Chapter 1448


Come To An End


Savannah and Cammy got out of their SUV as Derek and Kyle pulled up with their two teams. Savannah briefly greeted Cameron. They kept it simple. It was clear to everyone they were both pleased to see each other.

Vanna and Allison got out of the two SUVs. There were now two more drivers than anticipated.

Savannah wasn't alone anymore. There were four more people to fight if EMP devices were used.

Vanna was pleased she would be able to back Savannah up.

"Where do you want us?" Vanna asked.

Savannah looked at Allison and Vanna. She would rather they weren't there. She wanted to make her displeasure known, but also keep it light.

"I would like it if you were back at the base." Savannah said.

Allison shrugged her shoulders as she held her M4.

"It's too late." Allison said. "We're already here. We're not going back without you."

Vanna held her tongue. She knew how Savannah felt about it.

Savannah sent Allison to drive for Bob and Jim. Vanna would drive for Steve and Tom. It still left Ally and Sheila alone.

Savannah wanted to have them ride with her but figured it wouldn't hurt to have an extra vehicle. She decided to have them operate as a team of four.

"Ally and Sheila are with Cammy and I." Savannah said. "Even with two vehicles, we will operate as one team in the advent of a problem."

No one doubted Savannah's resolve.

Ally was very pleased Sheila and her were able to remain a team.

"It sounds good to me." Ally said. "Sheila and I will take point."

Savannah would follow them. She wanted Allison and Vanna behind Derek and in front of Kyle.

Vanna was leery of Allison's driving. She'd been through more than a few crumpled fenders and creased body panels on vehicles.

"I'm driving in back of Allison." Vanna said. "I don't feel like getting rear ended."

Allison wanted to make a comment about what happened on the ship but refrained when she looked at Savannah. They all knew they'd acted in place of Savannah because she wasn't there. She decided to roll with the punches.

"Hey, I'm a good driver." Allison said. "Any accident you can walk away from, is a good one. I've walked away from all of them. People need to learn how to skill drive."

Allison pulled in front of Vanna anyway. She really didn't think any accident was good, even if she did walk away. She didn't like having the finger pointed at her.

She almost clipped Vanna's front fender with her rear quarter panel as she made the maneuver. Vanna honked her horn in response.

Bob wanted to reassure Allison.

"We have airbags." Bob said.

Allison looked at him and smiled.

Derek watched Allison pull behind him. Gail adjusted his head rest for maximum protection in a rear end collision.

"Thanks." Derek said.

Ally and Sheila started out.

Savannah and Cammy were behind them. She wanted them to take the risk.

"I'm going to take point." Savannah said.

Savannah looked at Cammy and she nodded. They passed Ally and Sheila and took the point position themselves.

The procession headed for the second ambush site. They all hoped there wasn't a third ambush site they'd missed. It was always a possibility.


John watched it all on the drone footage.

"There's a lot of our group there." John said.

John Henry was aware of the constraints they'd faced all week.

"We've been light on Terminators all week at the base." John Henry said.

John felt a little guilty since he'd personally made use of all of the Metal girl's chassis on the ship.

"I appreciate Samantha and you staying behind to handle everything." John said.

John Henry didn't think John knew all the details of what went down and all the chaos involved.

Sarah felt everyone acted when it was necessary. She knew it was only a matter of time until John found out she'd been on an operation with Derek and Kyle. She was pretty sure the fact Young Allison was involved as well would mitigate some of the repercussions directed at her.

"We'll all do our part to help when we need to." Sarah said.

John looked over at her. It made him wonder about a few things. He wondered what the extent of her involvement in anything was. Now wasn't the time to ask. He wanted to get everything reset.

"Let's see where this goes and if we can wrap it up. I'm having everyone return back to the base." John said. "Everyone needs a rest and I want all of our equipment to have a rest and any maintenance taken care of too."

John Henry knew a lot of things could go wrong still.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves." John Henry said.

Sarah wasn't sure things even were close to a conclusion.

"Hear, hear." Sarah said. "Anything can still happen."

They were all very aware few things seemed to work out as planned. There were always a number of unknown events which could pop up at any point in time. No one doubted the current operation would be any different. There was what they all wanted, and then there was reality.


Anna felt things were about to be wrapped up.

"This looks like it's almost over." Anna said.

Young Allison wasn't going to let her guard down. She didn't want Anna to downplay it for her sake. She was in it until the finish.

"It's never over until it's over." Young Allison said.

Anna wanted to be ready for the next phase anyway.

"True." Anna said. "I'll notify the Detail. We should be ready to roll out of here soon."

Young Allison wasn't sure it was the right move, at least at this time.

"No." Young Allison said.

Anna wondered what was wrong now.

"Is there something else?" Anna asked. "Savannah wants to have a complete briefing with Cameron and John. You need to be there."

Young Allison knew sacrifice was the true test of love.

"It may be true. Savannah needs to rest once she returns. She will want to spend time with Young Jesse." Young Allison said. "She deserves the level of comfort and love."

Anna sensed a problem.

"Is it the reason why you don't want to go?" Anna asked.

Young Allison felt a certain amount of jealousy about Young Jesse. It wasn't the issue. She wasn't the issue. Savannah was. She wanted Savannah to have a break. She didn't care how it was done. Savannah needed to come in and return to the base.

"I want Savannah to have some rest and have a good time with Young Jesse." Young Allison said. "If I'm there, it will make her self conscious. I don't want her to have those feelings. I want them to share freely for the first night anyway. We can go there tomorrow. A few more hours isn't going to matter for the briefing on a week's worth of activity."

Anna could see it bothered Young Allison some, even if she tried to play it down.

"Sacrifice is the true test of love." Anna said.

Young Allison tried to keep a stiff upper lip.

"Maybe it is." Young Allison said. "Young Jesse and Savannah love each other. It's just how it is for everyone with their first love."

Anna's base program was Cameron's program. She shared the 'Neural Interface' with Savannah. She knew many of Cameron's 'secrets'. She was aware there was an empty room on each side of Savannah's room. It was always like that from the first time Savannah received her own room. Events later developed as to who the other rooms would go to. One room was for Young Jesse. The other one was for Young Allison. Everyone was aware of the room arrangement. Everyone understood what it meant. Each of the girls could share with each other or they could share with others in their own rooms. Everything was set up for open relationships.

It was Cameron's doing. She didn't like the restrictiveness of a closed relationship. So far Cameron was the only one who was active who'd never been with anyone else. She'd only been with John, even if she desperately wanted to be with Savannah and the other girls.

"Love involves many trials and tribulations." Anna said. "There's pain along with the pleasure. I'm talking about more than the physical aspect. Sacrifice may often be called upon to make things work for everyone."

Young Allison knew her place for now. She didn't really understand everyone else's hang ups about things. If everyone knew what was going to happen, what difference did it make when it happened? What was the difference? It was still going to happen. It was very frustrating to her. She was more than ready.

"I guess it does." Young Allison said. "I want Savannah to find some happiness and get some rest today."

Young Allison wanted Young Jesse to give Savannah the comfort and love they wouldn't 'allow' her to share with Savannah, yet. She was aware everyone could only put the brakes on everything for so long. She was also aware once the cat was out of the bag, a lot was going to happen. It was something else she looked forward to.


Claire wanted to check on Summer. She'd just finished up with Jesse and Young Jesse. They were both still at it. She watched them again for a few minutes.

She looked around for her clothes and got dressed. She watched Jesse and Young Jesse again for another minute before she slipped out.

It really made her wonder. It seemed all the pain in Jesse could be alleviated by Young Jesse. Maybe the younger version of herself could help 'fix' Jesse. One thing she noticed was Jesse seemed 'different' since Young Jesse arrived. She still didn't know of Jesse's encounter with John.

She found Summer and Jan working away. She didn't know Summer didn't want Jan to worry about everyone who was out right now including her father.

Claire checked on them and wondered where Sarah was at. She thought back to who was in her room and decided to let it slide for now.

She decided to look around real quick since she was out. She didn't have a clue how involved everything was right now.


Summer felt bad for Jan. She could see why her mother worried about Young Allison. There was a lot which could go wrong.

She would rather be in the Command Center and work on targeting information and whatever else she could contribute. It wasn't her place yet. She wasn't sure what her place was going to be. She always felt the future called to her. It wasn't this future. It was a deeper calling.

Jan could see Summer was busy with a few things.

"Why do you keep checking your phone and tablet?" Jan asked.

Summer smiled at her. She didn't want to get too specific. It would only make Jan worry.

"You know I can do a few things at the same time. I don't like to be idle." Summer said.

Jan looked a little disappointed.

"It seems like I have trouble doing one thing." Jan said. "I can't do two or three things like you can."

Summer didn't want Jan to worry about how things were.

"Everyone is who they are and will do what they can do." Summer said.

Summer really wished she was in the Command Center right now. The current operation seemed close to some type of tipping point. She couldn't quite put her finger on it yet.


Sarah spotted Claire out in the hall. It made her think about several things.

"Maybe I need to check on Jan." Sarah said.

John Henry didn't think there was much to check up on. She was currently busy.

"She's studying with Summer." John Henry said.

Sarah felt there was a little more to it. She was a little sarcastic in her response.

"It's nice to know." Sarah said. "How does she feel about her mother?"

John Henry tilted his head slightly.

"I don't know." John Henry said.

John didn't want Sarah to get upset. He also wanted to let her know she could remain in the loop.

"It looks like a lull in the activity." John said. "Why don't you drop in and see how she's doing. I'll contact you if anything develops."

Sarah gave John a smile. She gave John Henry a neutral glance.

"Thanks, John." Sarah said.

John Henry watched Sarah leave.

"I didn't mean to offend her." John Henry said.

John understood Terminators and humans went through a different thought process on many things. It was easy for there to be confusion on different levels.

"Maybe you should have said so." John said.

John Henry wanted to. He needed to think about past experiences.

"I was afraid it would make it worse." John Henry said.

John thought about it for a second. He understood what he meant. He felt things were different now. Time had changed things for all of them.

"I think we all understand each other." John said.

John Henry briefly looked in the direction Sarah left.

"I hope so." John Henry said.

John Henry noticed John seemed distracted. He thought maybe it was because Cameron was out in the field. He didn't know it was only part of it. He didn't realize John wondered about Jesse and Young Jesse.

John was concerned with the operation but it seemed it was about over to him.

He started to wonder about Claire now and what it would be like to be with her….


Claire left Summer and Jan behind and headed for the commissary. She might look in on the Command Center too when she passed. She might do it on the way back too.

She was surprised to see Sarah walk out of the Command Center up ahead.

Both of them 'lit up' right away when they spotted each other.

Claire wanted to ease Sarah's mind.

"I just checked on the girls and they were doing fine." Claire said.

It was what Sarah wanted to hear.

"It's good to know. I was just going to go there." Sarah said.

Claire wondered why Sarah was in the Command Center.

"I'm going to the commissary right now." Claire said. "What was happening in the Command Center?"

Sarah wanted to know a little more about Jan first.

"You said Jan was good, right?" Sarah asked.

"Yes." Claire said.

Sarah was a little concerned about the news she would need to deliver. Allison was currently out on an operation. It wasn't something which normally occurred. Vanna, Derek and Kyle were all there as well. They'd all gone to help support Savannah.

"I'll walk with you to the commissary then." Sarah said. "There are a few things happening…."


Jesse and Young Jesse took a break after Claire left. They both had a few things they wanted to discuss among themselves.

Young Jesse decided to go first.

"I was with John several times on the ship." Young Jesse said. "I already indicated I was. I told you I was pregnant."

Jesse didn't mention she was with John too. It wasn't very long ago either. She wanted to know what Young Jesse thought about it. It was her first time with a male.

"How did it go?" Jesse asked.

Young Jesse discussed sexual relations with a male with Jesse previously. She'd wanted to know what it was like. She felt more comfortable discussing it with Jesse than she would have with her mother or anyone else. Jesse was her, so she figured she would give it to her straight. She told her what to expect and what not to expect. It seemed there was quite a bit not to expect.

"It was like I thought it would be. It was different too." Young Jesse said. "You know the Metal girls can do a lot down there so I was ready for everything."

Jesse felt it was a positive experience for Young Jesse. She knew under the conditions it should be. There were worse conditions to become a woman. She'd found out the hard way.

"It sounds like you shared a good time." Jesse said.

The more distance from the act of being with John there was, the easier it was to talk about.

"I did." Young Jesse said. "I went to get pregnant for you. A little more happened than I thought. I fell in love with John."

Jesse felt the same way too about John now as well. She was a little curious how similar their experience was.

"What did he do?" Jesse asked.

Young Jesse went on to describe what John did each time and what she felt.

Jesse could see it was much the same as she'd shared with John. She wondered if they were really any different since they were the same person. She felt John had a deeper connection to her than Young Jesse described. She felt it was because of their long term association.

Young Jesse was a little worried about her time with John. She wasn't sure how she measured up.

"I didn't have any prior experience with a male. I don't know if I pleased him." Young Jesse said. "I'm still glad he was my first. I'll always love him, even if I'm not at his side."

Jesse didn't use her experience on John. She only used herself and what she felt inside her. She really thought it was the same thing Young Jesse did. She felt the same way too.

"Do you want to rest some more?" Jesse asked.

Young Jesse felt she needed to do a multitude of things.

"I do, but if I'm going to stay here for a few days, I should get into the swing of things." Young Jesse said. "I want to see what Savannah is doing. I really miss her."

Jesse greatly valued anytime she could spend with Savannah. It seemed to be for a number of reasons as well. It was more than just the act of sexual gratification. It was much deeper.

"I know what you mean." Jesse said.

Jesse did use her experience on Savannah when they shared. She also felt Savannah's love directed to her. She'd learned to return the feeling. She was able to find those feelings when she was with John.

Young Jesse sighed. She sat up. It was time to move things along. Things didn't get done thinking about them.

"Let's get dressed." Young Jesse said. "I want to see where Savannah is."

Jesse knew just the place to go.

"We can check and see what Savannah is doing in the Command Center." Jesse said.

They dressed and then headed out.

Jesse was curious to see who John would look at more when they arrived in the Command Center. Young Jesse and her shared the same tight firm body. Young Jesse held all the advantages. She was 'undamaged' in more ways than one, and she was younger. She was well aware there was no substitute for someone younger, even if everything was identical. Younger would make it all better. Then again, she hadn't delivered a baby and Young Jesse had. She would deliver another one in nine months as well. She hoped she would hold one advantage. It was the one which really mattered in the end. She knew what men wanted.


Sarah filled Claire in on what was happening. She also said it looked like things were just about wrapped up. There were a lot of their resources out in the field. She mentioned Derek and Kyle were there along with Vanna and Allison.

Claire took it all in. Something caught her attention at the end.

"Wait." Claire said. "Did you say Allison was there?"

Claire looked a little upset. She hoped it wasn't 'her Allison'.

Sarah knew it was unusual. Maybe she shouldn't have mentioned it. She would try and qualify it before Claire went and snapped at John.

"Vanna and Allison snuck along in the back of the SUVs Derek and Kyle drove." Sarah said. "Nobody knew they were there until they were almost at the location."

Claire felt troubled with it. She thought Allison was done sticking her neck out. She was worried enough about when 'her Allison' would need to face the dangers. She didn't know she already had on several occasions.

"Why would they sneak out?" Claire asked. "They should try and be safe. Allison is pregnant."

Sarah didn't know the answer to it for sure.

"I think they all wanted to support Savannah." Sarah said. "They both knew exactly what's happening now, would have happened if they told anyone they wanted to go. I understand their calling. If I would have known sooner, I would have gone myself."

Claire looked at Sarah for a moment. She realized she was serious. She would have gone in Allison's place if she knew as well. She also missed Savannah. She was always out in the field.

"I know she's out a lot." Claire said.

Sarah and Claire were in the back of the commissary at this point. They were near the pantry.

They were both worried about the ones they loved being out in the field.

Claire wondered if she should start to think about making dinner for everyone. The only trouble was, they didn't know when everyone would return.

"Maybe I can get some things ready for the people who are here for dinner later on." Claire said. "We can always make more for the others and set it aside."

Sarah wanted to be close to Claire any way she could.

"I'd like to help you." Sarah said. "That's if you'll have me."

Claire and Sarah shared a long look.

They really wanted to be with each other.

"I think we can work something out." Claire said. "I'll have you anytime. I hope you'll have me too."

They both thought about kissing but didn't.

They started to work instead. There was still great danger hanging over the group.


John tried to keep track of Claire and Sarah. He wasn't sure why. Actually he was sure why. He wanted to be with Claire. He was spying on her. He wanted to collect on Cameron's good will before she changed her mind. He was ready for a new conquest before the honeymoon was officially over.

John Henry could see John was distracted.

"John, we'll have company soon." John Henry said.

John wondered if John Henry knew he was spying on Claire.

"Who is it?" John asked.

John Henry with sure John would be pleased.

"It's Jesse and Young Jesse." John Henry said.

It got John's attention. He wanted John Henry to take the lead.

"You can explain everything to Young Jesse about our operation." John said. "You're more up to date on what else is happening."

John Henry thought it was something John would have wanted to do. He didn't know John was nervous to see both of them since he'd made love to both of them.

John was worried they 'talked' about him and what he'd done with each of them. It was virtually the same thing. The difference was, he'd done it with Young Jesse several times.

Jesse and Young Jesse walked in the Command Center.

They all exchanged pleasantries.

John tried to act 'normal' around both of them, but he was a little self conscious.

John Henry began to explain everything to Young Jesse.

Jesse looked at John with wide eyes. They were full of love.

Young Jesse did too between things John Henry explained to her.

John wanted to be with both of them again. He wanted to be with them individually and together. He saw he was getting 'caught up' in his thoughts.

"My main question is, when will the operation be over?" Young Jesse asked.

John Henry didn't have a definitive answer. He could only go by what they knew so far.

"We think it will be soon." John Henry said.

Young Jesse was a little tired still.

"Maybe I'll get a drink or a snack." Young Jesse said. "I need a little pick me up."

John Henry wanted her to know where the others were.

"Claire and Sarah are in the commissary." John Henry said.

Young Jesse took one last look around and left. It was clear she was worried about everyone, especially Camille and Savannah.

Jesse followed her out after sharing one last loving look with John.

John was captivated by her face. The eyes and lips were so tempting and beautiful. The love which radiated out of them could be felt.

John Henry noticed but didn't say anything. He was pretty sure Cameron started a chain of events which we're going to be hard to contain going forward. He didn't think it was necessarily a bad thing either. More than likely, some of the human females would want to try a little more. If John was busy or unavailable, there were others who weren't, including him.


Claire and Sarah were in the pantry. They both wanted to kiss each other. They hadn't said anything, but they both felt it.

They moved a little closer together. Maybe it would happen after all.

"There they are." Jesse said.

Jesse and Young Jesse looked in the pantry door.

Sarah and Claire hadn't heard them come in. They were both glad they hadn't been kissing. It was close. They'd thought about it. There was a four way waiting to happen.

Sarah and Young Jesse exchange a few quick glances.

It seemed everyone had a few secrets to keep or tell.

"Claire wanted to see about putting something together for dinner." Sarah said.

Young Jesse wanted to try her culinary skills out. She thought her cunnilingus skills were fairly well honed.

"I can help." Young Jesse said.

Jesse was in a playful mood. She was very elated from seeing John in the Command Center.

"It makes two of us." Jesse said. "Even though it's really only one of us, even if there are two of us."

Claire was very pleased she'd been with both versions of 'Jesse'. They may be the same, but they were different too.

Sarah wanted more. She wanted to be with Young Jesse again. In fact, she was ready to be with Jesse. She really wondered how they would compare. It wasn't long until she thought of a four way with Claire and both Jesses. She was very aroused at the thought.


Samantha followed the operation on her phone. Riley was with Precious most of the time.

She really hoped to be able to get away and see Young Jesse at some point.

Precious started to get fussy. Riley tried to deal with her.

"How's the operation?" Riley asked.

Things seemed pretty inactive to Samantha.

"It looks like it's about wrapped up." Samantha said.

Precious made some more noise.

Riley tried to nurse her. Not much happened.

"This is useless." Riley said as she looked down at her breasts. "These things are more like pacifiers at this point."

Samantha came over to look.

"There's still a little." Samantha said.

Riley shook her head in disgust.

"I can say very little." Riley said. "I hate to bother Jesse but I think it's time."

It seemed about normal to Samantha. It was time to do the regular procedure.

"I'll call her." Samantha said.


Savannah led the group towards the second ambush site. It'd been hit twice by 'metal hail'. The drone images didn't show any movement.

She sent word back Cammy and her would approach on their own first. The other Terminators were directed to go into rotating standby and all of the electronics were shut off.

Savannah left the other vehicles a half mile behind and approached the location slowly.

Cammy was aware of the position based upon where the 'metal hail' strike was directed.

"We're right in the middle of it." Cammy said.

Savannah would try and provoke a reaction.

"I want you to go into standby for thirty seconds after I exit the SUV." Savannah said.

Cammy was about to protest but thought better of it.

"I'll do it for thirty seconds." Cammy said. "After half a minute, I'll get out and join you."

Savannah looked back as she slid out of the SUV.

"Anything can happen." Savannah said.

Savannah turned around to face the hill and rock formation where the ambush was set up in.

She moved in and spotted several bodies. They'd all been hit multiple times with 'metal hail'. There were several EMP devices and more than a few EMP grenades. Most of them appeared damaged.

She heard the SUV door open and close. It would be Cammy.

She moved further on and spotted several more bodies. She could hear Cammy behind her.

"It looks like everyone is dead." Savannah said.

Cammy caught up to her and moved ahead of her.

"This person was only hit with a few projectiles." Cammy said.

Savannah moved up and looked.

"I think they survived the first barrage." Savannah said.

It left a few big questions.

"Where were they during the initial attack?" Cammy asked. "There may be a tunnel or bunker system here."

Savannah and Cammy became extra alert.

The person they found carried four EMP grenades. Several of them were damaged.

"This person expected an attack by Terminators." Cammy whispered. "They planned to take down each wave."

Savannah didn't like the feeling.

"I bet there are more." Savannah said.

Cammy and Savannah went through the target area twice.

Cammy stopped Savannah and pointed at the rocks.

"There." Cammy whispered. "There's a concealed opening."

Savannah saw some blood was on the rocks, and then it disappeared.

"Someone survived the second attack." Savannah whispered. "They're wounded."

Cammy knew what was going to happen next. She wanted to get ahead of it.

"We should withdraw and call in a missile attack. There are plenty of drones." Cammy said.

They received and update from John Henry


John and John Henry watched the new development.

"I need Derek and Kyle to get up there right now." John said.

John Henry went to give the command when he saw them have Sheila and Ally get out of their SUV. They got in and drove towards Savannah and Cammy.

"They'd already started out on their own." John Henry said.

John was surprised. He wondered if someone preempted him.

"Was it Young Allison or CamNet who sent them?" John asked.

It was the first thing John Henry checked.

"No." John Henry said. "They went on their own."

John smiled. The Resistance fighters always advanced towards the action.


Moments ago:

Derek and Kyle were parked side by side at this point as they waited for the word to move up. They heard everything unfold as they listened.

"We need to go." Derek said. "Savannah is going to go in there on her own."

Kyle was already out of his SUV.

"I'm with you, bro." Kyle said.

Ally and Sheila got out of their SUV as they approached it.

"Be careful." Ally said.

Sheila was just as concerned.

"Watch yourselves." Sheila said as they passed.

Ally and Sheila took the place of Derek and Kyle in their SUVs.

Derek and Kyle headed to where Savannah and Cammy were at.


Allison and Vanna knew the defense of the Terminators fell solely to them at this point.

"It's a good thing we're here." Allison said.

Vanna checked her weapons.

"Is it?" Vanna asked.


Young Allison didn't like the new development.

She was about to issue the suggestion Derek and Kyle could move up to reinforce Savannah.

Anna picked up a new detail.

"Derek and Kyle are going to assist Savannah." Anna said.

Young Allison didn't want Savannah to be on her own.

"Savannah needs to wait for them." Young Allison said.

Young Allison checked to see who beat her to the command.


Savannah and Cammy received a notification from John Henry. Derek and Kyle were on the way. They could hear them a few seconds later. They moved away from the concealed opening but still kept it covered.

"You need to go into standby for now." Savannah said. "The wounded person could pop out of there at any time with an EMP grenade."

Cammy looked around the dead and came back with two fragmentation grenades and three EMP grenades.

"These are all in good order and undamaged." Cammy said.

Derek and Kyle rushed up to their position.

Savannah expected to see Cameron with them but she wasn't. It seemed Cameron was content to let her run the operation. It was probably a 'test' now for her to see how she did. Even if it wasn't, she felt the pressure.

"What do we have?" Derek asked.

Cammy laid everything out for them they knew. It wasn't much. Derek and Kyle each took a fragmentation grenade and an EMP grenade. Savannah took the last EMP grenade.

It was decided to have Cammy move up and behind the hidden entrance. It would keep her out of sight if anyone came out of the opening and she was in standby. They wouldn't spot her right away.

They didn't know if it was part of a bunker complex or a glorified 'spider hole'.

"How do you want to play this?" Derek asked.

Kyle thought about some of their past experiences.

"If they haven't gone far, we could try and enter." Kyle said. "If this opening is just a fancy foxhole, it would be better to toss in a frag. It's Savannah's call."

Savannah knew if they tossed in a grenade to start off, the enemy would know they were on the way in. They could be sitting in a ten foot hole or a branch of a bunker complex. The entrance could be booby trapped. She wanted to try to wrap things up as safely as possible for everyone.

"Let's lead off with a grenade." Savannah said. "If it's a small area, it should be finished at that point."

John Henry came over the com and warned the entrance could be booby trapped.

"There's a drone ready to fire a missile at the concealed opening to blow it open." John Henry said. "Everyone including Cammy needs to get back."

Savannah wasn't ready for such a drastic measure yet.

"It might collapse the entrance." Savannah said. "It would be fine if we knew where it went. We don't."

Kyle had something with a little more control than a missile.

"I have some C-4." Kyle said. "It should blow the door off of it with less damage."

Cammy rebooted and Savannah asked her to move farther up the hill. She was instructed to go back into standby.

Savannah turned her attention to Kyle.

"Do it." Savannah said.

Derek and Savannah moved away from the opening and took cover behind some large rocks.

Kyle set the charge with a thirty seconds timer. He hurried away and took cover as well.

Right before the timer went off, the opening moved and an EMP grenade was thrown out. The C-4 charge went off before the opening could close. The EMP grenade exploded two seconds later.


Vanna was in charge of Allison and the group of Terminators. Savannah put them in rotating standby before she'd left.

They saw the bright flash of light and heard the explosion a second later.

"It was an EMP." Tom said.

Vanna was worried about the Terminators not in standby.

"Are you affected?" Vanna asked.

Tom was unable to detect any change.

"No." Tom said. "It was a low yield device."

Vanna considered pulling back more. She ordered all of the Terminators into standby instead. It seemed to her a bigger blast was sure to follow. She told Allison to look alive.


Samantha thought about going to look for Jesse but decided to call her. She figured if she was out, she might be able to hook up with Young Jesse. She was sure she'd be tied up all night with Savannah later on.

Jesse said she was on the way.

Samantha looked back at Riley.

"Jesse will be here in a couple of minutes." Samantha said.

Riley's shirt was still wide open. She decided to leave it open for Jesse. A little reminder of old times couldn't hurt. She would give anything to share with Jesse again. Well, it would be anything except Precious.

"Thanks." Riley said.

She switched Precious to the other under-performing breast.


Young Allison and Anna saw the EMP grenade tossed out. It was followed by the C-4 blast a second later and the bright flash of light a few seconds later.

"One enemy is still in the fight." Anna said. "At least they were."

Young Allison watched as Derek tossed a frag into the opening. It was followed with an HE round from Savannah's M203 mounted below her M4. They both took cover again.

A shower of debris flew out of the opening with a small fireball. There was a brilliant flash of light which showed through the smoke and flame.

"It was a large EMP." Anna said. "Any Terminators within a few miles are going to be affected, unless they were in standby. We probably lost some of the coms as well."

They'd heard Vanna order all the Terminators into standby before the big EMP was set off. It was a good move.

Young Allison was concerned about the rest of their force.

"Check on the drones." Young Allison said.

Young Allison hoped 'Coltan Overcast' and 'Cherry Bomb' weren't in too close for the last EMP blast.


John and John Henry were surprised at the chain of events which went down. It all happened in about six second.

"It looks like the counterattack set off a large EMP." John Henry said. "We may have lost some Terminators. The com signals are disrupted."

John was worried about the troops.

He'd missed Vanna's order to put all the Terminators into standby before the big EMP was set off.

"Find out what you can and let me know the status of all of the troops and drones." John said.

Now John was worried.


Jesse received the call from Samantha as she talked with Sarah and Claire. Young Jesse was at her side.

"I'm on my way." Jesse said. "I'm sorry but Precious needs me."

Claire and Young Jesse looked at each other. They'd 'worked' Jesse pretty hard earlier.

"Are you good?" Claire asked.

Jesse touched herself.

"I think so." Jesse said. "Sometimes it seems like these things keep getting bigger."

Claire and Sarah both looked at Jesse and then at Young Jesse. There was a major difference.

Jesse smiled at them all and left.

It raised a question in Sarah's mind. She looked at Young Jesse.

"When you had your baby in the future, did you get as large?" Sarah asked.

Young Jesse was sure Jesse was larger than she'd been. She actually preferred her breasts the size they were now. She didn't plan to nurse since the baby was for Jesse. If it was for her, she would. It was the function of her body.

"I don't think I did." Young Jesse said. "The living conditions were a lot different than they are here."

Claire looked in the refrigerator and found a bottle of breast milk from Jesse.

"Maybe I should send a bottle along with Jesse in case she's short." Claire said. "Samantha can warm it in their kitchen. I'll be back."

Claire hurried off after Jesse.

It left Sarah and Young Jesse alone together in the seclusion of the panty in the commissary.

They looked at each other and quickly moved towards each other. They were both hungry…. The food could wait.


The female Fanatic and Jill began to search the area. They needed to get moving soon. They were able to collect a number of weapons and several different types of explosives. They were also able to get a hold of some more food and water.

"I have everything here we need." The female Fanatic said.

They'd looked over the vehicles and found the second one had the most fuel in it. It was the one they loaded with their newly acquired items.

Jill looked at one of the items Jackie held.

"Is that an explosive?" Jill asked.

The female Fanatic had several. There were several blocks of C-4 with timers and two satchel charges.

"All of these are." The female Fanatic said. "I'm going to show you how to use them."

Jill was a little anxious at the thought. She'd never used a bomb before.

"I'm willing to learn everything." Jill said.

The two females exchanged a long look at each other. It was clear they were both ready for a little more. The current circumstances didn't seem to allow it.

The female Fanatic decided to use a block of C-4 with a timer to rupture the power cell and caused the massive detonation which would follow. She instructed Jill what to do without actually doing it. She then gave the explosive to Jill and told her to show her what she was about to do. She did everything like she was supposed to.

"I think it's time to go." The female Fanatic said. "You can arm it now if you want. Five minutes on the timer will be more than enough time."

Jill wanted to make sure she knew where everything would go first. She didn't think she would leave it in the middle of the cavern.

"Where do we place it at?" Jill asked.

The female Fanatic wanted to see if Jill would ask. She did. She suggested several different locations where it could be placed. The goal was to collapse the entrance to the mine and deny anyone access to it and it's contents.

"I'll let you pick which side you want to put it on." The female Fanatic said.

Jill was still a little bit leery.

"These two devices are going to bring down this entire cavern?" Jill asked.

The female Fanatic didn't have a doubt in her mind.

"They will." The female Fanatic said. "The power cell will do most of the damage. The C-4 explosive will just set it off."

Jill wondered about the other trucks.

"Did you find a lead on where to go next?" Jill asked.

The female Fanatic was more than a little disappointed. She didn't come up with a concrete location. She was certain it was within twenty five miles of where they currently were. It could be closer.

"I didn't find where the big trucks would be." The female Fanatic said. "I have other targets in and around the city. I know it's a long drive back. We can take turns sleeping."

Jill hoped they could get a room. It didn't sound like it. She would really like to clean herself up so she could share with Jackie. She felt very dirty right now. She knew it was because of what was done to her. She'd been able to physically clean herself up several times. Mentally it was a little different.

"I'll do whatever you say." Jill said.

The female Fanatic found fresh clothing for both of them.

"Let's use the latrine and get changed so we can go." The female Fanatic said.

Jill looked down at her clothes. They were totaled. She looked worse than a homeless person. She thought it was almost funny. She didn't laugh though. The situation was a little too uncertain.

The two females quickly stripped off their clothing. They took a moment to look each other over. They were very tempted to take things a little further. The situation just didn't warrant it. They both liked what they saw. They shared a very similar build. Most of the bruising on Jill had subsided.

They each used the latrine there. It was very basic. There was water to clean up with. They did wash their faces and their bodies off as best as they could. They put their clean clothes on. They did what they could with their hair. At least most of the debris was out of it.

"We don't look half bad now." Jill said. "With our new ride, we'll look like regular people."

The female Fanatic felt she needed to say something. She moved over to Jill and looked at her for a moment. She reached out and she hugged her. They held each other for a long moment. Their heads moved back slightly and they shared a long loving kiss.

"I want you to know how much I appreciate everything you've done to assist me." The female Fanatic said. "It means a lot to me. I'm also worried about your safety going forward. You can still take one of the other cars and go. You can forget any of this ever happened and start your life over."

Jill was very touched.

"I'm not going anywhere." Jill said. "This isn't just about helping you anymore either. I still want retribution for what was done to me, but it's not why I'm here. There's a different reason why I'm here with you now. There's a different reason why I'm not going to leave you. I think you know what it is."

The female Fanatic looked at Jill. She did know what the reason was. She felt the same thing. She knew it was because of the circumstances they'd been thrust together under and the things they'd survived together. It wasn't the way any long term relationship could be built, but it was the basis of a short term one for sure.

"I feel it too." The female Fanatic said.

Before she could say anything more, they could hear the HK Track moving around. There was a loud explosion a few seconds later.

Jill looked over at Jackie.

"Are we under attack?" Jill asked.

The female Fanatic didn't know if there was a new group who'd arrived or a straggler they'd missed. Either one was a distinct possibility.


Minutes ago:

The Gray opened his eyes. It took him a moment to realize where he was at. He was between two of the crates. He didn't remember exactly how he got there. He still felt very tired. He saw there was an AK-47 and a LAW rocket next to him. He remembered the attack which occurred earlier.

It took him a moment to regain his footing once he stood. He slung the AK-47 over his back. He winced in pain as it touched the injured area. He reached back and touched his back. He wasn't losing as much blood now.

He knew all the others were dead. His biggest concern was the HK Track. He remembered earlier he'd heard it coming. He didn't remember much afterwards. He wanted to take one of the cars and leave. He would try to go to one of the other bases and tell them what happened. He might be able to warm them of something similar.

He carried the LAW rocket in his hands. He knew it was his only way to stop the HK Track. If nothing else, it would certainly slow it down and damage it in some way.

He made his way back out to the main passageway. He didn't see anyone around other than the dead. He needed to open the big door so he could drive one of the cars out. He noticed there was a lot of light coming in. It didn't take him long to realize one of the big doors was open. Maybe some of the other guys made it. They'd probably already left. He didn't blame them at all. The mine was a deathtrap as long as the HK Track was on patrol.

He hurried forward. He could see there were three cars still parked next to the big rigs. He would take the closest one to the exit. As he came up on the rear of the big rig closest to the opening, he spotted the HK Track. Its back was to him. He quickly armed the LAW rocket. It made a 'sharp noise' which caused the HK Track to become active. It began to spin around in his direction. He took aim and fired the LAW rocket at the HK Track. He was able to catch it on the side before it could rotate all the way around. There was a loud explosion. It stopped turning. It looked like it was stuck. He made a dash for the vehicle closest to the exit.

The Gray wasn't going to stick around to see if there was anyone else who could get out. He got into the first vehicle and went to start it.


Tina moved away from the area and joined Lena. They watched as the two men checked over the area where the bunker was. They started up towards the communications array itself.

Lena wanted to keep an eye on them.

Tina left the dead man where he was at. She picked up the unconscious man and carried him further away. She wanted to get some answers as to what exactly he and his associate were up to. It was clearly no good.

She checked the drone images to make sure there were no other errant hikers in the area. There weren't. She found a secluded place and dumped the man on the ground. She bound his feet and hands with his shirt. She found a bottle of water as she searched him. Both of the men had been armed with a pistol. She dumped the water on his face after he was bound.

She touched his neck as she scanned him to see how truthful his answers were. She needed to listen to the string of threats and curses. She punched the man hard in the side every time he started. He soon realized every negative action on his part, produced an even more negative reaction against him.

Tina wasn't able to get the answers she thought she should get.

Lena kept the two men at the communications array under direct observation.


The two men moved away from the area where the bunker had once been. They headed up to the communications array itself.

"It shouldn't take us long to get up there." The first man said.

The second man felt very tired.

"Why does the last part seem the hardest?" The second man asked.

The first man didn't want to hear any more complaints. They were almost there.

"Look at the bright side." The first man said. "Everything's all downhill when we leave."

The two men looked over the communications array. They both took a few photos of everything along the way. It was what they'd done at all of their stops.


Come To An End

What's the definition
Of a true friend
It may be as simple
As the hand they extend

They can be who they are
They don't need to pretend
Through space and time
Their being will transcend

They will always be there
They're there to defend
When help or comfort is needed
They're someone on who to depend

When the going gets rough
A helping hand they will lend
When the inner feelings are damaged
They will help them mend

Things can happen to one
Which are hard to comprehend
It always plays out the same
All good things come to an end

Nobody