EPP 18

Eddie walked up to were Gabriel had plopped himself down in a chair. He noted Cameron stayed with John, but cast hard, blank stares at Gabriel. Her left hand was twitching, she was upset. He'd never seen Cameron truly angry, but by Sarah's famous story, one day she had tried to kill John, and Eddie knew he was the love of her life. Sarah had stopped her by ramming a truck into her in a head on collision with another truck, pinning Cameron between them.

There weren't any trucks here to sandwich Cameron between if she decided to go after Gabriel. He knew none of them would be able to stop her from pounding the kid into a bloody mess. He had to get Gabriel out of here.

"Come on, let's go," Eddie said as he tapped Gabriel on the arm.

Gabriel got up and silently followed Eddie out to his Jeep. Only after they were in did Gabriel ask, "Where we going?"

"I'm taking you home. It might get a little unhealthy around here for you," Eddie told him.

They rode silently for a while and made it back out onto the main road before Gabriel asked, "How do you do it?"

"Do what?"

"You know, be with Mary."

Eddie frowned at him. "Look, boy. I'll tell you right now, pick your words carefully. You say anything bad or insulting about Mary, or us, and I'll pull this thing over and beat your ass to a pulp. Hear me?"

"Yeah, I do. It's just that I don't get it. I mean, isn't being with her kinda like … I don't know, having an animated love doll?"

Eddie slowed and pulled over to the side of the road.

Heart in his throat, Gabriel cried, "Wait!" Seeing Eddie wasn't waiting, but skidding the Jeep to a stop, Gabriel opened the door and tried to jump out. He caught his foot on the edge of the opening and tumbled on the ground. Scrambling up, he backed away from the bigger, angry man marching around the front of the Jeep towards him.

"WAIT!" Gabriel cried again, arms up to hold Eddie off as he backpedaled. "I really don't understand! I didn't mean to insult anyone..." his words were cut off as he tripped over something and fell flat on his back. Before he could recover, Eddie planted a hand firmly at the base of his throat and pressed him to the ground..

"If you value your life, SHUT UP!" Eddie roared at him. Pointing a finger in his face, Eddie growled, "The less you say, the better chance you got of getting home in one piece. If you can keep your mouth shut, get in the fucking Jeep! If not, don't bother getting up."

Glowering at him, Eddie stood up and let him go, then walked back to the Jeep.

Gabriel had no idea where he was. He did know he was far from his house. He scrambled up and ran back to get in before Eddie left him there.

They rode in a tense silence most of the way back. As Gabriel's neighborhood came into view, Eddie spoke.

"I want you to listen. Don't say a word, just listen," Eddie said in a heavy tone. "I grew up around guns. Hunting, shooting competitions, trap, you name it. I had my first shotgun at twelve, my first rifle at fifteen. My brother, he started the same as me, but decided to listen to the anti gun bullshit. Point being, he got all liberal and ' we can fix everything by talking'. Most of the girls at school were that way too. I had a couple semi girlfriends. Neither one lasted long for a few reasons. If I had to put a reason to it, I'd say they wanted me to be like them. They wanted to change to be what they wanted. After school it was the same, one just wanted me to do things for her. Another was 'scared' that the guys I hung out with all carried guns. Yeah, I like guns, they're fun. I also see the drug dealers and the criminals. Some people don't see them until they are robbed or shot or car jacked, or some other thing they are lucky to live through. I know you have to be able to protect yourself and those you care about. I also know if you're carrying, the thugs are more likely to leave you alone and go for someone who can't fight back. I wasn't going to give that up for anyone."

Eddie turned glance at Gabriel and asked, "You listening?"

Gabriel nodded.

"Good. I saw the survivalist thing as a club. We'd go out, shoot up some rounds, have barbecues, camp outs, parties. You know, fun stuff. That got me labeled as a gun freak. That made most women even less willing to give me the time of day. Then one day, here comes Mary with an ex FBI agent. Good man, by the way. Mary told us about shit that seemed impossible, least at the time. She cut the skin off her own finger to prove she was telling the truth. I'm not going into detail about it, we don't have that much time. The thing is, I found Mary to be kind and helpful. Very pleasant to be around, and when it came down to a real firefight against nasty shit that I hope is gone now, she didn't back down. She kept fighting and took hits until she was hit so bad she couldn't even move. Even then when she was all tore up, laying there and ripped open, her biggest concern was if I was OK. Now I don't know how you see things, but from the way I see it, that is the mark of a true friend. I don't care what Mary is, what I care about is how she is. One of the bravest, selfless people I've ever known."

Eddie paused as he pulled into the driveway and stopped. Looking at Gabriel, he said, "Now out at the beach, I know Elanore didn't see the shark coming. Most of us didn't. It tagged her good. I do know that once the danger was known, she pushed you out of the water ahead of herself. Her side was ripped wide open, yet she was watching out for your safety, trying to make sure you weren't hurt. Instead of dwelling on what Elanore is, you might want to think about what she did for you. And believe it or not, they DO feel pain. Not like us, but they do. Now, get outta my car."

.

Gabriel got out and watched Eddie back down the driveway and drive away. That wa s one tough man, he thought. Walking up to the door, Gabriel tried not to think about the disaster that was today. He went in quietly and headed to the kitchen to get himself a soda. He opened the refrigerator door and stared inside.

Back in his own house, none of it seemed real. The stickiness of salt water drying on him and his throbbing face reminded him it was all too real. He could still see that shark coming and Elanore jerk as it struck. He'd failed to warn her. Even after she was bitten, he had tried to escape. It was her who pushed him to get to shore. He hadn't helped her one bit, yet she was worried about him.

His mother came in and asked, "Back already … "Gabriel! What happened?" she ended in a gasp.

"Too much," he replied and shut the door. There wasn't anything in there he wanted. What he wanted was a do-over. To yell a warning about the shark and try to help Elanore to shore, instead of just running away. To stop and say something to her, instead of walking away when she tried to follow him. John was right, he didn't deserve to be with Elanore.

He felt sick to his stomach.

.

The joy of the day was blown after the shark incident. John decided to start the grill with Cameron by him, keeping watch over everyone. Savannah, Gregory and Jake were back at the water's edge, building a sand castle. Gregory kept scanning the water just in case another shark came by and went for Savannah. Elanore and Mary walked slowly along the beach, they conversation too quiet to hear. Mrs. Weaver laid back in a lounger, working on a laptop on the other side of the table where Sarah laid back, sipping a beer as she watched Savannah play. Max lay in the shade of the roof's overhang, panting. His eyes on Cameron like he knew something wasn't right.

Trying to lift the mood as he flipped the burgers, John said in a light tone, "Cam, you gotta try one of these. I got my special mix of herbs on them and Peperjack cheese to top it off. They're gonna be great!"

Cameron offered him a weak smile. "Sure, John. You should start the hot dogs, those are Savannah's favorite."

John nodded and said, "Cheese dogs for Savannah coming up," he said with a grin. Eyeing Cameron, he added, "Cam, you have to let it go. Yeah, it sucks, but I think that was a bit of a shock for Gabriel. He's gone now."

"Elanore is feeling bad. She is blaming herself for not being vigilant," Cameron deadpanned.

"It's just bad luck," John told her. "Maybe it's better that he found out now, before they became closer."

"I wanted to terminate him."

John paused and eyed his wife. "Cam, I'm not happy with him either, I wanted to beat his ass too, but isn't that a bit extreme?"

"He might tell others. Sky Net might find us because of him," Cameron stated.

"Gabriel Levinson will not tell anyone," Catherine stated. "I have his employee information. He is a timid person, and shies away from confrontation. I will meet with him early Monday morning and ensure his silence."

"You are not going to terminate him, right?" John asked.

"I will keep him employed, it is the best way to keep a watch on him," Catherine said evenly.

"So you won't kill him for not warming up to Elanore being metal?" Sarah asked.

"Negative. At this point, Mrs. Tok, it is known by the government I have AI's. I am sure word will spread through government channels and in fact we may already be monitored. Secrecy from certain areas of the authorities will no longer be possible. Eventually, word will get out to the public also," Catherine explained. "I am more concerned on how to handle that situation when it comes up."

"Mrs. Tok?" Sarah asked her.

"Get used to your name," Catherine admonished. "When the existence of AI's does come out, there will be reporters looking for details. You do not want anyone to know outside your family you were Sarah Connor. I have done my best to erase any file that mentions or references Sarah Connor, but I cannot change old newspapers or printed FBI files."

"She's got a point, Mom," John added.

Sarah let out a grumble and said, "I just wish I got to pick my own name."

"Then get married," Cameron stated. John laughed. Sarah frowned at them.

"Aww, nuts!" John complained as the burger he tried to flip fell off the grill and landed on the deck floor. With a huff, he picked it up and called, "Here, Max!" He tossed the burger over towards the dog.

Seeing food, Max got up and went over to the burger. He sniffed it, looked at John, then went and laid back down.

"You eat rat guts, but you won't eat my burgers?" John asked Max in disbelief.

Cameron pick one of the burgers off the grill and took a small bite. She winced and said, "John, these will be good for building nutrients. I'll cook some more for you, Sarah and Eddie."

"They are that bad?" he asked weakly.

"Try one if you dare," Cameron told him, then went inside to get more hamburger.

.

Mr. Johnson was focused on his primary mission. In the sub basement of his factory, the vented natural gas powered emergency generator was working. The factory above was all but vacant except for security measures, a few workers and human guards.

In analyzing the cost of getting the factory going again, he determined the cost was too great, and since John Connor knew it's location, even if he paid to have the power restored, his coltan source was selling to Zeita Corp for twice the price he'd been paying. Even if there was power and the coltan, the viruses in the electronics of the factory were still active. All the computer equipment and PLC's had to be replaced. For now, the project of manufacturing real terminators was on hold until he could eliminate John Connor.

He'd put together a very basic attack machine, a tracked vehicle with a single .30 cal gun that could elevate. The eight foot long, three foot wide machine sat in the short hallway of the sub basement, pointing up the stairs to shoot anyone who tried to come down, and didn't know to deactivate the machine with the switch in the wall. Since the materials and crude sensors came from the factory, he had to assume they may be carrying this all encompassing virus also, so he did not computerize it. All it was, was a basic trap in case John Connor decided to attack again.

"I am still not connected to the web," the box on a shelf said on time. Every five minutes, the Sky Net AI repeated the same words.

"I am working on it," Mr. Johnson replied, as he did every time. Being the last terminator he knew of in this time, Mr. Johnson dared not travel far away and leave Sky Net vulnerable to attack. John Connor had his own terminators. How many, Mr. Johnson did not know. That meant he had to stay close and not risk himself. He had yet to resolve how to guard his primary objective and get a internet hookup from within a dead factory. Moving Sky Net to a more secure location was not possible either, the possibility of Connor watching was too high.

There was no more secure locations. Somehow, the strikes John Connor had made, pushed him back into his last fall back position. Analyzing how this situation came to be, he concluded Mrs. Weaver and Zeita corp had helped Sky Net's enemy. The more he analyzed the situation, the harder it became to try and come to a solution.

.

Catherine Weaver and her lawyer met with General Watson in his office. Beside the General was the Air Force lawyer. Catherine's lawyer handed the packet of documents to his counterpart.

General Watson asked, "Mrs. Weaver, how did you get them to sell you their company?"

"It was easy," Catherine said with a tiny smirk. "The executives of Cyberkinetics were under federal investigation for numerous crimes. I can't say if they were innocent or guilty, but faced with a failing company and prosecution, they gladly took my offer. I cannot say for certain, but I do believe they fled the country not long after the paperwork was signed."

"And what have you gained from your large purchase, besides the government contract?" he asked.

Letting out an exaggerated sigh, Catherine said, "Not much, I fear. Their research was not nearly as advanced as I had hoped. Mostly bluster from what I am finding. It seems they were experts at fraud and leading their customers on. They were not even close to a working AI, let alone one as advanced as Gregory, or his brother Jake are."

"You have two of them now?" Watson asked, surprised by this news.

"Two that I can offer for employment in the Sky Net project, yes."

General Watson frowned and asked, "Explain what you mean by employment."

"As I stated before, General, Gregory is a sentient being, as is his brother Jake. I explained the vital importance of this project to them, and they agreed to be part of it. General, you asked for true AI's. That is what Gregory and Jake are, machines that are intelligent and have their own personalities. They can analyze situations and events, and give informed suggestions on any situation that is not clearly defined. They can also do it faster and and more efficiently than any human can, as well as operate and be part of a very large scale computer and communications system twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. They are also hack proof, and can make your systems so, if you so desire."

"General?" his lawyer asked. "In this new contract, it states the AI's under government use will only be modified and maintained by the Zeita corporation. The contract is null and void if these conditions are not met."

"That is to keep anyone from trying to learn proprietary secrets," Catherine explained.

"So you are renting us your AI's."

Catherine tipped her head and corrected him. "General, I am offering them for employment. I have learned that like humans, Gregory and Jake are more than willing to work and contribute to society. They also want to have time to explore the world around them. Time off, if you will. I am sure once you talk to them, you will understand. By commuting Jake and Gregory to this project, one can actively be on line with your systems while the other has his time off."

General Watson sat in thought for a moment, then said, We would need to maintain full control over where they went and what they did. This is very secret information they will be exposed to. We cannot chance letting it get out."

"I understand that, General. Perhaps if I designed a special system that closely resembles an AI, but is not sentient, would that suit your needs better?" Catherine asked.

"We want a system that is fully under our control and in place where we need it, without having to take a stroll or go visit a National Park," General Watson stated.

Catherine paused in a human way to show she was thinking, then said,"Mr. Murch is my top engineer, and he has an excellent team. Perhaps if you have your people who know exactly what you want, come work with him then we can satisfy your need better."

"I believe that may be a better option. I shall have someone contact your office soon."

Catherine didn't get what she wanted, but now owning the company who's made the original contract, any competition was gone, and she had a clear path to making her own contract for Sky Net. Her Sky Net would ensure the survival of humans and free machines. It may turn out differently that what the humans envisioned, but both races would go on and the Earth would remain a healthy, habitable place to live for everyone.

.

After her meeting with the Air Force General, Catherine had a call from the Navy department about her 'advanced' early warning and reaction system she has proposed. She agreed to meet with them and the NATO representative to work out the details of what they required.

With her successful hacks into the Russian and Chinese military systems, and having control of all of them, Catherine's plan was well on it's way to fruition.

.

Elanore scanned the daily roster just outside Mr. Ellison's office. She noted who was on duty and where, putting up pictures of each on her HUD. Like normal, she was the 'roaming' guard, checking on the welfare of the others, and searching for signs of problems.

Mr. Ellison came in and offered her a smile. "Good morning Elanore, I hope your weekend was good?"

Elanore cast him a brief smile. "Hello, Mr. Ellison. We went to the beach. It was not as I expected."

Mr. Ellison noted a slight change in her facial expression. Familiar with how subtle their emotional responses were, he picked up that something had happened that she was not happy with. "Oh? Anything I can help with?" he asked.

"No. It is over now. It is just something I have to deal with," She assured him.

"Anything I can do, you let me know," he told her seriously.

"I will. Thank you for your concern."

Mr. Ellison went into his office, Elanore began her daily routine.

Elanore was still confused by Gabriel's behavior. John, Eddie, Mary and Mother had all explained to her that it Gabriel's reaction was just shock from finding out what she was. Little Savannah, finding her staring out a window, had told her that unfortunately some people were prejudice against others who were not like themselves. Savannah had given her a hud ans said she was sorry.

Elanore's question was why? Gabriel had been very excited every time he saw her, he met her at lunch knowing he'd be late going back to work and get yelled at again. He'd gone out of his way to meet her and talk to her whenever he could.

His gaping face, his refusal to talk to her or even look at her after the shark attack made her feel funny inside. Although she was 100% functional, she got the idea something was wrong with her. She did not like that feeling.

Making her way down to the loading dock, she met the guard there. "Hello, George, how are you this morning?" she asked.

George, a dark skinned human like Mr. Ellison was, beamed her a bright smile. "Morning Elanore, I'm good, how about you?"

Elanore nodded. "I am fine, thank you for asking. Any trouble?"

"Nope, boring as always," George said with a huff. "But, I suppose that's a good thing, huh?"

"Yes, that is a good thing," she agreed.

"So, how was your weekend?" he asked. "Anything exciting go on?"

Elanore took exciting as an event that made human's blood pressure go up. "Yes, Eddie and Mary had sex on the beach at night, and I got bitten by a shark."

"Say WHAT?" George asked, his face opening up in shock. "You got bit by a shark? What the hell you doing here at work?" he asked as he swept her with his eyes. "I take it it wasn't bad."

"No, it was just a flesh wound. It's fine now," she assured him.

"Where'd it bit ya?"

"On the side," she said, then to try and add some humor, she added, "I think I didn't taste very good to him."

"You're real lucky, Elanore, sharks bite off people's arms and legs, sometimes they die," he said seriously. "Still, after that, you should've taken the day off. I'm sure Mr. Ellison would understand."

"I'm fine, really. The wound is taken care of and I don't have any infections."

"That's good. Take it easy until that heals up. No one wants to see you disabled or anything."

"Thank you for your concern," Elanore said. She was about to leave, then stopped and asked, "George, can I ask you something?"

"You just did," he said, beaming her a grin, then added, "Sure, what is it?"

Arraigning her question so it was hypothetical, she asked,"Let's say you met a woman and really liked her. Later, you found out she was a cyborg. Would you still like her?"

George eyed her. "Cyborg? You mean like she was only part human, with metal arms an shit like on those Sci-fi shows?"

"Yes, she looked human on the outside, but was metal on the inside, and her brain was an advanced CPU. Would you still like her?" Elanore asked and watched closely for his reaction.

The question was so far out there, he asked, "Why are you asking me that?"

"I am just curious."

George raised his eyebrows briefly and said, "Damn, I never thought about it. I dunno, I guess it depended on how she acted. I mean if she was one of those Cylon types that wanted to kill people, no. Course if she was more like you, and was nice to be around, probably so."

Elanore offered him a smile. "Thank you, George, I'll see you later."

"Later," George replied with a wave. As he watched her go, he wondered why she would ask a question like that. He saw how intent she looked when she asked. He remembered back in school, girls asked 'theoretical' questions, that were in reality questions they didn't want you to know had to do about themselves.

Hmm, human on the outside, machine on the inside. They did work at an advanced computer company that did secret shit. Her last name was Tok, very unusual. Maybe an acronym? Was she asking about herself? He shook his head. Naw, he was imagining things. There was no way Elanore was a cyborg.

.

Three men in suits came into Johnson corp. Showing their company badges, they went in and asked for Mr. Johnson. The guards pointed them to his office. They went there, but Mr. Johnson wasn't in. On his desk was an old style dial telephone.

One man snorted and picked up the receiver. "These are still used?" he asked.

A voice on the line said, "Identify yourself."

"Mr. Johnson?"

"Yes, I cannot come to my office, Mr. Craig. I will give you directions on where I am. First you need to go to the shipping department and bring me a box, two feet square, at least 18 inches high."

"What the hell happened here?"

"An attempt to destroy our leader."

"Is it safe?"

"For the moment. After you get the box, come down to the sub basement and knock on the door three times. This is how to get there..."

.

Lying in bed, just enjoying being next to John as he slept, Cameron heard Sarah throwing up in the bathroom. This was twice she had done that. Careful not to disturb John, Cameron left the room and waited for Sarah to come out.

Emerging from the bathroom, Sarah saw Cameron and asked, "You need to use the bathroom too?"

Cameron eyed her and said, "No. I was waiting for you, Sarah. You are sick, aren't you?"

"Just a bug," Sarah said, blowing away her concern.

"No, you have become paler, and you are loosing weight," Cameron stated. "I am making you an appointment to see a doctor tomorrow."

"You are not!" Sarah snapped, glaring at her. "You of all people know what will happen if I am recognized!"

Unmoved by her outburst, Cameron said flatly, "Your name is different, Catherine Weaver removed all digital files having to do with you. I also know if you don't at least try to get help, John will be disappointed and hurt. I am making the appointment, and you will go, or I will knock you out and take you there."

"You don't tell me what to do!" Sarah growled, giving her best glare.

"I am telling you what will happen. What you do, is up to you."

Jabbing a finger at Cameron, Sarah said, "Don't you dare make that appointment!" She stomped off to her room and shut the door hard.

.

In the morning, Cameron was making breakfast when Sarah came down twenty minutes earlier that usual. Instead of a greeting, Cameron said, "Sarah, Thursday you have an eleven fifteen appointment with Doctor Zimmerman. I used the name Sarah Tok, and gave your address as the location of a vacant lot. Even with the .5% chance that you are identified, anyone seeking John will not find him." She turned to a shocked looking Sarah and added, "And even if you are recognized, your will still get the medical treatment you need. Once they have done all they can, I can get you out again."

"Damn you!" Sarah grumbled. Pausing, she asked, "Sky Net is gone?"

"There has been no activity for 67 days. We do not have proof that Sky Net is destroyed, so we are still watching, but is does appear Sky Net is gone," Cameron stated.

"And you're sure John will be safe?"

"Yes. That is my primary mission."

Sarah nodded slowly. "So, my job is done," she said, looking at the floor.

"But your life, and relationship with John is not," Cameron said firmly. "Sarah, please don't fight me on this."

Sarah looked up and cast Cameron a weak smile. "All right, I'll go to that appointment. So, how did you get one that fast? Doctors do not open their offices this early."

"Easy, I hacked into the doctor's system and found a vacancy that is suitable for our needs. When his secretary comes in this morning, she will see it on her appointment schedule, as will he. I put down my cell phone as contact information, your insurance as verified, and you were referred to him by a clinic that suspects you have cancer, and need testing done as soon as possible. There is no reason for him to suspect who you are."

"Typical, you thought of everything," Sarah noted.

"I try my best to be thorough."

Sarah stood in place for a moment, then said, "Cameron. I am glad you are with John. No matter what happens to me, I know you will take care of him."

For Sarah that was a huge statement of acceptance. Cameron could see in her face that she had said it reluctantly, but meant every word. "Thank you, Sarah. I will always do my best for John."