Chapter 673

It's A Go

The Command Center received an update from CamNet. They were a little surprised at what the proposal was. It definitely merited review and consideration.

John and John Henry went over 'CamNet's plans'. They both figured they were actually from Young Allison. They were daring and bold, which meant they could probably make them work with a little luck.

Luck, or random chance, wasn't always on their side.

John was a little apprehensive about the proposal as much as he was enticed.

"Both of those are risky plans." John said.

John Henry could see the risk but he thought they were sound and workable. It seemed like a very innovative approach to him.

"They both might work." John Henry said.

John thought about the personnel it would involve. It didn't sit well with him. He wasn't sure about who he wanted to go. He knew it was going to be an issue when he brought it up, especially for the reasons he brought it up.

"I don't want the females to do it." John said.

John Henry thought it was a non issue. It wouldn't be a problem for any of them.

"John, they're Terminators." John Henry said. "It's what they do."

John was sure it was going to involve more than just Terminators, female or otherwise. There was one thing he didn't want to happen. He wanted to lay down the law.

"Savannah's not going in with them." John said. "It's final."

John Henry made sure they were isolated. He didn't want things to become a problem. He could see John's decision was based on emotion. It probably also resonated with his personal feelings. He would prefer if Savannah wasn't involved. He agreed with John, but for different reasons other than the fact she was a human female.

"Savannah has to be tired, if not exhausted, by doing all this high elevation activity." John Henry said. "She's in perfect condition and health, but she's not used to being two miles up over rough snow spotted terrain. She's needed to do a lot of running too."

John could see how it would complicate things even more. He wanted to take some pre-emptive action. He was sure there were going to be some repercussions involved.

"Get me a secure line to Bob." John said.

John Henry signaled to John a secure line was established.

John wanted to make himself clear.

"Bob, I want you to relieve Savannah for the next phase of the operation." John said.

Bob thought it was a bold and innovative plan. He was aware of the danger it would involve. He was more than willing to step up and take Savannah's place.

"Affirmative…." Bob said. "I'm heading down now."

John wasn't sure how reluctant Savannah would be not to take part in the raid. He still believed it was the best course of action. He wanted to make sure he covered all the bases.

"Take one other Terminator with you so they can accompany Savannah back." John said. "I don't want there to be any issues over her return."

Bob wondered what exactly John wanted to try for. He didn't think any of them would want to be sidelined, not just Savannah.

"I don't think any of the female Terminators will want to be replaced." Bob said. "You might end up creating an issue."

John didn't want it to become another problem. He hoped either Gail or Cammy would accompany Savannah back. He didn't want to be the one to make a decision or even issue a directive. The more he thought about it, along with Bob's 'advice', the more he was sure it was going to become a problem, on multiple levels.

"One of them can go back with Savannah." John said. "We both know it won't be Cameron."

It was more than likely Cameron would be the one to lead the assault. It's just how she rolled.

Cameron received word from John about a plan to walk right up to the bunker. She wondered where the plan came from. She was sure it wasn't from the Command Center. It was a bold and daring plan. She contacted CamNet and found out it was Young Allison's plan. She smiled to herself. It looked like Young Allison's 'Terminator upbringing' really showed. It also showed she was willing to act. This wasn't the first time either. The thing she liked best about the plans from the Young bunker were not only the ideas were bold but they were all some good ideas and very workable. Both Anna and CamNet kept her advised as to Young Allison's suggestions and plans on a regular basis. She wanted to put the plan into effect immediately. The clothing they needed was close by.

"Gail, head for the Grays you and Savannah took down." Cameron said. "We need some of their clothing."

Cameron went over the plan with everyone.

Savannah listened to the plan. She thought it was very dangerous. It might just work as intended. The Grays were sloppy and would see what they wanted and expected to see. They wouldn't expect to see the 'wolf' arrive in 'sheep's clothing'. The enemy would open the bunker door for them. They wouldn't have to blast it open, even if they might need to fight their way in.

"It's a risky plan, Cameron." Savannah said. "I'm actually surprised John would want to take such a drastic step. It does have merit."

Savannah didn't think it was her place to question the operation. She wondered why John would take such a risk. It seemed outside of his normal operational procedures. She knew he liked to use more caution and planning when it could be done. She didn't disagree with him in the slightest. Her operations in the field showed her there couldn't always be planning. Sometimes things just happened. She didn't know where the plan actually originated from.

Cameron hesitated to tell her it was from the Young bunker. She decided to let it 'slide' for now. She needed to find out what the enemy was up to. If they needed to launch a full on assault, whatever was happening inside could be damaged. It could be destroyed by the enemy as well when they realize what was about to happen.

"We're going to take the bunker one way or another." Cameron said. "We need to know what they're doing in there."

Cammy was still upset because she saw the female before she was taken into the bunker. She was well aware of what must have happened to her for the last few hours. It was more than a few hours at this point too. She didn't like the physical abuse the female suffered at the hands of the Grays on their way up there. She could only imagine in the confines of the bunker it was worse. She hoped she was still alive. She hoped she wasn't busted up. She hoped there wasn't anything 'missing'. Both of those last thoughts were very realistic based upon past behavior of Grays and what she witnessed with her own eyes. The female seemed to know what she needed to do to stay alive as long as possible. She still thought she was a 'working girl' who got caught up in a little more than she bargained for, or signed up for. There was no easy money or free ride.

"I want to get the female out." Cammy said. "I'm the one responsible for her being in there, even if it's the Skynet forces who captured and detained her for their illicit use."

Gail was in communication with Jesse and was made aware of a few facts by her and a request. She didn't think the information would set Cammy's mind at ease, however it might take away some of the necessity to act before it was the right time for them.

"It may be too late." Gail said. "Jesse said it's been silent for about two hours. Jesse asked we try to take some of the Grays alive…. It's personal to her now."

Savannah understood what it meant. She didn't protest. Death alone was too good and too easy a form of punishment for the Grays and what they did.

Cameron didn't want Jesse to regress. She worked hard to reform her.

"No." Cameron said. "Jesse's better than such behavior."

Savannah didn't want Jesse to relive her past. She thought of a better plan.

"I don't want Jesse to do it either." Savannah said. "I'll do it…."

Silence was the only sound as the girls moved toward their objective.

The Metal girls all knew Savannah was serious.

They were all aware Savannah could 'order' them to assist her to do it. It seemed if there was any type of direct confrontation of her thought, it would only solidify what she indicated. Maybe if it was given a little time, things would smooth out a little and perhaps a less drastic approach could be adopted.

Some additional disturbing news reached the Command Center.

John Henry could see the activity at several locations just picked up.

"The reports have started to come in from the old packing sheds, there's activity happening." John Henry said.

John was pretty sure what the activity would be.

"I bet they're getting ready to send up some HK drones." John said.

John Henry thought they should act now.

"We have enough Terminators on the ground around there. I think we should strike first." John Henry said. "Cammy reported new quieter engines, we need one to examine. We can modify the engines on our drones. We should be able to operate them at much lower altitudes without humans being able to hear them."

John was aware there were more drones on the way to support them now.

"How soon until our other four drones arrive?" John asked.

John Henry monitored their progress

"They're ten minutes out." John Henry said.

John wanted to get everybody on the same page before the action started.

"Let me see if Cameron is ready for the next phase." John said. "We need to get everything into play."

John was a little worried the timing may not line up. He didn't think it would stop Cameron from acting as soon as she thought she could. He did understand her operation appeared to be the most risky if she was going to try to walk right up to the front door of the enemy bunker.

Anna and Young Allison quickly looked at each other with the latest transmission about Savannah.

Young Allison didn't like what she just heard. CamNet allowed her to hear what Savannah said. She wasn't going to sit this one out and stay on the sidelines. Savannah's well being and mental health were her prime considerations going forward. She didn't want her to cross any lines which would be too hard to come back from.

"I want to speak with Savannah." Young Allison said. "I want a secure line to her."

Anna understood Young Allison's concern and reminded her of her place.

"This is outside the scope of our involvement in the operation." Anna said.

Young Allison was adamant. She wasn't about to back down. Not when it came to Savannah. Not over this.

"It's not outside the scope of my involvement. I know what they are talking about." Young Allison said. "I don't want the darkness to grow inside Savannah."

CamNet circumvented Anna and instantly made the connection with Savannah.

Anna didn't believe Cameron would remain a bystander to any such event.

"Cameron will not allow her to do it." Anna said. "You have your secure and private connection."

Young Allison was afraid of a dark side which could develop in Savannah. She was aware of some of the things Sheila did in the past. She knew the darkness came from Jesse through the 'Neural Interface'. She knew it meant Jesse must have done them as well. She believed anyone could do anything depending upon the circumstances. Not everything would be a good thing either. She wanted to keep the conversation brief and direct.

"Savannah, it's Allison, YOUR Allison. This is a secure line, don't say anything, just LISTEN." Young Allison said. "You know why I'm calling. Remember who you are. It's all I have to say. Stay safe and good luck. I'm sorry for the intrusion."

Anna was actually surprised it didn't expand into a longer conversation and was merely a statement from Young Allison, a very personal one which wasn't open for discussion.

"I have to say it was a little shorter than I expected." Anna said.

Young Allison felt it was necessary.

"Sometimes it's nice to have help." Young Allison said.

Anna tilted her head slightly to the side.

"Help for what?" Anna asked.

Young Allison knew who Savannah was. She wanted Savannah to remember too.

"A little help so someone doesn't forget who they are." Young Allison said.

Anna smiled to herself. Young Allison's direct input on this operation said so much, with so few words to both John and Savannah. She also believed several of her plans were very unique and bold.

Bob arrived with Dan.

Bob hoped to keep things simple. He figured the best thing to do was to just go ahead and say what needed to be said.

"Savannah is to go back to the bunker observation point." Bob said. "One of you needs to accompany her."

Cameron was all for the idea.

"Cammy or Gail can go." Cameron said.

Savannah knew Cameron wouldn't leave and Cammy wouldn't either.

Steve and Al arrived to collect the deactivated Terminators and take them away for extraction later on. They could also replace any of the Metal girls, it appeared none of them wanted to leave.

Savannah didn't want things to turn into a problem. She thought she could handle it.

"Gail, will you escort me back, please?" Savannah asked.

Gail didn't want to leave the team.

Cameron could see that Gail needed a little prompting. She knew just what to do to make it happen.

"I saw Savannah limping a little." Cameron said. "Maybe you can carry her for part of the way. She won't ASK for help."

Gail wanted to hold Savannah in her arms. Her desire wasn't for a setting like this, but it was better than nothing. She didn't want to overstep her bounds. She looked at Cammy and Cammy nodded. She needed to suppress a smile with Cammy's approval.

"OK. I'll assist you." Gail said.

Gail headed away with Savannah behind her.

Cameron and her team put on some of the non bloody clothing the men from the patrol were wearing when they left the bunker. Some of it was distinctive. The clothing should be recognized by those in the bunker as they neared it, even in the darkness.

They wanted to disguise themselves to look like the patrol returning.

Cameron asked for an update as to what was happening around the bunker.

"They have two sentries out." Jesse reported. "I have eyes on one of them."

Steve knew there was only one who was still alive.

"We just took care of the one on the south side." Steve said.

Savannah realized Gail and her would pass by the remaining sentry.

"We'll take the one on the north side as we pass." Savannah said.

Cameron looked at her team. It looked like everyone was ready.

"Let's go." Cameron said.

Cammy wanted retribution. She wanted the Grays to pay for what they did.

"Everyone dies." Cammy said. "I mean everyone except the detainee, if she's even still alive."

Bob wanted to say 'no problemo' but checked himself.

"It won't be a problem." Bob said.

Cammy was unsure of the mutilation which probably occurred to the female by her not acting sooner. She knew the carnage was on her. She could have prevented the female from ever leaving the upper station of the cable car. It would've put the entire operation in jeopardy and alerted the Skynet forces they were on to them. She didn't do it. Whatever happened to the female was her fault.

Cameron can see Cammy was bothered by her previous decision to stick with the plan. She had her own ax to grind. She intended to grind it.

"I want the 'Metal Bitch'." Cameron said. "She's going to pay for what she facilitated."

Cammy looked at Cameron and silently nodded. She knew Cameron felt her pain. The unspoken words between them were, what would they do if it would have been Savannah or Young Allison who was the female captive? They both knew the plan wouldn't matter at that point, nothing would. They would have gotten them out.

They both knew they would change whatever they needed to do to protect Savannah and Young Allison going forward. They would change whatever they needed to do in the future, or in the past, as well as the present.

Gail hoped she would be able to carry Savannah. It didn't look like it was going to happen. They started on their way back towards the rendezvous point with the rest of the Resistance forces. They would pass by the remaining sentry as they did. They knew what his exact position was.

"The sentry will be right outside the trees." Gail said.

Savannah thought of the best way to deal with him and not endanger themselves.

"I can use the silence pistol on him." Savannah said.

Gail thought she could too.

"I can do it." Gail said.

There was some noise up ahead of them off to the side.

Savannah was cautious.

"What made the sound? " Savannah whispered.

Gail was unsure. it sounded like something was between them and the sentry. She wanted to make sure they hadn't been detected and we're being stalked by the sentry.

"Does anyone still have eyes on the sentry on our side?" Gail whispered.

Jesse previously moved to a position where she could keep an eye on him.

"He's in the same spot he was earlier, love." Jesse said. "He's looking into the trees. I'm not sure if it's your position or not."

Savannah figured it probably was towards their position where he looked. It wasn't them who made the noise.

"There's something between us and him." Savannah whispered. "It might be an animal. I don't think it's a human."

The sentry moved a little closer to the tree line. His weapon was in front of him.

"He's moving in your direction." Jesse said.

When the sentry reached the tree line. Something sprang out and ran off in the other direction. It appeared to be an adolescent deer. The sentry resisted the urge to shoot at it. He was a little relieved to see it wasn't a threat. He would have been a little more concerned if it would have been a cougar. He laughed slightly to himself and turned around to go back to his position. He never made it.

Seconds ago:

"Can you see what made the noise?" Savannah whispered.

Gail spotted what made the sound earlier.

"It's a species of hoofed ruminants in the order Artiodactyla." Gail whispered. "It's a deer. Let me borrow your silence pistol."

Gail decided to advance towards it. She knew it would run off. It would also distract the Gray's attention when it did. He was most certain to look at its fleeing form.

Savannah wondered if Gail was going to kill the deer.

"Are you going to shoot it?" Savannah whispered.

Gail could see her concern.

"When the sentry looks over at the fleeing deer, I'll take him down." Gail whispered. "Stay behind me and watch our six. When the deer runs, I'll move up and take the shot."

Gail and Savannah advanced forward.

The deer looked up in their direction. It sensed danger and immediately turned around to flee in the opposite direction.

Gail quickly advanced forward as the deer started to run. She moved up in back of a tree with the silence pistol extended in front of her. She watched the sentry follow the fleeing deer with his firearm. As soon as he started to lower it, she fired one round which struck him in the head.

"The other sentry is down." Gail said. "I'll make sure."

Gail moved up and snapped the sentry's neck as she searched him.

They took his weapon and phone and joined up with the others a few minutes later.

John wanted to make it a double strike. He wanted to prevent one operation from assisting the other. He certainly didn't want a fleet of HK drones headed towards the top of the mountain.

"I want to hit the packing house at the same time as they hit the bunker." John said.

John Henry thought they could limit the risk to the Terminators on the ground.

"We can always do a drone strike." John Henry said.

John wanted to make sure the helicopters were set to go.

"Is the Blackhawk ready?" John asked.

John Henry knew the exact flight times. He also knew there was another option available.

"Yes." John Henry said. "It's ready to go. They'll be there in six minutes from wheels up. Sheila can be there sooner. Our drones can do the dirty work."

John didn't want anyone to jump the gun until everything was ready to go.

"Cameron, how soon until you hit the bunker?" John asked.

Cameron didn't doubt they would take the objective. She also worried there was a lot of cleanup which needed to be done on the mountain side. There were various bodies scattered in several different locations. The only ones she didn't want to lose control of were the captured Terminators. She intended to add the 'Metal Bitch' to the pile.

"We have it in sight now. Both sentries are down and we will be within striking range in four minutes." Cameron said. "Send the Blackhawk. We'll have a lot of bodies to collect."

Sheila and Ally powered up and we're ready to go.

"We are burning and turning right now." Sheila said. "We can arrive whenever we need to start hauling the trash."

Cam and Hanna were all set too.

"Hanna and I are ready as well." Cam reported.

John wanted to make sure everybody was ready to go at the same time.

"Ed, are you ready at the packing house?" John asked.

Ed quickly looked over his team, everyone was on the move.

"We have two Stinger teams ready to go. Our ground forces are moving into position." Ed said.

John knew the two Iroquois weren't part of the original plan. He decided to have them remain where they were for now.

"Everyone, it's a go, Cam and Sheila will hold for now." John said. "We have six drones for support."

It was 'Showtime'.

Cameron led her team right up the trail to the bunker. In the darkness, it looked like the patrol returned.

No one in the bunker thought twice about anything because the patrol passed by one of the two sentries and no alarm was sounded. They didn't know the sentry was dead. They didn't know they would soon join him either.

The door opened for them as they neared.

"Where have you guys been?" A Gray asked. "It sucks all the communications are still out."

Cameron and her team sprang forward. Her captured silenced MP5 sputtered to life. The man was hit and disappeared back inside.

She crashed through the door. She spotted several computer monitors and a few sets of bunk beds, there was a nude female in one of them.

Cameron fired several more times. The three men inside all died without ever firing a shot. If anything, there was a look of astonishment on their faces. It was hard for them to comprehend they were being attacked and terminated in their own secure bunker.

She could tell right away something was off. Things didn't appear as they should.

"Where are the others?" Cameron asked as she looked around.

She pulled her Taser out.

"The 'Metal Bitch' isn't here." Cameron said.

Cameron looked for a trap door or an escape hatch. She couldn't locate either. She didn't think there was time for anyone to respond so rapidly to escape.

Bob followed Cameron in. He'd expected heavier resistance.

"This installation is nothing." Bob said.

Cammy followed Bob in. She immediately spotted the female and went to check on her. She was pleased to see the female's eyes slowly open. She started to scan her. She wanted to reassure the female her suffering was over.

"She's still alive." Cammy said. "We're here to help."

Cameron wanted some answers. She wanted to know where the rest of the Skynet forces were.

"Where did the female go and the others?" Cameron asked.

Cammy encouraged the female to speak or motion. She felt guilt about not assisting her earlier.

The female captive pointed at the back wall.

Cameron understood it's where the main threat would lie. She didn't want the captive female to receive any additional damage.

"Get ready to take the female out of here to safety as soon as we know it's clear" Cameron said.

Cameron moved to the back wall. She looked around and found a latch. A door opened to a passageway with a camera pointed at her. She could see things were about to get hot. She figured Cammy would want to atone for her earlier inaction.

"Cammy, get ready to go with the female. Bob and Dan are with me." Cameron said.

They could hear the Blackhawk arrive with more troops.

Cameron entered the passageway. She already traded the silenced MP5 for her Coltan loaded M4.

It was Payback Time.

The operation at the old packing sheds was given the go.

Ed led the Resistance Terminators into the packing sheds and office building.

Two of the old packing sheds contained machinery. Most of it was still in shipping crates. The third old packing shed contained three drones. One attempted to power up as they reached it. Ed stuck a shocker on it and it shut down. The power source was disconnected from all three drones. None of them were going anywhere, not on their own.

There was only a little sporadic gunfire. It appeared the Grays were taken by surprise.

The two white vans which were still out were stopped by the Terminators who were tracking them. The occupants were terminated. The vans were checked and then taken.

Four of their drones orbited overhead but weren't needed. The two above the mountain summit also waited for targets.

John was pleased with the success of the operation but everything seemed a little off.

"It seems to me everything was a little too easy." John said.

John Henry hoped following the plan for once, paid off.

"Maybe we're getting better." John Henry said. "We waited a day and it paid off. We got a lot more out of it than we would have if we would have shot down the remaining HK drone we let escape."

John hoped the answer was where Cameron was at. It didn't seem to be anywhere else.

"Cameron's team has to be after the answer." John said.

John Henry hadn't heard much from Cameron after she entered the bunker.

"We lost communication with her, once she entered the passageway." John Henry said. "The remainder of the Metal Strike Team has moved in to follow Cameron's team."

John was left with an uneasy feeling about who was left outside.

"It leaves Cammy, Gail, Jesse and Savannah outside on the mountain." John said.

Cammy communicated what was and wasn't in the bunker as she came out of it with the nude female detainee.

"And the freed female." John Henry said. "They can't find the 'Metal Bitch'."

John was instantly alarmed.

"Cammy, pull your Taser now and make sure the female isn't the 'Metal Bitch'." John said.

John was afraid it may be a trap. Maybe the 'female' was really the 'Metal Bitch' trying to act as a 'Trojan Horse'. He was very worried for Savannah's and Jesse's safety. There might be a 'wolf' in the middle of the 'hen house'.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

It's A Go

There's seldom a pot of gold
At the end of life's rainbow
Sometimes one will be lucky
To get a simple 'hello'

There are many things in which to indulge
Most of them one must forego
Some think they've made it to the top
They don't realize they ended up below

Does one go against the current
Or buckle and go with the flow
When they do that they shrink
They never expand or grow

Some will hold steady and continue
Onward through the hardships they mow
They don't intend to be satisfied
With everyone else's status quo

With perseverance they find
The one who sets their heart aglow
They're sure they've found the one
Their heart tells them - it's a go

Nobody