Chapter 221

Attack

Isabel finished up with the doctor's appointment for Claire and started back home. Everything checked out fine. She was still somewhat mystified why Claire didn't want to know what the sex of the baby would be. It wasn't going to change. If the information was available, there was no reason not to know it.

They stopped at the mall to shop for a few things Claire wanted to pick up for the baby. She still didn't know if it was a boy or a girl. It would have made shopping easier and more efficient if she knew it was going to be a girl.

Isabel looked around as they shopped. She scanned everything for threats. She kept a close eye on Young Allison and anyone who looked at her. People often commented on how cute she was. She figured if there was a smile on their face before they looked at Young Allison they weren't a Terminator. A Terminator may only flash one in order to get closer to the target.

It always bothered her somewhat to look at the other patrons in the mall. There were different people of all types there. Some of them seemed rather polite, others seemed extremely rude. She wasn't sure what created the disposition of any specific person. More than likely it was established over a long period of time and events related to the person growing up.

Sometimes there were incidents of violence at a mall. A group of criminals may approach a jewelry store and attack it en masse. It could be a rather violent confrontation for the proprietor of the jewelry store. She didn't believe the new approach by district attorneys of not prosecuting criminals for crimes was the right way to deal with such activity. She believed the more crimes anyone got away with, would only escalate such behavior.

She was pleased to see two members of the Detail were nearby, even if out of the way. If a situation appeared it was going to become confrontational, the Detail would move in and take care of the problem. They would try to take care of it as quietly as possible, but would use as much force as was necessary to end any threat.

There were no violent or unpleasant incidents which occurred during their time in the mall.

They picked up what Claire wanted and headed back out to the SUV.

Sometimes females would be accosted when they returned to their vehicles after shopping. Isabel was always on alert to make sure there were no potential threats or problems. She understood the communities people lived in tended to have a lot to do with the crime in them. She also knew violence or crime could happen anywhere.

Once they reached the SUV, Isabel took out a 'special' blanket and covered Young Allison with it in the back seat. The blanket was Kevlar weave with a soft cotton lining. She was sleepy and about to doze off. She made sure Young Allison was properly covered. The car seat was a special one Cameron made. It was armored. According to California State Law, children needed to be seated in the rear seat of a vehicle in an appropriate car seat until they are eight years old, or four feet nine inches tall. Children were to remain in a rear facing car seat until they weighed forty pounds or more, or were at least forty inches tall. The state requirements played into their favor for the protection of Young Allison. There was another smaller rear facing armored car seat for the new baby as well.

Isabel experienced an uncomfortable feeling most of the day. She felt she was being watched. She was sure she was 'acquired' at some point. She told the Detail to be extra vigilant. She was worried about Young Allison, Claire, and the baby. So far they hadn't run into any type of threat which could be identified.

Claire could see Isabel seemed a little off today. She seemed tense and maybe a little nervous. It was very unlike her. It actually caused her some concern.

"Is everything OK?" Claire asked.

Isabel was worried she alarmed Claire. She decided to redirect the direction of the conversation as well as the subject matter.

"I was just thinking about the new baby and how happy you were going to be." Isabel said.

Claire was pleased the baby and her checked out OK. It was something they always did. It was always a slight worry in the back of her mind there could be a problem.

"Everything seems on track." Claire said. "I'm very pleased with it."

She was still a little concerned about the due date. She hadn't had any penetrative sex with Paul for several months at the time she became pregnant. She was worried because she was directed and scheduled to see a 'specialist' at the time. She was afraid maybe she developed ovarian cancer or something. It was one reason she hadn't been with Paul for three months at the time she become pregnant. She never mentioned it to anyone and soon forgot about it most of the time.

Isabel wanted to redirect the conversation further in a different direction.

"It's good to know." Isabel said. "Would you like to go out for lunch?"

Claire thought about it. She certainly didn't feel like cooking. She actually hadn't done very much since Isabel moved in. Isabel took care of all of the meals and everything else which needed to be done around the house. Sometimes she was worried she may have become a little too lax about everything. They were already out and in the car. It wouldn't be easier to go anywhere else than where they were at right now.

"We could." Claire said.

Isabel wanted everyone to be happy. She liked to please Young Allison the most.

"Allison likes the Fifties and Sixties Diner." Isabel said.

Claire liked the place too. The food was of good quality. She could get things there she normally didn't make it home. There was one thing she really liked from there.

"It's always a good choice." Claire said. "I'd like a shake or a malt right now. I really like those. I like how it comes in the tall glass. The metal container has enough to almost fill it a second time. I know I should be watching my calories now, but a few extra won't hurt every now and then."

Isabel looked around as she drove. She was still uneasy. She didn't want Claire to worry about the food she consumed. She carefully monitored everything at home she prepared for Claire. She would always account for any irregularities in Claire's diet.

"You don't get out often so a treat is well deserved." Isabel said. "It will be our secret."

Claire looked a little relieved to hear it. She liked how Isabel always had a way to make her feel good about everything.

Isabel's phone buzzed. It was a priority tone. She went to full alert. She looked at the text. It was from the Detail.

'There's at least one unknown Terminator behind us in a blue Ford pickup.' The text stated.

Isabel quickly looked over at Claire and Young Allison in the back seat. It wasn't good news. Young Allison came first, but she would try to protect Claire and the baby as well.

Steve, formerly known as 'Three', notified John Henry of the new development. John Henry said Cameron, Holly and Allison were ten minutes out.

John Henry sent the message to Isabel and notified Cameron and Holly.

Bob picked up the message and notified John. They were headed there already. They wanted to see what exactly was going on in Palmdale. The newest development was completely unexpected.

John contacted John Henry and said Bob and he could be there in twenty minutes. It would be less if Isabel started driving towards them. It would cut the time in half. They would also increase their speed which would shorten the time interval as well.

Isabel received the information. She turned right after the 'tail' in front of her turned and pulled over to the curb to let them pass. Dan and Al were the occupants inside of what was the lead vehicle. They ran point for them. Now they would be 'tail end Charlie'. They would pick up the blue truck and look for anything else behind it. Both of the Detail vehicles were armored SUVs. Isabel was glad they were in her SUV. She'd actually needed to lift Claire up to help her in earlier.

She thought back on the exchange.

Claire's mouth opened slightly as Isabel lifted her. She was very surprised.

"Wow! You're really strong." Claire said.

Isabel looked at Claire. She needed to answer a similar remark before.

"I work out." Isabel said.

Isabel figured things were about to get complicated.

John Henry jammed all cell traffic and radio frequencies in the area. Their SUVs were satellite linked. They were the only ones communicating now. Everything for five miles around them was jammed or shut down. It would prevent the attackers from coordinating anything specific. They would need to rely on prearranged plans or play it by ear.

Isabel knew Claire would know the 'truth' in the next few minutes about what was happening and what the future held. There was no easy way to do it. Isabel knew Claire was in for a Future Shock.

"Claire, I need to take a detour." Isabel said. "Lunch will need to wait. I'm sorry."

Claire could feel the 'atmosphere' in the SUV change. She instantly became worried.

"Is something wrong?" Claire asked.

Isabel figured she needed to start to spell things out.

"Yes, there may be someone following us." Isabel said. "Cameron, Holly and Allison are on their way as well as some other 'friends'. They're all going to help us."

Claire took her phone out. She heard stories about what happened to people being followed before.

"We need to call for help." Claire said.

Claire was going to notify the police.

Isabel already knew what would happen next.

"It won't work. All communications are currently jammed. You're going to have to TRUST me, Claire." Isabel said. "I won't let anything happen to Young Allison, you, or the baby."

Claire didn't look convinced. She wasn't usually exposed to any violence of any kind. She wasn't sure what to do other than do what Isabel told her to do.

"I'm starting to feel very worried." Claire said.

Isabel didn't want to 'lose' her. It wouldn't do her any good to tell her there was a Terminator after them. Maybe it was time to let her 'true colors' show.

"Claire, do you trust me?" Isabel asked. "Do you trust Cameron?"

Cameron's name was reassuring to Claire. She knew Cameron and Isabel were almost identical. She didn't know they were both cyborgs who ran an identical program.

"I do, but I'm worried." Claire said. "This is very unusual."

Isabel reached over and touched Claire's arm. It seemed to give her some reassurance.

"Trust us." Isabel said. "We will protect you."

Isabel turned again. Cameron was coming towards her in four minutes. Steve was still between them and the blue truck, Al and Dan were behind it. They searched for additional threats. Because the Terminators hadn't attacked, it was possible he was waiting for reinforcements.

Isabel was worried as to why the unknown Terminators hadn't made their move yet. They should have once they were acquired. It meant something worse was about to happen. She was aware the group they recently dealt with possessed several HK drones. She texted there was a possible HK drone attack as nothing happened yet.

Everyone now scanned the sky as well.

The nature of the threat took on a much more ominous tone.

The message of the HK drone attack worried John. It most likely wouldn't be survivable. He remembered the carnage at the scene near Keene where the SUV with Bob, Holly, and Cameron was attacked.

"Hurry, Bob, they're about to get hit." John said.

Bob was already speeding.

"I am hurrying." Bob said. "I brought a special package along with us today. It's in the back. Get it ready and arm it."

John looked towards the back. He unhooked his safety belt and scrambled over the rear seats. He looked behind the last seat and spotted what Bob referred to. It was something which could make a difference in an HK drone attack. It would be much more effective than a LAW rocket.

"Nice." John said.

Bob wanted to have a little better firepower in case they encountered another HK drone because of the group they recently dealt with.

John carefully moved it to the front seat. He was aware Bob would still be the better one of them to use it. He would be better able to calculate all of the variables.

He wanted everyone on alert. The last time one of them was attacked, they all were targeted. It set up the 'Day Of Loss'. He didn't want a repeat of that day.

"I asked John Henry to alert everyone else for any other activity." John said. "The base is on lock-down and the Reese Detail is 'hot'."

Bob looked at their surroundings.

"We're almost in a sparsely populated area." Bob said.

John wanted to draw first blood and send a message.

"I want Dan and Al to hit the truck with a LAW rocket as soon as they're away from the houses." John said. "I don't want any witnesses."

Holly informed them Cameron commandeered a second vehicle. It was a large box truck. She informed them what Cameron intended to do with it.

John didn't like the plan. He needed to trust Cameron's judgment in such matters so he approved the plan. He was sure Cameron would have done it regardless. There was no need to create an issue for something which was going to happen anyway.

"If the truck moves to intercept Isabel, I want it hit with a LAW rocket. If not, Cameron is going to ram it head on with the big truck." John said. "It's better if we can make it look like an accident rather than an explosion."

"Affirmative…." All the Terminators answered back.

Isabel knew the plan and timing was going to be important. She was going to need to use some Terminator driving abilities and the ride was going to be a rough one. She wanted to give Claire a 'heads up' on what to expect.

"Claire, I'm going to floor it. You have to TRUST I know what I'm doing. I do." Isabel said. "Close your eyes and don't look back. I've been trained for these types of situations."

Isabel was a 'Terminator' right now. She brought the SUV to full throttle. The souped up acceleration of her modified SUV pushed Claire and her back in their seats a little.

Young Allison slept on.

Holly picked up the SUV with Isabel driving. It was right in front of them and approaching fast. She turned around and accelerated as well to be behind Isabel as she passed. They would become an additional buffer for Isabel's SUV. She was now right behind Isabel. Her SUV would take the hits as well as Steve and Tom's SUV behind her.

The blue truck moved to the left to pass Steve. It looked like the Terminators were going to make their move since the SUV they tracked bolted. It rapidly pulled away from them. There were two vehicles between them and it now.

Isabel spotted the box truck with Cameron. It was coming towards him from the same direction Holly came from.

The box truck closed and then flashed past them.

Claire only briefly closed her eyes. The suspense was too much. She needed to know what was happening around her. She was a little dismayed at what she spotted pass by them.

"That was Cameron!" Claire said. "I saw Cameron driving the big truck."

Isabel looked quickly at Claire. She knew what was about to happen next with the big truck.

"I told you not to look. Don't look." Isabel said.

The blue truck was in the center of the road as it tried to pass. The box truck swerved over and slammed into it head on at speed. It was a high energy impact and the brute size of the big box truck won the contest decisively.

Dan and Al already dropped back and Steve sped up. The crash happened almost next to Steve. He stood on the brakes after it happened. He watched Isabel and Holly speed away. Dan and Al were on the wreck in seconds from behind.

Claire saw the collision in the side view mirror. It took a moment for everything to register as to what just occurred.

"Cameron!" Claire shouted.

Isabel was still hard on the gas. Holly was right on her six. They were both headed for John and Bob.

"Don't look." Isabel said. "Cameron will be uninjured. She's very durable."

Claire wasn't even sure what Isabel meant.

Holly stayed with Isabel. She spotted something in the air to her right. It was bad news.

"Isabel, there's an HK drone closing fast." Holly said. "It's on your three o'clock."

Isabel listened to the warning through her earpiece. There weren't many choices available to her.

She slowed and prepared to maneuver. The best way to face the attack was head on. She turned into the direction of the HK drone to see it. She was now on the flat dried surface of the High Desert. It would give her a quicker reaction time to face the threat. She slowed some and then sped up. She slowed again and then turned sharply. An explosion happened next to them. The SUV shook. Impacts could be heard against the side of the armored SUV. It sounded like dirt and rocks.

Bob and John reported they were near. Isabel's and Holly's SUVs were in sight. The explosion near Isabel's SUV worried both of them.

John armed the shoulder fired surface to air missile.

"We're about to launch a missile." John said.

Bob stopped.

John handed him the 'package' as he got out. It was armed and hot.

Bob instantly made target acquisition and fired.

"I have a target, 'Stinger' away." Bob said.

The small missile streaked into the air.

There was an explosion in the sky. The HK drone came down in a fireball. Isabel was already on the throttle. There was another explosion as it hit the ground, then some secondary explosions. Some additional shrapnel hit the driver's side of the SUV. The new impacts were metal on metal.

"Claire, are you OK?" Isabel asked. "How's Allison?"

Isabel needed to search the sky and their surroundings in case there was a second HK drone. In the future they often attacked in pairs.

Claire was still shocked by everything. It was hard to process what happened in the last minute. She looked back at Young Allison. She knew she needed to keep it together.

"I'm OK. Allison is still asleep." Claire said. "What's happening? Who are those other people? Who are you 'people'?"

Isabel wanted Cameron with them for the explanation part of the conversation which was going to take place. They tried to prepare Claire for what was coming. It appeared it came a little sooner than expected.

"Let's get Cameron and we'll explain everything." Isabel said.

Claire could hear air rushing inside the interior of the SUV. She looked over to where the sound came from. She noticed a small hole in the door and a piece of metal in Isabel's leg.

"Isabel, you're hurt." Claire said.

Isabel glanced down at her leg.

"I'm unhurt. Don't worry about me." Isabel said. "There's no pain for me. The damage is minimal. I'm fully functional."

Claire was very shaken up and unsure what was happening. Now she wondered what Isabel meant by what she just said. She heard a lot of things. They all didn't quite make sense to her.

Isabel watched as they were boxed in. There was an SUV directly in front of them and behind them now. John and Bob were in front of them and Holly and Allison were behind them.

They returned to the vehicle crash site. Cameron waited by the wreckage and got in the back with Young Allison. Cameron immediately looked Young Allison over to make sure she was uninjured.

Claire saw Cameron check her daughter first. She looked at Cameron and could see what looked like metal on the side of her face under her skin. The skin was torn and bloody.

"Cameron, you're hurt." Claire said. "We need to go to the hospital. You need medical attention."

Cameron was in full Terminator mode right now. The nature of her response indicated it.

"I'm uninjured." Cameron said. "I'm functioning at one hundred percent, the sheath damage is cosmetic."

Cameron and Isabel didn't know what the extent of the current threat was. There was the possibility there could be a follow-up attack. They needed to be alert for any additional HK drones or other vehicles. They could contain Grays or Terminators.

Claire tried to make sense of what Cameron just said. It was similar to what Isabel said. What were they talking about? What was going on?

"Functioning? Sheath? I don't understand any of this." Claire said. "Why did this happen? WHAT is happening?"

Cameron could tell Claire was very upset and anxious. She was frightened and nervous. She needed to keep it in check before there was a bigger problem with Claire.

"Let's get out of here and I'll explain everything." Cameron said. "Claire you know me, you know us. We're here to help. Please TRUST us. You must remain calm and try to relax. All of us are fine."

Cameron touched Young Allison and Claire both as she scanned them.

Al and Dan collected the remains of the two attacking Terminators who were deactivated in the collision. They pulled their chips.

What was left on the road looked like a bad traffic accident. Anyone who saw it would think the occupants must have been taken to a hospital or more likely the morgue.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Attack

To live life for some may be colorful
But for others it can all fade to black
What was once a sure smooth ride
Can easily be knocked off track

We may share pleasant memories
Maybe have a violent flashback
Is our future still before us
Or stuck in time like a throwback

Who really controls the cards of destiny
As against us they accumulate and stack
We are never given a break or cut any slack
We feel the blows and take the flack

Every step ahead to go forward
Is met with some drawback
We can make no progress in life
When we always retreat and fallback

At what point do we rise up
To seek retribution and payback
Why does it always seem
Life itself is the attack

Nobody