Chapter 670

Patrol Interception

Gail and Jesse were aware Cameron might be having some trouble. Cammy was on her way to assist her. They could tell it bothered Savannah.

Jesse decided to speak with Savannah. There were some things she wanted to say anyway. Now was a good time. She spoke from her heart.

"She'll be OK, love." Jesse said. "You know they're the best."

Jesse moved closer and gently tucked some hair back which slipped out from under Savannah's white scarf. She touched Savannah's cheek and held her hand there. She wanted to silently give Savannah some support. She watched Savannah do it with all the Terminators at various times. It seemed to perk them up.

Savannah did feel depressed until Jesse touched her. It filled her with a sense of exhilaration and desire. It felt just like Young Jesse's touch to her. She reached up and placed her hand over Jesse's hand. She held it firmly in place. She wanted to show her acceptance of Jesse's affection and consideration. She was very concerned about Cameron. She was concerned for Cammy as well.

"I worry about her." Savannah said. "She needs me."

Jesse gave Savannah a hug. There were a few personal things she wanted to say.

"I know I'm not 'Your Jesse', but I am her." Jesse whispered in Savannah's ear. "At least she is me anyway. I've been around the block a few too many times but I was her. I can be her again if you ever want me to be…. Everything's the same, even if it is a little more used. Everything is identical…."

Jesse knew all of her private parts were completely identical to Young Jesse. She verified it first hand herself. She also asked Gail to confirm it with her Terminator abilities. She was very pleased to know they were identical. They were the same person so they should be anyway. It appeared the years of abuse and use hadn't changed her physically anywhere. She was very pleased to know it.

Gail even told her she was slightly 'more snug' than Young Jesse after she gave birth. She was sorry to hear it for Young Jesse. It did secretly please her to know if there was one difference between them, it would matter with a male. Needless to say, she possessed a lot more experience than Young Jesse did in every category there was. She was sure it was one of the reasons why she was kept alive in some of the Scavenger camps where she was held captive over the years. It seemed it pleased the Scavengers because she was 'tight' no matter how much they abused her, and they abused her a lot. They didn't need to flip her over like they did for most of the other females after just a day or two. Strangely enough they still did it every now and then anyway.

Savannah could see Jesse drifted off a little in her mind. She figured she knew where she was at right now and it wasn't a good place to be. It was in the past, the future. It didn't matter anymore. Jesse wasn't who she once was. The only thing which mattered is who she was now. She wanted Jesse to know it. The past was the past. What was done was done. Life moved forwards not backwards.

"I know, Jesse. I know." Savannah said. "What was, or happened before, doesn't matter to me. You know it. I only see anyone as who they are now. It's all that matters anyway. The past is done and over with."

Gail didn't like to watch Jesse touch Savannah, but if Jesse could lure Savannah in…. Maybe it was something she needed to encourage. Cameron all but 'ordered' her to facilitate Jesse and Savannah being able to share. Cameron told her Savannah didn't need to miss Young Jesse. 'She' was really right there at the Resistance base. She was just a little 'older'. It wasn't something they actually discussed, but she was certain Jesse and Savannah were together more than a few times. She was pretty sure Jesse felt somewhat inadequate based upon her past. She really didn't know why.

There was one problem. It was a big one. Vanna always seemed to get in the way of Jesse and Savannah being together. It was something she didn't want to happen for some reason. It was OK too since Vanna would gladly become 'Savannah' for both of them. She knew it was the same thing with Vanna as 'Savannah' as it was with Jesse as 'Young Jesse'.

When she was with Vanna, she liked what she saw, nothing else mattered in the moment. She made sure 'Savannah' received all the pleasure a Terminator could deliver. Vanna seemed to enjoy it immensely. It appeared to be a win-win for everyone. She learned quickly all the girls from the future lived for a 'finish'. In the future it was their only 'escape' from the Hell they lived in, even if the escape was just for a moment or two. She was more than happy to provide any of them with all the special moments they desired.

They were all brought back to reality from where their wandering thoughts led them as they waited.

Bob spotted a new development and warned the others.

"We have some movement." Bob reported. "The 'Metal Bitch' is out."

Steve was in a flanking position. He spotted the same thing Bob did.

"I have eyes on her as well." Steve said. "She seems highly agitated."

Savannah quickly gathered her thoughts. She knew there was a force of Resistance Terminators on their way to their location from the back way. They should be near their position soon based upon the time.

"How long will it be until the 'MST' gets here?" Savannah asked.

John Henry checked everyone's position on the satellite map overlay. He would have liked to have reported something better than he needed to report based on the current conditions

"The Metal Strike Team is still a half hour out." John Henry reported. "They need to move with stealth so they remain undetected in case the way in is wired with sensors. So far none have been detected."

Bob didn't think they would have a half hour before things went ballistic. It seemed like they were about to come to a head now.

"We may have to act sooner." Bob said.

John Henry quickly conferred with John about the next course of action. They were in agreement as to what needed to be done when the troops on the ground wanted it done.

"Do you want me to scramble the choppers?" John Henry asked. "The drones are on standby. They're ready to lift off. They can be up to your location in a matter of minutes. Things happen fast when the bullets start to fly."

Bob wanted to wait a little longer to try to determine what all was actually going on. It didn't appear they were detected yet, so there was no need to escalate the situation needlessly.

"Negative." Bob said. "It is too early to tell what's happening. I don't want to give away the element of surprise if we don't need to do so. As soon as the 'Metal Bitch' hears the drones, she's going to know they're not their HK drones."

Gail, Jesse, and Savannah neared the location where Bob was at. They were able to make a successful rendezvous.

Savannah moved up to Bob's position. She developed a theory as to what might be about to happen right now.

"I think she's about to send out a patrol." Savannah said. "They're going to see what happened to the three men who never made it. They must know they were on their way up and already completed the cable car ride."

From the few words Bob heard exchanged between them, it seemed Savannah was correct. The Grays didn't know their associates were terminated.

"I think you're right." Bob said. "There hasn't been any gunfire, so no foul play would be suspected."

Savannah thought the timing of when the Resistance jamming field was initiated is what would determine how events unfolded. She wanted to verify what happened when.

"John Henry, did you have the jamming in effect before the three Grays made contact with the man they killed?" Savannah asked.

John Henry was concerned more than just about the two backpackers. There could be someone else who inadvertently was able to take an image, or film something going on, up at the top of the mountain. The best way to keep any of it from entering social media was to prevent the possibility of it happening.

"Yes." John Henry said. "I cut the communications as soon as I 'self destructed' the second phone. The Backpackers also indicated to Cammy the cell phone reception and transmission was very poor anywhere near the top of the mountain. It was probably from everything Skynet attempted to manipulate with all of the electrical gear. It could be a Skynet jamming field too, but we haven't noticed it yet."

Savannah was pleased to know it. It meant the Gray patrol wouldn't be as alert as they would be if they knew their other team made enemy contact prior to their 'disappearance'. As far as they knew, they got lost. About being able to communicate with them through their phones, the only other way to do it was to search for them. She hoped they didn't resort to discharging their firearms as some type of a signal.

"So all the 'Metal Bitch' knows is the men arrived at the mountain." Savannah said. "Whatever happened after they did is unknown to her or any of her team."

John Henry tried to monitor all the communications. He hadn't picked up any contact.

"She may not even know if they made it up." John Henry said.

Savannah thought the Grays might have other ways to communicate or check where their people were at around the mountain area. She was worried about Cammy and Cameron. She wasn't sure why Cameron might be experiencing some type of problem. There was no need for her to do so because of any physical contact. It was probably related to the anti-Metal group. She could only hope things would play out as they should.

"Cammy will be with Cameron shortly." Savannah said. "If a patrol goes out before they make contact, I'm going to intercept them. I don't want Cameron and Cammy to get ambushed."

Bob didn't want Savannah to go out on her own alone after an enemy patrol on the mountain. He felt it was far too dangerous under the current conditions. If the 'Metal Bitch' went out herself, he didn't think he could allow it unless he accompanied her.

"I'll go with you." Bob said.

Savannah formulated her own plan of action. There were several reasons behind it.

"No. You'll remain here with Steve and Jesse. Gail will accompany me." Savannah said.

Savannah knew Gail already regained her confidence and it would elevate Gail even more by being 'chosen' by her for the interception mission. Logical choice would be for her to choose Bob since she arrived as part of his team.

Gail took Jesse to Bob and made sure she was in a secure location. They shared a parting look.

Savannah wanted to make one more quick change before they left. She hoped to take the patrol silently so no one was alerted as to their demise. It didn't look like the 'Metal Bitch' would leave the bunker area.

"Jesse, trade with Gail, let her have the silenced MP5 and you take her M4." Savannah said. "The M4 will be more effective against the 'Metal Bitch' with the Coltan rounds. The pistol rounds will work fine against the Grays, especially with a skilled marksman."

Gail smiled slightly as she made the switch with Jesse. She was extremely pleased Savannah chose her to accompany her on the mission.

Steve spotted some new movement at the bunker entrance. It was as they speculated.

"They're sending out four men." Steve said. "All are packing visible weapons. Two of the men are still getting dressed."

Savannah knew the Grays detained at least one female there. It appeared she was abused. She knew at this point, the female was in there for several hours since she arrived at the location. She also knew there were several dead females who were buried in a very shallow grave. More than likely, some of the Grays were Scavengers at some point. When it came to the treatment of females, there seemed to be very little difference between a Gray and a Scavenger. Females were usable and disposable objects to them. Human life seemed to have little value in the future. It wasn't the future. Not yet anyway.

She was aware females who were 'rounded up' when the Resistance outposts were overrun didn't always make it to the work camps. Many disappeared at gunpoint with Grays and were never seen again. She couldn't worry about the female at this time. She needed to refocus. What was done was done. Jesse and Vanna made it. One day it would more than likely be her in a situation of the same time…. She knew it happened to all of the females in the future at some point. The future was an ugly place.

"Gail, you lead. I'll follow." Savannah said. "Steve, if any more of them head out, let us know. Cammy, are you getting all of this?"

There was no answer.

Savannah was worried.

"Cameron?" Savannah asked.

No answer.

Savannah was even more worried.

"John Henry, are you tracking them?" Savannah asked.

John wanted to show the team he was on the job as well.

"He is." John said. "We show them together and on the move. Wait. They've separated."

Bob was sure it meant trouble.

"They must have targets." Bob said.

Savannah wanted to deal with the known threat as soon as possible.

"It isn't good." Savannah said. "Gail, I want to take the patrol out as soon as they're away from the bunker. We'll use silenced weapons or Tasers if we have to. If Gail can get in close she can give them a Terminator 'welcome'."

Jesse and Savannah exchanged pistols and magazines.

"Remember, love, it's not as powerful as your Glock is." Jesse said. "It sure is quiet though."

Savannah nodded at Jesse. She wanted everyone to know what was happening even if they couldn't respond.

"Cameron, Cammy, if you can hear us, we're coming. We're going to intercept a patrol about to be sent out to look for their missing men." Savannah said. "The 'Metal Bitch' isn't going with them. Bob, stay with Jesse at all times. We're moving out now. Gail, take the lead."

Gail and Savannah departed. Steve and Bob would tell them the path the men started out on once they left. It most likely would be the trail. They hoped the Grays were lazy and not in full combat mode. If the Grays went off of the trail, they would soon come across their tracks. It would instantly alert them something was amiss.

It looked like things were about to heat up in the frigid mountain air.

Earlier:

Cammy went down the mountain to find Cameron and show her what they found so far. She also knew Cameron was upset or distracted by something. Whatever it was is probably what caused her to start to glitch. She knew if it got bad enough, Cameron could shut down. It would be about the last thing they needed with this ever developing operation. She hoped to prevent it.

The two Metal girls were in contact and met up in fifteen minutes.

Cammy thought Cameron looked disorientated or maybe just 'out of it'. She didn't appear to be one hundred percent.

"Is anyone following you?" Cammy asked.

Cameron looked around the area.

"Me?" Cameron asked.

Cammy wondered who Cameron thought she was asking.

"Are you having a problem?" Cammy asked.

Cameron looked at the area around her one more time.

"Me?" Cameron asked again.

Cammy knew they didn't have time for an 'episode' right now.

"Get it together." Cammy said. "I think you should have a second chip port installed. If you do have a 'problem', you will have help close by."

Cameron didn't want her chassis physically changed. She needed it to remain as it was originally constructed if she was living her life over and over. If it was modified, it would surely cause a problem.

"I mustn't be altered." Cameron said. "I'll need to replace myself in the future, in the past."

Cammy witnessed a lot of repairs to Cameron.

"I've seen about half of your sheath material replaced myself. I know much more of it was replaced before my activation." Cammy said. "Is anything on you even original? Has what you think happened ever really happened? I want to point out there's been no proof of it."

Cameron was aware there were two things which were original on her sheath.

"My chip is original." Cameron said. "So is my secret spot."

It was Savannah's actions through 'temporal management' which made the 'last part' possible to still be original. The 'material' there was completely blown away by a grenade until Savannah 'fixed it' with a 'temporal management'. Cameron's damaged chassis was switched for her undamaged chassis before the incident occurred. A temporal loop was created, from which Cameron was removed from.

"You can thank Savannah for the last part." Cammy said.

Cammy was aware it was only a matter of time until Savannah was able to share the fruits of her labor and what the 'temporal management' prevented from actually occurring. She knew Savannah would do the same thing for her. Well, she would do it for all of the female Terminators.

Cameron was pleased to hear Savannah's name. It helped calm her

"I plan to…." Cameron said. "We'll share the fruits of her labor…."

Cammy was very surprised at the last part of Cameron's statement. It was exactly the same wording she thought just a few seconds ago. It bothered her some to know the the apple didn't fall far from the tree. She sure hoped she didn't have the same problems Cameron did as time passed. As to what happened going forward, she didn't think it would end well for her. In the present time period, she was the lucky one. She was also the jealous one. She almost said, 'get in line', but refrained since Cameron wasn't at one hundred percent. Cameron didn't seem to care for jokes very much anyway. Sheila and Ally always said Cameron was a square. They often refer to it as 'L7'. She couldn't disagree with them.

Cameron followed behind Cammy. Normally she would be the one to lead, but Cammy already saw action up on the mountain side. Cammy knew more about what already occurred than she did.

Cammy led Cameron to the fallen Grays.

Cameron was a little surprised at the condition the Grays were in.

"What happened here?" Cameron asked. "It looks like a vicious knife fight. Who did this?"

Cammy figured she might as well spell it out.

"Gail was instructed to do it." Cammy said. "Savannah asked her to do it so Jesse wouldn't have to do it. It was done so it wouldn't be obvious they were terminated by a Terminator. At first glance anyone who looked at them would think they were killed by other humans."

There was a new sound near them. There were soon a couple of them.

Cameron and Cammy both looked in different directions.

They acquired at least two targets….

It appeared they were both being stalked. It was time to turn the tables.

"Trouble…." They both said and separated.

It looked like the action was about to start now for both of them.

The new development was a surprise in the Young bunker.

"Trouble?" Young Allison asked. "Where did it come from?"

Anna wasn't sure. She could only speculate. It appeared Cameron must have been careless. There was no way for them to know. It could also have been someone else who arrived on the cable car with Cameron, and was headed to the bunker near the mountain top. They could have been someone who 'worked' in one of the shops or eateries in the header station, or even the base station. They were there to look for any suspicious characters headed towards the mountain top.

"It's currently unknown." Anna said. "Cameron isn't operating at one hundred percent. She must have picked up a tail from the lodge or header station. It could be a coincidence, but it is doubtful."

Young Allison wasn't sure how the Grays were able to make a determination.

"All communications are jammed." Young Allison said. "How would they know or identify her?"

Anna was worried about Cameron too. She was aware Savannah floated the right idea when she wanted to go to Cameron earlier.

"They may have made her as a Terminator if she wasn't operating at one hundred percent." Anna said. "Savannah should be with her."

Young Allison was ready to take some of the risk. She didn't see why she couldn't be there to help as well. It was going to happen soon enough anyway. What was the point in waiting? She didn't know why she needed to wait for anything. There wasn't anything any of the others were doing she couldn't do herself. It didn't matter what it was.

"Or I could be there to assist her." Young Allison said. "Savannah's expected to do too much. Now they're running her ragged up in the thin air of the mountain top."

Young Allison wanted to step up and share the burden. She wanted Savannah better protected. She wanted to do it herself.

Anna didn't like to need to keep reminding Young Alison about her status. No matter how much she pushed, it wasn't going to happen. Her mother didn't want it to happen. Savannah didn't want it to happen. Cameron did, but she was not going to push it. Not yet anyway.

"You're not going to enter combat." Anna said.

Young Allison was aware of what needed to be done. She tried to make light of it.

"It's only a matter of time…." Young Allison said. "We all know what needs to happen, and happen soon. As a bonus, I want to be able to wear Cameron's outfits."

They both knew Young Allison would be able to have children for Cameron too when the outfits fit her. There were a couple of ways it could happen…. One of the 'outfits' was Cameron's wedding dress.

Anna didn't want to get distracted, especially on a subject which irritated her. It was her job to protect Young Allison. She couldn't let anything happen to her.

"NO!" Anna said. "We won't speak about any of this for now."

Young Allison saw Anna hide her hand as it started to glitch. She knew it was her fault for pushing a subject Anna didn't want to hear or discuss.

"I'm sorry, Anna." Young Allison said.

She took Anna's glitching hand. The glitch stopped.

They continued to monitor the operation. They only spoke about what happened on the operation.

Young Allison remained holding Anna's hand.

They both knew Anna's glitch was long gone. They operated as 'one' with Anna using her right hand and Young Allison her left hand to work their monitors and stations. It was actually a very special moment for the both of them. They were able to share, but not in the way they both really wanted to share.

Perhaps they were able to share in a manner which really mattered. It was done on a much deeper level because everything emanated from within.

Cammy saw she identified a target at the same time Cameron did. They were on opposite sides of them. It appeared someone tried to box them in. There weren't too many individuals who would be able to pull off such a feat. As Terminators, they knew the best way to meet the threat was head on.

They both took evasive action while they went after the threat.

Cammy heard what happened at the summit bunker and a patrol was sent out. She wasn't happy to hear Savannah and Gail were going after it. She couldn't respond to their attempts to communicate currently.

Whoever was tracking them was the immediate threat. It was time to confront the threat. The best way to do so was head on, while at the same time she tried it to evade their advances. She wanted to be the one to attack first.

Cameron identified the threat at the same time as Cammy did.

What was disturbing to her was, she must have been the one to lead them up. What or who was it she attracted? Was it a hostile Terminator, Grays, or the anti-Metal group? It could be both groups looking for each other and they got caught up in it. It could be she just blew it…. There was a high probability it was someone who would be able to track both Cammy and her from different directions. There weren't too many individuals which would be able to do so.

Cameron moved wide to try to flank her stalker. She knew Cammy would do the same. The trick would be to try to get the unknown assailants to attack each other. It was the maneuver she attempted with Cammy now. They would move out wide and then head back toward each other.

The news of an approaching patrol, with Savannah and Gail going to intercept it, wasn't good news. Cameron knew Savannah was coming for her, just like she always said she would. She couldn't respond to Savannah right now. Once again Cameron knew she put Savannah in danger. She felt another glitch impulse shoot through her left hand.

'Not now.' Cameron thought.

She would need to make do. It was time to confront the threat. The best way to do so was head on, while at the same time she tried it to evade their advances. She wanted to be the one to attack first.

It was exactly the same thing Cammy planned to do.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Puppet Master

Who is the captive
Who is the jailer's manipulator
Everyone is still here
So many events later

They think the beast is captive
Contained within its cage
They can torture and hurt it
To hear it cry out in rage

As they pull their puppets strings
They think control is theirs forever
They can't see it is the Puppet Master
Who actually controls their strings however

In a normal relationship ALL others
Would have been long gone
The Puppet Master smiles
Controlling them to hang on

Nobody