Chapter 539

Everything

Earlier:

Sarah led John away from the lab. He protested a lot. She knew the girls wanted to work undisturbed. There were other things he could do in the meantime.

"John, go and finish your 'after action' report." Sarah said. "Let the girls finish up. Everyone will be fine."

John didn't want to see anyone hurt, machine or otherwise. The nature of their business was a deadly one. It was more than clear that machines possessed a major advantage over humans. The fact that all the machines were still there and a list of humans wasn't was proof of that concept. His main concern was for Savannah.

"I'm worried about both of them." John said. "I now better understand Cameron and her being able to get a 'replacement chassis' if needed, people can't do that. She can still exist on a server even. I get it. I just don't like it. Maybe we should find out what happened. Nobody will tell us…."

Sarah understood John's need to want to be with Cameron and even Savannah. It was natural to care about the ones people loved. Maybe she should just go with him for now. It would give him a little extra support. She'd also be able to keep better control of him that way.

"I'll go with you." Sarah said. "Let's see what went wrong and what went right."

Sarah was worried about Cameron and Savannah too. The sooner they figured things out, the better they could try to protect their troops the next time. Things were different this time.

John hoped to get a better picture of everything soon. They currently collected the last pieces of the puzzle.

"We have all the body cams now. John Henry is processing them." John said. "We'll know soon enough."

He wondered if allowing Savannah to take command was the right decision. Everything was achieved as per the plan at both locations and Savannah followed through on them until she was the last one at each location. All of their goals were achieved.

It was what happened to Cameron that bothered him. John knew she must have been damaged protecting Savannah. He would have expected nothing less from Cameron with any of their troops. He was also aware that Cameron would face termination to protect Savannah or him. If he'd gone along, Cameron would have done the same to protect him.

John Henry normally would monitor the body cams and drone footage in real time. A comprehensive overview of what occurred could be obtained that way. With the Skynet jamming field that was in place the data collected during that time was unable to be transmitted. To get all of it he needed the device.

He was able to process all the body cam footage. The last ones in were those from Savannah and Cameron. After they lost the live feed he needed to wait until they were back for all the information.

John Henry sat stunned as he watched Savannah's body cam footage. It was extremely disturbing. He thought he might be about to 'space out' again.

Bob was near by. Jim and him tried to keep tabs on John Henry when they were around. He noticed a strange look on John Henry's face. He decided to take a closer look. The incident from the other day was still fresh in his mind. He immediately moved to where John Henry was. He was ready to disconnect him from his server.

John Henry was aware of his current condition. It wasn't related to anything other than the body cam footage he watched. It was hard to believe. He could see what Bob was about to do to him.

"No, Bob." John Henry said. "I'm fully operational. I've just viewed some extremely disturbing body cam footage. I'm in a mild state of 'shock' seeing it. My 'sister' was almost killed - again."

Bob remembered the scene where he found Savannah. There were half a dozen dead Grays and three downed Terminators around her. She was in front of Cameron ready to fight as Steve and him came around the corner. He was under the impression that Cameron was the one responsible for all that carnage.

John Henry stared the video feeds of Cameron and Savannah, they both played side by side 'in sync'. He showed them to Bob.

Now Bob sat and looked like John Henry did earlier as he watched everything unfold until the time that Steve and him arrived.

This wasn't the first video evidence or files from a Terminator's video log that John Henry possessed of Savannah in action. He'd even watched her stay to 'die' with Cameron by choice before.

"Do you have all of Cameron's personal files of her other combat operations with Savannah?" John Henry asked.

Bob previously viewed some of them. That was done at Cameron insistence. She wanted others to know some of the previous events and Savannah's contributions. She wanted every Terminator to know how far Savannah would go to protect her, a machine.

"Not all of them." Bob said.

John Henry was contacted by every Terminator who served with Savannah. They all asked that their files be preserved. He was unsure why at first but everyone wanted it done. It was because they were impressed with Savannah's ability and resolve. He was impressed himself as he viewed them.

"I have them from all the Terminators who've served with Savannah and other body cam footage as well." John Henry said. "They wanted me to have it for a 'permanent record'. They were all impressed."

The files also include drone footage and surveillance camera footage. John Henry made a compilation of it all and edited it together. It was like an action movie.

Bob served with all of the humans. He was impressed by all of them in the Resistance. He too held a soft spot for Savannah. They'd watched her grow up and blossom into a beautiful young woman and skilled Resistance fighter. She was fearless and never backed away from a fight.

"I've always been impressed." Bob said. "That's even more so after viewing what happened in this latest instance. It's tough for one Terminator to face three Terminators. Savannah is a teenage girl. She stood her ground against three Terminators all at once. There was no indecision or fear, there was only action."

John Henry agreed with that observation. One on one with a hostile Terminator was a handful for another Terminator. It was the other times that Savannah faced termination that also bothered him.

"The most disturbing files from Cameron video logs are of Savannah's recent visit to Cameron's future to help destroy Skynet." John Henry said.

Bob was made aware along with every other Terminator by Cameron that Savannah prevented her certain termination at least twice in her future.

"Cameron has shared some of those files." Bob said. "She told us she would have been terminated and her mission a failure without Savannah."

Cammy also provided all of her files. He'd hoped to see some of the ones with Cammy and Savannah together as they shared but Cammy blocked those from him.

"I have all those files from Cammy as well." John Henry said.

Bob thought this would be a good learning experience for everyone.

"Has any non Terminator seen all of them?" Bob asked.

John Henry only showed a few of them to John.

"No." John Henry said.

Bob made no effort to wipe away the single tear that slid down his cheek. He thought Savannah deserve some recognition for her hard work and efforts.

"It is time everyone see this." Bob said.

John arrived with in the Command Center with Sarah. He'd only caught the tail end of the conversation.

"What is it that I'm supposed to see?" John asked.

Sarah was a little dubious of some of the things John watched. She was aware of his fixation with 'Pretty Baby'. She still wondered how that movie was ever made.

"Do I even want to know?" Sarah asked.

Bob got along well with the Reese families. He thought it was important.

"Yes. You do." Bob said. "You both do, everyone should."

They sat down and John Henry started the compilation of events related to Cameron and Savannah in combat.

Sarah soon gripped John's hand as they watched. Both of them were at a loss for words. To view what Cameron saw with the energy bubble that appeared behind Savannah and Savannah didn't not even look at it was unnerving. It was her way to her escape. It was her 'ride home' and the chance for her to live. Instead she chose to remain with Cameron in her final seconds. It was very disturbing. In fact everything related to that was very traumatic.

John Henry knew there were more close ones to come. They weren't done yet.

"This is the most current mission." John Henry stated. "It will be very intense."

Both Sarah and John were already drained of color. That wondered what was more intense than staying to be vaporized when she could have escaped.

John couldn't believe what he saw. Savannah hadn't messed up. She'd brought down three Terminators and half a dozen Grays. Savannah saved Cameron from termination – again. It was Savannah that saved the day and followed her training. She did it all like she should have. No one ever faced three Terminators alone before, human or Terminator.

Sarah was stunned. Savannah was almost killed several times in her adventures with Cameron. She knew Savannah acted out of love for Cameron to risk herself and to save Cameron on those occasions. She was struck by the most recent one and the ones in Cameron's future. She did like the 'cave woman' outfit Savannah wore when she killed the Gray that was about to bring Cameron down with a Taser.

"Those are some of the most incredible things I've ever seen." Sarah said. "It was almost like some creepy for real video game. It was life or death more than a few times."

John was just astounded. He wondered if maybe Savannah shouldn't be in charge of the Resistance. She'd done way more things than he'd ever done. He also knew of the risk involved.

"Me too, I agree." John said. "Savannah's love is writing checks her body can't keep cashing."

Sarah couldn't help but think of the sacrifices of her children that Savannah made to two other versions of herself. She knew that was done for Cameron more than her other selves.

"Savannah's body has done a lot of 'other things' for love too, John." Sarah said.

Bob was awed as he viewed it all again. He understood what it meant that Savannah was the 'Chosen One'.

"Savannah is like no other." Bob said. "Savannah is the 'Chosen One'."

Sarah saw it all differently. She saw it as one young woman that needed to carry too heavy of a burden alone.

"She's a teenage girl." Sarah said. "This has to stop. We all love her dearly. I'm placing myself in combat rotation."

John was appalled to hear that. That wasn't what he wanted. He should be the one to step up.

John Henry didn't think the facts lied, especially when there was video of it. Cameron was still with them because of Savannah.

"If she hadn't done everything that she has, Cameron would be terminated, several times over." John Henry said. "We all know this, we've seen it."

They all knew Savannah never spoke of those events. She would only ever say she did what anyone would do. It was all a 'team effort'.

It was clearly not in almost every circumstance. It was Savannah, tenacity and ferocity that held the line. It was evident that Savannah went 'all the way' more than once or even necessary. Few would have faced those same odds and beaten them.

John was very deeply touched right now. He needed to see both Cameron and Savannah, especially Savannah.

"I need to find her." John said.

Sarah was confused. She thought John wanted to find Cameron. She wondered if he was going to 'blame' her for the danger Savannah faced.

"Find who?" Sarah asked. "Cameron?"

The look of love filled John's eyes.

"NO, Savannah…." John said.

Sarah thought John was going to berate Savannah for her close calls. She saw that as the wrong approach on several levels.

"You won't be able to 'control' her any more than you can 'control' Cameron, John." Sarah said. "No one could ever 'control' me either."

John knew Cameron and Savannah needed protection. Savannah didn't have the same options available to her as Cameron did when 'damaged'. He was aware he needed to do something. He knew he couldn't protect Cameron every time but he knew how to protect Savannah…. Cameron was right all along. He really should have listened to her years ago.

Savannah walked next to Cameron. They headed for the Control Center. Savannah figured she was in 'trouble' for her actions. She expected to be blamed for everything.

Cameron was very content to walk with Savannah. It gave her comfort and support after her latest battle and the resulting damage.

"Thank you for saving me, Savannah." Cameron said.

Savannah felt a little embarrassed. She'd done what needed to be done, when it needed to be done. It was just that simple.

"I did nothing more than anyone else would have." Savannah said. "Or what you would do for me."

Cameron knew that wasn't true. Or was it?

She reached over and took Savannah's hand. She gave it a squeeze and stopped Savannah.

Cameron looked into Savannah's face. She felt a lot of guilt right now.

"My existence, my life, isn't worth your life, Savannah." Cameron said.

Savannah loved Cameron. She would be unable to do less than she'd done. Her love drove her and gave her strength and resolve.

"My love for you is." Savannah said. "I wouldn't hesitate to do any of it again."

In the distance they could hear arguing coming from the Command Center.

Savannah's heart sank a little more as she heard it. She really must have messed up. She was sure it was all about her and her actions.

"Great. They're probably going over what a failure I was - am." Savannah said.

Cameron was offended by that notion. She would defend Savannah against all of them if she needed to.

"I don't think so. YOU are not a failure." Cameron said. "Let's go review everything as see what to do different the next time…."

Cameron was sure the operation was a success and Savannah operated perfectly to the very end of the operation. The last thing her personal video files showed was that both of them should have been terminated. Bob and Steve must have arrived in time to help them. She was pretty sure any failure was on her part and not anything that Savannah did.

Sarah was still steamed about the danger that Savannah needed to face.

"I want Kyle to see this." Sarah said. "These events in two different futures as well as the present are beyond belief. No one person, human OR Metal, should face these dangers repeatedly."

To observe Savannah in action made John wondered about all of the missions Cameron went on. There were missions they didn't even know about.

"Do you have all of Cameron's files from her missions?" John asked.

John Henry thought this was going to be a touchy subject as to the nature of Cameron's 'last wishes'.

"Yes." John Henry said. "She's asked they remain locked until her termination."

John could have done without that reminder. It was something he dreaded every time Cameron was out.

"Nice." John said.

John figured at this rate that event would be sooner rather than later.

Cameron and Savannah walked into the room, their hands slowly separated.

Cameron wanted everyone to see and know….

John sprang up to give her a hug.

"Cameron!" John said.

Cameron looked evenly at John.

"I'll be one hundred percent cosmetically regenerated tomorrow, thanks to Ally." Cameron said. "I'm fully operational."

John wasn't sure what that meant. It probably meant she didn't want to be with him one on one. He turned his attention to Savannah.

"How do you feel, Savannah?" John asked.

John moved to give Savannah a hug.

Cameron reached out and stopped him.

"You must be very gentle." Cameron said. "Her ribs are sore from where she was shot. Her vest saved her life - this time."

Sarah flashed an angry look at John.

John gave Savannah a soft hug.

They shared some small talk for awhile and then got down to business.

Savannah just wanted to get everything over with. If she was going to be chastised she wanted it done and over with. There was no need to dance around it any longer.

"OK, let's have it." Savannah said.

She thought now that all the 'niceties' finished, it was time for the reaming.

John wasn't sure where to start.

"I have never seen anything like it." John said.

Sarah hadn't either.

"Neither have I." Sarah said.

Savannah felt her heart sink.

"Is it that bad?" Savannah asked.

Sarah and John looked at each other when Savannah said that.

"No, Savannah - NO." Sarah said. "I've never seen anything that incredible…. That brave…. That loving…."

Sarah eyes welled with tears. It was clear she was deeply touched.

"I need to hug both of you too. I'll be careful with Savannah." Sarah said and did.

It was clear that Savannah and Cameron were a little confused.

"You two better take a look at this." Bob said to Cameron and Savannah.

Cameron and Savannah sat down at John Henry's urging as the video feed started.

They could all see Savannah and Cameron tense up.

Savannah reached out and gently took Cameron's hand. She knew it would start to glitch soon.

The tears silently ran down both of their cheeks as they relived those dangerous and near death moments.

When the video feed ended, only Cameron and Savannah were left in the room. Everyone else had quietly cleared away. They wanted to give them privacy.

"Thank you, Savannah." Cameron said. "You've saved me again. I didn't realize how close to termination I was on this operation, twice. You took down three Terminators - alone."

"Cameron, I only did what I needed to do, when I needed to do it." Savannah said. "You would've done the same thing for me."

Cameron looked very sad. She was at a loss for words.

Savannah wasn't and she wanted to make it clear to Cameron how she felt and why.

"Anything, everything I do for you or have done for you is because I love you, Cameron." Savannah said. "I would do it all again."

Cameron was very proud and pleased with Savannah.

"I love you too, Savannah." Cameron said. "You truly are the 'Chosen One'."

Savannah was always confused with that term. She hoped to get a better understanding.

"I'm the 'Chosen One' for what?" Savannah asked. "I don't even know what that really means."

"You are the 'Chosen One' to share their life with John and the future." Cameron said. "YOU are the 'Chosen One' to share your life with me…."

That last part of Cameron's statement was what Savannah really wanted to hear. It made everything worth it.

Everything

When it comes to commitment
How far is one willing to go
That probably will depend
If the journey was fast or slow

What comes easy
Will go just as easy
It was probably sleazy
Or it left one queasy

That always seems to be
The nature of the beast
There is so much of nothing
Then it goes from famine to feast

Most only want
What is in the 'now'
They really don't care
How they get it anyhow

Even with an unplanned fling
There will be one that will sing
A heart and soul they will wring
Both will want to share everything

Nobody