Chapter 1203
Metal-Billy
Steve and Tom were stopped two blocks away from the target location.
They both knew there was the possibility of enemy reinforcements being called. They weren't sure if it would happen or not because the small drone wouldn't have been able to spot anything happening at the location. There was no one there to spot. They were all terminated.
They watched drone footage of the two men argue some more. They both climbed over the fence where they'd gone over it at earlier. It was the property where the dog had gone off to hide after it picked up their predator pheromones.
The dog evidently regained some of its courage. It came out of its hiding spot and looked carefully around the side of a shed. It sniffed the air as it watched the two men. Maybe it was upset because of the way it felt earlier. It was no longer afraid.
The two men who'd entered the compound were about halfway across it when the dog suddenly appeared behind them. It grabbed one man's leg and bit. The man let out a stifled scream.
The second man wasn't sure what happened at first. He turned and looked at the first man. He could now hear the dog growling as it shook its head back and forth with the man's ankle firmly in its jaws. He quickly kicked the dog. He didn't want to use his firearm and alert those who they thought were in the target building.
The dog let out a slight yelp as it was kicked in the side. It turned its attention to the new threat. The man who'd kicked it. It didn't sense a predator with the two men who were in its compound. It sensed fear from them. The dog felt emboldened and attacked the second man.
The second man backed up when the dog turned in his direction. He took a swing at it with his right fist. The dog looked towards the oncoming fist and grabbed the man's wrist. It was angry it had been kicked earlier. It bit down hard on the man's wrist. The man screamed in agony.
The first man was able to stand. He was very unsteady.
"Let's get out of here." The first man said.
The second man managed to hit the dog in the side of the head with his left fist. The dog yelped and ran off. He looked in the direction the dog ran. He pulled his pistol with his right hand and dropped it on the ground. He winced in pain and grabbed his right wrist. He picked up the gun with his left hand and pointed in the direction where the dog had gone.
"I'm going to kill that dog first." The second man said.
The first man hobbled for a couple of steps. He hurried towards the fence with a limp. He was worried about the target location.
"If we get zeroed, we're going to have a bigger problem than a stupid dog." The first man said.
The second man hurried after the first. It was clear they would both need to retreat and tend to their wounds before they advanced on the target location further.
They both made it back over the wall.
The second man paused before he dropped down to the ground on the other side. He hoped to get another look at the dog. He still wanted to kill it.
"I'm coming back here with some rat poison and hamburger for the dog." The second man said. "It's going to die in agony."
The first man tossed the second man the keys for their vehicle.
"Yeah dude, whatever you say." The first man said. "You're going to need to drive."
The second man moved towards their vehicle. He took one last look at the fence they'd just climbed back over.
Once both men were in the vehicle, it quietly moved away from where it was parked.
Steve and Tom watch everything go down from the drone footage.
"Things played out a little differently than they'd anticipated." Steve said.
Tom watched the image of the departing vehicle.
"I think they played out a little differently than we all expected." Tom said. "We need to see what their next move is going to be."
One of their drones would follow the vehicle.
They weren't sure if the vehicle would go to wherever it originated from or to wherever it may have stopped at earlier. Maybe they were the same place. There was also the possibility it could return to the front and drive between the two buildings and directly approach the target structure in the rear.
Steve and Tom would sit tight for a few minutes to see what developed.
It was late. The Metal girls were all still in their evening dresses. They all looked beautiful and stunning. Cameron hadn't seen any of the other passengers at dinner look better than any of them.
The group exited the elevator and headed into the rear theater.
Bob was alone in the rear theater.
"I've been waiting for you." Bob said.
They all greeted Bob. He looked pleased to see them.
Sheila, Ally and Hanna headed for the instruments. They were all anxious to see if they could apply what they'd studied earlier.
The Metal girls all discussed what they were going to do.
Holly and Gail looked at the stage. There were two microphones set up. They looked at each other and headed up onto the small stage.
Bob personally checked all the equipment and made sure it was turned on and functional. He'd also put the two microphones in place on the stage.
"Everything is all set up and ready." Bob said.
Cameron wanted to apologize for being later than planned. She didn't like to be late for anything. Circumstances dictated an unforeseen delay.
"Thank you, Bob." Cameron said. "We arrived a little later than I anticipated."
Bob shrugged his shoulders. He didn't think it was a problem based upon the circumstances.
"It happens." Bob said.
He was aware of the events associated with Sheila. He was actually surprised they'd arrived at all. The episode with Sheila on the balcony railing was a close one. It could have ended badly for Sheila and the ship.
The Metal girls were ready to get started.
Sheila and Ally made sure their instruments were tuned exactly as the rockabilly trio did.
Cameron wanted to check on John. She felt she was needed where she was at right now. Jim would alert her if John awoke. She wanted to see the girls in action. She wanted to let them know she might need to leave suddenly. She didn't want to seem rude when she needed to go.
"I can stay for a little while." Cameron said. "I'll need to go check on John soon."
Sheila was more like her usual outgoing self. It seemed like a good thing.
"Can I check in on him too?" Sheila asked.
Sheila indicated she was ready for a little more.
Cameron smiled. She wanted to see how far Sheila was willing to go, on her own.
"Of course you can, as long as you let him check out your 'jewelry'." Cameron said.
Cameron knew John liked to check out a lot more.
Sheila wondered if Cameron checked out her jewelry before she reactivated her. She hoped she did. If not she would like to show her.
"No problem. If you have it, flaunt it. All the girls have checked it out." Sheila said. "It makes a good selling point to seal the deal."
The Metal girls all laughed.
It sounded like 'everyday Sheila' to Bob. He was satisfied he wouldn't need to intervene to prevent any events from escalating out of control. His Taser was hot and ready to go if it was needed. He didn't want the others to know.
"It looks like things are back to normal." Bob said.
Cameron was thankful for it. She wanted it to stay that way.
"They are for now, Bob." Cameron said. "I need you to help me make sure there are no relapses."
Bob didn't want any further episodes like the earlier one on his watch. He wasn't really sure how he could stop another Terminator from malfunctioning. He would need to use his Taser in order to do it. He would need to make sure he did his job on the ship. His job on the ship was to maintain order.
"Affirmative…." Bob said. "I'll keep an eye out."
Hanna sat at the drum set and went through a few different beats. Sheila practiced on the bass and Ally warmed up on the guitar.
Cameron and Bob watched with anticipation.
Gail adjusted the red flower in Holly's hair. They stepped up to the microphones.
"I think we are ready." Gail said.
Ally looked at Sheila and Hanna.
"'Pass That Bottle' by the 'Devil's Daughters', will be our first number." Ally said.
"One, two, three, four…." Sheila said.
The instruments started to play. Gail and Holly started to sing.
Cameron smiled. It was even better than she thought it would be. It was like watching the video from when they went out dancing before, but even better. She could feel the music as well as hear it. The reverberations from the instruments were something she could physically relate to as they passed through her chassis. The bass and the drums made the music more than something to hear. It was something everyone could feel. She could see how this style of music called out to people and touched them.
The music, singing and the girls themselves were all captivating to observe.
Cameron wished this was something they would have done long before now. It was a very stimulating experience. It was like the performance in the main theater but better. The way the girls interacted with each other was beautiful in itself. The girls were all beautiful as well.
Cammy listened outside Riley's room. She was a little unsure what she heard. It was clearly Claire and what sounded like Allison. They were both making the sounds they make when they made love.
She expected behavior like that from Claire because she was very promiscuous. What sounded like Allison participating surprised her.
Cammy slipped inside. She decided to make it a three way.
Wait!
Where was the sound coming from?
The Metal girls finished their first song.
Cameron clapped vigorously.
Bob did too.
It pleased Cameron greatly to see the Metal girls all smiling and having what appeared to be a good time. It was a long way off from what she'd witnessed earlier. It looked like a funeral procession earlier.
The girls spoke briefly among themselves. They went over the song to be performed next.
"'Rockabilly Boogie' by 'Johnny Burnette', is our next number." Ally said.
The girls started to play and sing.
Cameron watched the rockabilly trio play earlier. She felt the girls were as good as them if not better, especially since it was their first time performing.
Bob looked around and saw some of the crew that cleaned at night gathered outside the entrance to theater to watch the girls play. They didn't know who he was or his position. They recognized him as an 'officer' in his uniform. They dispersed when he turned around.
Cameron and Bob watched and listened to the girls.
She noticed Bob and her both tapped their foot to the rhythm. She wondered when she'd started doing it. She liked it and continued. She felt the urge to dance like she'd seen some of the passengers do earlier to the rockabilly rhythm. She wondered if Bob would join her. It seemed unlikely She quickly pushed the thought from her mind.
Cam was busy with Vanna and Savannah.
She noticed Cammy look in but not enter. With Vanna and Savannah together, she figured Cammy would have joined them. There must be something else Cammy thought was even better.
The only thing she could think of as exciting as where she was at would be Claire and Allison. Those were the two tickets everyone dreamed about, Claire and Allison or Vanna and Savannah. Of course if Young Jesse was there, it would also be Jesse and Young Jesse. To be in a three way with Young Jesse and Savannah was a dream ticket too. Vanna and Allison were always willing to be together as a pair with anyone who wanted to share. There was pretty much action whenever anyone wanted any. No one ever said 'no'. Everyone liked to get their 'bell rung'.
Cam decided she would share her files with Cammy of Vanna and Savannah, if Cammy shared her files of Claire with Allison. Just thinking about it drove Cam to an even higher performance level.
Vanna and Savannah were soon to reap the rewards of Cam's fantasy.
If they'd known of Cam's fantasy, they would have both shared it too.
The Metal girls finished their second song.
Cameron and Bob both clapped.
The girls quickly talked among themselves.
"'Rip It Up' by 'Bill Haley', is our next number." Ally said.
The girls started to play and sing.
Cameron really liked the way the girls played. The bass and drums literally shook the room. There was a physical dimension to the music from the reverberation of the sound waves. It was totally captivating to be a part of.
She always wondered about the saying, "sex, drugs and rock and roll'. She could understand the 'sex and rock and roll' part now. She still didn't see the use of drugs. Drugs dulled the senses. She knew the drug problem first got out of control in the Sixties. She would need to keep a watchful eye on Young Allison when they were in the past. She needed to worry more about other people trying to influence her in a negative way.
She was aware drugs claimed the lives of many musicians and actors in the Sixties and Seventies. They were all needless deaths. It took the creativity and future of those people from the world. The majority of them were fairly young as well. They were lives wasted for nothing. It made her wonder if Skynet was behind it. It would be something she would check into when she was in the past with Young Allison.
It made Cameron think about her future. What would it be? Would she leave her mark on the world in a positive way or simply be forgotten by everyone as if she'd never existed. Maybe one day someone would write about her. Maybe Nobody would.
Jim watched the performance from the small theater on one of his monitors. He was impressed with what he watched and heard. The girls were as good as any professional group of performers.
He kept track of things happening on the ship and whatever John Henry thought was of relevance elsewhere. With the earlier trouble with Sheila over, it was a quiet night.
What he witnessed with Sheila earlier and what should have been her certain termination bothered him more than a little. To watch her play the bass and appear 'happy' now was very comforting.
Jim thought he turned the sound up a little too far once. He decided to get the feed from his tether. It just wasn't the same as the sound waves pounding into his sheath and stimulating him.
He was unaware his foot tapped to the beat.
The Metal girls finished their third song.
Cameron and Bob both clapped.
The girls looked around and called Holly over.
Hanna previously watched Holly emulate Young Allison and Summer on the piano.
"You can play the piano, Holly." Hanna said.
Holly knew how to play like those she'd observed.
"I've watched Claire, Young Allison and Summer play." Holly said. "So have you."
Holly thought it was more than parroting for Holly.
"I've seen you play with Summer." Hanna said. "You play like she does. You can both play off of each other as if you're one person."
Holly wanted to remain modest.
"I can do OK." Holly said.
There was a keyboard against the wall. The girls made sure it was plugged into the amp.
Hanna whispered something into Holly's ear.
"I don't know." Holly said.
Hanna watched Holly play it before.
"I know you can play it." Hanna said. "I heard you before."
One time Summer taught Holly some piano riffs. She was told by Claire it wasn't the 'correct' way to play a piano. She didn't know Claire was being playful.
"Claire said it wasn't the way a piano was supposed to be played." Holly said. "Summer was the one who showed me."
Holly tested the keyboard, she selected the piano mode. She looked over at the trio.
Ally glanced at Sheila at Hanna. She turned her attention back to Holly.
"Can you do it?" Ally asked.
Holly nodded. She was sure of her ability.
"I can." Holly said.
Hanna gave her some encouragement to showboat.
"Play it with style." Hanna said. "I want you to play like the 'Killer'."
Holly looked at Hanna and smiled. She'd watched several videos of the musician Hanna indicated. The way the musician played the piano was very flamboyant and distinctive.
"Try and keep up." Holly said.
The Metal girls were ready to go.
"'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On' by 'Jerry Lee Lewis', is our next number." Ally said.
Holly started out on the keyboard and the rest of the girls filled in with the other instruments as Gail sang.
Cameron and Bob both enjoyed the new instrument added.
Bob really enjoyed the performance. He wondered about all the crap that played on the radios of people when they drove. He heard it at stop lights. Did they even know what good music was? He knew it was good music. He knew because he could feel it in his chassis.
Sarah woke up. She blinked her eyes twice and lifted her head up to look around. She thought she'd heard music. It was quiet now.
She looked over at Kyle, he was sound asleep.
Sarah got up quietly and went and looked out the balcony window. It was dark outside. The moon was almost gone.
She went to use the restroom and saw the maid's outfit at the foot of the bed. She took it into the bathroom and checked it. It wasn't soiled. It was a relief. She would have needed to clean it before she returned it.
Sarah finished up and found a robe in the closet. She slipped it on and headed out into the private area with the maid's outfit. She made sure the door didn't close tight. She took the outfit back to Sheila's room. The door was open so she placed it inside. The room was very tiny. She thought the 'walk in' closet in their suite was bigger than Sheila's room.
Sarah went back to her room. The door was locked.
Great….
She didn't have her card key with her. She knew she should have turned the dead bold first to keep the door from closing all the way.
She went to the door of the Control Center and was about to knock.
The door opened.
Jim was there. He looked a little concerned.
"Is everything alright?" Jim asked.
Sarah saw Jim check out her attire. She looked down at the front of herself. She probably should have made her robe a little tighter when she tied the belt. A lot was showing. She decided not to fix it yet. It would only draw more attention to how she looked.
"I locked myself out of the suite." Sarah said.
Jim was busy watching the girls perform. He'd missed Sarah when she came out of her room. He only saw her headed towards the Control Center.
"I can open your door." Jim said. "Were you going to go out?"
Jim looked at her nearly open robe again. Her barely covered breasts were very prominent.
"I needed to return something to Sheila." Sarah said. "Now seemed like a good time to do it since I woke up. I thought I heard music."
Jim knew right away it was because of his infraction. He decided to own up to it.
"It was my fault." Jim said. "I apologize for my inattentiveness. I played something a little louder than I should have because I liked it."
Sarah was surprised any of the Terminators actually did.
"You listen to music?" Sarah asked.
Jim indicated one of the monitors.
"I was watching the girls perform." Jim said.
Sarah wondered who he was talking about. She was a little confused.
"Do you mean our girls?" Sarah asked. "Do you mean the Metal girls?"
Jim wondered why it surprised her. Terminators were capable of doing many things. They were infiltrators after all. The more things they could do, the better they would blend in.
"Yes." Jim said. "They're performing now."
Sarah tried to look at the monitor.
"Can I see?" Sarah asked.
Jim showed her the screen. It was blank right now. He didn't want her to be concerned with anything else. He didn't want Cameron angry at him.
"Yes." Jim said. "Cameron doesn't want you to deal with any of the operations while you're on vacation. It applies to all of the Resistance members who are on vacation."
Sarah didn't plan to if possible. She was glad to get away from it all for a few days. She did miss Jan. She glanced over at a clock. She knew she would see Jan in a few more hours. Right now she wanted to see the girls performing.
"Just show me the girls." Sarah said.
Jim brought up the screen for Sarah to view and listen to.
Sarah was instantly captivated. She couldn't believe how excellent they were.
"That's amazing." Sarah said. "Look how good they are. Listen to how good they sound."
Jim pointed out it was their first attempt. There was no practice or warm up session.
"It's the first time they've done it." Jim said. "They just started a few songs ago."
Sarah thought it made it even more amazing. The singers were outstanding.
"Holly and Gail can really sing well too." Sarah said.
Jim liked watching and listening to them.
"I enjoy it." Jim said.
Sarah liked it so much she hoped it was being recorded. She would love to do her workout or take a run with the tunes from the girls playing them.
"I'd like a copy of this after you get permission from them. That's if they're OK with it." Sarah said. "I'll add it to my playlist."
She watched them do another song.
Sarah quickly noticed a theme to the songs. She recognized the style of music from some of the restaurants she'd worked in over the years.
"Do they only do rockabilly?" Sarah asked.
Jim wanted to make it clear it was what the girls watched a few hours ago for the first time.
"It was what they viewed tonight to learn how to play the instruments." Jim said. "They could watch others play different things. It wouldn't be difficult for them to do."
It gave Sarah a host of ideas. Some groups simply displayed a style of their own.
"I'll show them some of the other group's playing styles." Sarah said.
Jim decided he would research it.
"Which groups are those?" Jim asked.
"It would be the Ramones for one." Sarah said. "I really like their style. It is high energy and all in the wrist. The girls would be masters at it. They don't get tired."
Sarah looked back at the clock.
"I need to get back to my room." Sarah said.
Jim took out his card key. He could send the performance to her room if she wanted to view it on the big screen. There was one in the living room, their bedroom and the spare bedroom. He thought the best choice not to disturb Kyle would be in the main area.
"I'll open the door for you." Jim said. "I'll send the images to the TV in your living room."
The thought made Sarah think of a better idea. She wasn't sure it was allowed. She enjoyed the live performance in the main theater they'd watched earlier. She wondered if she could do the same thing in the rear theater. She'd viewed the rockabilly trio group herself there earlier.
"Can I go down there?" Sarah asked. "Live music is always better than seeing it on TV."
Jim didn't see any reason she couldn't go.
"Cameron and Bob are down there." Jim said. "They'll let you in. I'll notify them. Do you remember how to get there?"
Sarah remembered it was on deck seven aft.
"I know where it's at." Sarah said. "We were there earlier."
Jim led Sarah back to her room and opened the door.
"Thanks, Jim." Sarah said. "I'm sorry to disturb you with this."
Jim felt bad about waking Sarah up.
"I'm the one that needs to be sorry." Jim said. "I think I woke you up. I hope I didn't wake John."
Sarah was glad he did. She wanted to see more. She knew John was closer to where Jim had accidentally done it, evidently he didn't hear it.
"John may be closer but he sleeps like a log. He sounds like he is sawing it too." Sarah said. "Tell him it was me if he asks. He won't bring it up again if you do."
Sarah winked at him. She knew how to play the game on several levels. John knew not to question her over little things. She would make them turn into big things to shut him down. It was a mother-son thing.
Jim didn't want Cameron down on him if he accidentally would have woken up John.
"In this case, I think it's a good thing." Jim said. "Thanks."
Sarah wanted to thank Jim.
"Thanks again, Jim." Sarah said and closed the door.
She went over to the TV in the living room and turned it on.
She watched the feed Jim sent to her room. She debated getting dressed and going down there. She opened her robe and looked down the front of her naked body. The 'girls' looked nice and perky. She was sure Jim noticed. She didn't care. He'd seen her before on operations or training. The male Terminators were all well mannered and respectful around the females. She didn't understand how they were evolving. Jim, Bob and John Henry were all more like young teenagers now in their development. It was without the advanced infiltration programming. It was simply the natural evolution of the Terminators.
Sarah watched the performance on her TV. She was tired. Maybe she would just watch it there, at least for now.
The Metal girls finished their fourth song.
Cameron and Bob both clapped.
Holly stayed on the keyboard.
The girls discussed their next song.
"'Shake, Rattle And Roll' by 'Bill Haley', is our next number." Ally said.
Cameron and Bob waited in anticipation.
The girls were good and getting better.
Tom watched the image of the departing vehicle.
"I think things played out a little differently than we all expected." Tom said. "We need to see what their next move is going to be."
One of the drones would follow the vehicle.
Steve and Tom would sit tight for a few minutes to see what developed.
They expected to see the vehicle drive by the front of the target location again but it didn't. It headed back in the direction where it had been observed previously. They decided to do a loose pursuit of the vehicle. They wouldn't follow it directly. They would let the drone do it from altitude. They would try to stay on a parallel route whenever possible.
The drone tracked the vehicle to a rundown neighborhood. They watched the vehicle circled the block once. They decided to move in closer. They thought the vehicle may be near its destination. They closed to within two blocks of where the vehicle was at. It made a second pass around the block in the opposite direction. They knew they were close.
The vehicle turned in and parked at the rear of an apartment building. The two occupants got out of the vehicle. One of them limped very badly as they approached the building.
Steve and Tom were on foot. They checked around them as they advanced towards the apartment building. They heard some scuffling noise off to their side as they passed by another apartment building. It was a feline. It left a trail of urine behind it. Strangely enough, they noticed it drop something from its mouth before it ran off. It was a small field mouse. The mouse ran in the same direction the feline went. It didn't want to be around them either.
The drone that trailed the two men was able to see which apartment they went into. The other two drones began to do recon around the area. They wanted to make sure they weren't being set up. They were pretty sure the dog attack on both of the men is what sent them back to their base or area of operations.
Steve kept watch on the apartment the men were reported to enter. He was at the corner of the building.
Tom went to check the vehicle. He noted there was fresh blood on both the driver's and passenger's side.
They both converged on the apartment the men went into. They listen to other apartments along the way as they moved in.
The drone scans indicated there was one couple in bed on the east side. They were apparently asleep since there was no movement. The apartment on the other side appeared to be empty. The two men they'd followed were both in the bathroom. More than likely they were attempting to clean up their injuries after the dog attack.
Steve was in the front.
Tom moved up near the bathroom window. He could hear them speak clearly.
"You almost blew it back there." The first man said.
"I want to go back and get the dog." The second man said. "I want some payback. I want to kill it."
"Take it easy." The first man said. "We blew the recon."
"How do we know the dog didn't have rabies?" The second man asked.
"Don't worry about the dog." The first man said. "We need to get cleaned up and go back out and finish our recon."
"My wrist hurts." The second man said.
"I can hardly walk." The first man said.
"I want to kill the dog when we go back." The second man said.
"We need to get back out there and do our job before Jasper gets back." The first man said.
"Screw Jasper…." The second man said.
"I think both of you have already done enough of that." The first man said.
"Don't knock it until you try it." The second man said.
"I think it's safe to say I've tried everything." The first man said. "I know what I like better."
"Maybe when Jasper gets back he'll bring you a fresh skank." The second man said. "I think he needs to pass by the homeless camp next to the park."
"Let me stitch your wounds up." The first man said.
"I thought that's what you were doing." The second man said. "It already hurt enough."
"Stop being such a sissy." The first man said. "All I did so far is clean it up with some alcohol."
"You should have given me some to drink first." The second man said.
"It's Isopropyl alcohol. You can't drink it and live." The first man said.
Tom could hear someone grunt in pain several times.
"Is that it man?" The second man asked. "It really hurt."
"Grow a pair, dude." The first man said. "It was just the first one."
Steve was able to hear everything Tom could. The conversation seemed to verify both of the men were injured by the dog. It also indicated there was at least one more person involved with them. They referred to the individual as 'Jasper'.
They both checked the drone scans for anyone approaching on foot or in a vehicle. So far nothing had been detected.
It soon appeared things were about to change.
Earlier:
Samantha watched as Claire positioned herself over Allison who she thought was Vanna in the dark. It was clear what was about to happen. She wanted to watch it happen too and see them share. She thought in a very short while, maybe even a few seconds, they would both know the other one wasn't 'Vanna'. She was aware the girls knew each other by taste when they kissed or when they kissed in other places. They possessed a lot of experience.
She rapidly moved over and leaned down just as Claire was about to 'start' in on Allison.
"Claire, it's Allison, not Vanna." Samantha said quickly and softly.
Claire was surprised.
"Samantha?" Claire asked.
Samantha wondered if there was going to be some negative repercussions. She could only answer the question.
"Yes." Samantha said.
Claire carefully backed away from Allison.
She moved off of the bed.
Samantha checked Precious again. She was sleeping soundly.
Claire took another look at the figure on the bed in the darkness. She still couldn't tell it was Allison.
Samantha led Claire out into the living room.
Claire was totally naked.
"I thought it was Vanna. It was so dark in there. I didn't know." Claire said. "I was looking forward to Vanna. I wanted to surprise her."
Samantha thought it would have been a surprise alright.
Claire looked back at the bedroom. It made her wonder what would have happened if she'd continued. Allison and her were both adults. They were only a couple of years apart.
Samantha noticed where Claire looked. She thought she could offer her a better alternative.
"I'm available." Samantha said.
Claire quickly refocused her thoughts. To be with Samantha would be good too.
"Let's give it a go." Claire said. "I think I still owe you one."
Samantha wanted to call it even.
"We're good." Samantha said. "I need to stay close to Precious since Vanna is out."
Claire looked around. The baby's room was right there. It was the closest room to Riley's bedroom.
"Can we use her room?" Claire asked.
It wasn't the room Samantha expected to use.
"Do you mean in Precious' room?" Samantha asked.
Claire worked out a contingency plan.
"It's right next to her where she is now." Claire said. "You can be there in seconds if you need to get up and go. I can keep myself going until you return."
Samantha went and checked on Precious again and returned with a blanket.
"Will the floor and a blanket work?" Samantha asked.
Claire thought it would work for her.
"I've experienced less ideal conditions." Claire said.
Claire remembered some of her early experiences. There was one on the grass in the park at night, a hard cold bench in a baseball dugout, the back seat of a car, the future…. She didn't even want to think about the times when she'd woken up during or after the 'procedure' at a drug or alcohol fueled party.
She took the blanket and spread it out where Precious' crib was normally at before it was moved into Riley's room.
"It works for me." Samantha said.
Claire helped Samantha strip. She loved seeing everything on Samantha's body. She couldn't keep her hands off of it. Soon she couldn't get enough of her body. It was identical to hers from the neck down and every detail and way. It really was 'her' body.
Don't Mistake Close For Happy
Why is the one who is closest
Actually the furthest one away
One can reach out and touch them
But they're a million miles away
Most try to suck it up
Their failure they want to hide
Maybe that's the last of
Their self worth and pride
Everything is crushed
There's nothing left to fix
They focus on what once was
As they obsess and transfix
Yet they linger and hang on
There once was something there
It's impossible to repair
But they still take the dare
The look may be snappy
The spirit is scrappy
Everything has turned crappy
Don't mistake close for happy
Nobody