Chapter 688

Be There Soon

John was bothered by his conversation with Derek. The conversation indicated not all was well with Riley. He decided he was going to check it out first hand. He didn't think Derek would have said anything unless there was some type of problem.

He left the Command Center and passed by the commissary. He passed by his room but didn't stop. There was one thing on his mind right now and it was Riley. Even as he walked there he began to question past events and mull everything over in his mind.

John thought of his transgressions in the past with Riley - Future Riley. He was very careful to make sure he never repeated them again with Riley - THIS Riley. He knew Cameron wanted Riley 'spoken for' and did what she could to split Jesse and Derek up. She used herself as bait. Cameron 'provided' Vanna and Allison to Jesse, as well as make Jesse love her. Jesse was also the first one 'assigned' a Metal girl. It left Derek and Riley with each other. He really wondered how much of what Cameron did regarding those events was calculated and planned. He wondered how much of it was a by-product from her meddling. Maybe Cameron wasn't to blame and it was all random chance. Yeah, right….

He was aware Cameron could have simply terminated the current version of Riley when she returned from her TDE adventure. She didn't. Maybe River being there prevented it. Cameron instead reached out to Riley. She helped mentor her and train her as she watched over her. What if it was all a 'test' to see if he would choose Riley again? The thought did occur to him more than once. Maybe it was to rub Riley in his face as Derek 'claimed her' and he needed to watch it all. Maybe Cameron was really just trying to help and do what was right. Maybe it was both.

There was another unintended byproduct of Cameron's efforts to reach out to Riley. Cameron took Riley's family under her wing as she did all of the families of those in the Resistance and provided for them in a significant financial way. She helped the Reese family. She helped Jesse's family. She held Riley's family.

It meant one other thing about Riley's family. There was Young Riley also who was out there. She was younger than Savannah, Young Allison, Young Jesse, Jan, and Summer. He didn't think Cameron would let such a prize slip through her fingers. She didn't know if she would use any of the human females to try to 'put the grab' on Young Riley. He wouldn't put it past Cameron to do something to gain control over her like she did all of the other females.

John didn't want to think about the past. He did it enough some nights when he was alone. He would think of what Future Riley and he 'shared'. He arrived at Derek's room and knocked. There was no answer. He thought maybe Riley was out. Maybe he should contact John Henry and find out. It was probably something he should have done before he went there in the first place. He decided to knock Softly again. There was still no response. He was about ready to leave. At this point he thought it might be a better idea anyway.

The door opened.

"Hi." Riley said.

John was a little worried by Riley's appearance. The look was all off.

"Hi. You don't look so hot." John said. "Are you OK?"

Riley was actually surprised to see John at her door. He didn't usually come around often, especially by himself. His greeting to her was also unexpected even if it was accurate. She wondered how she did look to others. It probably wasn't very good.

"What a way to greet a girl." Riley said. "Actually, I don't feel so hot either."

John thought perhaps he should have chosen his words better. Maybe it was because he was caught up with the worry something was wrong. Maybe he was worried about Future Riley. It was a little late for it, she was dead. He needed to refocus and concentrate on the current situation. Still he could never look at Riley and not see Future Riley.

There was one interesting prospect he never explored. It was Young Riley. He knew she was out there. He was as intrigued by her as he was by Young Jesse and Young Allison. He never actually saw what Young Riley looked like. He knew he wanted to claim Savannah's and Young Allison's virginity. He'd like to get Young Jesse's too. But if he had a choice of any of them, and it could only be one, he'd want to have Young Riley's virginity. Things could come full circle and they could be each other's 'first'. With all these thoughts in his mind, he wondered if he made a mistake coming there in the first place. He couldn't believe some of the things he was thinking about right now.

A look at Riley clearly indicated she was very pregnant. He couldn't help but wonder if maybe Future Riley was pregnant too. They didn't use any type of birth control. What if she was pregnant? He wondered if Cameron went and checked on her. He was sure she did. He figured she would check all of Future Riley's stats if she could. Maybe if he could be with Young Riley, he could get her pregnant. He blinked his eyes a couple of times and noticed Riley was looking at him waiting for him to say something. He really felt out of place right now.

"Derek's on his way back." John said. "He was worried about you."

Riley looked tired. She looked sad. She didn't look good, in a health sense.

"I could use some company." Riley said. "I hope it's not going to cause some kind of a problem."

John's first instinct was to enter her room. Something told him not to do it. If she were to touch him in some type of suggestive way, he didn't think he would be able to control himself. It seemed it would be especially more so with all of the things he just thought. Things could rapidly spiral out of control. Another solution popped into his head. He didn't actually know if it was available or not.

"I'll be back in a minute." John said. "Wait here."

John ran around the corner to Jesse's room and knocked.

A very naked Jesse opened the door. She looked around it. When she saw it was John, she moved out into the open, the door no longer blocked her. It was clear she wanted to stand naked before him. She reached up and made sure her nipple rings were centered. He watched her do it. Once they were straight, she smiled at him.

John was a little speechless right now. With the door open wider, he noticed Jesse wasn't alone. He took in her perfect figure and Vanna's in the background. Vanna now sat up naked on the bed. Vanna made no effort to cover herself either. None of the girls, including Savannah, ever made a move to cover anything if it showed when he was around. He did notice them, and they all noticed him notice them. It was always an open invitation. It was what Cameron drilled into all their heads. They didn't know it, but regardless of their own personal desire, nightly 'conditioning' stressed their desire to be with John.

Jesse could see John was spellbound by their naked forms. There was no doubt as to what they were doing before he arrived. She was ready to start in on Vanna again and see if John wanted to join in. In fact she decided to ask him. What could it hurt? She was pretty sure if John were to knock off a quickie with her, Vanna would be willing to give it a try, especially if she was right there when it happened. She knew there wouldn't be any type of violence or negative interaction on John's part. Maybe if Vanna saw it could be something of beauty, she would finally be able to try it on her own. She was going to give it a try and see what happened.

"Come to join us, love?" Jesse asked. "I can tell you for a fact we're both 'ready'. I can absolutely guarantee it will be a smooth ride. I'm ready to 'go' right now if you want it. It will feel nice for all of us, all three of us."

Jesse looked back over her shoulder to where Vanna was at.

John knew she wasn't really joking. They were both 'ready' for him. If the situation was different he'd take it. Jesse's description sounded a lot nicer than 'Rosie'. Someone else would need to deal with the tissues instead of him. Right now in ten seconds he could have two smoking Hot girls all over him. It was in all of their minds too. None of them really knew why. It was more of Cameron's handiwork and the Metal girls following her commands to 'condition' all the human females.

He was there for a different reason right now. It was something much more important than his personal gratification. He went straight to the point.

"I need some help. I don't think Riley is doing too well. I need you or Vanna to stay with her until Derek gets back." John said. "He'll be back in a short while. I'm in the middle of an operation right now. I needed to come and see first hand what was wrong. I don't know what it is, but something looks wrong to me. It's why I need your help if you can. I don't want to interrupt, or disrupt anything personal."

Jesse left the door open and picked up a pair of shorts and slipped them on, she grabbed a halter top which she held in her hand as she left the room topless. She was very concerned about Riley. They were partners for a while after she separated from Derek, and before Riley hooked up with him. She still cared deeply about her, even though they were no longer sexually active. She promised Cameron she would do nothing to interfere with Derek and Riley, and she never did. There were a lot of occasions she could have been with either of them. They probably even could have created a 'three way' relationship. Now wasn't the time to fantasize. She kept her distance.

"I'm on my way." Jesse said as she hurried away.

John was actually surprised at how quickly she threw on a couple of pieces of clothing and headed out after he mentioned it. He didn't even think it was a twenty seconds since he arrived. He figured it was a holdover from the girls needing to move rapidly away from an area if Skynet forces approached. It wasn't a good thought either.

He saw Vanna reach for her clothes. He took one last look at her before he turned to follow Jesse.

"I'll be there in a minute." Vanna said but John was already gone.

John hurried and caught up to Jesse before she reached Riley's room.

Jesse slipped her top on as they came around the corner. She made sure John got another good look at her topless figure before it happened.

John thought it would be better for Jesse and Vanna to comfort Riley. They may have 'female issues' to discuss. They hurried back to Riley's room.

He was glad Riley was still standing in the doorway. He was back in less than a minute from when he told her to wait a minute. He was afraid she would have gone back inside and closed the door. He wasn't sure she would have opened it again if she did. He needed to give her a brief explanation of what was going to happen and why.

"Riley, Jesse and Vanna are going to stay with you." John said. "I'm in the middle of an operation, but if you get worse I want to know immediately. Thanks, Jesse."

John felt the desire to stay anyway, but he knew he couldn't.

Jesse gave Riley a hug and started asking her questions.

John turned to leave as Vanna hurried around the corner. She wore her pants but nothing else. Her shirt was in her hands as she tried to untwist it. It was what it looked like anyway. He wasn't so sure it wasn't so he could see her topless as well. He still couldn't believe how distinct some parts of her body were. He tried not to stare at them as he spoke with her briefly.

"Thanks, Vanna." John said. "I need to know if anything changes. I need to get back to the Command Center."

Vanna was worried as to what exactly was wrong. She figured once they found out more, she could let John know. She couldn't help but notice where his eyes were focused. It wasn't on her face. She tried not to smile about it because it was exactly what she wanted him to do. She knew it was a lure. She knew where there was an even bigger lure which she hoped to use. Right now the issue was about Riley.

"We'll keep you updated." Vanna said as she slipped her shirt on.

John had a little trouble raising his eyes back up to her face. With her shirt on it was much easier.

'Damn, they're both so HOT.' John thought. 'Look how pink her nipples are!'

"Thank you, Vanna." John said.

John turned and headed back to the Command Center. It took all the strength he could muster not to turn around and look at them as he walked away. He was pretty sure if he wasn't in the middle of an operation right now, he'd be back in Jesse's room 'plowing' both Jesse and Vanna right now. He figured if he had a choice, he would start with Jesse. He really liked her trim figure. He also didn't know how receptive Vanna would be to a male based upon her past history. He was sure Jesse would be good to go. She said as much for all practical purposes anyway.

He didn't want the new situation to get away from him or turn into a disaster on the home front. They may need further medical assistance or help. Maybe John Henry could provide some answers. He hoped so anyway. He knew Cameron liked to cover all the bases and would have contingency plans with backups as necessary.

John hurried back into the Command Center.

John Henry looked at him.

"Is everything all right?" John Henry asked.

John wasn't really sure where to begin. He really didn't know the nature of the problem. His assumption was it might be physical. He hoped it wasn't psychological. He didn't have a basis to come to any type of conclusion. He figured he'd just start.

"I'm not sure if it is or not. Who do we have with medical training for childbirth?" John asked. "Is there someone programmed to assist with it? I know we have access to a vast medical database with every type of operation or procedure there is."

John Henry was very surprised to hear the question. It wasn't what he expected. The idea actually intrigued him. He would be able to help John out.

"I am." John Henry said. "I can turn this over to independent control of JH my server, like CamNet is, if I am needed elsewhere. We have a complete infirmary next to the lab if needed. I have access to every surgical procedure. I can plug into my mainframe with a connection there. I'll have access to all medical knowledge in the world. CamNet will assist me."

Somehow it was way more than John expected to hear. It was a relief to hear. He also knew there was a difference between knowledge and experience. Maybe a Terminator could bridge the gap. They did possess remarkable abilities. He didn't want to get ahead of himself too far.

"It may be nothing." John said. "I just wanted to know what we could do if we needed to."

John Henry wondered if the situation was worse than John was willing to admit to.

"You look very worried." John Henry said.

John was very worried. He was worried about the baby. The baby was very special to everyone, especially its parents. He understood it represented a lot to someone from the future. He knew anything was possible. His sister, Jan, and Allison's baby and Cameron's future, were proof things could still happen, even if they needed a little assistance.

"The baby means everything to Riley and Derek, even if Riley doesn't know it." John said. "It's possible there could be a combination of physical and psychological issues involved. I don't know. I don't have any professional training in either subject."

John Henry believed Riley did know it. He also understood it was why she tried to offer it to Cameron because she knew how special it would be. He did wonder about the other aspect John pointed out. Was there a psychological issue?

"Riley knows it." John Henry said. "I will monitor the situation."

John knew he needed to concentrate on the current operation. He didn't want things to get away from him. It was very unusual for him to have to step away in the middle of something which was about to start.

"Where are we on the mission?" John asked. "I'm sorry for the interruption."

John Henry believed the interruption was justified. He knew it certainly would be to Cameron and Derek.

"Some things are more important." John Henry said. "This is where we are, not much has changed…."

John Henry got John back up to speed. He hadn't been gone very long at all so it was all the same.

He knew John was worried about all the Resistance members, whether they were about to be in combat, or battling personal, or medical issues. Medical complications, both physical and psychological, could lead to death, the same as combat could. One would be much more tragic than the other, even if they were both devastating.

John Henry started to review medical procedures and find which files he thought might be necessary. In a few seconds, there were thousands he was able to review. He was ready to act with the new information, and everything else, while he was plugged into the database. He felt very confident. He also could see it would open up some new possibilities if he could conduct an 'examination' with Riley, or any of the females.

Cameron received a message from CamNet.

Savannah felt Cameron's hand start to glitch again. It was extremely unusual with her holding it. She could only guess what the problem might be.

"What's wrong?" Savannah asked. "Is it Allison?"

There was a distressed look on Cameron's face.

"It's Riley." Cameron said.

Savannah tried to calm Cameron. She was a little flustered herself. She could feel her heart was pounding right now. She knew it was really getting a workout today. She didn't think it was done either, especially if they ended up in some type of combat.

"Cameron, relax." Savannah said. "You're going to make me start worrying next."

The glitch stopped.

Cameron tried to pull everything together.

"I'm sorry." Cameron said.

Savannah wanted to know all the details and offer Cameron some various options as to their current situation. There was only so much they could do from where they were. There was only so much they could do if they were back at the base.

"What's wrong, and what do you want to do?" Savannah asked. "We can turn the operation over to Bob's team and Sheila's team. You know they can handle the situation without a problem."

Cameron saw it as part of the problem. Nobody knew what was wrong, or how serious anything was. All she knew is there was an issue of some type. CamNet informed her it started with a conversation between Derek and John. It now expanded to Jesse and Vanna being with Riley in her room. John briefly intervened to get some assistance for Riley before he returned to his duties.

"I don't know." Cameron said. "Vanna and Jesse are with her, Derek and Kyle will be back soon. I think we'll know more then."

Savannah wanted to do whatever would make Cameron feel the most comfortable.

"Do you want to be there?" Savannah asked. "Is Sarah there?"

Cameron knew Sarah wouldn't be able to help. She was on her way to Palmdale.

"Sarah is with Cammy and Jan. They went to see Summer." Cameron said.

Savannah didn't think Sarah went along just so Jan and Summer could hang out together. She saw the way Sarah and Claire looked at each other before. She knew there was a pent up desire there, especially on Sarah's part. She briefly wondered if she would ever be able to share with Sarah. It would be something she would like to do very much. She was sure she could find the 'real Sarah' inside of her battle hardened shell. She could find the real 'anybody' with her love.

Now wasn't the time to let her mind wander. She knew there were options available to them. She wasn't sure what course of action Cameron actually wanted to follow.

"Do you want me to notify Cammy?" Savannah asked. "Or has CamNet already done it?"

Cameron was worried they might cause a panic. She felt they needed to know more before they raised any additional alarms. There were already a number of people involved.

"I haven't notified anyone else." Cameron said. "CamNet hasn't either. It may be nothing. There are no signs of any obvious physical trauma, like bleeding or specific pains."

Savannah was very aware of what it was like to be pregnant and feel all alone. It didn't matter if they were actually others there or not. It was still a feeling which tended to creep in. Towards the end of a pregnancy, it was easy to become very moody and feel depressed for no reason at all. She thought part of the problem was after the almost full term of the pregnancy, she would wonder what if something happened to the baby, or if something wouldn't be right. It could be very overwhelming at times. She knew in the future there wasn't a whole lot of medical help available if there was a problem. She was pretty sure Riley experienced those same thoughts, even if she wasn't in the future any longer. The future was still in her. It was time for her to step up.

"I'll stay with Riley when Derek and Sarah are out from now on." Savannah said. "I know what she's feeling. Sometimes there are a lot of bad feelings as well as physical ones."

Savannah felt Cameron's hand glitch again. She knew Cameron felt responsible and blamed herself about all of the trauma she went through and what she needed to do. Nothing related to her was Cameron's fault.

"Cameron, we've been over this many times." Savannah said. "Stop stressing out on it. Everything was my own choice. I would do nothing different if I could do any of it over again - except one thing, I would start earlier."

Savannah felt Cameron's hand glitch even more.

All of the events weighed heavily on Cameron, she needed action. She knew she would feel in her element once the shooting started. She could take control of the situation, as she dealt out retribution to the Skynet forces. She could make those responsible for everything pay for their atrocities and sins. It wasn't her fault. It was Skynet's fault. It was what she tried to tell herself anyway. She just couldn't quite believe it yet. Somehow it was all her fault.

"I can't help it worrying." Cameron said. "I need combat. Gail, overtake the truck. I'm boarding it."

Cameron started to check her gear.

Savannah took one look at Cameron and immediately overrode her plan. She wasn't about to allow Cameron's plan to happen under the current circumstances.

"No, you're not." Savannah said. "Not in this condition. Gail, stick to the original plan."

Cameron felt very overwhelmed.

"There are so many things which could go wrong." Cameron said.

Savannah knew she needed to keep control.

"Then focus on what can go right." Savannah said. "Do it - now."

Cameron's hand stopped glitching. She was able to quickly pull everything together.

"I have, I've run thousands of scenarios." Cameron said. "Thank you, I'm fine now."

Savannah wasn't so sure about it. They did have contingency plans setup.

"We have people everywhere for everything." Savannah said. "You've seen to it."

Cameron did try to plan for every eventuality. She realized it was impossible, but she did what she could.

"Yes, I've tried to cover all the bases." Cameron said. "There are others to help me, to help US."

Savannah wanted to remind Cameron they were stronger together. No one needed to stand alone.

"We're a team." Savannah said. "We all work together."

Cameron sometimes felt she was a 'team of one'. Maybe it was because of her own actions.

"Yes, a team." Cameron said.

What Savannah said about 'starting earlier' was still in Cameron's mind. It meant Young Allison would think the same thing. She would keep it in mind since Young Allison was 'ready'. Young Allison could act directly, or her genetic material could be harvested and used through Claire as a surrogate. She knew Savannah would never allow Young Allison to do what she did, but there was still a way with Claire's help. With her new thought and idea, she was able to pull everything together and refocus. There were still many ways for her plans to come together.

The reports she received from CamNet were troubling to Young Allison. She felt a lot of concern. She also felt powerless.

"What's going on?" Young Allison asked. "Is Cameron melting down?"

Anna was just as disturbed by the reports as Young Allison was.

"I don't know." Anna said. "WE don't usually see this from CamNet."

Young Allison thought there was a legitimate concern.

"If Savannah wasn't there with Cameron right now, what would've happened?" Young Allison asked.

Anna didn't even want to think about it.

"There's no way to know for sure." Anna said. "I can assure you it would be nothing good."

Young Allison felt concern for Anna. She knew she ran Cameron's program.

"Can it happen to you?" Young Allison asked.

Anna often worried about it. She knew it was theoretically possible. She was grateful it never happened yet. She hoped it never did.

"Yes, Cameron is my base program." Anna said. "My 'Savannah files' are my calming force."

Young Allison thought there was a way she could help Cameron.

"I want to use the 'Neural Interface' with Cameron." Young Allison said.

Anna tilted her head slightly.

"You already have, in the future." Anna said.

Young Allison believed she was superior to Future Allison in many respects, and didn't carry the same baggage as her. Instead she carried the training and education Cameron provided her with. If she were to help Cameron, it would be as if Cameron actually helped herself.

"I'm different from Future Allison." Young Allison said. "My body may be younger than Future Allison's was, but my training and education is much further advanced. I think I can help Cameron directly this way."

Anna knew it would severely alter Cameron's programming.

"It would change who Cameron is." Anna said.

Young Allison believed they could test her proposal. They could do it under controlled conditions.

"We can try it on you. You can isolate Savannah's files and be 'Cameron' right?" Young Allison asked.

Anna was intrigued by the prospect of having some 'Neural Interface' files from Young Allison. She knew there was a lot more going on than Young Allison ever let anyone else see.

"Yes." Anna said. "I would be able to isolate your files as well and remove them after the test. I can always set a 'restore point' before each step of the procedure."

Young Allison cared very much for Anna.

"What if you didn't remove the files later on?" Young Allison asked.

Anna knew if she incorporated the files, it would alter her program.

"It would change who I am now." Anna said.

Young Allison didn't think it would be such a bad thing. She believed it would make them closer. They could be together as 'one'.

"Do you want to know me?" Young Allison asked. "All of me?"

Anna was aware of her mission parameters. Young Allison's proposal would exceed them and most likely cause a problem with Cameron.

"You are my purpose." Anna said. "I'm to be 'Savannah' for you when she's 'unavailable', not 'Cameron'."

Young Allison wanted to point out Savannah was 'unavailable' to her most of the time.

"We'll discuss this more, later." Young Allison said.

Anna didn't want to alter herself. If it was what Young Allison wanted, she knew she must comply.

"I'll do what you want." Anna said. "It's my function."

A single tear slid down Anna's cheek.

Young Allison saw the pain she caused Anna, but if there was any way to help Cameron, it needed to be explored. She would remind Anna 'her files' could be removed or isolated as 'Future Allison's files' were in Ally. With such a safeguard in place, she could be restored back to 'normal'. She also knew she could hit up Cammy about trying the procedure as well. She figured because of her association with Savannah, she would like to give it a try. She knew Cammy would view it as a way to make herself more appealing to Savannah if she was more like her.

Derek called Riley again. She failed to answer her phone twice which caused him further worry. This time he got an answer and was surprised.

"Hello, love, long time, no speak." Jesse said.

Derek was surprised at the voice who answered. It wasn't what he expected. He was still worried because Riley hadn't answered herself. If he wasn't so worried about Riley right now, he was sure his mind would have drifted to some of his past experiences with Jesse. She was very different from Riley in just about every single regard possible. Sometimes he wasn't always sure it was a good thing, most of the time he thought it probably was.

"Jesse?" Derek asked. "Where's Riley?"

Jesse didn't want Derek to worry needlessly. She felt the situation was under control for now.

"Relax, love, she's resting." Jesse said. "Vanna is with her now."

Derek reflected on the fact both Riley and himself were 'with' Jesse in the past.

"Is anything wrong?" Derek asked. "We're still twenty minutes out."

Jesse wanted Derek to take it easy. She thought Vanna would be a more stabilizing voice for him to listen to than hers.

"Follow the speed limit." Jesse said. "Everything's under control. Here comes Vanna now. I'll let you talk to her. Bye, love."

Vanna took the phone and Jesse went to check on Riley.

"Hey, Derek." Vanna said.

Derek believed he could trust Vanna to tell it to him how it was.

"Hi, Vanna." Derek said. "Tell it to me straight."

Vanna didn't think it was serious at all. She tried to put it in terms he could relate to.

"As far as I can tell, she's just not feeling well." Vanna said. "You know we've all been around our share of 'sick people' in the future. She's not like any of them. You know what I mean."

Derek hadn't expected such a pointed type of explanation. He did know it meant Riley wasn't about to die though, nor did it sound too serious for the baby either.

"Thanks." Derek said. "I'll have Jim stick to the speed limit. Tell her I'll be there soon."

Vanna figured she could notify Derek if there was any change. She doubted there would be.

"I will." Vanna said. "Don't hurry. I'll personally call you if anything changes for the worse."

Derek felt there was a heavy weight lifted off of his shoulders.

"Thanks, Vanna." Derek said.

Kyle waited until Derek put his phone away.

"Well?" Kyle asked.

Derek looked a little less worried.

"Things seem OK for now, but Riley isn't feeling well." Derek said.

Kyle wanted to reassure his brother they'd be back in no time.

"We'll be there soon." Kyle said.

Derek knew they all saw a lot of people die from sickness and poor health, as much as they saw with combat deaths. None of them were pretty. He knew a lot of the non-combat deaths were related to what Skynet did to the environment through various toxins with chemical and biological warfare. He really believed they probably killed more people than combat did in the long run. They also drastically cut down on the reproduction rate.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Maybe I'll See You Later

I've been looking at you
I see you see me
Is it me you really see
Or someone else you want it to be

When we look at one
What do we really see
Is it the outside shell
You can't see inside of me

Our eyes look for one's appearance
They can't see what is inside
Does it make who we really are
Easier to conceal and hide

So through life we go looking
Never knowing what we really see
Only the dull or shiny exterior
Never knowing who they could be

You don't know what you see
If they're a friend or traitor
Here we are playing the game
Maybe I'll see you later

Nobody