Chapter 389

Her Bidding

Cameron and Bob moved down into the target area. The heat was intense from the burning building. She brought them in closer. She didn't think the Skynet Terminator was out of the fight yet.

Bob watched as numerous warnings began to pop up in his HUD. The heat of the fire was too intense for their current location.

"We will sustain sheath damage if we move any closer." Bob said. "We need to find a different approach. Anything in front of us is being incinerated. If we continue to move forward, our sheaths will as well."

Bob thought it didn't matter to Cameron, but he knew when it was time to use caution. It didn't appear as if Cameron was going to stop. He reached out and physically stopped Cameron with his arm.

Cameron looked at him and nodded. Bob wanted her to use caution.

'Sometimes it's nice to have help.' She remembered.

"Alright, break off, fall back." Cameron said.

Bob wanted to use some of their other resources.

"I say let the drones finish it." Bob said.

Steve's team moved out. All four sides of the burning building were covered by the Resistance force. There was an attempted breakaway on Derek's side. It was repulsed.

The building was now a raging inferno. All firing and movement inside ceased.

John figured the Terminator would try to fight his way out. He remembered the story his mother told him about how after the Terminator who was after them survived a gasoline tanker explosion, his metal endoskeleton continued to hunt them. He knew the same thing could happen where they were at unless the missiles were able to blow him apart.

"Where's the Terminator?" John asked.

John Henry dropped the drones down low for better scans. There was no need to conceal them at this point. At the lower altitude, they could provide direct gunfire support if it became necessary. So far nothing was spotted moving, not even a Terminator.

"It's currently unknown." John Henry responded. "There is zero movement in the remains of the building."

Cameron didn't think things were finished. More should have happened. She was sure it still would. The question was when. She didn't believe things were wrapped up so quickly and neatly. It wasn't her experience on the field of combat. There needed to be more.

"Does anyone have anything?" Cameron asked.

There was a slight pause as everyone double checked their surroundings.

"Negative." Was the response from all sides.

John wanted to be decisive. It seemed like they gained the upper hand and the victory was theirs. There was only one way to be sure.

"I want the drones to fire all of their missiles, the heat seekers too. There's plenty of heat for them now." John said. "Systematically fire on all parts of the building, we're all pulling back."

John Henry wanted to do it. He was ready.

"Roger." John Henry said.

He tried to make sure he didn't say 'affirmative', even if it was the most logical choice.

John Henry carried out the attack as requested. The building was soon nothing more than a burning pile of rubble. He decided not to play all of his cards. There could still be something which might develop. He wanted to make sure there was some additional protection for their troops on the ground before they withdrew from the target zone.

"I'm saving one of each type of missile on one of the drones." John Henry said. "It's just in case we need them for something unexpected."

John knew he should have thought of it. Maybe if he was in the Command Center he would have. If he wouldn't have, John Henry would have quietly reminded him to do so. It seemed to him things were just about wrapped up.

"It's good thinking." John said. "It's time to go home."

Cameron was still dissatisfied they hadn't encountered any hostile Terminators. She knew there was at least one Terminator there. She wasn't ready to pack it in yet. She was sure there was some of the Skynet group in hiding. She hoped to make it look like their withdrawal would allow them to make their escape. She would be ready for them.

"I want to keep watch from a distance a little longer." Cameron said. "Ally will stay with me. Everyone else needs to withdraw."

John Henry was concerned. He quickly rechecked everything. He didn't want to be caught off guard. It was time to act.

"I'm sending two drones back for rearming." John Henry said.

John was worried about Cameron. He didn't want to leave Cameron there with just Ally.

"I don't like leaving you here alone." John said.

Ally was offended by what John just said. She mattered too. Maybe if she still wasn't upset with Summer she would have let it slide. She didn't.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence." Ally said. "Now I feel like Nobody."

John wondered why Ally said it. It wasn't meant as a slight against her. He wanted to get his apology out there right away for his insensitive statement. He believed the true meaning of it was evident, even if it wasn't clear.

"I'm sorry, Ally." John said. "I think you know what I meant."

Cameron didn't want all the fuss. She would rather be there on her own. It would make it look like everyone was gone if she was the only one who remained. She was able to take care of herself. It was actually something she did quite frequently.

"Ally can go as well." Cameron said. "I'm a big girl now."

The last part of her statement made John think of when Savannah said those same words to him. It wasn't long ago. Savannah was a big girl now, and very shapely too. He thought about what she did for him earlier when Summer seemed a little over 'friendly'. He knew it wouldn't be long until Savannah came for him. Savannah and Summer…. He thought life was good.

"...John…." Cameron said.

John felt a little embarrassed. He looked around to make sure no one saw him and then readjusted his pants. He was thinking of events yet to come.

"What?" John asked.

Cameron figured John most likely thought about Savannah or Summer right now. She figured it was probably both.

"I said we will wait together." Cameron said.

Ally watched John adjust 'himself'. She wanted to lighten the mood some.

"I think we can find a way to pass the time…." Ally joked.

John quickly looked at Cameron when Ally said it.

Ally laughed.

Cameron wasn't in the mood for joking. It was probably because there was at least one missing Skynet Terminator. She was sure she would need to deal with them soon enough.

"Maybe Summer isn't the only one who needs reprogramming." Cameron said.

Ally didn't care for Cameron's stern attitude. Stakeouts could get rather boring.

"Killjoy…." Ally said. "At least I'm not 'L7'."

John understood what 'L7' meant. It meant Cameron was a 'square'. He didn't want Cameron to get riled up. She would act rash and be careless if she did. He was sure Ally's attitude was from the 'Neural Interface' with Allison. Allison could become very combative quickly. She was also quick to forgive. It didn't seem to be the case with Ally.

"There's too much 'Allison' in you." John said.

Ally wanted to 'play'. The trouble looked like it was over.

"There's actually not enough of you in Allison." Ally shot back. "Or you in me."

Cameron wanted to wrap things up and take control herself. She knew if she didn't keep someone with her, it would turn into a bigger problem with John than it already was. She wasn't really sure he understood the way she worked. She thought he would have figured it out by now. She didn't care for Ally's banter either.

"Enough…." Cameron said. "We'll stay, everyone else can go."

John Henry wanted some safeguards for Cameron and Ally.

"I'm leaving one drone there with Cameron and Ally until I can send back the two rearmed ones." John Henry said. "The minigun on it is fully loaded."

Cameron thought the last drone should be there by now.

"Is the fourth drone free yet?" Cameron asked.

John Henry double checked where it was. It wasn't close.

"No." John Henry said.

Cameron became concerned.

"Why isn't it?" Cameron asked. "Savannah should be back at the base by now. Has something gone wrong?"

John Henry didn't think there was a problem, at least not yet anyway.

"They've gone to Palmdale to pick up Cam and Vanna." John Henry said. "Jesse and Gail are going with Savannah and Cammy as well when they leave."

Cameron realized Savannah planned on more than a visit. She actually believed it was a good idea on several levels. Jesse could see her family again. It was what she said to Savannah which prompted her into 'action'. She would take the proof with her and be ready to push Young Jesse.

Cameron smiled to herself.

"It's fine." Cameron said. "I would rather have them protected. Ally and I can manage with one drone for now."

She wasn't sure exactly what would happen, but she made sure there were plenty of cards to play. They could be played away from the Resistance base and any interference by John or anyone else. If anything happened in Australia, while she was still in California, no one could point the finger at her for anything. It would save her time and effort. The girls would all do her bidding on their own. It was better than she planned on. Everything looked like it was going to work out nicely. All the girls and female Terminators were happy and occupied.

John heard the exchange. It seemed most of the girls were up to something. It sounded like something he should know more about. Then again, maybe it was better if he didn't know…. He was sure if he asked the wrong questions, he would hear about it. He still wanted to know what it was if he could.

"Is there anything I should know?" John asked.

Cameron smiled and touched John's cheek.

"No." Cameron said. "You've done your part."

John looked at her and wondered what it meant. Something told him it was probably something he didn't know about or expect.

Cameron guessed the end result of it was going to be Summer's problem. She wouldn't be around when IT hit the fan. Summer could reveal she was only a copy of 'Cameron'. John could blame the vanquished or dead then. What would be done, would be done. It appeared John was going to have three descendants, maybe four, if Duplicate Allison was able to deliver. She needed to check everything and resume testing the TDE. It irritated her some because the current operation they were on wasn't over. There was no indication when it would be either.

John and Bob withdrew after much urging from Cameron.

She needed to make plans and think about everything as she waited with Ally.

Cameron was glad John was out of the way and hopefully out of danger for the night.

Bob led John away from Cameron and Ally.

John looked back at where they just left from. He was left with a very uncomfortable feeling. It only seemed to be exacerbated by whatever cryptic message Cameron relayed to him before they left.

"I don't like leaving them alone." John said.

Bob wanted John out of the danger zone. Cameron didn't need babysitting. He knew if they stuck around it would actually make things worse once Cameron found out about it. If they were away from the area, she wouldn't need to worry about them.

"It's Cameron, John." Bob said. "She can handle anything. We need to follow her instructions."

John began to wonder about the hostile Terminator Steve's team followed there. He was sure there should've been more of a fight. He just didn't feel comfortable leaving the area so soon.

"Maybe we should stick around." John said. "Just for a little longer, it won't hurt anything."

Bob could detect a bad idea when he heard it. He knew Cameron wanted John out of the potential action if any developed. He was aware they were always at loggerheads with each other over minor issues which didn't really matter. This one did.

"No." Bob said. "Maybe we should listen to her for once. Maybe things will be less heated later on. If a problem develops, and she knows you're still here, she will attempt to protect you instead of dealing with the problem."

John thought about it. He was ready for some action. He didn't see any in the earlier operation. Since Cameron didn't think it was concluded, maybe he still could. He felt he needed to do a little more.

He was excited about thinking of being with Summer or Savannah earlier. He would settle for Cameron. It was sort of the 'same thing' anymore with Cameron. It was better than 'Rosie Palm'. He wanted to make sure the troops were protected as they withdrew from the area. He needed to worry about Derek and Kyle too. Both of them were out with a team. It was time to act like a leader.

"OK. Derek's, Kyle's, and Steve's teams can all return to the base." John said. "Everyone stay alert. Bob and I will set up an ambush and everyone can run through it. I want to make sure we're not tracked."

Steve liked the concern. He would reciprocate and be 'tail end Charlie'. It would make more sense to have a group of Terminators protect the rear, even after they ran through the ambush.

"We will do the same for you down the road afterwards." Steve said.

John appreciated the concern. Bob and him would have a 'rear guard' when they did. He wanted full drone support for Cameron as well.

"It's fine." John said. "I want the two drones back with Cameron as soon as they're rearmed."

John Henry already started the rearming process.

"They'll be back shortly." John Henry said.

John took one last look around. The building was mostly smoldering burnt rubble at this point. It looked like everything was done for the night.

"Let's roll." John said.

Everyone took off.

If anyone was watching, it would look like the force which attacked the building was gone.

Cameron was sure there was more to happen. She didn't know what. John's concern was appreciated. She decided they could use some additional help, just in case. They actually possessed a ringer. She looked at Ally.

"Go get Summer." Cameron said.

Ally went to the SUV.

Summer heard someone coming and remained inactive.

Ally wanted to mess with Summer.

"Hey, sweet cheeks, nap time is over." Ally said. "Get your tight bottom in gear."

Summer wanted to be part of the action earlier. She played Cameron's 'game' and she wanted a piece of the action. She didn't like being left behind when there was combat involved. She almost joined the fight on her own. There was no reason she couldn't have joined Steve's team earlier.

"I shouldn't need to hide." Summer said. "I was bored lying around."

Ally was in a playful mood, even if she was still miffed because Summer fooled her earlier.

"You wouldn't have been bored if I was 'lying around' with you." Ally said.

Summer knew she was just for John. Ally knew it too.

"Now who's the one risking deactivation?" Summer asked.

Ally was irritated by Summer's response. It sounded like she was going to be another 'stuck up Bitch' anyway. Then again, she ran Cameron's program. They were one in the same. Besides, the apple didn't fall far from the tree.

"Get a sense of humor. Don't be a stiff." Ally said. "Cameron wants us. She doesn't think we're done for the night yet."

Summer could tell Ally was angry with her. She could 'play' too. It would help her blend in better as well.

"Does she want us as much as we want her?" Summer asked.

Ally laughed. It was better. There could be some fun and games to go along with the work.

"OK, you can be funny." Ally said. "It's more like it."

Cameron appeared behind them. She listened to the entire conversation. She thought it was unnecessary. She didn't think the operation was concluded yet. They all needed to be alert.

"Quiet." Cameron said.

Cameron quickly filled them in on her plans.

Allison said her goodbyes to Vanna. Holly said hers to Cam.

They were alone now.

Allison felt bad about being with Vanna right in front of Holly's face.

"Holly, I want to apologize for spending so much time with Vanna." Allison said. "You know I love and miss her."

Holly always knew it. It was something she accepted to be with Allison. She found a new way to deal with it. It was quite rewarding too. It actually didn't seem like a big deal when there was reciprocation on an equal basis. Allison always told her there was plenty of love to go around for everyone to share. She understood the concept much better now once she became a participant in the extra activity.

"Allison, I've spent as much 'time' with Cam." Holly said.

Allison knew everyone wanted to be with 'Cameron'. Her clones were the only way, and the next best thing. She wanted it too.

"It's what you always wanted." Allison said.

It was Holly's dream. She found something better. The love from Allison was something she would never receive from Cameron. It was something to cherish, even if it needed to be shared some with the other girls. Vanna was always Allison's true love and Jesse was another love. She wanted to make sure Allison knew where she stood.

"It WAS." Holly said. "I want you now."

Allison still felt a little guilty.

"Look, I want you as well." Allison said. "You know I love you."

Holly understood. She liked to hear it as well.

"I do know it." Holly said. "I love you too."

Allison still felt the need for some justification. Maybe it was just for her own peace of mind.

"We all have a complicated series of relationships here." Allison said. "We all know it is partially to blame, or thank, Cameron for."

Holly was pleased with her existence. It was much more rewarding now than it was upon her activation. Everything changed when she was sent to the past, the present. Things started out slow when she arrived but she rapidly expanded as time went on. Soon she wanted the things everyone else shared. She knew Cameron facilitated everything for everyone.

"I'd have to say we need to thank Cameron." Holly said. "I've never been happier."

Holly knew she was a machine and wasn't supposed to be happy. She learned how to be happy. It was the humans who helped her learn what happiness was. She understood it was a transformation Cameron went through as well.

Allison was still troubled about the earlier events. She saw Vanna offered to do what she hated to be a part of, to try to help her. It was for her, not her parents why Vanna would have acted. She remembered in the future when she didn't have food and was starving, Vanna would sneak away and return with food. Vanna never said where she went or got it. She took care of her and provided for her. Vanna wouldn't allow her to touch her for two days every time. She would hear Vanna cry at night. She needed to refocus.

"I'm glad Vanna is leaving for a few days." Allison said. "I think she was going to hit on my dad."

Holly thought Hanna was the better choice. She wasn't sure if it was her place to comment or not. She looked at things from a logical standpoint.

"He is a few years younger than her." Holly said. "I think Hanna should take over those 'duties' if you want your parents to stay 'together'."

Allison began to question her interference. Her mother was through being a 'wife'. She made it quite clear. Should she force her to be? How was it fair? Is it what she would want? Would she want it for Vanna? She remembered Vanna 'crying' at night when she kept her from starving. What is fair? It made her wonder sometimes if anything was fair.

"I know they were both dead at this point in my life in my future. Maybe they would have divorced." Allison said. "I don't know. There's no way to know what would have happened."

Holly actually thought there was. It was what happened now. It seemed obvious to her. She didn't want to point it out. She also needed to consider the involvement of the Resistance.

"We've delayed Judgment Day, twice." Holly said. "You have a beautiful sister and a baby on the way."

Allison didn't need the reminder. She ended up with another terminated pregnancy. Her mother carried her embryo for her now. It all seemed overwhelming. She knew she would be a terrible mother.

"I know it's MY baby, Holly." Allison said. "I'm really afraid I won't be a good mother. Maybe I should let my mother raise it and I can rejoin the team for operational duty."

Holly thought Allison would be a good mother. She would have plenty of help.

"NO. It's your baby, OUR baby." Holly said. "I'll help you with everything twenty four hours a day. Vanna and Jesse will help us. Savannah will help us. Sarah, Riley and all our female Terminators will help us. Cameron will help us."

Somehow it didn't reassure Allison. It only made her feel even more inadequate. She was sure everyone would be a better 'mother' to her baby than she would. She still needed to think how it was all a miracle in some way.

"I'm scared and afraid, Holly." Allison said. "Cameron has made it possible for us, for Riley too. We both know it never would have happened otherwise."

Holly knew Cameron planned to make sure Allison's body would perform the same as any new mother's would.

"Cameron has a hormone regiment set up for you so your body will lactate when it is time for the birth of the child. You will be able to feed it yourself as any mother can." Holly said. "It should only take a couple of months once you start on it. There are other more natural ways to induce lactation as well."

Allison was made aware of what some of the natural ways were. She could see how everyone tried to help them. The underlying fear was still there. Maybe it was the same fear every 'Allison' possessed and the root of Cameron's troubles as well. It wasn't an imaginary fear. It was a real fear.

"OK, Holly." Allison said. "I'll try. I want you to know I'm scared to death I won't be good enough."

Holly thought actions spoke louder than fears.

"I've seen you with your sister Summer." Holly said. "You're an excellent care giver and 'mother'."

Allison did need to think about it. She knew her mother allowed her to do a lot for Summer when she was born. Her mother 'trained' her without training her. Maybe somehow it would all work out in the end. Most things seemed to do so anyway.

"Thanks, Holly." Allison said. "I need you for so many things."

Holly didn't want Allison to worry. Everything was covered in about ten different ways.

"I'll always be here for you." Holly said.

Allison was reminded of what Cameron said about her devotion to John once.

"Will it be until your power cell runs out or you're terminated?" Allison asked jokingly.

Holly tilted her head slightly.

"Yes." Holly said somewhat confused. "What else would I do?"

Allison wanted to show Holly how much she loved her. She could think of a few things she could do.

"Come here you…." Allison said.

'Loves Me Like A Rock' by 'Paul Simon', played as Allison led Holly to her room.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Her Bidding

Relationships began to suffer
When sharing is no longer symbiotic
The end result of that
Is nothing short of idiotic

When one person wants domination
The other must become submissive
It can be either of the partners
When one is indifferent or dismissive

Does it really matter in the end
There is one to whose will
They must always yield and bend
That always leaves one feeling ill

Every relationship runs its course
They are all over in six months to two years
Everything after that is only toleration
As the years turn into tears

When the relationship begins skidding
It becomes very forbidding
One says you've got to be kidding
Do they do his bidding or her bidding

Nobody