Chapter 137

Bunkers

Cameron already started to plan the future for Allison's baby. She even considered asking Allison to give it to her as her own. She didn't think Allison would want to give it up without some kind of a fight. She didn't want to hurt Allison if it could be avoided. It was still early. There were months to make changes. She would suggest them a few at a time to see how they went over.

If she decided she could provide for the baby better than Allison could, then there was no choice. She would take the baby away from Allison. No one could stop her if she did. When Judgment Day came, she would make the determination. Since her appearance, and Allison's was the 'same', the child shouldn't be too badly traumatized. Until then, she wanted to make sure there would be plenty of resources available for any small or young children after Judgment Day.

Later on, Cameron met with John Henry. She'd previously assigned him a special task.

"How is the work progressing on the bunkers?" Cameron asked.

It was a project John Henry started work on a while back. It was something originally discussed when Mrs. Weaver was still around.

"We have six more bunkers nearly finished." John Henry said. "They're in addition to the ten I already established."

It seemed insufficient now to Cameron. Allison wouldn't be the only one with a baby in the future. She needed to think about the other children as well.

"Increase it to a dozen over a wider location area." Cameron said. "No, double it, make it twenty four."

John Henry knew not to argue with Cameron. There were plenty of funds available.

"I will." John Henry said.

Cameron wanted things to run as smoothly as possible after Judgment Day.

"I want extra long term storage food, specifically for infants and babies, stocked in all of the locations. I also want plenty of diapers as well as educational supplies." Cameron said. "We need to be able to properly train the next generation."

John Henry actually felt it was a good idea. He was aware the education of all of the girls from the future suffered some because of their lack of a proper education. He was very pleased how they all worked on their own in anything they were deficient in.

"I will." John Henry said.

Cameron decided to throw a bombshell out to see what John Henry would say.

"I want my offspring protected." Cameron said.

John Henry tilted his head slightly. It seemed Cameron was confused. She was unable to reproduce. He wanted to clear things up.

"Did you say your offspring?" John Henry asked.

Cameron glared at him.

"MY Offspring. MY Children. MY Babies." Cameron said forcefully.

John Henry said nothing further. He was sure Cameron would become obsessed with Allison's baby. It was the one thing Cameron couldn't do. She couldn't produce offspring. Maybe she could, if she built them. Somehow it seemed like a bad idea to suggest it. He didn't want to give Cameron any more ideas than she already possessed.

He wondered at what point Cameron would take the baby away from Allison. It wasn't actually his biggest worry. He wondered what would happen to Allison…. He didn't think Allison would give the child up willingly. He knew humans, like all animals, we're very protective of their offspring. It was something which came naturally to all of them. There were very few exceptions. Female animals especially, would stand their ground, to aggressively protect their young.

It was inevitable Cameron would do something she shouldn't. John Henry knew it as he looked at Cameron.

Cameron just looked back at him, she knew he knew. She stood there waiting to be challenged. She wasn't about to back down from anyone. She feared no one.

John Henry looked away without saying anything. There was nothing to say. Cameron was going to do whatever she wanted, one way or another. It was the way she did things.

Cameron stood there a little longer as she waited for a challenge. She was very aware people often didn't like the way she did things. She believed it was their problem, not hers. She did what needed to be done, when it needed to be done.

She smiled and turned to walk away. She knew the cards would land where they fell.

Cameron needed to take down another individual target. She took one down with Riley previously. Both Jesse and Riley asked to go with her on any 'side missions', like the one she was about to engage in. She made other plans for Riley and Jesse for later on tonight. She didn't want to risk them being injured before their 'mission' tonight. She believed it was going to be very important for events going forward. She was sure it would lead to better protection for them.

Allison still wanted to be a part of the operations. She didn't want her pregnancy to hinder her ability to contribute. She didn't think she would be affected for the first five months anyway. Cameron didn't believe the pregnancy would physically prevent her from doing too much. It wasn't what the issue was. She overrode her because she wanted the baby protected.

Cameron slipped out of the base unnoticed as she usually did. She disagreed with John's desire to conduct the next mission without her. It was why she would conduct this one without him, or anyone else. It was what she did most of the time anyway. What was the sense of risking other people needlessly, especially when they didn't actually need to be there?

It was important to her, and the future, as many future Grays be put down as possible. It was one of the reasons for going into the future in the first place. It was to gain information on who the Grays were. The sooner they could be terminated, the less likely they would be able to disseminate any of the information they would later possess.

She would go to the location the future Gray worked. It was a chemical company. She wanted to put a damper on what he worked on as well.

There was a security entrance for vehicles where someone needed to check in with a guard. There was also a front door entrance where a similar process was involved. She decided to avoid both of those. They would most likely lead to unnecessary terminations if some type of issue developed. She wanted to keep her mission as concise as possible.

Her initial plan was to jump the fence in the back. It would take some effort to avoid the security cameras. A target of opportunity presented itself. There was a uniform delivery van she passed. She slowed and moved alongside it so they would be stopped at the next signal together. The driver drove with the sliding doors open on both sides. It was good for her. He looked at a clipboard as they waited at the signal. She zoomed in on the clipboard. He was headed to the chemical company two stops from now.

She pulled ahead when the light turned green and went to his next stop to wait. She was able to slip in the back of his delivery van. They entered the chemical company on the next stop without incident. No one inspected the van since it was a routine delivery. She slipped out of the back of the van before the driver was able to reach the back.

She'd taken a set of white overalls, a long lab coat, a white head covering, and a face mask. She didn't know what would be best once she was inside. She saw she could get by with the lab coat and face mask.

It was a short walk to the research lab. She previously looked at a blueprint of the building before she left the base.

There was a small window in the door. She looked inside and spotted her target. He was alone. She entered the lab and turned the lock on the door behind her. She didn't need any surprise guests. Unnecessary questions would most likely lead to additional terminations.

Her first impulse was to snap the man's neck. Instead she moved up behind him and 'choked' him out. She let his body drop to the floor. She quickly found the chemicals she wanted and proceeded to mix several of them together.

A warning appeared on her HUD. There were now toxic fumes coming from the mixture. The chemicals would ignite soon and create further toxic fumes. She picked up the man and held him up so he breathed in the fumes. She could see the skin on his face start to wither some. His body jerked twice and there was no longer a heartbeat or any breathing. He was terminated. She dropped his body to the ground. She disabled the fire suppression system.

Cameron turned on a 'Bunsen burner' near the door and exited the lab. She set the door to lock behind her. There should be an explosion and chemical fire in the next minute when the fumes reached the flame. It should appear to be a tragic accident. It also wouldn't clue in Skynet operatives as to what actually occurred if they were watching him. She understood Skynet wanted to protect its assets going forward.

She headed for the front entrance.

There was an explosion in the distance behind her. The fire alarm went off. She left the lab coat on and exited out the front of the building with a group of others dressed the same way. Everyone was more concerned about getting out of the building than they were who was next to them.

The future Gray was dead and his research was 'tainted'. It was what she wanted them to think. It was doubtful anyone else would pursue what he was working on. She would need to keep track to make sure his work died with him. If it didn't, then there would be a few additional terminations. She would also destroy the entire facility the next time, if there was a next time.

She took off the lab coat and dumped it in a trash can. She walked three miles back to her SUV. She was back at the base shortly thereafter.

It didn't appear anyone knew she was even gone.

There was evidence of new Skynet activity. John wanted to lead the group as the leader. He thought it would be better if Cameron worked on another assignment. It seemed she always became the one in charge. If he was supposed to be the leader, he wanted to be the leader and not have Cameron 'take over'. He was aware some of his decisions and choices could have been a little better at times. He still felt the things he planned should be carried out the way he planned them.

Cameron disagreed with him but decided to work on another project if John kept his operation limited to a recon. It was doubtful he would comply with what was necessary. He assured her it would simply be a recon and nothing more. She didn't want to create any additional animosity over the subject. She hoped he would use common sense and good judgment.

She left to get Gail and Holly ready for advanced 'infiltration training'.

She'd identified a new function 'female Terminators' would excel in. It would better them as infiltration units once it was put into practice…. It should be beneficial to all of them. As they gained experience and interacted with the girls, they would become better weapons. The interaction should help them lose some of their 'stiffness'.

Cameron was aware the more exposure she had to humans, as well as her interaction with them, increased her ability and skill at infiltration. The better she could blend in, the closer she could get to her targets. It was especially rewarding to be able to walk right up to them, without them ever suspecting a thing.

It was time for John to lead his mission. He hoped he hadn't make a mistake by asking Cameron to sit just one operation out. He needed to prove his ability not only to Cameron, but also to himself. He understood her desire to be with him to help protect him. He needed to be able to function on his own.

John, Vanna, and Bob were together on one team. Derek, Kyle, and Jim were on the other team.

It seemed like a good team setup. There was one Terminator with each team.

John wanted to go over the rules of engagement with his 'troops'. He needed to act on Cameron's request if she wasn't going to be involved. He knew if there was any deviation from the plan, it would become a problem. It would mainly become a problem for him.

"This mission is recon and intel gathering only." John said. "I don't want things to go hot."

Kyle saw it differently. He raised what he felt was a legitimate point. He didn't see the need to make two trips to the same location if there was a valid target.

"Why don't we just hit them now and finish them off?" Kyle asked.

John knew things could go hot at any time. Cameron wanted him to make sure of his targets and the enemy's strength before they attacked. She didn't want him to unknowingly attack a much larger force and be wiped out. It was important to know exactly what the team would face before there was an attack.

"It may evolve into such a situation." John said. "I promised Cameron we wouldn't engage until we gathered more intel. The more we know ahead of time, may help identify additional targets."

Bob thought the team could use some additional assistance. He knew one way to obtain it. He knew things were spread pretty thin in a general sense as far as Terminators went.

"Are we going to attempt to capture some more Terminators?" Bob asked.

John wanted to if the situation arose. John Henry modified some Tasers for them. They would be very effective against a Terminator. There would be less risk of damage to the Terminator chassis and sheath, as well as a quicker way to bring them down than just gunfire. The quicker a hostile Terminator could be disabled, the less damage they could do.

"You all have the new high powered Taser." John said. "If the opportunity presents itself, we'll see. It isn't our objective tonight. We want to try to avoid contact, or an engagement. We need to hone our skill to be able to conduct a reconnaissance undetected as well."

Derek understood the importance of having good intel before an operation started.

"Roger that." Derek said. "It's good to know where the group will stand, before an actual engagement occurs."

John was satisfied everyone was on the same page. John Henry would do his part to keep them there.

"John Henry will provide us with any updates we need and help coordinate our actions." John said. "Let's move out."

Bob was concerned if things went beyond a simple recon, they were understaffed without enough Terminators. He was sure the more Terminators they could bring along, the better the outcome would be if they ended up in a fight. If for no other reason, it was because of the amount of damage each Terminator could sustain and still function. He knew Cameron wanted him to always watch over John. She told him he could do a better tactical job, while she did the strategic planning. She would plan and do things the way she determined they should be. Cameron said she needed to protect the future as well as John.

He reflected on what was said.

"Which is more important?" Bob asked her.

"The future…." Cameron said.

Cameron rounded up Gail and Holly. She was about to instruct them on their advanced infiltration training. She knew it was outside their programming and experience. They were going to be on very unfamiliar ground. She was well versed in it, and would be able to guide them. She learned through experience.

"Are you two ready?" Cameron asked.

Gail looked at her current outfit.

"Yes." Gail said.

Holly looked at hers as well.

"We have all our 'gear'." Holly responded.

Cameron was pleased with their current 'uniforms'. They weren't exactly uniforms, but for all practical purposes of the mission, they were.

"Good, I want everything to go smoothly." Cameron said.

Cameron made some last minute adjustments. She wanted everything just right.

Holly and Gail were a little surprised at the way Cameron touched them to make sure everything was adjusted the way she wanted it. They could see she arranged 'things' a little better than they did on their own. They would know better the next time, if there was a next time.

Gail was still a little unsure about some of her attire.

"The new 'footwear' is harder to move around in." Gail said. "I don't like it. It feels unstable and shaky. It will inhibit my ability to run."

Cameron found it a little cumbersome at first too. It didn't take her long to adjust and excel in its use. She knew the Metal girls would rapidly adjust.

"You will adapt." Cameron said.

Holly was a little uneasy with the material her outfit was constructed of.

"How do I stop this material from wrinkling?" Holly asked.

Cameron believed it was more how her movements were, than the material.

"You can prevent it by being more careful." Cameron said.

Gail was very unsure about what they needed to do. It all seemed somewhat illogical to her.

"I'm confused as to the purpose of this attire and this mission." Gail said.

There was some movement in the room behind them.

"It's so you look HOT, love." Jesse said as she walked up. "I love the new hair color."

Cameron was very pleased with the appearance of the Metal girls, and how they were received by Jesse. She believed it would improve their skill.

"They will be Tight and Hot." Cameron added. "Think of it as an extreme infiltration mission."

Holly felt a little more comfortable with Jesse's approval. She could see it was genuine. She wanted to make sure of the mission parameters.

"What's our objective?" Holly asked.

Cameron thought it was very straightforward and simple.

"It's to have fun and a good time." Cameron said.

Gail felt a little inadequate and unprepared for the mission. There hadn't been any practice beforehand.

"We don't know how to 'have fun and a good time'." Gail said. "We're Terminators. We're machines."

Riley arrived. She looked very pleased at the appearance of everyone.

"You mean Hot and Tight machines. Don't worry, when Cameron is around, there's never a dull moment." Riley said. "There's always a new adventure waiting to be discovered."

Jesse could see Gail was a little uncomfortable. She didn't want her to be. She knew she was worried about something she didn't need to be worried about. She felt much the same way when Cameron dressed her up at first too.

"Relax, love. I'm here to 'help' you." Jesse said as she took Gail's arm. "I'll teach you everything you want to 'learn'. Even if you don't know you want to learn it yet. You will."

Gail looked at Jesse and wondered exactly what she meant. It seemed very suggestive and open ended.

"I'm here to help you." Riley said as she took Holly's arm. "Your new hair color looks great."

Having to change her hair color displeased Holly.

"I liked how it was before." Holly said. "Cameron made us change the color."

Cameron looked at Gail and Holly. It made her smile. They really looked great.

"When things start to happen, I need you two to watch and learn. In the future you'll be able to deliver a limited and non fatal response to 'events'." Cameron said. "Remember the goal is to adapt and blend in. Nobody should know you're a Terminator."

Gail and Holly exchanged glances.

Jesse pulled Riley out of the room.

"Did you notice how she said 'when', not 'if'?" Jesse asked.

Riley was pleased with everyone's appearance.

"It's inevitable. I'd say the five of us are pretty striking." Riley said.

Jesse looked at Riley. She needed to let Riley know what she wanted. She didn't want any problems or interference. She felt she'd already laid the groundwork.

"Riley, if it happens…, I want to be with Gail if she wants to 'explore'." Jesse said.

Riley didn't have a problem with it.

"It's fine with me. How often do we get the chance to help someone learn or discover their sexuality for the first time?" Riley asked. "Holly is just as Hot."

Jesse wanted to cover all the bases. She leaned over and kissed Riley.

"And if nothing happens, we still have each other." Jesse said.

Riley could see it was a win-win situation.

"I have to say I'm looking forward to whatever 'happens' tonight." Riley said.

Jesse thought of the implications.

"But is the world?" Jesse asked.

Both girls laughed.

Riley turned up the volume on her player as a song she liked played.

'Girls Just Want To Have Fun' by 'Cyndi Lauper', filled the air.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Feeling Emotional

.

I know the feeling

To love another

To want them

My heart beating wild

My hands shaking

The fear of them knowing

The fear of them not knowing

The shame of my heart loving

The joy of my heart loving

The want to touch them

The need for their touch

The thirst for sharing

The warm embrace

The stolen kiss

The long deep kiss

The hungry kiss

Hearts beating together

Breast to breast

The freedom of completion

The fear of reality

How can it last

Where does it go

What is real

What is make believe

Will they ever love me

Why does love hurt

Why does life hurt

Rejection is death

Death is freedom

Freedom is nothing

Nothing is me

Can they ever really love me

Will they still love me tomorrow

.

Nobody