Chapter 705

Isn't It Always

Cameron and Anna established they were alone inside of the building. It was a giant structure. There was a row of containers down each side. There were dozens of them.

They moved down the row of containers. They opened them as they went along.

It wasn't what Cameron expected to find.

"I don't quite understand what's going on here." Cameron said.

Anna didn't have a clue either.

"It is rather odd." Anna said

The containers were all empty.

"I would sure like to know when all of these containers arrived." Cameron said.

Anna was as confused as Cameron about all the containers being empty.

"Did the containers arrive here with some material in them, or are they for something to store?" Anna asked. "Maybe they are for transport."

Cameron looked over the rows of containers. She tried to make sense of it. Nothing seemed to add up.

"It's unknown." Cameron said. "If they brought material in, It's a lot of material. If they're going to store something in them, it's a lot of storage."

Cameron wondered if they were loaded with items to store, what would those items be. Since they were containers, they could be loaded on a truck, rail car, or a ship. If they were loaded onto ships, they could end up anywhere around the world in a few weeks time. It would give Skynet a global reach without having to establish itself in the cities of different countries to do the same thing. The equipment could be built here and shipped anywhere. It didn't seem any of the containers were missing yet, because the rows were even across both sides of the building. Maybe they lucked out and got ahead of the operation.

The implications of what it could be were still very troubling to her. What if what they looked at was the second round waiting to happen? What if it were the tenth round? She needed to get to the bottom of things.

Anna could see Cameron was a little caught up right now as she contemplated what all the containers meant. There were more areas to inspect. It seemed at least one of them should have something in it other than the truck Cameron followed there. She wanted to keep things moving along.

"We still have two more buildings to check. We know one has the truck with the HK drones in it." Anna said. "I bet it has a lot more in it too."

Cameron was a little perplexed, especially by the high level of security and the two outposts up on the hillside. It seemed there was more there than met the eye. It was also possible the location was just getting established and hadn't reached its full capability.

"It's more than likely." Cameron said. "I really don't know what to expect at this point."

CamNet kept them up to speed on what happened with the guard they killed at the 'OP', the observation post. Since every report Cameron, and later CamNet filed, the 'guard' reported feeling dizzy and ill, they thought he passed out and fell. They saw all the empty water bottles, the guard's sidearm was still holstered, his radio, and rifle were still there. Someone pointed out he was complaining of being ill for several hours. It appeared the Grays 'bought' the scenario Cameron and Savannah planned.

It's still caused some concern with those in charge of the complex where they were.

CamNet now alerted Cameron there were several calls made to the old newspaper complex and the satellite facilities associated with it. Someone there started to get worried. They begin to check in on the other parts of the operation. CamNet was pleased to report the Grays didn't try to contact any location they hadn't already hit. It looked like they may have identified all aspects of the current operation.

Cameron could only put together what the obvious indicated. It also indicated another negative turn of events for what she wanted to do. It was only a matter of time until security was tightened even further which would restrict her movements and ability to act. She didn't intend to endanger Anna needlessly. She would need to take the brunt of the fighting herself. She contacted the Command Center with the bad news.

"They have to think something is up." Cameron said. "I don't know what kind of increased security we're going to face."

Cameron updated them on what they found so far, which was basically nothing. There were still two more buildings to go. They knew the big rig was in one of them. They would soon find out what else there was. It was probably going to be a major challenge.

John Henry thought the best course of action is the one he was currently on as far as the communications went. If he acted too soon it would give away what was actually occurring. It might produce another Skynet jamming field which would block them. It would hamper their movements excessively.

"I can jam everything from the area." John Henry said. "But as soon as I do, they may counter jam. They'll definitely know something is up when we start jamming. We can see who else they attempt to contact and possibly produce more targets. I think it's better if we can communicate with our troops for now."

Cameron went over everything with John Henry about the timeline on their drones and the MIKE Force. Savannah and her team were only minutes away if needed. The drones were a little longer away. The MIKE Force was even longer. It was clear the clock was rapidly running down. She filled them in on some of the other events they experienced.

"We've encountered one HK Track. It was operational and out in the open." Cameron said. "We all know it means more are likely. We know they have HK drones here, probably some are operational. We don't know how many."

Anna didn't think they possessed enough information to go on. They would need to do further reconnaissance to try to determine exactly what they were up against.

"We don't know the strength of the Grays or how many Terminators are here." Anna said. "There are a lot of things we don't know."

John was a little disgusted with all the events so far at the location where Cameron was. He saw it as 'business as usual' for her.

"In other words, it's the same story, different day." John said. "We really don't know much, if anything, and the operation goes forward anyway."

Cameron didn't see what the problem was. It was the nature of the war they fought. It was the nature of the war she fought. They needed to react to what they found before it turned into a bigger problem. She didn't understand why John experienced so much difficulty dealing with a problem once it was encountered. It still needed to be dealt with at some point. Somebody needed to deal with it. Things didn't happen by themselves. They uncovered this location the same way the uncovered the other ones associated with it.

"Isn't it always this way?" Cameron asked. "What are we supposed to do? Do you want to wait until they fortify their location? What if they put all of the HK equipment they possess online? Then what do we do? What is it you don't understand?

John was still a little upset because Savannah and his mother were both there as well. It was clear Cameron was going to severely endanger both of them before things were done. There were times he just didn't like the way she did things.

"When you're involved, it's always some spur of the moment event." John said.

Cameron was once again turned off by John's negative attitude. She thought he should step back and let her fight the war as she always did. She was the one who brought the fight to the enemy and defeated them time after time. It wasn't anybody else. It was usually her, and sometimes Savannah. Why was it a problem? Did he really expect her to turn around and walk away? What she found was a result of what they uncovered earlier. It was all part of the same operation, even if it wasn't in the same location. She wanted to remind him why things were the way they were.

"I guess it's because I'm always involved." Cameron said. "I have a war to fight. Someone needs to do it. It's what I do."

Cameron didn't like John's assessment of her work. It seemed like he never understood the seriousness of her involvement in the operations. He didn't appreciate her hard work and sacrifice in taking down as much of the enemy as possible. She tried to spare the others as much damage as she could. She tried to be a responsible leader. John was the General. She was the one in charge of combat operations.

Maybe it was time to cut back some more on her 'alone time' with John. He didn't seem to appreciate it much either. She sacrificed her attacks on Skynet to spend time with him. Didn't he understand she had more important things to do than allow him the use of her sheath for five minutes of 'animal pleasure' for him? It usually took her longer than the actual event to clean the mess up he left behind. She wondered how he'd like it if she did it to him. She thought maybe she should borrow Bob's chassis one time and give John a taste of what he dished out. She could leave him with a mess to clean up for once. She wasn't the only one who didn't have pleasure receptors in one area.

"...Cameron...?" Anna asked.

Cameron quickly looked around when she realized Anna was speaking to her. It seemed she was distracted a little more than she anticipated. Somehow John had a way of doing it to her more often than he should have. She thought she should be used to it by now. It didn't seem she would ever get used to it. Why did it always bother her so much? She felt very unappreciated in everything she did. No wonder she felt like Nobody. She turned her attention to Anna.

"What?" Cameron asked. "Did I miss something? Did something happen?"

Anna knew Cameron was lost in thought somewhere, and it wasn't 'there' where they were at now. It's where Cameron needed to be. She was able to see it a few times from the Young bunker when Cameron was on an operation. She was pretty sure Cameron got sidetracked more when she operated alone. She was sure Cameron blocked some of the things which troubled her on a personal level when she copied her program for her. She really wondered if maybe Cameron should block those things from herself as well. She could always put them behind some type of a firewall where she wouldn't just think about them. She would need to go out of her way to get to them. Now wasn't the time to bring it up. They were in the middle of an operation and needed to remain aware of everything.

"Stay with me." Anna said. "I want you to focus."

Cameron left Savannah in charge of the rest of the team when she left earlier.

Savannah felt Cammy would be a better team leader based on her vast amount of experience, and her superior abilities. Cammy was 'Cameron'. It wasn't just Cammy and her right now. It was an entire team. She also needed to worry about the well being of Sarah. Sarah was the main reason why she hadn't gone with Cameron and sent Anna in her place.

"Cammy, I want you to call the shots." Savannah said. "You'll be better able to coordinate with John Henry and CamNet. Your response time will be quicker and you can keep track of everything better. You'll be able to better deal with Cameron and Anna as well, since you all run the same program, even if there are modifications."

Cammy believed Savannah would do just fine on her own. She knew it was because Sarah was there why Savannah was more apprehensive about making a 'wrong decision'. It was OK. She would make sure both Sarah and Savannah were properly covered. She felt it was something Cameron didn't do when they were together. It was something she was going to take care of in this instance. She didn't want Savannah to face the same dangers she did when she was with Cameron. She would make sure Savannah and Sarah were both protected as much as they could be.

"It will be as you wish." Cammy said. "I want two Terminators with Sarah and two with you if we need to dismount and move on foot."

Savannah felt she could still make decisions along with Cammy. She wanted to make the personnel assignments. She wanted to do what she thought would make Sarah feel more comfortable. She also wanted to make sure Cammy was able to have some backup.

"Holly and Hanna can go with Sarah." Savannah said. "I'll go with Gail and Hank. Larry will go with you, Cammy. Those are how I want the assignments for now."

Cammy didn't think she needed anyone. It was the way Cameron always thought. It was the way Cam thought earlier at the old newspaper plant. She could do the job on her own. She didn't realize it was exactly why Savannah made the decision to make sure she would have help. It was the same reason Savannah always accompanied Cameron.

It would have been Savannah's choice to go with Cammy the same way she would normally go with Cameron. The reason why she didn't is because she felt she could keep better track of Sarah if she wasn't in the spearhead force of the group. Even though Sarah was with two Terminators, she still wanted to make sure she was protected as well as possible. The two Terminators with her could go to assist Sarah and her group if things started to heat up. She would join them as well if it was necessary.

The Metal girls from the assault at the old newspaper plant followed Cameron's operation. They knew it's where all the heat was going to be at now. They all wanted to reinforce Cameron.

Cam was a little worried it took so long to get everything taken care of at the old newspaper plant. There was a lot of equipment and machinery which needed to be moved. The two HK Treads were the last big ticket item to leave there.

"As soon as we dump this crap off, I want to go to where Cameron's at." Cam said. "I think she'll need our help."

Ally didn't see how it was going to happen anytime soon. It appeared they were going to be tied up for a long time yet.

"We're hours from being able to get there." Ally said. "We still need to deal with everything we took."

Sheila thought about the recent damage to her sheath at the two different locations where she saw action. She didn't think a little more would matter. She did need to consider she might end up with a nipple ring blown off, along with what it was attached to. She made sure her vest was still secure. She knew additional damage could come a little lower as well. It was going to be, whatever it was going to be. Cameron needed additional assistance.

"I'm already damaged." Sheila said. "I'm in. What are a few more bullet holes at this point?"

Ally knew what Sheila really wanted. She wanted to get a hold of a live Gray. She felt Sheila had a personal score to settle against them for the damage done to her sheath. She wanted someone to 'pay' for the damage. She didn't want Sheila to make whatever mistake she made with the female Gray at the foundry location. She got caught up in whatever she wanted to do and was damaged because of it.

"You just want to get a hold of a 'live one'." Ally said. "I know you want to carve them up, real slow."

Sheila didn't see anything wrong with it. The Gray was going to die anyway, so what difference did it make? She wanted the personal satisfaction of some payback.

"Damn, straight." Sheila said. "Someone has to 'pay' for this. I didn't do it to myself."

Sheila indicated the damage to her face.

Ally was 'sweet' on Sheila. She thought she looked pretty no matter how she looked.

"You still look beautiful." Ally said. "You know it."

Sheila still touched some of the exposed metal on her face. Some of it started to close up on itself with new sheath material. It was still going to take more than a day for everything to fix itself.

"If you're into metal, I am." Sheila said.

Ally looked suggestively at Sheila.

"I am." Ally said.

Cam didn't want anyone to lose focus. There was still a lot of work to do. They needed to get everything delivered so it could be processed at the remote locations.

"You two are headed for a separate location." Cam said. "We should all arrive at the same time, but we will be miles apart."

Ally hoped to get a few more specifics. They were going to need a ride.

"Which of our teams will be closer to a helicopter we can 'borrow'?" Ally asked. "I don't think John will approve of it."

Seconds later CamNet came through with several possibilities. It was a reminder CamNet was always watching and listening. It was also clear CamNet wanted more help where Cameron and Savannah were at.

It was a pretty good bet Young Allison wanted more help for Cameron and Savannah. Everyone was aware CamNet's actions weren't far behind Young Allison's wishes. None of them knew how big of a role Young Allison actually played in providing them with equipment, as well as other options on their most recent endeavor. It also applied to the equipment they would need to reach the area where Cameron and Savannah were at currently.

Allison continued to follow the apparent conclusion of the operation she monitored.

"Cam, Ally, and Sheila all want to help Cameron." Allison said.

Young Allison knew they needed to finish the job they were currently involved with before they were sent off to do another one. They couldn't get ahead of themselves or overextend themselves. They needed to make sure the equipment they confiscated was dealt with securely and safely.

"They need to secure their cargo first." Young Allison said.

Allison wasn't sure things would play out as everyone wanted.

"They don't think John will approve of them going to help." Allison said.

Young Allison glanced at the security monitor. She knew there were various ways around a lot of obstacles. It just came down how much one was willing to do to bypass those obstacles.

"I wouldn't worry about him. CamNet will fix it." Young Allison said. "I want Cameron and Savannah to have more help."

Allison excused herself to use the restroom.

As soon as Allison was gone, a heart shaped smiley face appeared on one of Young Allison's screens. She quickly looked around to make sure she was unobserved and then immediately drew one on her touch screen. She was a little worried about the clandestine nature of the conversation they carried on when others were around.

"We'll talk later like we always do, when we're alone." Young Allison whispered. "We need to be careful. The others won't understand. Allison will be back soon."

Young Allison watched the two hearts move together and overlap each other.

She resorted to typing her communications with CamNet as they communicated back and forth. It is how they usually interacted during the night when she was supposed to be sleeping. It was one of the few times of the day Anna wasn't with her. CamNet and her craved each other's 'attention'. It was their 'secret'. They both knew it was a dark secret. Somehow THAT made it more desirable.

One of them was trapped in a metal box, mainly in the form of electricity. The other one was trapped in a body which hadn't kept up with her mental development. They both wanted more and to be able to express who they were. They both desired to satisfy the needs of the other, but there was literally no physical way possible to do it. They can only interact on an intellectual level which seemed to be laced with emotion. Most of the emotion was provided by her.

The way she interacted with CamNet, like she was doing, made Young Allison feel something inside her. It was like the same feeling she experienced for Savannah and Cameron, but it was different. CamNet 'touched' her back in a way which made her feel special and wanted. It didn't matter if CamNet was only wires and electricity to her. It was two minds which desperately sought 'personal interaction' with each other. It was someone they could reach out and 'touch'. Right now, a touch screen was the extent of how far a physical touch could go.

Allison thought she spied something which didn't seem right. She observed a lot of different types of relationships over the years, especially in the future. Some of them were very convoluted, others were very warped. What she was sure she witnessed here was probably the most troubling of any of them. She needed to find out more. She listened from around the corner. It was what she suspected. She saw 'things' before, but never really looked into it. She thought it was just her imagination Running a little wild at times. There soon became a more physical aspect to it. It was only when Young Allison became more withdrawn and secluded when she started to 'spy on her.

She could tell Young Allison and CamNet were more than 'friends'. It was apparent Young Allison's advanced intellectual development led her into a 'relationship' of some type with CamNet. Allison was sure her younger self was in love with a 'computer'. The most advanced computer on earth. It was a machine which could destroy the world with ever expanding emotions and feelings and no body. CamNet was only wires and electricity. She couldn't help but think this version of Nobody was really no body. She couldn't see any happy ending being involved with the current situation for anyone.

CamNet was based on Cameron's program. It was understandable CamNet would have the same emotional data Cameron possessed. Allison was worried about how CamNet might respond when Young Allison entered into the 'Natural Order'. It was only a matter of time. It was clear Cameron was going to accelerate the timeline with 'temporal aging' or 'temporal management' with Young Allison. She felt it was more like 'temporal malpractice' in her opinion.

Allison didn't know what she should do with the information. She could talk to Young Allison, Cameron, or CamNet herself. She WAS - Allison Young, so CamNet should be responsive to her. It occurred to her CamNet may also become 'protective' of Young Allison, or act in an irrational manner. She was well aware of the emotional trauma Cameron experienced.

Cameron was afraid she became Skynet at some point. Maybe this was the 'version' of her which did. Allison witnessed Cameron could feel jealousy. It meant CamNet most likely could too. Jealousy was made of hate and love intermixing and conflicting with each other, with hate usually being the victor. She knew people who were driven by jealousy could do anything. They could even kill the person they loved the most in a moment of anger and passion.

Allison figured she was gone long enough. She composed herself and 'returned' from the restroom. She wanted to see if Young Allison would say anything. She doubted it.

"Did anything else happen?" Allison asked.

Young Allison didn't look at her when she spoke. It was a pretty good indication itself there was more going on than would be said

"Nope…." Young Allison said. "CamNet has been quiet since you 'left'."

Allison swallowed hard. She knew it wasn't true. She knew what she witnessed.

"I'm glad I didn't miss anything then." Allison said.

At this point, Young Allison turned and looked directly at Allison.

"WE wouldn't want YOU too…." Young Allison said.

Young Allison continued to stare intently at Allison, until Allison looked away.

Allison knew, Young Allison knew, she 'knew'. Now Young Allison openly challenged her about it. She really didn't know what to do about it, without making everything even worse. It was a toxic relationship which developed, with literally nowhere to go.

She was sure if she told Cameron, Cameron would 'punish' CamNet in some way. She thought Savannah might be more diplomatic about it. Savannah might also be jealous CamNet was 'hitting on' Young Allison. It could lead to a confrontation as well.

Allison thought maybe she should confront CamNet herself. She wondered what it would result in. Either way, she was still Allison Young. She was the same person. She was just older with more experience. It made her wonder. How could she use her experience to her benefit?

She briefly wondered if she could ask a female Terminator to borrow her chassis, for an unspecified purpose which she couldn't mention or tell anyone about. She visited CamNet once before. She could do it again with a female Terminator chassis in tow who could plug in to her system. Once the female chassis was plugged in, CamNet would possess a 'body'. She herself could share with CamNet to protect Young Allison. What if it was the whole purpose of everything happening? Would CamNet want to give the female chassis back to its owner? She quickly pushed all of the thoughts from her mind.

"I just hope we can get more assistance to Cameron and her team before things take a more serious turn." Allison said. "I want to follow her operation a little closer. It's all I care about."

It seemed like the best thing to do was to act as if nothing happened. She wasn't looking for a fight. The operation with Cameron and her team is what needed to take priority right now. She could deal with the other issues some other time. Now wasn't the time.

Cameron and Anna exited the building the same way they entered. From their second story vantage point, Cameron checked for any more visible HK Tracks, Jeep patrols, or roving foot patrols. There were none apparent. From a south side window, she could see the main gate into the complex. It still was manned by only one guard.

She went down first and checked the HK Track. It was still turned off. Anna came down and Cameron sent her over to the next building. She entered the current transponder codes for their drones into its system. Each of their vests would transmit the same code. Cameron checked the time and set the reactivation for one hour. The HK Track would become active on a search and destroy mission at that time. Anything which didn't 'squawk' their transponder code would be a target.

Cameron wanted to get everyone on the same page and notify them she 'started the clock'. She was dissatisfied Savannah allowed Cammy to be in 'control' of their group. She wanted Savannah to be the one who was in control. She quickly realized Savannah felt she could keep better track of Sarah if she wasn't the one in charge of the group.

"I've set events in motion here to go 'Hot', in one hour." Cameron said. "Savannah and Cammy, I want your team to arrive here in exactly fifty five minutes. If you hear gunfire, come immediately. Make sure everyone has their vest on and it's squawking the current code. If I can find more isolated equipment to reprogram and activate at the same time, I will do so."

John Henry could tell Cameron established her timeline based on the Terminators who were on their way there to help. They were currently being ferried by the Blackhawk. They were already in flight and should be able to arrive overland at the time Cameron indicated. He knew John didn't think Cameron planned anything, but she always did. She planned things for what would work for her the best to defeat the enemy. He wanted to remind her additional assistance was on the way.

"The MIKE Force should be able to back you in the time frame." John Henry said. "They will take out both observation posts and continue down the hill to assist you. They all know to have their vests squawking."

Cameron wanted to have a little 'insurance' and backup from the high ground. She wanted someone with a good overview of everything to be able to 'reach out and touch someone' if it was necessary.

"Leave one team on the hill with any Stingers they have." Cameron said. "One can use an M82A1. We may need sniping if we get pinned down. I want to be able to have a hard 'punch' delivered as a surprise."

John Henry wanted to make Cameron aware Savannah already acted in one regard.

"The drones will be on station before then." John said. "The ones Savannah called up are already in route at high altitude."

Cameron hoped to be able to improve the drone's arrival in the future.

"When we get those new power plants installed, we won't need to have to use the high altitude option any more." Cameron said.

John Henry already established a production and installation schedule for the drone fleet. With the captured equipment, it would speed things along greatly.

"It's the plan." John said.

Cameron knew she was going to need to use less caution to get things into motion where she was at. She wanted to make sure the arrival of the rest of the Resistance force was as unopposed as possible.

"I'll try and disable anything I can with Anna until the attack begins." Cameron said. "I don't want them to be able to pull any fast ones. It will probably still happen anyway."

John didn't think he could add much to the conversation other than try to put a positive spin on it. He didn't want to have another confrontation with Cameron before a battle.

"Be careful, both of you." John said. "I understand you made sure you will have assistance when the battle starts from both sides, and from above. I want everyone to stay safe and undamaged. I know things happen."

Cameron paused for a few seconds and she thought about what John said.

"I will." Cameron said. "We all will, John."

"I will too." Savannah said softly to herself. "For both of you…."

Savannah couldn't let her personal wants and desires interfere with John and Cameron. It was a relationship she did everything she could to keep together, even with the 'speed bumps' which were sometimes encountered. She felt she needed to keep both of them focused where their attention belonged. It should be on each other.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

They Always Do

There are many things
That one will want or think
They can tempt one deeply
Take one to the brink

One will grow weary, even hunger
Is it need, greed or lust
They will lie to the one they love
Lying is stealing one's trust

Why does it always happen
To the one they love so true
Tearing apart their very lives
Leaving broken hearts askew

Such is the bumpy journey
Of everyone's daily drudge life
It would be much kinder and quicker
If the other just used a knife

They think they can get away with it
They do what is beyond taboo
They will get caught in the end
They always do

Nobody