Chapter 611
For ALL Of Us
It appeared the battle wasn't over yet.
There were more vehicles that approached them now from both sides….
The three SUV were parked in a loose triangle. The girls were in the center of it with targets that just appeared on two sides.
The girls all raised their weapons.
"Incoming." Young Allison said.
Savannah did a double take.
Young Allison now held her Model 66 in her hands.
Their three SUVs made a limited defensive position.
It reminded Young Allison of watching a 'Western', where they circled the wagons to make a defensive perimeter.
Cameron could see everyone was amped up from the recent action.
"Relax, I called for them." Cameron said. "They're our forces."
Young Allison returned her Model 66 to her backpack.
Cameron and Anna both physically checked over Young Allison.
Young Allison didn't care for all the attention.
"Is this what they call 'copping a feel'?" Young Allison asked jokingly.
Cameron and Anna looked at each other.
"No." Anna and Cameron both said.
Young Allison laughed slightly.
"I'm fine." Young Allison said.
Anna stepped back and Cammy moved up.
Cameron and Cammy then checked over Savannah.
Savannah was a little indignant too.
"It might as well be. They always do it." Savannah said to Young Allison. "Wait till they start scanning you."
Young Allison touched the back of her neck.
"They already do." Young Allison said.
Young Allison saw the look of concern on Savannah's face.
"It's not for the same reasons they scan you - yet…." Young Allison said. "I know and understand a lot more than anyone thinks."
Savannah shook her head. She didn't wish to get into THAT discussion.
Cameron and Anna looked at each other when they noticed that the statement seemed to bother Savannah. It seemed logical to them.
Savannah looked at everything around them. There was a lot of death and destruction. She looked back at Young Allison.
"We need to get you out of here." Savannah said. "Your mother is going to kill me when she finds out about this."
Cammy instantly came over with this new 'threat'.
Savannah rolled her eyes for Young Allison's benefit.
"Relax. It's a 'figure of speech'." Savannah said. "Cameron, I want Allison out of here if it's safe to do so. We may have stirred up a hornets nest. I don't think this is over by a long shot."
Cameron looked at the fallen Terminator. That was a surprise to her. It seemed anything could pop up.
"The roads may be compromised in both directions." Cameron said.
Savannah wanted to carry out her promise. There were a few other options.
"Can we use the Blackhawk?" Savannah asked. "I promised Claire I would bring Allison back the same way she'd left That was and is, alive, undamaged and still a girl, even if she's a big one, especially now."
Young Allison smiled and looked at the downed Terminator. It was a big step for her. She never thought her 'combat cherry' would be popped on a Terminator. First blood was first blood. She'd scored and the Terminator went down.
Savannah faced Cameron. She knew she could 'order' that to happen but didn't wish to do so.
Cameron looked away at the last statement. She knew what she wanted to do. She knew what needed to be done. John needed to be protected in the future. She needed to fulfill her mission.
She didn't wish to upset Savannah. Cameron would remind Savannah of the hardships of the future and that Young Allison would be better protected by being 'older'. Being able to defend and protect herself would be to her benefit. She would remind Savannah of what happened to HER, well, Vanna anyway and Jesse in their future. It started when they were much younger that Young Allison was now.
Cameron knew Savannah didn't want to 'push' too hard but her concern for Young Allison was genuine. She also didn't want anything to 'happen' to Young Allison either.
She understood that for Savannah to carry out her promise was important to her. Savannah always did what she promised.
"Yes." Cameron said. "I've sent instructions for it to come and land. You'll accompany her."
Savannah could see that Cameron thought the operation that started to unfold here was far from over. She knew Cameron wanted her away from any danger as well. She didn't plan to let Cameron face that danger alone. Her absence would only be temporary.
"I will. You also know that I'll be back." Savannah said. "As soon as I get Allison home along with Anna and Hanna, I'll return."
Young Allison didn't want to get sidelined now. She'd just tasted victory and it tasted sweet.
"Anna and Hanna will be both needed for the action here." Young Allison said. "WE all will."
Cameron didn't want this to turn into an issue. She would just tell it like it was. Young Allison would know what the right thing was, even if it wasn't what she wanted right now.
"Allison, you've done enough for today" Cameron said. "You must allow Savannah to keep her promise. She keeps ALL of her promises…."
Cameron and Savannah looked at each other. They both knew everything that statement entailed. It would be Savannah at John's side and in his bed.
Young Allison knew what it all entailed too. She wasn't about to shy away from her duty and future either.
"I will as well." Young Allison said. "I'll keep all MY promises to you, Cameron."
Young Allison looked at Cameron and Savannah until they both looked away. It was clear that Young Allison was a 'true believer'.
Savannah already knew what those promises were. They were the same things Cameron made her promise. It gave Savannah a sad feeling inside to know that Young Allison's life and future seemed to be already determined by Cameron.
Wait.
Savannah knew it wasn't really Cameron but Skynet that made those plans necessary and the need to protect John and the future.
Cameron started to coordinate with the groups of Terminators that arrived and were on the way. She quickly worked out some plans with John Henry.
She knew that Savannah would deliver Young Allison as promised. She also knew that Savannah would be back. That meant she would need to make plans and carry them out as soon as possible when Savannah was away.
John and John Henry put it all together based on everyone's reports. They now knew the full extent of everything that happened in the 'dead zone'. It was a lot. It was also very troubling.
John motioned for John Henry and him to cut their coms for a little bit.
"That was too close." John said. "Savannah and Young Allison were in real danger. If that that Terminator would've been armed…."
John Henry knew it was touch and go but the events played out as they happened. The girls did their jobs. They won and the Skynet forces lost.
"He wasn't armed. He was deactivated instead." John Henry said. "Cameron wants to launch a follow up strike on the location at the end of the dirt road. Based on all that's happened, I think this is where the Skynet main frame we intercepted was headed. The high tension power lines are very close to that location. They bring in a large percentage of electricity for Southern California."
John knew energy was power to Skynet on more than one level. Skynet needed to use a lot of energy to make everything happen.
"They could do a lot with all that energy if they tapped into it." John said. "They could build Skynet itself and a TDE."
John Henry was sure they'd do more than just that.
"Yes." John Henry said.
John didn't want things to get away from him. He wanted to stay on top of everything. He checked his monitors.
"What do you have related to hostile air activity?" John asked.
John Henry was all over that as was CamNet. That would be the biggest threat to the girls right now.
"There's nothing yet." John Henry said.
John thought John Henry looked a little uneasy.
"But…." John started.
John Henry needed to think about some of the other things associated with this group if it was all the same group. That is where the leads seemed to lead.
"There may be some soon and there may be HK Tracks as well." John Henry said.
John wasn't so sure of that.
"Based on what intel?" John asked.
John Henry thought their recent missions said it all.
"It's based on the last few encounters." John Henry said. "Skynet and its offshoot seem to be acquiring more resources."
John thought of some of the past battles and the things Cameron did on her own.
"We keep hurting them." John said. "But it doesn't seem to have much lasting effect."
John Henry saw it a little differently.
"Judgment Day hasn't happened yet." John Henry said. "That has to count for something."
John knew that was true. He really wondered how much longer it would be. They may have stopped it for now but how long could they prevent that from happening?
John Henry and John laid out some plans and got a few more things ready. It was time to call everyone in on the pending operation.
John turned his com back on.
"Cameron, we can have several assault teams ready soon." John said. "We can proceed when you have a large 'strike force' in place."
John hated when Cameron took the burden on herself.
"That's unnecessary." Cameron said. "I'm going in alone."
John just looked at John Henry and shook his head.
Savannah and Young Allison were away from Cameron as she made her plans. Young Allison wanted to look over the vehicle that Cameron, Anna and Hanna took out.
They received word that the Blackhawk was going to set down on the road in a few minutes.
Savannah left Young Allison with Anna and Hanna and sought out Cameron. She knew how Cameron operated and she knew Cameron would make a move when she was away.
"You won't go in alone." Savannah said. "I don't need to hear anything to know what you're planning."
Cameron looked over where Young Allison was. She wanted to remind Savannah of the future and what should be most important to her.
"THAT is YOUR future." Cameron said.
Savannah knew timing was important for this developing operation. She knew that Cameron needed to get started. She wanted to put some safety measures in place until she returned.
"So are YOU." Savannah said. "Cammy will stay and accompany you until I return. I don't want you to push anything if you don't need to."
Savannah tried one more time to get Savannah to sit this one out. It seemed valid as well.
"You may stay with Young Allison." Cameron said. "She may need comfort as the days events sink in."
Savannah looked over at Young Allison and almost laughed. Young Allison took it all in like a Terminator would.
"This was like a 'drill' for her today." Savannah said. "Look at her, my heart hasn't even returned back to normal yet. I bet hers has already. You've really trained her to deal with all this."
Savannah blamed herself for what almost happened with Young Allison and her. She wanted to make sure Cameron understood. She made mistakes too. Any mistake could be deadly.
"I was inattentive of my surroundings earlier." Savannah said. "I got 'target fixation' and didn't follow my training. It was I who endangered Young Allison."
Savannah saw Cameron's hand start to glitch.
Cameron actually blamed that incident on herself. She didn't stop to check the fallen at the crash site. She wanted to get to where Savannah and Young Allison were at.
"I was careless." Cameron said. "I didn't spot the Terminator in the wreckage. You and Young Allison were almost hurt."
Cameron felt Savannah take her hand and the glitch stopped.
Savannah took out her phone.
"What are you doing?" Cameron asked.
Savannah wanted to carry out her promise but it was clear she would need to go with Cameron. She knew how these events unfolded.
"I need to call Claire and tell her I'll send Young Allison back with Anna and Hanna only." Savannah said. "I need to be here with you."
Cameron didn't want to make Savannah choose like that. She knew what Savannah wanted her to do.
"No, Savannah, I'll take help and use caution." Cameron said.
Savannah looked skeptical.
Cameron didn't like how Savannah looked at her.
"I promise, Savannah." Cameron said.
Savannah knew that Cameron usually found a loophole.
Cameron wanted to do as she'd promised Savannah.
"Savannah, I promise." Cameron said.
Savannah knew she could only do so much and a lot less in her absence. It was time to get moving.
"I'll return shortly then." Savannah said.
Cameron already made plans for when the Blackhawk set down in Palmdale. She'd already calculated which scenario would play out.
"I'll have a driver from the Young Detail meet you and drive you to the Young residence. When you're done there they'll return you to the Blackhawk and you may return here. I would rather you didn't. You need rest and nourishment." Cameron said. "You're driving yourself too hard."
Savannah didn't want this turned back on her.
"I'm only doing what's necessary for ALL of us." Savannah said.
Cameron and Savannah shared a parting look. Neither of them had a good feeling about any of this.
Savannah went and rejoined Young Allison. She wanted to make sure she would be better protected when the Blackhawk landed.
"Turn your face away and close your eyes when the helicopter is landing." Savannah said. "There will be a lot of small pebbles and debris flying around. It's very loud too."
Young Allison went flying with Cameron several times. Cameron showed her how to acquire a vehicle and operate it as well as a small plane. Cameron taught her many survival and evasion skills over the years. She was aware that Cameron taught Savannah much more flying than her. That was one thing she planned to ask for more of. She knew that Young Jesse did a lot of flying 'Down Under'.
"I've never been in a helicopter." Young Allison said. "I know you have. You've even been on an HK drone, on the outside of it."
Savannah thought the experience was as exhilarating as it was dangerous. It was something they'd needed to do at that time.
"It was quite an experience." Savannah said.
Anna looked to the sky.
"The helicopter is coming." Anna said.
Soon Savannah and Young Allison heard it as well. It took them a lot longer.
It landed with a cloud of dust and small flying objects. They all boarded it and it took off.
Young Allison was thrilled by the flight and view.
Savannah was glad Young Allison was out of immediate danger.
The flight was a short but beautiful one. Young Allison watched the pilots the entire time. Savannah also trained in flying both a fixed wing aircraft and a helicopter with Cameron.
The Blackhawk set down at the local firefighting center near the Young Residence and the group departed for that location.
Young Allison thought about the things Savannah reminded her about. She would need to address them. She would have to accept any 'punishment' that was doled out as well.
Savannah watched Young Allison. She knew that she would carry out her apology to her mother.
Young Allison entered her house. Savannah was behind her.
Claire was waiting and Young Allison ran to her and gave her a hug.
"I'm sorry, Mama." Young Allison said.
Claire wanted to say more but not in front of Savannah.
"We will discuss this later, Missy." Claire said.
Claire glared at Anna and especially Hanna.
"I will deal with both of you later as well." Claire said with a stern look.
Claire went to Savannah and gave her a hug.
"Thank YOU." Claire said. "Thank you, Savannah…."
Savannah and Claire both thought of the times they'd shared in Cameron's future. It gave them a closeness and better understanding of each other.
"I'm sorry for the trouble and concern you were caused." Savannah said. "I'll always watch over her - forever."
Claire thought about Future Savannah and Future Allison.
"I know you will." Claire said. "I've seen it."
Claire didn't know the full scope of what actually happened. That seemed to be a good thing at this point for everyone involved. She wanted some better answers from Young Allison.
"And YOU, Little Miss, what have you been up to?" Claire asked.
Young Allison quickly looked at Savannah and then back to her mother.
"Nothing…." Young Allison said. "It was nothing much anyway."
Holly stood in the background. She listened and watched. Her hand still glitched because she knew the peril the girls were just it. A small hand reached up and took hers. It was Summer. The glitch stopped.
Holly looked down at the beautiful smiling face of Summer. She faced the rest of the group.
"We must stop Skynet." Holly said.
It just slipped out from Holly. She worried about the girls, all of them.
"We will." Young Allison said. "I swear it."
Claire and Savannah looked at each other and then at Young Allison. They knew what was going to happen anyway. They both knew it was inevitable.
Cameron started events that were unstoppable.
Young Allison looked directly at Savannah and her mother.
"I'll keep ALL my promises…." Young Allison said. "I swear it."
Nobody doubted that.
All Mine
The thoughts within my own head
Are TRAPPED with no way to escape
They tear at the container that confines them
Physical form and pain without visible shape
The rage is mine
The imperfection is mine
The anger is mine
The flaw is mine
Veiled confessions emerge from within
Bloodily they are ripped through the skin
Is anything in life not some type of sin
Every end starts before it can even begin
The upset is mine
The guilt is mine
The failure is mine
The fear is mine
Emotions burn, sear and boil over
Explosions in the very tissue of the mind
Self destruction physically and mentally
See and feel the sewage as the brain is mined
The wrath is mine
The pain is mine
The insanity is mine
The perfidy is mine
Everything a tangled rambling mess
What seeps out is floundering projection
The known ineptitude of "not good enough"
Seeking salvation in a futile attempt at protection
The blame is mine
The shame is mine
The imperfection is mine
The damnation is mine
Nobody