Chapter 359

Hear What

Derek's team carefully approached the truck which was hit with the missile attack. They didn't know what they would find. There was no indication there was an ambush. The Grays tried to do something there before the missile strike. If there was an HK drone, or several of them inside, they were probably not all destroyed. He knew it was hard to take them down. There was a lot of apprehension as they approached.

"We are coming up on the truck." Derek said. "It's still burning."

One of their drones was nearby. It was ready to assist them.

John Henry monitored the ground from the drone. He didn't detect anything out of the ordinary.

"Use extreme caution." John Henry said.

Derek decided to send one of the Terminators forward.

"Al, check it out, but use caution." Derek said. "It's possible they are still players in the game, you know what I mean."

It was clear Derek's reference indicated the presence of a hostile Terminator.

Al nodded and silently moved forward.

Derek went to move up as well. A strong arm reached up and carefully restrained him.

Jim needed to watch out for him.

"Take it easy for a minute." Jim said. "We'll be able to move up shortly."

Derek looked back and nodded. He needed to adhere to the rules of engagement.

John Henry watched one of them move closer.

"Remember we don't know for sure what's inside." John Henry cautioned them.

Derek moved up a little more anyway.

"Al is investigating it now." Derek said.

Al reached the truck and paused. He quickly looked back.

"Derek, you'd better take a look at this." Al said.

Derek was afraid it wasn't going to be anything good. While Al didn't indicate an immediate threat, anything Skynet related was a threat in itself. He moved up with Jim.

Jim didn't want to take any chances based upon the current circumstances.

"Derek, I need you to stay behind me." Jim said.

Derek didn't like to 'play second fiddle', but he followed Jim's instructions. It was a very tense moment for all of them as they faced the unknown.

Bob, John, and the new female clone of Cameron, watched the building Cameron and two more of her clones entered. There was movement behind them and the female clone went to investigate.

John watched as Cameron's clone started to head for the new problem which was detected. He wasn't sure of her name, other than what he heard as the 'three months of summer' mentioned. Maybe that was it. Her name must be Summer. The name just popped into his head. He wanted to issue her a warning the same as he would any other Terminator.

"Summer, be careful." John said.

Cameron's clone looked back and smiled. She then vanished in the brush.

Bob looked for any closer threats to John. He was puzzled by the name John called the clone. He didn't hear anyone mention it as one of the names earlier. He wanted a further explanation.

"Why did you call her by the name you used?" Bob asked. "You called her 'Summer'."

John just thought it seemed logical since it covered all the names he heard so far. He was told to put it together and figure it out. He was pretty sure it happened subconsciously. It was just there all of a sudden in his head.

"The names which were used earlier, were like the ninety-three days of a season." John said. "June, Julia, and Augusta are like the three months of 'summer'. They are all actual female names based upon the months they sound like."

Bob didn't want to say anything, but he knew what her Resequencing would turn out to be. Cameron must have cloned the young girl, Summer, Allison's sister. Cameron probably used her DNA set as a teenager for the Resequencing. He knew it was going to be a problem later on for someone. He was glad it wouldn't be him. He wondered if Cameron knew the can of worms she opened by taking such an extreme step. He was aware Summer was going to be more beautiful than her sister Allison. It meant she was going to be more beautiful than Cameron. It might not be by much, but it was still going to be a little more than Cameron was.

John received word more of their Terminators arrived.

Dan was now nearby John and Bob. He protected one of their flanks. He was aware of the situation which drew off the female Terminator.

"Do you want me to go with her?" Dan asked.

John didn't think it was necessary. He was worried the real threat was where Cameron was at. Maybe it was his thinking which should have used a little more thought. It seemed to be the very thing he actually criticized Cameron for, time and time again

"No. Since she's 'Cameron', she can handle it." John said.

John Henry tried to determine what actually was going on inside the building. It seemed things picked up a little more than they were earlier. He still couldn't tell what was actually going on. There was no indication where Cameron was at.

"I'm detecting some additional activity inside the building." John Henry said. "Cameron's whereabouts is unknown."

John would like to know a little more information about Cameron.

"I hope she gets word out." John said.

There was gunfire from inside the building one second later.

"I guess I spoke a little too soon. We can hear it as well." John said. "It just went hot."

The sounds of battle filled the air.

Cameron entered the building a few minutes ago. There was only one guard. His dead body was still lying at his post. He watched the activity in the far corner and neglected his job. She simply walked up behind him and snapped his neck. She briefly looked around her for any additional threats or guards. There was an office area she wanted to check out, but it would need to wait. It didn't appear there was anyone currently in it. She remembered the hidden compartment in the office area of another building they took down. She would need to do a thorough investigation when she got back to it.

She watched as a group of men worked to get something into operation. It was a much larger tracked HK. It was bigger than an HK Track. It was an HK Tread. She remembered a saying from the future, 'Dread the Tread'. It was capable of being manned, or able to operate on autonomous control.

Cameron moved closer as she searched for any Terminators. She hadn't spotted any yet. She knew there would be some in there somewhere. She lost communication with the group as she entered the building. There was some type of jamming field going on. It may have been from the giant HK Tread itself. They were designed to dominate the battlefield. She knew one of those machines was capable of great destruction. If there was a group of them on the battlefield, they would soon 'own' it.

She heard some movement behind her. She quickly turned around and looked. It was Ron and Ronny. She wasn't surprised to see them. She wanted them to know her current status.

"I can't communicate with the outside." Cameron said.

Ron and Ronny faced the same issue. When they viewed the HK equipment in the corner, it might provide the answer to their current dilemma.

"We've lost communication as well once we entered the building." Ron said. "It's why we're here. It seems to be localized. It might be the HK Tread. It's able to block most types of communication."

Cameron nodded. She watched the technicians work. It appeared they neared completion of their task. The HK Tread was 'buttoned up'. All the panels were put back into place. It gave her a look at what was inside some of them before they were covered. She would know where some of the key components were located for some of its various functions. Depending upon what weapons she was able to use, if one were encountered, she would know best where to strike it to disable it.

"We need to attack now before they get the HK Tread working." Cameron said. "It will be harder to stop once it is active and moving. It will most likely operate on autonomous control and become unstoppable."

There seemed to be some manual control for the set up and testing. They could hear verbal commands given. A few seconds later, the HK Tread did them. She wasn't exactly sure what the interface was.

Ron wondered about the slight time lag from when an instruction was given, until it was performed.

"Is there a Terminator or a Gray inside of it?" Ron asked. "Is it under manual control?"

Cameron didn't have the information. She hadn't seen anyone enter it since she arrived. It didn't mean there was already someone in it when she did. It could make a big difference in an attack. Based upon the verbal interface, she thought someone was inside of it. Either way it didn't matter. It needed to be stopped now.

"There very well could be. It's designed for an operator." Cameron said. "Ron, you come with me. Ronny, watch our backs. If we can't stop them, get outside and have the drones flatten this place."

Ronny looked at Cameron for a few seconds, then nodded.

"Let's go." Cameron said to Ron.

They quietly discussed a plan of action as they crept forward.

Vanna sought out Jesse. Cam followed her. She spotted Jesse. Gail was nearby as well.

Jesse looked up and saw Vanna headed towards her.

"Hey, Vanna." Jesse said.

Vanna walked up to Jesse with fire in her eyes. She was still concerned about the earlier confession Savannah made. She didn't know if Savannah was covering for Jesse or not. She wanted to find out one way or the other.

Jesse felt threatened. Vanna never looked this angry before. She wasn't sure where things were headed.

Vanna wasn't sure where to start. If the story wasn't the way Savannah told it, she didn't know what she would do. She tried to think of a rational way to ask things. Her mind was too clouded with anger. She just blurted out a statement.

"I want to hear it from you." Vanna angrily demanded. "Don't lie to me either."

Gail was nearby and heard the threat. She walked up behind Jesse. She could see there was going to be some type of confrontation. It appeared as if it would get physical. One or both of the girls could be damaged in such an altercation fueled by illogical emotions.

"What exactly is it you want to hear?" Gail asked. "Your statement is very confusing, especially when delivered in such a belligerent tone."

Gail could see the atmosphere was 'poisoned'.

Cam looked at Gail. They were both clearly worried at what might happen in the next few seconds.

Jesse looked at Vanna but said nothing. She was still a little confused. She glanced at Gail and Cam.

Vanna could see Jesse was hesitant to talk. She wanted both of the Metal girls away from the area. Maybe there was something personal which needed to be discussed. She could understand the need to keep some things private. There were still plenty of skeletons in her closet.

"You two, wait outside." Vanna said to Cam and Gail. "NO audio either. We want privacy."

Gail looked at Jesse.

Jesse nodded.

Cam followed Gail out. She looked back once and closed the door behind her.

Jesse could tell there was something terribly wrong. Vanna was clearly upset about something and it seemed to be based around her. She knew she upset plenty of people over the years to the point where many of them actually tried to kill her. She usually wound up on top of the situation with the quick use of her knife. She wasn't looking for a fight, especially with Vanna. If it came to blows, she would take them. She was no stranger to being beaten.

"What's this about?" Jesse asked.

Vanna didn't back down. She was still as angry as she was when she arrived.

"Well?" Vanna asked. "Spill it, NOW. Don't act like you don't know exactly what I'm referring to."

Jesse was sure Vanna was going to strike her. She remembered the time Vanna confronted her when she sexually harassed Allison soon after she arrived in the past, the present. The current situation looked much worse. It wasn't even her doing. At this point, she knew what Vanna was after. There could only be one thing to set her off like this. It was something Vanna warned her about before. This must be about Savannah and her sexual overtures. She thought she acted appropriately. She was sure there were security tapes, or video footage, which would show her leaving the area whenever thing's started to get out of hand. They started to get out of hand when someone else's hands got carried away. There was one incident in particular which was probably the most 'grabby' of the group.

"Vanna, nothing happened." Jesse said. "I never did anything inappropriate. Savannah hit on me real hard. I needed to run from the room, literally. I ran AWAY from her. She was so desperate I didn't think she could control herself. It's why I needed to run. I knew I wouldn't be able to control myself either if she started to touch me. I didn't want to hurt anyone, or cause a problem for anybody. I especially didn't want to cause a problem for myself."

Vanna looked at Jesse for the longest time and then moved forward and gave her a long hug.

"Thank YOU, Jesse." Vanna said. "I'm sorry if I came on a little strong right now. You know how deeply things related to an issue like this are. When they involve Savannah, they can trouble me. I know you wanted 'to be' with Savannah. I know you weren't the one who instigated things, even if you de-escalated them."

Jesse was reminded of her past. It wasn't something to be proud of. She would never have treated Savannah like she did to more than a few girls in the future. She took care of 'an issue' on some of the girls who hadn't already been abused. She told them it was for their own good. They all cried when she did what she believed was necessary to protect them. Two of them, who still had mothers with them actually thanked her. They said they knew they could only protect their daughters so much if they faced a negative situation.

She needed to refocus on the present.

"I'm not her anymore, Vanna. I'm not the 'old Jesse'." Jesse said. "You know it too."

Vanna did know it but it was easy for people to revert. It only took one weak moment, and the right conditions. Things could happen fast. She thought maybe she came on a little strong. Based upon how events could have played out. she didn't think so. She did feel a little guilt and remorse right now though.

"Thank you." Vanna said. "I might have overreacted. I'm sorry if I did."

Jesse wanted the best for Savannah and her younger self. She was pretty sure of what happened but she didn't ask. She thought it was a personal choice. If one of the girls wanted to talk about it, it was up to them. If two people wanted to share with each other, who was anyone to stand in their way?

"I wanted Young Jesse and Savannah to learn together." Jesse said. "They did. It sure seemed like it…. I didn't ask. I believe it was something beautiful for both of them."

Vanna wanted Jesse to know there was another new development.

"Savannah has a new lover." Vanna said "It's a Metal girl. She's a 'Cameron clone' as well. She's called Cammy.".

Jesse felt a little jealous, but Camille was with her before Gail's program was added. Cameron kept her promise as only Cameron could, indirectly. She was with Cameron, 'a Cameron'. It was her dream come true. She understood the true value of a Metal girl was more than just as a lover.

"I actually think it's great news." Jesse said. "Savannah will be better protected, as will Young Jesse with Camille. Cameron wants to make sure they're protected going forward."

Jesse and Vanna looked at each other but neither spoke. They both thought the same thing. A Metal girl as a lover was something they wished they would've been protected by. The events which transpired after J-Day were never far in the back of their mind.

"We both need to thank Cameron." They said at the same time.

They looked at each other for a moment and then started laughing.

Both of the girls were happy their younger selves would be protected if Judgment Day came. They knew neither girl would ever fall into the hands of Scavengers. It alone was worth anything. The things they were forced to endure were terrible. Vanna was unable to be with a male. She tried to get closer to John. She wanted to break the stigma and regain her personal freedom. She was pretty sure she would need to do it on her own, and take the lead on everything, if she was going to break her mental shackles.

Vanna looked around. She was a little excited about all the talk and in Jesse's presence. She felt bad about her earlier anger and aggression.

Jesse felt the same way. They should share instead of fight.

"As long as we're here alone…." Jesse said.

Vanna reached over and pulled off Jesse's top. It always excited her to see Jesse topless.

Jesse noticed Vanna stare at her rings. She lifted Vanna's hand up to them. They both became stimulated as Vanna fondled her.

"I gave Camille my extra set of rings." Jesse said. "They're for when Young Jesse is ready. She'll look so Hot. I told Camille to wait until Young Jesse asks for a set. When she asks, it will mean she is really ready."

The new information, along with touching Jesse, already took Vanna about half the way there. Things hadn't even gotten started yet.

"Stop!" Vanna said. "I'm already excited enough…."

Vanna's revelation further excited Jesse. The girls wanted each other very much right now. They knew the first finish would be very quick. It didn't really matter, they both planned to give each other plenty.

Cam and Gail looked at each other. They listened to the conversation anyway, but only for signs of an altercation. They didn't want the girls to damage each other. It was clear there wasn't going to be a fight at this point. It was time for the girls to 'kiss and make up'.

Cam didn't want to stand outside the room for a few hours and listen to Vanna and Jesse please each other. It was just one of the things she needed to put up with. Cameron warned her never to interfere with the human girls' desires for anyone they wanted to be with. She took the warning seriously.

"We can go work in the lab for a couple of hours." Cam said. "Cameron wanted me to take care of a few things for her. It will take our minds off of it."

Gail was acclimated to Jesse's multiple partners. She didn't always think it was a bad thing. It usually led to her being included. It pleased her greatly when she was. She was sure it opened up a lot more doors for her when Jesse was the one who held it open. There also wouldn't be any animosity directed at her for any extra curricular encounters. She listened to things get underway inside the room. She was ready for some action. She didn't think anything needed to be rushed in the lab.

"We could join them." Gail said.

Cam wanted it too, but she wanted the girls to reaffirm their closeness and share with each other. It was only because of the nature of the event and the negative direction things might have turned.

"Maybe the next time we can." Cam said. "Let them work things out alone. Things didn't need to happen like they did."

Cam wanted them to work the tension out. She didn't want any trouble in Paradise.

Cameron could see it was time to act. The HK Tread was ready to be tested. She set up preselected targets with Ron. They moved forward and each shot their designated targets. The group of technicians was down and terminated.

"Where's the Terminator?" Ron asked as he looked around.

They looked over the dead clustered around the HK Tread. They were all human. They were sure there should be a Terminator amongst them.

Cameron would have liked to have had some additional time to look around and see what else was inside the building. She still wanted to check out the office area.

Suddenly the HK Tread started to move.

"Get back." Cameron shouted.

Cameron jumped up on the HK Tread.

Ronny watched Cameron and Ron from where they entered from. When he saw the HK Tread come to life, he made it outside and told John Henry and everyone else to get ready for a drone strike.

John already heard the shooting. Where was Cameron? How could he call for a drone strike yet?

"What about Cameron?" John asked. "She needs to come out first."

Ronny carried out the orders Cameron gave him. He witnessed things get worse.

"Cameron said to hit the building if things went bad. They just went bad." Ronny said. "There's a giant HK Tread in there and it's active."

Ron watched Cameron jump on the back of the HK Tread. He ducked as the HK Tread swung around and nearly hit him.

Cameron moved to the side of the HK Tread and ripped off a panel. She started to rip wires and hydraulic lines out.

The HK Tread spun wildly around. It ran over the bodies of the technicians. It pivoted wildly as their bodies were mauled under the treads. There is plenty of lubrication to make the treads spin as the different body fluids were crushed out of the corpses.

Ron needed to keep moving to stay behind it so he wasn't targeted. There was a shower of sparks from the side of the HK Tread as it headed for the closed door.

Cameron ripped another panel off and pulled some more wires loose. She saw the HK Tread was about to leave the building. It was headed for the wall instead of the door. She slid off its side as it crashed through the wall. It missed the door completely. Debris flew in all directions. She must have at least damaged it since the control seemed erratic. It would be easier to take down now.

The HK Tread spun around again once it was outside. The minigun fired wildly, the rounds just missed Cameron. If she hadn't been moving so fast, they would have gotten her. If a human would have been with her, they would have been killed at that point. She was glad John hadn't come down with her. He would be terminated now.

In an instant, there was a new threat. A port opened and a missile popped out.

Cameron was already on the move back toward the HK Tread. She only got off because it crashed through the wall. If she got in close again, its weapons were useless. She mangled its targeting systems with the damage she already inflicted on it. It's why the minigun missed her. Otherwise she would have been shredded. She saw Ron look out through the hole in the wall.

"Ron, get away." Cameron shouted as she jumped back onto the HK Tread.

It looked like it was about to be one wild ride.

John's team heard the gunshots inside the building and then watched the HK Tread smash through the wall. It seemed erratic and out of control. It spun around then fired a burst from its minigun.

'Cameron!' John thought.

Just a second later Cameron appeared in the hole in the wall. She emerged and ran towards it. She jumped up on its back….

Ron and Ronny moved away as instructed. They weren't about to leave, but tried for a better firing position. They both fired their weapons at one of the cog wheels inside on the left tread. The wheel cracked under the sustained fire. Half of it broke off. The tread on the damaged side bunched and then buckled. The tread broke and spewed out on the ground like a giant metallic snake. The big HK Tread could only spin around in a circle now. It was stuck and not going anywhere. Its weapons were still active.

Bob saw the missile emerge. It was about to fire. The minigun roared back to life as well.

"There is a missile out." Bob said. "Fallback NOW."

No sooner than he said it, than a burst from the minigun hit a few feet away from them. John ducked down. It was close.

Cameron was on the HK Tread again. She needed to disable its weapons now. She balled her fists and slammed them down on the barrels of the minigun and bent them. The gun tried to fire again but jammed.

Dan left his flanking position to come and shield John.

Bob moved John and Dan behind the ridge and then rapidly off to one side. Dan headed in the opposite direction once they were better shielded.

John called for Cameron to get away from the HK Tread.

Ron and Ronny moved back to assist Cameron. They rapidly approached the HK Tread since the minigun was disabled….

They needed to stop it, 'Terminator style'.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Hear What

Everyone can hear
Not everyone listens
Those who actual do
Are like a jewel that glistens

From one to another
There is just so much noise
To make sense of it all
One may need some poise

There is what one says
There is what one does
Actions speak louder than words
Actions make the words just buzz

Promises are just words
Most never happen as said
When promises become lies
They are words one will dread

When communication fails
It's like punch in the gut
One asks do you hear me
The other asks, hear what

Nobody