Chapter 979

Elsewhere

John Henry monitored where all their troops were at. He didn't like everything that he saw.

"Hanna's team is in too close to the truck for safety." John Henry said. "I recommend that they fall back."

John saw it too. He wasn't sure why they'd closed up so much.

"Hanna, don't get too close." John said. "We have them locked up with a drone."

Hanna didn't feel they'd done anything wrong. It was the circumstances that dictated the action.

"It's the traffic." Hanna said. "We're dropping back."

John Henry wanted to reassure them that help would soon be on the way. He didn't have a definite timeline.

"Cam and Savannah will be behind you soon." John Henry said.

Holly was fairly certain that Savannah would want to stay with Cameron. She didn't think that they would need any help.

"I think we have it under control." Holly said.

John knew when not to push. He checked the other areas they had under observation.

"Cammy, is there any movement in the front?" John asked.

Cammy had separated from Gail earlier when Hanna and Holly needed to follow the box truck that just left the old supermarket. She'd taken up station in the front of the old supermarket.

"There's nothing yet." Cammy said.

Gail needed to be extra alert since Cammy left her position with her.

"There's no change in the back." Gail said.

Sheila was worried about Ally. She knew that Ally had run to where Cameron was at to confront the three homeless individuals that were headed down the alley. They weren't certain yet if they were associates of the Ogre.

"Maybe I should go and help out Ally and Cameron." Sheila said.

John didn't want to lose the coverage on the building. They knew a Terminator was inside. He wanted to keep plenty of Metal close.

"Remain at your post." John said. "They have it under control."

John hoped they would be able to keep it under control. He didn't actually know what was going to happen. Everything was pretty much guesswork. He also had the success rate for the team to go by.

Riley made dinner. She wanted to try and cook some other things that she normally wouldn't even attempt. She'd tried a few in the past and they all ended in failure. It seemed that the help that she'd received from Sarah didn't actually help very much. She wasn't actually sure if it made things worse or not. Samantha was there to offer her help and guidance.

Samantha never actually cooked before herself but she contained programming on how to do it and could follow the instructions. She thought it was almost like building a mechanical device. There was a set amount of parts which were the ingredients. They needed to be assembled or combined in the proper order to achieve the end results. It seemed it took a little more finesse to pull it off with cooking. There could be unforeseen variables. If the temperature of a pan or the oven were off by a few degrees, it affected the overall outcome of the product.

"Shake the pan a little to level the mix." Samantha said. "It will help when you stack the layers. You don't want them to be domed."

Riley looked at Samantha and smiled. She was more worried that they would be doomed rather than domed. She wanted to try and explain her inexperience.

"I don't bake much." Riley said. "I actually don't cook much."

Samantha tilted her head slightly to the side.

"I never have." Samantha said. "I was going by what it said in the instructions."

Riley did remember something about that but forgot once she'd started.

She went over everything she was doing. She also needed to see how Precious was.

"I need to check on Precious." Riley said.

Samantha didn't think it would be a problem at this stage of the operation. She was glad that Riley remembered she needed to attend to Precious as well.

"Go ahead." Samantha said.

Riley left to see how Vanna was doing.

Allison just finished changing Precious.

Riley checked with Vanna and Allison. Everything was good and they were going to put Precious in her crib to take a nap.

Riley thought maybe she should try and do a little more.

"I'll do it." Riley said.

Riley wore an apron with flour dust on it in several places.

Vanna didn't want the flour to get on Precious.

"I'll do it, Riley." Vanna said. "Then we'll go. We can come back here or go to our room. I'll do whatever you want."

Riley was very pleased with all the help.

"Thanks." Riley said. "You're all helping me a lot. You can do your own things too."

Allison sniffed the air a little. It made her feel a little hungry.

"We can come back later and try whatever you're baking." Allison said. "It smells good."

Vanna felt the things she tried to make left a little to be desired.

"We aren't very good cooks." Vanna said.

Allison felt she was as bad as Vanna for making things. She'd worked with Young Allison and her mother to improve. She thought her mother could help Riley too. It seemed her mother knew all the tricks and shortcuts. Somehow she seemed to make everything work. Even if there was a problem she was able to pull it out and still turn out a masterpiece.

"My mom is a good cook." Allison said. "She would love to teach you how to cook. She tries to teach me but I never seem to make things as good as she does. Young Allison can make all kinds of things. She learns it all on the first try. Summer does too."

Allison was aware that whenever Summer made something she usually adjusted or recombined the ingredients. She said she needed to 'tweak' the recipe to get the most out of the ingredients available.

Riley felt a little insecure thinking about that. She couldn't help but think of herself as a failure. There was nothing in life that she was able to master. Everything she touched was more of a disaster. She hadn't been much of a soldier in the future. She didn't think she was much of a wife either. On top of all that she felt that she was a terrible mother. She wasn't even adequately able to provide for her child.

"I think that's how everyone is." Riley said. "Some people are good at everything. Some are good at a few things. Then there are the others like me who don't seem to be good at anything."

Vanna didn't want Riley to sell herself short.

"I don't think Derek would share that opinion of you." Vanna said. "I don't. We don't."

Riley wasn't so sure about that. Derek seemed to like what any woman could offer.

"I think any female would make Derek happy." Riley said. "We all have the same 'equipment'."

Samantha came to check on Riley. She heard Riley's statement and checked her files. She thought there was something relevant to add.

"I think it is how the 'equipment' is used. That makes the difference along with its owner." Samantha said.

Vanna, Allison and Riley looked at each other but said nothing. Everyone did have the same equipment. It was all different. Each person's equipment was as different as their body type and their face. In a relationship it was who was behind the equipment that actually mattered, not the equipment itself.

The girls left to put Precious in her room.

Vanna set Precious down and covered her with a blanket in her crib.

Riley thanked Vanna and Allison as they left.

She checked Precious and headed back to the kitchen area.

Samantha took one look around the room and at Precious and then followed Riley. She made sure that the room was in order and there were no immediate threats to Precious.

"Where were we?" Riley asked.

Samantha looked over at Riley and smiled

"We were about to make the frosting." Samantha said. "It's the best part."

The first time that Riley tried a piece of cake in the past, the present, was a real eye opener. She never really had anything like that in the future. She remembered when she took her first bite of frosting. She's never tasted anything that sweet in her entire life. She actually coughed a few times when she did. She didn't care much for coffee even though she'd tried it a few times in the future. She found black coffee rather soothing after eating a bite of frosting. Alone, one was too sweet and the other was too bitter. Together they canceled each other out.

"It's really sweet." Riley said. "Is that what you like?"

Samantha found a file that many people liked the frosting the most.

"I don't know." Samantha said. "I've never tried any."

Samantha had only tasted a few small bites of food since she started to help Riley cook and bake. She only ever tried a few small bites of anything. They weren't really more than just a taste. She had files from some of the other girls as to some of the things that they'd tried. Most of them never tried more than just a taste of something so they could have a reference as to exactly what it was going forward. There seemed to be one universal food item all of the Terminators would try without hesitation. It was ice cream. It didn't matter what flavor it was. She decided that she wanted to try some as well.

Cameron and Ally moved to intercept and confront the men who were about to enter the target zone. They looked homeless but they could be Grays in disguise. They might be reinforcements or an attack force.

"Nice day for a walk." Cameron repeated.

Cameron and Ally blocked the path of the three men.

"Nice day for a talk." Ally said.

It was clear to the men they were being stopped. There were plenty of people to detain them. Most of the encounters never ended well.

"We don't want any trouble." The first man said.

The man looked a little nervous at the encounter with the two beautiful looking girls.

"Who are you?" The second man asked Cameron.

Cameron smiled at them and tried to play it cool.

"We're here to help." Cameron said.

The third man got a look of disgust on his face. He didn't need people trying to run his life. He thought he was doing a good job. He was just a little down on his luck right now.

"We don't need any 'do-gooders'." The third man said. "We can manage."

Cameron noticed they looked around as if they were trying to locate something.

"Is there something you're looking for?" Cameron asked. "Maybe I can assist you."

The first man looked at the other two. Maybe he would tell her.

"We're looking for our friend." The first man said. "We haven't seen her. We were worried something happened to her. Bad things happen around here."

Cameron decided to offer them a 'carrot' and hoped she didn't need to use a 'stick'.

"Are you looking for Susan?" Cameron asked.

The men looked concerned.

"Do you know Susie?" The second man asked.

Cameron smiled at the men again. She wanted to diffuse the situation. She also hoped that they might be able to provide them with some more intelligence.

"We took her to a shelter." Cameron said.

Cameron could see Cam hang back. She was ready to move up if necessary. So far the men didn't appear to be a threat. That could change in an instant.

The third man seemed to soften his demeanor and tone.

"Did you and your sister do that?" The third man asked. "Did you help Susie?"

Cameron figured it wouldn't hurt to play up their roll some. If they could get the men to trust them or at least not be afraid of them, they might be able to get some more intel.

"We got her some hot food and took her there." Cameron said. "She was scared of someone. She said that they were coming and she was afraid. She was hiding. She actually tried to warn us to move away from the area before we were attacked. She tried to help us so we decided to help her as well. I wanted her to feel safe and protected."

The first man developed a disgusted and angry look on his face.

"It's the Ogre." The first man said. "We heard he was back. He likes to hurt the girls. He's hurt Susan a few times. He did bad things to her and beat on her face. She used to be real pretty. Susan was correct when she told you that this area wasn't safe. You shouldn't be here. The Ogre is really mean and he will hurt you if he gets his hands on you."

Cameron smiled.

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about him." Cameron said.

It was clear the men cared about Susan as a person more than as a female or a sex object. She was their friend.

"He hurt Susie real bad the last time. That is why we came to see about her." The second man said. "We expected a fight if we needed to take her back and free her. The Ogre does bad things to her. She was really pretty a year ago. The Ogre beat her face to a pulp, twice. He did it so no one else would want her. I still care about her. She didn't do anything to deserve be treated like that and disfigured."

Cameron wanted to see what information she could get them to divulge without the need to use force. She was still prepared to do that if necessary. She thought that the best course of action was to remove these men from the immediate area. They would probably be more pliable with a full stomach and a clean place to stay.

"I can take you to her." Cameron said. "I can get you all a healthy meal."

The third man looked a little apprehensive again.

"Why would you do that?" The third man asked. "You don't know us and we don't know you."

Cameron smiled at them and spoke about what she felt she'd learned.

"Sometimes it's nice to have help." Cameron said. "Susan helped us, we can help you."

Cameron talked to the men for a short time. They were able to give her a full rundown on everything. Cammy pulled up in her SUV a few minutes later.

"My sister will take you." Cameron said.

The men looked at Cameron and Cammy and then at Ally.

"You have a twin too?" The first man asked.

Cameron glanced at Ally and saw she was displeased at that statement. The idea Cammy looked like her twin but Ally only looked like her sister, usually her 'older sister', upset Ally. She liked it when everyone was happy, she wanted Ally to feel included.

"We're triplets." Cameron said. "There are three of us. We're all identical."

Cameron saw Ally smile at that statement.

"You're all real nice and pretty too." The first man said. "All three of you are."

The third man looked over Cameron, Cammy and Ally. He concentrated his focus on Ally.

"The pure natural beauty of you three is very evident." The third man said.

Ally smiled when she realized that the man actually referred to her. She may not look Tight like Cameron, Cammy, Camille and Cam, but she still possessed the natural beauty of Allison.

Cameron was pleased to see that Ally was now satisfied.

"Thank you. They will both go with you. They will get you some food and take you to see Susan." Cameron said.

Cammy stowed all the gear before she drove over. She didn't want Savannah to have to take off her vest and stow her gear in the other SUV.

As soon as the men got into the SUV with Cammy and Ally, they drove off. Cam moved up.

"I'll take Ally's position." Cam said.

Cameron was satisfied with that arrangement.

"Savannah and I will take the front." Cameron said.

Savannah drove up and picked up Cameron. She was glad there were no more terminations and hoped that perhaps they could prevent a future Scavenger or two. From what she'd heard, the three men didn't sound aggressive, even if they were willing to use force to get Susan back from the Ogre if he had her.

John followed the events. He wanted Savannah out of there. Now she was with Cameron. Things were back to the way they were when they arrived. As long as Savannah was with Cameron, she was in the most danger.

"What just happened there?" John asked.

John Henry saw it as fast thinking by Cameron. He understood that Cameron wanted to keep Savannah near her. What she was able to do with the homeless men allowed for that to happen.

"Cameron orchestrated a way to keep Savannah at the location." John Henry said.

John made a face, shook his head slightly and let out a slow breath. He didn't want to get into an argument with Cameron at a critical time like this. He needed to deal with the rest of the operation as well.

"What about Holly and Hanna?" John asked. "Now they don't have back up."

As soon as John finished his statement John Henry received an update from CamNet.

"CamNet has just informed me they do now." John Henry said.

John was aware that CamNet watched out for everyone too. It was evident that CamNet was active in the background.

"I'm not even going to ask." John said.

John Henry believed that was the best course of action when dealing with CamNet.

"I think that's best." John Henry said.

They both understood that CamNet would concentrate her efforts on Savannah and Cameron. They were well aware that CamNet would respond to suggestions and ideas from the Young bunker as well. Some of those decisions were going to bypass the Command Center. They were aware when that occurred that those decisions were always the correct ones. It was something to think about.

Cameron and Savannah were together in the SUV. They'd moved around to the front of the building where they took up their position of surveillance.

Savannah was afraid Cameron would terminate the three men when she'd first encountered them. She was satisfied with how it turned out so far. She wanted to know for sure to see if she was right in her assumption of what Cameron would do.

"Were you thinking about terminating them?" Savannah asked.

Cameron did think about it. Why risk three future Scavengers on the loose. If the men had been more aggressive, rude or belligerent, things may have turned out differently.

"The thought crossed my mind." Cameron said.

Savannah thought she knew what specifically made her reconsider.

"It was when the one man called Susan, Susie, that you changed your mind." Savannah said. "I felt it too when I heard it."

Cameron learned from Savannah there were many different types of people and different ways to deal with them.

"It was." Cameron said. "It was a name used as a term of endearment. I could tell he cared about her. It was clear at that point they wanted to help her, not abuse her. It was clear that the men were willing to risk a violent confrontation with the Ogre to get her back from him to protect her. Those didn't sound like future Scavengers to me but more than likely what would become the victims of future Scavengers."

Savannah smiled at Cameron and touched her cheek.

"Thank you." Savannah said. "I know it could have all gone down differently."

Cameron felt the warm gesture from Savannah. It made her feel good inside.

"It didn't." Cameron said. "Now it's time to get back to business."

Cameron checked the drone footage on the truck. It was stuck in traffic. She was aware that being stuck in traffic was never good when someone was being tailed. That meant the chase vehicle was stuck as well. It made them a target with nowhere to run.

Young Allison observed everything and listened to the conversations as she studied. She closed her book. She'd monitored all of the visual input but they received from the area of the old supermarket and the drone that followed the truck.

"Have the drone on the truck zoom out." Young Allison said.

Anna became concerned. It was clear that Young Allison was onto something.

"Have we missed something?" Anna asked.

Young Allison didn't like the location they were in.

"I'm not sure if we missed something but I'm concerned as to the location they are currently at. Why would the truck take that route?" Young Allison asked. "There's a lot of traffic. That was a choice they made on purpose."

Anna noticed how the other vehicles were 'trapped' when they were stuck in traffic.

"There's nowhere for any car to go easily." Anna said. "It would be easy to ambush someone. They would be trapped."

That was exactly Young Allison's concern. She figured if someone wanted to set someone up who was tailing them, that there wouldn't be a better way to do it.

"That's what I was thinking." Young Allison said.

Anna immediately issued a warning through CamNet. It took a few minutes and some maneuvering but the chase car was able to get out of the traffic jam

"Hanna and Holly have fallen back." Anna said.

Young Allison believed they had good coverage of the truck from the drone.

"Maybe being over a few streets would be better for them. The drone has the truck covered." Young Allison said. "What do the scans in the sky show? I know it's still daylight but maybe we need to think about additional drone coverage of our own."

Anna went over all of the available aerial information. She also understood what Young Allison wanted to happen.

"All is clear except normal air traffic. No hostile drones have been spotted." Anna said. "Do you want CamNet to start sending more drones to reinforce this operation?"

That was exactly what Young Allison wanted to happen. She wanted it to look like the decision came from CamNet instead of her.

"You know I like to cover all the bases. Make sure John Henry knows all this." Young Allison said. "I'm sure he does."

Anna knew what Young Allison's aspirations for the future were. She personally wanted her better protected than out in the field. It never hurt to make a suggestion.

"You will serve the Resistance well." Anna said. "Your place should be in the Command Center with John."

Young Allison smiled to herself. She understood her concern for her. She shuttered a little bit at the thought of some of the images she'd viewed on the internet. She wanted to make sure Anna knew what she wanted.

"My place will be with Cameron and Savannah in the field." Young Allison said. "My interaction with John will be 'elsewhere'."

Anna frowned because she didn't want Young Allison in danger needlessly. As to what exactly Young Allison's interaction with John would be 'elsewhere' was obvious to everyone. She was still disturbed by some of the images she'd viewed on the internet of male and female interaction. She didn't see it as anything for anyone to look forward to. It was clear to her through personal observation that it was a much more pleasant experience for two females to share together. Everyone was able to be satisfied in one of those situations. That didn't appear to always be the case with male and female interaction. From what she'd read in Cosmo, it seemed to back up her personal observation. It was usually eight to nine times out of ten that the female was going to be left unsatisfied and without a 'finish' through traditional interaction with a male.

CamNet provided the conversation to Cameron that occurred between Young Allison and Anna. She smiled at what Young Allison indicated about her future 'interaction' with John.

There was an upset look on Savannah's face.

"NO." Savannah said. "It won't be 'elsewhere'."

Cameron was surprised that Savannah received the conversation too.

"I didn't know you were listening." Cameron said.

Savannah didn't want anyone to make personal decisions for Young Allison. That included her as well.

"I didn't either." Savannah said. "There will be no 'elsewhere' for Young Allison. I won't allow that."

Cameron reminded Savannah why such 'interaction' would be necessary.

"John must be protected." Cameron said.

Savannah swallowed hard. It was her duty to protect Young Allison.

"Cameron, I'll take care of that." Savannah said. "I promise you. Don't do that to her. Please."

Cameron wanted to see how far Savannah would go to protect Young Allison.

"You can order me, us, on what to do or not to do." Cameron said.

Savannah didn't want to make a big issue out of this.

"I'll let Young Allison make all her own choices." Savannah said. "I want it to be the same as you've allowed me to do. Just don't push her. Anything like that should be because it's her choice and not anyone else's choice.

Cameron wanted to remind Savannah of her decisions.

"Have I ever pushed you?" Cameron asked.

Savannah didn't even need to think about that. Cameron did everything she could to assist her with their sexual desires.

"No, I've always acted on my own." Savannah said. "You have only facilitated my desires."

Savannah frowned a little.

"Do you regret any of your decisions?" Cameron asked.

Savannah felt there was more than one way to make her point about Young Allison.

"I only regret that I didn't start sooner with 'everything'." Savannah said.

Savannah saw Cameron lower her left hand down to her side out of view.

"No one will push her." Cameron said.

Savannah smiled at Cameron and touched her cheek again. She was pretty sure that she gave Cameron something to think about.

Elsewhere

When one opens up
What do they bare
Is it everything inside
That they've needed to bear

Does one take a chance
Do they risk and dare
Will they be accepted
Or be treated cruel and unfair

Just because one
Can another ensnare
Doesn't necessarily mean
They will end up a pair

Things go bad fast
They are hard to repair
They often get worse
As they become a nightmare

Always try to care
With the other learn to share
Never try to scare
Or they will go elsewhere

Nobody