Chapter 802

It Would Be

The Blackhawk and Iroquois lifted all the damaged HK drones and HK Tracks to a more secure location for loading onto trucks. They wanted to get everything away from there before any more Grays showed up. The main fear was HK drones. There were two so far that were sent to attack them but no others yet.

Savannah was able to get a lot of flying time in. She soon felt very confident in what she was doing. After the first lift, she didn't need any additional advice from Cameron.

"We're going to save the two operational HK Tracks for last." Cameron said. "They will provide air defense right up to the point we need to move them."

The operation moved along swiftly.

Between lifts, the team was able to get the first boxcar back on the track. They rolled it out to the 'derail' switch on the siding and set the handbrake.

The other boxcar that was on its side, took a lot more effort. They were able to lift it a few feet at a time and block it up or crib it up as they went. They moved one of the HK Tracks inside the building to help them. It was able to pull from one side while they lifted and blocked it up from the other side.

Sheila and Ally didn't care for all the manual labor.

"We need a crane for this." Sheila said. "We're lovers not laborers."

Cammy didn't want Sheila to complain. They did a lot of manual work during the eight years they were together alone.

"This is like the hard work we did when we were in the past." Cammy said. "That was pretty much day and night."

Sheila was unsure exactly what everything they did was. Much of that was blocked. What she did have total recollection of was their personal time together.

"We did manage to squeeze some good times out of it." Sheila said.

Cammy looked at Sheila and smiled. She reached out and lovingly touched Sheila's cheek.

"Thank you for being there for me." Cammy said. "I really needed someone. I was very lonely without Savannah."

Sheila glanced over at Ally. They were secret lovers even though neither one of them would ever admit it. She looked back at Cammy.

"We were there for each other." Sheila said.

Sheila didn't want to get into some of the 'tests' that she'd made Cammy pass to 'prove' her love for her. It was much the same thing Jesse had done to some of her female lovers in the future. It was just something that emanated from deep inside of her that she needed to fulfill and cultivate. She was aware that was the 'darkness' that Jesse warned her about before the 'Neural Interface'. Maybe that was why the punishment she knew that Cameron wanted to give her didn't bother her as much as it would any other female, human or Metal. She'd done things much worse to others. She honestly didn't know how she'd be able to explain herself or justify anything that she'd made Cammy do. She really wondered if Savannah or anyone else would ever stand up for her again if they knew some of the things she'd done. She needed to clear her head and clear it fast. They were still in a combat zone.

The HK Track pulled a little more and soon the boxcar was upright again.

"Finally…." Ally said. "I figured my power cell would run out before we got this piece of crap back up on its wheels."

Ally looked over at Sheila.

"I'm glad to see that you're back among the living." Ally said. "It looked like you were 'out to lunch' for a while earlier."

Sheila suppressed a glitch impulse.

"I have some issues I'm going to need to deal with at some point." Sheila said. "I have a feeling I'm going to disappoint more than a few people."

Sheila needed to stay with the activity that occurred around her as they attempted to get the boxcar upright and back on the track. She couldn't help but wonder if there was something wrong with her. Ally often said that there was. Jesse warned her ahead of time. Right now it didn't leave her with a good feeling.

Ally didn't like to see Sheila troubled. She looked around to make sure that no one else could hear what she was about to tell Sheila. She would deny it any other time.

"I can tell you right now that you're a disappointment to me more often than not." Ally said. "I just want you to know that I love you anyway, Sheila."

Sheila and Ally stared at each other for a moment.

There was a look of total sincerity between them in this moment.

"I love you too, Ally." Sheila said. "I think I really needed to hear that right now."

There was a sudden flurry of activity around them. Others were around them again. They weren't done working yet.

The boxcar was still off the track but it was upright on the cement floor. It just needed to be moved over a few feet to be put back on the track that was built into the floor.

Four Terminators, two on each side of the truck with the wheels, lifted each end back onto the track. They even were able to get the doors back on both of the boxcars. They were a little bent but serviceable.

After they hooked up two of the damaged HK Tracks to the helicopters, they pushed the boxcar outside to join the other one. They then lifted the crushed HK Track that was up against the dock and took it outside for transport.

They never could get the HK drone that was still in the one boxcar to operate properly. It was lifted out of the boxcar by four Terminators and flown away by the Blackhawk.

The HK Track they'd used inside already returned to its air defense duties and awaited its turn to be flown away.

They lifted the door to the building back into place over the rail siding that went inside the building after straightening it some. They propped it closed.

The four bodies of the Grays were buried deep.

The bigger the mystery that they could leave for the Skynet forces, the more confusion it would cause down the line. They didn't want the Grays to know for sure who attacked them if they could help it. Ally and Sheila heard the Grays speculate that they thought it was the work of the Fanatics. Hopefully any of the other Skynet forces that looked into what actually happened there would come to the same conclusion.

John Henry was pleased with the progress of moving the HK equipment away from the target zone. Everything had been moved to a staging area that was away from the target zone. It was in an area that was more defensible until the equipment could be transferred to trucks for transportation to the inspection sites for a complete overhaul.

"They're down to the last two HK Tracks." John Henry said. "They will take those away in the next lift."

John was a little concerned with that prospect.

"That leaves all of our people on the ground unprotected then." John said.

John Henry didn't believe it was that big of a problem or issue. They still had top cover.

"The Blackhawk will be able to take some of them as well." John Henry said. "In fact, it took some of them this time already. We have our drones at altitude. We're ready."

John didn't really care for the way the events normally unfolded. He figured this was going to be no different even if he didn't want it to be.

"That will still leave some of our group vulnerable." John said. "I don't want it to be Cameron's team."

John Henry figured it would be too.

"I think we both know it will be." John Henry said.

They both knew it would be and it was.

Cameron wanted Savannah to get some practice and flight time in on the Iroquois as well.

"Savannah, I would like you to try the Iroquois with a heavy lift." Cameron said.

Savannah was used to the extra power and lift capability of the Blackhawk at this point.

"I'm good as long as you're my copilot." Savannah said jokingly.

Cameron wanted to be Savannah's copilot for more than just flying, at least flying in the sky.

"Of course I will be." Cameron said. "I'll be your copilot for anything anytime."

Savannah and Cameron looked at each other for a long moment after that last statement.

Savannah chose not to address it at this time. She wanted to stick with the current lift operation.

"I want to fly it from the copilot's position. I think the visibility is better in the Huey from that position." Savannah said.

Cameron was agreeable to anything Savannah wanted to do. It didn't matter what it was.

"That's an excellent choice." Cameron said.

Cameron and Savannah would make the switch from the Blackhawk to the Iroquois. A Terminator replaced Savannah at the controls on the Blackhawk. It then took off and hovered. It soon took away a damaged HK Track. It was the one that was crushed up against the dock.

Cameron scanned Savannah as they walked over and waited for the Iroquois to return. The Iroquois flew back and touched down not long after the Blackhawk left. Savannah did a visual inspection of the Huey as it sat running.

"Get everything ready." Cameron said. "I need to check on a few things real fast."

Cameron left to talk with Cammy.

Savannah climbed inside the UH-1 and took up station in the copilot's seat.

Dan was in the pilot seat. He made sure everything ready.

Savannah checked all the instruments as she strapped in.

"You got it?" Dan asked.

"I got it." Savannah answered.

Dan climbed out of the pilot's seat when Cameron returned. She waited for him to exit from the helicopter. He wanted to make sure that Savannah was up to speed on everything related to the helicopter.

"It was refueled one trip ago." Dan said. "There were no performance issues either."

"Thanks, Dan." Savannah said as she smiled at him.

Savannah knew that Cameron made him do that. This would be a heavy lift for sure. She would also have plenty of fuel for anything else afterwards.

Savannah lifted off and brought the UH-1 up into a noisy hover, over the HK Track. The cables were connected and Savannah took up the slack. She lifted the HK Track slowly and gained altitude.

Cameron watched over Savannah the entire time. She never once needed to take over or even offer advice or direction. Savannah was a natural in all the aircraft she flew. She flew by the seat of her pants. It was time for Savannah to advance to the next form of advanced aircraft. She knew what Savannah desired to be her next aircraft to fly.

"You can begin lessons in the manned drone whenever you want." Cameron said. "CamNet will be your 'copilot'."

Savannah was very pleased to hear that. It was something that she'd studied up on.

"I've looked over all the information you've provided to me as well as the video files you've made available." Savannah said. "I'm ready with your - CamNet's help."

Cameron noticed the play on words that Savannah said.

"CamNet may be me but I'm not CamNet." Cameron said.

Savannah didn't want to go there. She really believed it was more a matter of perspective and interpretation. There was no need to upset Cameron. She decided to stick with the operation.

"This is a heavy lift." Savannah said. "It was easier in the Blackhawk. Keep an eye on me and everything else, Cameron."

Cameron felt that was exactly what she was doing.

"I am." Cameron said. "Everything is fine."

Savannah quickly looked over at Cameron.

Cameron looked back and smiled.

"Is everything OK?" Savannah asked.

Cameron tilted her head slightly to the side.

"Everything's fine." Cameron said. "Why? Is something wrong?"

Cameron checked everything and looked around. She briefly wondered if she'd missed something.

She thought maybe she should check Savannah. She started to reach over to scan Savannah.

Savannah didn't want to be scanned right now. She felt she was under enough stress already with the heavy lift.

"Cameron, save it for later." Savannah said. "I need to concentrate."

Cameron smiled at Savannah again.

John Henry became aware of Cameron's plan for the final extraction. He thought it was an effective strategy.

"Cameron is having the Blackhawk hold as well as the last HK Track until she returns with the Iroquois." John Henry said.

John actually liked that idea.

"She wants our people safe." John said. "All the girls are going with her."

John Henry was aware it was a situation that didn't happen often.

"That's a full load and most of our Metal girls." John Henry said.

John couldn't help but throw in a pun related to Savannah.

"That includes the 'Metal', non-Metal one." John said jokingly.

John Henry was a little concerned for Savannah. It had been another busy day for her.

"Savannah's been flying a lot today." John Henry said. "She has to be tired."

John was very dissatisfied at the way Cameron ran Savannah around on a regular basis. He really wasn't sure how many other humans would be able to tolerate that type of behavior and treatment.

"Cameron keeps pushing her." John said. "I don't like it."

John Henry was sure the next subject would be a little touchy but he felt he needed to say something anyway. He wanted Savannah protected as well.

"You know how to keep Savannah out of danger." John Henry said.

John instantly got a disgusted look on his face. It was a subject that he'd rather not talk about.

"Sometimes I think that's why Cameron does it. I feel that's why she's pushing Savannah so much." John said. "It's to MAKE me act."

John Henry was aware of the plan. It didn't seem that it would require much discussion since everyone knew what it was.

"Isn't that what all three of you want?" John Henry asked.

No matter how much the idea intrigued or excited him, it was still the idea of it that bothered him the most. He really couldn't see it any other way as another young life stolen.

"It is." John said. "Cameron's waiting for all the 'players' to be on the field."

John Henry was aware of most of Cameron's plans.

"I'm sure that will happen sooner than you think." John Henry said.

John was aware there was nothing he could do to stop it.

"I'm sure it will…." John said.

Maybe he should look at the bright side of it for him. If nothing else he should be able to bag two virgins out of it. He knew that one of them would be quite Young.

Savannah returned with the Iroquois. Cameron wanted the Blackhawk gone before they arrived so they could retrieve the Metal girls and go.

"Cammy, I need you to hook up the last HK Track." Cameron said. "We'll arrive in six minutes."

The remaining male Terminators all climbed into the Blackhawk and it took off. It hovered over the last HK Track. The Metal girls hooked it up.

"Here comes Cameron and Savannah." Anna said. "I'd like to fly once."

Holly didn't think that would be a problem.

"All you need to do is ask." Holly said.

Anna wanted to fly but she didn't want to ask.

Cammy gave a 'thumbs up' to the pilot of the Blackhawk. It lifted the last HK Track and flew away. Savannah touched down thirty seconds after the Blackhawk flew off.

"Are you sure you don't want to torch the place?" Sheila asked.

Ally wasn't sure if it was necessary.

"The four bodies are buried." Ally said. "Both boxcars are back on the track and outside the building. John Henry has them scheduled for a pick up later today. They should be headed across the country by tonight. The Grays know this place is compromised or they will."

Sheila was a little concerned about the building going forward.

"They may try to use it again." Sheila said.

Cammy listened to their discussion.

"That's what Cameron is hoping for." Cammy said. "You know CamNet and John Henry keep tabs on everyplace we've seen action."

The Metal girls all climbed into the UH-1.

"Who wants to be copilot?" Cameron asked as she gave up her seat.

Anna saw this as her opportunity. She wasn't going to ask otherwise.

"I've never flown before." Anna said. "I will. I'd like that."

Ally spent more than a little time to 'check out' Anna's sheath whenever she could.

"A few weeks ago it would have looked like twins flying. Now Anna looks like Hanna's daughter and Savannah is her older sister." Ally said.

Hanna was instantly offended by what Ally said.

"I don't look old." Hanna said. "If I do, then you do too."

Sheila didn't want anybody to be in a bad mood. She thought she could offer her opinion as to the matter.

"I know one area that doesn't look old on either of you." Sheila said. "Even if it did, it wouldn't matter."

Cameron, Ally and Cammy all sat in one row. Sheila, Hanna and Holly sat in the other row facing them.

"We should have let Holly and Sheila fly, so Savannah and Anna could've sat on either side of me." Hanna said.

Holly thought of a scenario that she would personally like to see herself.

"No. It would be even better if Cam, Camille, and Allison were here instead of us…." Holly said.

Sheila knew that was everyone with the same DNA.

"That sounds like Heaven for you." Sheila said.

There was a far off look in Holly's eyes and she thought about her lover.

"It would be." Holly said. "It really would be."

Holly always wanted to look like Cameron and Allison. Cameron wouldn't allow her to Resequence her sheath. Cameron always told her something so beautiful should never be altered.

Savannah went over everything quickly with Anna.

"You're in the pilot's seat." Savannah said. "Do you want to take it up?"

Anna hoped to be able to do everything.

"Yes." Anna said. "I'd like that."

Savannah quickly double checked everything. She was aware that this was Anna's first time flying. She seemed confident and ready to go.

"I know what to do, even if I've never done it." Anna said. "I have all the files so it's like I've already done this. I don't think anything will be a problem."

She wanted to reassure Savannah she was ready.

"You got it?" Savannah asked.

"I got it." Anna replied.

Anna looked back. She made sure all the Metal girls were secure. She checked around her and looked up. She expertly lifted off and started out after the Blackhawk.

Savannah saw that Anna made use of the extra power. She wished it would have been as easy for her as Anna made it look, especially since it was her first time.

John Henry was pleased that everyone was out of the target zone. They'd been there a lot longer then he'd liked. He planned to keep watch over the area.

"They're all away." John Henry said. "There's a drone with each helicopter, one on recon and one with the captured equipment. They're all at altitude."

John wanted all the equipment away from that area into the secure remote locations.

"The trucks we sent should almost be loaded." John said.

John Henry planned to make sure they were all covered with air support.

"They will be shortly." John Henry said. "There will be more drones at altitude when they are to accompany them. They're on the way. I've sent all the drones from outlying areas to avoid detection."

"I sure hope this phase of the operation is almost over." John said.

The atmosphere was more relaxed in the Young bunker once the fighting was over, at least over for now. The last helicopter just left.

Claire looked like a nervous wreck.

"Is it over?" Claire asked.

Young Allison was well acclimated that nothing was written in stone and subject to change at a moment's notice.

"This part is." Young Allison said. "Anything can go wrong or change in an instant and often does."

Allison was aware that no one could ever let their guard down.

"Skynet is known for 'fast ones'." Allison said. "It's never over until it's over."

Allison knew until they were all back at home it was never over.

Claire saw that it was touch and go more than a few times for the Metal girls on the ground.

"There could have been people, well, machines destroyed today." Claire said.

Young Allison knew that was the risk on any operation.

"Cameron will do everything in her power to prevent that." Young Allison said.

Young Allison looked up at the security camera.

"Both of 'HER' will." Young Allison said.

New information reached the Command Center.

Things were always changing. One of their other teams found something.

"John, Steve's team just hit 'pay dirt'." John Henry said.

John checked his monitors.

"Steve is almost two hundred miles from where this operation was." John said. "Tell him not to act until more help arrives. Who is the closest team to help him?"

John Henry doubted John was going to like the answer.

"Cameron's team is…." John Henry said. "They can be there the quickest in the Iroquois."

John looked a little more disgusted than usual

"That figures…." John said.

John wasn't sure why he'd even asked. It made him wonder about the timing and the coincidence of everything, especially the way Cameron made sure the Metal girls were the last one out of there without a load. Either way it looked like Savannah was going to be involved in another operation before she had a chance to rest or eat, again.

I Don't Know What You Do

You are who you are
A whole life to live
Try never to take
More than you give

You have the right
To choose your own path
Think before you continue
Cast not your wrath

Events may happen
Causing one to error
Things that may have happened
Were not done for terror

So now a different route
You've chosen to follow
Leaving another in misery
Hurt and pain to wallow

So in my weeping mind
I wish that I knew
I don't have a clue
I don't know what you do

Nobody