Chapter 347

Are We Ever

Savannah's team heard the muffled gunfire. They knew it was Cameron on the lower level. At least they hoped it was. The four of them in Savannah's team all fired on prearranged targets, the men were all taken down.

Savannah just killed her second person. She felt nothing. Protecting Cameron was the only thing which mattered. She would kill whoever she needed to kill in order to help Cameron. The enemy was the enemy. Maybe it would bother her later. She didn't think so. She would find out. She hoped she survived the current encounter.

The HK Track spun around as it searched for targets in the building from which it exited a few minutes ago.

The drone at altitude fired a flare.

The HK Track turned its attention upward as it detected a new threat.

The drone at low altitude was right on the deck as it followed the plan. It moved at high speed. Its approach was blocked from the HK Track by the structure itself. It overflew the operation with the take down of the two trucks.

The drone which fired the flare drew all of the HK Tracks attention. It 'left it looking' in the wrong direction to protect itself.

Their drone popped up from behind the building and fired a long burst of Coltan rounds into the HK Track from its minigun. The HK Track stopped moving. Sparks and flames sprouted out of it. It tried to move one more time. A panel on the side of it blew off. The HK Track was disabled. They hoped it would stay disabled. It was possible it could attempt to do some type of internal diagnostics to get itself partially functional again. Currently it looked like it was out of picture.

The three drones took up their stations and covered the building as Savannah directed. Each section of the structure was targeted for an intimidate missile launch if necessary.

Two Resistance Terminators entered the building from each side.

Savannah wanted to lead her team in initially. Cammy talked her out of it. She decided to send in four other Terminators in first. Now she wanted to reinforce them.

"We need to move closer." Savannah said.

Savannah started to move.

Cammy physically stopped her. It was too unsafe for Savannah to move in since it wasn't absolutely necessary.

"No." Cammy said. "We will remain here for now."

Savannah knew she needed to follow their directions…. She previously told them to make sure she didn't needlessly endanger anyone. She didn't think it included herself, but apparently it did to Cammy.

Now wasn't the time to push it. This was about getting Cameron out now since things went hot.

The two trucks which approached the target building were stopped and commandeered as they approached the target area.

Moments ago:

The first truck was followed by the second truck at this point. They hadn't initially been together. They were now. Once they took the final turn, they were both committed to the narrow road which led to the target area. It also determined their fate since there was no other place they could be headed. They were 'dirty' by default.

The mini convoy came around a bend in the road. There was a car lying on its side. There was another car half on and half off the road. There was no way for the trucks to pass until one of the two vehicles was moved.

The lead truck driver reached for his phone as he slowed. He hesitated because there was a body half out the window of the car which was on its side. It was on top of the half ejected body. It really looked like a traffic accident to him.

As soon as he stopped with a loud hiss of air, he watched as the prone figure with the car resting on it produced an M4 and pointed it at him. Before he could react his tractor shook somewhat as someone jumped up on it. Before he could pull a gun out, he was pulled from his seat and out of the open window. His body was tossed down to the pavement. It was a hard impact.

At that point, something passed very low overhead at a great rate of speed. It was there and gone in a flash. There was the sound of gunfire in the distance.

Moments ago:

The second truck noticed the first truck slow and did so as well. The driver thought maybe there was a new checkpoint. He soon spotted the two vehicles which looked like they were in a serious accident.

Even as the first truck stopped, he spotted movement off to both sides in front of him. He didn't see the man who opened his driver's door and pulled him out and onto the ground.

The driver of the first truck was able to draw a firearm as he impacted the ground. He held it in his left hand. The barcode on his arm was unmistakable. He was definitely someone from the future. It indicated he was captured by Skynet at some point in time, and ended up working for it later on. He was a traitor as well as a sellout.

He was kicked in the head by a Terminator. It caved in the side of his head at the same time it snapped his neck.

The driver of the second truck watched it all happen. He previously left his gun between the seats because it was uncomfortable where it was at in his waistband. It may have saved his life since he couldn't fight.

He went from the prone position on the pavement, to being held up off of the ground by his neck in an instant. He did notice the car which was on its side suddenly flip back over onto its wheels. He watched it rock back and forth violently several times as it did. His world went dark at the same time.

A Terminator climbed into the cab of each of the trucks. The bound prisoner and the body of the other driver, were loaded into the back of one of them. The other two Terminators entered the car which was half on and half off of the road. They drove off towards the sound of the gunfire. The car which was on its side was off the road once it was righted. It was left there for now.

The operation was a success. Their Terminators were now behind the wheel of each truck. One prisoner was in custody, one was terminated. The trucks headed to a predetermined remote location for inspection and evaluation.

The other two of their Terminators from the interception site, were on the way to reinforce the target location. Savannah wanted as many personnel as possible. She wanted to make sure they got Cameron out.

John heard the gunfire and wanted to move up. He was worried about Cameron. He was aware of Savannah's position. She was right up in the front. It bothered him immensely.

"We need to go." John said. "Cameron needs our help."

Things began to happen fast and all at once.

Bob didn't want John to overreact. It was too premature to make any type of conclusive determination.

"There were only six shots fired, from a pistol." Bob said. "It was most likely Cameron."

As far as John knew they were fired at Cameron. He was concerned for her. He was worried about Savannah as well. It was Cameron's actions which actually troubled him the most. Her past actions spoke for themselves.

"You know I worry about her." John said. "I hate when she's alone. You know she's been through a lot."

Bob didn't think it was anything new. He didn't like it either. It was what it was. He didn't want John to jump the gun.

"We all worry about her." Bob said. "We're not needed yet."

John wanted to act. He hated being sidelined or restricted.

"Are we ever?" John asked.

Ronny, the male Cameron clone, called it like it was. He wanted to remind John his place was in the Command Center, not out in the field where he tied up resources.

"No." Ronny said.

He refrained from commenting about John being there and tying up two Terminators who could be down assisting Cameron. It seemed as if the message was delivered without him needing to be specific.

Bob and John looked at each other.

They knew Ronny, 'a Cameron clone', wasn't joking. Cameron tried to do everything dangerous herself. They all knew Cameron felt compelled to protect all of them.

Cameron quickly moved to the fallen Skynet Terminator and stuck the shocker on his neck. She searched for the female Terminator as she did it. She knew an attack of some kind was imminent. It arrived from where she couldn't see.

She was aware of movement behind her. She just checked in back of her less than a second ago. Before she could turn to face the threat, she was shoved across the floor. Her weapons were knocked from her hands.

The female Terminator was on top of her in a flash. She attempted to hook something to her. Cameron rolled and broke free as she sprang to her feet.

The female Terminator dropped the cable she held and advanced towards Cameron. She did the same thing. Her Glock and Taser were lying across the room. Both of them lost when she was attacked.

The two female Terminators grabbed each other….

They both knew it would be a fight to the finish.

The four Resistance Terminators made their move and entered the building. None of the HK Tracks inside showed any signs of movement. There was one Gray inside still. He held a pistol and a phone. He looked over at the two Terminators who were the farthest away from him. He didn't spot the closer threat yet. Steve shot him in the head from in back of him. His lifeless body was now sprawled between two HK Tracks. There was a phone next to him. Steve looked at it but it was broken. The Gray may have gotten a warning call out. It started a new 'danger clock' for all of them.

"Everything on the upper level is deactivated or neutralized." Steve reported. "I'm heading downstairs with Dan. A Gray may have gotten a call out before he was terminated."

Two of the Terminators headed downstairs while two remained on the upper level.

"We will gather any intel we can and keep this level secure." Al reported.

Savannah wanted the back door kept open for Cameron to get out. The fact a call may have been sent out was worrisome. There could be some type of contingency plan in place. There might be more troops on the way, a squadron of HK drones, or the building might be wired to blow up to prevent anyone from capturing the equipment. There was no way to tell what could happen or when.

"Roger." Savannah said. "We needed to speed up. We may be compromised."

Savannah wanted to help Cameron herself.

"I want to move up." Savannah said.

Cammy didn't want Savannah endangered yet. She wanted her to think and use her resources to their fullest. She needed to think further ahead than herself.

"No." Cammy said. "Think of more options."

Savannah knew she needed to rethink her plan. She needed to keep the overall picture in mind.

"John, I want you to move to our position so Bob and Ronny can go down to assist." Savannah said.

Cammy nodded at Savannah. It was a sound decision.

Ron didn't want Bob to compromise his mission. He was to stay with John.

"Bob can stay with John and I'll go in his place." Ron said.

Savannah thought about why. It made sense. She didn't need to rock the boat. She just needed to get more assistance down to where it would be beneficial. It still left Cammy and Camille for her and Bob with John.

"That's fine." Savannah said.

Two more of their Terminators arrived. They were from the truck ambush.

"I want one of you on each side of the building. You need to cover the front as well." Savannah said.

John arrived at Savannah's position. He encouraged her to act. He wanted to hear her thoughts and what she would do.

"What's next?" John asked Savannah.

Ron and Ronny headed for the structure.

"Bob, stay with John and watch our backs and flanks. I want Cammy and Camille ready to fire on any moving target." Savannah said.

John liked Savannah's plan so far. He wanted Cameron out of the building too.

"You're doing a great job, Savannah." John said. "Try to think a few steps ahead."

John was well aware Savannah was a young woman now. He was all too aware of her shapely body. It always excited him to see it. She showed a lot of it when they were alone. He blamed it on Cameron. He really saw her in a different light on these last few missions. He was distracted again as he took in her figure. Much of it was obscured by her vest. Still he could almost look in through the armpit and see the side of a firm perky breast. It really gave him something to think about. He didn't want to get ahead of himself. Maybe after his 'divorce' from Cameron….

"…John?" Savannah asked.

John was embarrassed. He hadn't been paying attention. He wondered if anyone noticed he tried to look at Savannah a little more than he should have. It was only for a few seconds. It was a few seconds too long under the current circumstances. He couldn't believe how easily distracted he was.

"What?" John asked.

Savannah didn't know what kind of alarm may have been raised. She didn't want to get caught out in the open if HK drones arrived, or a larger force of enemy Terminators was dispatched.

"Do you want to try to take anything from here or flatten this place?" Savannah asked. "We don't know what the nature of the call was or if it was even made. There are valuable resources here the Resistance could use."

John was worried about 'risks and benefits' too. He wanted to hear Savannah's thoughts.

"What do you think?" John asked.

Savannah thought about the type of HK equipment it was. HK drones were much more versatile than HK Tracks were. For their current operation HK drones would be much more beneficial. HK Tracks would serve a purpose once the war started. They could be used for sentry duty until then. She also needed to think about their force.

"If these were HK drones I'd recommend we try and take them. Since they aren't, I say we flatten the place." Savannah said. "We don't know what reinforcements Skynet will send. We don't want them to regain control of the HK Tracks."

Savannah also understood they didn't know if any additional Skynet activity would occur or not. She looked at Cammy and she nodded. She also wanted someone else's opinion as soon as it was available. She wanted to make sure she didn't afford anyone else's plans.

"As soon as Cameron is clear, and all of our Terminators are out, I want the three drones to use their missiles on it." Savannah said. "I want the fourth drone kept in reserve. I'll check with Cameron for her advice before I carry out this plan."

John really liked what Savannah set in motion there. He felt the need to say something.

"I can see all those hours with John Henry and Cameron paid off." John said.

Savannah didn't think it was anything special. Cameron wasn't out yet. She did notice John check her out earlier. She thought she would give him a little reminder of what was to come.

"I've received a lot of help and instruction from many people, including you." Savannah said. "This is one of my 'functions'."

Savannah brushed the hair from the side of her face behind her ear as she looked sideways up at John with a slight smile.

John was almost sorry he earlier thought about Cameron and the divorce….

He could see Savannah was 'ready'.

John knew it was all Cameron's doing. It was all her fault. He tried not to look at Savannah again but couldn't help himself. Damn she was Hot.

Cameron was in a fight for her life. The female Terminator was powerful and aggressive. She was a match for her as she was herself.

They pushed and shoved each other. They both gained the advantage for a few seconds, only to lose it as quickly. They smashed into crates. Parts flew out of them. The wooden crates were reduced to splinters.

Cameron wanted the female. She wanted her female chassis and didn't want to damage her too badly. At one point she almost ripped her head off but was shoved away.

They were now by Cameron's Taser. They rolled past it twice. Each time they were a little closer to it, if she could just get a hold of it….

She rolled over and sent the Terminator flying with both of her feet. The female Terminator slammed into one of the crates and demolished it. Cameron picked up her Taser and fired just as the Terminator lunged at her.

Cameron rolled to the side as the deactivated body of the female Terminator slammed into the ground next to her. It was in the spot she was at a second ago. She saw her cheek split open with the impact. It was a hard hit. She took a quick look around to make sure there were no other additional threats. None were spotted.

She pulled her knife and removed her chip. She then went to the male Terminator. She waited for the next pulse to shoot through him. She removed the device and deactivated him as well. She removed his chip. Neither of the chips self destructed. It was a good thing. It should allow her to gather more information on the operation. It in turn would present her with more targets.

There was some movement behind Cameron. She was up with her Glock as well as the Taser. It was Steve. Dan was right behind him.

She wanted the deactivated Terminators cleared out first.

"Carry them up." Cameron said.

Both Steve and Dan picked up the deactivated, male and female Terminators.

Cameron took a quick look around. Even though there was some computer equipment, it was nothing fancy. There was no 'clean room' there. It was a good thing.

Steve passed word as they moved to the upper level Cameron was on her way out and everything was under control.

Ronny and Ron showed up. Cameron spoke with them. They took the deactivated Terminators away from Steve and Dan. They both left. They said they were clear of the operation and the area.

Savannah heard the exchange on her com. She didn't like when they left before things were finished there. It seemed rather abrupt to her. She would have liked to have spoken to both of them before they left. She didn't know they were following Cameron's orders.

"Where are they going?" Savannah asked.

Cammy didn't want to get specific in front of John.

"They have other assignments." Cammy said.

John and Savannah looked at each other.

Cameron was always in charge. They wondered what the other assignments were. Savannah and John knew they were all doing other things until Cameron sent all of them there to begin with.

Steve told Cameron how Savannah called the shots with Cammy as her adviser.

Cameron finished her inspection of the lower level. She sent Dan and Steve out as well as the other two Terminators when she reached the upper level.

"Savannah, the building is clear. All our Terminators are out." Cameron said. "I will be out soon too."

Savannah double checked to make sure everyone was clear and safe. She asked about damage to any of them.

Cammy smiled at her.

Savannah was ready to initiate the next phase as soon as Cameron was clear.

"Cameron, do you want this place flattened?" Savannah asked. "We don't know if a call was made. There may or may not be additional Skynet forces on the way. As to what they would be, it's totally unknown."

Cameron was almost ready to leave. She understood what was to follow.

"Yes." Cameron said. "I need to do something real fast first."

No sooner was it said than a medium sized fork lift roared out of the building with Cameron driving it. She picked up the damaged HK Track and drove back into the building with it.

Cameron emerged from the structure and headed for their position. She gave a 'thumbs up'.

"Light it up." Savannah said as the teams withdrew.

John Henry was ready to act.

Jesse was pleased with her recent journey. Gail drove her to the 'edge' through ecstasy until she reached the 'other side'.

Gail was a little concerned about how long it took to revive Jesse on her most recent journey. She currently touched the back of Jesse's neck as she scanned her.

"I need to make sure you're OK." Gail said.

Jesse took a moment to get her breath back and collect her thoughts. She could only remember the extreme pleasure before there was nothing. It seemed to her it was the point. When it was time to face oblivion, there was no better way to get there.

"I was in Heaven until there was nothing." Jesse said.

Gail tilted her head slightly.

"I thought Heaven was supposed to come after you were terminated." Gail said.

Jesse couldn't help but smile.

"You sent me to Heaven on Earth before there was nothing." Jesse said.

Gail was pleased with her efforts even if they were somewhat concerning. She understood the 'nothing' part of termination.

"When they pulled my chip to prevent me from self-terminating upon your termination, well, Duplicate Jesse's termination, there was nothing either for me." Gail said. "I was as confused as I was surprised when I saw Cameron's face when she reactivated me. The last I remembered was Cameron was terminated, well, Duplicate Cameron was terminated. I actually thought for a brief moment there was a machine afterlife."

Jesse often wondered about it herself. She wasn't sure exactly what there was in Gail's case

"I don't know tech stuff." Jesse said. "I do know from my multiple experiences on the other side, even as brief as they are, there's nothing there."

Gail wondered if the time factor might play a part.

"Since you aren't terminated long enough to remain terminated, perhaps you aren't really terminated when it occurs." Gail said.

Jesse thought about it for a moment.

"If I go all the way, and you don't bring me back, we wouldn't be able to have this discussion about what was there or not." Jesse said. "I would like you to leave me there sometimes. I still don't think there will be anything there. There won't even be any awareness there's nothing there. There is just nothing."

Gail was told by Jesse on multiple occasions to leave her on the 'other side'. It was just something she couldn't do. She could never terminate the one she loved. She would rather be terminated herself first, rather than be the one to do it.

"As much as you would like to go sometimes, I can't do it." Gail said. "I understand it would be a pleasurable way to end your existence. It wouldn't be pleasurable for me. I can tell you right now if you're ever terminated, I will self-terminate as well. Your death will be my death. I will not exist without you."

Jesse didn't want to be responsible for Gail's termination, even if it served her own desires to no longer be alive at times. Someone she cared about shouldn't need to perish because of her.

"There are always other versions of me out there." Jesse said. "There's Young Jesse, Duplicate Jesse, which there may be more than one of, and Future Jesse. Those are the ones we know about. They are all me. We are all the same individual even if we have deviations in our life and personality."

Gail couldn't tell but cringe a little at the mention of Duplicate Jesse. Duplicate Jesse was her first beloved until she was terminated protecting her. Cameron was able to rescue her through temporal management. Unfortunately she was banished to River's future half a millennium in the future. Her thoughts were often on Young Jesse ever since she met her on their trip to Australia.

The one Jesse she didn't think about was Future Jesse. Future Jesse was part of the anti-Metal faction in Cameron's future. She wasn't a 'Metal Lover', she was a 'Metal Hater'. Future Jesse would rather terminate her than become her lover. She was pleased when Cameron told her if she ever found Future Jesse, she would attempt to 'convert' her from being a 'Metal Hater'. If anyone could do it, it was Cameron.

Gail turned her attention back to the naked form of Jesse on the bed.

"I lost you once." Gail said. "I'm never going to do it again."

It pleased Jesse immensely to know how much someone cared about her. She knew it was more than just words based upon Gail's past actions with the termination of Duplicate Jesse. She couldn't help but think about her past.

"I'm not worth anyone's life." Jesse said.

Gail disagreed.

"You're worth mine." Gail said. "We'll be in oblivion together. I swear it."

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Are We Ever

There are hopes and wants
Many have a personal dream
If that goal is ever achieved
It will most likely end in a scream

There are many complications
Things seldom work out
With the one they want to love
Joy will be answered with a shout

It is over soon enough
Just when is hard to tell
Everything becomes a blur
When to communicate is to yell

Things begin to crack and split
The future soon looks bleak
It's only so much noise
As all both do is shriek

When it's over it's over
It was a wasted endeavor
We think we'll be happy the next time
Are we ever

Nobody