Chapter 379

Not Alone

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In Some Future:

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Allison and Cameron II, along with Mrs. Weaver as JH, a German Shepherd, met with Billy from the anti-Metal faction. Indications were the meeting was about to turn sour. Cameron arrived to take over. Allison and Cameron II left for Allison's safety.

Cameron stood boldly before Billy.

"I don't 'want' you." Billy said as he looked around.

Cameron II returned just a short time later as 'Allison'. She was armed with a plasma rifle now.

"Maybe you wanted me?" Cameron II said.

Billy looked a little worried at the sight of the plasma rifle.

"What's the plasma rifle for?" Billy asked. "Those are for use against Metal."

Cameron felt she held all the cards. She wanted to turn the tables some. She wanted to give Billy something to think about. It was actually a pretty serious thought.

"We think you're Metal." Cameron said. "Light him up."

Cameron II raised her plasma rifle.

Billy looked near panic. He raised one of his hands in the air in front of him.

"No. Wait." Billy said. "We thought the General was Metal."

JH growled and moved close to Billy.

Cameron could see Mrs. Weaver wanted to play it up a little bit.

"The dog thinks you're Metal." Cameron said.

The dog snarled and lunged at Billy. Cameron held it back.

Cameron II as 'Allison' played it up some more. She didn't care for the anti-Metal faction in the first place. She wanted to give Billy a choice of his fate.

"What do you want, the dog or the plasma rifle?" Cameron II asked. "I'm not sure which death will cause more pain."

The dog snarled and tugged at its leash. Somehow it looked even more ferocious and vicious. Cameron held it back.

Billy wasn't sure which death would cause more pain. He wasn't sure which one would be quicker either. He wanted everybody to take a step back and relax. It looked like he would need to plead for his life first.

"I'm not Metal." Billy said. "I'm as human as you are."

Cameron and Cameron II shared a quick look with each other. It was obvious Billy thought both of them were human. He was unaware they were both Terminators.

Billy looked like he wanted to run. He knew he wouldn't be able to outrun the dog or a plasma round once it was fired.

Cameron wanted to hear a 'confession' of some type.

"If you're not Metal, then you're a Gray." Cameron said. "It's just as bad, maybe worse."

Cameron II wanted to make a point.

"A Gray is worse." Cameron II said. "They've turned against their own kind to work for the machines. I'm pretty sure it meets the definition of a traitor to humanity."

Cameron let JH get a little closer.

JH snapped at Billy again.

"No. I'm not." Billy said. "You have it all wrong."

Cameron II still pretended to be Allison. She didn't like what happened earlier. She didn't like the danger Allison was put in. She was glad Jesse and Cam arrived along with Ginger and Sandy. It was where she got the plasma rifle from, when she assumed the role of Allison.

"You tried to deceive my friend and me earlier." Cameron II said.

Billy didn't think he did anything wrong.

"No." Billy said. "I came in good faith."

Cameron knew from Mrs. Weaver there were more from his group there.

"Where are your friends?" Cameron asked.

Billy looked around. He was all alone with the two girls and their vicious dog. He wasn't sure what they referred to.

"What do you mean friends?" Billy asked.

Cameron II knew of the threat from Mrs. Weaver as well.

"You know, the people who were going to try to take me." Cameron II said as 'Allison'. "I bet you weren't expecting my sister."

Bill seemed confused. Maybe he was just a good actor.

"Why would they take you?" Billy asked.

Cameron wanted to push the 'Gray' issue.

"You would do it because Skynet told you to do it." Cameron said.

Billy looked at the two girls, the plasma rifle and the dog. He settled his gaze on Cameron II who he thought was Allison.

"I honestly don't know what you're talking about." Billy said. "I would never do anything harmful to you. I wouldn't try to take you either."

There was some commotion, cursing, and struggling sounds. The noise came closer towards where they were at. It was clear someone, or a small group was being herded towards them.

Bob and a team of Restorators from the 'Special Unit' escorted a group of struggling people into the area. There was cursing and angry comments being made. The comments stopped when the new arrivals took in the sight of Cameron and 'Allison'. JH was what most of them seemed concerned about right now.

"They were all armed." Bob said. "None of them have been terminated, yet."

Bob placed the weapons on the ground in front of Cameron and the dog.

The weapons were there if anyone wanted to try to pick one up. No one wanted to get near THAT dog.

Cameron II was very concerned why they wanted to put the grab on Allison. She continued to play her role.

"Why did you want to take me?" Cameron II asked as 'Allison'. "I'm just a girl."

None of the detainees offered an answer.

Cameron gave one for them. She wanted to repeat an earlier warning she gave to Billy, to the entire group.

"They thought it would be easier to capture you, than me." Cameron said. "They figured wrong. If anyone has a problem with my sister, then they have a problem with me."

Billy seemed confused still. He wasn't sure why the others of his group were herded there by Metal.

"We don't know anything about it." Billy said.

Cameron looked at Bob and then at JH.

"I guess we are going to find out." Cameron said.

None of the group offered a further explanation.

"The hard way it is…." Cameron said.

JH stood and looked at each one of the four and snarled. They all took a step back until they physically bumped into the Restorators from the Special Unit. It looked like the ferocious animal was going to attack all four of them simultaneously. It didn't look like it would have any trouble to do it either. It was clear they were between a rock and a hard place.

None of them liked Metal, but it currently didn't seem like a bad choice to be with, if it kept the dog from attacking them.

Cam took Allison and Jesse back to Vanna and Cammy. Allison and Jesse were behind Ginger. Sandy was behind them. Cam was a little farther back. She made sure they weren't being followed for some type of an attack. If they were, she'd engage the threat. Ginger and Sandy were to physically pick up the girls and run away with them.

As soon as they reached the compound, Ginger and Sandy took up defensive positions. They didn't know what to expect. It was clear they were ready for combat.

Vanna and Cammy waited for them. They were both armed.

Cam thought everything was in order at headquarters. She decided to go back to where the others were at. She took Vanna's plasma rifle.

"I need to go back and help Cameron." Cam said.

Vanna already sent help. They didn't want to overplay their hand.

"No. Cameron has it under control." Vanna said. "A team from the Special Unit is with her."

Cam was still on edge.

"What tipped you off there was a problem developing?" Cam asked.

Cammy looked a little disgusted before she spoke.

"Some guy named Snake sent word about an 'ambush' being set up." Cammy said. "He said someone may try to grab the 'Commander's sister', Allison. He wanted Jesse to know he sent the warning."

Jesse and Cam looked at each other. It was an unexpected surprise. It was more than they expected out of Snake. It looked like their 'meeting' produced positive results. Everything must have actually occurred right after they departed. Perhaps one of the three men Snake returned their firearm to knew a little bit more information than he gave up previously.

Snake moved up a notch in Jesse's book.

Cam decided not to terminate him tonight.

Allison didn't see what role she played in any of this. She wasn't a leader.

"Why would they want me?" Allison asked.

Cammy could only come to one conclusion. It wasn't a good one either.

"Skynet, or someone else, must think you're in charge." Cammy said. "I'm not really sure why it would be."

When Mrs. Weaver assumed Allison's form in her most recent encounter with Skynet, she put a target on Allison's back. Skynet would have known there was a human version, a Terminator version, and some type of 'changeling' version, of the same individual. The individual was identified as Allison.

Jesse wasn't sure either. She felt the danger level just went up for all of them.

"We're going to need to watch our backs." Jesse said. "It looks like we have more than one enemy to deal with. We don't even know who all of the players are either."

Cam moved closer to Jesse.

"It's my function to watch your back." Cam said.

Allison looked at Vanna, Jesse, and then at Cam.

"Among other things…." Allison said. "The front side is even better."

The four girls giggled.

"I like it when you watch the front side." Jesse said. "It's where all the action is."

The girls all giggled louder.

Ginger and Sandy looked at each other. They weren't sure what everything implied meant. It seemed like a lot. It seemed they might be able to learn a few new 'things' there. They were assigned to sentry duty to help protect the human girls. They hoped to be able to learn as much about their behavior as possible. It would help them to better understand what they would need to do with each other.

"We will remain here for all of you as additional security." Ginger said. "It's what Cameron, I mean Commander Connor ordered us to do."

Ginger and Sandy were personally loyal to Cameron and wouldn't let her down. They would protect all the girls until they were terminated. They understood how important the girls were to Cameron. They were sure they were all special for Cameron to care so much about them. They knew she didn't just care about them, they knew Cameron loved them.

Vanna, Jesse, and Allison all checked out Ginger and Sandy without trying to be noticed. Everyone already noticed.

Allison still wondered about how Mrs. Weaver was warned.

"What tipped Mrs. – the General's hand?" Allison asked. "She knew something was about to happen. It was right when JH caught a rat or a mouse when it tried to run by."

Cammy tilted her head slightly. She thought of the small Liquid Metal patch on her sheath. It made her wonder what all it actually could do other than mask her appearance.

"I don't know." Cammy said. "Maybe it was really a surveillance device. We can discreetly ask Cameron and Cameron II what they know about it."

Allison didn't know tech stuff. The point was, Mrs. Weaver protected her. There was no way to know what the actual intent of the individuals involved would do to her. It seemed like it was something much worse than to abuse her.

"I owe her one, again." Allison said. "She's saved me more than once."

Vanna was very appreciative of it. She understood Mrs. Weaver looked out for Allison on her behalf. It was one of the reasons why her decision to stay with her was made. She was sure there was still a toll yet to be paid. Exactly what the payment would be, was yet to be determined.

"Knowing my mother, I'm sure she'll collect those debts…." Vanna said as she wondered if she already may have….

Ginger and Sandy looked at each other when Vanna referred to the General as her 'mother'. They wondered what it really meant. They could see Vanna was human. They knew the General was not. It was something they wanted to know more about, but didn't think it was the right time to ask. Maybe there never would be a right time to ask. Perhaps it was much more which involved the human girls with the other machines than they knew. It seemed to be a close and workable relationship of some sort, whatever it was.

Vanna thought about it a little more. Maybe it was better if they didn't know how or when the toll would be paid. She'd been able to see her 'mother's' fascination with Cameron, Allison, and Jesse. She knew her 'mother' would do whatever she wanted and there really was no one who could stop her. She knew her 'mother' wanted what she shared with the girls. She hoped it was only curiosity. She knew it was more than just the physical aspect to it. There was an emotional bond and sharing which was all part of it. Maybe it was more. Maybe she wanted to be 'cared for' or 'loved'. It was possible she wanted something she could never really have, or really 'feel'. Those are the things her 'mother' lacked. The sad part of all of it was her 'mother' would never have them either by 'playing' the role of other people, and not being herself. If someone didn't love one and care for them for who they were, they didn't really love or care for them at all.

Cameron and Cameron II proceeded to question the detainees. It soon became apparent when they were scanned, three of them were only part of the anti-Metal faction, and one was most likely a Gray. They didn't let on they uncovered the Gray. They wanted to use them so send false data to Skynet. They hoped to be able to uncover how the communication was done between them and their Skynet handlers. The more disinformation they could send out at the appropriate time, would lead to a better victory on their part.

It appeared the Gray, while posing as part of the anti-Metal faction, suggested they capture Allison and find out if she really was Metal or not. She hadn't exhibited any large scars like the other two females associated with the General displayed. Her complexion was also flawless. The secret plan was all done behind Billy's back. They used him to lure Allison out. When he was finished with the meeting, they planned to put the grab on her.

They didn't know Skynet wanted her because it believed she was the one really in charge based upon its observation when it attempted to capture Mrs. Weaver previously. It was when Mrs. Weaver displayed Allison's appearance.

Out of earshot of the four people, Cameron and Cameron II discussed what to do. Mrs. Weaver could hear everything as well, which is what both of them wanted.

Cameron told the Special Unit to withdraw.

Bob and his team looked at the anti-Metal people and left. They were sure the Commander knew what she was doing. They knew she was a Terminator so it wouldn't be too difficult for her to deal with four humans, even if they were armed.

Cameron wanted to be alone with the group. She wanted to face them alone without anyone else around. She looked over to where Cameron II as 'Allison', and Mrs. Weaver as JH were at.

"Allison, take the dog and go." Cameron said. "I'll work things out with these fine people on my own terms."

Cameron II and Mrs. Weaver left. They didn't think Cameron would have any trouble on her own if the situation arose. Cameron II would remain close by. Mrs. Weaver would need to assume a new role.

Cameron was alone with the four people. She wanted them to see she was alone. She wanted them to know she didn't fear them.

"I'll believe your story for now." Cameron said. "I don't want anything 'bad' to happen to anyone."

They all understood the implications of her statement.

Billy wasn't happy about what went on behind his back. He also wanted to point out none of them actually did anything wrong.

"We didn't do anything." Billy said.

Cameron hoped to make a point and get some better cooperation going forward. She didn't want to alarm the Gray either.

"Then you will prove yourselves to me in the future." Cameron said. "You know the punishment for treason."

The four exchanged glances. They knew the punishment was death.

Cameron wanted to send out the first part of some disinformation. She hoped to find out how the Gray communicated with Skynet. It was a job for Mrs. Weaver.

"Take your weapons and go." Cameron said. "You will learn to work together with all members of the Resistance. I'll lead a strike against ENEMY Metal in four days. I want each of you to accompany me. It will be your chance to fight the real enemy. I want you to prove to me I'm making a wise decision here. I won't report this incident to the General at this time. I believe in redemption. I believe everyone will do what is right in the end."

Billy wasn't happy with his underlings. He came in good faith to speak with Allison. The others ruined it. Maybe it was more than a 'business meeting' to him. He would need to deal with them on his own later on. Right now wasn't the proper setting to do so. He didn't want the Commander to change her mind. He wanted to smooth things over.

"Thank you, Commander." Billy said. "We appreciate your understanding in this - misunderstanding. It won't happen again."

Cameron could see Billy was sincere. She didn't think the others were. She knew the Gray played all of them. She wanted to remind them how things were going to be.

"I want everyone on the same page." Cameron said. "We either fight together or die alone."

So far no one picked their weapons back up.

Cameron reached down and handed each one of them back their weapons herself. Apparently unarmed, she faced the four of them who were now armed. She made another point. They hurried off.

She knew Mrs. Weaver would follow the Gray and see if they passed the false information along. If they did, they would start a disinformation campaign to distract Skynet while they planned their real move against Skynet Central.

Things progressed a little faster than they expected. It was a good thing. The quicker a TDE could be constructed, the sooner she could get back home to John. She figured Riley would be pregnant by this point. She felt her hand glitch.

Billy and his group left. They were glad to get away. It seemed like a close encounter with death. It was clear they all could have been killed as easily as they were lectured and let go. It was something to think about. None of it was good.

"Who planned the stunt I just witnessed?" Billy asked the others. "Why did they think we were Grays?"

None of the other three offered an explanation. They didn't know they were manipulated by the Gray.

"I don't know." The first one said.

Billy waited for a further answer. There was none. He reflected instead on the Commander. He thought Allison was special, but now he knew of someone who was even more so. He heard the reports from those at the battle where the Commander acted decisively. He thought they might have been overblown. After he was in her presence, he didn't think so. She wasn't afraid of any of them, even when they were armed.

"Did you see the Commander?" Billy asked. "She's fearless."

"She is sure different from her sister." The second one said.

"What about the dog?" The third one asked. "I thought it was going to kill all four of us at the same time."

Billy felt most threatened by the dog. He could talk to a person and reason with them. It was something which couldn't be done with an animal. Once the animal decided to attack, nothing would stop it. He agreed with the assessment of the animal's capability.

"It did look like it could kill all of us by itself." Billy said. "They say the Commander has killed a lot of Grays and destroyed a lot of Skynet Metal."

"Did you notice how she sent everyone away, and then gave our weapons back, herself?" The first one asked. "She faced us all armed again, alone."

"It was to show us she didn't fear us." The second one said.

Billy was still somewhat in awe by what he witnessed.

"Maybe we'll learn more when we go on the strike with her." Billy said. "The Commander is very unique."

"You're only seeing a hotter version of her sister in your mind." The third one said. "They still associate with Metal."

Billy knew it was a valid point, but the Commander was always the one in charge and who called the shots.

"Metal does not command her." Billy said. "You saw it, she commands them. They respect her, even if she's not one of them. I think it says something about her."

Billy and two of the others went back to their area. The last one moved off to another location. They said they needed to do something. The individual was not alone.

He didn't know it, but a fate worse than death stalked him.

Mrs. Weaver left Cameron II when she departed. She went behind a building and assumed the shape of a young female. She followed the suspected Gray. Cameron made it apparent to her who it was. Now she stalked him. She would change forms several times along the way so he didn't spot the tail.

She turned into a stray dog at one point and two children holding hands at another.

The Gray looked back from time to time and was satisfied there wasn't anyone following him.

Mrs. Weaver was now in the Gray's room as the 'wall'. When he made a restroom stop earlier, she oozed in and took up her position. It gave her a first hand view of everything which would happen in the room.

She liked to be the wall or ceiling when she 'watched' someone. She was in the room with Vanna and Allison many times, and Jesse with Allison and Vanna when it was the three of them together. She learned to 'be' each of them. She watched what they did and how they responded when things were done to them.

She waited for the opportunity to be alone with Allison. Allison would be 'Cameron' to her as she posed as either Jesse or Vanna. She couldn't wait much longer. She was hungry for 'more'. Jesse always seemed to catch her eye when they were around each other. She often spent hours as 'Jesse' now when she was alone. She tried to determine what it was Jesse craved. It seemed to be everything. She wanted to be able to offer Jesse what she wanted. She didn't understand if Jesse, Allison, and Vanna were ever 'with' her, they would want her to be who she was, and not pretend to be someone who she wasn't.

The door opened and the Gray returned into the room. It brought her back to the job at hand. The Gray looked around and then looked back out the door and the window. It was clear he wanted to make sure he was alone and wouldn't be interrupted. He then carefully removed a floorboard and brought out a communication device. She watched how the information was entered and sent. It was sent as a 'burst' transmission. It lasted only a fraction of a second. She knew those were hard to pick up, detect, or pinpoint their location. It was one problem she just solved.

Mrs. Weaver watched them for a while. They didn't wait for a response. Maybe it was only a one way communication. It would also make it harder to detect. They put everything away and looked out the door and window again. They left the room and so did she. She would continue to follow them and see who else they communicated with and about what. It would help her identify future targets….

It is what Mrs. Weaver enjoyed doing. She was thankful for Vanna to help her out with the mundane tasks. She liked spying on others. She did plenty of it too. Early on she found out she only liked to see females with other females. The male body didn't do anything for her. Whenever she assumed a male form she always drastically shrunk the 'junk'. She didn't like having something hanging between her legs.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Not Alone

You are not alone
You are not alone
You are not alone

You are not alone
Support is right HERE
Let me share your pain
Please do not fear

You are not alone
I know the demons come
When feeling down and depressed
Everything feels and seems glum

You are not alone
Do as your head has said
You must keep a clear mind
There are so many things to dread

You are not alone
I too fight the Hydra daily
Every battle, Every mistake, Every pain
Each head elusive and scaly

You are not alone
If you slip and fall
It is how you get back up
I will never make you crawl

You are not alone
It will ease your mind
To free your trapped thoughts
The blind helping the blind

You are not alone
You are not alone
You are not alone

Nobody