Thanks to those who read/reviewed! Thanks so much, you guys have been a really good support!
Nathan Riddle: I'm glad you are reading at all. And sorry pal can't slow down with all the 'update soon' and all, so try to keep up! ^_^ don't worry, other than a bunch of anxiety attacks, you are not missing out much! Just glad you actually reviewed every single chapter. Hope this one review reply will help reply all. And you are so mean to Jesse and Riley but I like it! Thanks so much for all the compliments and good luck with your car!
Dc: Thanks and I hope this is not going to disappoint you.
zahnfan23: Thanks, it was meant to be a surprise and I'm glad it worked out!
acer-sigma: They are kind of but I wouldn't keep this a secret as it isn't that big. They have to leave the neighborhood anyhow as…I'll reveal it soon…About Cameron's stuffs, you'll get your confirmation very later on but it'll be coming and so will that reaction. . Thanks so much!
mshig11: Yup, me too! I love writing the bad guys going down the drain. And not just you but Jesse is kind of obsession. It seems too harsh to say crazy. I just want to explore a side when Jesse becomes desperate, not having a chance to go with her plans with John Connor gone. Yeah, that part about John being too excited kind of surprised me that it'll stand out in the chapter but yeah, I did made him hyperventilate with the rush of adrenaline. Thanks and I was thinking of having the marriage scene more specific but this is a sci-fi action story so I don't want to linger on drama. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!
TK-MR: Thanks so much and I hope that means you're excited for it because the action is definitely up!
kaotic2: Yup! I didn't intend for it to be a humor but I guess it's good that it is! I'm just happy it worked out to be a little humor in my seemingly humorless story. And you don't have to wait for another week! The good response got me off my ass to reply to these reviews and post it (since I already had them up, unedited).
jojobevco: Thank you so much! You have no idea how these little compliments helps .
Chapter 16: Secured
John balled his hands up into fist in nervousness as Cameron stood by him.
She looked so beautiful though John realized he could do better by buying a wedding dress instead of renting it. But John had learnt how to make good use to money and didn't want to waste any. He already anticipated they might need that for something else, especially if they were to go back to their original mission in stopping Skynet: A lot of bribing would be involved.
John stared at her. Cameron looked so stunning. Her hair tied up in a loose bun and loose straight chocolate brown hair hanging by the side of her face. She barely had any make up on. Her white dress was, as John thought, simple but awesome on her. No laces or anything else. Just a dress which revealed her white milky shoulders and chest well, cling onto her curvy figure. She definitely feels like her guardian angel now.
Her small hands held a small bouquet which John prepared which the woman helping to dress Cameron gave to them as a blessing. Translucent white gloves covered Cameron's hands.
John couldn't tear his eyes off her especially when she stood so close to him. He stared, lips parting slightly.
Cameron turned to him, a small smile gracing her perfect lips. She turned away. John continued staring, smiling. Cameron turned to him with a half frown and half smile this time, turning her head back to face the priest a little forcefully to remind John where they are. He grinned and turned to face the priest as he spoke.
John just stared blankly at the priest. His mouth moved into a promise that his heart acknowledge but his brain concentrating on the beautiful kissable woman next to him. He heard Cameron made her vow and they exchange rings.
His mind only came back to him after the priest announced, "You may now kiss the bride."
John didn't need to think twice. He turned and was not surprised to see Cameron turning at the exactly same time. Their lips met. John tasted her strawberry tasting lips gently, savoring the sweetness of their wedding as his hand wrapped around her small waist, bringing her closer to him before they part.
The people who were acting as witnesses, the woman who helped Cameron with her dressing and hair, some people who wanted to watch this two lovely looking youngster get married at such a young age and of course the priest, smiled radiantly at them.
Cameron couldn't help it when she wondered if this was all a mistake or at least he should know about the little miracle in her belly before consider marrying her. In case he changed his mind after that, she could leave…
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"Jesse?" Riley whimpered out as her hand which was gripping the arm rest tightly became sore. Jesse was definitely stepping hard on the accelerator hard and the van is practically flying.
They have been racing across the street since the two man walked out of that jeep thought to be John and Cameron. Riley was praying for a LAPD officer to pull her over soon to rid her of this nightmare.
"Jesse. Where are we going?" Riley asked softly.
"Looking for Connor and that metal. Look for their jeep." Jesse growled stiffly.
Riley gulped and nodded, pretending to help Jesse look while her heart and mind is twirling in fear.
She didn't want or know how to look when things flew pass them in a blur.
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"Got about a few stuff going here. I managed to grab 3 companies as the main ones we should be interested in. The two sell ice cream and baby wipes. And I don't think Skynet would be interested in Ice Cream or Baby Wipes." John paused as Cameron chuckled before leaning over the table to look at what exactly John got.
John smiled at his 2-hours-29-minutes-and-49-seconds (currently rising) wife and continued, "The last one is Kaliba Corporation, they manufacture hyper alloy, metal and I managed to grab one of their pet project files; a project on an AI, dated to have started 3 months ago..." John said, taking a handful of chips and stuffing them into his mouth, "Though I can't find any information on that project after. Seems to be classified or something. But rumors on the press and all do have it that they are working on it themselves, refusing any help or partnership."
"AI…" John heard Cameron mumbled, almost grudgingly as she stared.
"Cameron. Whatever Skynet is manufacturing is nothing similar to you, even if it is being produced right there. You are my Cameron." John turned to her, cupping her cheek in his hand, "You're so special to me."
She flashed him a grateful smile before turning back to the screen. "Do they have any companies they are tied to working with or anything?" Cameron asked.
John bit his lips and scrolled down the screen, "Not as far as I can see. Most of them seemed to be suppliers…"
"Check the one supplying Coltan."
"As far as the information provided, they have their own warehouse to make them." John replied, looking as Cameron's frown deepened, "What does this add up?"
"Skynet." Cameron replied monotonously, "They are definitely building something in that thing. Something so sophisticated that they don't want people like us getting in to stop them, so…they would have keep it under the rug won't they?" She turned to John, "Don't you think so?" Cameron asked in almost worry that John would disagree.
He broke into a smile, "Of course." But John was worried for the worst. If it was really skynet, they are in great danger. No backups, no big guns, no contacts, no nothing, just each other to hold on to. It really worry him if there come a time where she has to jump in front of him what can he do then?
"John?"
"But- I don't want to do it." John breathed out.
"What?" Cameron gaped shakily.
"I don't want to. I'm scared. What if you-"
"John, we talked about this before; about what ifs I do something that endangers me." Cameron touched the back of his hand gently; thumb fingering the band that tied their life together.
"We have?" John gave her a frown.
"We will." Cameron assured, sitting down beside him. John nodded absent-mindedly as he considered this carefully.
He wanted to stop Skynet; he wanted a mission in life which he can share with her. John knew Cameron needed this no matter how human she is. Everyone needs a mission to live by and John is not going to deprive Cameron of that right. But the thought of losing her brought so much misery to him that he can barely imagine it. He loved her and didn't want to try something dangerous.
However, like Cameron said some time ago, he'd never forget how she'd defended his wants against his needs.
"He won't be safe here," Cameron spoke.
"Mission priority includes sending him to a place with cover and waiting for the arrival of judgment day and we have almost accomplished it. He will be safe." Carter's voice said softly.
"That's yours. My mission is to protect John Connor, in whatever he wants to do. If John wants to stop Skynet, I'll assist him in accomplishing this," Cameron replied coolly.
"You and I both know that's impossible. Skynet's arrival is destined, no one can stop it, even us," Carter's boots echoed as he walked to sit down on the wooden chair.
"If John wants to try, I'll help him,"
"That's not a priority. It's not necessary to risk his survival for his will," Carter countered
"You can't stop him,"
"I'll tie him up if it deemed necessary, "
"He'll hurt himself in the process of trying to escape. If John attempts to stop Skynet's birth, I'll ensure John's survival in this; it's also my mission priority,"
"It is not appropriate,"
"You should know, no one can stop what John Connor wants to do, and I'm sure he wants to find Sarah and Derek,"
"…" There was no answer from Carter.
John breathed deeply: if Cameron wants to do this: This time, he'll be the one standing in front of her when the bullets fly. If he can't stop her, he'll just have to protect her.
"Alright," John nodded, "what now?" He asked her, touching her hand softly.
Cameron turned to him and smiled; "Now we get ourselves a job and a new image." A sexy smirk spread across her lips.
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Never get use to this
It was something a Connor lives by.
Never get use to this. A new life would appear without you even trying.
It was always the same deep voice telling John in his head when he was happy over his new identity. Somehow, he knew it was true, unable to deny the facts. Sarah was always paranoid and just a little bit gusts of wind and John's name would change. He hated his mom because of that despite how he always knew it was for his survival.
John knew deep down, John Reese is dead, replaced by the stoic and deadly General John Connor and he hate that him buried deep within.
"John?" Cameron touched his shoulder. John jumped a little upon the contact, "We're here." She announced softly, pointing to the building in front of them. It was a tall one and no doubt a rich one.
He scanned the building while fingering the shotgun that sat on his lap limply. John noticed the windows are all fully tinted glass, the entrance was also glass. Rich…he whistled to himself. With a little squinting of his eye, John can spot the two men in proper police uniform patrolling. Their Glock shone in the evening light.
"We'd better hurry, they would be more wary of us when it gets dark and it'll be dangerous at night," Cameron warned. John nodded before they alighted from the jeep.
"Think anyone would be waiting for us?" John whispered as they walked side by side to Kaliba Corp.
"That's less likely. I doubt it." Cameron replied in an equally low voice.
"Better not be mom." John mumbled under his breath, talking to himself more than to Cameron but she flashed him a smile nonetheless as they approached the building and a guard stopped them.
"Excuse me Sir. This building is off-limits." He said in a stoic but strict tone. John almost pulled out a gun on him as he reached out to block their way. John couldn't help but be paranoid, just like Sarah. He had someone to protect now and it's someone he'd die for.
"We know. We're here for a job." Cameron spoke, not trusting John to open his mouth with the look of him grinding his teeth at the guard who even dare to go near her.
"Sorry but do you have an appointment?" He narrowed his eyes at them.
"No. We don't but trust us; your boss would want to meet us after knowing what we know and can do with AIs," John said confidently.
"We can wait here while you call and ask." Cameron added, hoping he would at least help out and try.
They watched as the guard contemplated with what to do. Then John grunted under his breath and handed him a small diamond. They watched as his eyes widened, pocketing it. Finally, he nodded, "I'll talk to the clerk but we're not sure if the boss is still around at this time. What's your name?" He asked.
"Gale." John replied. He nodded before turning on his heels, muttering something under his breath about young kids and pranks and at least getting a diamond.
John visibly relaxed as he watched the guard retreated off into the building but the other guards studied them closely, gripping their firearms tighter than ever. Cameron linked hands with him in an attempt to remind him and keep him close to her. He glanced sideways at her and smiled. They both know if they needed to talk, now's neither the time nor the place.
John started leaning on one hip as the wait grew longer and longer. Beside him, at one point John thought he saw Cameron swayed on the spot but decided against it and assumed it was his tired mind swimming. His finger fiddled the ring on Cameron's ring finger gently as he counted the seconds which passed by.
He glanced at Cameron and was committed to staring. She looked stunning in her blue dress that John brought out of the house for her. He'd never thought he'll see her wear it again. The split side of the dress revealed her smooth thigh. John could hardly see the band that was around her thigh for her to keep her Glock. She hardly put on any makeup, being reluctant to using the money to buy any of that.
John on the other hand, was too lazy to go out to get a western suit. Instead, he wore his leather jacket and the nicest pair of jeans he could find.
Soon, the guard returned, looking all serious. John squint his eyes and saw a small petite young woman behind him. She had her blonde hair tied up in a neat bun and thick glasses. John assumed she is the clerk.
"You may meet Mr Frye now; he is interested in meeting you after hearing your claim." She said formally with a slight smile.
John smiled and nodded, not noticing Cameron gave a light frown. This is too easy. This is like he is expecting us… She took note of this and got ready to leap in front of him in a split second if a threat shall arise. John, on the other hand, followed the clerk, refusing to let Cameron cut in front of him for her reasons were too obvious. He'd never let her.
The building looked more magnificent inside than outside. It was obviously the place of a rich. Along the wall of the entrance, there are glass box stand and on it various ornaments with spotlight shining on every one of them. But one of the ornaments caught John's eye.
It was a glass chip. A chip so small that it resembles a chip of a terminator or could be a computer chip. But it is so beautifully made John could've mistaken it for a real one…
"Mr Frye is interested in technology?" Despite being captivated by that statue, John asked the clerk darkly.
"I'm not sure. We all aren't. He keeps to himself." She replied cautiously, "But the projects that we took are mostly technology if you have read up on Kaliba." The clerk added. John nodded and turned to face her.
John glanced down at her tag pinned to her grey blazer, "Madison, you think you could tell us which storey Mr Frye is waiting. I figure we could go on there by ourselves." He asked, feeling a strong tug of his sleeve, by Cameron, no doubt. She almost hissed to warn him not to give her the feeling they are here to crawl around their office.
"Erm, I'm really sorry Mr Gale but Mr Frye had already passed a rule that all visitors must be escorted by a staff and right now, he instructed me to escort you there. I'm very sorry but his instructions were very specific." Madison smiled.
John plastered on his best smile and nodded as she walked ahead of Cameron and him. He narrowed his eyes behind her back and glanced at Cameron to make sure she is taking note of this with him. He knew from that little 'show' that they definitely had something to hide. John walked briskly after Madison, glancing around nervously now and then every time they passed a corner or even when they are in the lift.
John could almost feel Cameron doing the same. At some time, her small hand would brush against him, reminding him their close proximity.
The deep feeling of dread in John's stomach grew as they came out of the lift with a prominent 'Ding'. They turned the corner and were faced by a closed glass door.
What's the use to that?
John could plainly see a meeting table in the middle of the room behind the glass doors. The table was huge, or rather long. Thick black cushioned chairs were neatly at the table. And at the tip of the table, where the chair backing was the highest, sat a man whom John assumed to be Mr Frye. He turned the seat and John took in his features carefully.
From his face, John assumed he was in his mid or if late 20s. He had auburn hair which was combed backwards smartly with thick gel. His dark eyes twinkled with life but mostly anticipation. Mr Frye had a sharp nose and pinkish lips any girl would die to kiss. His steady jaw line gave him a very commanding look that Cameron, personally, felt resembles John's. All in all, he is a perfectly handsome young man.
John was surprised to find him in a plain black cotton long sleeved shirt and a pair of jeans. He'd never expected the boss to be dressed like this.
Their eyes met for a second before he stood up and walked to the door while Madison tapped her card on the scanner by the door. John and Cameron walked in without Madison, who closed the glass door behind them.
"Mr Frye, I'm John Gale." John extended his hand politely. He felt Cameron stiffened close to him as her charge reached out to be in contact with a stranger.
He took John's hand with a smile, "Mr Gale." He nodded stiffly, "I suppose that's Mrs. Gale then." He gave a nod to Cameron who smiled passively, "Have a seat." He let go of John's hand after a firm handshake and gestured to the black seats.
John was aware of his eyes constantly following Cameron as she rounded the seat and sat down by John. Mr Frye then settled after his guest.
"Well, Madison told me you two wanted a job." He smiled as Madison entered with 2 glasses of water and served it to John and Cameron. They nodded politely and John took a light seep of the cool water to his parched throat.
"We do." Cameron replied with a slight smile before John can say anything after soothing his throat.
He glanced at John sharply but not harshly before looking at Cameron, "And I heard you two are very capable in my business."
"Depending on what you want from us but in general, I dare say we are." John replied, shifting in his seat.
"You are very young." He narrowed his eyes, lips still graced with a smile.
"I can't say the same about you. Young, capable enough to own a building this size and of this quality."
Mr Frye's smile widened as his eyes twinkled with admiration for these two, "So you say you are capable, may I ask of what?"
"Technology." Cameron stated plainly.
Mr Frye leaned back in his seat and frowned slightly at the ceiling. He seems to be in deep consideration before he looked at them, a slight frown still remaining, "Tell you what. I'll let you work in my company for a week or so. I can access your 'capabilities' and you can adapt to this working environment first if I decide to keep you two."
John turned to Cameron, this is too easy… He thought.
"Sounds about right to me," John replied, still looking at Cameron who had an impassive look on. He turned to Mr Frye, "So when do we start and what are the working hours?" John asked.
"You start tomorrow. Working hours for you two would be 5am to 5pm. You would be assigned work by tomorrow by some of your temporary colleagues." My Frye stood up, signifying the end of this small 'hiring' business.
"And our department?" Cameron asked.
"I want to see if you can really perform. So for now, you'll be joining Liam Clayton in the AI department." Mr Frye said.
"Mr Frye, we-"
"Call me Aiden; I hate it when I get called in a formal manner." Aiden interrupted.
"Then John and Cameron it is for us too." John replied, earning a nod from Cameron beforehand, "And we're really happy you'll give us a chance here."
"You're welcome. I love ambitious young adults." Aiden smiled before turning to the door, "I'll see you two tomorrow then." John and Cameron watched as he walked off but he turned and looked at them, "And I would suggest a more casual dressing would be good for work. Comfort." He said eyes scanning Cameron's dressing before walking out and taking the lift down.
Cameron stood there by John, linking hands already.
"Anything special?" Cameron asked, turning to him, careful not to spill out their motive in public. She's not that naïve as not to already guess there would be surveillance camera around. No one is ever safe…Cameron stayed with the Connors long enough to commit it to memory and use it.
John smiled and squeezed her hand, "Considered this job secured."
To be continued…
Next chapter: John and Cameron got introduced to their new jobs and they got to know their AI team while they worked.