Chapter 643

Surrounded

Cameron was aware she was 'painted' with a laser targeting system. She thought it was done to see if she would bolt. She was sure running would make her a target. If they were able to get her zeroed, she was zeroed either way. To run would only make it worse. It would be like a dangling string in front of a cat. It would reach out and grab it. She didn't feel like being the string. She would rather be the cat.

She drove away at a normal speed and nothing further happened. She left the area. She didn't know if anyone actually got a look at her as a female or not, or if they just noticed the truck. It was beat up. There were always junk collectors driving around the various locations looking for metal to pick up for resale. They weren't too picky about what they picked up either. A lot of good stuff was picked up for scrap value, even though it was something someone was still using.

She decided not to take any chances. The truck was already identified and targeted. She dumped the truck and acquired new transportation. She knew the area would require further investigation. If she was 'painted', she was going to find out why and by whom. She intended to return the favor, Terminator style.

It would seem to indicate the area was under watch and all vehicle traffic was scanned. It seemed like a good indication someone was up to no good. She didn't know if it was something manually operated or an automated system. It was possible if there was any HK equipment, it might have done something to initiate the process on its own. It wasn't the normal targeting system they used.

She believed it was from a more conventional weapon which would indicate it was manned. It irritated her to know someone may have had their finger on the trigger of whatever weapon it was, and be only a gentle squeeze away from terminating her. She definitely was going to need to find out more. She wanted to know what the weapon was, and who it was who may have been the one on the trigger.

Cameron was highly agitated because John was out in the field. There was no reason for him to be there. Sometimes she wondered if he suffered from a learning disability. She already discussed the issue many times with him. With the recent turn of events. It wasn't a good time for him to be out. What almost happened to her at the mine should be fresh in his mind. What was he thinking to go out and risk everything for something which was unknown?

She wanted to go to where John was at right now to help protect him. She knew it would cause a bigger problem. It would make John look ineffective if she did. She directed all available Terminators to reinforce him, both directly and indirectly. She was aware John wanted to do more, but he needed to be protected doing it. The current operation wasn't the right place. She wasn't really sure there was a right place.

Once she acquired new transportation. She used a roundabout way to return to the area. She parked over a street and made her way closer to the location on foot.

Cameron headed to an abandoned factory. It was down the street and across the road from where she was targeted. She could now take the building she suspected she was targeted from under direct observation. She moved there swiftly, and hopefully unobserved.

The operation may be bigger than she thought. It appeared to be Skynet related. It might be an elaborate trap to lure her out. If it was a trap, it was already set in motion. She was there and alone. She was just relieved John didn't decide to reinforce her when he went out. The further he was away from where she was right now, the better. She was sure things were going to take on a very negative overtone rather quickly.

John planned to do only some recon on the other location where an HK drone may have come from, or even only visited before. He brought Jim with him along with Al and Dan. It seemed like a sufficient force for a recon. It was all he planned to do. He wanted to find out what was there and what would be needed to launch a successful assault if a target was determined.

They split into two teams to set up some surveillance equipment. It was now done. They did everything by the textbook. Things seemed to go smoothly.

John checked over the equipment he placed. They moved back into their SUV. He wanted to make sure the signal was received in the Command Center.

"John Henry, we have everything in place." John said.

John Henry received a good signal from all of the equipment.

"I'm watching all the feeds." John Henry said. "Everything is clear."

John visually looked around the area.

"Nothing seems out of place." John said.

John Henry thought they needed more time to see what developed. He knew when they dealt with anything Skynet related, nothing was always predictable. A Terminator in the mix might spot whatever was done. It wouldn't be the first time.

"Not so far." John Henry said. "It can change real fast."

John figured he would have heard from Cameron by now. Maybe she was busy. He debated whether he wanted to contact her directly or not. He decided to go through John Henry instead.

"How's Cameron's operation going?" John asked.

John Henry didn't want to get into details, or his earlier conversation with Cameron. It seemed better just to sum it up instead.

"She has it under control for now." John Henry said.

John Henry filled John in on some of the details, but not all of them. He was sure the 'cat would be out of the bag' soon enough. He certainly didn't want any of the negative feedback which was sure to follow, directed at him.

Jim looked in the rear view mirror. He didn't like what he observed.

"John, we have a tail." Jim interrupted.

John Henry gave them a 'heads up'. He knew where all the players were at on the field.

"It's Bob driving the large van." John Henry said. "He has a selection of weapons available in case they're needed."

John knew Bob went with Cameron when they left the base. He was disappointed. It angered him some. Why did Cameron always need to look over his shoulder? He let his irritation come out with his next statement.

"Bob and Cameron are here?" John asked. "What a vote of confidence."

John couldn't understand why Cameron didn't think he could do the job out in the field. She always tried to hold him back. It was very irritating to him. He thought it was very selfish and controlling of her. It reminded him of his mother. He felt she held him back too much when he wanted to do more.

It wasn't long after the encounter in Red Valley when he told his mother he wasn't the leader of the future. He told her she would need to do everything. She did. Later on, when he wanted to do more, she always tried to hold him back. It was the same thing Cameron always did to him too. Sometimes he wondered if he traded one mother for another 'mother'. Either way, he didn't need a babysitter.

John Henry tried to tread lightly. He knew the truth was going to come out sooner rather than later.

"Bob has heavy weapons." John Henry said. "He has several Stingers and a minigun. If things go hot, you'll be in good shape."

The rear doors on the van opened and two people got out of the back. He thought it was Cameron at first. It didn't take him long to realize his mistake.

"Cameron…." John started. "Hello, Ally, Sheila."

Sheila almost flashed him a breast to redirect his attention. She restrained herself. She knew the effect of a few of her female attributes when necessary. It may be necessary later on for a better impact.

"Hey, love." Sheila said.

Ally decided to push it some. She knew John mistook her for Cameron when he first saw her. It was as flattering as it wasn't.

"We have everything she has." Ally said. "Especially me…."

Sheila looked upset.

"I told you I wanted to say it." Sheila said.

Ally thought she was on factual ground.

"Our chassis are identical along with our sheaths." Ally said. "John wouldn't be able to tell the difference. He's welcome to try to verify my hypothesis."

Sheila tried to look indignant.

"You cut me off." Sheila said. "I'm the 'bad girl'. I'm going to go first."

Ally tried to be suggestive.

"Get in line. The early bird catches the 'worm'." Ally said. "I'd say in more ways than one."

Sheila made a suggestive gesture.

"There's nothing wrong with a 'strange' piece of chassis." Sheila said. "He'll like me better because I'm not the same."

Ally thought of a better definition.

"You are insane." Ally said.

Sheila looked offended.

John was a little surprised at all the banter. He didn't want to upset Cameron. He thought she was still inside the van. He knew it tended to irritate her rather quickly. He thought he should try to play it off like he didn't want to hear it either, even if he did.

"Everyone needs to mellow out." John said. "We don't need that kind of talk now."

Sheila glanced quickly at Ally and then at John.

"Sorry, love." Sheila said. "We were just making conversation."

John was a little surprised to see everyone all at once.

"John Henry said you'd join up with Cameron." John said. "I didn't know she would bring everyone with her."

Ally and Sheila looked at each other. John didn't know Cameron was elsewhere and alone. They tried to redirect his attention again.

"I was tired of driving some piece of junk sedan." Sheila said. "I thought we should ride in style."

Ally looked at the van and pointed with her finger.

"We brought guns, lots of guns." Ally said.

Jim looked back at them and then looked away. He knew Cameron wasn't there with Bob or them. He didn't address the issue. Like everyone else, he knew it was going to be a problem at some point. It usually turned into a big one.

John looked around.

"It will be dark soon." John said. "We can wait a little longer and see what happens."

Sheila knew he would look for Cameron next. Maybe it was time to play the 'ring card', one of them anyway.

"Sure, love." Sheila said.

When John looked back at Sheila, one of her breasts popped out of her top. The nipple ring was on display. He couldn't help but stare at it.

Sheila was glad she refocused his attention. She played it up.

"You can do more than look, love." Sheila said.

Ally wanted some more redirection. She reached out to fondle the exposed breast.

"I know I'm going to." Ally said. "Your nipple rings are a turn on for everyone."

Sheila playfully slapped Ally's hand right before she grasped the ring.

"Keep your hands to yourself." Sheila said. "You already did it earlier. I liked it better with your face between my legs."

Ally liked it too.

"So was your face in the same place on me." Ally said.

Sheila enjoyed giving almost as much as receiving.

"It was better when we both did the same thing at the same time." Sheila said.

Ally remembered their earlier conversation.

"I needed for you to park so you could work on me too." Ally said.

John looked away but said nothing further.

Sheila winked at Ally. They gave John a few things to contemplate and visualize. Everything they said was true, even if it didn't happen before they arrived, this time. They did enough in the back of the van anyway on the ride over.

They tried to cover for Cameron. They could only do so much.

Savannah and Cammy were on their way back from the specialist. They drove in silence. Savannah was 'pregnant' again. This time it was with Vanna's baby.

Cammy didn't like the stress the pregnancies placed on Savannah's body. It both physically and mentally taxed her. She was sure something wasn't right. Savannah seemed a little off. She hadn't witnessed any complications with the procedure.

"Is something wrong?" Cammy asked.

Savannah answered too quickly.

"No." Savannah said.

Cammy waited for some more additional information. There was none.

They continued in silence.

Cammy felt very uneasy. She wanted some conversation.

"Does it bother you?" Cammy asked.

Savannah answered too quickly again.

"No." Savannah said.

Cammy felt very frustrated. She was worried about Savannah.

"Something's bothering you." Cammy said. "Remember, we don't lie to each other…."

Savannah was hung up on an issue which was both mental as well as physical. It seemed to be out of her hands. There was nothing she could do directly about it. She was more or less along for the ride, so to speak.

"I'm worried if the procedure will work or not." Savannah said. "It really is part of ME, but it's not."

Cammy tilted her head slightly.

"It is." Cammy said. "Vanna is YOU. You are Vanna."

Savannah couldn't help but feel Vanna's failures were her failures. It was her body which was defective in reality. Everything which happened to Vanna, really happened to her. She couldn't really picture having to go through everything Vanna did. In reality it was her who did. It was all a very strange concept to think about. She was very worried about how things would play out going forward. It bothered her immensely.

"What if I can't deliver? What if I fail too?" Savannah asked. "It will kill Vanna."

Cammy didn't see it as an issue. There was a contingency plan. It didn't seem like a problem to her. If anything, she viewed it as an effective strategy.

"We've discussed the alternative to it." Cammy said. "Only Cameron, you, and I would know the truth…."

Cameron planned to ask Savannah to have a child for Vanna if the method they used failed. It was more a matter of perception over reality. Vanna would only be told it was an extension of the procedure she went through earlier under Cameron's direction.

Savannah was still troubled by it all.

"IT would be MY baby again." Savannah said. "Right now it really is Vanna's baby."

Cammy wanted to redirect the conversation. She also wanted to keep Savannah out of harm's way.

"We can go see Allison now." Cammy said. "She's waiting for you."

Savannah didn't like the dodge. It happened a little sooner than she thought it would. It made her wonder what else was going on.

"You know it's not going to happen, yet." Savannah said. "I think I'll be needed elsewhere first."

Cammy hoped to avoid this issue. It was going to happen anyway.

"No. Cameron doesn't want you out in the field." Cammy said. "It is especially so when you're pregnant."

Savannah felt otherwise. She wasn't sure if it would make any type of difference so early in the pregnancy. She thought they should have heard more about what was happening. She at least wanted to know how things were going.

"Check with CamNet and see how Cameron's doing." Savannah said. "I want it straight too. Don't leave anything out."

Cammy didn't care for the last part of Savannah's statement. It seemed to indicate she was more like Cameron than she wanted to be. She knew the information wasn't going to go over well.

"I already have everything." Cammy said.

Savannah was a little ticked off at Cammy. Why didn't she tell her already?

"You weren't going to tell me?" Savannah asked.

Cammy didn't think she did anything wrong. All the information would do is complicate things.

"You didn't ask. You seemed troubled." Cammy said. "I didn't want to upset you further."

Savannah didn't see what the big deal was.

"Why would I be upset…?" Savannah started.

Cammy didn't say anything.

It took a moment to hit Savannah.

"Cameron's in trouble!" Savannah said.

Cammy didn't want to jump the gun. There was no combat she was aware of. There probably would be soon enough.

"No. Not yet." Cammy said. "Nothing's happened so far."

Savannah wanted to avoid the 'dance'. It was time to get some facts.

"I want to know what CamNet knows." Savannah said sternly. "I want to know NOW."

Cammy filled Savannah in on everything in play. She wanted to put the blame where I belonged. She explained John was out in the field. Cameron redirected all the resources to protect him. It left Cameron all alone.

Savannah didn't like all the cloak and dagger routine on a potential battlefield.

"How does John not know all this?" Savannah asked. "I'm going to call him."

Cammy reached over to stop Savannah. She already processed dozens of scenarios. All of them seemed to have some type of negative overtone, with less than positive results.

"Think about it first." Cammy said. "John will redirect everyone back to Cameron. When he does, he'll be vulnerable himself. What if something happens to him then?"

Savannah could see the logic in it. She still felt it was wrong. She knew she could contact the Terminators with John now and say she would 'prefer' for them to remain where they were regardless of any other instructions they received, meaning John's 'order'. From what Cameron explained, it should keep the Terminators there from responding to John's order. It wasn't a situation she wanted to get into. It would put the Terminators with John in an uncomfortable situation. She decided to handle it herself. She wanted some preemptive action ready.

"We're going to back Cameron up." Savannah said. "I want her two drones on standby."

Cammy didn't think any of the changes were going to go over well.

"Is it an 'order'?" Cammy asked.

Savannah didn't like to issue 'orders'. She wanted things done because they were the right thing.

"No." Savannah said. "It's what we're going to do. Let's do it. Things don't get done thinking about it."

Cammy knew Savannah could end the danger to Cameron in an instant.

"You can 'order' Cameron away from where she is…." Cammy said. "It would end the danger to her. She could rejoin the others. They would be one big team then."

Savannah didn't want control. She didn't want to have a negative impact on both Cameron and John.

"No." Savannah said. "I don't want to 'order' anyone. If Cameron goes to where John is at, John will see it as a lack of confidence in him from Cameron. I don't want to do anything to infer it's the case. It isn't."

Cammy thought it was a teachable moment for Savannah.

"You have the power." Cammy said.

Savannah wanted others to think things through. With great power came great responsibility. She thought it was a teachable moment for everyone else.

"It's why I'll only ever use that power if I HAVE to." Savannah said. "I'll never abuse it or treat it lightly. Everyone needs to think things through and work out their own problems, or not create them in the first place."

Cammy knew it is why Cameron gave the power and ability to Savannah. She would always do the right thing when it needed to be done. She believed it was true as well.

"You'll always do what's best." Cammy said.

Savannah doubted it greatly. She thought she made more than a few questionable choices and decisions. Life was complicated. Feelings and emotions often got in the way of reason. Everyone made mistakes. It applied to humans and machines. Nobody was perfect.

None of it mattered right now. Cameron wasn't in a good spot and she was all alone. The sooner they arrived the better.

"How soon until we get there?" Savannah asked.

Cammy looked over at Savannah.

"What makes you so sure we're going there?" Cammy asked.

Savannah knew Cammy would know what she wanted. She kept track of her surroundings.

"I looked at the maps before we left." Savannah said. "I've been reading the signs along the way. I know the direction. I know we're not headed for home or Palmdale."

Cammy liked how Savannah was always on the ball.

"There's no fooling you." Cammy said.

Savannah could think of a few past events. She looked at Cammy.

"Sometimes…." Savannah said. "But it will NEVER happen twice. Will it?"

Cammy looked away. She made Savannah 'hate' her once. It was Cameron's fault. She didn't want to rehash it. She wanted to avoid the issue and move on. She didn't want the events in Savannah's bed with John to come up either. It was supposed to be something none of them were ever to discuss again. She certainly didn't want to.

"No." Cammy said. "We'll be there in half an hour."

It was a little quicker than Savannah calculated.

"I made it at forty minutes." Savannah said.

Cammy looked over and smiled.

"I'm speeding." Cammy said.

Savannah hoped they weren't speeding to their doom.

It could all fall apart fast. It didn't matter. Cameron needed them.

Cameron was secure in the building she entered earlier. She checked her surroundings several times. Nothing seemed out of place. She believed she was able to arrive undetected. She tried to determine what 'painted' her as she drove by in the truck. There was no sign of an HK Track or HK Tread. There was still no sign of any HK drones.

Wait….

Maybe there was some HK equipment inside the building. It could be an assembly line or hand fabrication facility. They came across both of those sites before, several times.

Cameron knew hand fabrication meant there would be Terminators. There was usually one to oversee the operation. They made sure the Grays did everything correctly and efficiently.

Something caught Cameron's eye. It looked like trouble. It wasn't the first time they encountered a similar threat. There were two white vans approaching. One passed on by. It headed into the factory. The other van didn't. It stopped down the street before her location. Four men exited the van. The van then moved past her location to the other side of it. Three more men exited.

The other van returned from the factory. It discharged half a dozen men right in front of her location. Everything happened very quickly.

Cameron realized they were about to surround her. They would attempt to box her in.

It must have been a trap and now she was caught in it. It appeared they expected to spring the trap elsewhere. Now it was right near their facility. The closeness allowed them to obtain a lot more manpower quickly. There were most likely more as well. There was a more ominous overtone she needed to consider. If they were working on HK equipment, it wouldn't be too difficult for them to send it over from the building she was observing. Things were probably going to get hot real fast.

Earlier:

Young Allison was aware of what developed as she watched all the information CamNet provided her with.

Her first instinct was the same as Savannah's.

"We need to alert John." Young Allison said.

Anna responded exactly as Cammy did. It was the 'Cameron' in them which wanted John protected.

"No, John will send away all his protection and help." Anna said. "Cameron can take care of herself."

Young Allison didn't like how it was about to unfold. She believed more should be done.

"Savannah's headed there." Young Allison said. "They're heading into a trap."

Anna saw it all as another tactical situation.

"CamNet has made them aware of the situation, as she has us." Anna said.

Young Allison watched Savannah act. She didn't think it would help with the current situation.

"I see Savannah has put two of Cameron's drones on standby." Young Allison said. "She'll avoid using them in the daylight. They need more help now."

Anna wanted to see what Young Allison was willing to do.

"What would you do differently?" Anna asked.

Young Allison didn't even need to think about it. It went back to her first instinct.

"I would notify John." Young Allison said. "He may be out in the field, but he needs to know the condition of his troops, all of them. Cameron is in some type of a trap, John could be as well."

Anna wanted Young Allison to think. She wanted to test her.

"You've been involved enough in the dealings of the Resistance already." Anna said. "Do you want to become a 'pest'?"

Young Allison didn't think it was the case at all. Anytime she became directly involved, she felt she made a positive contribution. Maybe she even offered a fresh perspective.

"I want everyone to be safe." Young Allison said.

Anna still pushed Cameron's agenda.

"With John out in the field, what needs to happen?" Anna asked.

Young Allison knew 'the line'.

"Everyone sacrifices for John Connor." Young Allison said.

Anna smiled.

"Always remember it." Anna said.

Young Allison felt a deeper calling. She believed it was a matter of perspective. There were others she wanted to protect just as much.

"I'll try." Young Allison said. "Cameron and Savannah matter to me equally."

Anna wanted Young Allison to see a broader picture. She needed to view it in the context of the future. They already knew how events played out in Cameron's future.

"They do to you, yes." Anna said. "What about to the Resistance against Skynet?"

Young Allison knew the stories. They were all in Cameron's future.

"John will lead the fight against Skynet, everyone will follow him. Many people will die for him." Young Allison said.

Anna wanted to hear a little more.

"Why?" Anna asked.

Young Allison said what was pounded into her head.

"Everyone sacrifices for John Connor." Young Allison said.

Savannah was still on her mind. She glanced over at Anna. She wasn't done yet.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Surrounded

Look all around you
What is it you really see
You are just one fish
Of many in a giant sea

Maybe when you look
You see nothing at all
That means when you slip
The greater will be the fall

Even with others all around
Some still remain invisible
That tends to make one
Warped and quite divisible

To be with all
Is to be with none
One plus one is two
One times one is one

Who gets well rounded
Who flounders and is grounded
Maybe to be alone
Is when you are surrounded

Nobody