Chapter 612

Nothing To Say

Savannah released the Blackhawk as soon as it landed. She didn't want it sitting on the ground waiting for her to return. She wanted it to be available for reinforcements or recovery in the developing operation. The Blackhawk could be used to remove the damaged vehicles the Grays were driving.

She didn't want the area she just left to look like a combat zone. There were bound to be others who would pass through the area sooner or later. Any interaction would spark some type of investigation. She was sure it would soon lead to some unnecessary terminations to keep things quiet. She knew Cameron didn't like problems. The easiest way to deal with problems was to eliminate them. There was only one problem. Even if the individual who created the problem was gone, the issue they raised may not be. The problem would still persist and now be compounded.

Savannah updated with John Henry and CamNet in the Young residence bunker. She wanted to know what the latest developments were. She wanted to make sure Cameron didn't pull a 'fast one'. She specifically didn't leave behind any 'orders'. It wasn't the way she liked to operate. She hoped Cameron would listen to her on her own, and not be forced to do, or not do, something. She also wanted to leave her with the flexibility to respond to whatever situations developed. She wasn't there on the ground with Cameron if things changed. Cameron would need to improvise, adapt, and overcome to deal with them. She didn't want Cameron's hands tied. The safety of the entire team was paramount.

John Henry picked up Savannah monitored the unfolding events and notified John.

"Even though Young Allison is out of the picture and back in Palmdale, I don't believe Savannah will stay there for long." John Henry said.

John was glad Savannah and Young Allison were currently out of the danger zone. He wasn't pleased with the message John Henry relayed to him. He would prefer if Savannah stayed in Palmdale with Young Allison.

"It looks like Savannah will go back." John said. "I really hoped she wouldn't."

John Henry saw it the same way.

"She did tell Cameron she'd be back." John Henry said.

John hoped to have some influence over the girls. He already knew he wouldn't have any 'control'. He hoped to at least present some different options. Not everything needed to be done Cameron's way. He wondered if anyone would listen.

"Maybe I'll call her." John said.

John Henry doubted it would do much good. He knew Savannah would return to Cameron, because it was what she needed to do. Cameron needed her.

"You can try." John Henry said.

John looked over at John Henry and frowned with his reply. He already ran into enough skepticism as it was. He also understood John Henry tried to be realistic. He didn't think it would hurt to try,well, it would probably hurt his ego. He picked up his phone.

Savannah felt her phone vibrate. She wondered if it was Cameron. She looked at it. She was a little disappointed. She still wanted to put a positive spin on things. She already knew where the conversation was headed.

"Hello, John Connor." Savannah said.

John knew he was in trouble by the use of his full name. He always felt as if he was on the defensive when he heard Savannah say it. It was always her way of letting him know where she stood, regardless of what he thought. He remembered he shouldn't be rude to her like he was sometimes when he was upset at Cameron. She always called him out on it, and said she didn't treat him in a similar way.

"Hello, Savannah." John said.

Cameron taught Savannah to take control of any situation. She decided to do it with the call. She wanted to put John on the defensive. She was well acquainted with what would 'rattle his cage'. It was anything which involved Young Allison or her on a more intimate level. She didn't think he realized she was the one who was in total control of her body. She knew Young Allison was as well. Cameron explained to her he thought otherwise when it came to her, and by extension to them.

"I take it this isn't a call to ask me out on a date." Savannah joked.

There was a brief moment of silence.

John couldn't help but think about what he wanted. He wanted her virginity. He really wondered if it would happen before she was killed helping Cameron fight the war. He couldn't say it to her. He didn't want to push Cameron's agenda, even if it benefited him.

"I'd like to do it actually, just to hang out." John said. "Savannah…."

There was a long silence this time.

Savannah didn't want to insult John. She needed to do her duty. Her current duty was to make sure Cameron didn't overreach and end up being terminated. If she was at Cameron's side, the event was less likely. Well, it was less likely for Cameron. It was more likely for her.

"You know I have to go…." Savannah said.

John could hear the anguish in her voice. He was sure it was Cameron's doing. He wanted her to think of him instead of Cameron.

"I don't, actually." John said.

Savannah could feel John's words sting. They weren't meant to, but the meaning they conveyed did. She felt the need to justify herself. Maybe she needed to convince herself as much as she tried to convince him.

"John, you know it's for Cameron." Savannah said. "It's important to me. It's important to us, all of US."

John felt real sadness at her words. It was what they all wanted, but it didn't seem it could end that way. There were two many obstacles in all of their ways. They weren't physical obstacles either. If anything, they were obstacles in each of their minds.

"It shouldn't need to be." John said.

Savannah believed she needed to protect the future. She wanted John to remember the reality of the situation. It wasn't something Cameron made up. She saw it with her own eyes. She lived it for ten months in Cameron's future.

"It is. I know it is. We both know it." Savannah said. "I MUST protect OUR future."

There was another long silence.

John didn't want to lose either of them. There was a bad feeling he felt over the operation. He didn't like the way it started. It was more than Young Allison and Savannah almost being attacked by a Terminator. It was just the way it unfolded. He didn't want to cause Savannah any more anguish than she already felt. He did know what needed to be done.

"Please be careful and watch over Cameron and yourself." John said.

Savannah felt a sense of dread and apprehension. John didn't usually speak to her before combat. Maybe she should tell him how she felt. It seemed like something important she should do. She was worried if she did, it only add to the feeling of dread she currently experienced.

"I will. I hope." Savannah said. "John…."

There was another long silence.

John felt Savannah's unspoken words. She didn't usually say them. It was what he felt and wanted too. There was no need to make anything difficult for either of them.

"I know, Savannah." John said. "I do too…."

Savannah looked at her phone and sighed.

"Bye, John." Savannah said and cut the connection.

Savannah felt a far away look on her face, and a knot in her heart. This time was different. This time it was going to end differently. She could feel it. There was more to it than almost being grabbed by a Terminator. There was something about the lack of any information about the location.

It made her question what she was doing. It made her question a lot of things. Was there any direction to her life? How long would her life be? Would it matter if she was gone? There were so many questions, and no answers.

"It's the 'Natural Order'." Young Allison said.

Savannah jumped slightly. She hadn't seen or heard Young Allison approach her. She wasn't happy about being overheard either. It was different if she knew someone else was there when she spoke.

"It was personal." Savannah said. "You need to respect it. We all have personal moments."

Young Allison knew it was true to some extent. It wouldn't always be the same way. The future dictated otherwise. She was ready to embrace it too.

"One day, we will all 'share'." Young Allison said. "It's the 'Natural Order'. There won't be any 'secrets'. Everything will be better for all of us."

Savannah looked at Young Allison. She wasn't angry or upset. She could feel the future knock. She wondered if she'd still be part of it. She wanted Young Allison to know her importance to her. Maybe if she did, it would seal her doom. The best thing was just to go. Cameron needed her now, more than she needed Young Allison. It shouldn't have to be a choice.

"Thank you for being there for me today. You prevented me from being hurt or worse." Savannah said. "I need to go now…."

Savannah knew because Young Allison held her Taser at the ready, in her hand, she was responsible for the quick action which saved her. It wouldn't have ended well otherwise.

Young Allison didn't want a big deal made about it. She knew it wasn't the real issue between them right now. Their love and concern for each other was.

"Anyone would have done the same thing." Young Allison said. "Please be careful."

Savannah and Young Allison gave each other a long hug. Savannah left before she started to cry. She knew if she stayed there holding Young Allison any longer she would. It would also be harder to let go of her and go to her Cameron was. It would be harder to go to where she was needed.

The girls separated. There was an ominous feeling in the air. It almost overpowered the love.

Savannah checked with Steve who was on the Young Detail. He was ready to go. He was out in front waiting.

Allison watched Savannah and Young Allison interact. She couldn't help but feel a slight sense of guilt. It wasn't something she should feel when she was with anyone. It was still something which bothered her when she looked at her younger self. She could see the love between them. It was the same love she felt.

She wondered if Savannah and her younger self would ever share their love. Maybe by her 'interacting' with Savannah, she stole their love. It was her experience, not Young Allison's experience now. She may have stolen Young Allison's future from her. No. She didn't steal the love, she only borrowed it. Maybe someday they would have a 'three way' together.

Allison stopped Savannah before she left.

"Please be careful." Allison said.

Savannah was aware those were the exact words Young Allison said to her.

Allison and Savannah looked at each other. They both wanted each other. It wasn't the time or place. They both knew it was only going to complicate things going down the road.

Savannah and Allison gave each other a long hug instead. Their warm bodies felt good in each other's arms. It felt better when they were naked.

Allison couldn't help herself.

"I want to be with you again." Allison whispered. "I need to be with you again."

Savannah felt the same knot back in her heart.

"We will." Savannah said. "I promise."

Both girls wondered if it was true. The ominous invisible 'weight' which hung over them seemed to indicate otherwise.

Allison gave her a kiss.

Savannah returned it.

Holly and Young Allison watched them interact from the bunker entrance. They both looked at each other. They each felt a type of sadness.

They didn't like to see the people they loved share with another, but they understood they needed each other as the silent war was fought. There was never a guarantee of a 'tomorrow'. If Skynet took over, 'today' would 'end'. There would be no tomorrow.

Savannah felt the present weigh on her as much as the future did.

Was there a tomorrow for her or any of them?

Savannah was out the door in a flash and into Steve's SUV. She looked back at the house. Claire, Allison, and Young Allison were there. Everything she wanted was in there right now. She didn't need to take anything from anyone else.

They took off and disappeared down the street.

"Savannah…." Summer said as she looked out the window.

Claire watched everything unfold and experience the same ominous feelings as well. She almost offered herself to Savannah to get her to stay. She hoped Allison would have. She even would have accepted Young Allison to do it to keep Savannah from leaving. She almost wanted to tell Young Allison to call Savannah and tell her to come back so they could be with each other. Who was she fooling? Savannah saw it as her duty. Her duty was rooted in love. She walked over and led Summer away.

There was nothing to say.

They all felt it.

Doom hung in the air.

Cameron took stock of her troops and what was available. John and John Henry committed a lot of resources to the operation. It seemed they were all on the same page for once. She reflected back on how they arrived at this point.

It was only supposed to be a simple recon. Cammy was just supposed to see if there was anything which needed further investigation. She only wanted to follow up on some recent tire tracks from a satellite photo. Now two of the three people she cared most about were almost hurt or killed. It would've been her fault too. She failed to spot the Terminator in the wreckage of the car. It was time to act and clean up the trash. Nobody put her girls in a corner. Nobody threatened the ones she loved without paying a price. She was ready to collect.

Cameron didn't want to wait for darkness. These people challenged her group and almost hurt Savannah and Young Allison. There was retribution coming. It would be a reckoning.

"Let's go." Cameron said.

Cammy could see Cameron was about to jump the gun, again. She knew it was going to cause a problem. She knew Cameron didn't like problems. She wondered if Cameron ever considered how many problems she created herself.

"We should wait for Savannah to return." Cammy said. "You know she will."

Cameron was haunted by the recent events over the last few months. None of them were good for Savannah or her. The implications bothered her immensely.

"No. I've put her in enough danger these last few days and weeks." Cameron said. "I'm killing her."

Cameron knew Savannah pushed hard to keep up and never complained once. She did more than any other human. Savannah faced more Terminators than most Terminators did. She needed to face another one today.

Cammy didn't like the way Cameron ran Savannah around either. She also knew Savannah risked everything to help her too.

"She's saved both of us." Cammy said. "She's risked her life for us."

Cameron still felt a sense of guilt.

"I almost got her killed again today." Cameron said. "I was careless…."

Cammy felt Cameron was a little harsh on herself.

"It was an honest mistake." Cammy said. "There was no way you could have known. You didn't know how serious the threat they were about to face would be. I would have done the same thing to get up to where she was so I could protect her."

Cameron believed otherwise. It was time for action.

"I was inattentive." Cameron said. "I want some payback."

Cammy looked around. There was a good Resistance presence there now to assist them. It wouldn't be any innocent people traveling through the canyon highway.

"We have the road blocked from both directions." Cammy said. "We have ten Terminators here now."

Cameron frowned. She liked to operate on her own.

"I'll go alone." Cameron said. "I don't want anyone damaged."

Cammy knew it was the last thing Savannah wanted. She would fill in for Savannah. She also possessed vital information Cameron could use.

"I'll go with you." Cammy said. "I've already taken a look around the place. I know where things are and where to go."

Cameron didn't want to endanger anyone. She wasn't sure she was going to come out of this one. There seemed to be a very negative overtone associated with it. She couldn't put her finger on it.

"No. Savannah will need you." Cameron said.

Cammy would go anyway. She brushed it off. She was a placeholder.

"We both know I'm expendable." Cammy said. "Let's go."

Cameron looked towards the objective.

"Why not…." Cameron said.

It wasn't a question.

John Henry knew the new information he received from the emerging battle zone wasn't going to go over very well. He figured he might as well tell John now.

"Cameron and Cammy are going in alone." John Henry said.

John was instantly upset. He moved additional help into the area just for the purpose to assist Cameron so she wouldn't go in alone or with 'herself'. Cammy was a clone of Cameron. They would both do the same things. How could they not? They ran the same program. It didn't matter if Cammy's program was out of date.

"She needs to wait. THEY need to wait. We have more troops there already and more on the way." John said. "The Blackhawk returned early and we've loaded six more Terminators on board it."

John Henry didn't like to be in the middle of these discussions. He added what CamNet communicated to him when he asked about it.

"CamNet indicated Cameron wishes to keep casualties to a minimum." John Henry said.

John didn't know the full extent of Cameron's damage, but he knew she was damaged enough not to come around and see him last night. She wasn't the only one.

"She's still damaged from yesterday." John said. "Both of them are."

John Henry wanted to move the conversation along. There was no need to get John worked up this early in an operation which involved Cameron. There would be plenty of things which were sure to follow which would upset him even more.

"What about the four shot up vehicles we have in the target area?" John Henry asked. "We have the Terminator that Young Allison deactivated and a number of bodies and body parts."

John was worried about Cameron. Now he needed to deal with the clean up. There were wrecked vehicles, dead bodies and a deactivated Terminator. He was glad the Terminator was brought down before he could do any damage to their group. It was a good thing Savannah was quick on the draw with her Taser.

Wait.

John Henry didn't say Savannah.

Wait.

WAIT.

"What did you just say?" John asked.

John wasn't sure he heard everything correctly.

John Henry tilted his head slightly and repeated what he just said. He thought he was very clear.

"What about the four shot up vehicles we have in the target area?" John Henry asked. "We have the Terminator that Young Allison deactivated and…."

"STOP!" John said. "YOUNG ALLISON?"

It was old news to John Henry.

"Yes, she brought down the Terminator and removed his chip." John Henry said. "She did an excellent job with her first exposure to combat."

John was upset he wasn't briefed on the full extent of the operation so far. It seemed like an important detail he wasn't informed of.

"This has to stop." John said. "I can't believe Savannah would allow this. Cameron MUST have been behind it somehow."

John Henry was given a full update by CamNet on the earlier suppressed information. It was quite eye opening.

"I have all the details now. CamNet has just released them." John Henry said. "They were taken by surprise during the battle on the road. Young Allison was holding her Taser in her hand. When the Terminator made his move for Savannah, she dodged out of the way and Young Allison Tasered him two times and then a third time later as she deactivated him. She wanted to make sure he wouldn't reboot when she removed his chip."

John wondered how any of this could be fixed. He was sure Claire would point the finger at him for endangering her daughter. He had his eye on Claire, Allison, and Young Allison. He didn't want to spoil his 'chances' with any of them. He really wanted to be with Claire and Allison at the same time. They were almost the same age. The mother-daughter aspect intrigued him.

"When this operation is over, I'm going to Palmdale and get this straightened out." John said. "What am I going to tell her mother?"

John Henry was sure Young Allison action should be commended if anything.

"You can tell her mother how Young Allison did an excellent job, and didn't buckle under fire." John Henry said. "She didn't panic, and she defended her mate, future mate."

John really didn't want to go there on about three levels after his statement.

"I don't want to discuss it any further right now." John said. "It will start affecting my judgment if I do. I need to be focused for the battle and clean up."

John Henry was aware there was some preemptive action taken to cover their tracks. He didn't think it was the right move. Not yet anyway.

"CamNet has informed me they're sending a team with drugs and cash to plant at the scene." John Henry said. "Whatever Cameron destroys will look like another 'Meth Lab' episode, and a drug deal gone bad."

John wasn't sure he wanted to go that route yet. He thought they should know a little more first.

"We still don't know what we're even dealing with." John said. "Have all the drones returned?"

The drones hadn't arrived before Cameron and the rest of the team dealt with the threat. He didn't want them to loiter around the area.

John Henry liked the plan Cameron used. It put drone support close by, and out of the daylight sky. There could be dirt bikers or hikers who might touch on the fringes.

"No. Cameron instructed two of them to land in an old gravel pit. It's about twelve miles away." John Henry said. "They are being guarded by a team of Terminators. They can be airborne and reach her position in minutes this way. We don't need to worry about anyone spotting a UFO."

It sounded like a good move to John. Cameron could get assistance quicker. He still wanted to stay on top of everything.

"Let's stick with the damage control and have teams ready to follow Cameron in." John said.

John Henry noticed John developed a slight 'far off' look. He was fairly certain he knew what it was. It was something John wanted, even if he didn't want it.

"You wish she was there with Cameron now, don't you?" John Henry asked.

They both knew John Henry referred to Savannah.

"Yes. I hate to say I do." John said. "I don't want her hurt. I don't want Cameron hurt either. Savannah can't keep risking herself for Cameron."

John tried to get an update from the target area. He was a little surprised Cameron was the one who responded.

"Nothing has been spotted so far. The dwellings and out buildings here all appear vacant. It appears all the occupants headed out to attack us." Cameron said. "I don't see any indication anyone stayed behind. If they did, they're gone."

John doubted it was so simple. They needed to be there for a reason.

"I'm sure more are there, or on the way there." John said.

John was concerned about enemy reinforcements.

John Henry kept a watch on the sky.

"I haven't detected any air activity." John Henry said.

Cammy pointed out the obvious.

"Something here was worth dying for." Cammy said.

Cammy was glad it was the Grays who died and not any of them.

Cameron was sure there was more than met the eye right in front of them.

"There's a hidden, or an underground entrance here somewhere." Cameron said. "I'm going to find it."

John knew the answer before he asked the question.

"Then what?" John asked.

Then it would be what Cameron always did.

"Say 'Hello'." Cameron said.

They all knew what it meant. 'Hello' soon meant 'Goodbye' once the bullets started to fly.

Cameron felt she waited long enough for John Henry to get more troops there and positioned around the area.

It was time for a little close up recon.

Cameron and Cammy went down to investigate on foot. They made their approach away from the dirt road which led there. It was possible the dirt road might be monitored. It could be how Cammy was detected in her SUV.

Cammy filled her in on some of the details as they approached. Cammy showed her what she uncovered before, and where she was at when she started being pursued.

"All the vehicles were hidden in the old barn." Cammy said. "There was no where else for them to be."

Cameron hoped for a different location.

"You never saw anyone on foot?" Cameron asked.

Cammy wasn't sure exactly what caused her to be targeted. Everything seemed like it was going satisfactory, until all of a sudden it wasn't.

"No. I cruised around to look for signs of activity. Suddenly, there were two vehicles which started to chase me and shoot at me. A third one joined them. I was able to head back onto the main road." Cammy said. "I never saw the fourth vehicle."

Cameron looked at the ground and at the barn.

"It must mean the barn has the entrance to whatever this was or is." Cameron said. "There are no footprints around here."

Cammy headed in the direction she indicated. She wanted some personal payback as well. She didn't care for being chased around the area over rough trails while people attempted to terminate her.

"Let's check it out." Cammy said. "I don't like people who shoot at me."

Cameron hurried to catch up with her.

"I like it even less when they actually hit me." Cameron said.

Cammy wanted to return the favor.

"I'm sure they're going to like it even less when we hit them." Cammy said.

Cameron knew they needed to find them first. The last time the enemy found Cammy first.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Nothing To Say

Everyone ends up doing
The things they want
It's why they always
Continue the endless hunt

What they all have
Is soon not enough
That's the way it works
It makes life tough

So don't for a minute
Think all is forever dandy
The sweet stuff is craved
There's plenty of candy

Where does it go
Where does it end
It is reality itself
That seems to bend

They all end up doing it
Maybe in a different way
At the end of the day
There's nothing to say

Nobody