Chapter 386

Without Question

Steve's team ran down a lead and located a group of Grays. There was a Terminator with them. John and Bob were on their way to assist. The Terminator split off from the Grays. Steve's team began to follow him. John's team continued to the location where the Grays were located.

John Henry sent a drone to track the Terminator so Steve's team wouldn't be detected. They followed him on a divergent route. They were sure if they were detected by The Terminator, he would attempt to lead them into an ambush.

"The drone shows the Terminator has slowed down." John Henry said.

Steve decided on a more direct approach now. He didn't want to lose the Terminator.

"We'll close up on him a little more." Steve said.

John didn't want them to tip their hand yet or be led into an ambush. It could all be part of a prearranged procedure for the Terminator to go through to check for an ambush. It was something the Resistance teams often did.

"Stay alert." John said. "Don't get target fixation."

Bob wanted John to focus on their activity. They were about to enter the structure with the Grays in it. He didn't want John distracted by the other operation. From their current position there was little they could do to assist Steve's team. The bullets at the location they arrived at would be real.

"We're going hot here, John." Bob said. "We don't know what we'll run into."

John was used to controlling operations from the Resistance base. He wasn't in the Command Center right now. There were others who were. He needed to take a step back.

"John Henry, you deal with Steve's team." John said. "We'll have our hands full here. Keep an eye on us as well. You know what to do."

John Henry hoped for John's approval. He wanted to have 'mission control'. He wanted to have more influence over the operation John was currently on. He wanted to make sure Terminators took the brunt of the fighting.

"I'll coordinate both." John Henry said. "I want Ron and Ronny to take the lead on your end."

John could see what was being done. John Henry wanted to shift the risk from Bob and him to Cameron's Terminators. He was going to protest, but decided not to. He just gave John Henry operational control and didn't want to countermand him. He did know they were about to face the unknown.

"Ally, you cover the back." John Henry said. "Ron and Ronny are going in."

Everything was set into motion.

Summer wanted to prove herself. She believed she was the ultimate Terminator. She didn't like being regulated to the rear of the building. She thought she could step things up a little and make the first move.

"We should go in first." Summer said. "I want to take the lead."

Ally wondered what was wrong with Summer. She was glad they weren't going in first. It would be bad enough as it was.

"I don't want you to get shot up." Ally said. "We follow orders. YOU will follow orders."

Summer didn't see the need for a delay on anything. They were there to do a job and take care of sooner they attacked, the sooner the enemy could be dealt with.

"We must destroy the enemy." Summer said. "I'm a Terminator."

Cameron wanted to give Savannah some more experience. She left her base where she attempted to contact River with her TDE. She asked Cammy to get Savannah ready and picked them up. She was now on her way to the target location. She didn't want any unnecessary trouble. She monitored the conversation between Summer and Ally.

"Summer, listen to Ally." Cameron came across the com. "You must follow her instructions. I'll be there soon."

Ally and Summer communicated with Cameron now on her own network. Ron and Ronny were on it as well.

"I'm coming with Savannah and Cammy." Cameron said.

Cameron gave them all specific instructions. She wanted to make sure Summer listened and followed her instructions.

"Do you understand, Summer?" Cameron asked.

Summer felt like a cog in the wheel. She would listen to Cameron.

"I do." Summer said. "You're in charge, for now."

'Not this again'. Everyone thought.

The others all could feel the tension. It looked like there would be another 'Cameron clone' headed for termination or reprogramming. Summer already mouthed off and openly challenged Cameron. It was a sure ticket to the 'scrap heap'.

Savannah listened to the exchange. She didn't like Summer's disrespect for Cameron. It upset and angered her. Her earlier encounter with Summer still bothered her. Summer was a total knockout, but she seemed to have an attitude problem. She wondered why Cameron never seemed to learn a lesson about what happened when she created a clone of herself, especially if the protocols from John weren't removed before she was activated. She made up her mind to put Summer in her place if she did anything to threaten Cameron.

Cameron wanted everyone to hear her disapproval with Summer. She wanted all of them to be reminded she was the one in charge.

"Summer, you will obey me without question." Cameron came back. "Don't make me bust you up."

Summer didn't like Cameron to be so bossy. John was the leader of the Resistance, not Cameron. She knew she would have more 'influence' over John soon enough. It would be especially so once she was in his bed. She wanted Cameron to know she wasn't afraid of her.

"I'll think about it." Summer said.

Summer looked at Ally and smiled.

Ally could see there was going to be a problem. She wanted Summer to keep her mouth closed. She already warned her several times. She was highly agitated herself now by Summer's actions.

"SHUT UP - stupid." Ally said.

Summer shrugged her shoulders. She was a Terminator. She didn't need any half baked advice from another Terminator. She could make her own decisions.

"I'm not afraid of her." Summer said. "She's Nobody."

Ally knew Summer was still transmitting on purpose. She was defiant and openly challenging Cameron. It was clear she wanted everyone else to hear it too.

"Then you have a lot more to learn than you think." Ally said. "I guess I should say now, 'It was nice to know you'. I don't think I'll have a chance later on."

Summer thought Ally was rude. She didn't care for the insinuation Ally just made about her.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Summer asked.

Ally decided to spell it out for Summer. She already warned her multiple times.

"It means I most likely won't be able to tell you the same thing after you're deactivated…." Ally said.

Ally doubted Summer would last the night. She was sure Cameron would deactivate her as soon as the current operation was over. She was sure she would make a spectacle about it as she did it so everyone knew what was done when Summer was terminated.

Summer already itched for a fight. She wanted a fight with the enemy and Cameron. She didn't fear either one.

Savannah listened to the exchange and gritted her teeth. She was appalled by Summer's blatant disrespect for Cameron. She planned to set her straight the next time she saw her.

Cammy watched Savannah's reaction to the events. She could see Savannah was steamed right now. She watched as Savannah checked her weapons and armed her Taser.

Cameron noticed everything Cammy did as she drove. She suppressed a smile. She loved it when a plan came together.

The Skynet Terminator pulled up and stopped at an outlying factory location.

Once they arrived at a fixed location, Steve and his team moved in closer to the Terminator. They were mindful of John's advice and watched for an ambush. So far everything seemed rather easy and straightforward. They weren't necessarily good things either.

The Resistance drone scanned for heat signatures inside. There were a few. The drone needed to remain at a high altitude because of the Terminator. It was unable to provide them with detailed scans. They didn't want to be detected. The location could be either a manufacturing facility, or an assembly location. They encountered several assembly facilities recently

John Henry wanted to play it safe. They could attack now and ask questions later. He wanted to give Steve's team the option not to be damaged.

"Steve, do you want me to hit it with the drone?" John Henry asked. "I can neutralize the threats and move the drone lower."

Steve understood the offer. It was mainly for John to know. There was a job to be done and he planned to get it done. They might even be able to capture some equipment. Cameron already informed all the Terminators she wanted to appropriate as much Skynet material as possible going forward. It didn't matter if it was parts or sub-assemblies either.

"Not yet. I think we'd better try to get a look inside first." Steve said. "There could be something worth taking here."

Skynet, and its illegitimate offshoots, provided them with many 'gifts' over the years. There was no reason not to try and get a few more.

John Henry still could offer a few options. Derek's and Kyle's teams were enroute still. The Blackhawk was ready to scramble.

"Proceed with caution." John Henry said. "I have the missiles hot. The other drones can be there in minutes."

Steve liked the air support. Normally they were on their own. He was sure it was because there were four humans out with them. It was time to take a look.

"We're moving in." Steve reported.

Ron and Ronny went through the front door. John and Bob followed behind them shortly thereafter. Bob made sure it was secure for John.

There was a flurry of shooting. Ron and Ronny did most of it. When Bob and John arrived it was over, almost. There were two wounded left. John thought it was unusual. Normally all of a Terminator's shots were accurate. They didn't like loose ends.

Bob wondered about the survivors as well. He didn't know Cameron's plans to their full extent.

"I'll terminate them." Bob said.

He started to move forward. He was going to snap their necks. It didn't take much effort and happened very quickly.

Ron stopped him. He spoke in a decibel level only another Terminator could hear.

Bob tilted his head slightly. He remained where he was at.

John didn't like to see anyone suffer. He wanted everything wrapped up.

"What are you waiting for?" John asked. "Finish it."

Bob figured he'd better come up with a diplomatic answer fast. He also wanted to direct the 'blame' where it belonged.

"Cameron wishes to interrogate them." Bob said.

Ron didn't want to leave the prisoners with John and Bob.

"I'll watch them." Ron said. "You three can search the building. Watch out for any Terminators."

Ally and Summer moved up in the back. No one would leave from the rear of the building alive.

Cameron, Cammy, and Savannah were still a few minutes out. Cameron wasn't in a hurry. It sounded like they already possessed what she wanted for Savannah. She wanted to make sure the rest of the building was clear before their arrival.

Bob stayed with John as they searched. Nothing of significance was found. It seemed to be more of a disappointment than anything. They hoped to discover a little more.

Once the building was secure, and the enemy was down, there was no reason for John to remain there. Ronny wanted to prompt Bob and John to leave. He knew humans didn't do well in a smoke filled environment.

"I'm going to torch the place." Ronny said. "You will want to move outside."

John thought it was rather abrupt. They currently were in control of the building and all the threats were either neutralized or contained. He looked at the two prisoners.

"What about the Grays?" John asked.

Ron wanted to keep it simple.

"They won't be leaving here." Ron said. "One way or another they'll be terminated."

Ronny wanted to carry out Cameron's plan. John shouldn't be there. It was going to create interference at some point.

"You and Bob can go." Ronny said. "We have it covered."

John didn't like the way things developed. He took one more look at the Grays. He looked at Cameron's two Terminators for a moment. He turned his attention to Bob.

"Let's go." John said.

John and Bob headed out.

As soon as they were outside and away from the building, John looked around and then at Bob. He didn't have a good feeling about the current situation. The operation seemed to have Cameron's fingerprints all over it. He wanted to find out more.

"Cameron is up to something." John said. "Let's go around to the back."

Bob didn't think it was wise. It would be better if they left.

"I'm positive it will cause a problem with Cameron." Bob said. "We should withdraw."

John made a face. He blew it off. He didn't always like the way Cameron did things. Where they were right now, seemed to be one of those times.

"What doesn't anymore?" John asked. "Everything causes a problem for Cameron."

Bob wanted to leave but he knew trying to get John to leave now would only make him want to stay more. They would still need to use diligence as they proceeded to move towards the rear of the building.

"We must still use caution." Bob said. "There's another team in the area."

John and Bob went around the side and came around the back of the building.

"I don't want to tip our hand." John said.

Bob was sure it was a mistake.

They moved from the side of the building to the rear. They came face to face with guns pointed at them. It was Ally and Summer.

"What the Hell?" Ally asked. "You almost got waxed."

John was a little startled. The weapons pointed at them weren't what caught his attention. He was stunned with what he looked at. It was 'Cameron', but somehow even more beautiful as she stood next to Ally. He could compare the two of them standing side by side. They looked like sisters.

Summer liked the impact she seemed to have on John. It was what she wanted to see. She also liked where his eyes went as soon as he checked out her face. She wondered if she should have worn a more revealing outfit. Unfortunately she currently wore her combat gear. She knew what John wanted to see.

"I'm up here." Summer said. "You can see more when YOU remove my clothing. You will be able to see and touch everything then."

John still tried to process what he looked at. He didn't catch all of Summer's words. It might have been a good thing. He missed the insult and the innuendo. He still thought maybe it was Cameron and she did something to make herself even more attractive.

"Cameron?" John asked.

John was aware an SUV pulled up next to them. Bob was on it but relaxed. It was Cameron.

Summer frowned when she spotted Cameron. She hoped to have some alone time with John. She wanted to get a few words in before Cameron became a problem.

"Yes and no." Summer said.

John wasn't sure what she meant. He could see Cameron get out of the back of the SUV. She also got out of the driver's seat. Wait. He thought maybe the driver was Cameron but he couldn't tell. He didn't know if the other one was Cam or Cammy. When he saw Savannah, he figured it was Cammy. He looked back at Summer.

"Who are you?" John asked.

Cameron wanted to take control. She felt John already saw enough. He didn't need to hear anymore.

"She's my sister." Cameron said.

John looked at Cameron. What did her statement mean?

"She's your sister?" John asked somewhat confused.

Strangely enough it was actually his earlier thought.

Cameron didn't think it was too big of a leap. John was with Summer before on an operation. She still possessed her original appearance at then. She also suffered severe damage to her leg and some adjacent areas.

"This is my sister, Summer." Cameron said. "You actually met her before."

John still tried to process the 'sister' part of the conversation.

"Is this Allison's sister?" John asked.

Cameron tilted her head slightly. She wondered why John said she was 'dense' before. She believed her statement was very clear and precise.

"NO. She's my sister." Cameron said. "Allison's sister is a gifted young adult."

Cameron could see John couldn't take his eyes off Summer. Even in full combat gear she looked Tight. She was pleased with her selection for her replacement. She knew Summer was a knockout.

Summer thought she might as well spell things out. Cameron was 'yesterday's news'.

"I'm Cameron's rep…." Summer started to say.

Cameron cut Summer off and shot her a dirty look.

"SISTER…." Cameron said quickly. "She's my sister."

Summer didn't like the interruption. She felt Cameron was incredibly rude. She was about to put her in her place when something slammed into her back.

'Thud….'

Ally punched Summer in the back. She could see Summer was on thin ice.

"Shut up before you get deactivated." Ally whispered.

Summer gave Ally a dirty look. She looked back at John and smiled. She liked how John responded to her. She hoped to have him in bed soon. He would be easy to manipulate and control. She fully understood now why Cameron was 'in charge'. John clearly let the little head do the thinking for the big head.

John missed most of the interaction between the girls. It was probably a good thing. He was still fixated on Summer's appearance. He really liked the way she looked.

"I'm pleased to meet you in your final form. You're very pretty. You are quite stunning in fact." John said. "You're as beautiful as Cameron."

Summer looked at Cameron and frowned. She looked back at John and smiled. She decided to call it like she saw it. It was a fact anyway. John's response proved it.

"I'm more beautiful than Cameron." Summer said. "I know it's something everyone can see with their own eyes."

John actually thought so too, but there was no way he was going to SAY it out loud. He figured Cameron would probably place her hand on his neck and ask him about it later on. He wasn't sure how he could respond and not need to admit Summer was definitely more beautiful than Cameron. Summer was Tight, Hot, and alluring. He 'wanted' her.

There was a loud dull 'thud' as Ally punched Summer harder in the back. She believed Summer was going to be deactivated for her comment.

"Shut up, stupid." Ally hissed.

Savannah and Cammy hung back as the events played out. Cammy didn't want Savannah in the middle of the trouble as it developed.

"I don't like the way this looks." Cammy whispered.

Savannah was angry at what she saw and heard. Summer irritated her before and did again. Summer openly disrespected Cameron. She heard enough. She tried to go around Cammy. She wanted to confront Summer. She didn't like the way John looked at Summer either. She didn't recognize it at the time, but she was jealous.

Cammy stopped Savannah again. She knew trouble when she saw it. Savannah was angry.

"We'd better stay out of this one." Cammy said.

Summer turned towards Cammy and Savannah. She heard their conversation and didn't care for it. She wanted to let everybody know where they stood. She looked at Cammy.

"It's good advice for a clone." Summer said. "It goes for both of you."

Savannah was even angrier now since Summer insulted Cameron and Cammy.

Summer now looked at Savannah. She pushed it further.

"Do you have a problem with it, Red?" Summer asked. "Don't blame me because you failed to act on your own. I'm not hung up with 'yesterday's news'."

Savannah felt as if she was slapped. Who did Summer think she was? She moved around Cammy again. She faced Summer.

"I do have a problem with YOU. Cameron is more beautiful than you." Savannah said. "Cameron is perfect. Do you really think your negative disposition pleases anyone other than you? Summer, you need an attitude adjustment…."

Summer looked over at Savannah. They held each other's stare. Neither was about to back down.

"From who? Like you're going to be able to do anything about it, RED." Summer said with a sneer.

Savannah moved closer to face Summer directly. She knew Summer was going to be a problem, a big one.

Cammy went to move in front of Savannah instinctively. Savannah stopped her.

Cameron was aware of what was about to happen. She needed to remain in control.

"The girls and I will finish up here, John. You and Bob can take off." Cameron said. "Ally, relieve Ron and Ronny, they can go. Have them check with John Henry to see if Steve needs additional help."

Bob wanted to be away from where they were at. The situation was only going to get worse, not better. He prompted John.

"We should check the other operation out, John." Bob said. "It sounds like it could get more involved."

John thought where they were at was 'involved'. Maybe he should get Summer out of there before she was deactivated. He could see she crossed a line. No. She crossed several lines. Savannah was clearly angry and upset. He wondered if she was jealous. The thought kind of excited him. It reminded him of the way Cameron looked at Future Riley at times. Savannah was much more direct and confrontational with Summer than Cameron was with Future Riley

"Can Summer go with us?" John asked. "We might need some additional assistance. I would feel more protected with another Terminator along with us."

It was clear to everyone what John attempted to do.

Summer glared at Savannah and smiled at John. She started to walk towards him.

"Of course I can. I do what I want." Summer said. "Let's go. We can leave these losers here to do what they're best at. It's clean up."

Cameron could see Summer was a threat now.

"Summer will stay with Ally." Cameron said. "She obviously needs some additional programming. It's quite evident to everyone her programming is a failure. A clean chip should improve her disposition quite a bit."

Savannah was at the breaking point. Summer ignited a fire inside of her.

"And she needs to learn some manners." Savannah said. "Her social skills, along with her ability to infiltrate, are obviously quite lacking."

Bob was ready to grab Summer if she continued toward John. It didn't look good at all.

Summer continued towards John. She glared at Cameron and Savannah.

"I'm going with John." Summer said. "There's no need to wait. I'm claiming him now. John is mine. You've been replaced. BOTH of you…."

Bob moved between Summer and John.

Savannah moved to intercept Summer as well. She put up with enough. Summer was a threat to John. She pulled her Taser.

"Get in line, you 'Bitch Whore'." Savannah said as she fired her Taser.

Summer anticipated the attack from Savannah. She thought she could avoid it and teach her a lesson as well. She dodged the first set of barbs, but Savannah fired four times. Three of the sets struck Summer. She received a massive dose of electricity.

Summer went down like a rock.

Cameron drew her Taser as well. She was surprised and pleased at how quickly Savannah reacted.

"Thank You, Savannah." Cameron said.

John was shocked by the whole episode. He wasn't sure what to say or do right now. He watched Savannah in action. He knew she wasn't going to take 'NO' for an answer when Cameron sent her to him, for him. He could see she would be quite dominant. It was alright too. It seemed like a good time to leave. He didn't want to address what he just witnessed. He looked at Bob.

"Let's go help Steve." John said.

Savannah smiled at John as he passed by.

Cammy and Cameron exchanged glances.

"Let's get out of here." Bob said. "If you want to leave, come with me."

Bob quickly led John away.

John was awed by Summer's beauty, but even more pleased at how quickly Savannah acted to protect him. In fact, he thought Savannah was a real beauty too….

"Savannah is 'born again HARD'." John said as they drove away.

Bob wanted to put it in perspective.

"Summer malfunctioned." Bob said. "She appeared to be unstable. Savannah did the right thing, at the right time. You should appreciate how protective of you your mates are."

John wondered about it. He decided to ignore the comments about Savannah. She wasn't the issue. Summer said she was and wasn't 'Cameron'.

"Doesn't Summer still run Cameron's program?" John asked.

Bob looked over at John.

"Affirmative…." Bob said.

John nodded. It was too bad.

"It explains a lot…." John said.

Bob was pretty sure about what just happened. He decided to keep it to himself. It was 'Cameron' at what she does best….

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Without Question

To be with who one wants
They will do many things
They need to watch out for
Getting caught up in the strings

Many things can happen
On which some may place a condition
The person that is left may wonder
About the previous attrition

It is one thing to reach out
It is another thing to take
Some are along for the ride
They don't care if they're a fake

Few things in life are as deadly
As a person who knows they are Hot
They are held with esteem and sought
Not everything can be bought

So go ahead and roll the dice
Don't expect a confession
Take the wild bumpy ride
Do it without question

Nobody