Chapter 324

For Now

Two of Cameron's Terminators arrived. They were both female. One was soon to be another 'Cameron' clone. The other was a 'Summer' DNA based Terminator. They were ready to take Cam and Vanna away.

Cameron spoke with them briefly. It was what she thought was best for Vanna. She turned Vanna and Cam over to them. She left all of them behind and continued the pursuit. She was alone now. It was how she preferred to operate anyway. There were fewer people to worry about. She could operate freely and hit the targets hard. The cards would fall where they landed. They always did.

The two clone's sheaths were in the early stages of Resequencing so they retained most of their original appearance still. Both of the clones currently operated with a copy of Cameron's program. They were essentially 'Cameron' with two different sheaths. She felt it gave her better control.

Cameron updated their chips yesterday. They were both 'her' as of then. One would become 'Camille', the other would become 'Summer'.

Vanna wasn't happy about being 'sent away'. Cameron all but ordered Cam and her to return to the base. She provided two of her Terminators to escort them back.

"We're taking you two back to base. We'll return to assist Cameron." The first clone said.

Cam didn't like the heavy hand. She didn't need any help to return Vanna back to the base. She could assist them as well once it was done.

"I can go back out with you." Cam said. "You may need additional assistance."

The second clone wanted to keep it simple and to the point.

"No, you're to be at Vanna's side always and forever. She will never be alone or lonely again. You must let your love expand and grow." The second clone said. "It's your function to love and protect Vanna for the future and for John."

Vanna looked at the clone. It didn't look like 'Cameron', but the words sure sounded like her. It seemed to be the same thing she heard multiple times. There were certain aspects of it she wanted to embrace. There were other ones she just couldn't do for personal reasons.

"Are you 'Cameron'?" Vanna asked.

The first clone looked at Vanna.

"For now I am." The first clone said.

Vanna looked over the two clones in detail.

"Are both of you 'Cameron'?" Vanna asked.

'Camille' and 'Summer' looked at each other. There was nothing to hide.

"Yes." They replied in unison.

A new sense of worry flooded Vanna. It might not be a good thing. Maybe Cameron was about to go on some wild adventure again. She mentioned something about trying to find the other set of Duplicates. She still wanted to go with Cameron if she did. There was also the possibility her 'mother' might be where they were at. She would really like to help retrieve her, especially for Savannah's sake. She hoped to find out a little more information. She didn't know if the clone would be any more forthcoming than Cameron would or not. More than likely, she would be just as evasive.

"Are you going to take Cameron's place?" Vanna asked.

The clones could tell the new revelation seemed to cause a lot of worry for Vanna. It wasn't what they wanted to see.

The first clone wanted to 'reach' Vanna. It would need to be on a personal level.

"No. You know how Cameron feels, how WE feel, about you being out here, Vanna." The first clone said.

Vanna didn't like the overreaction she seemed to cause with her actions. She still felt it was for a noble cause. It wasn't the first time the younger Reese brothers faced possible danger. Even though nothing bad ever happened, it could have. There was no way to know how any encounter would play out, especially when Skynet was involved.

"I'm sorry about all of this." Vanna said. "I only wanted to help. I own the Reese brothers a lot."

Cameron previously gave her clones specific instructions she wanted carried out.

"Cam, it's necessary the 'Cameron' in you to become dominant and provide Vanna with what she wants during these troubled times. The message is straight from Cameron Prime." The second clone said. "It's to be carried out immediately."

It was what Cam wanted anyway. She did it on her own a few times too. It wasn't something which was supposed to occur. It was what Vanna wanted all of the time. It wasn't the way Cameron wanted things to play out normally. The current situation was different. It was 'official'. She planned to make the most of it.

"It will be so." Cam said. There was a slight pause. "It's done."

Vanna looked at Cam and took her hand as she looked into her eyes.

"I love you." Vanna said to Cam, knowing she was now 'Cameron'.

Cam as 'Cameron' spoke about what she truly wanted for Vanna.

"Then show me you love me by helping me protect you, while you protect the future." Cam said. "You know what I want."

Vanna wanted to please 'Cameron'.

"I promise, Cameron. I mean, Cam." Vanna said.

Cam felt there was an important distinction which needed to be maintained. Even if she currently was Cameron's clone, she needed to be separate. Her program was also out of date. Things were only identical up to the point of her activation. There were still certain rules she needed to play by. She couldn't be 'Cameron', even if she was.

"It MUST always be Cam." Cam said. "Cameron belongs to John and the future. I'll be deactivated if I attempt to be 'Cameron'."

Cam moved forward and kissed Vanna. Cam was 'Cameron' now, 'a Cameron' anyway, her clone. It's what Vanna wanted all along. It was the only way Cameron could be with her. It was as a clone. Either way, it was still Cameron's program. She would be happy to go along with any of the 'name games'. Cameron provided her with what she wanted. It was truly the thing she wanted the most out of life.

They were able to share like this at first. Vanna planned to try and keep Cam as 'Cameron' for as long as possible. She hoped any of the protocols and feelings Cam possessed for John could be firewalled. It should avoid any direct conflict with Cameron. Cam should be able to turn and direct all of her love to her. What could be more beautiful than that?

She couldn't help but think about someone else with her last thought. Her love for Allison could be just as beautiful. Allison's love for her could be as beautiful as well. Strangely enough she currently was involved with two lovers which shared an identical physical appearance. What was inside of them was totally different in multiple ways. One was a machine with mechanical and electronic parts. The other was a human which contained a heart among other organs. There was also something else Allison possessed which Cam couldn't. It was the ability to reproduce. Not only was Allison currently pregnant, so was Duplicate Allison. It was still possible for her to have a family with Allison as they once planned.

It was all very confusing to Vanna. Could she have the best of both worlds? Would an attempt to do so actually give her neither?

John Henry directed one drone back to the base. It would orbit the area and search for any threats. There could be enemy troops on the ground, or a convoy of vehicles waiting to approach them. If they were there, the drone could spot them and give them a heads up, and what to prepare for.

"The drone is back at the base and we have Terminators on patrol." John Henry said. "Nothing looks out of the ordinary here or at either of the two Detail locations."

Cameron was pleased with the drone support, but there were still a lot of questions. The evidence showed the Skynet Terminator was aware they were being tailed. The Resistance wasn't currently involved directly.

"Is there any further sign the Terminator we tailed is being reinforced or leading the other three cars into an ambush?" Cameron asked.

John thought Cameron should have more support out in the field. He was glad Vanna was on her way back. So far it didn't appear there was any threat at either the Reese residence or the Young residence. The area around the base was clear as well.

"Not yet. Do you want one of the other three drones to reinforce you, Cameron?" John asked. "I think it would be a good idea."

Cameron believed she was ready for any threat. She was used to adapting to changing conditions. Whatever danger developed, she would fight it.

"No, I'll deal with any threat if it arises." Cameron said. "I'm very resourceful. I'm still following the initial threat. Keep me posted."

Cameron wanted to make sure both of the Details were protected as well as the base. She knew their safety came before hers. The new threat was troubling. Any Terminator which wasn't part of their group was a serious threat to everything and everyone. John and the girls needed to be safe and protected.

The unknown force which tracked the Terminator worried her too. They might be Grays from a different timeline and another version of Skynet. They could be Resistance fighters from another timeline. They could also be from some anti-Metal faction. If they were, they were as big a threat to John and her as Skynet.

There were many dangers out there. The part which bothered her even more was there could be the same groups back in the past they already come from. There was no check on what they were doing either if any of them were there.

There could also be divergent timelines. They could have been created by their actions. Others could be created by any of the different groups they dealt with. Either way, she tried to put the target on her back instead of John or Sarah's back. She believed she was successful so far. Every version of Skynet she faced, only saw her. It actually pleased her Skynet referred to her as 'The Metal Bitch'.

There was no way to know what they missed in the past already. The future was just as unknown.

John let some time pass before he contacted Cameron again.

"I think we can free up one or more of the drones on surveillance duty." John said. "Everything has checked out clean around all three locations."

Cameron turned him down once again. She was worried about the two Details. The 'Day of Loss' was in her mind. There was an attempt by Skynet to take down the Reese and Young families at the time. It was a strategy to destroy all of them. It failed. They were triumphant and Skynet was defeated. At least one version of it was.

She contacted Holly. She was worried about the Young females.

"Holly, you know the current situation and what's happening." Cameron said. "I want Allison protected, both of them. Move them to the bunker in the Detail House next door. Allison must be protected, both of them, no matter what the cost is."

Holly would face termination to protect Allison. It was more than her function at this point. It was personal. Allison was her lover. She wanted to remind Cameron of her part and how things came to be. Cameron was responsible for putting Allison and her together.

"I understand. As her lover I wouldn't do less, just like you planned for me." Holly said. "It's an effective strategy, I might add."

Cameron saw it as a little more than just protection. Since the nature of the threat was unknown, she didn't want to overreact. She was aware overreacting would cause even more stress for everyone. As far as 'planning' what would happen with Allison and Holly, it was their decision. She may have opened the door, but they both needed to walk through it on their own. She didn't feel she pushed either one of them through it.

"You both were given a choice." Cameron said. "I only facilitated it. Hanna will remain with Summer and Claire. Make sure Claire knows what's happening. I want you to tell her about the bunker and the extra protection. If she chooses it for Summer's and her protection, move them as well. Tell her I recommend it."

Holly hoped to protect them all, but Allison came first, both of them.

"It will be so." Holly said. "I will protect MY 'Allisons'."

Holly planned to cover all the bases just like Cameron. She would take both Allisons to the bunker. Hanna would need to convince Claire she and Summer should go there as well.

Holly went to Hanna, who then went to Claire.

Claire noticed Holly and Hanna talking. There was a very stern look on their faces. There was no hint of a smile with either of them. She knew something was up. Being around the two Terminators all of the time allowed her to learn to 'read' them as to what was going on inside of them. She was aware their physical expressions could change instantly to those of happiness, even when the situation didn't warrant it. She figured it was part of their programming to reduce stress on those they interacted with.

"What's wrong?" Claire asked. "I can see there's a problem of some sort."

Hanna didn't want to alarm Claire. She replaced the Terminator look on her face with a faint smile as she spoke. She wanted to see him reassuring and non-threatening.

"There is some unknown hostile action occurring at another location." Hanna said. "Currently there isn't a threat directed at this location or anyone here. Holly is going to take Allison and Young Allison to the house next door and put them in a bunker. Cameron would like Summer and you to join them."

It wasn't a hard sell. Claire wanted everyone safe too. She was a little surprised at how sudden it was. She could also see the level of concern of the Metal girls. They would go to great lengths to protect her daughters. It meant something to her. It also meant something to her they would include her as well.

"I know you've told me about the extra protection before." Claire said. "I don't think things would go this far for Holly to take my daughter's there unless it was warranted. Summer and I will join them for the occasion."

The only convincing Claire needed was because Cameron recommended it. She wanted Summer protected as well. It was just that simple. She knew Cameron knew best. She was so in love with Cameron, she would do anything for her, except give up her daughters. Well, she at least wanted to keep one of them.

John Henry kept track of the impending battlefield. The drone gave him a lot of coverage. He really would have liked to have one more there on a wider orbit for better coverage. It wasn't the case. One drone was still enough for him to detect a new threat. It was a serious threat.

"There's an HK drone approaching the target vehicle. It's not one of ours." John Henry said.

It wasn't what Cameron wanted to hear. If there was one hostile HK drone, there could be others as well. The HK drones could go to seek their vehicles out if they were identified. It was one of their drones which detected the other threats. She wasn't about to take any chances with the HK drone doing the same thing to them.

"Take it down the moment it looks aggressive." Cameron said. "Protect all of our group."

John was worried about his troops in the area. He wanted to be ready to act instantly. He wanted a backup force ready to go as well. He wanted to be able to evacuate anyone who was damaged, retrieve any downed drones, and Terminators.

"Arm an air to air missile and get ready to hit it." John said. "I'm going to alert the Blackhawk crew to get ready to get airborne. If one of the drones goes down, I want to collect it."

John Henry did a further analysis of the target area. He was sure there was a sucker play in the works.

"I think the enemy Terminator is leading the other vehicles tracking him into an ambush." John Henry said.

John didn't know who any of the players were. There was still the possibility some of them were Resistance fighters sent from the future, a future. Nobody knew how many there were at this point. The group tracking The Terminator could be 'Friendlies' or additional enemies. He believed some type of a warning was in order for the group tracking the Terminator.

"Great, we don't know if any of these groups are on our side, or if it is two different Skynet's fighting amongst themselves." John said. "I bet the cars which are tracking the Terminator are less of a threat to us. Use the drone to buzz them to alert them they aren't alone. It should make them more cautious if nothing else."

John Henry thought they might be able to do some direct contact with the vehicles trailing the Terminator. He still wasn't sure if it was a good idea or not. It didn't seem like it.

"I will see if it can pick up any communication signals from any of the groups." John Henry said. "John or I can attempt to contact them."

Cameron didn't like the idea or any of it. It would only alert all possible enemies to their presence. They operated from the shadows for so long, she wanted to keep it the same way. They might be able to do something, but she didn't want the nature of their operation disclosed. Maybe a second drone on their side was needed right now. The unknown HK drone was a threat. She wanted to be able to attack.

"If the base seems secure, send the drone back to join the other one with us." Cameron said. "I might want them to hit all the cars as well as any ambush site."

John felt the base was secure. He wanted to give Cameron's group additional support and striking power.

"What about the drones at the Detail houses?" John asked. "There's no indicated threat in either area. The nature of the current threat seems very focused at this point."

Cameron didn't want to let all of her guard down. The others needed to be protected too. It could still be an elaborate ruse to do exactly what John wanted to do. She felt leaving the base unprotected was a big enough risk in itself.

"No, I want the children protected." Cameron said. "If necessary send our Terminators in to bring the boys into the bunker at the Reese Detail site. We can try to fix whatever problems which arise from it later. I've already given Holly and Hanna instructions to move Allison and the girls."

It sounded extreme to John. They never did it before. Derek and Kyle didn't want their younger selves or family to know the nature of what was being done from the shadows to protect them. They didn't want the same future for their younger selves as they faced. Maybe Cameron hadn't disclosed all she knew. It wouldn't be anything new. She was often less than forthcoming with all the details. He hoped to get any more information out of her.

"Do you think this is something bigger?" John asked. "Is there anything else we should know?"

Cameron wasn't sure if it was an accusation. She didn't like the implication of the statement anyway. She always disclosed all pertinent information. Well, most of the time. There were some things John didn't need to know. The current situation wasn't one of them. She felt the safety of their group was in jeopardy with the unknown events.

"No, I would never endanger you or your females." Cameron said. "I'm trying to protect the future, not disrupt it."

Cameron was already worried she disrupted the 'Natural Order'. She let her self interests and desires get in the way of the future. Somehow at the time it seemed like it was the right thing to do. Perhaps the most positive outcome of being married to John was the extra 'influence' she was able to exert over him, especially when it came to the bedroom. It never ceased to amaze her how a couple of 'sections' of her sheath could be so influential over John. She did need to wonder about the additional wear and tear those 'areas' went through.

Everyone on the com caught the 'your females' line. It was clear to everyone Cameron was never going to let it go.

John decided to let it slide for now. He didn't want to agitate Cameron. If she was agitated in combat, she would be more aggressive and take unnecessary chances. He didn't want it on him. He decided to play it cool instead.

"Roger." John said. "Everything looks clear around here. The second drone is on its way back."

Everyone knew Cameron believed what she said, even if it 'killed' her to say it. It was the 'Natural Order'.

It seemed the more Cameron believed it, the more everyone else did too. It was what already existed in her future.

John wanted any 'Friendlies' protected. They weren't sure who the second group was, but he didn't want them killed if they didn't need to be. He was also aware they may need to terminate them themselves at some point. If they were the anti-Metal faction, he could set his own assassination into motion. He didn't want them slaughtered in a Skynet ambush either while they did nothing but watch. He looked at John Henry to emphasize his point.

"I want you to give them a warning." John said. "We can always deal with any other issues later."

John Henry wasn't sure if it was a good idea or not. They should stay out of it and deal with whoever survived the encounter between the two groups. It was what Cameron did when she turned the gangs on each other. He would follow John's orders and see what happened.

"I'm buzzing the three pursuing vehicles now." John Henry said.

The Resistance drone made a fast low pass over the three vehicles. Nothing changed.

John Henry was a little surprised. They clearly all would have seen it.

"There was no effect. They haven't slowed and are closing on the Terminator." John Henry said.

John wasn't sure why it wouldn't have some effect. It was possible these were Grays and didn't see a drone as a threat. They may have thought it was one of theirs. Maybe some more direct action would shake things up. It was time to send a stronger message.

"Use the minigun and fire a warning burst in front of them." John said.

The drone returned at a right angle and fired a burst into the road in front of the lead vehicle. It was clear they saw it and understood what it meant. It still seemed to lack the impact they wanted. The vehicles didn't stop.

"They've slowed somewhat." John Henry said. "They haven't stopped."

Cameron could see there was a fight about to happen. None of the players appeared to want to back down. It was time to draw first blood and maintain an advantage. She wanted to determine the order the threats would be dealt with. The HK drone represented the biggest threat to her.

"Have the drone gain altitude and stay back for now. Have both types of missiles ready to fire. We'll knock down the unknown HK drone first." Cameron said. "I don't know if we want to wait to find out which group it belongs to. I want to keep the advantage. Be alert for more or other vehicles joining the pursuit. Keep watching for any other HK drones showing up. This whole thing is about to go hot, fast."

Cameron knew they still didn't have any idea what or who they were up against. She didn't think any of the players were good for their group or John. If she could have her way, she would have all of them terminated. They could try and sort out what happened later on.

Everything was still an unknown.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

For Now

Many come and go
Such is the way of life
Some cause agony and strife
The results sting like a cut from a knife

Is anyone ever in it
For more than themselves
Or is it the very nature
Of all of ourselves

How many are ever happy
With what they've already got
Or does more mean less
As one becomes fraught

One needs to look around
It was the best they could do
Few seem to recognize
When they are through

It all comes down
To what one will allow
They needed to be content
That's all there is for now

Nobody