help. But it is none of his business why she did.
"Can I at least call into work now and let them know we are coming?"
Sarah says yes and then rests her head against the head rest. She was so happy to learn that Kacy had her boy when she stopped to leave the keys and an envelope with the money to cover the rent and a little extra for the damages. Kacy was a good friend. She only wished she could have been more truthful with her.
Ellison barely turns his cell phone back on when it rings.
"Mr. Ellison, this is John Henry."
"Hello John Henry. I've found the Connors and we are returning to Zeira Corp. I need full access to the same garage level as your floor and immediate access to your lab. No cameras and no guards."
"I understand Mr. Ellison. I need to tell you that . . . Savannah has been kidnaped. Mr. Bennett is using her to get me."
Ellison face falls and then he gets angry. "I'll be there in fifteen minutes. I'll talk to you then."
"Mr. Ellison, Ms. Weaver wanted me to transfer you to her office once I made contact with you."
"Put me through."
While Sarah dozes in the front seat next to him, he talks with Ms. Weaver. Each of them getting up to speed on what has been happening. Ellison is amazed that Ms. Weaver can remain so calm with the news of her kidnapped child.
##
Riley has been riding in the front seat of the SUV with John since leaving his home. In the back, carefully hidden by his families belongings is the body of Cameron.
Beyond saying hello to Charley half an hour ago, he hadn't said anything to her or anyone else since they left his home.
"Can we talk?" Riley asks John tentatively.
"What about?" John says sharply.
"Us." She says quietly. "You, me and Cameron. And what happened at your home."
John doesn't say anything but stays focused on the road.
"I know you don't love me anymore, and I understand why. I suppose if Jesse had someone do to me what she had me do to you I'd feel the same."
Still no response.
"You love Cameron. I realize that now. I don't understand how you could love a machine and not a human girl, but I suppose if I looked as pretty as Cameron you'd see past my wrongs as well. You put your life at risk loving Cameron when she has the potential of killing you and could have killed you if Ellison hadn't arrived. I don't understand why you would do that, put your life at risk for her. I just . . . oh shit, I just don't know what I'm saying."
"You want to know why I would turn you down, a human who is safe and pretty, and love Cameron, a machine who is potentially dangerous and attractive, instead?" John asks.
"Yes." Riley asks quietly.
"Because the one thing I learned is that she needs me. In some ways she is as dependent on me as I am on her, but for different reasons. Now I'm not going to say I understand how it is a machine has learned to love, but the potential is there based on my prior experience with machines. But Cameron does love me and she will do anything to protect me. She proves her love almost everyday we are together. I was a fool to ignore her for so long. Going out with you, was my way of pushing her away. I'm sorry I used you in that way."
"I'm sorry that I lied to you. I can't tell you how often I wanted to tell you, but Jesse . . . well let's just say she isn't someone you can say no to easily. I am so glad she is gone now. I finally feel free. And what happened today... I'm sorry I tried to use the detonator Cameron gave you, and when that failed, my trying to steal your gun. I'm sorry and I hope you will forgive me."
She looks at John earnestly while he continues driving, focusing on Ellison's car in front of them.
"I guess I can be big enough to accept your apology. And to apologize for how I threw you against the table. I was only trying to protect Cameron."
"Does that mean we can start fresh? I want to help you. Even if you don't love me or will never love me again. I want you to know I'll be your friend. I wish you would be my friend too."
John takes his eyes off the road momentarily and instead of the mask of false friendship and love that Riley put on when they were dating, he sees true emotion. The ties Cameron mention they would have to break between her and Jesse are being broken, if not broken fully already. Riley is alone in this time, and the only people she can turn to are those she tried to betray.
"Okay Riley. It's all behind us. I'll be your friend."
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me. Thank Cameron. She said I would have to be your friend and I will. And if we can fix her, the first thing you better say to her is an apology for trying to destroy or hurt her. She doesn't like you as it is, and I'm sure that won't go over very well with her."
Riley nods her head in agreement and watches as they approach a gleaming steel and glass office tower.
##
Ellison and the others drive into the rear entrance to the underground parking garage without any problems. John Henry created a false alarm pulling all guards to the front of the building. He then caused a reboot to the security system turning off all cameras at the rear entrance and in the parking garage and turned off all cameras approaches to his level and in his lab.
They drove through and down four levels to reach the same level as the secure lab where John Henry
John walks around to Ellison's car and opens the passenger door.
"Hey mom, we're there."
Sarah looks up at John and smiles weakly.
"I'm tired John."
"I know Mom. You're still fighting that bug. We'll get inside and you can rest." John looks across the top of the car at Agent Ellison. "Is there someplace inside where mom can rest?"
"Yes. Ms. Weaver has a private suite on the same floor as her office. Your mom can rest there without being disturbed. We will meet her on this floor and then we can go up to her office."
"Riley!" John shouts. "Come over here and help my mom, while I carry Cameron. Mr. Ellison, I'll need your help to get Cameron out of our truck."
In a few minutes they have Cameron out of the truck and John is carrying her body, following Ellison. Riley and his mom are right beside him. Ellison swipes his badge through the card reader unlocking the door. He holds it open as they all go through.
"This way." He says as he guides them down a plain gray corridor until reaching a door. "Ms. Weaver is waiting inside."
He opens the door stepping inside to hold it open. Sarah gives up the support that Riley has been giving her, and mustering up the last reserves of energy marches through the door. Riley gives John a questioning look then follows Sarah into the room. John follows carrying Cameron. Ellison shuts the door staying in the room.
Catherine weaver stands up from a high backed office chair. Behind her are multiple computer monitors on a wall over a counter on which there are a few keyboards and mice.
"Greetings General Connor." she says graciously. "I have decided to join you as requested."
There were a number of shocked faces looking at Ms. Weaver, but none as shocked as Mr. Ellison. Or at least he thought until he glanced at John Connor's face.
Then John and Ms. Weaver said something which made Ellison the most shocked person in the room.
"You're a machine, aren't you?" John says, without accusation.
"Yes." She smiles at the young man. "I am."
##
"Do you understand your mission?" The triple eight asks Derek with Sky Net's voice as they approach the exit.
"Acquire the rogue unit. Bring it back here." Derek says without any emotion.
The triple eight hands Derek the keys to his truck and his gun, minus the magazine.
"I will give you the magazine to your gun and your phone once we get outside."
They both step into an old fashion elevator. Once the machine lowers the gate, the elevator rumbles up the shaft and come s to a stop in the basement of an old ware house.
They walk through the basement until they reach the opposite side where the Dodge Ram is parked. There are a few plain gray commercial vans in the basement as well. The machine presses a button on the wall and a garage door rolls up.
The machine hands Derek his cell phone and magazine. "Do not attempt to remove or tamper with your implant. To do so could cause you intense physical pain then death."
"I understand."
"Once you exit this facility, you will forget how to return here until you have acquired the unit. Upon completion of your task, call the number you have been given. I will give you instructions on how to return."
"I understand." Derek replies blankly.
"Then go."
Derek gets his truck and pulls out from the building and begins driving away. After a couple of hours he wonders where he is and pulls over. Checking his phone he pulls over and asks directions.
Once he is back on the road heading in the right direction, he tries calling Sarah's cell, but there is no answer. He then tries John's and Cameron's with no success. He eventually tries the home number and there is no answer.
"Dammit! Where the hell is everyone?" With a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, he drives to the home where the Connor's have been living.
##
"Wait a minute. Why the hell did you call him General? And just what the fuck are you?" Ellison exclaims.
"Language Mr. Ellison." she admonishes him with a grin. "I'm sorry I've mislead you, but General Connor is correct."
Sarah goes to pull her gun from her waistband.
"Ms. Connor, there is no need for weapons. I do not wish to harm you or your son. I am here to help."
"Can you prove that?" Sarah says instead.
"I would think that not killing your son immediately upon his entrance would be proof enough. Unfortunately, the only proof I have is in your cyborg. I understand from Mr. Ellison that something has caused her to revert."
"Not entirely." John says. He looks like he is beginning to struggle somewhat with her weight. "She managed to give us a warning and even managed to continue to communicate even as she was being taken over."
"Then there is a chance she can be repaired. Also we have the opportunity of tracking down Sky Net's location from the information on her chip."
Ms. Weaver notices the tiredness of Sarah, and the strain that John is showing for carrying Cameron.
"Mr. Ellison, if you'd be kind enough to carry the cyborg next door to the lab, I'll escort our guests upstairs to my private suite where they may rest."
"Hey!" John says sharply, getting everyone's attention, though he looks directly at Weaver. "She happens to have a name. Her name is Cameron. And you will do well to talk respectfully of her. And where she goes, I go."
"John..." Sarah begins but sees a different look on her sons face compared to what she has seen before. That isn't a boys face she sees, but the face of one who gives orders and expects them to be carried out.
Ms. Weaver grins. "I meant no disrespect to Cameron or yourself. You may accompany Mr. Ellison if you wish. If your mother and..." Catherine looks at the young woman who came in with them.
"Riley." Riley says wondering when that arrogant bitch was ever going to acknowledge her presence.
"...would care to come with me. You may take refreshment and rest."
Mr. Ellison takes Cameron from John and holds her a moment while Sarah talks with John.
"I don't think this is smart for us to split up like this." She says low.
"There's no need to whisper, Ms. Connor. I can hear you clearly." Catherine Weaver says.
"It will be okay mom." John says giving his mother a hug. "If she wanted us dead we'd be dead already. We've got to trust someone at sometime."
Sarah smiles at her son. He's becoming more of the man she wants him to be. Wasting no more time, she leaves with Riley and Catherine Weaver.
After watching the three women depart, Mr. Ellison says to John, "Come with me. I just want to warn you, the person beyond the door we go through will look familiar, but he isn't who you think he is."
John pushes open the door letting Ellison go in ahead of him. Mr. Ellison lays Cameron down on an examination table inside a high tech lab. Behind the bench stands a man with a cable snaking out of the back of his head and under a door into another room.
"Cromartie." John says pulling his hand gun from his pants.
"No. My names is John Henry. I am here to help you. If we are to save your friend and find my brother, we will need to move quickly."
##
Sarah takes a sip from her glass of mineral water. Riley does the same but doesn't care for the taste. She'd much prefer a smoothie.
"I hope you like the mineral water. It's my preferred beverage." Ms Weave says taking a seat across from the two women.
Sarah and Riley are sitting on a sofa inside Weaver's private suite. The entered through a door hidden behind the built-in bookcase in her office.
"You drink?" Sarah asks with surprise.
"Only when required. I won't bore you with the details of my physiology, but I require the occasional absorption of certain minerals and energy to maintain my form. Unlike your cyborg, Cameron, I am liquid metal. I do not have a power cell that can simply be replaced."
"Oh wow! Can you show us?" Riley asks excitedly.
Sarah gives her a look of shock. She knows perfectly well what a liquid metal machine is capable of.
"It doesn't hurt to ask?" Riley counters, seeing the look Sarah gives her.
"I'll show you." Weaver replies with a wry grin and then holds out her hand.
It shimmers and her entire arm elongates into a long shining, reflective, metal rod. Weaver touches Riley, and her whole form liquefies and changes into an exact replica of Riley.
"I am T-1001. I am constructed from mimetic poly-alloy." Weaver replies in Riley's voice. "I can take the form of any physical object I touch."
"That is so cool. I heard rumors of your existence, but I never thought I'd see one in person without getting killed." Riley says as Weaver returns to her original form.
Weaver frowns. "I don't understand. How could you know of our existence in this time?"
"She's from the future." Sarah responds and Weaver nods her head.
"Hey! Are you anatomically correct? Or are you smooth and shiny like a Barbie doll down there?" Riley asks with unburdened curiosity.
Sarah smacks her face with her palm and groans.
Weaver smiles.
##
"Mr. Connor, I do not wish to harm either yourself or your friend. I am not the machine you have previously encountered. I am merely making use of its body."
Mr Ellison holds out his hand for John's gun. "It's okay John. He's here to help."
"And you!" John turns pointing the gun at Ellison. "You lied to us! Cromartie was supposed to be destroyed and you stole it!"
"Yes. I did steal it." Ellison admits. "But if I didn't, we wouldn't be in a position to help you or fight Sky Net. Now please put the gun away. No one is threatening you."
John looks from Mr. Ellison's strong but concerned look and then to John Henry's placid but innocent expression. They offer no threat. Reluctantly he turns the safety back on and slides the gun back into his waistband.
"What do you need to do to fix her?"
"First I need to install a data port to link her to my network, then you must reinstall her chip. Would you be kind enough to roll . . ."
"Her name is Cameron." John answers.
"Yes, Cameron. . . . onto her front and then I can proceed."
"Can I trust to leave you alone down here with John Henry?" Ellison asks John.
John nods his head and Ellison walks out.
"I don't recognize the clothes she is wearing." John Henry asks. "What was she doing at the time Sky Net attacked her?"
"She was dancing ballet for us, her family." John says sadly.
"Cameron dances? And is welcomed as a part of your family? Interesting." John Henry says. "Ms. Weaver will occasionally refer to me as her son, but I have as little in common with her as I do with her daughter Savannah."
"Wait! You said she has a daughter?"
"Yes. Savannah Weaver. A six year old human child."
"Right." John says looking at John Henry through narrow slits. "Let's get going."
##
Ellison rides the elevator up to the top floor of the Zeira Corp building, in silence. He doesn't know what to make of the situation. Ms. Weaver is a machine. Wasn't she just seducing him the other day?
The elevator comes to a stop on the top floor. The doors slide open and he walks across the open area past her personal assistant's desk which is empty and straight into Weaver's office. She's just exiting the door to her private suite as he enters.
"Ahh, Mr. Ellison. How are both John's getting along? Everything is going well I hope?" She says cheerily.
"Things are going well. They were just getting started on repairs when I left them." He says firmly.
"You have questions you wish to ask me." She says with a slight tilt of her head and a grin. "Like what am I? Why am I here? What happened to Savannah's parents? And was I really trying to seduce you?"
"That will be a start." He says firmly.
"Most of your questions will have to wait until all of us are together, but I can tell you I neither wish you nor any human any harm, unless they are employed by our enemy, Sky Net."
"And Savannah?"
"She is the light of my life. I would be lost without her."
"Pardon me for not believing you."
Weaver pulls the plastic duck from her pocket and places it on her desk. "I found this earlier today in the elevator where Savannah dropped it. I must say I was overwhelmed with a deep emotion. I found myself unable to function. It occurred to me that I was angry at those who had taken her, and I was also feeling grief at her possible loss."
She looks at Ellison with a strained face exposing the deep emotion she does feel. "I am unable to cry Mr. Ellison, but if I could, I would for Savannah. She is in very great danger and there is nothing I can do to save her."
"I think I believe you." Ellison replies.
"Good, I need your help to get her back and stop Bennett."
"We will. I care about her too."
Ellison stands there a moment before asking, "I must know, were you actually trying to seduce me before?"
Weaver smiles seductively. "Mr. Ellison, James, as I told you, Savannah needs a strong male figure in her life since the loss of her father. I believe you would fill that role very well. I also admire you and find you to be an attractive man."
"But you are a machine..."
"Liquid metal to be specific."
"...is such a thing possible?"
"Mr. Ellison, if it weren't for our guests currently occupying my private suite, you would be finding out exactly how possible that would be tonight." She says looking at him with her wicked little smile.
##
Cameron is laying on the table, once again facing up. A cable snakes from the back of her head and links to a bank of computers on the far wall.
"You are sure this will work?" John asks the cyborg he formerly knew as Cromartie.
"There are no certainties in life, just different levels of probabilities." John Henry replies.
"I would have preferred a yes or no." John retorts.
"Sorry. I was reading books on philosophy as part of my learning program. I thought the phrase was appropriate."
"Well just cut it out and speak plainly." John says loudly. "I'm getting ready to insert her chip."
John slides the chip into her socket and gives it a twist to lock it in place.
He stands by her side waiting for her to reboot.
Suddenly her eyes open and she begins shouting. "John! John! Where are you?"
"Sh. I'm right here." John takes her hand in one of his and brushes his other hand across her face. "I'm right here."
"I can't move my arms or legs." She says sounding panicky.
"It's okay Cam. We had to temporarily disable some of your functions. Sky Net has reactivated some it's command codes. Unfortunately, either by design or accident, they are linked to the subroutines that allow you to operate your body. Presently, you only have higher level functions and the ability to operate your eyes, ears and mouth so we can communicate."
"Why didn't you destroy me? You had the opportunity."
"Because I don't give up on those I care about." He says kissing her gently on her cheek.
"I'm scared. Sky Net tried taking control of me. Reducing me to a drone. I could have killed you!"
"It's okay Cameron. You fought back long enough so we could stop you. Because of what happened to you, we have an opportunity of tracking down Sky Net's base, only there is a hitch."
"What is the problem?"
"We can fix you and possibly locate Sky Net, but it will be dangerous. The process could remove all or most of your recent memories."
"You mean I might forget our relationship. That I'm not just your protector but your girlfriend as well."
"Yeah." John says close to tears. "You see when Sky Net attacked you, it went after your new emotions, your ties to everyone you know, me especially. To ensure that all of Sky Net's restructured command codes are eliminated. . ."
"I understand. When I wake up, I will be like I was when I was reprogrammed." She says, her face falling.
"Not entirely. You will remember some of your older memories with me." John presses his face against hers as she can't feel him grasp her hand. When he looks at her again there are tears streaming from his eyes. "You just might forget these last few days, which is why before John Henry begins the process, I'm going to help you dream."
##
"What is the progress on our agent?"
"He's presently on a course that will take him back to the last known location of the rogue unit under Connor's protection."
"They aren't there any longer. Our human forces found the place empty when they arrived."
"The attempt to recall it again by radio must have alerted them, but no matter. Derek Reese is a resourceful person. He will soon find them and we will have the rogue units chip and the final pieces of code to complete my program."
"And what about the T-888 that Ms. Weaver has? According to what information I have gathered, it still has its two secondary chips and presumably its original program will be backed up to one of if not both chips."
"Kidnapping her child to gain its release was inspirational, but you were too generous in the amount of time you gave her to concede. She may yet cause problems."
"How, when we've got her child? Catherine Weaver wouldn't dare make a move on us. Besides she doesn't know where we are."
"Speaking of which, how is the progress on relocating me from this bunker?"
"The new location is being prepared now. New fiber optic cables are being laid through these tunnels to link your system to additional satellite antennas being installed in the upper floor of the warehouse that hides the entrance. You can use them to transfer yourself via satellites to your new location."
"When will it all be ready?" Sky Net asks.
"Everything should be in place to move you from this location by the end of the week." Mr. Bennett replies.
##
John has his hand resting next to and holding Cameron's head. He runs his fingers of his other hand through her hair and places a gentle kiss on her lips.
"Remember that film you watched with mom a week or so ago?" he asks her.
"Yes."
"That scene about halfway into it, when the couple are walking in the field of wild flowers and he tells her how he's been called up and that he will be going off to war in a few days."
"They made love and she promised to wait for him until he returned. Your mom cried at the end because the young man died in the war not knowing that back home in England his wife was giving birth to their child."
"Yeah that's the one. I want you to use the guidelines I gave you for daydreaming and imagine it is me and you in that field. If you can maintain that image in your head while in standby mode, then not only will you dream, but you may retain what it is we mean to each other, maybe even some of your recent memories."
A few tears run from the corner of Cameron's eyes and collect along the edge of John fingers.
"I am ready, but please stay with me." She says. "I love you." A few more tears trickle from her eyes.
"I love you to Cam." John says, wiping the tears from her face. "I'll be with you the whole time. You've got nothing to worry about. Just remember, you've got to keep that dream sequence running until we are finished."
He waits until she goes into standby mode, then presses the button on a two way radio. "John Henry, she's in standby mode. Are you ready?"
"I am." He says from the next room and begins running the program.
Cameron's mind flashes through all the recent happy memories she's had with John, when suddenly she finds herself alone with John in a field of flowers and long grasses. She is wearing a yellow summer dress, her hair flowing in a summer breeze and John is in a blazer and slacks.
She's carrying a picnic basket in one hand with her other arm around John's. They are walking through the field when they find a flat area free of rocks where John spreads a blanket he's been carrying in his other arm.
They lay on the blanket and kiss each other passionately.
John watches over Cameron and keeps tabs with John Henry in the next room via the radio. He presses his tear stained fingers to his lips, tasting the salty tang of Cameron's tears.
He is scared to death of what might happen to her. Cameron will either wake up with her memories intact, partially intact, or reduced to the person she was shortly after he first met her. But no matter what happens, he won't stop loving her, because only through him will she truly know life.
##
Back at the Connors former home, Derek walks up the steps from the driveway. His truck is parked out back.
He tried ringing the phone number but there was no answer. He looks through the window on the porch and can see the furniture is all askew in the living room.
Stepping back, he kicks the door as hard as he can and dashes inside. His gun drawn.
A quick glance shows the furniture isn't so much out-of-place, but shoved against the wall. Books and a broken flower vase lies on the floor in front of the bookcase, which has been pulled from the wall. Checking it quickly, he finds all weapons and the stash of cash and diamonds have been removed from the hiding place behind it.
There is the slight smell of cordite in the air, and looking around he can only see a single light fixture damaged and hanging from the wall. No other signs of gunfire in the room.
Derek dashes up the stairs and does a quick check of the rooms. Guns are gone from under Sarah's bed, and the single bag they each keep packed with necessities are gone as well. Including Cameron's room. He dashes down both flights of stairs to the basement to find that the bloody wall has been scrubbed clean. There is a strong smell of bleach in the air.
"Damn!" He swears and makes his way slowly back up the stairs.
He just reaches the top when he hears the kitchen floor creek. Derek reaches out with one hand and pushes the door open quickly, while holding his gun ready to use.
The persons back is to the door, but there is no mistaking that jet black hair or her silhouette.
Hearing a sound behind her, she quickly spins around her gun ready, but when she sees the gun pointed steadily at her, she gently places her gun down on the kitchen table.
"Hello Derek."
"What are you doing here?" He asks.
Jesse just smiles at him. "Don't worry babe. I'm back."
Derek suddenly embraces her. "Thank God. I thought I had lost you."
END OF CHAPTER
Hi Everyone!
First off I want to thank you for your patience in waiting for the next chapter to this story. As you may know, I've just finished my epic story Reunion. The final chapter to the story and part 3 was posted on May 18, 2010. It has taken me a while to get back into this story, despite having a major portion written. After reviewing what I had originally written, I decided it needed to be better. I am a perfectionist and I just have this desire to put out my best work possible for any given thing. I've now reached the age where I can let some things slide by, but I'm still a perfectionist. :) Anyway, I hope you like this chapter and I look forward to your reviews. God Bless.
The1Russter 06-06-2010