Chapter 296

Team

Last night:

Bob and Al returned to the location where the Gray was taken down at. John Henry wanted them to find out how the HK drone knew when to arrive. There could be surveillance equipment, or maybe someone on the ground. Something was necessary for it to arrive when it did.

Bob let Al off three blocks away on the west side. He drove five blocks away on the east side. They both carefully made their way on foot to the target location. They were on the lookout for anyone hiding around there, or some surveillance camera which could be pointed at the target house. They didn't want to walk into an ambush. They didn't want to trigger the arrival of another HK drone. They were fairly certain if another HK drone appeared, it wouldn't only be doing reconnaissance.

Al was careful to look everywhere as he made his way towards the target location. He checked everything along the way.

Bob inspected everything as he made his way back to where the Gray was taken down. He looked everywhere as he approached.

They both arrived near the front door ten minutes later.

"I found nothing." Al said.

Bob came up empty as well.

"I didn't either." Bob said,

There was no sign of any police activity, or if anyone else entered the house.

"I'm going to take a look inside." Bob said. "Keep watch out here for anything."

Bob made his way to the front door. It was still ajar as he left it when he knocked it open. He used extreme caution as he made his way inside. He looked to see if any trip wires were rigged to set off a booby trap, or zap someone with a jolt of electricity. Nothing was spotted.

The man was still where he left him. He was still dead. The partially eaten sandwich was on the floor, as was the dried spilled drink. He did note there was now a trail of ants going to and from it. There were a few on the dead man as well. He briefly wondered how long it would take for the ants to consume him. He quickly realized it didn't matter.

He was always impressed with how goal driven ants seemed to be. He pictured them as insect versions of Terminators. They went about their task continuously, back and forth they would go. They also appeared to be much stronger for their size.

Bob checked the house again for any hidden surveillance to see if it was how they were tracked. He couldn't find anything. There could have been something, and it could have been removed. There could have been someone hidden outside, and they could be gone. There could still be something or someone they missed. He really would have liked to have been able to find something. There could be another HK drone on the way too.

He exited the house. He wanted to inform Al and have him remain extra vigilant.

"I didn't find anything." Bob said. "Keep an ear out for any additional HK drones."

Al recognized it for the threat it was. Things could have played out differently last night if the HK drone would have come to attack them directly.

"We wouldn't fare well against one of those." Al said.

Bob already made the same determination.

"Affirmative…." Bob said.

They took a long divergent route back to the SUV. Nothing was spotted in the air or on the ground.

They left to make a stop at another suspected Gray's location.

"They are most likely asleep." Al said.

Bob didn't think it would matter if they disturbed them.

"They'll get plenty of rest soon." Bob said.

Al nodded. Death looked very restful for humans.

They arrived at the new target location. They deployed in the same way at the current location as they did at the last one. They didn't want any surprises. Nothing was spotted as they met up near the front of the house.

Bob thought it would be best if they possessed some flanking ability.

"Move a few houses away and keep an ear out for anything." Bob said. "I need to get away from the target location immediately if you do."

Bob walked up to the house. He tried the front door. It was locked. He noted there were several open windows. He moved around to the side and spotted a sliding glass door. He tried it. The small latch on it broke with a 'snap' sound. He slid the door open and entered.

He checked the front room and kitchen area. They were clear.

He moved to a den area. A feline hissed at him. He let his eyes glow red and took a step towards the cat. It detected his predator pheromones. It urinated on itself and ran off.

He passed a bathroom. He reached two bedrooms at the end of the hallway. One was empty. The other showed there were two figures. They were on top of each other. The one on top looked like a male. There was a rhythmic motion in his waist area. It appeared mating was in progress.

There was a 'gasp' noise. Suddenly a pair of legs came up around the back of the male on the top. It seemed to make him increase his efforts. There was a further 'gasp' and a 'squeal' noise. The motion on top stopped, and the male tried to roll off to the side. The legs around him held him tight. They slowly released him.

The man rolled off to the side.

The female who was underneath the man got up. She headed towards where Bob was standing at.

He quickly moved back into the other bedroom. The female passed him by and went into the bathroom. He moved into the bedroom and approached the man.

The man looked up in the gloom of darkness. He couldn't see much. He could only tell someone was there.

"I need to rest for a while, baby." The man said.

Bob reached down and grabbed his head.

"Rest in peace." Bob said and snapped his neck.

Bob slipped out of the bedroom when he heard the toilet flush and saw the light go off in the bathroom. He didn't hear her wash her hands before she left the bathroom. It seemed to him at least a third of the humans possessed poor personal hygiene. He could understand it in the future. He couldn't understand it in the present when it was easily accomplished.

He ducked back into the other bedroom as the female passed by. He carefully moved out and watched what happened next. He didn't know if there would need to be a second termination.

The female got back in bed. She looked over at the male and then placed her head on the pillow to sleep.

"You must be tired." The female said softly.

Bob knew the man was 'dead tired'. He headed for the door. He spotted the feline cowering in a corner. He made his way out of the house. Al didn't report anything. They took the long way back to the vehicle again and left.

They were several miles away when they heard gunfire. They both quickly looked around and determined it wasn't directed at them. They watched as an individual ran from inside of a liquor store. He currently held a firearm in his right hand and a bag in his left hand. No doubt he was a criminal and just committed a robbery. A man appeared at the doorway and shook his fist at the fleeing figure.

Cameron told them always to keep a lookout for future Scavengers. What they viewed was surely one. The man went around the corner. So did they. They watched him run into an alley.

Al wanted to take action. He didn't believe the crime should go unpunished.

"Let me out here." Al said. "Drive around to the other side of the alley. We should be able to eliminate the problem. If we don't, it will surely happen again."

Bob slowed and Al exited from the moving vehicle. He followed after the perpetrator into the alley. He hurried around the block in the SUV. He stopped just short of the alley. He got out on foot and walked towards the alley. He knew the individual was armed so he peered around the corner down the alley. He could see the individual coming. He spotted Al in the distance. The perpetrator continued to look over his shoulder as he ran towards him.

He stepped out into the alley in front of the criminal. The criminal literally ran into him. His firearm clattered to the pavement.

The man was stunned by the impact.

"Get out of my way." The man said. "You have the right to stop me. I know my rights. Move or I'll bust you up."

Bob watched as the punk started to reach for his fallen firearm. He grabbed him by the neck and lifted him into the air. He dropped the paper sack he was holding as he attempted to free himself.

"Wrong…." Bob said.

Al arrived a few seconds later. He picked up the firearm and the paper sack. He looked inside of it. It was full of a jumble of money.

Bob snapped the perpetrator's neck and tossed his body into a dumpster.

Al nodded.

"It's where trash belongs." Al said.

They checked around to make sure there weren't any witnesses. There weren't.

They walked back to the SUV and got in. They drove away from the location.

"What should we do with the money?" Al asked.

Bob checked with John Henry. So far there hadn't been any police response to the location. The incident was called in, but there were no injuries. It was low priority for the police.

"We can return it to its rightful owner." Bob said.

Bob parked a block away from the liquor store. He took the bag with the cash in it and walked towards the liquor store. He saw the proprietor standing in the doorway. He handed him the bag.

"Someone dropped this when they ran around the corner." Bob said.

The proprietor looked inside the bag. He couldn't believe it. It was his earnings for the night. He started to count the money.

"Thanks." The proprietor said as he looked up.

He didn't see anyone. He looked all around. The big man was gone.

Vanna and Hanna joined the group of girls gathered.

Allison and Vanna nodded to each other but didn't say anything. They kept exchanging hidden looks without trying to look like they were doing it.

It was something noticed by everyone there.

Allison was a little jealous of the 'prize' Vanna scored. She thought of Savannah and knew there was another 'prize' to score. She knew how protective Vanna was of Savannah. She was sure there would be some type of problem if anything ever happened. She still couldn't help but think of old times as she looked at Vanna. Some of them were very beautiful. Maybe they still could be….

Vanna looked at Allison. She could feel some pain deep in her heart. She wondered when she was with Cam, if she would 'see' Allison in her mind at times. It was what she did with Allison before. She was with Allison and 'saw' Cameron in her mind. She thought it would be a very strange reversal. Allison was right there. Why couldn't they relive the good times?

Cam watched Allison and Vanna communicate without trying to communicate. It was hard for her to understand the depth of feeling the two girls possessed for each other. Not only was it years in the making, there were multiple experiences they shared together trying to survive. The love for each of them was rooted deep.

Allison and Vanna both wanted to run to each other and hold each other. They both missed each other greatly. Now they both ended up with a Metal girlfriend. They still wanted each other. Neither one said or did anything to pursue it. The Metal girls were very possessive. It would be a further impediment for Allison and Vanna to reconnect.

There were a lot of things to think about. Allison and Vanna both knew they still loved each other no matter what happened. Now it appeared Cameron may have changed the direction of both of their lives. Not only did Cameron put space between the girls, quite literally, she continued to do so emotionally.

Cam immediately went over and took Vanna's hand and smiled at Allison. Hanna did the same thing to Ally, as Holly did with Allison. It was evident everyone 'marked' their territory. It was obvious a 'stay away' was 'said', without being spoken.

Allison and Vanna shared another long look. It was clear there were additional obstacles in their path now.

"Now all we need is Jesse and Sheila." Allison said.

Moments later Gail walked in. She was flanked by Jesse and Sheila.

Cameron looked at the group. She was pleased. There was someone for everyone and all the girls shared a Metal girl as her protector. The beauty level was extreme. She was happy John would never be alone. It was IF he turned on his brain and started to LISTEN for once. There was a vast selection and choice available to him between the human girls and the Metal girls.

All the females there looked each other over. Some of them were already thinking up some new combinations…. Holly and Gail looked worried. Everyone in the room was aware Cameron could take anyone at any time. It was safe to say everyone hoped and dreamed it would be them….

Savannah rejoined the group as she said 'hello' to everyone with hugs all around, including the new arrivals. She took each one of them firmly in her arms as she did. She wanted to send a message.

"How sweet you all look." Savannah said. "Everyone has someone."

Savannah made a point of looking at each one of the girls as she took Cameron's hand.

Cameron smiled as Savannah took her hand. The move was noticed by everyone. They ALL knew Savannah was truly the 'Chosen One'.

"Even me, I do too." Savannah said.

Cameron only wished Young Allison and Summer were there.

Sarah and Riley passed by.

Savannah walked out after them and returned with both of them as she held each of their hands. She made a special point to hold Riley's hand once they arrived. She understood things were different for her. It bothered her. She understood why, but it still bothered her.

"We're ALL here now. WE are the ones who will lead and control the fight against Skynet." Savannah said. "We're ALL a team. Now the only one missing is my mother…."

Cameron wondered about it. Cameron II was 'gone'. She was now re-purposed as 'Cam' and needed for Vanna. It once again meant she herself would need to go into the future and look for Mrs. Weaver. She didn't know which future it was, or how to get there.

Mrs. Weaver was gone way too long. She was either in trouble and needed help, or she was 'ruling' over some future. If not, she was most likely terminated. If Duplicate Cameron was there as well as the girls, why hadn't ANY of them returned? They didn't know they were Duplicates…. They should've returned. At least some of them, or even one of them should've come back years ago. Why didn't they? Was there some reason why they couldn't, other than the possibility of being terminated?

Something was surely wrong….

Everyone noticed Cameron's hand began to glitch.

Savannah quickly moved back to Cameron and took her hand. The glitch stopped immediately. Again, it was a move noticed by everyone. The youngest member of the group seemed to have tremendous influence over all of them, especially Cameron.

Over the years Cameron instructed Savannah on many things. Savannah used as many of them as she could. The goal was to make her more 'desirable' for John in the future. It also made all the girls 'notice' her too, both the human girls and Metal girls…. They all noticed how Savannah would look at them whenever they were alone together. It seemed to be there was an unspoken question being asked. They all knew what it was.

They all knew Cameron watched over Savannah. No one was about to risk being terminated, or deactivated, by doing 'anything' with Savannah. They were all sure Cameron would go berserk….

Everyone remembered when Cameron and Isabel-Cameron were ready to fight and nothing was going to stop them. Savannah boldly walked into the middle between them and they both stopped the altercation instantly for Savannah. No other human, or Terminator, could have done it, or even would have risked it. Everyone KNEW Cameron loved Savannah and Savannah loved Cameron.

Savannah smiled at all of them. She really wished her mother was there. She couldn't help but think the apple didn't fall far from the tree. She didn't believe her mother was evil. She understood the others didn't like the way she did things. Her personality was a little rough. She experienced it firsthand herself. She also experienced her mother 'adapt' to be more of what a mother should be.

Vanna and Hanna looked at each other, suddenly they both thought the same thing. They were both concerned as they were amazed. They both knew Savannah would turn out to be a great leader one day. It was inevitable…. Cameron again worked her 'Magic'. They too reflected Savannah was the 'Chosen One'. They both envied her.

John was in the Command Center. He was glad to be away from the gaggle of girls. If he was still there, he was sure they would make verbal 'attacks' on him, even if it was in jest. Things said in jest could be just as bad as things which weren't said in jest. He was happy he took off before the big group assembled.

He also knew the girls were all there for the 'taking'. It was what Cameron claimed she wanted. He didn't think so. He felt it was her programming from Future John which 'pushed' her, not herself. He learned the hard way from his lustful affair with Future Riley how deeply Cameron could be hurt.

He couldn't help but think about the times when Future Riley and Cameron sparred verbally with each other. Future Riley knew what Cameron was. She still did it anyway. He was sure it was more than an act almost from the very beginning. He needed to push the thoughts from his head.

"I don't know if it's a dream or a nightmare." John said as he looked over John Henry's shoulder.

John Henry liked to watch the girls. He didn't know if he would end up seeing a little more skin or not. With Sarah there, he didn't think so.

"It's fascinating to observe." John Henry said.

John noticed John Henry liked to see them naked or partially clothed when they room hopped.

"I see you 'observe' it a lot." John said.

John Henry didn't think he did anything other than his job. There were times when he liked his job.

"Yes." John Henry said.

John liked to see them nude too. They were all beautiful. It really made him question where it all led. Maybe he should just be with all of them one time. It would have to be all of them so there wouldn't be any hard feelings between them. He certainly didn't want to see any of them fight with each other over him. The episode with Cameron and Isabel-Cameron was bad enough. It was never lost on him who defused the situation instantly. Maybe he didn't need all of the other girls. Maybe all he needed was Savannah.

"So is it a dream or nightmare?" John asked.

John Henry saw it as a matter of perspective and Cameron's presence.

"From here, it looks like a nightmare." John Henry said. "For you, not for me."

John looked at them and wanted them all.

"I'm afraid it's both." John said. "Mostly a painful nightmare, punctuated with sweet dreams."

John Henry observed humans experienced many 'complications' with each other.

"No one said life was easy." John Henry said.

John found himself concentrating on Savannah. Whenever he thought about it, he felt the strongest desire for her. It bothered him to know it was something he felt for several years. He knew it was Cameron's doing. He needed to snap out of it. He wanted to change the subject.

"What is the update on the HK drone?" John asked as he stole a few more looks at Savannah and Cameron.

John Henry hoped he would have been able to give John a better update.

"It hasn't moved since it landed. I think they're using it as bait for us to investigate." John Henry said. "It may be booby trapped to explode if we try to examine it or capture it."

John didn't want to end up in an ambush and endanger his troops. It would most likely be Cameron who would try to force the issue. It seemed to be what she did with everything. He did understand her desire to take the risk herself to protect everyone else. It was actually quite admirable. He didn't want her to take the risk anymore than he did anyone else.

"If no one comes for it, I think it may be the case." John said. "We'll destroy it with one of our drones with an air to surface missile if nothing happens in two days. We can examine the wreckage later on once it's no longer a threat."

John Henry was aware the HK drone may try to 'run' if it thought no one was watching it. He wasn't sure of its capabilities so there was no way to know.

"Dan took over the truck from Ally this morning. He's ready to launch the strike, or a pursuit, if it bolts anytime." John Henry said. "I'm not sure what we can do to prompt or bait it."

John still needed to consider where it came from and from who. It was at the target location they brought down right when they were there. It seemed like a little better than even odds it wasn't a chance encounter.

"It came from somewhere. It was sent by somebody." John said. "They did know when and where to send it. It's what's worrisome. We've brought down a number of Grays and future Grays over the last few years. It's doubtful Skynet would attempt to protect all of them. Something was different about the last encounter."

John Henry was worried about it too. He sent Bob and Al out to check up on it last night. They were to take down a few other targets at the same time.

"Bob and Al went back to check the area the Gray was terminated at. They found no trace of surveillance." John Henry said. "It means someone must have been on the ground watching. We detected no one."

John could see the unconfirmed threat to their security and the two families they watched over.

"Nice. It means there's some shadow force out there watching for us and we don't know who or why. What's worse is the fact they have HK drone capability." John said. "I take it you have stepped up security on the two Details and around this area."

John Henry needed to point out the real threat in the whole deal.

"I have." John Henry said. "It's possible there may be a Liquid Metal Terminator involved as well since we've detected nothing."

Now John was genuinely worried about all of the team.

"Let's hope not. If Derek or Kyle go out, I want two Terminators on each one. I want the same for Sarah and Riley, or any of the other females. Tell Cameron we may need some of her Terminators to help us out." John said. "It will cause less of a problem if you ask…."

John wanted his people protected. He didn't want to create any additional friction between Cameron and him. He figured if John Henry handled it, it would be more of a logical request than what Cameron would surely view as an emotional one from him.

"I understand." John Henry said.

John didn't want to cause any problems among the Metal girls either. He knew what some of Cameron's past actions were.

"Ask Holly, Cam, and Gail which of the Metal girls they want as back up. I know there's a lot of 'tension' there." John said. "I'm sure they experience the same feelings Cameron did, and still does, as well."

John Henry was very aware how Cameron 'felt' about many things. It was all written down in black and white.

"There's a whole Poem Book full of what those feelings are and how they 'hurt' her." John Henry said. "She views it as 'Her Story'.

John swallowed hard. He could have done without the specific reminder.

"It's why I'm concerned." John said. "There are enough problems around here."

John was aware both Future John and him were responsible for most of them. It seemed they both created problems without trying.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Three Hundred Sixty Five

The days of the journey have been
Three Hundred Sixty Five
The fact they have said a lot
Means I still survive

They have shown
That I am still alive
The conflicts in my mind
Are where the thoughts derive

Each day I exist
Myself I seek to revive
I already know the destination
Before I ever arrive

I try to move forward
I want to flourish and thrive
Not everything I do
Is an act to manipulate or connive

Events of the past hinder me
As onward I strive
They bend and shape me
Where I emanate my inner drive

There have been many things
That others to me they try to deprive
Into the deep end
They want me to dive

My feeling and emotions
Collect in my mind like a hive
The experiences of my existence
Guide my future as they contrive

Many words expressed in rhyme
Have created a permanent archive
Poems from the heart and mind have been
Three Hundred Sixty Five

Nobody

.