Chapter 500

Hornet's Nest

John was more than a little worried at how events unfolded so far. He wanted everyone to use caution. It was clear there was a group out looking for them. He didn't like being the ones who were hunted. They tried to cover their tracks and remain as invisible as possible. Cameron was the only one to make her presence known to Skynet. It was by design to focus the attention on her.

He thought about the way his mother used to move him around all the time. He didn't understand what it was like until he was specifically targeted. He thought they got away from everything and the problems were over. He didn't realize, they were just getting started. The way things were now, they couldn't move easily. Their entire operation was tied to a fixed base. He was responsible for a number of individuals.

John Henry processed all the information and gave his findings to Cameron. She was out in the field still. She wanted to put a plan into action as soon as possible. There were teams of Terminators headed to the position. The operation would soon start at the target location. Cameron was the one who would decide when.

John Henry and Cameron went over everything they wanted to do on the upcoming assault. There were going to be a few controversial decisions.

Hanna joined up with Cameron. Ally and Sheila were there as well. The four female Terminators all shared a nice reunion. Ally, Sheila, and Hanna were especially thrilled to have 'The Three Musketeers' reunited. They hadn't been together on an operation for quite some time. The operations they were normally on, were Cameron's 'off the books' operations. The current operation was Skynet related.

Ally, Sheila and Hanna were originally created to work specifically for Cameron. They were created to 'replace' Allison, Jesse, and Vanna in the field. Cameron wanted the human girls protected. She didn't know at the time none of them couldn't reproduce. It was a sad revelation. It was made clear over time as every pregnancy terminated on its own.

Cameron and the Metal girls conducted a lot of 'off the books' operations together outside the scope of the Resistance. Most of those operations were against future Scavengers. It also assured the financial independence of the Resistance away from Mrs. Weaver's holdings. She was able to take control of millions of dollars from the drug trade. The sex trade was often associated with it. She made it personal. She always looked the other way as Sheila went to 'work' on the sex slavers and traders. Payback was a Bitch.

It really made her wonder about the ineffectiveness of government. They never seemed to be able to rein in either the drug trade or the sex trade. All they needed to do is turn on the television and see where a reporter uncovered either one, or both, of those events taking place. Instead of a reporter with a camera there, where was the law enforcement with the 'Patty Wagon'? It seemed to be a failure at every level.

The whole purpose of Cameron's base was as a 'back up' for the Resistance and freedom from the influence of Mrs. Weaver.

Cameron left to talk with Cammy about her plans while the Metal girls caught up and talked about 'old times' with just the three of them.

The Metal girls were happy to be in the company of each other. They looked forward to a joint operation again with the three of them together. They thought of various names to call themselves. They heard reference to the 'Dynamic Duo'. They wondered if they should be called the 'Terrific Trio'. They finally settled on a more traditional name. They liked to refer to themselves as 'The Three Musketeers'.

Cameron and Cammy wanted the Metal girls to strengthen and reaffirm their bond. It was important to her they all kept and shared their 'closeness' with each other. She never wanted anyone to feel lonely or unloved. She'd encouraged their sharing with each other whenever there was down time. Sheila and Ally shared a lot. Hanna was usually with Claire. She shared with Holly and Allison too. She liked it when everyone was 'happy', even if they were a machine.

John Henry kept track of everything from the Command Center. He knew it was only a matter of time until the operation started. He wanted to make sure all the players were in place before it did. He directed Cam where to go with the manned drone.

Cam scouted out the new target location which was gleaned from the information the Gray provided to them, along with the phone data from the other terminated Grays. not all of their phones were recoverable because of the nature of the attack.

She remained high and off to the sides of the target area. She was well out of the hearing range of any Terminators. John Henry made sure she didn't show up on radar anywhere. It was something he monitored all the time and could take control of when necessary. It usually wasn't an issue when they used their drones. He knew where they were in what they were doing. It was enemy HK drones which would be his biggest concern.

Cam gave her report. It didn't look like it would be a simple in and out at this point. The location seemed larger than they anticipated. They already possessed past satellite images of the location. The current drone images showed there was a lot of action taking place.

"It looks like a fresh operation, but it's extensive. These may be from the time transfers Skynet did before Cameron terminated it." Cam reported. "I've kept the maximum distance from the location in case there are Terminator's on the ground."

John listened to the report and knew things were going to get worse before they got better. There was still one question he wanted an answer for, it nagged at him. He hoped with the information from some of the captured phones they would get a clue.

"How could they know to look for Cameron and Savannah?" John asked. "Or was it just 'Cameron' they saw when they spotted Cammy?"

John Henry couldn't find any records on the Gray's phones. Someone went to a lot of effort to keep things off of the 'net'. CamNet or his server should have detected something. They hadn't.

"It's still unknown, John." John Henry answered. "So much of what we deal with is unknown until we know. You heard the reports. The Grays were terrified of Savannah. They thought she was Mrs. Weaver. It could be a different Liquid Metal Terminator as well. We don't know exactly what we're so terrified of. I don't know how else to interpret it."

John wondered why another Liquid Metal Terminator would take Savannah's form. It didn't make any sense. Perhaps there was another timeline version of Mrs. Weaver. There were other timeline versions of Cameron and the girls. It really made him wonder exactly what else could be in play. They knew when Mrs Weaver attempted to leave the alternate future, and return to Cameron's future, she ended up in some future which was unknown with most things related to the Resistance as they knew it. None of the key players were there.

Steve and Dan were sent to get a visual of the area and take a closer look on the ground. They did their recon. When they gave their report, it made things sound worse.

"I have a visual on the location." Dan reported. "Steve is on the other side. There are enemy Terminators present, both male and female."

John was now worried for Cameron's safety. He knew she was obsessed with capturing female Terminators. What she did with them was 'secret'. It bothered him too. He didn't know if she used them as 'replacement' chassis for herself or not. Maybe it was better if he didn't know. He did know she couldn't remain 'lucky', if it was even the proper term, forever.

"How many Terminators are there?" John asked. "It sounds as if we will encounter heavy Resistance on any type of frontal assault."

Dan was able to get a good look at them from his position.

"There's one male and two females who have been spotted on the west side." Dan reported. "None are visible on the north side."

Steve double checked everything in his visual range.

"There are no Terminators visible on my side." Steve reported. "The east and south sides are only Grays."

John looked over the images from Cam, Steve, and Dan. They gave a good picture of what was outside. What was inside the building was yet to be determined. He went over a brief recap of what they knew so far.

"So we have three Terminators and half a dozen Grays milling about. We don't know where they came from or what they're doing." John said. "We also killed several Grays earlier who tried to 'hit' Savannah and Cammy. They apparently thought they were Mrs. Weaver and Cameron."

John Henry was glad John understood everything. It seemed the facts didn't always resonate with him.

"That's correct." John Henry said.

John raised his hands up in the air in frustration. They didn't have any specifics.

"It doesn't tell us anything." John said. "We still don't know anything."

Cameron knew all she needed to know the moment Cammy and Savannah were attacked. The Grays sealed their fate in that moment. She didn't like any of their group to be targeted. It was even worse because Savannah was almost injured. Any type of challenge against their group would bring a strong reaction.

"We know they tried to hurt Cammy and Savannah." Cameron said. "What else is there to know? I'm going to terminate all of them."

John Henry took the lull in the planning to bring the drones in one by one which needed to be rearmed. Two of them were fitted strictly for a ground assault. They wouldn't carry the two air to air missiles they normally would. They would be replaced by two additional air to ground missiles instead. The task was complete.

"I've rotated the drones in for rearming which used ordnance. All four are fully armed as is the manned drone. Two of them are armed with all air to ground missiles." John Henry said. "I think we will need most of their support soon."

Cameron was pleased to hear they would be able to deliver a heavy punch to the enemy base. They would still be left with a fair amount of air to air capability in case any HK drones showed up to challenge them.

Sarah returned to the Command Center after Jan was secured. The base was still on lock down. She silently observed the operations in the Command Center. She remained quiet for most of the evening as she watched her son operate and direct. The initial response seemed clear to her. She didn't see a need to risk any of their troops in a ground assault. It wasn't her decision to make, but she still wanted her opinion out there.

"We can flatten the area and look through the rubble later." Sarah said.

John looked at his mother. He remembered the term normally reserved for such an occasion.

"You mean kill them all and let God sort it out." John said.

John Henry turned his head slightly. There seemed to be some confusion as to the nature of the operation.

"John, there won't be any deity involved in our operation." John Henry said. "It will be our normal Resistance Terminators."

John and Sarah looked at each other but didn't comment further. They were each glad the other didn't start to laugh, otherwise they both would have laughed uncontrollably.

Sarah could tell John wanted to be out in the field to lead his troops. She also felt he needed to be protected. She knew Cameron did protect him. She was glad Cameron kept Kyle and Derek out of combat. It was something she was personally grateful for. She understood their need to assist. and thought a recon mission was good enough for them to do along with a Terminator. Surveillance was usually more mundane and drawn out. A recon or surveillance mission could turn into combat in the blink of an eye.

John already considered the option his mother indicated. There was another player on the field who would need to make the decision as to how she wanted to play things.

"An aerial barrage is an option." John said. "Cameron may wish for a direct approach. I think she wants better answers."

Cameron already made some preliminary plans based on the information they gathered so far. She was ready to go.

"I do want some answers." Cameron said. "I may decide to have two of the drones hit one side of the compound to flush out whatever is inside. Cammy can hit targets of opportunity if anyone tries to make a break for it. The last two drones will be held in reserve in case I need them."

Sarah knew she didn't have much religious faith, but she did have faith in their team.

"John was right." Sarah said. "Kill them all and let God sort it out."

Cameron thought John Henry straightened out John and Sarah earlier. Maybe she needed to make her plan clearer to them. There would be nothing left up to mythology.

"There's no deity involved." Cameron said. "It will be me on the ground. I'll approach the compound in the vehicle we captured from the last Gray along with Hanna. Sheila and Ally will be on the ground nearby to assist. I'll have them pre-positioned where I want them. They will work their way toward the compound and be ready to strike. They'll be ready to back our play."

John saw a big red flag with Cameron's plans. It looked too risky from the start.

"Why will only Hanna and you go in alone?" John asked. "I don't like it."

Sarah could picture the danger in her move.

"I don't like it either." Sarah said. "Where are the rest of our Terminators?"

Cameron sent John Henry her plan before they even laid eyes on the compound. It appeared she was correct in her early assessment.

"They'll be in predetermined locations Cameron has selected." John Henry said. "She's already gone over the satellite photos along with the updated drone images."

Sarah thought there needed to be more to the plan. It appeared the current plan was little more than a direct assault on a fortified position. She was very skeptical about how things would play out. It seemed their team would need to face unnecessary danger.

"Cameron and Hanna will enter a hornet's nest full of Grays and Terminators, which will be hit on one side with missiles. The nature of the attack will then drive everyone towards them." Sarah said. "I really don't like it."

Cameron was glad Sarah understood the plan. She didn't understand how apprehensive Sarah was. What was inside was unknown as well.

"We also know at least three Terminators are present. There may be more." Cameron added. "We don't know what's inside yet. I want to know."

Sarah silently looked at John. She wanted him to do more to help Cameron.

John shrugged his shoulders. He felt powerless when it came to Cameron. He understood why Cameron often operated alone. She didn't like anyone to second guess her. Everything she did was dangerous.

"Cameron knows what she's doing with these assaults." John said. "We all know it."

They all knew Cameron would face the threat alone if she thought she needed to. At least tonight she was able to have more help and the full backing of the Resistance.

Cameron tried to put it all together. There were too many blank spots. The attack against them earlier was targeted. The Grays thought they were after specific targets.

"I think these are some of the people who tried to kill John, Sarah, and Mrs. Weaver in her office at her building." Cameron said. "They can't know about Mrs. Weaver any other way. She hides who she is in the futures she's been too. She usually assumes Allison's appearance."

Everyone knew Mrs. Weaver really assumed Cameron's appearance when she was 'Allison'.

John Henry didn't want to get ahead of the game. He didn't see any evidence to back up Cameron's claim. There were still a lot of things which were unknown.

"We don't know what they know." John Henry said.

Cameron felt the Gray possessed enough information to target them.

"They only must have a description of Mrs. Weaver to think Savannah was her, as her 'mother'." Cameron said. "I'm going to let Hanna play 'Mrs. Weaver' and see what we can find out."

None of it sat well with Cameron. How they knew Mrs. Weaver was a Terminator, a Liquid Metal Terminator on top of it, was beyond her. She knew Mrs. Weaver kept it a closely guarded secret. These could be Grays and Terminators from a different future as well. They wouldn't know it.

Cameron always made a point of letting the different Skynets she terminated see her. It deflected attention away from John and his family, and centered it on her. The downside of it was it also put a target on Allison - ALL of them.

She didn't want anyone to be targeted or sacrificed because of her. Savannah and Young Allison were to be kept secure. They were to be protected as much as John was. She briefly wondered if maybe the attack was from a future where Savannah and Young Allison were the ones who led the action against the enemy. It might not even have been directed at any of the Terminators. No. They referred to her as a 'Metal Bitch'. They seemed to think Savannah was some type of Liquid Metal Terminator. The enemy knew who they were. The enemy was about to find out who they were.

Savannah arrived back at the Resistance base with Jesse and Gail. She monitored all of the developments and Cameron's plans. She headed for the Command Center.

Jesse could see Savannah was upset she was sidelined. She didn't realize Savannah returned, just to get her out of danger. Savannah would have stayed out in the field with Cameron otherwise. She didn't want Savannah to make any comments to Cameron from the Command Center.

"Look, love." Jesse said. "Cameron knows what she's doing. Don't second guess her in front of everyone. Let her do her thing."

Savannah knew what Jesse meant. It was different to say something to Cameron alone, as to it being broadcast over the coms. There were ways around it, even if they were complicated. CamNet would assist her. There were still a lot of things which could go wrong.

"I'm worried about her." Savannah said.

Jesse could see how much Cameron and Savannah loved each other. There was no physical aspect yet. It made the love pure and true. It was the most beautiful type of love. She wanted to let Savannah know Cameron's concern for Savannah, was as great as Savannah's concern for Cameron.

"She's worried about you." Jesse said. "We can all see it…."

Gail wanted Jesse safe too. She was secure at the base now. She didn't want Savannah to worry as much about Cameron's safety. It was time she returned to her duties as a Terminator.

"I'll go to assist Cameron." Gail said and turned to leave.

Savannah reached out and took her hand. She didn't want Jesse to feel any worry or anxiety if Gail left.

"No. Please stay with Jesse." Savannah said. "It's what Cameron wants."

Gail knew the other Metal girls were out in the danger zone. She felt she should be too.

"Cam and Cammy are out there." Gail said. "They're not 'protecting' Vanna and you."

Savannah didn't like to see Gail conflicted. She smiled at her. She would make her 'assignment' a little bit broader than just Jesse.

"It's what you're to do for Vanna and me." Savannah said. "There aren't many Terminators here to help protect the base. We still don't know the full extent of the threat yet."

Savannah could tell Gail wasn't happy about being left behind with everyone else out in the field. She took Gail's hand and led her off to where Vanna was with Jan, Jesse followed along.

"Now you can watch over all of us." Savannah said. "Everyone is now better protected since you're here to watch over them."

Savannah touched Gail's cheek with her hand. She let it linger for a moment before she removed it.

Gail reached up and touched her cheek where Savannah touched it.

Jesse saw the effect it seemed to have to calm Gail.

Savannah noticed and smiled at Jesse.

Jesse noted Savannah was good at reaching out, and Hot.

Gail relaxed and everyone was happy.

Savannah slipped out to go back to the Command Center….

The night was far from over.

Cameron went over everything again with Hanna, Ally, and Sheila. She wanted events to play out in a specific manner.

They all knew the plan.

Cameron double checked with John, John Henry, Cammy, and Cam.

They reaffirmed everything again.

Cameron double checked with each team of Terminators.

Everyone reported back to her. Everyone was in place and ready.

John Henry still blocked all communications in the area. The Gray compound couldn't receive any information from the outside. They wouldn't know where their teams were, or what happened to them. They didn't have any idea. All they knew was three vehicles ventured out, and none returned so far.

The sucker play was, one known vehicle would be back soon. The vehicle would be the same. The occupants of it wouldn't be. By the time it was figured out. It would be too late.

Savannah used a secure com link which was only for Cameron. She went through CamNet. She wasn't attempting to create a problem. She did want Cameron to know her concern and use caution.

CamNet was very responsive to Savannah. Because CamNet was created from Cameron's program, it felt everything Cameron did. Only Cameron's feelings for John were blocked. None of the feelings for Savannah, or the other females, were blocked.

Savannah stepped outside the Command Center to speak privately with Cameron. She wanted Cameron to listen to her.

"Cameron, I want you to be careful and cautious." Savannah said. "Otherwise, I'm coming there to be with you. I'll go there even on my own if I have to. I hope you're listening to me. I'll go there. I swear it."

Cameron didn't want Savannah to return to the danger zone. She wanted Savannah to remain at the Resistance base.

"Please don't worry." Cameron said.

Savannah already communicated with CamNet about what was to be done if there was a 'problem'.

"If anything happens and you see the energy bubble appear, take Hanna and yourself into it." Savannah said. "I don't want to have to use it…."

Cameron wasn't sure if it meant Savannah would come for her. It was too risky.

"Savannah, I'm trying to keep you safe." Cameron said. "I already have enough worries. I'm counting on you…."

Savannah wanted to make her position clear. She wasn't about to let anything happen to Cameron.

"You think of ME before you do anything foolish, or take too big of a chance." Savannah said. "I'm asking you this for me. I'll come there if I have to. I want you to remember it."

Cameron was constructed to terminate. It was what she was about to do. It was personal to her this time. She would be more ruthless than usual.

"Savannah, please let me do what I was built for." Cameron said.

Savannah and Cameron shared a long silence.

"Cameron…." Savannah said.

"Yes?" Cameron asked.

"I love you." Savannah said.

There was another long silence.

"I love you too, Savannah." Cameron said.

Cameron broke the link. She touched Hanna to have her turn her audio back on. She made Hanna turn it off because she knew what Savannah was going to say. It was what she wanted to say back to Savannah as well. It was time to act.

"Are you ready?" Cameron asked.

Hanna knew the plan.

"Yes." Hanna said.

"We're rolling. Have the drones start their run in two minutes." Cameron said. "It's Showtime."

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Hornet's Nest

The journey through life itself
Is more than a quest
It's a bumpy path
That is more of a contest

Everyone must choose carefully
In what they will invest
Because everything in itself
Is really just another test

Few are content with less
They want to achieve what is best
It requires work and effort
It often means there is no rest

No one wants to end up as 'friends'
Or treated as a passing guest
When it eventually happens
It does no good to protest

Two can reach out
Even share with zest
No one wants rejection
Even if it's in jest

Feelings are directed
One hopes the other's heart they'll infest
If that's not the case
One usually becomes a pest

It is hoped love's stinger
Will penetrate the chest or breast
More often that not
It just stirs up a hornet's nest

Nobody