Chapter 228

Give Summer Back

John and his team were about to arrive at the location of the temporal incursions. The area was under surveillance from a drone which landed for the same purpose. It currently had a missile locked up on the spot of the temporal incursions. The minigun was ready to fire.

He needed to keep in mind the energy bubble appeared in the same spot multiple times. It could be a trick to have them look in the wrong direction when the real threat materialized. It was something to think about anyway. They didn't know who was behind it or what the purpose of it was.

John Henry kept them updated on everything that happened, even as they arrived. They were armed and ready. John went over what he wanted one more time. He still needed to worry about being set up.

"We have no idea what's going on here." John said. "We're here now. It's where we start. If someone wanted to draw us out, they've accomplished their goal. We faced a similar situation recently with the HK drone near Tehachapi. The nature of this event seems to be different. What do we actually know?"

Jesse ran down what they discussed on the way there.

"We only know someone, or something, from the future, 'a future', is doing something or trying to do it." Jesse said. "The other choice is, it's someone from the past, which still means the future is involved somehow. Either way we don't know what it is. We do know it's related to the future, even if we don't know which one."

John felt any temporal incursion was a threat of some type. It usually meant someone was there to change or alter something. It would always have some effect on the future. If it was Skynet related, it would have a negative effect. They also didn't want to run into the anti-Metal group. They might be looking to assassinate him. It was a valid fear of Cameron's

"It is usually not good either." John said. "If it's a Terminator, we take it down. We will try to use our modified Tasers. If not, open up on it. If it's a human, we try to take them alive. I'm counting on Gail and Bob to do it. We can use the Tasers on them as well. It will be a heavy stun for a human. They may or may not make it."

Bob stood ready with the Coltan loaded M60. Gail carried an M79 with acid rounds. They both carried Thermite grenades as well. If they ran into a Liquid Metal Terminator, they would need to use those weapons to disable it.

Gail wanted to address what she felt was the biggest threat to Cameron specifically. It applied to John as well.

"Jesse knows what to do if it's the anti-Metal group." Gail said.

John and Jesse quickly looked at each other. He wondered what Gail thought they were going to do. He shrugged his shoulders. Jesse blew him a kiss. When she did, her right breast popped out of her top. He couldn't help but look at her jewelry. The ring glinted in the sun and made it even more prominent and outstanding.

He couldn't help but slightly suck in his breath as he looked at it. It was clear she was in no hurry to tuck everything back into her top. He watched as she casually reached up and centered the captive bead on the ring as she looked at him. He would have liked to have been the one to do it. He needed to refocus. They didn't know what level of danger they faced from the enemy. He wasn't sure what level of 'danger' he faced from Jesse.

They were unsure how long they would need to wait. There was no set timetable to the incursions. They were sure it was by design.

It turned out the wait was much shorter than anticipated.

Bob detected a change in the area in front of him.

"Here it comes again." Bob said.

John checked his weapons.

"Everyone get ready." John said.

Everyone on the team's weapons were hot.

Derek and Kyle were able to pull a recon mission off of John Henry. John and Cameron were both out, so it made it easier. The Terminators were mostly on operations or assignments already. It wasn't too hard of a sell.

"Come on, John Henry." Derek said. "The others are tied up and we're available."

John Henry didn't think Cameron should be babysitting. It tied up valuable resources. He didn't want to make decisions which countered her policy.

"I don't know about this." John Henry said. "I don't need any flak."

Kyle wanted to get out. It didn't seem like a big deal to him.

"There's nothing to know." Kyle said. "There are things to be done. Someone needs to do them. We're available."

John Henry recently tracked down a few leads. He hadn't taken any action on them yet. They didn't seem to be top priority targets. They would probably pose less of a threat. They did need to be investigated.

"I do have a few targets." John Henry said. "I can send Jim."

Derek didn't want the opportunity to slip away.

"Jim can go with us." Derek said. "We hang out as it is."

Kyle knew Jim was always there for them whenever they needed to go out. A recon mission should be no different. He decided to play it up a little.

"It's a great idea, John Henry." Kyle said. "Jim can accompany us. It will give us better security. Thank you."

John Henry reluctantly contacted Jim and ran it by him. Jim said he was onboard. They discussed what needed to be taken care of. He still didn't think it was a good idea to involve the Reese brothers. When he thought about where Cameron was actually at again, it made his decision easier. Cameron didn't need to be a babysitter.

"Jim will meet you in the carpool in five minutes." John Henry said. "Use caution. I don't want this to come back and bite me. You know the rules. If you violate them repeatedly, as you often do, you'll both end up as babysitters like Cameron is now."

Derek and Kyle looked at each other. It was great news as far as they were concerned. They weren't so sure about the babysitter reference. They were sure John Henry misinterpreted Cameron's actions at the Young residence in Palmdale.

"Thanks, John Henry." They both said and left.

They hurried to collect their gear. They needed to get out and get away from the base before anyone changed their mind. There was still one obstacle they needed to overcome.

"Now comes the hard part." Kyle said.

Derek nodded.

"We each need to face the boss now." Derek said.

They didn't look forward to the interaction with Riley and Sarah. It was worse than dealing with John and Cameron. Whenever the discussion went in the wrong direction, it could lead to negative results in the bedroom at a later date. It was what it was. There was a job to be done and someone needed to do it.

They split up and went to their rooms.

Kyle opened the door. Sarah was there with Jan. He decided to keep the facts to a minimum.

"Hi." Kyle said to both of them. "I pulled a recon with Jim. I need to get my gear."

Sarah didn't look pleased. She left Jan and went to assist him.

It wasn't what Kyle expected. He was sure things were going to heat up.

Sarah didn't like Kyle to risk himself more than she wanted anyone to risk themselves. She understood the enemy needed to be dealt with.

"I know everyone is out." Sarah said. "Use caution and remember Jan and I are here. Don't get carried away. Try to get home before dinner."

Kyle was pleasantly surprised with Sarah's attitude. She knew as well as anyone from the future did what it was like. He got all of his gear and gave Sarah a kiss.

"Thanks." Kyle said. "We'll keep it cool. I'm not looking to get shot at. I want to hurt the enemy, I don't want the enemy to hurt me."

They both were aware recon and surveillance missions could go hot at any time.

Kyle gave both Jan and Sarah a hug and left.

Jan watched her father go. He carried guns with him as well as other things. She knew what it meant.

"When will Daddy come back?" Jan asked.

Sarah tried to keep it simple. She didn't try to sugar coat anything, but she didn't get too descriptive.

"It will be soon, honey." Sarah said.

Jan frowned slightly. It seemed to be something which occurred quite frequently. It wasn't just with her father either. It was all of the people around her. Sometimes it was even her mother. It worried her some to know her mother was more deeply involved with the 'bad people' previously. She didn't like the 'bad people' who tried to hurt her mother and her brother.

"Is it the bad people again?" Jan asked.

Sarah didn't think 'bad' qualified as the proper way to describe Skynet. Everything related to Skynet was much worse than 'bad'. It was still an accurate description.

"I'm afraid so." Sarah said. "There seem to be a lot of them."

Jan paid attention to what went on around her. Savannah showed her where to go to find out what was happening and remain out of sight. Savannah always told her it was like an infiltration mission. The goal was to remain undetected while gathering intelligence. She really liked being around Savannah. She was the only other young person around there. She looked up to Cameron. They told her Cameron was her sister-in-law. She really didn't know what it meant. She knew Cameron was a warrior. It was the only thing she needed to know.

"Cameron will help take care of them when she gets back." Jan said. "She always does."

Sarah thought about it. Cameron was often in the thick of it.

"I think she will." Sarah said. "Let's go study now."

Jan looked at the door her father left from and followed her mother. She understood how things worked around their home. The Resistance base was the only home she ever knew. It seemed like a nice place and there were a lot of cool things to look at.

Kyle thought he got off easy with Sarah. Normally it was a bigger hassle to get away. He wondered what was different. There must be something he didn't know about.

He spotted Derek exit from his room.

"How did it go?" Kyle asked.

Derek looked around.

"Smooth." Derek said. "Riley was out. What about you?"

Kyle couldn't complain. He thought about it all a little more. He was unable to reach any conclusions as to why.

"It went easier than I thought." Kyle said. "Let's get moving before anyone changes their mind."

Derek and Kyle both possessed their personal weapons which they like to use on every operation. They were usually kept in their quarters in case something developed when they were asleep or in their room.

"We need to keep a second set of gear in the armory." Derek said. "I know it's not the same, but a backup set might be the way to go to avoid some of the issues."

Each of the vehicles contained four vests and weapons for four people. It was in case someone was on the way to the store, or a park, and something developed. They could be armed quickly and protected.

They did like to use their personal gear. They were comfortable with it and knew everything inside and out. It never hurt to have a backup for anything.

They exited into the carpool area.

Derek hoped Riley wouldn't be waiting out there for him. He didn't know what would be worse if she was. She might try to stop him, or she might want to go along. She wasn't. It was a good thing.

Jim pulled up with the SUV and they got in. Derek sat in the front and Kyle climbed in the back.

Jim looked over at both of them.

"Remember this is a recon." Jim said. "Let's try to keep it that way."

Kyle didn't want to cause any problems.

"You know us." Kyle said. "We don't go looking for trouble."

Jim knew it wasn't entirely correct.

"Trouble seems to have a way to find us." Jim said.

Everyone hoped it would be a simple recon. None of them doubted it wouldn't be.

Cameron watched as Claire took care of the tiny infant. Summer was so small and helpless, she was so beautiful.

"Cameron, can you hold Summer for a while?" Claire asked. "I'd like you to take her from me."

Cameron's face instantly lit up and she smiled.

"Yes! Thank You." Cameron said as she looked into Claire's eyes. "Thank You, Claire."

The feeling of it all overwhelmed her. Cameron was transfixed. She felt something 'happen' inside of her. She wasn't sure what it was, or how to describe it. It was just something inside of her.

Claire let Cameron hold Summer. It was a mistake. She told Cameron she could take her.

Now Cameron held Summer. She wasn't going to give her back. Claire gave Summer to her. Summer was hers now. Summer belonged to her. She didn't steal Summer. Claire GAVE Summer to her.

Holly watched the interaction with Claire and Cameron. She interacted with Cameron's program enough times in the past to know what was about to happen…. It was a problem of the worst magnitude that was about to develop. She moved up to Cameron. She knew she needed to act now before things got worse. She spoke in a low decibel tone only another Terminator could hear.

"Cameron, give Summer back to Claire." Holly said. "Give Summer back to her mother."

Cameron looked up at Holly. She looked confused.

As Holly watched, Cameron's eyes started to turn red.

Cameron became agitated. She felt Summer belonged to her now. It seemed Holly wanted to take Summer away from her.

Holly could see things were about to go from bad to worse.

"Cameron, I'm not on your chip. You need to listen to me now." Holly said. "I need you to review your files for the last few days. You need to do the right thing. This isn't about winning right now. You need to look deeper."

Cameron decided to keep Summer. She wasn't going to give her back. Summer was HERS. Claire GAVE Summer to her.

Cameron turned. She put her body between Holly and Summer. She went into a protective or defensive mode.

Holly knew she needed to stand firm now. She needed to think. She wished Savannah would be there right now. She knew Savannah could always reach Cameron. Maybe Savannah was the key to make Cameron think.

"Cameron, Summer needs her mother NOW." Holly said. "Give Summer back to Claire, her MOTHER. What would Savannah want you to do right now? I know you don't want to disappoint Savannah."

Cameron looked even more confused. Savannah was very precious to her. Savannah loved her. Savannah never gave up on her. She knew Savannah would always make the right choice.

Cameron slowly regained control. She increased her efforts at breaking the encryption codes and designing the chip for the human interface. She thought of her next drug and gang targets. She planned to expand her own clandestine operation. She did everything she could to divert her mind from losing control. Most of all, she didn't want to disappoint Savannah. Slowly she came back to reality. She looked around, she looked embarrassed. Thankful Holly stopped her from 'slipping'.

"Thank you, Holly." Cameron said as she handed Summer back to Claire.

Claire wasn't sure what just happened. She could tell something did by the look on Cameron's face. Somehow Holly communicated with her about something. It looked like things were somewhat resolved now. She felt sorry for Cameron. She knew the hurt Cameron must feel inside. She believed there was a way to do something for Cameron. She knew her body was productive. She needed to talk to John about it…. If he was willing, she would be, 'for Cameron'. Claire was aware she was hopelessly in love with Cameron.

Holly wanted to do something to help Cameron. There were methods used where it previously was done with her clones.

"Cameron, I think we need to interface and load my program with your program again." Holly whispered.

It was all a low volume conversation which only Cameron could hear.

Cameron didn't want anyone else in her head. She saw it as more trouble.

"No. Only John Henry has been on this chip. I don't wish for anyone else to be on it." Cameron answered back the same way. "I have enough 'voices' in my head already. I can't stand anymore."

Cameron thought of the flashbacks from her time trapped with the live electrical wire in contact with her. It was where her 'nightmares' were born or originated from. The majority of the images were terrible. She still didn't know where they came from. To think they originated from her own mind only disgusted her further.

Holly took Cameron's hand.

"You know me, Cameron." Holly said. "I won't hurt you or stop you. I'll however help you, if you allow it."

Cameron could see it all, but she couldn't control it all.

"I know, Holly. I know." Cameron said. "I feel so bad inside. I can't escape the past or the future. Both of them are killing me. Everything I do or don't do is KILLING me."

It seemed Cameron was unable to change what she wanted changed or escape the demons which haunted her.

Allison was with Young Allison. She witnessed the whole exchange. She could see what happened, even if she couldn't hear it. She was worried for her mother and father. If Cameron decided to 'take' Young Allison and Summer, Nobody could stop her. Cameron would terminate her parents to do it.

She understood there were forces at play. Nobody could control them. There were some things she could control. Duplicate Allison proved it.

Allison decided right there she needed to have a baby and give it to Cameron. She didn't look forward to being a mother, but her body could do what Cameron's body couldn't. Her body could produce offspring. She would tell Cameron what she planned and why. She knew Cameron would insist John and her mate in the traditional manner. She knew the 'act' would be over quick. It always was in the past, the future. She wasn't opposed to the idea itself. She only worried how it would affect Cameron.

It wasn't like she would try and steal John, or even be seen as 'cheating'. She would actually save three lives. It would save her parents and it would save Cameron, while a new life was created. She would make it known to Cameron the moment the baby left her body, it would be Cameron's. She would simply act as a wet nurse. The child would be for Cameron and John. Not only would having a child with John protect him and the future. It would now save her parent's lives as well. There was nothing left to think about. There was only action to take.

Allison's heart pounded behind her breast. It was all a heavy 'trip' for her.

She was scared to death….

Holly tried to keep Cameron calm. She noticed Allison looked pale and afraid.

"Allison, what's wrong?" Holly asked as she lifted her hand to Allison's neck.

Allison didn't want to talk about it. She lied.

"Nothing…." Allison said. "I'm fine."

Holly detected the lie instantly. She wanted to help Allison.

"That's not true." Holly said. "Tell me the truth."

'Great.' Allison thought.

Her two best girlfriends were walking lie detectors. She felt it was a just concern and Holly should help her.

"I saw Cameron…." Allison said. "I'm worried about my parents. I know what can happen if things go wrong."

Holly believed the 'problem' would become worse.

"It was unfortunate…." Holly said. "I saw what happened as well. Cameron can't be controlled much longer. She's going to 'take' Summer."

Allison felt she could offer a solution. It seemed like the only solution. She didn't know what else would work. She actually didn't know if anything would work. It didn't matter. She still needed to try.

"Holly, I want to have a baby and give it to Cameron." Allison blurted out.

Holly looked like she was slapped. She felt as if a truck ran over her. She saw this as the first step to Allison being in John's bed permanently. It was her turn to lie. She put on a brave face.

"I think it's wonderful news." Holly said.

Holly was afraid even more now. Allison could be with Vanna and Jesse as they were part of her 'sexual life' before her. Now a male would be introduced. She knew what Cameron wanted and how she wanted things done. Allison would be in John's bed. Cameron would be at his side with Vanna and sometimes Jesse.

Where would it leave her? Holly sadly wondered.

She was only ever with Allison. She never shared with anyone else. Allison wanted her to be with Vanna and her. Maybe it was something she should have done. She wanted to but she didn't. She told Allison she only wanted to be with her. Allison was her world. True, she pretended a few times Allison was 'Cameron', but Allison told her it was OK first. Allison said she knew both Vanna and Jesse did it. It made Allison feel a little upset, but also honored to be thought of as 'Cameron'. Like everyone else, Allison told Holly she also wanted to be with Cameron, as Cameron….

Who didn't?

'For What It's Worth' by 'Buffalo Springfield', played in Holly's mind.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Blind Leading The Blind

We know how all events soon end
Relationships that once fit snugly
Always fall violently apart
Everything turns bitter and ugly

The ones we once
Wanted to share a bed
Could really care less
If we now end up dead

It's never to interfere
For interfering's sake
It's to try to only remind one
Some things are more than we can take

It matters not the path taken
For we are now at the same destination
Looking for any hope or some salvation
Living misery and endless frustration

I'm trying to deflect or absorb
The blows you may yet suffer
Every one new, same as the last
We grow weaker not tougher

Your actions or inactions
Prompt my feelings to react
PLEASE always talk it over with me
For never is anything meant as an attack

To give you a reassuring, true feeling hug
One day maybe you will give me the same back
You are so much more, especially to me
Than a few meaningless minutes in the sack

Nobody