Chapter 124

Skinny Dipping

Cameron gave Riley the freedom to do anything she wanted, or any place to go to. It would be just the two of them on a 'girl's night out'.

Riley heard about some of the events which occurred in the past with the others. She hoped to keep it simple and safe.

Allison told her they liked to get Cameron into a 'challenge' with someone. Cameron would soundly defeat them, even if she was blindfolded. The person who was defeated would always say it was impossible. Cameron would say, 'If it's impossible, how did I just do it?' It always seemed to set the other person off. It would usually lead to a physical altercation. It usually ended even more poorly for the defeated contestant.

Riley hoped for a less eventful night. She would rather have fun instead of a conflict. She wanted to go to a movie. She thought it would be nice and simple.

Cameron could see Riley was a little apprehensive still. It wasn't how she wanted her to feel. She could tell Riley needed to carry the baggage from what Future Riley was responsible for. She knew she was partly to blame for the stigma. It was why she was with Riley now. She wanted to set things straight. She wanted to do the right thing.

It seemed like the best choice to start out would be to do what humans seem to enjoy.

"What kind of food would you like?" Cameron asked.

Riley felt bad about eating in front of Cameron. She knew Terminators didn't need to eat.

"We don't need to get anything to eat." Riley said.

Cameron sensed Riley's trepidation. She wanted to put her at ease and make her feel comfortable.

"I can eat too." Cameron said.

Cameron's revelation surprised Riley.

"Really?" Riley asked.

Cameron pointed out her abilities and her shortcomings. To her they were significant.

"I can do everything you can, except reproduce." Cameron said. "I can never have a true descendant."

Riley could think of a few other things which were beneficial to being a cyborg. She wondered if she would be willing to trade them in place of having a child. Since she never became pregnant, maybe it would be better to enjoy what a Terminator could do.

"Don't forget, you won't get fat or old." Riley joked.

Both girls laughed.

Cameron wanted Riley to pick a good place to eat.

"Think of some specific food you want to try, or something you don't have very often." Cameron said. "This is our time to indulge. I know life is very simple around the Resistance base. It's why we're here now. It will give both of us a chance to 'live' a little bit."

Riley was very surprised at what Cameron just said. She could see why the girls all enjoyed a night out with Cameron. She thought about different foods she was aware of. There was one type of food she didn't have very often.

"Maybe we can try some seafood." Riley said. "I've only tried it a couple of times. There seems to be quite a few different types. I'm not so sure about those things which look like giant insects. Everyone says they're great to eat. It looks like more of a hassle to me than anything."

Cameron liked the idea. There were a multitude of products to try from the sea. She did agree with Riley's assessment about some of the sea creatures. They looked like giant insects to her as well. She knew they weren't, but they still looked like it. There was one particular restaurant which came to mind. She'd been to it before. She liked the location, the view, and the ambience.

"I know a great place on the beach." Cameron said. "It's really right on the beach."

If Riley didn't like the location, there were other places they could go to by the ocean. They were all very nice as well.

Riley was really impressed Cameron would take the time to do this for her, and with her. She didn't get out much as it was. None of the people at the base liked to go out and do things very often. There was always the threat of Skynet out there waiting for them.

She understood why none of those in the Resistance ever went out without a Terminator nearby. The threat of Skynet wasn't the only danger out there.

Riley was glad when Savannah invited her out a few times. Savannah would have John Henry, or another Terminator, bring her along when she went out. There was always at least one Terminator with Savannah when she went out. Cameron was very protective of Savannah. Now Cameron wanted to spend some time with her.

Cameron wanted to choose the best route for Riley's enjoyment. One route took a little longer than the other.

"Would you like to take one of the canyon roads or the freeway?" Cameron asked.

Riley didn't know much about the freeway system. She'd only ever driven a few times. She found it somewhat intimidating. Everyone told her she would get used to it the more she did it. It seemed to her everything was the same way. She wanted a little more information.

"What freeway goes to the ocean?" Riley asked.

Cameron could think of a few separate routes they could take. All but one of them involved going through one of the canyons.

"We can take the 405 south, to the 10 west. It will dump us out on PCH." Cameron said.

Riley knew there were a lot of abbreviations or acronyms for things. She wanted to know more about the one Cameron mentioned.

"What's PCH?" Riley asked.

Cameron thought about the section they would be on for dinner. The overall system was actually a little more complex. She decided to keep it simple.

"It's Pacific Coast Highway. It's also known as Route 1." Cameron said. "It runs pretty much right along the shoreline from Santa Monica to Point Mugu."

Riley remembered seeing some signs when they were on the 101 Freeway before.

"What about the canyon roads?" Riley asked. "I don't remember the names of them. I know most of them usually have the term 'Canyon' associated with them."

Cameron thought of the most direct route from their current location if a canyon road was taken.

"For the place I have in mind, Topanga Canyon is the closest. It is very curvy in a few places." Cameron said. "The traffic isn't too heavy most of the time. It would be fine right now."

Cameron preferred to use Malibu Canyon Road if she was going to Paradise Cove. For what she planned with Riley, Topanga Canyon was closer. Skynet located a complex there in her future. Maybe it was why she didn't like to drive the route very often. She didn't want to think about the Skynet activity which occurred in Topanga Canyon in her future. There were few good things, and a lot of bad things, associated with it. Most of them were really bad things.

Riley was a little concerned with the way some of the people drove. It seemed to her the more dangerous the conditions were, the faster some of the people tried to go. It didn't make any sense to her. It was completely counterintuitive.

"Is there much traffic?" Riley asked. "I think the freeway is faster to Santa Monica but there's always a lot of traffic on the 405."

Cameron smiled faintly.

"Traffic's not a problem for me." Cameron said.

Riley thought about asking Cameron if she could drive. If they took the freeway she would like to try it. She wasn't sure how she would do on a canyon road. She remembered seeing more than a few crosses on one of them when she was with Derek one time. He told her they indicated spots where people were killed in traffic accidents.

"It might be for me." Riley said. "I'm not sure how I would do on the curves. I don't have a lot of wheel time."

Cameron thought Riley might want to drive part of the way.

"Would you like to drive if we took the freeway?" Cameron asked. "It's easy to get to where I want to take you."

Riley was thrilled. No one ever let her drive. She thought it was because they thought she was a bad driver. She wondered how she was supposed to get better if she didn't practice. She was thrilled with Cameron's proposal.

"Can I?" Riley asked.

Cameron could see Riley was excited with the prospect. She thought it was safe enough.

"Sure you can." Cameron said. "I'll be right here next to you. There won't be any problems."

Cameron planned to do the driving on the way back. It would be dark. She planned to take one of the canyon roads on the return trip. She pulled over to the curb and got out. She told Riley to move over into the driver's seat. She walked around the rear of the SUV and got in on the passenger's side. Riley was already buckled in.

Riley was pleased to see the seat was already adjusted as were all of the mirrors. She was pretty sure Cameron did all those things just for her. She thought it showed a certain sense of style.

She checked to make sure Cameron was buckled in. She checked her mirrors and looked over her left shoulder to make sure it was clear. She activated her turn signaler and pulled out into the lane when it was safe to do so. They were headed for the coast.

Riley was surprised at how 'girl like' Cameron really was. Cameron seemed relaxed and carefree. It was almost as if she were a different 'person'. Cameron was very exciting to be around when she was so animated and actually looked 'happy'.

Cameron was pleased Riley didn't have any 'close calls' on the freeway. When she rode with Allison there always seemed to be a lot of close calls. She wasn't sure why Allison's driving was so bad. She was the one who showed her how to drive. Riley followed all of the rules. She used her turn signals. She checked her mirrors, and over her shoulder. She only moved when it was safe to do so. She thought Riley's driving habits were some of the best she'd ever actually seen.

Riley was a little self-conscious about her driving. The fact she didn't actually have a driver's license probably weighed a little more heavily on her than it should have.

"I hope I'm doing OK." Riley said.

Cameron believed she was.

"You are." Cameron said. "You're a very good driver."

Riley was pleased with Cameron's praise. She spotted something over on the left side when she transitioned onto PCH off of the 10 Freeway. She spotted the Santa Monica Pier. She could see there was a big Ferris wheel and what looked like a roller coaster.

"What's that place?" Riley asked. "I know it's not Disneyland or Mountain Magic." Riley said.

Cameron tilted her head slightly.

"Mountain Magic is actually Magic Mountain." Cameron said. "Both of those locations are far from here. They are in opposite directions of each other. There are several other ones as well."

Cameron looked over at the location Riley indicated. She still possessed some 'bad memories' from when John went there once. He was almost terminated by Cromartie. There was something else which actually bothered her more about the incident. It was the way he ditched her to be with Riley. It was upsetting to her. She didn't want those thoughts to spoil her evening with Riley. If Riley wanted to go there, it's where they would go.

"They have some amusement park rides and arcade games there." Cameron said. "We will go there after dinner."

Riley was very excited to hear what would happen later on.

"It sounds like fun." Riley said. "I'd really like to do it."

They went north on PCH for a few miles.

Cameron told Riley where to turn to park.

Riley was very excited to hear the waves crashing into the rocks below the parking lot. They entered the restaurant and were given menus.

Cameron could see Riley didn't know what to order. She knew what John liked for seafood. She recommended it for Riley. It was a large swordfish steak with extra tartar sauce.

Riley thought the seafood place was excellent. The food was wonderful and delicious. The view of the ocean was fantastic.

She liked to see the ocean, she never did growing up. She knew it was never very far away. There was just no way to get there, unless she would have walked. It was unsafe to do so.

After the meal Cameron drove them to the Santa Monica Pier. She knew parking could be a little tough at times. She didn't want Riley to be in a bind.

Riley was actually surprised where they ended up at. She felt a rush of exhilaration and excitement.

"Are we really going to go there?" Riley asked. "It looks like fun."

Cameron was always up to a challenge. Sometimes it was nice to get away from it all.

"We sure are." Cameron said. "I like to have fun too."

They went on the rides there. Riley really liked the view from the Ferris wheel at night. They ended up at the arcade. She tried her hand at some of the games. She didn't do very well. Cameron gave her advice on how to do better. She was able to improve some, but not much. Cameron then started to play. Cameron asked her what she wanted, and then won it for her. She was amazed at Cameron's skill and ability. She knew they were just games, but Cameron could carry over the same skill and precision against Skynet and its operatives.

Cameron literally started to clean out the different arcades of prizes. Riley didn't want to overdo it. She thought the attendants at each of the arcades started to get angry. She didn't know when the attendants tried to rig the games to make it harder, Cameron was able to compensate for it and continue to win. Cameron saw it as a 'challenge'.

"We sure have a lot of stuff, Cameron." Riley said.

Cameron looked at the two big bags full of prizes she won. She was sure she could win every prize if they spent more time there. She also knew there needed to be some moderation.

"Any of the things you don't want, we can give to Savannah. She will really be happy." Cameron said. "She always is."

The girls left with their bounty of prizes.

The moon was full.

Riley hoped they would stay out a little longer. There was one more thing she wanted to do. The clear sky with the moon high above seemed to call for it.

"Can we drive along the coast?" Riley asked. "It's a full moon. It would be beautiful."

Cameron liked the suggestion. It gave her another idea. She knew just the place to do it.

"We'll do whatever you want, Riley." Cameron said. "I want you to be happy and have a good time."

They started up the coast. Riley turned on the radio and adjusted the channels.

'Runnin' Down A Dream' by 'Tom Petty', was the song she stopped on.

Cameron cranked up the volume as they drove and increased the bass. The speakers thundered to the drum beat. The surf crashed into the shore next to them. The full moon lit it all. It was beautiful.

Riley was thrilled about everything. It was one of the best days ever for her since she'd been to the past.

Cameron pulled into a 'turn off' alongside the highway. The Pacific Ocean was right in front of them. Cameron shut the engine off. They could hear the water 'call' to them.

Riley wanted to touch the water. Cameron seemed to know what she wanted.

"Let's go walk on the sand or in the surf." Cameron said.

Riley wanted to walk in the surf.

"I would like to." Riley said. "I'd like to get my feet wet."

Cameron moved forward a bit and parked. They left their shoes in the SUV. They went down the rocks along the shore and reached the sand.

Riley took in the scene, it was beautiful.

They walked for a while. They soon reached a small cove.

"The air is nice and the water isn't too cold." Cameron said.

Riley thought it might be exciting to go a little further out, than just get her feet wet in the surf.

"It would be nice into go in the water, but I didn't bring a swimsuit." Riley said.

Cameron looked around as she did a multi-spectrum scan of the area.

"We don't need a swimsuit. It's dark out and no one is around…." Cameron said.

Cameron pulled her top off, and removed her bra.

Riley was a little shocked. She really liked the way Cameron looked. Everything was perfect. She wondered if Cameron was about to strip.

"Really?" Riley asked. "Are we going to take all our clothes off?"

Cameron smiled.

"Yes we are." Cameron said. "I've done this before."

Riley was surprised to hear it. It seemed Cameron was full of surprises.

"Really?" Riley asked again.

Cameron smiled and checked their surroundings one more time. The coast was clear.

"Yes." Cameron said.

The girls stripped off all their clothing. They were both naked in short order.

It was a thrill for Riley.

Even in the moonlight, Riley could see how beautiful Cameron was. Her body was perfect. Everything was high and tight. Cameron was a knockout. She noticed Cameron wasn't as large as Gail, or even Holly, for her bust size. It didn't seem to matter, her overall presence was commanding.

"Come on." Cameron said.

Cameron took Riley's hand as she ran into the surf.

The water was a little colder than Riley thought it would be, but it was fun to touch the ocean. It didn't take her too long to get adjusted.

The night air was refreshing and the smell of the salt lingered.

They walked along the surf for a short distance.

After a while they headed back.

They chatted along the way back to retrieve their clothes.

Cameron slowed as she scanned ahead of them. She quickly moved Riley behind her to protect her. They were both still naked.

Trouble.

"Nice night for a walk." A creepy voice said.

"We've been waiting for you." Another voice said.

There were five men standing around their clothes.

Riley knew right away what was about to happen to her. She would be abused by a group of men. Fear gripped her.

'Not again.' Riley thought. 'These men are nothing more than Scavengers.'

Riley was afraid they would be overpowered. Similar things happened to her before in her past, the future. It happened to all the females at some point, ALL of them.

"They look a couple of cans short of a twelve pack." Another voice said.

Cameron saw they carried surfboards. She knew they were local punks. She faced the five of them.

"Nice night for a walk." Cameron replied.

The surf punks were able to get a good look at them in the light of the full moon.

"Damn, look at - her." One surf punk said as he indicated Cameron.

"The one with the jugs ain't too bad either." A creepy voice said.

The leader of the surf punks stepped forward.

"We can all have both of them." The leader responded. "It will be just like always. I'll go first."

Cameron stepped forward. She left Riley back a little further.

"Look, I don't want any trouble or you boys to get injured." Cameron said. "Don't make me bust you up."

Her statement surprised all of them. It soon brought a round of laughter from the surf punks.

"We're not the ones in trouble, about to get injured, or busted up." Another surf punk replied.

"Or taken by five dudes." A surf punk snickered. "Maybe a few times by each of us."

The statement's prospect brought another round of laughter and cheering.

Cameron looked back at Riley. She didn't want her to worry too much. She could see she was already worried enough.

"This happens more than you would think. It always ends the same. Stay here." Cameron said. "It won't take very long to eliminate the problem."

In a flash, Cameron moved up. She slammed two surfers together and tossed them aside like rag dolls. She grabbed the next two surfers and did the same thing.

It was four surf punks down and out. It happened in less than four seconds.

It left the leader. He picked up a surfboard as he backed up. It looked like he was going to use it as a shield, or a weapon.

Cameron yanked it out of his hands and snapped it in two. She stacked the halves and snapped them in half again over her knee. She dropped the shattered board to the ground. She collapsed the leader to his knees. She glanced back at Riley. She wanted to give her the choice to become a little more involved or not.

"Riley?" Cameron asked.

Cameron indicated Riley should come forward as she held the leader to the ground on his knees.

Riley walked up and kicked him in the face. He went down like a rock. In fact, he hit his head on a rock before he sprawled in the sand.

It all happened so fast, Riley thought. It was like less than ten seconds from start to finish. What an adrenaline rush it was. She felt pumped full of life. She felt so alive.

"Did you say this happens a lot?" Riley asked.

Cameron frowned slightly. She was sure the girls were responsible for a lot of what happened when they went out.

"Pretty much." Cameron said. "Things like this, or worse, happen to me all the time. I'm used to them now. I try to end them quickly to keep the terminations down. It doesn't take too much effort to incapacitate a human. It doesn't take much more to terminate one either."

The leader moved slightly. Riley went back and kicked him as hard as she could between the legs. There was a 'plop' and 'pop' sound as she ruptured him. He blacked out again.

Both girls dressed and went back to the SUV.

Riley wondered about the damage they'd done.

"Were any of them killed?" Riley asked.

Cameron could see the five forms scattered about the sand starting to stir. She was sure a few of them may have experienced a few broken bones.

"Apparently not." Cameron said.

They left.

Riley looked at Cameron with awe.

"This has been the best night ever!" Riley said. "I've never had so much fun, or felt so alive before. Everything was totally awesome."

Cameron thought about taking Topanga Canyon back but decided against it. The night was still young. There was another canyon road she could try.

"Let's take Sunset back." Cameron said. "We're just getting started."

Riley wondered what would happen next.

'Like A Bad Girl Should' by 'The Cramps', played as they drove south on PCH.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Another One Bites The Dust

I've see them come and go
I don't ask why
They flounder and struggle
Then they slowly die

To work hard in life
Only seems to create scorn
Leaving one very empty
Feeling somewhat forlorn

The self acclaimed experts
Can't even keep up
Maybe it's time
They just shut up

I am but one
But I beat the entire field
Because I believe in myself
I will never yield

Bring it on
They will all lose
All they need to do
Is no longer skate or snooze

More and more go bust
Blown away with a gust
Their thoughts slowly rust
Another one bites the dust

Nobody