Many thanks to those who read/reviewed! You guys are the best!
TSCC FAN: Yup, the Jameron ship is going strong, hopefully it won't be the titanic, the unsinkable ship which sank. And I swear I'll surprise you with where this is going! Thanks so much for the review!
Nathan Riddle: Thank you! I'm glad the idea comes out as original. Yeah, I figured that updating faster would be better and sorry if this chapter comes up a little later than my original schedule. I totally agree with you but in this story (apart from Falling in the black), Jesse is the b****, Riley's innocent. Thanks so much again for that!
mshig11: Thanks, this chapter wouldn't be as progressive but I hope you'll find it somewhat interesting. And just to be a wet blanket, Sarah's vanishing act is continuing. She won't be appearing anytime soon! She'll surprise you with her untimely appearance I promise you but it might be in part 2 of "I'll always come for you". And yes to my smart and observant reader! It mentioned 'it's too easy twice' and that's all I can give to you. John and Cameron's job scope would be in this chapter and you'll find something more interesting in this chapter about the company in general. Thanks so much!
Cptlatnok: The plan is flawed and so is Cameron. She's pregnant for god's sake! She is definitely 'damaged' not to mention flawed. And I'm sorry if I haven't warned you this is AU. I hope you are not an anti-Prego Cam. Thanks for the review!
zahnfan23: John…he'll find out soon. And yes, he'll change a lot from knowing that, almost becoming a full time worrier! Thanks so much for the review!
acer-sigma: Yup, I totally agree, this is a lion's den but not just any lion. And yes, they'll find out something at Kaliba and it'll turn the whole story upside down. She'll break the news soon and meanwhile, we get the fun of seeing how Cameron escapes John's interrogation time and again. Thanks so much for the review!
dc: Thanks and why do I think this chapter would have lower ratings?
TK-MR: thanks. That is a typo with him and her, sorry, it was rushed. About John's line 'Can't say the same about you' is sarcasm apparently. I didn't want it to seem that John is comfortable being at such close proximity with the boss of an AI company especially one suspected of building Skynet.
kaotic2: Thanks and glad you enjoyed it!
jojobevco: thank you so much for the feedback!
Sorry for the late update, I was a little trapped how to portray John and Cameron's colleagues and whether to give them an appearance at all but I came to decision and I have to say, the part about their colleagues it definitely under my expectations…
I hope it wouldn't be too horrible for you guys.
Chapter 17: Kaliba Corporation
John let out a cry of exhaustion before collapsing on the couch. He removed his leather jacket and leaned on his side, eyelids drooping. He strained his neck and looked for Cameron. She was holding a shotgun, cocking it loudly, standing by the back door. She walked out of the open door before he can coax his tired muscles to call out to her. John watched, frowning in worry, as he stared at the open door, praying with whatever energy he had in his body that she'll return safe and sound.
It took a while but she walked in eventually. Cameron noticed him looking at her. She placed her shotgun on the counter and walked to John, sitting by him.
"I patrolled the perimeter. It's safe, for now." Cameron smiled, taking his hand on her lap gently rubbing it. John offered her a tired smile.
"Thank you. You don't have to do that though. I know you are tired too." He croaked out.
"You are." She smiled, "I'll help you to bed." She stood up and offered John a hand. He took it and leaned on Cameron as his body screamed out for rest. Through out the ride home, his muscles were aching and soft.
"Thanks. Again." He smiled, leaning his head onto hers gently.
Cameron nodded as an acknowledgement before supporting John up the steps. For John, the thought of going to work tomorrow at 5 just made his eyes want to roll to the back of his head and sink into darkness forever. Finally…They reached the second level. It was then did John felt a shift in his weight. No…Cameron…She started to fall backwards.
No! Cameron!
John forced his mind into clarity and pulled onto Cameron's hand before she could roll down the stairs they just took a long time to get up. He was so sapped. His muscles ached like hell. But his will won over again. With a forceful shove, John pulled Cameron into his embrace.
He almost collapsed when Cameron leaned on him, which feels like a building on his sore muscles. They fell to the floor. John cleared his eyes and cradled Cameron. He noticed she was feeling dizzy with the way she is trying to clear her head.
"Cameron? Are you okay?" John asked, leaning over.
"John I-" Cameron wanted to speak but John's eyes rolled to the back of his head and his world turned to darkness just as he lolled to his side.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
John's head hurts like hell. It was just too much for him to take. He reached up and used his weak arm to rub his hurting temple. What the hell? He felt like someone placed his head under a hydraulic press.
"John?" Cameron's sweet voice made it tempting for him to use that effort to open his eyes. He didn't regret it when he saw her. She had just a dress robes on, her smooth bare upper chest so clear to John's eyes.
"Hey." He crocked.
"Hey." She sat down beside him and it was then did John realize that he was on the bed, naked under the covers.
"What the hell happened?" John tried to sit up but his body wasn't reacting. He glanced around the room and found a basin with water and a towel floating in it. He could feel the smooth covers on his skin. It was apparent Cameron had cleaned him up will he slept.
"I don't know, John." Cameron replied, guilt showing plainly on her face as she touched his hand, almost sympathizing with him.
"I mean to you. In the corridor?" John smiled weakly.
"That-" she hesitated before touching her stomach, "just a bug or something." Cameron finished with a lie, eyes hiding guilt.
John, on the other hand, didn't suspect a thing. He smiled and touched her hand, "Take care of yourself alright?"
"I will, of both of us." She replied, "I'll call in to Mr Frye that you're sick."
"No. I'll be fine. Just don't." John sat up successfully. "Don't like postponing my mission and besides, see? I'm getting better already." He smiled. Cameron bit her lips, tempted to call in sick but she didn't like postponing their mission either. One day longer means one more day closer to Skynet's victory and also one day closer to John's miserable life in the war.
"Alright. Just rest okay?" Cameron said gently, "I'll make something for you to eat." She left the room, shutting the door behind her. John stretched out weakly and laid on the bed, starting to imagine the convenience of him being naked in Cameron's and his bed…
Cameron shut the door, placing a hand on her belly gently, running her hands over the bulging lump that wasn't there initially, "Yup, just a small bug." She muttered to herself before descending the stairs.
*
"What do I do?" Riley asked.
"Go back to your foster home. Be normal while you can." Jesse shrugged as she walked to her hotel room. They have been looking for those two since yesterday and they haven't found anything. But Jesse knew; she had to return to the hotel, in case he pays a visit, though he said he's been busy. However, she knows better than to trust his words. He changes his mind real quick sometime.
Riley watched as Jesse went away, entering the stairways and out of sight. She sighed to herself before walking to the nearest bus stop. One thing she is dying to know is bothering her: Where is John?
*
"Mr Frye." John approached the young man.
"I told you, Aiden." Aiden grunted, before gesturing to the man beside him, "This is Liam Clayton." Liam had short black hair, determined brown eyes and a fixated stare. His mouth curved into a smile as he was introduced.
"Hi." John shook his hand.
"So Liam," Aiden turned to him, "I'll be leaving this two in your hands then." Liam nodded with a serious expression on. Aiden turned and left through the glass door which Cameron still can't wrap her head around its use since it is neither bulletproof nor opaque.
"So…" John turned to Liam, supposedly their new boss.
"So, you two are coming for a tour," Liam smirked, bumping past John. Cameron had to resist the urge to pull her Glock right under his nose and blow his brains in.
They followed him to the lift and down to the fifth storey. John felt nervous about whatever they are about to face. His muscles still ached from whatever he is suffering from last night but John did notice the look of disbelief and shock Madison gave him when he and Cameron walked through their front door.
John didn't intend to tell Cameron two things. One is about the look on Madison's face and the other…he drank that glass of water and Cameron didn't.
Though it hurt him to lie to her but he didn't want to worry her and besides, is it worth skipping out on this golden opportunity just because he got served some poison? At most, John decided he would eat anything during office hours, he wouldn't drink their water.
"This is the place where the AI chips are tested out on machines." Liam spoke as they entered the dark room, lighted with only computer screens and the only noise they heard were people communicating and the sound of engine running, "Huge machines that are built to try out high tech AI chips. And did I forget to mention Kaliba Corporation is one of the only corporations in the world that gain access to these technologies?" Liam grinned, in pride and walked pass them to the lift again.
"That's why we're here." John mumbled, glancing at Cameron who smiled, or rather smirked sweetly.
Afterwards, they got introduced to many rooms and different places. Nothing was of John interest. They even had their own factory in this building that made the inventions' proto type and Liam also mentioned that they had a bigger separate factory outside, building bigger and better machines.
At least they haven't got to building triple 8s…John mused.
The one thing which surprises John though, is that Liam brought them to another manufacturing room which reflects a small factory. And they manufacture Coltan. John hadn't expected to be given the rights to gain access to this room yet.
Next, they were also brought to the room where they manufacture the chips, hardware and software. Cameron clenched her fists. She wanted to burn this place to the ground the moment she laid her eyes on this place. Which from her imagination is something like where she's 'born'. John glanced at her, hand covering her firm fists gently.
"Here, is where you two would be working…" Liam gave a crook smile as the lift bell sounded to the third level. The moment Cameron step out of that lift, she felt a feeling of uneasiness swam around in her abdomen but she ignored it. "This is the invention department. Where, of course, AIs are invented. But not only that, Mr Frye has told us that he is combining the department of structure with the AI, believing it would help our efficiency in inventing something. Our inventors aren't very inspired these days." He explained.
The three of them walked down a well lit and clean corridor. They did a left turn and a right before they reach door. Liam reached down to the handle and opened the door. The inside of the room is lit blue, all the equipments are all mind blowing for someone like Cameron who could identify them with one glance.
In the middle of the room is a huge desk and by the side of the room, long desk everywhere. By the huge desk, there are grey cushioned seats, like at the meeting room. On the grey wall is a huge screen which John presumed is to see what's going on in a chip.
At that moment, John swore he saw Skynet's history flashing across his eyes. The very descendent of the monster that elimate mankind is the humans themselves…
"This would be where you two are working. Your team members aren't that many, yet. Noah, Sean, Christine and Abigail. Two guys two ladies. So I figure you two would fit in quite well. Right now there isn't any intention to add any more to your team. They are all out for breakfast so you two can either go out for a quick meal or familiarize yourselves." Liam explained, "Have fun and try not to go to floors I haven't got to showing you yet." He gave a false grin before shutting the steel door behind him.
John froze for a moment, turning to Cameron. She smiled at him. Gently, he took her hand, stroking it.
"So here we are…" John mumbled. Cameron nodded before she snatched her hand away from John and cupped her mouth. She ran to the corner of the room. She knelt down and threw up in the bin, "Cameron," John gaped, joining her at the corner, patting her back.
"I'm fi-." She choked out before vomiting a third round. John patted her back and held up her hair in a gentle bundle. She finally stood up, swallowed and licked at her dry lingering taste in her mouth.
"Really?" John scoffed, rubbing her shoulder gently.
"Really." She assured him. But John was not convinced. He noticed her vomiting spree every morning these days and noticed her swaying on the spot, now getting more and more often. It worried him but John couldn't believe Cameron won't tell him. After all they've been through, can she really have the heart to keep secrets from him?
"What's wrong with you?" John asked, pulling her closer to him. She bit her lips as her head rested comfortably on his chest. There was no reply, "Cameron." He probed her, this time a little more firmly.
"I-" She pulled away from him, looking him in the eye. Almost in sync, they turned to face the door as they heard sounds. Footsteps and voices…
John reached for the Glock resting on his belt. Cameron's hand also twitched as she hesitated whether to reach for hers. Suddenly, the door flung open and John took a step in front of Cameron to her objection.
John inwardly heaved a sigh of relief as he only saw a bunch of happy young people. Not machines…John could tell from their eyes.
Everyone froze and stared.
Suddenly, a girl with long wavy hair stepped forward and spoke, "You are Cameron and…John right?"
John gave a nervous nod.
"Hi!" She took a 'leap' forward and extended her hand, "I'm Abigail! It's nice to meet you," She took John's hand instead of him taking her outstretched one. Then she took Cameron's and shook it like how she did to John's. John had to admit, he was amazed and startled by the boldness of this girl who looked like she was only in her mid 20s.
He glanced across at Cameron and was taken aback by the warm smile etched on her face towards Abigail. John hadn't seen that in a while now. Her smile was something he'd classify under happy, which was the most contagious one in her arsenal. John smiled at her and then at Abigail.
Abigail looked back at the rest of her friends, "Old people, enough staring! That's so rude!" She said in a reprimanding tone that made John want to laugh out loud. Abigail seems to be the youngest and also the most commanding one.
A man with considerably long blonde hair stepped forward, "Hi. I'm Noah." Noah shook hands with John then with Cameron.
Soon, John and Cameron were introduced to Sean, as a determined young man in his mid 20s but a little older than Abigail, and also Christine as a shy red-head in her early 30s. They all seemed pretty friendly.
"Do you two know that our team is now the best looking team in this damned level?!" Abigail jumped around excitedly, "Especially with these two on our scoreboard, we are bound to win!"
"Abigail…" Noah sighed, "This is an invention department, not the beauty contest."
"Well…that's true but you can't deny what I just said can you?" Abigail countered defiantly.
"Excuse me…but am I missing something here?" John's eyes narrowed in confusion. Cameron cocked her head, smiling at their humor. This is going to be fun after all.
"Don't worry about Abigail. She is competitive at heart and since the AI invention department is the only one with multiple teams…she has gotten to bring out a competition between them. Team 4 is pretty good at inventions." Noah explained, sitting down in one of the seat.
"Not to mention, Team 5 has a girl who is such a whore!" Abigail added, whining.
"Don't worry about that, she just lost to Maggie in an argument and now they're kind of arch enemies…" Sean commented as John and Cameron smiled, amused at her.
"I didn't lose!" She hissed, "I just…choked." Abigail exclaimed, face red with anger, "Sean, put me down again and I'm selling you on eBay!" She growled.
Cameron laughed. John turned, wide eyed. His Cameron is always good at handling humor, what makes her crack now? First, it was Cameron who burst out laughing, then Noah, Sean and Christine, who had heard her contagious laugh the first time; threw their heads back and laughed.
John could only smile and looked at Cameron lovingly as she laughed.
Abigail bounded over to Cameron, patting her on the shoulder. She jumped, startled but managed to keep her calm and not pulling out a gun, "You and John are married right?" Her eyes twinkled with excitement.
Cameron smiled and nodded.
"That's so awesome! You two look so young! I heard you are only 20!"
"Heard?" John repeated, hoping it was him hearing wrongly.
"Yeah. The whole building is ranting about two good looking youngsters getting assigned to our AI team, particularly about a really hot chick." Abigail leaned in to Cameron teasingly, who frowned and blushed.
John rolled his eyes.
"Well, anyway, we should get cracking or our job would." Sean chuckled jokingly, sliding his roller chairs over to the drawers at the side of the room. John looked around and found this was just like high school, fun, exciting and of course, humor.
"What do we do?" John asked.
"You might want to start with taking a seat." Noah smiled. So John and Cameron took a seat opposite him. Abigail rolled her chair to Cameron's side and Sean opposite her. Christine sat beside Noah, flipping through a file.
"What do you think you two can do?" Noah asked, trying not to sound like he is looking down on them.
"Anything." Cameron replied, "Computers to hyper alloy."
"Whoa. That's a pretty big range, Cameron. Are you sure you two are up for it?" Noah asked.
"Yeah. We both kind of grew up around machines so…" John added, inwardly musing about how true it sounded.
"Still, I think we should start easy." Noah gave them a smile, looking through the files.
"He's always the boss around here." Abigail explained, "Because he's the oldest." She chuckled. As if on cue, Noah looked up and glared at her.
"Abigail, you get to do practical checking on our testing machines today. The toolbox is under the third cupboard to your right." Noah growled. She groaned loudly, leaning back in her chair in defeat.
"Erm Noah. I can do that." John offered, enthusiastically already half getting up from his seat.
"John that work is-"
"I can do this." John grinned.
"He's really into dealing with machinery. Especially fixing or setting them up." Cameron decided to give her husband a boost, to which she received an appreciative smile as a reward. Noah jerked his chin to the third cupboard.
John set to work immediately, feeling anxious to gain as much people's trust as he can in Kaliba.
"Cameron…we have been asked to try out inserting our new software into chips with older models that gives it new functions. Can you do that?"
"Sure." Cameron smiled and got up, taking the box of old chips from Noah and walked to the computer which Noah indicated to her and got to work. The rest of them soon got to work after a short meeting.
John and Cameron exchanged loving glances as they worked: John under a machine, fixing a problem he found and Cameron at the computer, setting up new software for the chip.
Yup…so far this is going great…John thought as he planned on how to get Aiden's address. This isn't right. He is obviously human but John is positive Kaliba is building something that helps Skynet or maybe skynet itself. So he decided to go 'behind the scene' and check out what really is going on here. First, they need to start on Aiden's house.
This is too normal to feel right…
To be continued…
Next Chapter: Only a few months later when they gained trust in the company, John and Cameron followed the plan and started out 'behind the scenes' at Aiden's house. Cameron realized how much her John changed.