Chapter 339

Typical

The team arrived at the target location. Everyone was in place. They brought the area under direct observation. They also were able to view the drone images for a broader overview. It was decided they would keep the drones at an altitude high enough so a Terminator couldn't detect them. They didn't want to tip their hand too early. They didn't know the extent of the threat they faced yet.

Cameron didn't want things to go 'Hot' if it could be avoided. Somehow they always seemed to 'expand' and take on a life of their own. She wanted Savannah to be able to obtain real experience to become a true leader. She hoped to ease her into it.

Bob was with John. He pointed down at the structure.

John nodded.

"We have movement." John said over the com. "It's at the north end of the building."

Savannah looked but didn't see anything. It was way more intense and harder than she thought. Both Sarah and Cameron told her it would be like this. They told her to keep her cool and things would become clearer. There was a lot of information to process in a strange environment. The unknown only added to the stress factor.

Finally, Savannah saw it. Maybe she was too nervous. She didn't feel scared yet, just nervous. She hoped she wouldn't feel scared at all. She was pretty sure if bullets started to whiz by her head, she probably would. She needed to remember they always said you never heard the one that got you. She understood why. Normally the bullet was traveling at supersonic speed. If it slammed into someone's head, their brain would already be shutting down before the sound reached it. In fact, a good chunk of it might have already been blown out the back of their skull before the sound even arrived. She focused on the target area.

"I see them." Savannah said.

Cameron knew she could see things better than humans in several vision spectrums. She wanted Savannah to know the true nature of the observation.

"They've been there for nearly a minute." Cameron said.

Cameron knew Savannah was overwhelmed by everything and her first real exposure to true danger. Savannah was young. The nature of the future started everything early in everyone's life. The more experience she received now, the more proficient she would become. There was no doubt in her mind Savannah would excel.

John Henry wanted Savannah to use caution and error on the side of caution if the issue arose. He worried Cameron would 'push' her. He wanted a little more prudence. He wanted to give her some encouragement as well as reinforcement.

"Relax, Savannah." John Henry said. "We're here with you. It will all come together. Everything will need to play out."

Cameron wasn't sure she liked the way things developed so far. She might need to take some additional action on her own. She looked over where John was at. She looked at Savannah. She stood up. It was her function to keep everyone safe.

"Take over." Cameron said to John Henry.

Savannah blinked. Cameron was gone. She never saw or heard anything. It was like Cameron just vanished. She thought Cameron was really like a shadow at night, soundless and invisible. She also knew Cameron could be silent and deadly.

She knew she could do it. All of the others could do it. It meant she could too. Most of them didn't have a choice about it or when. She did. She didn't need to doubt or question herself. She needed to stick with her training. It was the whole point of training so one would know what to do and how to do it without thinking about it.

There was always the unknown and the unexpected. Both could be a game changer. She needed to watch for and factor in the variables as they presented themselves. She also needed to spot them or recognize them when they happened.

Savannah knew Cameron wanted to keep her protected but there was no guarantee of it. Her gut feeling was it was going to develop further into something more. She went over all of the past operations multiple times. It tended to be the way most of them played out. Why would this one be any different once it started?

Cam and Sheila monitored everything and everyone's position from the Command Center. They assumed John Henry's duties for the evening. Cam was a clone of Cameron at this point. So it was really like Cameron oversaw the operation. JH, John Henry server, is what they were plugged into. It was what John Henry plugged into. CamNet also monitored everything from Cameron's base. There were plenty of trained personnel on top of the operation.

Cam established a secure channel with Cameron. She knew Cameron's four clones were directed to assist her. She knew exactly where they were at. It was where Cameron staged them.

"Cameron, your Terminators are in place, both groups." Cam said.

Cam watched as the two male and female 'program clones' of Cameron moved into position where Cameron wanted them to be. Cameron downloaded her program into all four of them and updated it before she left her base. They were as close to Cameron as could be, even if their sheaths were different.

Cameron was 'everywhere'. She monitored everything as well herself. She was a little concerned about the way events started to unfold. She wanted to increase the size of the Resistance Strike Force.

"I'm in direct contact with them." Cameron responded. "Expect full communication with them. They are officially part of the operation at this point."

Camille wanted a wider look around them from the sky. She wanted to see what else was in the vicinity of where they were located.

"Increase the second drone's sweep." Camille said.

Cam made the adjustments. One drone moved out further for a broader sweep.

"I'm on it." Cam said.

Cammy wanted a better look at the building from where she was located. There was only one way to do it efficiently. She wanted them to make her decision known.

"I'm going in for a closer look." Cammy said.

Cammy's statement sent up a red flag for Cameron. She was aware when she did the same thing herself, it usually led to a confrontation. She was unsure how 'close' Cammy would go. She hoped to prevent sheath damage on the two female Terminators.

"Use caution. I don't want you damaged." Cameron said. "Don't go inside. Not yet anyway."

Camille and Cammy looked at each other, they both knew what Cameron's 'plans' were for them. They both looked forward to their new 'assignments' after their Resequencing was complete. Neither of them wanted to be damaged either…. They both wanted to make sure everything was where it was supposed to be on their sheaths. Since they both ran Cameron's program, they knew what it was like when it wasn't, or missing.

They each thought it was an honor to be assigned to a human female. It seemed even more so based upon who the two human females would be. I was Young Jesse for Camille and Savannah for Cammy. Where things went after it happened was anyone's guess. They both felt they knew how things would play out sooner rather than later. They would do everything they could to push for the sooner part. They did need to use caution to keep sheath damage to a minimum, especially on their face. Other areas of their sheath wouldn't matter as much going forward.

Savannah tried to keep everything sorted out. Her heart still pounded in her chest. The rush of the danger was more than she anticipated. She wanted to keep her head and not fold under the pressure of enemy fire. She was sure her training would take over. Everyone told her it would be like this at first. They said they never got used to it, but they learned how to deal with it.

She looked around her position again. Cameron was back already. She did see her arrive this time. She wasn't sure if it was because she was more aware of her surroundings, or if Cameron allowed her to see her earlier this time.

'Where did she go?' Savannah wondered.

Cameron wanted to keep Savannah at ease and focused. She didn't want her to get tunnel vision. Tunnel vision, or target fixation, was always a problem in combat for anyone. They could concentrate on what was right in front of them, and miss what was about to happen around them. She wanted to keep Savannah engaged in the operation. She wanted her to think.

"Savannah, ask us questions if you have them." Cameron said. "John Henry and I will give you a running commentary of events as they unfold if you want."

Savannah liked the idea of the additional assistance. She wasn't sure it would be beneficial to her. It wasn't something she would always have at her disposal. She also didn't want to put anyone in harm's way by accident or through any inaction. She wanted to be corrected if she made an error or was about to make one.

"If I start to mess up or make a mistake, I want someone to tell me. I want them to say something right away." Savannah said. "I want to do what I can on my own. I'll learn better if I do. Don't let me endanger anyone though. I'm talking about our Terminators as well."

Cameron smiled to herself at Savannah foresight. Savannah wanted to rely on her training and intuition. She knew Savannah possessed what it took for everything. She only wished she would have started Savannah's 'grooming' earlier and not listened to John and Sarah. They were hung up on 'moral' issues. She wasn't about to make the same mistake with Young Allison this time. She was in total control of her 'upbringing'. If anything, she would accelerate Young Allison's 'training'.

Cam and Sheila monitored the drone scans and footage as they did the body cams too. The enhanced drone scans Camille called for paid off. A new serious threat was detected.

"The long range drone scans have picked up two white vans approaching from the north." Cam announced over the com.

Sheila was focused on the other drone. It scored a hit as well.

"The second drone has also picked up two separate SUVs coming in from the east and south." Sheila said.

John was very concerned about the new information. He was worried for his troops. The change of events wasn't what was expected. There were four additional vehicles closing in on them where they were. They were about to arrive from three different directions to boot. Maybe they tripped a sensor and sent the enemy a warning. It wouldn't be the first time. They needed to consider withdrawing if the conditions on the ground changed from what they expected. They weren't geared up for a defensive operation if it became necessary.

"Do you think we've been detected?" John asked.

Bob didn't think they possessed enough facts to know what was actually occurring yet.

"I don't know." Bob said.

Savannah felt her heartbeat quicken even more. Another surge of adrenaline rushed through her. Things were about to heat up faster than she anticipated. It didn't appear as if things were going to play out as anticipated.

Cameron could see Savannah's response to the changing environment and possibly the changing mission. It did cause her a little bit of concern.

"Relax, Savannah." Cameron whispered to her.

Savannah knew Cameron wasn't even touching her. She could tell just by observing her. She tried to focus a little more. She didn't want Cameron or anyone else to need to worry about her. She wanted to pull her own weight.

"I'm good." Savannah said. "It's just a little more involved. I can hack it."

Cameron reviewed the drone images. She didn't read the new arrivals as converging on where they were at specifically. She thought a little deeper into how the events were about to play out. She viewed events as something different at this point. It was actually much like one of her 'off the books' operations. They were in the middle of what looked like a 'hit'. It was possible it was more than one group. They were sure at least two separate groups were involved at this point. One of the groups of vehicles was possibly reinforcements. It was too early to tell yet. She would like to watch the two, or three groups, fight it out. It would be much easier to mop up the survivors. The survivors wouldn't be survivors for very long. No one remained alive when she dealt with the enemy. Right now her main concern was being drawn into the conflict too early.

"It looks like we're in the middle of something else. There's an attack about to go down." Cameron said. "Everyone needs to be prepared to fall back."

They all knew it meant John and Savannah would be the ones to fall back. They also knew Cameron wouldn't fall back. She would go towards the threat.

Sheila dispatched the other two drones as soon as the first group of vehicles was detected. The second group of vehicles only reaffirmed her decision.

"The other two drones are on the way." Sheila said.

Cam took the precaution to have the relief force ready for assistance or extraction with the helicopter.

"The Blackhawk is ready to scramble." Cam said. "Derek and Kyle and four of our Terminators are already in it."

Cameron was glad they held the helicopter for now. She didn't want to present the enemy with any additional 'targets' if one of the groups was looking for some.

"Not yet." Cameron said. "I don't want it to go too far yet. Keep it ready. Keep an eye on the sky around us. I don't want to get surprised by any HK drones while we're focused elsewhere."

Cameron didn't want to endanger the Reese brothers. They were itching to mix it up. She was worried enough about John and Savannah as it was.

Caution was in order for the present. They still appeared to be undetected by anyone. Once all four drones were on station, or at least in the vicinity, they would have some additional striking ability. HK drones were also a threat.

"Watch for any other aircraft as well as any HK drones which might show up." Cameron said. "Those will be top priority to knock down."

Cameron was sure HK drones would be their biggest threat if they were detected. They still didn't know who any of the players actually were yet. Helicopters carrying additional enemy personnel could also appear. They could hug the ground and stay off of radar. The drones should be able to spot them if they tried such an approach. Everything was very fluid.

Camille and Cammy were now in back of one of the groups converging on the area. Cameron's two male Terminator clones were in back of the other group.

One drone targeted the vans. The other drone continued a wide recon sweep for new threats or targets. The other two drones rapidly approached the target location. Cam kept all of them high to keep them from being spotted or heard. They needed to be out of the detection range of any Terminators on the ground. They still didn't know all the details of who they faced, and if there were two or three groups at play there.

Originally the operation was to be a recon and training mission. It was clear it was beyond it now. Cameron didn't want to risk further unnecessary danger to Savannah or John at this point. There was no guarantee what would happen from this point forward with so many different players on the field.

"John, this area looks like a battle is about to break out. The recon mission is over. So is your part in the operation." Cameron said. "You and Savannah need to withdraw."

John could see there was a lot of uncertainty to what was actually about to happen. It was clear there was an attack of some type about to occur. He didn't want to leave now. He needed to consider Savannah's safety as well. The mission was intended to be a combat operation.

"Typical." John said. "These things always seem to fall apart."

Savannah wanted John protected too. She however wasn't about to withdraw. She needed to acclimate herself to the violence at some point. It was going to happen sooner or later. There was no point delaying it to a different time. So far the situation didn't warrant her withdrawal. She faced Cameron.

"Cameron, I'm not going anywhere." Savannah said. "I came to learn. I'm here to fight as well. I need to get my hands dirty. It's going to happen sooner or later. We still have the upper hand right now and the air support to back it up. We aren't the ones who are about to be attacked. It appears the enemy is about to attack each other."

It wasn't the response Cameron wanted to hear from Savannah, even if it was what she knew needed to happen. She didn't want Savannah to be terminated on her first mission.

"NO!" Cameron said.

Savannah held her ground. She was very adamant about what needed to occur.

"YES!" Savannah answered back.

Savannah could see Cameron was upset. She wanted to make her reasoning clear. She wanted to put it in terms Cameron would best be able to understand.

"Cameron, it's MY future too." Savannah said. "I'm taking my place."

The words seemed to catch Cameron off guard. She wondered if Savannah just 'claimed' John with her statement. It was about the last thing she expected to occur under the current conditions.

Savannah noted Cameron's hand started to glitch. She took Cameron's hand. The glitch almost stopped, but continued slightly. It was a first. Normally it stopped instantly. She thought she knew where the problem was. It was with her wording. She wanted to clarify things as quickly as possible. She didn't want to knock Cameron off of her game.

"Cameron, I'm not taking John. I'm taking my role as a Resistance fighter." Savannah said. "I'll never take anything FROM you either."

The glitch stopped.

Cameron felt a little better, but not by much. She was still worried about Savannah. She was proud to see Savannah wanted to improve her ability and get her hands 'dirty'. She also needed to consider what Savannah said about not taking anything from her. She knew Savannah only wanted to add to both John's life and her life. It was what she wanted too. She quickly refocused. They were there to do a job. It appeared it was going to be a different job. it didn't matter. Either way the job still needed to be done.

"OK, but you will do everything I say, and when I say it." Cameron said. "This is going to get messy. People are going to die tonight. I don't want it to be any of us. You may have to kill."

Savannah swallowed hard. She knew her life was about to change in some way. It wasn't necessarily for the better, but it was for the future. She was ready. She wanted everyone, including Cameron, to understand her commitment.

"I'll do what I have to do, when I have to do it." Savannah said. "I will not fail."

John Henry remained silent during the exchange. He too thought Savannah was about to claim John with her earlier statement. He knew with certainty the day was coming. It was about to arrive faster than anyone envisioned. He knew they needed to work even harder to prevent Judgment Day, for Cameron's sake. He also knew when Mrs. Weaver returned, and if she accepted Savannah's future trajectory, Cameron was in peril. Cameron would need to face both internal and external threats.

Right now his focus was on Savannah. He was sure there was going to be combat with their team before they left the area. He didn't disagree about the enemy killing as many of each other as possible first. He hoped the enemy would decimate each other while they watched.

Cammy originally watched the structure. When the threat of the vehicles was detected, Camille and her moved away. They wanted to be in back of the new force which was about to arrive. She didn't want to be caught between two groups fighting. When she repositioned, it allowed her to make a few new observations.

"I've detected Terminators in the two SUVs. There's one in each SUV. I also have detected Terminators at the facility we were watching." Cam said. "I view it as two different groups. Each group is using Terminators."

Cameron understood the threat level went up exponentially. It appeared there were at least four Terminators spotted with half in opposing groups. She wanted the groups to decimate each other first. She felt a little more confident about the situation because of the four additional Terminators she introduced into the mission. All four of them were 'her' for all practical purposes.

"Let them fight it out and we will finish off the victor." Cameron said. "It will keep damage to our group down to a minimum."

It was the same technique Cameron used when she put rival gangs, drug dealers, or crime syndicates to fight against each other. After one emerged as the victor, she would swoop in and finish them off. When such a procedure was employed, they usually did two thirds of her fighting for her.

John was a little out of his element right now. He wanted to get the facts straight. If there were Terminators in two of the groups, neither of them were the anti-Metal faction.

"Is it two different factions of Skynet fighting?" John asked.

John Henry believed it could be deeper than just factions. Every version of Skynet would want to be the dominant version.

"It may be Skynet from two different futures." John Henry said. "We have no way to know yet."

John wondered if maybe one group was a 'good' group. If they were, they should assist them.

"Could any of the attackers be from Mrs. Weaver?" John asked. "Is there any indication any of them are 'friendly'?"

Cam and Sheila both tried to identify any of the individuals. There was often more than one copy of a Terminator made. Cam ran Cameron's program so she knew of Terminators from her future. Sheila ran Gail's program so she knew of Terminators and Restorators from the alternate future. Neither one of them drew any positive hits.

"I'm running the scans with Sheila." Cam said. "She has no facial recognition of any of them from her future. I don't either from mine. There's nothing conclusive."

John didn't plan to leave if Savannah didn't go. How would it look? He was ready to act as well. It was time to let things progress on their own. He hoped to prevent any additional players from arriving.

"We'll let it play out then. We'll pick up the pieces." John said. "Jam all communications and cut all the power for the area."

Cam set those actions into motion as soon as she received Camille's report. She wanted to keep the enemy isolated from each other or reinforcements.

"I've already initiated part of it." Cam said. "Communication's are severed. The power should go off any second."

In moments the area went dark.

Cameron handed Savannah some night vision equipment.

"I've shown you how to use these." Cameron said.

Savannah put them on in seconds. Her heart no longer pounded wildly. It was 'go time'. She was ready. She was also aware both Vanna and Allison needed to kill at her age or younger. They all needed to kill at her age or younger, Jesse, Derek, Riley and Kyle. It was the way of the future.

For Savannah, the future was today….

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Typical

Sometimes it seems that
If something can go wrong it will
It's just the way it works
It makes one wonder still

Does anything ever work out
The way it's supposed to
Or must one always try again
And do everything over new

The best laid plans
Can often go awry
When everything falls apart
It leaves one to ask why

Is there really any point
To keep trying over and over
Instead of being part of the herd
One would like to be the drover

All one can do is to keep
Things from going critical
As they inevitably go wrong
All they can say is 'typical'

Nobody