Chapter 787

High Orbit

The Command Center wanted to get things wrapped up where the teams were currently at. It didn't seem like a good idea to stay in that area any longer than absolutely necessary. There was no way to know what was going to happen next. They still needed to worry about a Skynet response to the earlier activities.

The different teams were all in communication with each other.

Ally was directed to head to the second location that the two hostile HK drones were launched from. It was already hit with missiles from two of their drones previously.

She could clearly see as she approached the location that the building was destroyed.

"I'm over the second structure." Ally said. "It's a total write off."

John already knew that much from the drone footage. They needed a more detailed look at the rubble.

"We need to make sure there were no Terminators inside or any HK drones or HK Tracks." John said. "We will need to recover them if any are there. Make a detailed scan of the area to look for any anomalies before the troops on the ground arrive. I don't want them to find a leaking power cell."

Ally looked at the burning and smoldering remains of the building.

"Maybe someone should have thought of that before they flattened the place." Ally said. "It doesn't look like any power cells have exploded. That's a good sign."

John just wanted the job completed. The sooner they were done there, the sooner everyone could leave the area.

"Cammy's team should almost be there." John said.

Ally could see them coming. She needed to tell them about what she'd found for them as far as a new set of wheels went.

"They're coming now." Ally said. "I found a new ride for them as well. I picked out a nice van for them."

Sheila was glad to hear that they'd be able to have another van. She hoped it was a little nicer than the other one. It looked like she'd be able to spend some quality time with Cammy in the back of this one. Things had been a little crowded in the back seat of the SUV when Bob drove them previously. They'd still been able to get the job done along with a multitude of positions. She was pretty sure that it was an eye opening experience for Bob. Normally no male Terminator was that close to the 'action' when any of the females were together.

"Good we will have plenty of room for the deactivated Terminators." Sheila said. "This SUV is packed."

John Henry wanted them to know what else was happening.

"Cameron is coming." John Henry said.

Sheila wanted to joke around. There'd been a lot of antics happen in the back of the other van that Gail had driven.

"It looks like we will be too then…." Sheila said. "Especially with the van, they'll be a lot more room for some of the positions. Thanks, Ally."

Ally specifically looked for one for Sheila. She wanted her to have a good time in the back when someone else was driving.

"I picked it out just for you." Ally said.

John Henry quickly picked up on their play of words. He actually found it somewhat irritating. He needed to remember that Sheila and Ally were notorious for their antics.

"I meant that Cameron is bringing the Iroquois. She wants to relieve you of the Terminators." John Henry said. "Everything should be ready to go when she arrives."

Cammy didn't like Savannah having to take the extra load with the UH-1. She thought the Savannah would be safer by not having to approach the area where there'd been combat earlier. They didn't know what other Skynet forces were in the area. There could be more HK drones on the way as far as they knew.

"Savannah and Allison are with Cameron. That's a heavy lift for Cameron with a drone as well." Cammy said. "We'll hang onto the deactivated Terminators. They only need to take the drone."

John Henry knew that Cameron already made her decision. He wasn't about to tell her otherwise and it didn't appear that John wanted to either. It seemed that John already had a contentious conversation with Cameron earlier.

"Cameron will be arriving in a few minutes." John Henry said. "Make sure everything is ready as you were previously instructed."

Cammy was worried about Savannah and Allison's safety. It seemed to her that Cameron was needlessly pushing things that didn't need to be pushed.

"We haven't even checked out the building yet." Cammy said. "Maybe there is something else in there as well. They don't need to come here yet. HK equipment was designed to survive under harsh battle conditions. We need to find out what's in the building first before the helicopter approaches. There's no need to make it a target."

Cameron evidently monitored the conversation. She was about as impressed with Cammy as she'd been with John earlier.

"That's even the more reason for me to relieve you of the Terminators." Cameron said.

To hear Cameron's voice surprised everyone. Now they all needed to wonder if they'd said any other things it would offend her.

CamNet kept Cameron posted on all the conversations.

Cammy didn't like that Savannah and Allison were being drug around by Cameron.

"Maybe we should relieve you of Savannah and Allison." Cammy said. "That will lighten your load."

Sheila liked the prospect of Savannah and Allison riding with them. It certainly opened up the idea that a little more could go on during the down time on the way back.

"If she does, Ally can find us a motor-home to drive then. We could use the extra room. They usually have a couple of beds and a restroom in case the girls would need it. There's always a kitchen area too. Of course that would be for when they wanted to eat something that was a little more substantial." Sheila said. "We know what to do with Savannah and Allison, even if Cameron doesn't."

Ally really liked that idea, especially after the way Sheila spelled it out with all the perks and amenities that would be available. The best part seemed to be Savannah and Allison.

"If I do find a motor-home, I'm landing this thing and I'll let it be a true drone. I'll ride with you four." Ally said. "CamNet can fly it back or it can go on its own."

Savannah didn't want the conversation to get too carried away. She knew that Ally and Sheila were having a good time joking around. She could see that Cameron wasn't as she listened to it.

"We're hearing this too." Savannah said.

Allison liked what she heard as well.

"Both of us can hear it all." Allison added.

Sheila wanted them to hear it. That meant if they decided to come along, they were in for the long haul and everything that would happen in between. She planned to get a lot of 'in between' action.

"I hoped so…." Sheila said. "I wanted to make sure that everyone was on board."

John Henry wanted to re-establish some order.

"What happened to radio discipline?" John Henry asked.

Sheila knew the answer to that question.

"It's called female programming." Sheila said quickly.

John wanted to add a little moderation to the conversation. He'd been relatively quiet so far.

"I started to wonder about the same thing." John said. "I think everyone needs to clean things up a little bit."

Cameron was more than a little upset. She knew what the solution was.

"Wonder no more." Cameron said. "A mass reprogramming is needed."

Ally spotted the UH-1 in the distance.

"I see Cameron coming now." Ally said.

Sheila wasn't done mouthing off yet.

"Who's flying the helicopter then?" Sheila asked. "Savannah?"

Savannah thought she could have a little fun too.

"I already finished." Savannah said.

Ally picked up on the double meaning.

"That was fast." Ally said. "I have to replay my files to 'finish' that fast."

Sheila liked to do things her own way.

"I prefer to make new ones." Sheila said.

Cameron heard more than enough already. She wanted it to stop.

"Enough…." Cameron said sharply.

The silence was deafening.

Savannah saw Cameron was highly agitated. That often seemed to be the case when the Metal girls bantered back and forth about sexual things. She was also worried that there was some other problem that Cameron might be experiencing. She wanted to give Cameron a few options to think about.

"Cameron, maybe someone else can fly this back and pick up the HK drone from the quarry." Savannah said. "Allison and I can go with you on the ground."

One of the new problems was that CamNet informed Cameron that Holly and Claire were both very worried and upset about Allison being away on a mission. She figured that they were going to 'blame' her for that. It was actually Allison's decision.

"I need to get Allison back." Cameron said. "They miss her back at home."

Allison believed that should be her choice. Not the choice of someone else.

"I'm a big girl now. I asked to come here on my own." Allison said. "I want to go where you and Savannah go. I like to get out every now and then too."

Allison knew that Holly would be upset and worried. She just didn't think it would be this much. She was with Cameron and Savannah, not out on her own or something. It shouldn't be that big of a deal.

Cameron believed that the issue was more of a personal nature. She wanted to give them the privacy to handle it that way.

"Allison, I want you to speak with Holly first." Cameron said. "CamNet will provide you with a secure channel, only you two will hear your own conversation."

Cameron wondered why she let Allison go along in the first place. She knew it would cause a problem with Holly and Claire. No, She knew why she did. It was to 'push' Young Allison even more. That in itself was just as 'wrong'. No, it was worse than wrong. It was an indirect form of manipulation. Even when she didn't try to manipulate, she did.

Savannah felt the helicopter starting to lean to one side. The instruments showed it was happening as well. Savannah wanted to make sure Cameron hadn't developed 'spatial disorientation'. That was a condition that took down more than a few good pilots.

"…Cameron…?" Savannah asked. "Are you getting spatial disorientation?"

Everything seemed fine to Cameron.

"I'm fine." Cameron said

Cameron could see Savannah was clearly worried.

"Maybe you better take it." Cameron said. "You got it?"

Savannah quickly took the controls.

"I got it." Savannah said. "I can't see much. I don't have my night vision on."

Savannah needed to make use of all the instruments. There were enough lit buildings around to do visual flight as long as she kept some altitude.

Allison sensed something went wrong. She wasn't sure what. There was an atmosphere of danger now.

"Cameron, what's happening?" Ally asked.

Cameron had a blank look on her face. She smiled and Allison.

"I'm fine." Cameron said.

Savannah didn't want Allison to worry.

"I've taken the controls from Cameron." Savannah said. "I can't see well enough yet."

Ally noticed the unusual tilt of the helicopter and the conversation that went on in the cockpit.

"You're doing fine, Savannah." Ally said. "Can you get your night vision on?"

Savannah felt confident in her ability. She was just glad that Cameron had a copilot on this occasion.

"Yes." Savannah said. "I have everything under control."

Ally thought she could help Savannah out with the landing zone.

"I can illuminate the area where you'll land with some flares." Ally said.

Savannah was ready for the night landing.

"Do it. Make me a circle." Savannah said. "I can see headlights as well. I have good depth perception now."

Ally was worried about the girls and Cameron.

"That's Sheila down there." Ally said. "CamNet is keeping this call between us. Are you good?"

Savannah understood the need to remain vigilant at all times. This was a case in point.

"I have control. There's no problem now." Savannah said. "It was just kind of a sudden change. I thought Cameron was going to land us. Now I am."

Ally was confident in Savannah's ability.

"You'll do fine." Ally said.

Savannah didn't have a lot of experience in night landings. There was more than one way to learn.

"I hope so." Savannah said.

Savannah watched as Ally dropped six flares in a crude circle as they landed on the ground. Sheila stopped outside of the circle, with her headlights shining into it.

She could see well enough now without the night vision, which always messed with her perspective a little.

Savannah slowed and made a careful approach. With everything marked and illuminated. It wasn't a problem. If the LZ would be completely dark and needed to stay that way, she would have a problem then.

She set the bird down in the center of the flares with only a slight bump. She shut the turbine down. The rotor slowly spun to a stop.

Allison was now aware that something was wrong with Cameron.

"What happened?" Allison asked.

Savannah didn't want to make a big deal about it. She tried to cover for Cameron whenever she could.

"Cameron wanted me to take over." Savannah said.

Everything seemed like it had been a little off to Allison.

"Have you done that before?" Allison asked.

Savannah wanted to be honest but keep it simple.

"Yes." Savannah said. "Not like that though."

Savannah realized it was also a test. It was a test of her ability to spring into action and take control of the helicopter under less than favorable conditions. It showed her that she didn't stay as alert of a copilot as she should have been. She assumed that Cameron would set them down without incident. She was pleased that she noticed the change as soon as it started and was able to take control and correct it. They were on the ground now and in one piece. That was a good thing. Now she needed to find out what was wrong with Cameron.

Savannah and Allison tried to talk with Cameron.

Once the rotor stopped, Sheila drove up alongside the Iroquois with the SUV.

Within a very short time Bob, Sheila and Cammy all arrived. They each carried a Terminator. They were deposited inside the doorway of the helicopter.

Savannah looked at the trio.

"I need one of you to take over here." Savannah said.

Cammy immediately sensed there was a problem.

"What's wrong with Cameron?" Cammy asked.

Cameron looked at Cammy with some irritation.

"Nothing…." Cameron said. "I'm fine."

Cameron climbed out and Savannah followed her.

Allison was in the back and looked at the deactivated Terminators. She then followed Cameron and Savannah out.

"I'll take it." Bob and Sheila both said at the same time.

Savannah wanted to leave it up to them to decide.

"One or both of you can go." Savannah said.

Cammy looked at Allison.

"What about her?" Cammy asked.

Savannah felt Allison's safety was on her for the rest of the night.

"Allison is with me." Savannah said. "I'm responsible for her, for tonight. Cammy, I'll need your help."

Bob figured the girls would all like to remain together. He'd be able to take the helicopter by himself to retrieve the drone from the granite quarry.

"I can take the chopper." Bob said. "Sheila should stay with your group."

Sheila could see it was always good to have a copilot.

"I can go with you, Bob." Sheila said.

Bob made up a plausible excuse so the girls could remain together.

"It's going to be a heavy lift." Bob said.

Savannah wanted Bob to know the helicopter was slightly modified.

"This bird has fifteen percent more power available." Savannah said.

She quickly explained the modifications that Cameron performed.

"I'm fine." Cameron said.

Sheila looked Cameron over in better detail.

"You don't look it." Sheila said. "I'll stay with the girls. Bob can take the UH-1 alone."

Ally planned to keep a careful watch over the van.

"I'll be in a high orbit over you at all times." Ally said. "I'll watch over you."

Bob did a 'once around' the UH-1. Savannah accompanied him. He climbed in and fired the turbine up. He took off a short time later.

With all the activity and the fact that there were HK drones involved, Savannah didn't want to take any chances. She wanted to make sure everyone was protected. She didn't want to tie up any other resources. She knew some of those drones came from some of the other teams that were looking for the boxcars. She wanted them to be protected as well.

"I want a drone to accompany Bob." Savannah said. "The other drones here can all be returned to other duties as well. Ally is all we'll need."

There was still something important that needed to be done. They needed to look for any HK equipment in the remains of the destroyed building.

"I need to check the remains of the last building real quick before we go." Cammy said. "It won't take long."

"I'll go with you." Savannah said. "Sheila can stay with Cameron and Allison."

Cameron looked a little uneasy.

"I'm fine." Cameron said.

Allison thought she could offer a better solution.

"Maybe I can go with Cammy and Sheila. You can stay with Cameron, Savannah." Allison said. "I can help too. I want to help."

Savannah felt very protective of Allison. She was worried about any unseen danger in the building they needed to check. She wasn't about to endanger Allison.

"No." Savannah said. "It will be as I've said. Everyone will follow the plan. The decision has been made and it's final."

Allison didn't want to argue with Savannah over this.

Cammy and Sheila knew anything from Savannah was the same as if it came from Cameron herself. Savannah just took command.

"Let's get moving." Savannah said. "Sheila will drive and Cammy will ride up in front with her. Allison and I are going to ride in the back with Cameron."

Ally kept watch around the surrounding area.

"Everything looks good from up here." Ally said. "I don't see any threats around you."

Savannah was aware there could still be a Skynet response to the earlier activity.

"Maybe not yet, that can change." Savannah said. "Things can change fast, make sure you stay vigilant."

Savannah didn't know how much of the conversation was blocked from John about Cameron. She wanted to get him up to speed.

"John, there's been a change of plans. Cameron, Allison and I will now ride with Cammy's team." Savannah said. "Bob has taken the deactivated Terminators and left with the Huey to retrieve the last HK drone."

John looked over at John Henry in the Command Center.

"O – K…." John said as he slowly drew it out.

It was clear he was asking a question, without asking one. He wanted to know what happened.

Savannah didn't want to get into any details right now. John knew all he needed to know for now about the change in the teams.

"Leave it at that for now, please." Savannah said. "We have a job to finish. Cammy will take over."

John trusted Savannah's instincts. He decided to go along with the program.

"Alright, Savannah, you're the one on the ground." John said. "Cammy is team leader. You keep Allison and Cameron safe."

Savannah was grateful that nothing became an issue with anyone.

"Thank you, John." Savannah said.

Savannah looked at Allison and Cameron. She planned to do whatever was necessary to make sure that happened.

It was clear to John that Cameron must have experienced some kind of problem.

"What happened there?" John asked. "I think Cameron started to have a problem."

John Henry really didn't know any more than John did. It was clear that something must have happened.

"I don't know." John Henry said. "It would appear Cameron experienced some kind of unknown problem."

John was a little worried that everyone seemed 'tight lipped'.

"Nobody has said much." John said.

John Henry knew that Savannah was very protective of Cameron.

"It seems Savannah and Cammy have everything under control." John Henry said. "Savannah asked you to leave it at that."

John still wanted to know a little more.

"For now…." John said.

John Henry believed John should take Savannah's advice.

"Would you trust anybody more, that includes yourself, to be with Cameron now other than Cammy, Allison and Savannah?"

John noticed he didn't mention Sheila as part of the line up.

"No, I wouldn't." John said. "The people she needs right now are with her."

They were both a little surprised in the Command Center by the next transmission.

"I'm fine." Cameron said.

John figured he'd better drop everything for now about Cameron and concentrate on the operation.

"It appears CamNet is looking out for her as well." John said.

John Henry figured it was more then just Cameron that CamNet currently looked out for.

That's What I Did

I said what I meant
You had a choice
It seems that you chose
To ignore my voice

When there was an error
It wasn't my fault
Did not my actions
End further assault

I was still there
Ashamed of my error
Into the arms of another
You wanted instead to share

Stab my mind
Cut deeply into my heart
Did you even care
What you tore apart

It was you who turned to another
Away from my damaged self you hid
I reached out to you multiple times
That's what I did

Nobody