Chapter 746

Closer Look

John always worried about the collateral damage they caused on an operation. Most of it was 'borrowed' vehicles which vanished from the system so they would never show up as 'stolen'. He knew people needed to pay money for what they took and they usually needed to work for the money. He was surprised to learn Cameron instituted a policy to put the money for a new car back into the accounts of the owners of any vehicle they ever 'borrowed'. With the multi-millions she took from crime lords over the years, it was no problem. It was the same with buildings they took down. If any were uninsured and being used without the owner's knowledge, Cameron covered the loss. It was something Savannah told her she wanted done going forward and retroactively.

He explained the problem to John Henry dealing with the property manager. He wanted to make it look like the property manager left for good with his 'girlfriend'. If there was no evidence the wife was involved, he didn't want her terminated or punished. He was unaware Sheila nearly 'punished' her for life in a different way. It was because of a culmination of events which negatively affected her earlier.

John Henry didn't find the request unusual, even if it was something they didn't normally do. He remembered when he uncovered the files of Mrs. Weaver doing similar things to members of her organization she encountered 'problems' with. He was a little concerned when he came across 'cover stories' for Mr. Ellison and Mr. Murch. He asked her if she was going to kill them. He didn't realize it at the time, but she would have killed them in an instant if she felt they compromised her mission. He wasn't really sure exactly what her mission was. She never revealed it to him other than the fact everything she did, she did for him. He was sure there was more to it. He wanted to reassure John there could be a plausible explanation to cover up what really occurred.

"I can show he left the country with an unknown female." John Henry said. "There are plenty of countries without extradition treaties with the USA. There are many more which are unfriendly and will not cooperate with any investigations. I can cover up the rest of his 'dealings'. He will disappear off of the grid with his new female companion."

John Henry would watch for any investigations and prevent it from ever seeing the light of day. Questions would never reach their intended destination, even though it appeared they did. It happened with anything domestic or foreign. He would go into any of the systems where records were kept or originated from and erase them. Over time they were forgotten and no longer pursued. If anything remained a problem which could be directed at them, he turned the information over to Cameron and the problem soon went away. He was aware anyone who was too persistent ended up in prison as a child abuser or drug dealer. The ones which went in as child abusers usually were 'punished' by the inmates within the first week of their incarceration. The other inmates made sure they would never abuse another child again.

It also gave him pause to review everything the property manager was involved with since his employment at the nuclear power plant. Every transaction would be looked at and all forms of payment would be traced to the origin. It should give them better clues into some of Skynet's hidden dealings. He still couldn't help but feel he dropped the ball on this one since he oversaw the overseers at the nuclear power plant. All of these dealings still happened under his nose without his knowledge. Skynet made sure they were all done far enough away from the actual events so they weren't detected.

John was still worried about the future of the property manager's wife. Based upon what Sheila heard, she wasn't a collaborator, or in on it. The initial financial checks seemed to indicate the property manager wanted to bank a few million dollars more before he dumped his wife and moved on without her. The quest which was driven by greed, was what turned into his downfall with Skynet. He wanted more for what he was doing. It was why a Terminator was created to replace him. It was standard Skynet practice. There were a few things he wanted to make sure happened.

"I want some money left for the wife." John said. "This wasn't her fault."

John Henry was about to prepare all the documentation when CamNet informed him it was already done. She asked him to take credit for doing it. He found it somewhat strange, but knew not to question CamNet. There was probably something else in the background which occurred. If there was, he didn't want to know about it. It was better not to become involved in any of CamNet's actions or dealings.

"It's taken care of." John Henry said. "I even sent a 'goodbye' note which appears to originate from his phone to his wife. It tells her to keep the cars, the house, and the money. The money is the funds which were in their joint account she knew about. There's even a document leaving 'everything' to her. Everything is now in her name."

John nodded his head in the darkness as Bob drove.

"Thank you." John said. "What about your vehicle, Ally?"

Ally and Sheila were both back in the van with Gail. They weren't really happy about it. They liked the luxury of the high end SUV over the drabness of the van.

"We returned the Escalade back to where we borrowed it from." Ally said. "It's only a couple gallons short on fuel. I left a 'twenty' between the seat and the counsel. Someone will find it at some point in time. It will more than cover the little less than two gallons of gasoline we used."

John was a little surprised to hear it, especially since they left some 'gas money' behind. He was sure all the 'generosity' was all due to Savannah 'leaning' on Cameron.

Bob didn't want John to get sidetracked on trivial matters. There were still several unresolved matters which needed to be dealt with.

"Where do you want to go now?" Bob asked.

John stared out into the darkness as Bob drove. There was one thing which didn't sit well with him. Actually it was three things. He wanted an update before he made a decision.

"It depends." John said. "John Henry, is there any update on the three trucks? You know it's something of great importance to me."

John Henry was a little concerned he hadn't been able to get any positive hits.

"There's nothing conclusive." John Henry said. "I've been unable to get any positive identification on the trucks or their locations. I'm still checking everything."

John was afraid they went to ground and we're no longer moving. The trucks could be parked inside of buildings or already unloaded and dumped somewhere else away from where HK equipment was stored. He would like to recover some of the equipment.

"I really want to find at least one of them." John said.

John Henry was displeased with his lack of progress. He didn't want John to get his hopes up.

"Based on how much time has elapsed, it seems slimmer all the time." John Henry said. "We still might get lucky if we keep looking."

John wanted to say it was no use 'crying over spilt milk', but it was how he felt. He wondered if they'd be able to assist Cameron's operation.

"Update me on what Cameron is up to." John said.

John Henry brought John up to speed on Cameron's endeavor. They were no longer operating in the dark. The drones at altitude provided them with some valuable information. It also verified it was a valid target location.

John viewed some of the images taken by the drones. It was information he didn't want to hear. It sounded like they were in extreme danger and taking bigger risks than necessary. He was concerned about all of their safety, especially Savannah's. He knew Savannah would back Cameron up in whatever quest she set out on. He knew how extreme some of them could be.

Then again, it was the nature of all of Cameron's operations.

Cameron carefully approached the target area. There was a chain link fence she jumped over to get inside. She made it to one of the small outbuildings. There didn't appear to be anyone around. They were either hiding and waiting to ambush her, or they pulled out. She checked for surveillance equipment but spotted none. From past experience she was aware it didn't mean there wasn't any.

She moved to another small outbuilding. She forced the door open and carefully entered. It looked like most of the equipment was hastily pulled out. There was a lot of money invested where she was. It seemed Skynet and the Grays were playing it extra safe the last few operations. They choose to run rather than fight. They were able to hit the Skynet forces hard in all of the last operations in which they confiscated or destroyed a vast amount of their resources. She really hoped to find a little more than she was able to so far. She was a little reluctant to issue her report.

"It appears they've pulled out of here." Cameron said. "There are two small outbuildings, they are mostly empty."

Cameron gave a detailed report to John Henry as to what she saw and encountered so far. It didn't appear to be the start of a big battle.

John Henry wasn't necessarily sold they pulled out, as much as they made the appearance they pulled out. It was probably another layer of deception to prevent anyone from looking too closely. He was sure it was related to the earlier events at the other locations as well as the missing 'cleanup crew'.

"Use caution." John Henry urged. "These things have a way of escalating."

Cameron wasn't sure if his statement was specifically directed at her. It sounded like it. She was done with the outbuildings so it was time to move on what looked like the central attraction.

"I'm about to check out the main complex." Cameron said. "It may be a reinforced bunker. I don't know what I'll find."

Cameron headed for what may be a bunker or some type of underground complex. It was the gateway to whatever the current location was about. There was a sign indicating it was a restricted site used for radioactive waste, poison, and toxic chemical storage. It would keep most people from looking further. She wasn't most people. If anything, it piqued her interest even more. It was clear they didn't want any visitors there. Most people would want to have some type of protective gear if they were going to look further at the location based upon what was indicated was stored there.

Savannah worried when she heard less and less. Cammy and her were nearby.

"Cameron, wait for us." Savannah said.

At this particular point in time, Cameron wasn't sure the location was going to pay off. It didn't appear to be inhabited at all. It was possible it was automated in some fashion.

"You can hold from half a mile out and come down if I need you." Cameron said. "I don't think this is anything. There's no indication yet I found anything of significance."

Cameron wasn't sure what it was. Maybe it was all a trap. She figured after all the damage they did to Skynet recently, its operatives really wanted to get their hands on her. It seemed everyone was on the lookout for a 'Metal Bitch'. Any other time she didn't care for the term, especially when it was used specifically in a derogatory manner directed against her character. In regards to Skynet, it was a title she relished. Skynet is what created her, it shouldn't be surprised at her abilities and her loyalties. Common sense dictated it was illogical to destroy everything to be able to rule over it. Skynet strategy was anything but effective.

Savannah and Cammy coasted downhill. They wanted to approach the area silently as per Cameron's recommendation. The only sounds were those of the tires crushing the brush underneath them as rocks occasionally flew up and hit the undercarriage.

Cammy slowed to hold. She was going to follow Cameron's instructions and stop a half mile away.

"I'm going to wait on the flat spot up ahead." Cammy said.

Savannah didn't want to stop a half mile out. She felt it was too far to render effective assistance if it became necessary. She wanted to move closer.

"Don't stop." Savannah said.

Cammy quickly glanced over at Savannah. It was a direct violation of Cameron's order.

"Cameron wants us to wait." Cammy said.

Savannah hated to use her 'influence' to go around Cameron. She felt it was warranted in this case. She wanted to be able to respond quicker if it became necessary.

"I don't. Keep going." Savannah said. "I'm not letting her go inside anything underground on her own. It's not going to happen."

Cammy was reluctant to comply. She was sure it was going to cause a problem for her with Cameron later on.

Savannah became agitated at Cammy's slowness to respond to what she wanted.

"Do it - NOW." Savannah said forcefully.

Cammy continued the advance. She would do what Savannah wanted, but also wanted to let her know she didn't agree with it.

"I think this is a bad idea." Cammy said.

Savannah didn't see events as the ones which occurred in the moment, she pictured the events which were about to occur with Cameron on her own. She wanted Cammy to understand she took her objections into consideration. She wouldn't hesitate to make it clear Cammy acted on her insistence.

"Maybe so, but you know we are still going to do it anyway." Savannah said. "It's better than the worse idea Cameron is about to do. I will take any heat or flak over it."

Cammy knew Savannah would proceed on foot if she didn't comply. She would have to get out and go with Savannah anyway. She figured at this point they might as well bring the vehicle with them. It still provided them with some protection from enemy gunfire, as well as it could act like a five thousand pound battering ram.

There was a loud 'thud' and metallic 'clang' sound. They bounced up in the air several feet and impacted hard. The SUV began to pick up speed.

The Metal girls in the van all seemed to be lost in their own little worlds right now.

Ally looked over at Sheila.

"You still seem upset." Ally said.

Sheila glanced over at Ally. She was more than upset, she was disappointed. She almost was presented with the opportunity to do 'a few more things'. None of those bore fruit. They all would be a problem for her later on if she would need to explain them. She was still upset she couldn't act the way she wanted to.

"I am." Sheila said. "I'm very upset."

Gail was irritated as she drove. She hoped Ally and Sheila didn't get into a bickering match. They seemed to do enough of it as it was anyway. Her main concern was for Savannah's safety. Their part of the current operation was completed.

"I want to go help Savannah and Cameron." Gail said.

Ally didn't see how it was going to be possible. Cameron would be all over them if they pulled off of John. She knew Cameron would want him protected more than anything.

"We've been assigned to watch over John." Ally said. "You know as well as I do there's no way around it."

Gail wasn't satisfied with her answer. It didn't do anything to assist Savannah.

"He has Bob." Gail said. "He shouldn't even be out anyway. He's drawing help away from Savannah."

Sheila stopped thinking about her lack of 'personal souvenirs' she didn't collect tonight.

"Relax, love." Sheila said. "You're letting your 'feelings' blind you."

Sheila's statement irritated Gail.

"And you don't?" Gail asked.

Sheila was aware her inattentiveness almost caused her to get jumped by the male Terminator earlier. She was careless in her attempt to 'check out' the property manager's wife and the Terminator evidently spotted her. He then set her up for a sucker play. If she would have been alone, he may have been successful. The battle between him and her only just began. Gail's arrival put an abrupt stop to it. She really didn't need to be reminded of her shortcomings. There were more than a few.

"I do as well." Sheila said. "I'm trying to overcome them."

Gail almost laughed. She'd watched what Sheila nearly did to the male Terminator a very short time ago. She didn't even know about the property manager's wife. It would have bothered her even more since she didn't appear to be involved with any of his dealings, or know what he was up to.

"You're trying to overcome them because Savannah has asked you too, not on your own accord." Gail said. "Don't forget, we were there. We know how you 'roll' on your own. We know what you would have tried if John didn't show up."

Sheila shrugged her shoulders. She responded to a 'calling' deep inside her. It was part of who she was by no choice of her own. It was the Darkness in Jesse from the 'Neural Interface'. She couldn't blame Jesse. Jesse warned them there was a lot of Darkness inside of her, she may have undersold it some.

Ally was aware of the draw Savannah exhibited on all of them.

"It looks like we've all been 'bitten' by the 'Savannah bug'." Ally said. "I think we're all in love - love with her."

Gail was aware Savannah wasn't the only one who seemed to make everyone feel the same way.

"Just like we all are with Cameron." Gail said.

Sheila was tired of babysitting. She still wanted to get her hands on someone tonight. It wasn't going to happen chasing around a bunch of elusive trucks as they followed John. It was worse than a wild goose chase. She really wondered exactly where the saying originated from. It seemed somewhat pointless. Wait. Maybe it was the point. It was pointless.

"Let's see if we can break off." Sheila said. "I want to go help them as well."

Ally thought it sounded like a good idea.

"What do we tell John?" Ally asked.

All the talk of Savannah made Sheila hunger for her. She was more than ready to play 'Young Jesse' for Savannah anytime. At the base there was a readily available 'stand in' for Savannah. It was her older self. It really was 'Savannah', even if it wasn't Savannah.

"I don't know…." Sheila said. "I really wish Vanna was here now…."

Gail spent more and more time with Vanna recently. She actually sought her out more than she did Jesse, and Jesse was her lover. Vanna was extremely responsive to anything related with females in a sexual manner. Jesse was as well. It was a difference in approach and execution which made it intriguing.

"Vanna makes an excellent 'substitute'." Gail said. "I can never get enough of her. You know what I mean."

Ally didn't think the apple fell too far from the tree.

"They are the SAME person…." Ally said.

They knew physically they were the same, even if Vanna was a little older. Savannah was different as a person. Maybe it was because she never needed to suffer the abuse Vanna did. Abuse like it for YEARS, seemed to have a way of changing someone from who they once were. They were all aware it was Allison who prevented Vanna from slipping into a world of darkness she would have never escaped from.

John went over the report where Cameron was at. He hoped it was nothing, but he knew it wasn't usually the case.

"It looks like Cameron is at a dead end." John said.

John immediately regretted his use of those words.

"I mean a road block." John quickly added. "I hope."

John Henry didn't want John to worry too much about it. He'd been able to move several teams into closer proximity to the area. They weren't too close, but they were close enough to be there in a relatively short amount of time. He didn't want to tip the enemy off they were there either, so he needed to keep some distance.

"There are teams of Terminators to assist her." John Henry said. "They will take some time to get there. They are on the way."

John's first instinct was to go to where Cameron and Savannah were at. He didn't want to do it for two reasons. The first reason was it looked like a dead end. The second reason was Cameron would send all of her help to protect him and end up endangering Savannah and herself even more. He figured they better stick with a less violent target.

"I want a lead on one of the trucks." John said. "We'll follow up on it. I still have Gail, Ally, and Sheila with me."

John Henry didn't know if he should make John aware of their private conversation or not. He would just float it out there a little bit and see what John wanted to do.

"They've expressed interest in backing Cameron up." John Henry said. "They may have thought it was where you were going to go."

John sat up a little straighter in his seat. He wondered if it was a new development.

"It sounded like the Grays pulled out." John said. "Is there something we don't know?"

John Henry quickly went over all the information he possessed so far.

"There's no new development I'm aware of." John Henry said. "Everything is still the same as I reported it earlier."

John would have allowed them to go if he knew there was a need for them. He figured it would cause a bigger problem with Cameron if he sent them away and then Bob and him made contact. He decided to stick with the plan.

"The girls will remain with Bob and me." John said. "At least for now it's what I want."

John didn't feel like he was drawing Cameron's help off.

John Henry allowed the Metal girls to hear the conversation. The news didn't go over well in the van.

"You heard it." Sheila said. "We're stuck here."

Gail didn't want to go against the General's wishes.

"There's not much we can do about it now." Gail said.

Ally looked around at the interior of the van, it was rather Spartan.

"We should've kept the Escalade then." Ally said. "At least we could have driven around in style."

Sheila liked the elegance of the Escalade as well.

"If we see another one, we'll take it and dump this tub." Sheila said.

Gail thought the van still offered several perks. She was the one who selected it originally for the extra room it possessed. She decided to choose her words carefully.

"At least the van has room in the back, without the seats, for you two to 'spread out'." Gail said. "There is plenty of room to relax."

Sheila and Ally both immediately looked in the back of the van. They didn't need to relax.

"Maybe everything isn't a bust." Sheila said.

Sheila took her top off.

Ally knew what she wanted. A 'bust' was actually part of it.

"Sheila, can I get a closer look at your jewelry?" Ally asked.

Sheila began to unbuckle her pants. She wanted to make sure her efforts bore fruit.

"You can, as long as you do more than 'look'." Sheila said.

Gail looked back at both Ally and Sheila.

"It looks like we're going to be driving around a lot." Gail said. "I should be able to do more than 'look' as well. I can think of another word which starts with 'L' and ends with 'K' which should fit the bill nicely, for all of us."

Sheila thought they would probably be driving around for hours. She continued to strip. She planned to be busy.

"I can't think of a better way to kill some time. I've got plenty for everyone and then some." Sheila said. "We can still fight with our clothes off if we're needed."

Ally pictured the three of them going into combat nude with automatic weapons. She wasn't sure anything would look hotter.

"Now you're just trying to turn me on even more." Ally said.

Cameron looked up at the hillside and saw the SUV still moving down it toward her location. It seemed as if it was approaching rapidly. She frowned at the fact they hadn't listened to her and held back at the location where she wanted them to wait a half mile out. She knew Savannah was the one behind it. She couldn't fault Savannah for her loyalty and devotion to her. There was a chain link fence which was going to present a problem for the SUV.

"Let me make an opening in the fence for you, Cammy." Cameron said. "Slow down."

Cammy didn't have much luck with the brakes for the last two minutes.

"I can't slow down. I may have ripped a brake line loose. I don't have much hydraulic pressure." Cammy said. "I've restarted the SUV and have it in 'first gear'. I'm using the engine as a brake. It's not slowing it much. The terrain is too steep. The engine is nearing maximum RPM before it will start to disintegrate. It's going to run away from me. We're going too fast for Savannah to jump safely."

Cammy wasn't sure if they would spin a main bearing first, or throw a rod. It could very well be both simultaneously.

Cameron wondered if it was true or an excuse to come to her. It sounded like an excuse she would use. She headed for the fence anyway.

"Can you see me?" Cameron asked. "The hill is much less steep where I am."

Cammy spotted Cameron come out into the open.

"Yes. You're almost at the fence." Cammy said. "We'll be there in a very short period of time."

Cameron knew a chain link fence usually tended to wrap around the front of a vehicle like a steel net when it was rammed. She experienced the event on more than one occasion. It was better to aim for a gate if there was one. If it was only secured with a lock, it would pop right open. If it was secured with a chain and a lock, it was much harder to open with the front of a vehicle without doing major damage.

"I'll split the chain link fence so it doesn't wrap around the front of your SUV and you drag it with you." Cameron said. "It would make a lot of noise and do a lot of damage. It won't stop you either."

Cammy thought things stabilized with the downhill track of the SUV as the ground leveled some. It didn't look like they were going to run away after all. The engine was still getting a serious workout.

"We're holding at thirty miles an hour." Cammy said. "If I can slow it more I'll use the parking brake. Maybe I'll be able to turn us in the opposite direction to stop us. We will lose momentum at some point if I'm able to spin it around."

Cameron was a little worried the SUV was top heavy. It might not do well in a high speed turn.

"If your speed is too great you may roll it." Cameron said. "Is Savannah secure?"

Savannah double checked her restraints again. She actually did so several times as the downhill speed increased. She was sure the SUV would crash into something at some point and stop rather abruptly.

"I'm buckled in, Cameron." Savannah said. "This thing has airbags as well."

Cameron could clearly hear the whine of the engine and transmission as the SUV closed on her position. It arrived much quicker than she anticipated. She quickly split the chain link fence and stepped back as the SUV passed through it. She momentarily felt like a bullfighter in the ring, and the SUV was the bull which nearly gored her. She ran after the SUV on foot. It seemed like it was accelerating still.

Moments ago:

Savannah was worried they were going to plow into Cameron along with the fence. She was directly ahead of them.

"Be careful, Cammy." Savannah said. "Cameron is right in front of us."

Cammy watched as Cameron ripped the fence apart and stepped out of the way. It reminded her of a matador fighting a bull. She thought Cameron was able to move away with elegance and style as the mirror nearly brushed her.

Savannah looked at Cameron as they passed her.

Cammy slowed more as the ground leveled. When the SUV slowed to twenty miles an hour, she applied pressure to the parking brake. It slowed the SUV even more. Cammy pulled hard on the parking brake and turned the wheel. The move brought the SUV around in a half circle. It stopped almost instantly in a cloud of dust. It rocked violently back and forth but stayed upright.

Cameron was right behind them. She took a look around to make sure no one was about to attack them. It didn't do much for her plan to remain undetected for as long as possible.

Cammy and Savannah exited.

"Get all our gear." Cameron said.

Cammy headed to the rear of the SUV.

"We don't have a lot." Cammy said.

Cameron came over and hugged Savannah as she scanned her.

Savannah frowned slightly.

"I'm fine, Cameron." Savannah said.

Cameron didn't want Savannah to get upset at her.

"I'm just making sure." Cameron said. "I still have one building to check. It is the gateway to whatever is inside the ground or hill."

Savannah looked over at the objective.

"We'll all go in together." Savannah said.

Cammy checked over the operational ability of the SUV. She thought of several workable ways it could be used.

"The SUV is still drivable, it just doesn't have brakes." Cammy said. "We can still run if we need to. We can head back uphill where we don't need brakes. Gravity will slow us when we need it."

Savannah hoped it didn't come to it, but it looked like they're in a good position if it did.

"At least it is pointed in the proper direction to go back uphill." Savannah said. "We have all our gear."

Cameron wanted to lay down a few rules she didn't want changed.

"Let's go." Cameron said. "I have point and Cammy has tail. If I tell you to stop or fall back, I want both of you to do it immediately. We don't know what we're about to face."

Savannah could see Cameron was still being overly cautious. It was never a good sign.

"Do you still think it is a set up?" Savannah asked.

Cameron looked over in the direction they were about to go.

"Yes." Cameron said.

Cameron wasn't sure what it was. It still seemed off to her. She looked around them again for anything she could spot. She liked it better when she could spot something. It gave her something to expect. When she couldn't spot anything, it really made her worry about what she couldn't see.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

You Apologized

When something done wrong
Is identified and recognized
If not corrected and rectified
One will be soon despised

The events that occurred
Can be dissected and analyzed
Fixing what was done
Does not leave one compromised

There's no need or good
Leaving two people polarized
Making one feel 'Not Good Enough'
Like Nobody or disenfranchised

To the one who created the situation
It would be best advised
That everyone get on the same page
And everything be harmonized

Knowing who you have become
I was more than surprised
For lying to me
You apologized

Nobody