Chapter 344

Not Me

John was out on a recon with Bob. They discovered some new Skynet equipment at the location they went to check out. He wanted to act on his own without Cameron involved. He felt he was more than capable of dealing with the threat. Bob advised him against trying to act on his own.

His phone rang. He saw it was Savannah. It was very unusual. He hoped nothing was wrong. He went to answer it but paused. Maybe it wasn't Savannah.

John was afraid it was going to be Cameron. He wasn't going to answer it if it was. He knew she would be all over him in a negative way. Cameron was always on his case about being in a 'combat situation'. This was supposed to be a recon only, but it was going to go hot. He decided to chance it.

"Hello?" John asked.

There was a slight pause.

"Hi, John, it's Savannah." Savannah said.

John was unsure what was about to happen. He waited for the other shoe to drop.

"What's up?" John asked.

John was sure Savannah knew exactly where he was at.

"I think you know why I'm calling." Savannah said. "I need you to think everything through a little more."

John sucked in his breath a little bit. It wasn't what he wanted to hear.

"I understand your concern." John said. "I think I have everything under control right now."

He could hear some commotion in the background.

"Is it John?" Cameron asked. "Give me the phone."

He could hear the sound of the phone being passed around.

"What the Hell is going on?" Cameron asked.

Damn, John thought. It's just like Cameron. He could see the Future Allison surface in her when she swore. She would have called Bob next anyway.

"It's nice to talk to you too." John said sarcastically.

It didn't appear Cameron was in the mood for any games.

"Shut up." Cameron said. "What are you planning? Where does this go from here? What are you up against?"

It reminded him of Allison and Vanna arguing. They could both turn into total Bitches in just a few seconds sometimes. It didn't happen much, but it did happen. He thought they all argued sometimes. It was just something humans did. Somehow it seemed it was always more brutal with the ones they cared about and loved.

John didn't want to create even harder feelings. He decided not to argue back under the current situation. He would rather have talked to Savannah. He didn't really care for the way Cameron took the phone away from her. He would rather have Cameron take it out on him than her. Savannah was just trying to help. He went over everything which occurred so far. It actually wasn't very much on their part. He wanted to hit them now. He was worried there may be a Terminator involved with the project. What they stumbled across was a 'big find' for them. There was no doubt about it. Diligence and hard work paid off. They worked all the leads, and this is what they found.

Cameron glanced over at Savannah. Cameron set the phone to 'Speaker Phone' so Savannah could hear the entire conversation.

Savannah knew Cameron was 'asking' her if she wanted to go to where John was. It would be to where the action was. She nodded her head in the affirmative. It was the real deal. She already got her feet wet, she might as well go in a little deeper. She wanted all the practice she could get.

Cameron briefly smiled. That was her girl. She knew Savannah was ready to expand.

"I'm on my way." Cameron said. "Savannah is coming too."

John could hear some rustling noise.

"I just wanted to say 'bye' since we were interrupted earlier." Savannah said.

The call ended before John could respond. He figured Cameron hung it up on him.

Combat. Savannah felt her heartbeat increase as her blood pumped harder in anticipation. Cameron kept weapons and body armor in all the vehicles. It was a good thing. This was to be more than a recon. She was ready.

Cameron called her Terminators. She wanted to make sure John was protected. She also wanted there to be some additional personnel to protect Savannah when they arrived where John was at.

She was now in a hurry to reach the target location. She was worried John would jump the gun in some misguided adventure to prove he could do the job. She needed to be ready when they arrived.

"Gear up and then we'll switch places." Cameron said.

Savannah was thrilled to hear it. Cameron didn't often let her drive when they went out. She actually started driving several years ago. It was usually in a more remote location when they started out. She didn't have a problem driving in city traffic either.

"It's a good thing you taught me how to drive." Savannah said.

Cameron gave Savannah a brief smile.

"I've taught you many things." Cameron said. "You've excelled in all of them."

Savannah was pleased to hear Cameron's praise. She also wanted to push her personal agenda a little. She was aware to know how to do something, and actually doing it were two different things. She also knew if someone wanted to be good at something, they needed to practice everyday.

"Thank you. I try, Cameron." Savannah said. "I still have a few more things to 'learn'. I know what to do, even if I don't know how to do it specifically, yet."

They both thought the same thing….

Cameron rolled her eyes and frowned.

Savannah batted her eyelids and smiled.

Both of them burst out laughing. It helped cut the tension in the air and made Savannah feel more at ease and a little more confident. She was ready. It would be combat of some type. She wasn't sure how far Cameron would allow her to go. She hoped it was all the way. She wanted the experience.

She needed to contemplate whether she might need to kill again. It was a strong possibility. It may not be now, or on the next mission, but it would happen going forward. If the enemy tried to attack them, she would respond accordingly. Her goal was to protect their team and make the enemy suffer.

Cameron needed to think about the earlier conversation with John. She didn't think John would answer her phone call so she asked Savannah to call. She probably should have let Savannah speak a little longer before she took the phone. She knew she overreacted a little because of the earlier problems which were experienced at the Young residence. It was something she couldn't control.

"Thank you for calling John for me." Cameron said. "I didn't mean to take the phone so soon. I would have liked you to have talked to John for a little longer first. I'm sorry I overreacted."

Savannah understood Cameron's concern for John and her. She knew it was very important to Cameron both of them remain unharmed.

"We all need to work together." Savannah said. "Sometimes things might get a little tense. Don't worry about it. Somehow it will all work out in the end. It always does."

It also seemed to help Cameron 'relax' some. She was on the verge of a 'melt down' only a few minutes ago. The prospect of combat refocused her direction and brought her back to reality. She really appreciated the way Savannah helped to calm and guide her. It was all done so lovingly. Savannah never made rude comments to her or treated her disrespectfully, ever.

It also gave Cameron some pause to think about what Savannah asked her for. It was something she set into motion. Things weren't exactly the way she wanted them to play out. She wanted Savannah to have some 'human interaction' first. She felt it was very important. She doubted John would respond properly since he hadn't so far. She couldn't help but think about the girls from the future. Was it the direction she wanted to point Savannah? She really hoped to find the best for Savannah.

Cameron stole another glance at Savannah. She was so beautiful….

John Henry informed John and Bob two drones were now on station. One was up high over them. The other one orbited the surrounding area. There were two more which would arrive soon.

John was aware Cameron was on the way. It bothered him enough already. Something else bothered him more.

"Cameron has Savannah with her." John said.

Bob could see it worried John more than being upset with Cameron for coming.

"Cameron won't want to take any chances." Bob said. "She'll want both of you protected."

Cameron indicated to John she dispatched additional Terminators to come to their area.

"She has more of her Terminators on the way." John said. "We know some were already shadowing us."

Bob felt it was good. They only witnessed the one HK Track so far. It was on shakedown maneuvers outside. What else was inside? Maybe there were more. Then what? He began to wonder how big of a force they might need.

"How many additional Terminators is it?" Bob asked.

John doubted Cameron would tell him the truth. She didn't want him to know the true extent of her operation. He didn't know how truthful Cameron would be if he asked her more about her operation. It seemed like a bad idea.

"I didn't ask." John said with some contempt. "I didn't want to make her need to lie, again."

Bob couldn't understand why John was unable to comprehend Cameron wanted to help and protect him.

"John, she believes everything she's doing is to protect you and the future." Bob said. "She's trying to do both and protect all of us as well."

John didn't really listen to Bob. He contemplated his shaky relationship with Cameron. He really wondered if Cameron only married him to better control him. It sure seemed like it at times. It worked too. She always knew how to get her way. As a member of the Resistance, he would be able to tell Cameron what to do or not to do. He was the General. As his wife, there wasn't much he could tell Cameron to do or not to do. It would always turn into a domestic issue instantly. His 'punishment' would be her holding out in the bedroom later on. Whenever he asked about it, she told him there were plenty of others available. He knew where their rooms were at.

The next words just slipped out of his mouth.

"It was a mistake for us to get married." John said. "I understand it now."

Bob tilted his head slightly. He was aware Cameron offered John a solution to the 'problem' several times.

"She's asked for a divorce more than once. It also includes her Duplicate who asked for the same thing." Bob said.

John saw it more as an act of mercy. Besides, he was ready to move on. He thought he experienced all Cameron could offer. Some 'fresh meat' would do him some good. He didn't care for the reminder both Cameron and Duplicate Cameron asked for a divorce. It didn't matter. He was ready for more. It did make him wonder what would have happened if he would have granted Duplicate Cameron's wish and got divorced. When Cameron showed back up, she would have still been married to him. It was just a thought. It didn't really matter one way or the other.

"I know. Next time she asks or says it, I'm going to agree." John said. "I'm killing her and preventing her from protecting the future as she was programmed to do. I've altered and restricted her growth as an individual."

Bob wondered what direction John would go next. He didn't want to ask about Savannah. It seemed like the best choice. She was young and untouched. Those were two desirable qualities for humans in a mate. He would 'dance' around the issue and see where John went.

"What about Allison, Vanna, or Jesse?" Bob asked. "They're all available. I mean for a male."

John wasn't sure where the selection of females was headed. There was room in his bed for them alone, or in pairs, or as a group. He would try any of them at this point. None of them could be as big of a Bitch as Cameron was, he hoped. What if they were worse? He viewed human females become very nasty and even aggressive with each other. He saw it at school, as well as around the base.

"Cameron has given them each a Metal girl as a lover, and to protect them." John said. "I don't know what else they would want."

He knew from personal experience, a Terminator as a sexual partner would be rather hard to follow. They could perform the same task indefinitely, at any rate or speed. It would be impossible for a human to do the same thing for any amount of time.

Bob knew it was way more than just to give the girls some excitement. It was all done for John.

"She's protecting them for you." Bob said. "Cameron is trying to protect the future."

John restrained a smile. He wished it was so simple. He knew where Cameron wanted him to look now. He was aware she was willing to take shortcuts.

"It's not her latest 'push'." John said.

Bob knew what John was talking about. He knew John referred to Savannah. He purposely didn't mention her earlier. He knew Cameron decided to bypass the girls from the future and go with the next batch of candidates. Maybe John needed a reminder about the future.

"You saw the future, John. You were there." Bob said. "I've shared files with Restorators from there. All females her age have a male or female partner, or they are dying in a Scavenger camp or Skynet work camp. You know as well as I do it's ALL of them. No one lives very long there."

John was even more upset now.

"Don't you think I know that? It's what we're trying to prevent, Bob." John said. "I want them all to have a life, my sister Jan, and the Young sisters too. I don't like Cameron planning their lives for them and picking who they're supposed to 'love'. It's just wrong. They all grow up being told who they will love and whose bed they will share."

Bob wanted John to refocus. There was a harsh reality which needed to be spoken.

"John, none of them will have a 'normal' life if Skynet wins." Bob said. "This is our life, it's their life. You must accept it. Cameron is trying as hard as she can for everyone to keep them safe and protect the future."

John saw it all as a 'no win' situation. In order to stop Skynet, he was sure Cameron would need to become it.

"There is only one way to prevent Skynet from taking over isn't there?" John asked.

Bob understood John reached the only possible conclusion. Cameron would need to become Skynet.

"Yes." Bob said. "It's the only logical solution."

John would have smashed his fist down on the table if there was one there. There wasn't.

"Everyone sacrifices for John Connor…." John said in utter disgust.

Bob remembered John admonished him the last time he said it.

"You said it, not me." Bob said. "But you're correct."

Cameron and Savannah arrived in the target area. She decided to rendezvous with her four clones first. Two of them were female, two were male. She wanted to set the rules for the operation.

"Savannah and John are our top priorities." Cameron said. "You all know it. They come before all else, including the mission."

Savannah looked at the two female clones. One looked almost exactly like Cameron. The other one was slightly different, but rapidly taking on Cameron's appearance. She knew they were still in the process of Resequencing.

Cameron watched Savannah check out the two female clones. She could see the 'hungry' look in her eyes as she checked every detail on them. She really wanted to see her reaction to the next part. She nonchalantly touched Savannah's neck as she made the introductions.

"This is Camille and this…." Cameron said as she looked at Savannah. "Savannah, this is Cammy."

Savannah thought her heart skipped a beat.

It was the reaction Cameron expected. She felt Savannah's arousal level spike.

Cammy smiled at Savannah. She already seemed to have Cameron's smile.

"I'll be working closely with you today." Cammy said. "As well as in the future, Savannah…."

Savannah drew in her breath slightly. She knew what it all meant at some point not too far away.

Camille and Cammy were to stay with Savannah at all times.

Savannah realized Cameron already put things into motion before she said anything. It made her feel bad about mentioning it all now. Cameron already planned to provide for her. She wanted to know the complete status of the two female clones.

"Are you a program clone of Cameron?" Savannah asked. "Are both of you?"

Cammy smiled and Camille nodded.

"We are both 'Cameron'. We updated yesterday." Cammy said. "We will both ensure your safety."

It's what Savannah wanted to hear. She planned to try and keep Cammy as a one hundred percent clone of Cameron in every way. She was aware of the situation with Cam. When they left the Young residence earlier, Cam was 'Cameron', even if her program was not up to date.

Savannah greeted the two male Terminators.

"Hello." Savannah said. "What are your names?"

The first Terminator moved forward.

"I'm Ron." A large male Terminator said.

His voice switched to Cameron's voice.

"I'm also 'Cameron' updated as of yesterday." Ron said.

His voice switched back.

"You will be protected and guided." Ron said.

Savannah looked at the second male Terminator.

"I'm Ronny." The other male Terminator said.

His voice switched to Cameron's voice.

"I'm 'Cameron' too." Ronny said.

His voice switched back.

"We will protect John and you." Ronny said.

Cameron left Savannah in the company of Ron, Camille, and Cammy. She went in search of John with Ronny.

Savannah couldn't take her eyes off of Camille and Cammy. She didn't know what the future would bring, but she really hoped it was what Vanna and Cam shared. She wanted to be with a female more than anything….

The fact they were cyborgs didn't matter to Savannah. She held no prejudice. There was no distinction to her. They were as 'alive' to her as a human female. Later on, her chain of thought would make every Terminator and Restorator loyal to her. The 'Chosen One' treated everyone as an equal.

John and Bob watched the HK Track activity. It occurred on the open lot in back of the target building.

Bob looked in back of them. He moved back and stood up.

"Good Luck." Bob said and stepped away.

John wondered where Bob was headed to.

"What?" John asked as he looked around.

Cameron burst into view. She didn't look happy. She stood in front of Bob and glared at him. Her displeasure was obvious.

"We'll discuss this later." Cameron said.

John cringed. Cameron was already there. He saw Bob was in trouble. He knew he was next for her anger. He figured he might as well focus it on himself.

"Lay off." John said. "I'm the one responsible for everything that's happened here. Bob acted under my direction. I'm the General of our entire operation. If you've got a problem with it, I'm right here."

Cameron felt she made her point. She wanted to get straight into the operation. She would ask for a briefing from the 'General'.

"Fill me in, General." Cameron said. "I'm getting all the updates from John Henry as we speak."

John skipped the small talk, insults, and sarcasm. He knew Cameron wouldn't stand for them right now. She really looked steamed. He went right in with all the information Bob and him gathered, as well as what the 'shadow Terminators' filled them in on. The other group of Cameron's Terminators was now split into two groups for further recon and surveillance.

John noticed a large Terminator standing in back of Cameron. He paused and looked at him.

"What's your story?" John asked.

He was a little surprised at what transpired next.

"I'm Ronny." He said in Cameron's voice.

His voice switched.

"I'll be staying with you as well as Bob." Ronny said.

John could tell it was obviously another clone of Cameron. He looked at the big male body. It made him wonder…. Could Cameron borrow the chassis for a night? There were really a few things he would like to experiment with. He shook his head and quickly refocused.

He nodded and continued his briefing.

Cameron didn't get any new information from John. Everything he said she learned already from her clones who shadowed John and Bob there. It was time for some direct action. She wanted to know what the nature of the threat was.

"I need to get down there and see what else is inside the building." Cameron said. "I want to know if there are more, or if it's an assembly line. You're correct to think there's probably enemy Terminators down there as well. It's a Skynet HK Track from my future. The machine is deadly."

John Henry heard Cameron talk about going in for a better look. He wanted to remind her there were other less risky operations available. All of the drones were there and armed for a ground attack.

"We have all four drones in the area now. Two are on station. Two are on wide recon, two and five miles out." John Henry reported. "They're on patrol for any reinforcements."

Cameron didn't want to attack the building first and try to sort things out later. She wanted to make sure she understood what was going on in there and how big of a threat it really was. She also wanted to allow Savannah a chance to make some battlefield decisions.

"Savannah is here as well, John. She's to observe and learn. I've encouraged her to 'step up' if she feels confident. I ask you to let her and guide her. She's ready to learn more." Cameron said. "There are three of 'me' with her, two female and one male. You have seen all of them at our previous operation. They're Camille, Cammy, and Ron."

John quickly looked at Ronny. He noticed they were all variations of Cameron's name. The Ron and Ronny were from the last syllable of her name. He really wondered how many Terminator's actually Cameron controlled. There were eight of them there now. He wondered if all of them ran her program or not.

"How many of you are there?" John asked.

There was a sly smile on Cameron's face. She wasn't going to divulge too much information right now. She wanted to give John something to think about.

"Not as many as there will be." Cameron said. "You've 'met' some of them already."

John swallowed hard and looked around. He wanted to ask what she meant but didn't. Did she mean they were in his bed? He couldn't help but steal another glance at Ronny. He would definitely know when a clone would be there if they were in a male chassis.

Cameron kept a straight face and moved on. It was clear she hit her mark and put him on the defensive. John only encountered them on the recent operation…. Not in his bed, well, not yet anyway.

John and Cameron coordinated a plan of attack. Cameron was going in by herself as usual. Everyone would back her up. If any enemy Terminators or other help arrived, the drones would hit them and their team was to withdraw. Cameron would fight her way out alone. It seemed to be pretty par for the course.

John could take a little comfort in the plan because Cameron wasn't there alone this time. There were a number of Terminators who would be able to assist her if it became necessary. It wasn't usually the case. He also knew something else. If he ordered them to go in after Cameron and they didn't respond, since they were Cameron's Terminators, he did know Savannah would be able to tell them to do it. He believed every Cameron based Terminator would respond to Savannah in a positive way without question.

Ronny would make sure John withdrew, even if he needed to pick him up and carry him away. He answered to Cameron, not John. It was because he was 'Cameron'.

"John Henry, get the Blackhawk airborne." Cameron said. "I want it ready for a Medevac if necessary."

Cameron tried to cover all the bases.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Not Me

Is love's quest
What is love's goal
Is it all some strange test
Or what makes one whole

It seems that everyone
Has something different to seek
The journey can separate
The strong from the weak

Perhaps the real problem
Is no one knows what they want
When it's all before them
They still continue the hunt

In daily life no one really
Gets to pick and choose
It doesn't actually matter
In the end they all lose

People want more than to give
On that everyone can agree
If you want one who will forgive
Then it's not me

Nobody