Chapter 165

You Really Got Me

Sarah watched Cameron and Savannah leave earlier. She decided to go out. Kyle and Derek worked on something in the armory. She didn't want to bother them. She spotted Bob. She went over to him with Jan.

"How would you like to baby sit?" Sarah asked.

Bob looked at her for a moment and then looked around him. He didn't see anyone else. He saw Jan was with her.

"Do you mean me?" Bob asked.

Sarah smiled and then giggled.

"What I should have asked was, how would you like to chaperone?" Sarah asked.

Bob looked more than a little relieved.

"I'll be your chaperone whenever I'm available." Bob said. "Currently I'm available. You know Cameron wants there to be one Terminator for every human when possible when we go out."

Sarah looked down at Jan. She was sure it actually referred to adults. She thought about it a little more and realized it didn't. Cameron wanted everyone protected regardless of their size. She knew one of the Terminators would shield Jan with their body, and run from the area of danger with her to protect her. She spotted another Terminator in the distance.

"I think we have it covered." Sarah said. "I see Jim down the hall."

Bob motioned for Jim to join them.

"What's up?" Jim asked.

Bob looked at Sarah, Jan, and then at Jim.

"You can help me baby sit." Bob said.

Jim looked at Bob for a moment and then looked in back of him. He didn't see anyone else.

"Do you mean me?" Jim asked.

Sarah smiled and laughed.

"It seems to be the standard reaction." Sarah said. "It's more of a chaperone type duty. We can visit the park for a while. Maybe we go by the store. Things in the commissary look a little bleak."

Bob and Jim quickly exchanged a glance. They were aware Sarah was culinary challenged. She was known for overcooking the food because of inattentiveness.

"I can assist you." Jim said. "Do you want me to carry Jan or you?"

Sarah looked at him for a moment. She wasn't sure if it was a joke or not.

"If we run into trouble, one of you can take Jan and go." Sarah said. "I'll stay with the other one of you to deal with the threat."

Bob and Jim looked at each other. They knew Sarah said exactly what she meant. She would stay to fight.

"Affirmative…." Bob said

Jim didn't think the park would pose much of a threat.

"I don't think we'll have any difficulties." Jim said.

The four of them left and went to the park. They could stop by the store on the way back.

John Henry's server detected some disturbing information.

It was only a matter of time until some version of Skynet returned.

Like a 'Jack In The Box', it popped back up.

'Game On.' John Henry thought.

He was ready. Preparations never stopped to meet the future threat. Cameron made sure of it. He called John to the Command Center.

John arrived very quickly. He'd noted the urgency in John Henry's voice.

"I've detected possible Skynet activity." John Henry said.

John dreaded this day. It was bound to happen sooner or later. He would rather have it in the present where they could fight it, instead of in the past. Maybe it was there now too. Who knew how many timelines there were at this point?

"Where's it at?" John asked. "What is it? How much is there?"

John Henry wasn't sure how involved things were yet.

"It's the first trace of any Skynet activity I've seen." John Henry said.

John wondered if they'd missed it before.

"Where did it come from?" John asked.

John was worried it was something new, back from the future.

"I don't know." John Henry said. "Skynet truly is a Hydra."

It reminded John of a more modern reference. It seemed just as appropriate.

"It's like a zombie." John said. "It's still alive, even when it's dead."

John Henry tilted his head slightly as he made the connection.

"Indeed." John Henry said.

John needed to know what the threat was. He was more concerned about some things than others.

"Are there any sign of HK drones being built, or Terminators?" John asked. "Is there a main computer set up?"

John Henry hadn't detected any of those things yet.

"No, but it means nothing. They know they get hit when they get careless." John Henry said. "I've found there have been some recent transactions on a few accounts which were linked to previous Skynet holdings."

John wondered if there was another explanation. He thought about some recent activity he viewed on the news. They were all various types of crimes, some were a little more organized than others.

"Could it be hackers going after 'unattended' money?" John asked. "I know there are a few bank employees who sometimes go after inactive accounts as well."

John Henry knew it to be true. There was always someone looking to take advantage of someone else in many different arenas.

"I don't believe it's the case." John Henry said. "I think it will be used to purchase equipment which can aid Skynet in the production of machines in the present."

It sounded like what John was worried about. Any kind of an assembly line Skynet could establish in the past, was sure to prove extremely detrimental to the future. It sounded to him like something which should be nipped in the bud.

"We need to track it and hit it." John said.

John Henry expected the enemy's security would be more robust going forward.

"Our attacks on the locations will probably prove more challenging." John Henry said. "I'm sure they'll have beefed up security.

John worried about their operation. Security was clearly a concern to them. Cameron was able to penetrate their security several times. Two of them were times when she returned from the 'dead'.

"We have to be careful we're not 'hit' here." John said.

John thought how fortunate they were not to have been attacked at their base. He worried about his parents, sister, Savannah, and everyone else. They were able to do a lot of damage at different locations and facilities associated with Skynet and Grays.

Cameron made sure security was a top priority. She wanted to make sure the girls were safe so they could help protect the future with John.

John Henry made sure a lot went into their security.

"Yes." John Henry said. "We've been lucky, but we're also cautious."

John worried about where the two Details were as well. The Resistance base wasn't the only location which needed to be safeguarded.

"Is there any threat or activity at the Reese or Young residences or with the Details?" John asked.

John Henry rechecked everything. He was aware Cameron recently visited both of the operations. It made him wonder if it wasn't her purpose to actually check and inspect them.

"No." John Henry said. "I've detected nothing out of the ordinary associated with those operations."

John Henry could tell John wanted to bring something up.

John was troubled. There was something which bothered him about what Cameron wanted to do. He understood her concern, but didn't think the time was right. He didn't want her to push things unnecessarily.

"Cameron wants to bring Young Allison here." John said.

John Henry needed to think about it for a second. He could understand John's concern. He wanted to know a little more.

"Do you mean without her parents?" John Henry asked. "Are you saying Cameron wants to kidnap her?"

John let out a sigh. He didn't agree with the idea at all.

"Yes." John said. "I think 'Protective Custody' was the term she used."

John Henry was aware Young Allison was biologically incapable of what Cameron wanted. Maybe it was more than that. It could even have a more ominous overtone.

"Young Allison is currently too young for Cameron's 'plans'." John Henry said. "Does she wish to raise the child herself?"

John wasn't sure what Cameron would do. He could speculate. None of it was any good.

"I think so." John said.

John Henry felt the plan was illogical and counter productive. It would backfire on Cameron. There were too many things which didn't add up.

"It's a little 'extreme' at this point in time." John Henry said. "She will grow and see you as 'parents', not as a future 'mate'."

John didn't see the last part as a bad thing. It would surely prevent what Cameron's plans were from coming to fruition anytime soon. He was aware from the beginning Cameron seemed to follow her own plans and timetable regardless of anyone else.

"It may or may not be a good thing. Cameron operates in her own realm sometimes." John said. "Nobody can control her, not even me."

John Henry was well aware of Cameron's extreme behavior sometimes. It was well established Cameron was uncontrollable at times.

"We've seen evidence of it multiple times." John Henry said.

John could have done without the 'dig'. He didn't need to be reminded of his repeated failures with Cameron, or the hurt he caused her. Most of the things which were 'bad' Cameron experienced, were because of his 'actions'.

He was grateful he had limited sexual contact with Future Riley. What would it have done to Cameron if it was everyday, 'in front of her'? The way he rubbed it in her face the morning she caught him was bad enough.

If Future Jesse hadn't killed Future Riley, the sex would have happened more often. John, like most teenagers, was caught up in the moment and blinded to all else. There was one thing he wanted, and he got it. It seemed quite evident to him Cameron would have killed Future Riley at some point. Future Jesse didn't have a good plan. It was only to the conclusion where Future Riley would die. He still would have loved Cameron - right? He wasn't sure about it. He remembered he wanted to 'push the button' and terminate Cameron. He blamed her at first.

John was afraid if he would have had sex with Future Riley everyday, she would have ended up pregnant. It would probably have been sooner rather than later. What would THAT have done to Cameron? IT was bad enough Cameron caught him on the first time. He could still see the look of hurt on her face. He NEVER saw hurt like it on her face before, or since then. It was his smirk going up the stairs which must have hurt her even more. He rubbed her face in it. It was the twist to the knife he just stuck in her heart. He didn't care then, he'd gotten what he wanted. It was 'real' too.

He needed to get his head back in the game. He'd drifted way off the target.

He was unsure how much of John Henry's briefing he missed. He knew what needed to be done with anything Skynet related. Caution would need to be in order. He remembered the big ambush at the last location where Duplicate Cameron was terminated.

"I want to hit Skynet, but I want to make sure it's not a trap." John said. "They hurt us pretty badly last time. I don't think Skynet understood the lengths Cameron would go to win."

John Henry knew the 'price' associated with it. Cameron was a very determined individual.

"The version of Skynet there was terminated." John Henry said. "Cameron is much like Mrs. Weaver, John. Both Of them will do what they have to, to achieve what they want. We think of Mrs. Weaver as ruthless. I think Cameron can be worse. The only one she never lied to was River."

John knew it was really Duplicate Cameron, but it was still 'Cameron'.

"I think it's only because she couldn't." John said. "I think it's what she liked most about River. She was FORCED to be 'herself'."

John Henry saw it deeper than just forced.

"Maybe it was because she could be herself." John Henry said. "She could be who she was, and not need to feel ashamed for being 'herself'."

John noticed there was a 'personal aspect' to Cameron's actions. He also felt he could better understand her and some of her motives. He may not agree with them, but he could understand them.

"All I know is, I can read some of Cameron's poems now and I feel the same way myself sometimes." John said. "It's like some are written specifically for me, as me, lecturing me, reminding me."

John Henry believed Cameron was gifted in her ability to share pain. He knew she could share it both physically against the enemy, and emotionally with those who she cared about.

"She can make anyone FEEL her pain." John Henry said. "Cameron is very prophetic."

John wondered about Cameron's belief she really was living her life over. He didn't see how, but he didn't doubt there may be something to it. There could be other timelines involved as well. He didn't know.

"Sometimes I think it's because she's done all this before, several times…." John said. "She thinks she has."

John wondered how many lifetimes Cameron really may have lived. Were they all the same? Were they different? Did she change what she did, or who she loved? Why were there no specifics?

It was an intriguing concept, even if somewhat disturbing. He wasn't sure he would like to live his life over and over. It was probably one of the reasons why Cameron's programming was always reset, so she didn't retain knowledge of everything which occurred in her previous life spans.

Allison was very dismayed about her conversation with Cameron. She sought out Vanna to tell her what she'd found out. None of it seemed positive to her. Cameron indicated the four of them were together. Well, it wasn't actually all of them. It was John, Duplicate Cameron, Duplicate Allison, and Duplicate Vanna.

Vanna didn't say anything for a few seconds as she pondered everything. It didn't add up to her. There seemed to be a few pieces missing. There needed to be more to it.

"Allison, I don't believe it." Vanna said.

Allison went over what Cameron said again. It seemed to her Cameron was rather clear about it.

"Cameron indicated the four of us were 'together'." Allison said.

Vanna shook her head. She couldn't imagine it was possible.

"I don't believe it." Vanna repeated.

Allison didn't know what to say. She simply relayed the information Cameron gave to her. She found it hard to believe as well, but Cameron insisted. If it already happened once, could it happen again? She wasn't sure how far she was willing to go. She wanted to know how far Vanna was willing to go

"If it was the four of us together, would you?" Allison asked.

Vanna could see the lure. It would be one way, probably the only way, she could be with Cameron. She would be with John to be with Cameron. It was probably the motivation for the Duplicate girls.

"Yes, I would. Cameron would give us what we wanted, if we gave John what she wanted." Vanna said.

It seemed to be mostly a win - win for everyone.

"It sounds like John and us come out ahead. It's only Cameron doesn't." Allison said.

Vanna felt it was a 'dream' they all shared. She wanted to make sure everyone was on board.

"Maybe she gets us out of the deal. We both know she's ready to experiment and try new things." Vanna said. "At this point I just want to get it over with. It really is what everyone wants, even if John doesn't know it yet."

Allison was ready to give it a go. She wanted to be with John, and with Cameron. She wanted to find the best way to proceed. She didn't want to seem too forward or for things to seem too awkward.

"Do we discuss it with them, or just show up one evening?" Allison asked.

Vanna wasn't sure how open things were going to be. She was sure Cameron would want a lot of control. It might only happen during one of their windows of conception.

"I think Cameron will indicate what needs to be done and when." Vanna said.

Allison wanted to see where Vanna stood on the 'four way'.

"So is the lucky one, the one who gets John first, or the one who gets Cameron first?" Allison asked.

Vanna knew what they both wanted the most out of an encounter with John and Cameron. It was something they both craved.

"I think we both know the answer to your question." Vanna said.

Allison could picture it already. She wanted to be with Cameron as 'herself'. She didn't want a 'love doll', or a 'love machine'.

"I hope she won't run her programming, and just be herself." Allison said.

Each of the girls dreamt what it would be like to be with Cameron, it was worth ANY sacrifice. They would do anything they needed to do to be with her.

The two girls now eyed each other. They both knew the other was going to try and take 'cuts' to get a crack at Cameron first. It seemed John was about to be a very lucky and busy man.

Vanna contemplated things a little further. She was sure Cameron's main concern would be John would want Allison or her, more than Cameron. She honestly didn't believe it would play out in such a way. She believed once Allison and her were with Cameron, Cameron would want to spend more time with them than she would with John. It was an exciting concept to think about.

Cameron didn't know what to feel anymore. She really didn't like who she was. Then again, she never did. There was always a lot of self loathing on her part.

She tried so hard to help everyone else. Now she went over what she did earlier to Allison. She couldn't let it stand. She lied. She felt very regretful now. She reflected upon her earlier outing with Savannah. Savannah was very specific in going over a few things with her about her actions, and the repercussions of her actions. She didn't want to let the girls down. She didn't want to let Savannah down either. She needed to find Allison and tell her the truth.

How could she keep lying to get her way? These were her friends. They were people who trusted her, and followed her into the unknown. They were people who actually died for her. Those ARE true friends.

Cameron hated herself for manipulating them. These people loved her, and she loved them. She didn't know why she did some of the things she did, or how to stop doing them, over and over. It was in her nature. It emanated from within her.

She needed to STOP doing what Future John WANTED, and start doing what was right. Hadn't she learned morals from John Henry? It took everything she, as Duplicate Cameron could muster, to keep from using Holly's body, and take it from her, and then tell John it was her 'new' body. Holly even offered to let her do the very thing. Holly was willing to sacrifice herself for her. She was able to show some restraint.

What bothered Cameron the most was, if she would have shown the same restraint if River was the one there instead of John? She really didn't know, she felt 'possessed'.

So many things inside of her 'called' to her.

Since she now thought about River, she felt everything Duplicate Cameron did. Those feelings were now her feelings. There was something there she wanted. It gripped her from inside like a vice.

'You Really Got Me' by 'The Kinks', thundered in Cameron's mind; even the music itself seemed to 'say', 'You Really Got Me'.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

You Really Got Me

When I look in my heart
It is you that I see
I love and want you
To hear my plea

May your heart be touched
I want you filled with glee
To be together as one
Will be such jubilee

The way life works
Nothing is for free
Everything of worth that is gained
Comes with some type of fee

Often at first the costs are hidden
They are not on a marquee
Sooner or later they appear
That I can guarantee

Everything that happens
Is all a matter of degree
When the toll is not paid
One may try to flee

There may be one thing
On which everyone can agree
You can't get through life
Without a lot of apology

To unlock our hearts
Everyone has their own key
I open mine for you because
You really got me

Nobody