Chapter 89

Hydra

Derek and John worked with John Henry through the evening and all night long.

It gave John time to think. He wondered about their accomplishments.

"Do you think we've smashed Skynet once and for all?" John asked.

John Henry doubted it. It seemed there was always some version of it lurking out there somewhere. There were numerous checks he ran for any suspicious activity.

"No, but I do think we've defeated it for now." John Henry said. "I've monitored all internet traffic and I see no traces of it still active."

Derek recently watched a TV series. Skynet reminded him of the show.

"Skynet's like a zombie. We keep killing it, but it never dies." Derek added.

John Henry referenced Derek's statement. He found another age-old description.

"One could say Skynet was like the mythological Hydra." John Henry said. "There's always another head, or more, to grow in the place of the one we cut off."

John still felt they'd made some progress. He was sure they'd made a difference.

"OK, so we're ahead here in my time for now. We've passed two future Judgment Day dates. In Derek's future, Skynet is crushed. In the future Cameron came from, Skynet was nearly finished when she left." John said. "There were only a few small pockets remaining."

It all seemed true from the latest reports, but things could change. There were also a lot of unknowns which tended to pop up.

"It leaves a lot of unanswered questions. Where is Mrs. Weaver? Where do the Skynet Terminators keep coming from?" John Henry asked. "Some have chips which destroy themselves once they're removed. I can't track them back to a specific time or place."

Derek couldn't answer much of what John Henry asked, even though he was the most recent arrival from the alternate future.

"Mrs. Weaver left to return to her future, which is Cameron's future, to finish off Skynet there. She said it was 'personal'." Derek said. "We don't know more than that, or where she went specifically. We only know she sent hundreds of Restorators into 'some future'."

It worried John as to where Mrs. Weaver actually ended up at.

"Cameron said nothing was different from where, and when, she returned to in her future." John said. "She saw no indication of Mrs. Weaver in her future. There was no Terminator army of Restorators."

Derek knew Mrs. Weaver was gone. There was an army of Restorators with her.

"So what future is Mrs. Weaver in, or when?" Derek asked.

John Henry didn't like the choices. There was bound to be trouble with any, or all of them. He was sure there were a lot of unknowns involved. Based on the information they currently possessed, he wasn't sure how she could switch from one future to another. Cameron was able to do it because of the complicated procedure she went through in order to accomplish the successful arrival to her future and return. The return was a little more complicated because of the damage done to the building she was in standby at.

"Mrs. Weaver may be in an alternate timeline, or even lost in time." John Henry said. "I still don't see how she could get to her future from Derek's future."

It really worried John. Depending on where, or when, in time Mrs. Weaver arrived with an army of Restorators, she could change everything. If she ended up in the past somewhere she could change everything. Maybe she was nowhere. Maybe they were all 'lost in time'. It was one of the things Cameron feared on her journey.

"Who knows what could be changed with hundreds of Terminators - Restorators…." John said. "I don't know. It disturbs me so."

Based upon the incident which occurred when he left the alternate future with Cameron, Bob and Jim, it seemed Mrs. Weaver still supported the Resistance. She delivered Kyle and Derek both back to the past as she said she would do. He also understood it would take them away from where she was at when she did it. Then again, Derek left after Mrs. Weaver departed to join her army, wherever they ended up at.

The one place they knew Mrs. Weaver wasn't, was in the alternate future. There was no indication she was in the present with them either. Cameron hadn't detected her presence in her future when she visited. There seem to be three different time periods where Mrs. Weaver wasn't. They were the time periods they were familiar with. It left open the prospect they were additional timelines which they didn't know about.

Kyle wanted to spend the day with John. They'd originally bonded as 'friends' in his future because he didn't know at the time John was 'his' son. He was 'Kyle Reese', but he was from a different timeline. Either way, he shared the same DNA with any other Kyle Reese. They all started out as the same person. It was always a mind trip to him to know even though they started from the same individual, there were alternate versions of him in different futures.

"You know, John, it's still hard for me to grasp I'm your father." Kyle said.

John wondered how long he would be an 'only child'. He would 'shake the tree' a little bit and see what fell off. He was curious to know. He didn't want to ask his mother.

"I would expect to have a sibling pretty soon…." John said.

Kyle laughed. He'd been working pretty hard on it. Sarah and he discussed it. They decided whatever happened, happened. They weren't using any form of birth control. He actually thought something would have happened by now. He knew Sarah was capable of reproducing, and evidently the other future version of him, Future Kyle, was as well.

"Maybe, it would be something. Would it bother you if there was?" Kyle asked.

John hoped if it happened, it would take his mother out of combat. She needed a break from the violence, danger and death. It always seemed to cause a problem when he brought it up. There were additional Terminators to work with them now which they didn't have before. She didn't need to risk herself needlessly. He did understand her desire to destroy Skynet for all the grief it caused for her and for him. He would have liked to have had a sibling earlier in life. He didn't think it would be a problem to have one now.

"No. It wouldn't bother me. I think my mom could use a breather from all 'this'. It would be nice for the two, or three of you, to get away from all this and live a real life." John said. "She really deserves it. You all do."

Kyle couldn't help but think about the future, his future. There was a lot of destruction and death. Death seemed to happen at any age, even for a newborn.

"I think I would like it myself." Kyle said. "At least in the time we're in now, a child has a chance. In the future, my future, most of them died early if they could even be conceived. It was an awful place."

John heard the stories from Vanna, Allison and Cameron. He was able to witness some of it first hand when he was in the alternate future. He knew it was a lot different to witness it for years, as compared to a few months. He understood it was a lot different to grow up in such an environment. Kyle and his mother weren't the only ones he was concerned with.

"So I've been told." John said. "What about Derek and Jesse?"

Kyle got a sad look on his face. Things changed, and changed a lot. He really didn't know how to describe the way things were. He was worried it was going to be a touchy subject. It all seemed to center around Jesse.

"I don't know, John, Jesse is 'different' now." Kyle said. "She's not who she once was. Somehow she's a better person, more thoughtful and caring. She spends less time with Derek. John, she looks at you all the time. She looks at both Cameron and you. She's close to Vanna and Allison too, real close. I even saw her playing with Savannah. She genuinely looked happy. It's like she really cares about others now. It's like she found the part of her life which was 'missing'."

John knew Cameron planned to 'work' with Jesse as her 'personal project'. He wasn't aware of the specifics of all Cameron planned for Jesse. He would have been very surprised to know all of them. He thought if anyone could improve them self, it was probably something good. Maybe there was something he missed.

"Is it a bad thing?" John asked.

Kyle knew he was about to enter a 'touchy' subject. The best way to face it was just to say it. He cared about John. He also cared about his brother.

"I think for Derek it is." Kyle said. "The woman Jesse was before, was more suited to Derek. Jesse only cared about herself before. Now it is like she has a 'family'. She actually cares and worries about people now. John, I think she is in love with Cameron, she literally worships her."

Kyle felt Jesse devoted her life and future to Cameron. He could understand it in the perspective when Cameron put Jesse onto a new path. She showed her a different side of life, which was always in front of her. He understood Jesse's past prevented her from ever seeing it before.

John was unsure of his role in all of it. He was supposed to be the leader. He felt like anything but a General. Some things weren't operational matters. He didn't know exactly where his place should be which involved those.

"Is there something I should do or say to her, to Jesse?" John asked.

Kyle knew what Cameron wanted from Vanna or Allison. He felt it was extended beyond them now. He knew the next subject would get 'sensitive'. He believed John needed to keep his distance from Jesse.

"I don't think you should be 'alone' with her." Kyle said.

John didn't feel he'd done anything inappropriate. He quickly tried to think of their past interactions. Nothing stuck out as a red flag to him. He didn't believe he'd ever done anything suggestive to her in a sexual way.

"Why?" John asked. "We're just friends and colleagues."

Kyle witnessed Jesse in action in his future. She knew how to get her way, or what she wanted. There didn't seem to be too many morals or scruples involved with it. It was more about reaching the goal, than how the goal was reached.

"She's very 'seductive'. She knows how to get what she wants." Kyle said.

John remembered something Allison told him. Cameron threatened Jesse before.

"I don't think she would go against Cameron." John said. "She knows better than to do anything foolish."

Kyle felt very uneasy with what he was about to say. He hoped it fell under the 'father, son' advice category. He was about to indicate John's wife selected a 'mistress' for him.

"John, Jesse would be acting on Cameron's 'wishes'. It would be with Cameron's blessing." Kyle said. "She would act to give Cameron what she wants."

John felt somewhat confused by all this. He could see how it most likely would turn into a problem. It seemed like it would be a big problem.

"Did Derek tell you this?" John asked.

Kyle almost felt it was more of the 'mother, son' talk which Sarah asked him to carry out for her. Sarah told him John wouldn't listen to her if she was the one to tell him. She believed it needed to be done by a 'neutral' party.

"No, Sarah told me." Kyle said. "We both thought it needed to be addressed. I drew the short straw."

John felt his mother could go off the deep end occasionally. He could picture the discussion and how it would heat rapidly. He tried to brush it off to pass experience.

"Mom can overreact sometimes…." John said.

Kyle came across some more disturbing information from Derek. It seemed to be the confirmation as to exactly what 'mission' Jesse signed up for. He didn't think Sarah was too far off the mark.

"Maybe, but Sarah is pretty spot on." Kyle said. "Derek told me Jesse will only have sex with him a few days before, during, or after her reproductive cycle. She avoids him during the time period she could conceive."

John knew it was an age old method of preventing pregnancy. He was aware it wasn't as reliable as modern methods. There could always be variations to the cycle, even if it appeared to be regular. There could be several reasons for her actions.

"Maybe she doesn't want to get pregnant or use birth control." John said.

Derek was concerned enough to spell out to Kyle. It seemed to be a 'deeper' issue.

"We think it's because she does want to get pregnant, but not by Derek." Kyle said.

John took in what Kyle said. He suddenly felt very defensive. It seemed as if the finger was just pointed at him.

"What are you saying?" John asked. "Kyle, I've never touched Jesse, ever. I swear it. Why would she want me?"

Kyle didn't want to accuse or offend John. He didn't believe John was responsible in any way.

"Nobody says this is your fault or doing. We feel it's what Cameron wants. Jesse will do ANYTHING for Cameron." Kyle said. "Jesse wants to please Cameron. Having your child would tie her to Cameron 'forever'. It would be a new way for her to use her body. Remember, she's very experienced in multiple ways to use her body to achieve her goals."

John felt bewildered. He knew his plans were different from Cameron's.

"Kyle, I don't plan on having a 'family' anytime soon." John said. "I think we need to have better control over Skynet before I ever think of such a thing."

Kyle still felt he needed to send out a warning. Jesse, 'as a female', was unstoppable.

"Jesse is different now, but you don't KNOW her like we do." Kyle said. "Derek and I are only trying to warn you. Derek won't interfere with anything you two do. Their relationship is open."

John thought he could control himself. Then again, he hadn't done so well 'before'. If past practice was to be considered, he'd been lured from the path before. He believed he was better now. He hoped he was stronger now. He really didn't know.

"Kyle, you don't have to worry." John said.

Kyle looked at John with total concern. He didn't think John was the problem. He believed John was the 'mark'.

"No, but YOU do…." Kyle warned.

Cameron walked up to Jesse.

Jesse was very pleased to see her.

Cameron smiled and gently rested her hand on Jesse's bare shoulder. Her smile broadened as she looked into Jesse's eyes.

"I like your tank top, Jesse, it's very revealing." Cameron said.

Jesse did what Cameron told her to do. Cameron wanted her to show more 'skin' around John.

"A girl has got to flaunt what she has to get noticed." Jesse said. "I took your advice."

Cameron noticed one 'problem'. It would be easily fixable.

"How sweet, make sure you don't wear a bra either. It's nice to give the 'twins' some room to move freely." Cameron said. "Have you been following the nutritional guide I gave you? It's important for everyone to be in top health."

Jesse removed her top. She turned her back to Cameron. She held her top and waited for Cameron to take her bra off. Cameron smiled and did. She turned around and faced Cameron. She lingered putting her top back on so Cameron could view her topless. It excited her greatly to have Cameron see her this way. She put her top back on. Her perky firm breasts almost popped out of the loose fitting top when she moved.

Cameron made sure the top was very loose. It was easy to get a 'nip slip', or even an entire breast to pop out of it. She had Jesse make a few practice moves. She was satisfied when Jesse learned to do it at will. She knew John was easily stimulated by visual activity.

Jesse looked nervous. She'd done everything Cameron asked of her. She would use her body any way Cameron asked her to do it, without question. She had plenty of experience to do so over the years, whether it was her choice or not. What she questioned was exactly what Cameron wanted, and if Cameron was sure it was what she really wanted.

"Yes. I've followed all your guidelines and instructions, ALL of them." Jesse replied. "Are you sure this is what you want, Cameron? I'll do whatever you want, but I don't want to do anything you don't want."

Cameron saw it a little differently. There were certain events which were supposed to occur. There were several different options available to her now to use. Everything could be advanced by an entire decade.

"It's not what I want. It's what's 'necessary'." Cameron said.

Jesse was well aware of some of the 'stories' from Cameron's past.

"And if the other girl, Riley, were here?" Jesse asked.

Cameron's face lost all expression.

"I would terminate her myself the moment I saw her." Cameron said. "She took John from me once. It'll never happen again. I'll KILL her."

Jesse noticed Cameron's eyes glowed red. It was very unnerving. It scared her even more. She swallowed hard.

"Cameron, I don't know about this." Jesse said. "I just don't feel comfortable taking, or 'using', what belongs to you."

The part about 'killing Riley' didn't help Jesse feel any more secure.

Now Cameron looked upset. She didn't want to hear any hesitation or second guessing. She already knew what needed to be done.

"It's the same problem Allison and Vanna have." Cameron said. "They don't understand the future. We can never stop Judgment Day, it's inevitable. We must plan ahead. I must be replaced. It's what I want for John."

Jesse was scared. She wanted Cameron to know why. She felt it was a legitimate point to make. She didn't really want to spell it out, but she felt it was necessary.

"I don't want to hurt you, Cameron." Jesse said. "I don't want you to kill me either."

Cameron could see Jesse was afraid. The 'Terminator look' on her face was replaced with a more pleasant one.

"You won't hurt me. I won't kill you. I need you to do what's necessary for ME." Cameron said with a wink and smile. "I'm counting on you."

Jesse was excited and terrified at the same time. Somehow it even excited her more.

"OK, love, but I'm still scared." Jesse said.

Cameron decided if Jesse couldn't do what she wanted, she was going to use the TDE to prevent herself from returning to John the night she did. From deep inside her, she felt she must return to John what was 'his'. The 'Natural Order' must be restored. She knew she MUST be 'replaced'.

'I must do what Future John 'wants'.' Cameron thought.

As Cameron walked away from Jesse, 'Queen Of Hearts' by 'Juice Newton', played in her mind.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

I Don't Think You Understand

Each individual is independent
They do things in their own way
What may work for some
Leaves others in a confused disarray

Events tend end up divergent
One can see more than another
Even without dissimilar eyesight
Often leaving the other in a pother

To solve a problem
One may take drastic action
The other a more limited approach
The contrast causing a bad reaction

For every up, there is a down
For every in, there is an out
To arrive at the final destination
Two may take a very diverse route

We are all made very different
No two see the same in any artwork
I don't think you understand
How we work

Nobody