Chapter 253

Stop Trying

Sarah stood before John. They 'discussed' some issues about Cameron. Sarah didn't try to be rude or offensive to John or Cameron. She was only concerned.

"I read the after incident report." Sarah said. "It seems as if you experience a close one."

John already heard it from Cameron. He didn't need to hear it from his mother too.

"Everything worked out fine." John said. "One of the Metal girls took the rounds meant for me."

Sarah was troubled by both events.

"You didn't know it was a Metal girl." Sarah said. "It should be another issue to cause you some concern."

John didn't think so. The Metal girls were infiltrators. He believed they accomplished their mission very successfully.

"They were there for me." John said. "It's the only thing which matters in the end."

Sarah thought 'the end' should be something he thought about more often. It could come at any time. It could come at any time for any of them.

"What's Cameron actually doing?" Sarah asked.

John knew where the conversation was headed. It wasn't the first time it was conducted.

"I honestly don't know. I do trust her." John said. "You know I do."

Sarah saw it as a deeper issue than trust. Things could go wrong inside Cameron.

"We all do, John. I'm worried because she experienced some 'problems' in the past." Sarah said. "You KNOW this."

John didn't feel anything was on him. He felt it came back to them. It seemed to him the troubles which tended to radiate from Cameron were created by others, including him. It wasn't a singular individual. He wanted to give his mother a reminder.

"I know, Mom." John said. "Most of them were created and perpetuated by us. There were a lot of things done to her which were unnecessary in the way she was treated. I'm guilty too."

Sarah understood John pointed the finger at her. She felt some guilt and remorse over it as well. Things should have been handled differently. She read Cameron's poems. She was ashamed of some of the things she said to Cameron. She tried to tell herself, based on past experience, her treatment was justified. She knew it wasn't. Cameron was a different individual from any Terminator she encountered before. Terminators weren't all the same, just like people weren't.

"I feel bad about all it too, John." Sarah said. "I really do. I regret how I treated Cameron at times, the things I said to her, or how I made her feel."

John saw the culmination of all of it as Cameron attempted to face the danger on her own, and take all the risks. She believed she didn't matter. He didn't think she felt the same way all the time. He did think it was a lot of the time.

The events surrounding Duplicate Cameron seemed to trouble Cameron greatly. He wasn't sure how much of what she currently did was driven by those events. He tried to explain to her on multiple occasions she wasn't responsible for what Duplicate Cameron did. She always told him it didn't matter. She would have done exactly the same thing. Duplicate Cameron was her, even if it wasn't.

"I'll talk to John Henry." John said. "You know she's doing it to protect me and the girls. Cameron can't forgive herself for what happened to them."

Sarah figured as long as Cameron and the girls were back, everything should be good now. Cameron herself wasn't responsible for what happened to the Duplicates.

"It wasn't her fault." Sarah said. "Besides, it all worked out in the end."

John didn't believe Cameron saw it the same way. There was one thing which wasn't 'fixed'. He could tell it was something Cameron wasn't going to let go of.

"It did work out, except for the baby." John said. "I know Cameron. She can't let it rest. She will try to 'fix' it."

Sarah wondered what Cameron would actually do. In order to retrieve the baby, she would need to retrieve Allison as well. She could picture two 'Allisons'. How would it play out going forward?

"Do we wind up with two Allisons then if Cameron goes back after her?" Sarah asked.

John knew Cameron wanted the baby. She wanted it for herself. He didn't want to think about how she would take it away from Duplicate Allison.

"I don't know what she'll do. I just know she's going back for the baby." John said. "Nothing will stop her, you know it."

Sarah thought maybe John could do something to help out. She actually wondered what he was waiting for.

"John, why don't you stop her?" Sarah said.

John doubted anyone could stop Cameron. He wasn't about to pull her chip and deactivate her.

"How?" John asked.

It seemed simple enough to Sarah. John, and one or more of the girls could 'share' with each other. There were several ways to do it. She actually didn't think it would hurt to knock off a quickie. With a new partner, things would probably be over in the first thirty seconds. It was all which would be necessary, Mission Accomplished.

"Make a deal. Make her promise to stop trying." Sarah said. "Do what was done before and create another one, another child. Do it any way you choose. Cameron has already 'approved' everything. Everyone knows what she wants, everyone. I think you're in a unique position for a number of reasons."

Sarah didn't think many males would turn down willing females, especially if they were beautiful. It was just the way things worked.

John would really like to knock one off with all three of them. If Cameron decided to throw Riley into the mix, he wouldn't complain. He would rather it be Riley than have Cameron push on Savannah any harder. There was another issue which would need to be dealt with. He knew babies were a lot of work.

"I don't know, Mom, it's a lot of responsibility and commitment." John said.

Sarah could see everyone was on the same page except John.

"John, Allison and Cameron are ready." Sarah said. "Listen to Cameron for once."

John only saw it as the root of bigger problems or issues in the future.

"I'll think about it." John said.

Sarah wanted to take some of the tension away from the Resistance base.

"You're going to need to do a little more than think." Sarah said. "There's more than one person depending upon you. Don't forget, other people matter too."

John wondered about it, maybe it was time to try again. Cameron was going to make it happen somehow, he was sure of it. He was also sure if he was with one of the girls physically, Cameron would 'melt down' again. Maybe it was best to ask her for a 'window' of the female SHE chose, and provide the genetic material needed. It was how it was done before. He certainly experienced plenty of practice during the times of Cameron's extended absences. He knew Cameron would want something different. She would want it to be more. As much as he did too, he just thought it was a bad idea

He decided if Cameron pushed him again to use the 'traditional method', he would. He wanted a condition added to it first. He would use the traditional method, ONLY if Cameron established a physical relationship with the girl first. Next time she leaned on him, he would tell her it to her face. He knew if Cameron did enter into a physical relationship with one of the girls, it wouldn't cause Cameron as much grief. He believed Cameron would love the girl almost as much as she did him.

He then wondered what would happen if Cameron ended up loving the girl 'more than him'? He was unsure what to do to help, but not hurt Cameron. He didn't want to get left out in the cold either. Once his 'job' was done, Cameron might focus all of her attention on the pregnant girl and shun him. She was good at obsessing.

Cameron left the Metal girls at her base. She told them earlier they could spend as much time as they wanted together. She did remind them before she left there were certain things they needed to accomplish as well. She still needed to get her TDE constructed.

She drove to Palmdale and arrived at the Young residence.

Holly greeted her at the door. She never looked pleased to see Cameron.

Allison took Cameron off to the side. She faced Cameron.

"Cameron, I think I'm ready." Allison said.

Cameron smiled. It was what she wanted to hear. She wanted to push her agenda as well.

"I know you are." Cameron said. "You know how I want it done."

Guilt flooded Allison just thinking about it. She loved Cameron dearly. She couldn't 'cheat' on her, even if Cameron wanted her to do so. She knew if John and her were together, it would be about love. It wouldn't be 'breeding sex'. She wanted to spell it out to Cameron again.

"I do know. I can't do it to you, no matter how much you want me too." Allison said. "I'll do so in the future when I have to, to protect John. You know I promised I will. I can't make love to your husband. You know it would be love and not sex."

Cameron did know when the 'unions' came, they would be love, not sex. It's what she worked so hard to achieve. What she wanted for John and the girls was 'real love' with 'real people'. It's what would best protect John going forward. It was what her mission was all about.

She tried to tell herself it was how it needed to be. She hid her hand as it began to glitch. Her mission and her personal desires were two different things, even if they were intertwined. It was a lot for her to take in.

Claire walked by. She watched Cameron and Allison interact from the hallway earlier.

"Are you girls scheming again?" Claire asked.

Cameron looked guilty.

Allison looked frustrated.

"Yes." Allison said at the same time Cameron said: "No."

Claire laughed.

"I can see I was right. I need to check on Summer." Claire said as she left.

Claire heard what they were discussing. She also knew 'a mother knows best'. If Allison wouldn't 'do it' for Cameron, she would. There was nothing she wouldn't do for Cameron, except give up her girls. She would 'have' one for Cameron, but not give up Her Allison or Summer.

She later passed by Cameron. She moved very close to her.

"If Allison won't, I will, If YOU are there with us, the three of us." Claire whispered. "Think it over. I'm ready when you are."

Claire disappeared as quickly as she appeared.

Cameron was left staring where Claire just was.

She knew the beautiful children Claire produced. Claire was only a few years older than Allison. She was younger than Jesse and Vanna. It opened up a lot of possibilities. There was more than one way Claire's body could be put to productive use.

Cameron obtained a new 'target'. She then wondered if she hadn't become someone else's 'target' herself. It seemed as if the hunter was now the hunted. She was used to pulling the strings on people, not having them pulled on her.

Either way, Cameron would do what was necessary to 'have' John's baby. Her chassis could be used as an incentive or a bargaining chip. She was ready to expand her sexual horizons. She did observe one thing on a daily basis. The girls were generally always much happier and content with each other, than what she saw in traditional relationships. She at least needed to try it to find out. She always thought it would be Vanna. Claire was clearly willing to take cuts. She would allow her to do so.

Cameron sought out Holly.

"Let's go for a walk." Cameron said. "We can patrol."

Holly didn't like it. It would be something about Allison. It was bad enough she needed to share with Vanna. It always bothered her. She was always reminded of her place. It was second place. Well, it wasn't always second place. When Jesse visited, it was third place.

Cameron could see Holly's apprehension. She found it somewhat irritating. She decided to get straight to the point.

"Allison is ready to have a baby." Cameron said.

Here it comes, Holly thought. She recently went through everything with Allison. It wasn't what she wanted, even if she knew it was what was necessary.

"I know." Holly said. "We've talked about it."

Cameron expected her to say more.

"And?" Cameron asked.

Holly looked at Cameron and spoke frankly. She hoped she wouldn't be deactivated for it. Allison always told her to speak her mind.

"I don't like it." Holly said. "It's one more thing to take Allison away from me."

Cameron didn't want Holly to be caught in the same 'trap' she fell into. Holly's primary function wasn't to be Allison's lover. It was a side benefit, or byproduct, which they could enjoy with each other. She wanted to stick with the facts. The facts often weren't kind.

"It's your function to protect her. I've failed many times myself to protect John." Cameron said. "It's easy to let our feelings interfere with our duty. I regret my many mistakes. I don't want you to experience the same thing. You need to keep everything focused. I can speak from my failures."

Holly wanted to know how far things would go. It seemed there were certain things which would need to take place.

"Will she need to move in with John?" Holly asked.

Cameron didn't see the need for it yet. She wanted to give them several options.

"No, you and her may decide where you wish to stay. It can be here, or at either base." Cameron said. "I can assign Ally, Hanna or Sheila to assist you here, if it's what you desire."

Cameron thought about giving them another option to live on their own. Somehow it didn't seem like a good idea. She wouldn't have as much control if they were at a separate location.

Holly didn't want any of the other female Terminators, except maybe Ally. She saw Sheila and Hanna as a potential threat to her relationship with Allison. She was afraid Allison may even try to pretend Ally was 'Cameron' for an 'encounter'. She'd thought of the same thing herself even. She didn't want to make a commitment to anything.

"I don't know." Holly said.

Cameron stopped walking and faced Holly. She was very dissatisfied with her attitude. Holly's response needed to be worked on. It was time to give Holly a reminder.

"Everyone sacrifices for John Connor." Cameron said.

Holly wanted things to remain the way they were. There was enough competition already. She felt she already sacrificed a lot.

"Apparently." Holly said.

Holly walked silently back with Cameron, her left hand glitched slightly.

Cameron noticed but said nothing. She understood the pain Holly felt…. She silently took Holly's hand as they walked, the glitch soon stopped. She gave Holly's hand a gentle squeeze.

Holly loved Cameron. She loved Allison too. She also cared deeply about John. No, she didn't care deeply about him, she loved him. It was all hard on her. In the end she knew her purpose and duty. She would need to sacrifice some more.

Cameron left the Young residence. She thought she made everything clear to everyone. She was pleasantly surprised with one thing. Claire's proposal was a wild card. It was clear Claire would to do what Allison, Vanna, and Jesse weren't willing to do. She was pretty sure it was because Claire was completely dissatisfied with her marriage. She could tell Claire wanted more. No, Claire needed more.

She thought it would be a good drive home. There were some more possible Skynet related targets she could act on. She checked with CamNet to verify what information was gleaned from the hard drives she picked up from the Skyscan AI.

It was hoped when they attacked the building it was being set up in, they terminated everyone involved. It seldom seemed to be the case. There were always stragglers or someone involved on the side lines. There was always more than met the eye.

She headed to one address which appeared multiple times as a supplier of material for Skyscan. It didn't necessarily mean they were any Grays or it was Skynet related. It was a good indicator. They would most likely be a collaborator when Skynet made its move if nothing else.

Cameron arrived at the location forty four minutes later. She did a drive by. There were several surveillance cameras she spotted right off the bat. It was a good indication someone wanted to know who was coming. She checked with CamNet. She hacked the security system at the location. The camera feeds were looped when there was no activity in them so it was a clean loop.

She thought of contacting John Henry for anything else she might need to know. It would alert John. It would complicate things like it always did. He would want to send additional help or come himself to assist. She was ready to make her move and enter the building. CamNet told her to wait.

"What am I waiting for?" Cameron asked.

CamNet monitored everything.

"There's a box truck I picked up on traffic cams." CamNet said.

Cameron didn't see it as anything significant.

"OK." Cameron said. "How does it tie in here?"

CamNet went through her files.

"I have the same box truck at the location on several previous security files." CamNet said.

Cameron felt there should be some additional information forthcoming. If there was something of importance, she wanted to hear it.

"What does it trace back to?" Cameron asked. "Is there some significance, or is it the weekly janitorial supplies?"

CamNet wanted Cameron to actually view the vehicle.

"You'll see." CamNet said. "It will be in your location in two minutes."

Cameron didn't want to go through a bunch of drama. She thought about giving CamNet a rebuke. It would only cause additional problems if she did. She checked the time when she spotted the truck. It was just like CamNet said.

"I see them." Cameron said. "The truck is painted white on the front, left side, and back."

She couldn't see the right side but figured it was the same. It could be anything. How was it identified as anything different?

Cameron checked her phone for some images CamNet sent her. She sat up a little straighter in her seat. There was a loose panel in the top front right corner. It was a sign the driver hit a tree which overhung a street or a driveway one time and did the damage. It was the same truck, but it didn't tell her what was in it, or what was going to be loaded in it.

"Do you know where this truck came from?" Cameron asked.

"No." CamNet said.

Cameron was a little irritated.

"Do you know where this truck goes?" Cameron asked.

"No." CamNet said.

Cameron was even more irritated.

"It isn't a lot of help." Cameron said. "Can you locate any previous footage of this truck going to where we took Skyscan down?"

Cameron watched the truck back up to the loading dock. Two men got out of it. Cameron zoomed in on the one on her side. The man wasn't too old. He looked a little on the ragged side. It reminded her of someone from the Wastelands. It picked up her interest level.

CamNet was able to uncover some helpful information.

"I've reviewed all the traffic cams in the area of the Skyscan building." CamNet said. "The truck has been to the location where Skyscan once stood."

Cameron decided to postpone her attack on the building she was at. The building wasn't going anywhere. She wanted to see where the truck came from and went to.

All she could see from her location were crates being unloaded. She might send some of her Terminators there later on. What happened next got her attention very fast.

There was gunfire from the rear of the building.

Cameron thought about going into the building to see what happened. There was an explosion inside somewhere and then more gunfire. It was followed by the back of the building, and the box truck, exploding in a giant blast. A small piece of debris bounced off of the hood of her SUV and the windshield. There was now a crack in it.

It wasn't an attack directed at her. No one came out of the building on the three sides she could see. It was now a raging inferno. CamNet suppressed the emergency response to let as much of the building burn as possible. It should help mask the results of the gunfire which went on inside.

Cameron watched the remainder of the building burn to the ground before the first fire truck arrived.

She would need to take a look around there once the place cooled off. She was worried now the questionable man she saw was actually someone from the anti-Metal group. It was bad news if it was. It didn't appear he survived. She quickly looked around her for any threats and to make sure she wasn't being watched.

Everything she witnessed indicated there needed to be a further investigation. She needed to head to a local mall and leave the SUV there. She would leave the windows down and the keys in it. Someone would steal it eventually. It would usually be someone affiliated with a gang. If the vehicle was targeted and tracked by anyone, the person who stole it would pay the price. She saw it as taking care of two problems simultaneously.

She left it on one side of the mall. She passed through the mall. She picked up another vehicle from the parking structure on the other side. She was careful to make sure she wasn't followed. She was a little closer to the action than she would have liked, especially without any prior warning.

She headed back to the Resistance base.

John tracked down Cameron when she returned to the base.

He ran Sarah's idea by Cameron.

"Do we have a deal?" John asked.

Cameron didn't want to answer. It wasn't what she wanted to do. She had her mind set on a temporal rescue. She was sure she could pull it off. She wanted John to understand.

"I can save them." Cameron said.

John didn't want more timelines or an altered future.

"No, the past is done, you must let it rest." John said. "You have to promise me you won't go back for them and alter the timeline. We don't even know how many have been created."

Cameron calculated what her options were. The key was to 'not alter the timeline' to adhere to John's statement. There could be a few workarounds to it. She wasn't about to tip her hand or make any promises yet.

"I'll think about it." Cameron said.

Cameron almost finished constructing her TDE. Sheila did all the programming since she was never on Sheila's chip. Hanna and Ally both shared 'Holly' on their chip as the base program. Duplicate Cameron was on Holly's chip before. There may be some residual encoding on there, hidden. She was afraid it would activate once they operated the TDE.

She feared the others who were in contact with her chip might inadvertently add the encryption. She wondered if she did agree, and promised not to go back for the girls, if they could unlock the other TDE at the Resistance base. River worked with her at some point to protect the past and the timeline. Maybe there was a good reason. She felt sick as she feared the Duplicate girls may be 'needed' at a later time…. It could only mean disaster at some future point for her. It also made her wonder if there was a second set of Duplicates out there. Where were they?

'Danger Zone' by 'Kenny Loggins', came to Cameron's mind.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Darkness And Cold

It should be clear by now
That I don't sleep
It only increases
The time I can weep

What I am doing
Shouldn't end up in a heap
For such hard work and effort
It should be some encouragement I reap

The expenditure of time
Does not come cheap
I wanted my thoughts
To sing instead of cheep

Out from my heart
The life and blood seep
I try and use words
That no one need bleep

It's from treatment like this
That my poems ebb and creep
Into my world of darkness and cold
I've given you a quick peep

Nobody