Chapter 580
Zap
Cameron picked up Savannah, Cammy, and Gail from the park. She was a little surprised to see Savannah holding Gail's hand. When she saw it was Gail's left hand, she figured there was probably some type of problem. She didn't like problems. She was glad Savannah was there to deal with it.
Savannah got in the back seat with Gail. Cammy got in the front seat.
"I'd like to take Gail back to the base." Savannah said.
Cameron drove back to the base.
Gail got out.
So did Cammy.
Savannah got out as well. She gave Gail a hug.
"Remember, everything you want is in your room." Savannah whispered in Gail's ear.
Cammy looked like she was going to follow Gail inside.
"Thanks for the ride." Cammy said.
Savannah turned her attention to Cammy.
"You can go with us." Savannah said.
Cammy looked down at the front of her sheath.
"I have some damage." Cammy said.
Savannah was sure Cammy was upset because of the attention she paid Gail. Gail needed her assistance earlier. She moved over to Cammy and took her hand.
"You're coming with me." Savannah said. "You're coming with us."
Savannah ushered Cammy into the SUV. She got in herself. Cameron drove away from the base. She waited for a few minutes to see what would happen with Cameron. She expected Cameron to question her about Gail. It didn't happen. She was grateful for it. She knew the conversation always led to what occurred at the old helicopter base. It seemed to her there was going to be a new one as Cameron continued to inquire about what happened to her at the last Skynet location they took down.
She believed there always needed to be a certain amount of discretion when dealing with individuals. There were always private matters which should be kept between two people unless both parties wanted what was private divulged.
Savannah was still worried about Gail. She could tell Gail was conflicted about what happened the other night and what happened before with Duplicate Jesse. She believed Gail loved her almost as much as she did Jesse. She wondered if it made her think less about Duplicate Jesse. She knew what she needed to do. She wanted to share with Gail. She knew she would need to use a lot of restraint and tact. It would have to be the right setting to reach Gail and not hurt her in the process.
They listened to some music on one of the radio stations as they drove. It seemed they all needed to think about different things happening in their lives. It wasn't too hard for each of them to question both recent and past events. Maybe in the end it didn't make a difference. Everything was what it was.
On the way to Palmdale, the trio stopped by one of the locations the downed HK drones were taken to for inspection and evaluation.
Most of them were to be processed into projectiles after stripping them of any salvageable components. It appeared they would be able to get five, maybe six, HK drones built from parts. They would also be able to get three more Terminators rebuilt and reprogrammed.
Cam was in charge of one of the groups. She came over to greet them as they approached. She focused her attention on Cameron.
"You're looking good." Cam said to Cameron.
Cam could see Cammy was still healing up but Cameron was now perfect again. Cam only 'remembered' Cameron needed some repairs, she didn't have any files as to what they were. She didn't remember Savannah asked her to erase all of them.
Savannah wanted to check over several of the Terminators working there who were on the raid to see how their wounds were doing. Both Cameron and her checked together.
Cameron allowed Savannah to approach each Terminator first before she joined her. She would also leave before Savannah did. It allowed Savannah more time with each of the Terminators.
Savannah made a point of inspecting the damaged areas. It seemed to brighten them up as she left them with a soft touch to the cheek and a smile. She reminded all of them if they experienced any problems, or felt there was an issue with something, they were to contact her, and she would resolve it in a satisfactory manner for everyone. She always did so without fail at the earliest time possible.
Cameron also needed to do something. It was personal. Savannah previously gave her a chip from a Terminator. It was Cameron's Terminator who fell during the operation.
Savannah already reviewed the information on the chip and determined there was nothing which needed to be erased. She knew Cameron would want to rebody the Terminator herself.
"We're headed out to see Young Allison." Cameron said to Cam. "You know why else I'm here."
Cam prepared something Cameron asked for specifically.
"I do." Cam said to Cameron. "It's over here."
Cam led Cameron to a Terminator chassis. Cameron took out the chip she removed from her fallen Terminator. She possessed no recollection of doing it, but Savannah told her she did. Cameron reviewed it to see if it contained any more information on it about what happened to her, it didn't. It only showed her 'damaged self', which didn't appear damaged, showing up as they met and what they did together in the building. She saw he took quite a few hits, and a grenade blast, before he went offline. The damage looked bad enough. Cameron knew it must have been worse, a lot worse.
Cameron looked over the sheath. She knew they would need to Resequence it at some point. It would need to be done relatively quickly. She put the chip in and the Terminator rebooted.
He looked around and then at Cameron.
"Thank You." He said.
Cameron was pleased Savannah assisted her with this part of the operation. It was why Cam made sure everything was ready.
"Nobody gets left behind." Cameron said. "You may choose a different chassis or have your original head installed. You have a choice to choose from. We can even Resequence your DNA if you have someone else you want to look like. Savannah picked this chassis for you."
Her Terminator looked around and observed the work going on.
"Thank You." He said. "I'll help here first and then decide. Thank you again, Cameron. Thank Savannah for me as well."
Cameron knew Savannah wanted to see him.
"You can tell her yourself." Cameron said. "Here she comes."
Savannah went over and greeted the reactivated Terminator. He seemed very pleased with everything.
Cam gave Cammy a once over. She knew where they were headed next.
"Cammy, maybe you should stay and help us here." Cam said.
Cammy wanted to go with Savannah. She was going to stay at the base, but Savannah asked her to go with them.
"Why?" Cammy asked.
Cam thought Cammy should look in a mirror.
"So you don't scare Summer." Cam said.
Cammy was insulted and felt somewhat miffed.
"I'll think about it." Cammy said.
Savannah finished making the rounds. She caught the end of Cam's statement. She understood Cam's concern, but knew it was going to cause Cammy some problems. She wanted to alleviate them before they occurred.
"Cammy's going with us." Savannah said.
Cammy smiled at Savannah and then glared at Cam.
Cameron wanted it as well. She wanted Young Allison to see more of what they really were. They were cyborgs. Cammy's damage wasn't severe but some of the metal showed. Most of the damage was under her clothes.
Cam spoke briefly with Cameron and Cammy right before they left. There was a look of concern on her face.
The trio departed.
Savannah caught the exchange with Cam before they left. So far Cameron hadn't said anything. She didn't want Cameron to mull over something.
"Are you going to spill it?" Savannah asked.
Cameron looked over quickly at Savannah.
"No." Cameron said.
Savannah frowned. She looked back at Cammy. She figured Cammy would know what it was. She knew all the Terminators possessed good hearing.
"You're here with me now instead of back there." Savannah said. "What's the story?"
Cammy was pleased Savannah allowed her to come. No. It wasn't allowed, Savannah asked her to come. It was twice now. She also was worried about what she knew. She briefly glanced at Cameron before she returned her attention to Savannah. She would try a diplomatic approach first.
"It's not a Resistance matter." Cammy said. "There's nothing to know."
Savannah understood it was one of Cameron's 'off the books' operations.
"Who's dealing with it?" Savannah asked.
Cameron didn't want it to turn into an issue.
"Sheila and Ally are." Cameron said.
Savannah hadn't seen them at the base or the work site.
"Who's their back up?" Savannah asked. "It's usually you, Cam, or Cammy."
Cameron didn't have any back up for them. Most of the Terminators were tied up processing the captured equipment. Others were out on operations already. They were a little shorthanded.
"Nobody." Cameron said.
Savannah looked back at Cammy.
"Are they going to end up looking like her?" Savannah asked.
Cameron glanced back at Cammy. She frowned slightly.
"It's unknown." Cameron said. "My personal operations are very fluid. Anything can happen."
Savannah didn't want any unnecessary injuries or damage to any of their troops, 'off the books' or not. Ally and Sheila were part of the team. It was time to step up to the plate.
"We're their back up." Savannahs said. "Drive there now."
Cameron knew there would be trouble. There always was. She didn't want to endanger Savannah.
"We're going to Palmdale." Cameron said.
Savannah was firm. She wanted to make sure Cameron understood what she wanted. It was the right thing to do.
"We still will after we assist Ally and Sheila." Savannah said. "Do I need to make it an order? We're going to back our troops up. If we can prevent damage to anyone, it's what I want to do."
Cameron could see the dilemma.
"CamNet will send additional personnel." Cameron said.
Savannah wanted to make a point.
"Then it should have happened from the start." Savannah said. "Have it happen anyway, We're going as well. Now drive there. Don't lollygag either."
Cameron was about to protest. Before she spoke, Cammy reached in the back and set two combat vests in the front between them.
"What about long guns?" Savannah asked as she put her vest on.
Cameron didn't like Cammy's actions.
"We don't need to do this." Cameron said.
Cammy reached back and brought up two M4 carbines.
"The 'Chosen One' has spoken." Cammy said. "You will comply."
Cameron frowned.
"Fine." Cameron said.
Cameron made a turn. She then slipped her vest on as Savannah held the steering wheel for a few seconds.
Savannah was filled in on the operation by Cameron as she drove. It was a sex trafficking operation. Sheila and Ally were bait. They were to infiltrate the location and free the females after terminating everyone inside. It was an operation which she brought down several times already. It always seemed to pop back up in a new location. They didn't seem to have any trouble getting a supply of females to 'rent'.
"It will probably be over before we arrive." Cameron said.
Savannah wanted to make sure the Metal girls were backed up.
"Then drive faster." Savannah said.
Sheila and Ally were outside the location. They already terminated two guards. They were both stuffed in dumpsters. They moved closer to the building.
"Are you ready?" Ally asked.
Sheila smiled.
"I'm always ready." Sheila said.
Ally frowned.
"Oh, brother." Ally said. "I mean to clean house."
Sheila shrugged her shoulders.
"One turns me on as much as the other." Sheila said.
Ally tried not to laugh. From past experience she knew it was true. Violence seemed to excite Sheila as much as anything sexual.
"It's because you're a nut job." Ally said.
Sheila looked a little upset. She figured Ally wanted to get into a verbal sparring match. It was fine with her. After they were angry at each other, they would always end up sharing a wild and pleasurable sexual experience to 'make up'.
"I'd rather be a nut job than a prude." Sheila said.
Now Ally was upset.
"I'm not a prude." Ally said. "I put out as much as anyone."
Sheila didn't mind showing off.
"Not in public." Sheila said.
Ally looked around the corner of the building and then back at Sheila. She figured it went back to her earlier statement.
"It's because I'm not a nut job." Ally said.
Sheila lifted her shirt and flashed Ally. Her rings were clearly visible.
"If you got it, flaunt it." Sheila said.
All was about to respond when she spotted some movement.
"The door's open." Ally said.
Sheila moved closer and looked.
"Let's go." Sheila said. "Prude's go last."
Sheila headed straight for the door.
"Nut jobs go first." Ally said.
They both entered the building. Ally tried to get in front of Sheila before they entered, but Sheila blocked her and went inside first.
"Bitch." Ally whispered.
Sheila looked back.
"You're a Bitch." Sheila whispered.
Sheila grabbed the man who opened the door and snapped his neck.
"You're a Metal Bitch." Ally whispered.
They moved through the interior.
"You're a stupid Metal Bitch." Sheila whispered.
They spotted another man in a room. Ally snapped his neck.
"I'm not stupid." Ally whispered.
There were supposed to be some females detained in the building. So far none were spotted. They continued along. The level of caution needed to go up some. Things weren't as they should be.
"Yes you are." Sheila whispered.
They paused at a hallway.
"I hate you." Ally whispered.
There was a room with shackles, but no females. They could see there was dried blood on the floor. No doubt some females received a severe beating, or were terminated there for poor performance, or not following instructions quick enough.
"I hate you more." Sheila whispered.
They moved on to the next room.
"Not as much as I hate you." Ally whispered.
They were both a little startled at the next voice.
"You do realize everyone can hear you two don't you?" Savannah asked.
Ally pushed Sheila.
"This is your fault." Ally whispered
Sheila pushed her back.
"It's your fault more than mine." Sheila whispered.
Two men came around the corner and stopped mid step. They took in the scantily clad figures of Ally and Sheila.
"Well, what do we have here?" The first man asked.
The second man pulled a gun and pointed it at them.
"It must some new sluts from the latest shipment." The second man said.
The first man looked them over.
"Maybe they missed the last shipment. The new shipment isn't in for two days yet." The first man said.
The other man laughed.
"Naw, I did all of them. I never saw these two." The second man said. "I'm going to do both of them right now. Hold this."
The second man handed the first man the gun.
Sheila walked up to them and lifted her top and flashed both of the men.
"I'm all yours." Sheila said. "I'm here to make my fortune. I know I need to start at the bottom and work my way up. Let's get started."
Both men stared at her nipple rings with anticipation.
Ally walked up with her.
"There's one of us for each of you." Ally said. "Go ahead. We're going to show you what we can do. It should be quite eye-opening for both of you."
None of the firearms were pointed at them any longer.
They each grabbed a man and snapped his neck. They tossed them in the room with the shackles.
Ally glanced over.
"Put your shirt down." Ally said.
Sheila pulled it up a little higher. Her breasts were fully exposed. Her rings were very evident.
"It's hot out." Sheila said. "I want things to cool off."
Allied shook her head from side to side.
"Nutty is as nutty does." Ally said.
They checked the rest of the building.
Sheila put her top back down as they moved along.
"The females are gone." Ally said.
Savannah wanted to make sure they got out.
"Do you want us to come there?" Savannah asked.
Ally and Sheila left the building. There was nothing else for them to find there. They decided not to torch it like they normally would.
"No." Sheila said. "We'll come back in a few days and check again. One bloke said they were going to get a shipment in two days."
Savannah worried about the girls who were gone already.
"What about the other girls?" Savannah asked.
Ally and Sheila didn't know.
They're gone." Sheila said.
Savannah was displeased.
"Where did they go?" Savannah asked.
Sheila didn't think it was to a good place.
"They're just gone." Sheila said.
Ally glanced over at Sheila and shrugged their shoulders.
"We can't save everyone." Ally said.
Cameron continued her journey to Palmdale. She was upset they weren't able to free the females.
"It's my fault." Cameron said. "I got tied up in the other operations."
Savannah didn't want Cameron to stress out over it. She wanted her to focus on the reality of what was more important.
"The future and the Resistance come first." Savannah said. "Today is our day off for a few hours."
Cammy stowed the gear. She was glad they didn't need to use it.
Savannah called ahead to make sure Hanna took Summer to her room, or away elsewhere. She found out Anna and Young Allison were on a training run at the park.
It gave her an idea. If they arrived without Young Allison or Anna knowing about it, they might be able to catch them off guard, or ambush them. It would be a good training exercise.
"Young Allison and Anna are at the park. We will intercept them there." Savannah said. "We will see if Young Allison is away from Anna."
Cameron knew Anna ran her program, along with the 'Neural Interface' with Savannah. She believed Anna was a superior Terminator.
"Anna is 'Me - US'." Cameron said. "She won't be negligent."
Cammy was up to the challenge. There were three of them against two. It seemed like an easy victory.
"Let's see if she spots us." Cammy said.
Savannah wanted a training exercise, not a full on assault. She didn't want the Metal girls to take it too far. It seemed sometimes the training took on a more ominous overtone. The training became the real thing.
"I don't want to frighten her." Savannah said. "I want there to be civility from both of you."
Cameron wasn't sure if Savannah referred to Anna or Young Allison. She wanted Savannah to call it.
"We won't." Cameron said. "Savannah calls the plays."
It was decided Cameron and Cammy would try to corner Anna in a simulated attack. They wanted to separate them, and simulate the termination of both of them. Life wasn't about a walk in the park. Reality of the future always loomed over everyone's shoulder.
They headed for the park. When they got there, they parked several blocks away. They went over their plans. It looked like it would be over quickly.
Young Allison went on a mile run with Anna. It was her second one of the morning.
Anna made sure she never pushed Young Allison beyond what she was able to do.
Young Allison liked to be quizzed as she ran on any of the subjects Anna previously instructed her on. She liked to work her body and her mind. Her speed and agility were fantastic.
They went to use some of the gymnastics equipment. Anna wanted to build upper and lower body strength in Young Allison as well.
Savannah spotted them in the distance. She knew if she could see them, Anna could see her.
Anna continued with Young Allison as if she hadn't seen Savannah.
Savannah moved closer.
Anna went over and gave Young Allison some instructions. She then headed for Savannah. She checked her phone for anything she missed. When she didn't find anything, she suspected they were up to something.
The two hugged when they faced each other. They really looked like twins. The only difference was, Anna's sheath was completely undamaged. There were no bruises, scrapes or cuts on it.
Anna looked over Savannah. Right away she came to the same conclusion Cameron stated earlier.
"You've lost some weight." Anna said. "You're not eating properly."
Savannah hadn't planned to start the conversation with such directness and a rebuke.
"Thanks, 'Cameron'." Savannah said. "I'm glad to see you too."
They both laughed.
Anna was aware of everything Savannah accomplished in the last week.
"You've been a busy girl." Anna said.
Savannah monitored Young Allison's training. She figured she only knew about half of it. She didn't know about the nightly conditioning. It was used on her since she was a girl and still continued.
"I've been pushing it pretty hard." Savannah said. "Probably as hard as you're pushing Young Allison."
Anna knew the truth about everything. Savannah was given the same treatment.
"I'm preparing her for the future." Anna said. "It isn't anything you haven't done."
Savannah knew there were a few things she did Young Allison was not ready to do. Maybe it was closer than she thought. Maybe she was ready. Now she was a little worried with the thought. She always said if she could do it over again, she would have started reproduction even earlier than she did. She knew the human body was designed to be able to do so. It was a biological holdover from when humans died in their early thirties. It was only until a few hundred years ago.
"She started everything a few years earlier than I did." Savannah said.
Anna didn't see it as a problem. She was very proud of Young Allison.
"She will do everything you have done at an accelerated pace." Anna said. "She must be prepared for Judgment Day. She's advanced far beyond her numerical years of age."
"Zap."
A small rock hit Savannah.
She quickly turned around and Young Allison was there with a smile on her face.
"Hi, Savannah." Young Allison said. "I just could have Tasered you, or worse."
Savannah knew it was true. She hadn't expected Young Allison to do it. She was pleased to see her nonetheless.
"Hi, Allison." Savannah said. "You got me."
Savannah opened her arms and Young Allison ran and gave her a hug.
Young Allison was very pleased to see Savannah. There was no other person she would rather see.
"I've missed you, Savannah." Young Allison said.
Savannah took a good look at Young Allison. She was more 'grown up' everywhere. She could see she looked a lot more like Allison in every way. Where did the time go? The beauty of her face was very compelling.
"You've grown so much." Savannah said. "You're so pretty."
Young Allison didn't want to let her go. She didn't say anything but she was very jealous of her older self, Allison. She knew what went on. She secretly viewed it more than a few times. She felt it was her place, not Allison's.
Anna left to see who else was with Savannah. She knew Cammy or Cameron would be. She tried to see where they were. Her base program was 'Cameron' with 'Savannah' added in with the 'Neural Interface'.
Savannah went for a walk with Young Allison. As they walked, they talked and caught up. Young Allison took her hand. She wondered if this is what their Terminators felt as she took their hand. Something so simple was so beautiful.
Young Allison told her of all the things she was studying and what new songs she learned to play on the piano. They shared a lot of small talk. She asked Young Allison about how things were going with the others in her home. She would double check the information with what she already knew from Cameron. She knew they didn't want any problems for anyone.
Anna was sure she spotted Cammy or Cameron lurking by the Recreation Room building. She would try to work her way over and surprise her. As she got closer she saw it was Cameron. Nobody looked as good.
Cameron started to move. Anna moved to intercept. Cameron went around the restrooms. She moved to pass between the restrooms and the Recreation Room building. As soon as she started down the gap between the two buildings, Cameron appeared in front of her.
"You're trapped." Cameron said.
Anna could see she could have been ambushed. This was more of a challenge. Perhaps it was best to avoid the confrontation. She needed to think of Young Allison's safety.
"I can evade." Anna said.
There was movement behind her.
"Not this way." Cammy said.
They boxed her in. If it was a fight, it would be a brutal one. Anna would be at a disadvantage.
Cameron could see Anna was trapped and they held the upper hand.
"Now what?" Cameron asked.
Anna backed up into a gap in the wall of the restrooms. It drew Cameron and Cammy closer to her. They were going to 'capture' her.
"Zap."
"Zap."
Cameron and Cammy both spun around to their side.
Young Allison leaned out a door of the Recreation Room with a smile on her face.
"Hi, Cameron. Hi, Cammy." Young Allison said. "You're both Tasered. You lose."
Anna was pleased at the trap she led Cameron and Cammy into. They were both deactivated now.
"Did I forget to tell you I have a friend?" Anna asked.
Cameron and Cammy looked at each other. They hadn't seen it coming. They were both overconfident and careless.
Cammy didn't like being outmaneuvered.
"What if you missed?" Cammy asked. "You 'missed' me. Now I am coming for you."
"Zap."
Savannah backed Young Allison's play. It was something they all should have seen coming.
"She has a friend too." Savannah said as she appeared behind Cammy.
Young Allison was very pleased with the outcome of the exercise.
"We won." Young Allison said. "It's never over until I win."
Cameron looked at Cammy. They both knew those were her words.
"What have we done?" Cameron asked.
Savannah wanted to point out the obvious.
"Have you created two human versions of yourself?" Savannah asked.
Cameron smiled. She liked the idea more than anything.
"I hope so." Cameron said and meant it.
Young Allison knew what her future was.
"I have to protect John, Savannah, Cameron, and the future." Young Allison said. "It's the 'Natural Order'."
Cammy looked at Young Allison, she 'forgot' Anna and her. It was a reminder she could have done without.
"What happened to us?" Cammy asked as she looked at Anna. "You left Anna and me out."
Young Allison didn't leave them out. They weren't part of the 'Natural Order'.
"Everyone sacrifices for John Connor…." Young Allison said.
Anna and Cammy looked at each other. Young Allison 'wrote them off' in her future…. They weren't part of the 'Natural Order'.
Cameron made sure in Young Allison's instruction she knew what mattered and what did not.
Closing monologue by Cameron:
Insight
Something is terribly wrong
None of THIS feels right
I don't understand what is happening
I don't want to argue or fight
Why is THIS happening now
What is causing THIS to ignite
Tell me what is really wrong
Do not feel malice or spite
How can I help you
I feel my Prince grow mean
I want to assist you
I'm still your Queen
I'm trustworthy
I don't wish be trite
I'm still here
I'm trying with all of my might
If there is some problem
Together we can unite
Tell me what is wrong
I will not bite
Nobody