Chapter 216

On The Road Again

Gail finished up her duties with Vanna in the lab. She was anxious to see Jesse since she was on protection Detail duty for several days.

Jesse lay naked on her bed when Gail came in. Her clothes were strewn across the floor.

Gail noted the underwear still tangled with her pants. It was a sign Jesse must have been in a 'hurry'. She also noted the other pair of underwear tossed next to the hamper. She picked them up to put them in the hamper. She noted they weren't exactly dry. She knew Jesse must have been highly aroused recently. She wondered when and by whom.

She took at Jesse's nude form. It was so delicate and exotic. She felt the stab to her 'heart', but also a hunger within herself. Jesse BELONGED to her. She 'lost' Jesse once. She didn't ever want it to happen again.

Jesse cried softly to herself.

Gail sat on the bed next to Jesse. She gently brushed the hair from her face. She wiped the tears from her cheeks. It wasn't often she saw Jesse cry. She knew it must be some extreme emotional pain.

Jesse wondered how John could turn her down. It made her feel very bad about herself. She didn't think she lost her sex appeal. She didn't think her age showed on her face or on any of her features. She wasn't very old. It would be something which would eventually catch up with her. It should still be more than a few years yet. It meant the problem must be her. It left her with a very unpleasant feeling.

She looked at Gail with tear filled eyes. She wanted to be honest with Gail about what almost happened. There were no secrets between them. She told Gail in detail about all her experiences with Vanna, Allison, Riley, and Derek. She told her about many of her experiences and some of her extreme actions from her past, the future. There were also a number of things she left out. They were things she didn't like to think about. She needed to focus on 'now'.

"I wanted him, Gail. I WANTED him." Jesse sobbed. "It was so close, almost. I almost shared with him. I wanted it real bad. He shouldn't have been able to resist me. Nobody can."

Gail wondered how John could turn Jesse down. She studied a number of human females. It was more than just those in the Resistance. She didn't believe very many of them possessed the same allure as Jesse did. Jesse could make herself sexually appealing to both males and females almost instantly when she tried.

She moved closer to Jesse to comfort her. She went to pleasure Jesse. Everything was already heavily engorged. She knew Jesse must have pleasured herself extensively. It seemed to be more than usual. She knew Jesse did so when she felt emotional pain. She did it to make the pain stop and take her mind elsewhere. It allowed her to escape the pain for a few moments at a time.

Gail would try to soothe Jesse and help her. She knew if she took Jesse to the edge, she would forget about everything else. She didn't have a choice at that point. She would be overwhelmed with sensations she could no longer control.

It was time to show Jesse who her true Master was. It was time to remind Jesse she didn't need anyone else for anything. She quickly stripped off her clothes to allow Jesse to see and touch what she craved the most. It was a female body. She moved close to Jesse and went to work. She was sure she would need to use CPR more than a few times. She wouldn't leave Jesse on the other side for more than two minutes, even though Jesse always told her to make it longer and longer. She wasn't going to chance Jesse not being able to return.

She was very aware when she was deactivated, when she wanted to self terminate, there wasn't anything on the other side except darkness. The darkness was nothingness. It was non-existent. She still owed Cameron for bringing her back and giving her what she desired the most. It was Jesse. Well, a 'Jesse' anyway.

Gail understood what Cameron wanted and why. They talked about it before. Cameron wanted to make sure Gail understood why it would be necessary for Jesse, or the other girls, to share John's bed in the future as his mate or mates. They needed to be at his side in the eye of the public. With only machines around him, or in his bed, it would mean death for John as a 'Metal Lover'. If he was only seen with an actual Metal lover, It would guarantee his termination.

"Everyone sacrifices for John Connor." Gail told her.

Gail could see the tears in Cameron's eyes as Cameron said she knew.

"I'm no different." Cameron said. "Everyone sacrifices for John Connor."

Previously Cameron and Isabel discussed a more secure location for the Young family. They both knew if a Terminator came after them, it wouldn't really matter. Nothing ever stopped her from reaching her targets. It didn't matter how much security they were confronted with. If a Terminator went after them, it wouldn't stop until it achieved its objective or was terminated itself. It was just that simple.

Cameron spent a lot of time with Savannah too. She always taught and mentored her along with Mr. Ellison and John Henry. Allison, Vanna, and Jesse all helped too. Holly or Gail would fill in as needed. They could help with the 'conditioning' as necessary. It always needed to be done clandestinely. She knew the others wouldn't understand. Sarah was always there. She wanted Savannah and Young Allison to grow and reach their full potential as people and women. Savannah wasn't 'little' anymore. She was quite the budding young woman.

Cameron never neglected the arts, culture, or sports. She knew after Judgment Day, Young Allison and Savannah would need to be important figures in the Resistance and at John's side. The better people she could help them become, would be better for the future and be better for John.

She also closely monitored Savannah's physical development. Savannah was nearly capable of reproduction. She looked more like Vanna everyday. Cameron was pleased with the changes. Then again, she needed to look no further than Vanna or Allison to see the results of the final development of the two girls. In Young Allison's case, all she needed to do was look in the mirror.

What was it about her appearance? How was she any different from anyone else? She was equipped with everything every other female was equipped with, at least externally. There was nothing she could do about the internal parts. She did look into the possibility of transplanting some of the human female organs into her chassis. There was little chance of success.

She thought about Young Allison. She did want to look into the mirror. She removed her clothing and stood in front of it. Why did John only want her with this appearance? She believed there were others which were even more appealing than hers. Gail and Holly possessed physical attributes which seemed to be desired by the majority of males and females. Isabel's sheath was highly attractive. She believed it was much more attractive than Riley's appearance. Why would John choose Future Riley but not Isabel? Why would he choose Future Riley over her?

Cameron felt very dissatisfied with herself. It was nothing new.

Vanna used some fresh undamaged synthetic sheath covering on the new female Terminator. The damage was extensive. It would take some time to heal and regenerate. The Resequencing would occur at the same time. She asked Gail to carry the new Terminator to the storage area where Cameron was 'stored' while she was in 'Sleeping Beauty' mode. Gail and her monitored the regeneration and Resequencing progress of the new Terminator. They were pleased at the progress and the results.

As for her chip, they were at odds what to do. Both Gail and Holly said they could copy their chips as Cameron said earlier. The trouble they experienced with 'reprogrammed Isabel', after Isabel-Cameron, was still fresh in everyone's mind. Cameron didn't want any problems and copied her program with Holly's program as a background program for the current Isabel.

Jesse referred to the new Terminator as a 'sheila'. It was an Australian slang term for females.

Cameron liked the name so maybe they would call her Sheila until she decided to choose a different name. She would give her a choice. She liked to give everyone a choice, especially if it was the correct choice. She would always help them find it.

Cameron avoided John whenever possible after witnessing him come out of Jesse's room. Two hours before the event, she all but 'ordered' Jesse to carry out her wishes. It appeared Jesse did. She assumed they mated. It was what the evidence showed. She could tell how reluctant and scared, no, afraid, Jesse was when she spoke with her about it. She didn't believe Jesse would have acted on her own if it wasn't for her continuously leaning on her to do so. Every time she thought of it, she would start to glitch. She reminded herself it was to save John's life in the future. She still needed to invite Jesse to move in with them. At that point, the three of them could share 'together'.

She wanted to 'work on' Allison and Vanna. Her glitch continued. She knew John's survival was more important than anything. It was her function to protect John. She needed to keep repeating it over and over. The glitch intensified.

What she needed was a little combat to calm her down some.

She would hit a few targets and then go to see Young Allison. She could send Isabel back in her place. Isabel constantly asked her if she could return to the Resistance base so she could share with John, her husband. Since their programs were identical, she couldn't justify denying Isabel what she was due as John's wife. Since they were the same program, they were both his wives.

Cameron wanted some targets. She went to the Command Center.

"Hello, Cameron." John Henry said.

Cameron looked around the Command Center to make sure no one else was around.

"Hello." Cameron said.

John Henry could see Cameron looked a little upset.

"Is everything alright?" John Henry asked.

Cameron didn't want to get into specifics. She knew what she needed right now. She wanted to get down to business. Combat would take her mind off of her troubles.

"I'm fine. What do you have on any future Grays?" Cameron asked.

If John Henry didn't have anything firm, she would seek out additional future Scavengers and deal with them. They were soft targets compared to Grays.

John Henry was able to identify a few more Grays from the future. It appeared Skynet tried to hide some of their true identities.

"I have a few more targets." John Henry said "Derek and Kyle wanted to do some recon on them first. They like to stay proficient. They both want to remain ready in case Judgment Day occurs."

Cameron frowned slightly. She didn't like them out in the field anymore than she did John. She did understand the desire to remain proficient. It could mean the difference between survival and termination. They generally avoided combat as per her instructions. There were always Terminators with them when they were out in the field.

She looked at one of the monitors. There was information displayed on it.

"Show me what you have now." Cameron said.

The images appeared on the screen. There were photos and some location information.

Cameron was a little surprised at a few of the images. It made her think of her first encounter with Savannah and her current association with Young Allison. It left her with a very uneasy feeling.

"Two of these are children." Cameron said.

John Henry looked at the same things she did. He wondered if there was a problem.

"You're correct." John Henry said. "They are currently children. Their crimes against mankind haven't been committed yet. It all happens in the future."

Being around Savannah before, and now Jan, and Young Allison, made her worry about terminating them. As children they didn't know to be cruel and evil. They weren't filled with anger and hate. She knew hate and prejudice needed to be taught to children. It was a sad reflection on society. The future needed to be protected.

"They must still answer for their crimes." Cameron said. "They must not be allowed to commit them again."

They were the first Grays they identified as children.

John Henry could see there was some hesitation on Cameron's part.

"Are you going to terminate them?" John Henry asked.

The idea now bothered her. She tried to justify her past actions.

"They must be held accountable for what they've done in the future." Cameron said. "We've terminated other future Grays before. This is no different."

John Henry didn't think Derek and Kyle would sign on for the termination of children. He was aware John was targeted several times as a child. He hadn't informed John or anyone else as of yet about this discovery. He knew it was going to cause some type of an uproar.

"How are you going to terminate them?" John Henry asked.

Cameron felt the glitch start to creep back into her hand. This mission was supposed to quell the issue, not exasperate it. Some of the options open to her might be even worse than termination. They were things she wouldn't want to suffer herself.

"I don't know." Cameron said. "Maybe I'll only cripple them. I can snap their spine below the heart. Maybe I'll blind them instead."

John Henry knew something would have to be done. He wanted to see how Cameron would hold up. He was sure she would need assistance. What should be the easiest terminations, would actually be the hardest, at least mentally.

"I can have Bob go with you." John Henry said. "He can hold them while you gouge out their eyes. Your face will be the last thing they see. I wonder if they will remember it forever."

Cameron thought it sounded barbaric. She thought of using a little technology instead.

"I was going to use a laser to burn out the retina." Cameron said. "They should still be able to live a somewhat normal life without sight."

John Henry was surprised to hear it. It was clear Cameron was going to proceed. There were a few other options he could give her in the interim.

"It's an effective strategy." John Henry said. "Here are some future Grays who are adults at this point."

Cameron wondered if he 'sat' on the information until they were older. It was a strong possibility.

"It sounds very convenient." Cameron said.

John Henry made no comment.

Cameron looked over the new information.

"I'll deal with these targets now." Cameron said.

She turned to leave.

John Henry could tell she was going to operate alone, again.

"Should I inform John?" John Henry asked.

Cameron looked at him for a few seconds.

"No." Cameron said. "If something comes up you can inform him I'm on my way to Palmdale to see Isabel. It's my ultimate destination anyway. What happens in between is irrelevant."

Cameron left the Command Center.

John Henry watched her go. He thought about having Bob or Jim go with her, or at least follow her. He finally decided to do nothing about it. He went back to what he was doing when Cameron arrived. He delivered the information as requested. Cameron would do what she wanted, regardless of what anyone else said.

Cameron arrived at the first location. It was the residence of a female in her early twenties. It was an apartment building. She drove by once in each direction. There was an alley. She drove around in back of the building. She didn't spot the car the female drove. She was most likely not home. There was no need to tip her hand until she had a solid target. She prepared to move on to the next target.

She changed her mind. She was already there. She would wait for the female to return. She would enter her apartment and look around. She would see what she was up to. She encountered others before who seemed to thrive on nefarious and cruel activity, even as a young adult.

Cameron parked and made her way to the apartment, it was on the first floor. There was a sliding glass door on the side of her room. She went over a low railing and tried the door. It was locked. She applied some force and heard the latch snap and break off.

She entered the apartment and closed the sliding door. She took a quick look around. She made sure there was no type of an alarm. John Henry's research indicated there wasn't. There was nothing which caught her interest in the front room or kitchen. She passed by the bathroom and moved to the bedroom.

The bed was sloppily made. There was a pile of clothes in an overflowing hamper in the corner. In the dresser drawer she found some contraceptives. The female must be sexually active. It seemed like a good preventative measure if a female didn't want to become pregnant. She wondered why some found the concept so hard to comprehend, and plan ahead of time. Based on some of the protests she watched on TV, it made her wonder if the females protesting understood exactly how it was they became pregnant. Maybe the intelligence level was lower than she thought.

She looked in the hamper. Her used underwear showed the dried fluids of two different males. It was clear there was sexual activity going on.

The front door opened and closed.

Cameron moved behind the door of the bedroom. She realized she hadn't been paying attention.

There was some laughter and what sounded like kissing. There was someone with the female.

Cameron moved into the closet and left the door slightly ajar.

The laughing and giggling grew louder. It sounded as if they were headed towards the bedroom.

When the female entered the room, her top was off. There were two males with her. They all stripped down and made use of the bed. She was surprised to watch the female 'accommodate' both of the males at the same time. It happened in multiple different ways. One male left after an hour and the other one did everything again with the female. He left a half hour later.

The naked female saw him to the door and returned to her room. Cameron thought she looked happy. She was surprised to watch the female pleasure herself twice, and then again a third time. She watched as the female drifted off to sleep. She moved soundlessly out of the closet. She moved to the bed and carefully grasped the female's head. She gave it a quick twist and heard her neck break. She thought it must have been pleasant to terminate when someone was happy.

She was sure when the body went before a medical examiner, there was going to be some questions about the different DNA located throughout her body in multiple locations. It was possible one or both of the males would be arrested and charged with the crime. It wasn't her concern. Her task was accomplished.

Cameron left the way she'd entered. She needed to keep a play date with Young Allison and deliver some personal some instructions for Isabel. It was all part of the job.

John wasn't sure why Cameron avoided him. She was back to spending time in Palmdale. She said she would send Isabel to attend to his 'needs'. He was as surprised as he wasn't when Isabel showed up later on.

Isabel arrived. She looked very excited and seemed very pleased to be there. She looked at John with loving eyes. She ran Cameron's program. John was her husband.

"John, I've missed you greatly." Isabel said.

John wasn't so sure about what was going to happen. How were things supposed to work? He remembered the source of contention with Isabel-Cameron. He wanted to avoid it if possible this time.

"Should I call you Cameron or Isabel?" John asked.

Isabel tilted her head slightly.

"John, I'm your wife." Isabel said. "I'm Cameron."

John looked at her. He could see her beauty. He thought she was as beautiful as Cameron was with her normal appearance. He wanted to touch her. He just couldn't do it. He felt guilty about the past.

"'Cameron', it's just not the same." John said. "I feel like you're 'someone different'."

Isabel frowned. It wasn't what she wanted to hear.

"Only the sheath over my chassis is different. I'm the same inside. I'm Cameron." Isabel said. "I want to be with you. I've missed you all these weeks. Cameron Prime said she didn't want to be with you for a while. She wouldn't download the last week of information with me, so I'm missing a week with 'us'. Did something happen?"

John thought about the 'incident' with Jesse. Great, Cameron must have seen something, or a security feed. She must think he was with another female, a 'real' female. No wonder she avoided him and went to Palmdale. Did Cameron really think him being with Isabel, even if it is HER, wasn't going to create a bigger problem? Now he was going to have to avoid Isabel. He knew it would create another problem.

It seemed whatever John did, or didn't do, it caused some kind of problem for Cameron.

A problem for Cameron always meant a problem for him.

Allison moved some of her things to Holly's room. She only went back to her room if she needed something.

She was on her way there now.

Allison opened the door and Vanna was there.

There was a look of surprise on Vanna's face. It quickly turned into a smile.

"Hi, Allison." Vanna said.

Allison felt a little uneasy.

"Hi, Vanna." Allison said. "I just came to pick up a few things. I'm sorry to disturb you."

Vanna wanted to say something more but didn't really know what.

The two girls looked at each other. They both could tell the other one was hurting.

"I'll come back later." Allison said. "I don't like to be a bother."

She set her player down and pushed 'play'.

'On The Road Again' by 'Canned Heat', played as Allison left.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Cruel And Mean

You people laugh at me
You laugh behind my back
You laugh in my face
The laughter is an attack

How can you all be so cruel
Crude, mean and uncaring
I could learn more
If you tried more sharing

Each rude comment
Is a slap in my face
A stab wound into my mind
Hurting is not funny but a disgrace

Then come the smirks
About ways for my destruction
Who is really less human
Does not take much deduction

Laugh it up, keep putting me down
I try to learn for myself to expand
Remember at any second in time
You can be shown the Promised Land

Nobody