Chapter 642

Later On

Cammy drove Savannah to see the specialist. It wasn't something she wanted to do. Somehow it seemed like she needed to do Cameron's 'dirty work' for her. She understood why the action needed to be taken. She just didn't agree with it. She believed it put an unnecessary strain on Savannah's body. It wasn't just her body which needed to pay a toll. It could also weigh heavily on her heart and her mind.

Savannah was on her way to get impregnated. This time it was different. She would be implanted with an embryo from Vanna. It made her feel better because it wasn't 'her' child this time. Having to give up her children in the two futures she visited still troubled her. She understood it needed to be done this way this time for Vanna to accept the child once it was born.

On a prior occasion Vanna heard her crying one night and entered her room to find out what happened. It may have been a moment of weakness on her part. Maybe it was a moment of humanity, or just motherhood. She questioned her actions and decisions. Vanna held her for hours and they cried together. Vanna told her she would never take her child from her.

Savannah called Allison on the way to see the specialist. She was worried about what Cameron said earlier about Allison. It was a very delicate web to weave. Then again, her last name was Weaver. She thought she wove a pretty good net to help keep everything together. She tried to help everyone.

"Hello." Allison said.

Savannah felt comforted by Allison's voice. She should have called Young Allison but she didn't. She felt the need to share physical love. Young Allison told her she was ready for more. Allison and Claire both offered themselves instead. There was no way to turn either of them down.

"Hi." Savannah said. "I have a few things to do first but I can stop by later on."

Allison was depressed until she saw who the call was from. She hoped it was Vanna or Jesse. She was even more pleased it was Savannah. It was mostly just sex with Vanna or Jesse anymore. With Savannah there was always love. She knew her mother craved the same love too. It was as irritating as it was understandable.

"Can't you come sooner?" Allison asked.

Savannah needed to complete her 'mission' for Vanna. It wasn't something she could get into right now. The subject was sure to create a sore spot on several levels.

"No." Savannah said. "I'm tied up."

Allison felt very lonely.

"I really need you." Allison said. "I want to be with you. I want you to be with me. I need your love."

Savannah felt a knot in her gut. She knew pain and anguish when she heard it.

"I want it too." Savannah said. "Let me call you back."

Allison looked at her phone. It wasn't what she needed to hear. She wondered if she was on some operation with Cameron. It seemed like it. She didn't want to cause a problem.

"What? OK, I guess." Allison said.

Savannah quickly hung up with Allison and called Vanna.

The phone rang few times.

"Hello." Cam said.

Savannah figured Vanna and Cam were 'busy'.

"I need to speak with Vanna, please." Savannah said. "It's urgent. I'm sorry to interrupt."

After Vanna came on the line, Savannah got down to business.

"Can you go to Palmdale and see Allison?" Savannah asked.

Vanna was taken by surprise.

"Do you mean right now?" Vanna asked.

Savannah knew it took time to get to Palmdale.

"Yes." Savannah said. "Allison needs you now."

Vanna felt a knot in her gut. Her everlasting love for Allison roared to life. She was very worried. She wanted her long time lover. She indicated to Cam they needed to leave immediately. They left her room and headed for a SUV.

"Is something wrong?" Vanna asked. "I've grabbed Cam and we're on our way now. We're headed to the carpool as I speak."

In the background Savannah could hear Vanna tell Cam they could get dressed on the way. She pictured them running to the carpool naked. She did have to note it was a very rapid response from Vanna. It showed her how much Vanna loved Allison. She literally dropped everything and ran out the door naked to get there as quickly as possible. It gave her something to think about. It was a reminder of who really belonged to whom. She didn't want to be too specific about what was going on, especially with her.

"I'm currently tied up right now." Savannah said. "I really appreciate this."

Vanna wondered why Savannah was the one to set things up. Now wasn't the time to ask. There was some kind of a problem with Allison. She loved Allison dearly, even if they were estranged most of the time. There were certain things which happened beyond her control. She needed to know a little more.

"Can you tell me what's wrong?" Vanna asked.

Savannah didn't want to get into any specifics. The list was actually quite long if everything would be included on it. It wasn't about just now either. The list would go back years. She did want to reiterate a fact.

"Allison is really stressed out and depressed." Savannah said. "I don't want to lose her. She needs her true love."

Vanna felt a little guilty. She found comfort in Jesse and all the Metal girls. She was with two or three of them everyday. She learned to hide behind the endless sex. Sometimes she finished twenty or thirty times a day. She was with Claire two times as much as she was with Allison recently. There always needed to be a certain amount of clandestine tact involved. It was doubtful if anyone was actually fooled as to what occurred. Claire was a better partner for sex. Sex only went so far. Sex couldn't replace love.

"I'll take care of her." Vanna said. "I don't know what I've been thinking."

Savannah knew what Allison needed.

"Allison needs your love, Vanna. Let me call her back and then you can talk to her on the way there." Savannah said. "Give me a few minutes."

Savannah called Allison back.

"Hello." Allison said.

The voice on the other end of the line sounded a little apprehensive.

"I'm sorry about the interruption, Allison." Savannah said. "I've asked Vanna to come see you since I'm tied up. She's on her way. She left immediately when I called her. I'll come as soon as I can."

Allison felt a little apprehensive about seeing Vanna. It was Savannah who made her feel she was 'good enough'. There was never any criticism or harsh words from Savannah, ever. Maybe she missed the occasional 'lover's quarrel' with Vanna. Maybe there were a lot of things she missed about Vanna. She still wanted to see Savannah regardless.

"I wanted you to come now." Allison said. "I need you."

Savannah could feel Allison's pain.

"I'll come later on." Savannah said. "I promise, Allison. I'll be there when I'm finished."

There was a moment of silence as Allison realized why Savannah couldn't come right now. It was what she suspected earlier. It wasn't what she wanted to hear. It wasn't even something she wanted to think. It was like a punch in the gut.

"Are you out on an operation?" Allison asked.

Savannah figured she would be soon enough. She needed to help Vanna as only she could, and she needed to assist Cameron.

"Yes." Savannah said. "I may need to be involved in another one soon as well."

Allison knew Savannah was around too much combat recently. She knew what happened to those who were always in combat. It eventually caught up with them. It caught up with all of them.

"You're doing too much." Allison said. "I don't want you to get hurt."

Holly previously asked the details of the last operation Savannah was on, not be told to Allison in its entirety. Not at least until she felt better. Savannah and Cameron were nearly terminated several times. Cammy and Tom were with them and would have suffered the same fate.

Savannah was painfully aware all of the girls from the future needed to fight. They were all in combat before. She tried to tell herself what she did was the same thing they needed to do. It might be different in the way it was carried out, but it was still the fight against the enemy. Everyone needed to contribute what they could.

"I'm just doing my part." Savannah said. "You've all done yours…."

Allison could have done without a reminder to the future. There were many bad memories from the future. There were some good ones too. There was also some unfinished business for her and Cameron's future. She couldn't think about herself right now. Savannah was going to be in danger soon, if she wasn't already. She was worried she was going to distract Savannah if they continued to talk.

"Please be careful, Savannah…." Allison said. "I love you."

Savannah really wanted to be there for Allison. Cameron came first.

"Vanna will be there after a while. She's going to call you now." Savannah said. "Please don't worry, Allison. Everyone is here for you."

There was a long pause.

"OK." Allison said.

Savannah knew Allison needed her.

"Allison, I love you." Savannah said. "I'll be there when I can. I need to go now. I promise. I'll be there as soon as everything is concluded. I don't know when it's going to be. You know how these things can go."

They exchanged goodbyes and hung up.

Savannah was now deeply worried about Allison. She knew she needed to be there for her when she hurt like this. When Vanna arrived, 'she' would be there in a sense.

She was sure Young Allison was going to feel some grief over all of this as well. Things could get so complicated at times.

Allison didn't like it because Savannah was back out on another operation already. She really wanted to see her. She could wait a little longer. She knew everything was mixed up and out of order now. There were certain things which were supposed to be.

She knew Savannah always kept her promises. It made her smile. Now Vanna was on her way. She hadn't seen Vanna for a while so it would be nice too. Vanna would be the 'meat and potatoes'. When Savannah came over, she would be the 'dessert'.

Holly listened to the whole exchange. Allison talked to Vanna now. Things hadn't worked out as planned. It wasn't anything new. She called Cameron earlier and asked for Savannah to come see Allison. She didn't like to share, but she knew Allison's well being came before her feelings. It was more important to her Allison felt happy. She now understood love was about sacrifice. She was willing to sacrifice if it helped Allison. She tried to convince herself she might be able to slip in some alone time with Claire. She usually traded two nights a week with Hanna. It was the most she could get out of Hanna. Hanna wanted to be with Claire more because she was better in bed.

Young Allison heard and saw most of what went on. She too wanted to see Savannah. She didn't like Savannah and Allison to spend time 'alone'. It made her feel jealous. She wanted to share whatever Allison shared. It didn't seem like a big deal. How hard could it be? She didn't need to worry about getting pregnant.

She hoped to be with John soon enough. It was something else she knew she needed to do. It was in her head often when she woke up in the morning. She wasn't sure why she always thought about it then. It usually wasn't in her mind any other time of the day. When she went on the internet to view images, they were always of females. It was her true desire. Thoughts of John could happen in the morning. They were soon pushed aside where they belonged.

Anna was aware of everything as well. She didn't like to see Young Allison upset. She could see she was jealous of 'herself'. It was all very strange. She knew what could distract Young Allison from any harsh or harmful feelings. She went over to Young Allison.

"We can monitor the latest operation." Anna said. "It's just about to get underway."

Young Allison looked at Allison's room. She didn't care when anyone else was in there except Savannah. It seemed it would be soon enough. The operation would keep her mind off of 'second place'. She couldn't help but think about when she heard someone once refer to 'second place', as the 'first place loser'.

"I'd like to follow it." Young Allison said.

Anna wanted to keep Young Allison focused. She didn't want any visitors. She didn't want Young Allison to spy on Vanna and Allison either. She knew she always did. She checked things out herself every now and then so she couldn't blame Young Allison too much. She was currently forbidden from being involved in relations of any type by Cameron. It seemed a little unfair to her. She understood it was because Young Allison wasn't currently involved with anyone either.

She didn't want to give any lectures or talk about things which would make either of them feel uncomfortable. There was another way to handle matters and get the point across in a different way. It would involve a physical act. It would create a roadblock.

"I'm closing the bunker door as well." Anna said.

Young Allison would have preferred if she didn't. It was more than a subtle reminder to her, it was done because of her own past actions. Evidently every action did produce a reaction, just like the saying indicated.

"I understand…." Young Allison said.

Anna nodded.

'More than you know.' Young Allison thought.

Bob went out with Cameron. She requested his assistance. It was more of a recon mission at this point. He would've liked a little better info going in. Usually there was a specific address they could go to. A specific address offered him the ability to 'go in the front door'. A Terminator liked to deal with the problem head on and get it taken care of as quickly as possible. For human targets it wasn't a problem. For anything Skynet related it would be. He didn't like the guesswork involved in the current task.

"We know the area, but we don't have a specific target." Bob said. "It's not an ideal situation."

Cameron was glad they at least were provided with a starting point. It was why they needed to conduct a recon. They needed to find out as much as they could before they took action. Often times she wasn't given the luxury to do a proper recon. She needed to take action. She did what research she could about the area. Some locations seemed more probable than others.

"I've looked at the satellite photos and checked the county records for recent activity." Cameron said. "I have a few spots for further investigation. I'm ready to go in."

Bob looked in the back of the van. There were plenty of weapons there. What they needed was more help. He couldn't help but to think about the way Cameron normally operated. He actually wondered if there was any assistance.

"When will our back up arrive?" Bob asked.

Cameron looked at the area she wanted to check out.

"We don't need back up." Cameron said.

Bob knew John wanted plenty of assistance for Cameron. Now she didn't want to wait for it. They didn't even have a clear target, or know the extent of whatever the operation they were about to face was.

"This is getting better by the minute." Bob said.

Cameron picked up on Bob's discord. There were a few things she wanted Sheila and Ally to take care of before they arrived where Bob and her were at. It seemed there were always things she could have them deal with. There was an endless amount of 'off the books' activity to engage in. Any area she cleaned up was soon corrupted. Crime was out of control because there was no punishment under the current system. The current DA didn't want criminals punished. The crimes got worse and worse. It would turn into complete chaos in a Skynet future. It's what happened in all of them she knew about so far.

"They're on the way." Cameron said. "I gave them a few extra stops to check out."

Bob felt he made his point. He looked around where they were at. There wasn't a lot of activity. The area actually seemed desolate.

"The buildings look like abandoned factories around here." Bob said.

Cameron hoped it would make their job easier. It also might make them stand out more. If all the businesses were shut down, or closed, what excuse would they have for being in the area?

"The economy has its ups and downs." Cameron said. "There's activity at a few of them."

Bob hoped Cameron might have some better intel. It might not be her first visit to the area.

"Have you been here before?" Bob asked.

Cameron believed there was a good indication when she crossed paths with Skynet before. She hurt Skynet as much as she could, whenever she could.

"Do you see any burnt buildings?" Cameron asked.

Bob understood Cameron's policy.

"Not yet." Bob said.

Cameron liked to 'make a statement'.

"I guess it means 'no'." Cameron said.

Bob could see Cameron wanted to get started. She always left nothing but scorched earth behind. The only exception would be if she wanted to monitor a location and see what else developed.

"I'm sure it will change before the day is done." Bob said.

Cameron looked over with a smile on her face. Where they were currently was a starting point, even if it was vague. It was their goal to root out the enemy.

"It happens." Cameron said. "This was where the first possible radar hit was. The radar contact came from the local municipal airport on the HK drones."

Bob looked over the area again.

"I see nothing." Bob said. "We may need to go building by building."

It seems like a bad idea to Bob. Since they were dealing with Skynet related matters, it was probably better if they went building to building when it was dark so they wouldn't be so obvious. If anyone set surveillance up around the area they would probably be detected as they went from one building to another.

Cameron hoped to have a few leads. It was based on recent increased activity. Everything Skynet related used energy. They needed to get the energy from someplace. Sometimes there was a legitimate hookup with the power company, other times there wasn't an illegal tap. Whatever happened inside the mine was more than likely some type of giant power cell. Everything revolved around energy.

"I've sent a few of my Terminators around here before." Cameron said. "I have a few clues to look for. I'm going for the locations which have shown a major power usage increase in the last year."

Bob knew everything Skynet related used a lot of energy.

"It's a good start." Bob said. "Will we have to use any 'bait'?"

Cameron knew how to play Skynet's game.

"I'm here if any bait is needed." Cameron said. "I'd like to capture more resources for us."

Bob didn't want to get played. They needed to be wary of any 'low hanging fruit'. They needed to be careful where they were led to. He needed to consider everything was a two way street. Things might not always play out in their favor.

"Remember some of the recent operations and how they went down." Bob said. "Since they only sent two drones to attack us, it could be the bait to draw us in."

Cameron thought it was a possibility. She also knew Skynet wanted to keep its presence as concealed as possible. Skynet needed to stay hidden until all of its pieces were in play.

"I've considered it." Cameron said. "We need a different set of wheels."

Bob looked in his side view mirror. He spotted a vehicle at the same time Cameron indicated they needed one.

"I see an old sedan coming." Bob said.

Cameron smiled.

"Is there a Hot female driving it?" Cameron asked.

When Bob took a closer look, it all made sense.

"Affirmative…." Bob said. "There's a beat up pick-up truck with another one in it. Sheila and Ally have arrived."

Cameron wanted to get started.

"I'll ride with Sheila." Cameron said. "You can ride with Ally."

Bob looked at the back of the van.

"What about our weapons?" Bob asked.

Cameron saw this as her chance to go solo with a good excuse. She wouldn't admit she planned it like this, even if she did.

"We won't be far. This is supposed to be a recon mission." Cameron said. "You can stay here if you want. I'll drive the pick-up truck. Ally can ride with Sheila. If we get in a jam, the cavalry can bail us out."

Bob decided to stay with the weapons. He knew it was going to cause a problem later on because Cameron was by herself again. He wasn't sure if she orchestrated the whole thing or not. He also knew if they were being set up, the heavy weapons would make a difference.

Cameron took over the pick-up truck. Ally climbed in with Sheila. The girls headed off in a grid search pattern which would overlap each other from different directions.

She wondered about what Bob said. She considered they were being set up but wasn't sure. She hoped to get a hold of more machinery to help establish her assembly lines. She already was able to get several locations set up with captured equipment and tooling.

The one location which worried her was the location they stole the Coltan from after it arrived at the port. They followed John to the High Desert. He was in the back of a truck. It was later when she drove the Coltan off a cliff in the box truck.

She actually picked a location which wasn't very deep. She planned to return to the location later and salvage the Coltan as needed. She believed it would serve as a good hiding place. If anyone accidentally found it, she would deal with them. Since it was related to the sea she used the pirates' motto, 'Dead men tell no tales.'

Cameron went back later on and took control of the facility. Previously, the Terminator there was able to escape. He attempted to complete his original mission. It didn't take her long to monitor another shipment of Coltan and find him. She tracked him down and terminated him.

She waited to see who tried to take control of the location from her. It was where she was constructed. If she remained in control of it, she never would be built. She planned to make sure she never was either. She didn't share the information with anyone.

Something flashed by in her peripheral vision.

'What was that?' Cameron thought.

She hadn't been paying attention. She needed to stay focused.

"I have contact." Cameron reported.

Ally looked around. She didn't see anything where they were at.

"What is it?" Ally asked. "Where are you?"

Cameron didn't get a good look.

"I don't know what it was." Cameron said. "I'm in grid 'B-3'."

Sheila looked at Ally. She wondered if Cameron sent them away on purpose.

"We're five minutes away." Sheila said. "Wait for us."

Cameron felt several irradiation sensors activated. It was sure to be a bad thing.

"I don't know what it was." Cameron said. "I may have just been 'painted'."

Bob understood it for the threat it was. He wanted to confirm what Cameron suspected. If anything happened, they would need to know how to deal with it.

"Someone has you locked up with a laser?" Bob asked. "You need to get away from there."

Cameron wasn't sure what she detected. She didn't slow or stop but continued along at the same speed as if nothing happened. If it was bait, she wasn't going to fall for it. If she was already targeted by a weapons system, she didn't want the weapon to be used.

"I'm not sure." Cameron said. "There's no vehicle traffic around here."

Bob moved into the back of the van. It could be an HK drone.

"Drive away now without speeding." Bob said. "I have a Stinger hot. I detect nothing in the air."

Cameron wasn't sure it was even Skynet technology. She was sure someone wanted to check if she was a Terminator or not. The logical thing for someone to do if they were targeted was to run. She wasn't known for doing things logically.

"It might be ground based." Cameron said. "They're trying to see if I'll run. I'm not taking the bait."

Ally could see the advantage of playing it cool, even as risky as it was.

"If you run, they know they have a target." Ally said. "This way they don't know what they have."

Cameron didn't want Sheila and Ally set up either.

"Sheila, break off your grid search." Cameron said. "We have a possible target."

Sheila didn't want to overplay their hand.

"We're disengaging." Sheila said.

Cameron hoped the Command Center might have something more information to share.

"John Henry, what do you have?" Cameron asked.

John Henry wasn't sure about any of it.

"There's nothing detected in the air." John Henry said. "They may wait for darkness to use any HK drones."

Cameron waited for the rebuke from John about being alone. There was none. Another alarm bell went off in her head.

"Where's John at?" Cameron abruptly asked.

John Henry remained silent so far for this very reason. He was sure when she engaged in conversation with Cameron, the subject would come up. The subject just came up.

"He had a few things to take care of." John Henry said.

Cameron checked with CamNet as well.

She saw all the evidence. It indicated John went out on a mission. Everything reeked of a cover up.

"He's out in the field." Cameron said. "Why wasn't I notified at once?"

John Henry didn't want to face Cameron's wrath.

"I was 'ordered' not to say anything." John Henry said.

Cameron calculated where John was at.

"Bob, I want Ally, Sheila, and you to intercept John." Cameron said. "He's headed for the alternate site."

Ally looked at Sheila. They were supposed to back up Cameron.

"It will leave you alone." Ally said. "It's not good with a potential situation developing."

Cameron suppressed a glitch impulse. John put himself in unnecessary danger again. She was sure he was afflicted with a learning disability of some sort.

"John must be protected." Cameron said. "I want all of you to go now."

Sheila wasn't sure about the reassignment.

"What about you?" Sheila asked. "We just can't leave you."

Cameron preferred to operate alone. It was nothing new.

"I'll finish up here." Cameron said. "It shouldn't be too hard."

John Henry knew this was all going to blow up in their faces.

"I must protest." John Henry said.

Cameron was upset with John Henry. He never should have let John slip out.

"It will do no good." Cameron said. "I'll deal with you later."

The teams all pulled out to reinforce John.

Cameron was left with - Nobody….

Closing monologue by Cameron:

In My Head

It is not about how often we fall
It is about how quick we get back up
For life itself in general
Is really one big pileup

The conflict rages in the mind
The battle rages within
It is about what is
Not what might have been

We take the hits
Stinging blow after blow
It never seems to get better
Who don't think so

To some it may seem
Everything is perfect
Fighting the struggle inside
To ourselves we are a reject

We are supposed to be content
It has often been said
What is happening is not
In my head

Nobody