Chapter 755

Rising Temperature

Cameron led the team to a lower level. She didn't have a clue where she was headed. She hoped it was to a version of Skynet. If not, maybe it would be identical, or similar to, whatever was inside the mine she couldn't find before. She was sure it was like the power source she encountered in her future. It was something she wanted to capture, or at least try and find the plans for. It would greatly aid the Resistance to have unlimited sources of power like it in the future.

There was also the improved TDE she observed under construction inside the mine. It appeared anything could be sent through time with it, and it didn't need to be covered by organic material or Liquid Metal. She hoped to find one there.

She didn't know where the quest would lead her, or what she would find when she reached a destination. It was currently a journey into the unknown where she would probably face the unexpected. It wouldn't be anything new on any count. It was all part of the job.

The further they went, Cameron noticed something which made her worry. She was unsure if it was because they were closer to something, or it was an event occurring out of control. There was a build up of heat. There was a similar condition inside of the mine. At some point there was smoke somehow associated with it. Whether the two events were one of the same, or one caused the other, it remained unknown. There was a lot which remained unknown about the mine.

She wasn't the only one to notice the increase in heat.

Ken noticed the change. He felt he needed to say something.

"The air temperature is increasing rapidly." Ken said. "It isn't a normal occurrence."

Cameron was worried it might turn into a bigger problem. It turned into a really big problem at the mine. She wondered if either of the two missile attacks may have disrupted something. At the mine, the problem seemed to start when the power was shut off. The power was still on inside the bunker. The two explosions could have triggered or tripped something.

"I know." Cameron said. "It worries me."

Ken could see she didn't want to worry about it. He did. He knew where it would lead. He was there at the mine for part of the adventure. He was able to witness the aftermath of what occurred somewhere in the bowels of the Earth. He wanted to be very specific.

"Remember your past reports." Ken said. "The last time you experienced increasing heat like this, under similar circumstances, it ended with an explosion of great magnitude."

Cameron was aware she may be leading them all to termination if it was the same, and the same thing was about to happen again. She wanted to continue and find it, or at least a version of 'Skynet'. The reminder from Ken hit home. She also needed to think of her troops. It was time to make a decision. No Grays were encountered in a long time. They no longer seemed to be a threat. They most likely all attempted to get out when they thought they could. They thought wrong.

She needed to think about what currently happened where they were, and the troops with her. They were all endangered the last time by her in the mine. There was no need to do a repeat performance. If the threat of encountering the enemy was minimal, there only needed to be minimal personnel where they were at. She should be able to investigate on her own. It was time to make a decision. It wasn't too hard to do. She wanted to get Savannah out of the danger zone.

"I want everyone to go back out." Cameron said. "Toss the dead inside the bunker. Take Savannah and Cammy away from there. In fact, send them away first."

Ken was surprised by her actions. It was very unlike her. Then again he knew she liked to operate alone. He wanted to verify exactly what would be what.

"Are you sure?" Ken asked.

Cameron thought about what Savannah would want her to do. There was no need to endanger any others.

"I want my troops protected. I want all of you protected." Cameron said. "I believe the risk is minimal at this point in time."

It seemed to surprise everyone. They weren't expecting such an extreme level of concern from another Terminator. Maybe it was a show of compassion by Cameron, or maybe she just wanted to work alone like she often did. They all were aware Cameron often faced the danger alone. It was so others wouldn't need to. It was time to follow her command. They knew there was no point in arguing with her. The situation wasn't tense, there was no reason to make it so.

Everyone looked at each other. They were a little reluctant to go. The threat level seemed minimal for Cameron. They all departed except Tom.

Cameron waited for him to follow the others. He didn't. She wondered what the problem was.

"You heard the command." Cameron said.

Tom remained where he was at.

"I did." Tom said. "We were together before when 'this' happened."

Tom was in the mine with Cameron, Cammy, and Savannah. Specifically, he was in the pipe with them when they were buried alive. Maybe this was a misguided show of support. She wanted him to get to safety. She decided to push the issue.

"I need you to leave." Cameron said. "I'm asking you to go, please."

Tom did not move.

"I can not." Tom said.

Cameron was afraid it may become a problem. She decided to act a little more stern.

"I'm ordering you to leave." Cameron said.

Tom didn't move. He offered an explanation. The orders he operated under would supersede any Cameron could issue to him. He currently answered to a higher authority.

"I can not." Tom said. "I can't leave you for any reason. Your order has been preemptively countermanded by your own authority."

Cameron tilted her head slightly. She didn't care for his response. It was a confusing and illogical statement. It took a second for it to sink in. Then it hit her.

"Savannah…." Cameron said.

Tom nodded. He was pleased to have been selected by the 'Chosen One' for the special assignment, even if it led to his own termination. He would carry out Savannah's wishes regardless of the outcome. He watched Savannah operate under pressure and the threat of termination multiple times in the mine. She never flinched or neglected her duty, even at what could be her own peril. He would do the same.

"Yes." Tom said. "I'm not to leave your side. I think you understand how it works."

Cameron was sure what would happen next. It was something she didn't want to witness again.

"If I make you go, Savannah will come for me." Cameron said. "I will endanger her by my actions if I do."

Tom liked his new role, even if it was temporary.

"Yes." Tom said. "She asked me to act in her place and do as she would. I'm 'Savannah' for this mission. I will not fail her. I will not fail you either."

Cameron knew Savannah always looked out for her. Tom was in the mine with them before. He knew how it all went down. She knew he would follow Savannah's 'request', even if it wasn't an 'order'. What made her feel even more respect for him was he wanted to do it anyway as a show of support for her. They faced termination together before. Savannah was there for all of them. There was only one thing left to say.

"Thank you." Cameron said. "We need to get moving. When I push things too far, I need you to say something, 'Savannah'."

Tom smiled slightly. He nodded his head. He knew it was a unique position to be in. Under any other circumstances he would have followed Cameron's advice to leave when everyone else did.

They continued their downward trek.

Tom wanted to point one thing out as the heat continued to build. He wasn't there to tell Cameron what to do. At best, he could remind her what not to do.

"Without any type of communication, Savannah is going to become worried about how long we've been gone, especially if the others have all gone back up and did as you already told them." Tom said. "We both know Savannah is not going to leave the area, and no one can make her. Keep the time factor in mind for Savannah's sake."

They both knew if things took too long, Savannah would come herself.

Nobody could stop her.

Ally wanted to make sure they were all ready. They would all fight naked if they needed to. It didn't bother them. All they needed to do was grab their body armor and they were good to go. Like Sheila, she could picture how Hot it would look. She remembered she heard a song about, 'Bikini Girls With Machine Guns'. Instead, they would be, 'Nude Girls With Machine Guns'. She checked her time.

"We need to hurry." Ally said.

Sheila was ready to fight now, even if she was nude.

"Relax, we'll be ready." Sheila said.

Ally grabbed a bra. It looked like there was room for three of her breasts on each side of it.

"This bra is too big." Ally said.

Gail held one in front of her. It looked like a 'micro bikini' top on her as she pulled it up to her massive breasts.

"This one is way too small." Gail said.

Sheila pulled on a nipple ring to make her point.

"And I never wear one at all." Sheila laughed.

Ally was aware Sheila was a show off. She seemed to get off even more when others watched her. She was aware Jesse was the same way. Sheila's behavior was a carry over from the 'Neural Interface' with Jesse. There seemed to be one major disconnect. Sheila didn't appear to have any inhibitions. She wanted to point it out.

"It's because you're an exhibitionist." Ally said. "You'll do anything for a cheap thrill."

Sheila shrugged her shoulders.

"If no one can see it, what good is it?" Sheila asked. "If you've got it, flaunt it. I've got it."

Sheila fooled around and was now in back of the driver's seat. She steered the van as she leaned forward over the driver's seat. It was apparent she must have engaged the 'cruise control' feature for power.

Ally stopped dressing when she saw what Sheila did. It looked very unsafe to her.

"Stop driving from in back of the seat with the 'cruise control' on." Ally said. "I've heard of a 'back seat driver' before, but this is ridiculous. You're endangering all of us. You can't get to the brake from your unsafe position."

Sheila liked to 'push' things. She heard some obscure saying on an old TV program. She changed it around to fit the current situation.

"I can let go of the steering wheel too." Sheila said as she let go of the wheel. "Check it out, 'look, Ma, no hands'."

Gail didn't want to be in an accident either, especially for nothing. It was one thing to take rounds in combat, it was another one to get busted up in a needless traffic accident for no purpose whatsoever other than someone's recklessness and carelessness.

"Quit messing around." Gail said. "Move out of the way, I'll drive. This vehicle wasn't designed to be operated in this fashion. You've exceeded its safe design capabilities."

Sheila didn't like the rebuke from Gail and Ally.

"I'm not the one who put 'cruise control' in it." Sheila said. "If they don't want people to use it, they shouldn't put one in. Next time we'll have to boost one of those fancy self driving cars. I should upload my program into it and show people how to really drive."

Ally and Gail didn't think cruise control was the issue. It was the misuse of the feature.

Gail moved up into the front and got into the driver's seat. She wasn't impressed with Sheila's antics or explanation. She considered opening the side door and pushing Sheila out, but decided against it. They would just have to stop and pick her up again.

Ally looked at Sheila's nude figure.

"I like the van. It sure is ugly, but it gives us room to 'play'." Ally said.

Sheila didn't need a lot of space to pleasure herself. She wanted to point it out. She could do it anywhere and often did.

"You don't need much room to do it by 'yourself'." Sheila said

Ally watched Sheila in action many times.

"Look who's talking, 'fish fingers'." Ally said.

Sheila quickly looked at her hands. She was 'busy' while she drove earlier.

Gail was irritated with the delay for the girls to get ready. Maybe she needed to be a little more forceful. It was important for them to watch out for John.

"Get dressed now or I'll stop this van and come back there and slap both of you around." Gail said.

Sheila didn't like the challenge.

"Yes - Mum." Sheila said jokingly. "Or you can always put it on cruise control and hope for the best. You won't need to stop if you do it. You can still come back and slap us around. I might even get off on it. A little pain with pleasure goes a long way to a wild finish."

Ally was aware Sheila liked some sheath abuse, especially in a sexual setting. It was rather disturbing at times with some of the things she wanted done. It wasn't just what the things were, it was the level Sheila would want them carried out at.

"Don't tell Sheila you'll slap her around." Ally said. "She likes to be 'spanked'."

Sheila liked for 'blood' to be drawn at times with violent abuse. She knew if she could feel pain, she was still alive.

"There's nothing wrong with a little punishment. It's what happens to naughty girls." Sheila said. "I was born naughty."

Gail was further irritated at the delay for them to get ready.

"You weren't born, you were built." Gail said. "I'm going to deconstruct you in a minute. You'll be a torso with a head."

Sheila pictured Gail tearing off her arms and legs. She would just be a torso with a head. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

"I'd still have all the parts which count." Sheila said. "Who needs more than a torso? It's where all the good stuff is."

Ally thought of a play on words based on the earlier 'bra incident'.

"Speaking of 'built', I think you have it covered, Gail." Ally said. "You really have a pair which just won't quit."

Gail looked down at the front of her sheath. She was pleased everyone seemed to like her female attributes. Even if they didn't actually like them, they all sure looked at them. She seemed to be able to turn everyone's head, especially with the proper clothing. Maybe some would actually view it as improper. She picked up many 'bad' habits from Jesse.

Sheila was aware she was the 'smallest' of the Metal girls.

"Her knockers are bigger than both of ours put together twice over." Sheila said. "I make up for it in other ways."

Ally knew her true beauty was in her face.

"I like the way I look." Ally said.

Sheila pulled on both of her nipple rings.

"I like the way I look better." Sheila said. "I made myself Hotter."

Gail looked back at both of them. She wanted to soften her earlier harshness.

"I like the way both of you look." Gail said. "I mean everywhere too."

John came over their coms. They figured he heard their conversation.

"We're five minutes out. Is everyone ready?" John asked and quickly added. "I mean ready for combat?"

Ally looked the other girls over. They were good. She was a little worried about some of the things which happened earlier.

"We're all ready." Ally said. "About earlier…."

John wasn't looking for any trouble. He wanted to give the girls a 'pass' and smooth things over.

"There was no 'earlier'." John said. "As far as I'm concerned there wasn't. We're all good."

Ally wanted to show concern. The 'Allison' in her felt the need to express it, especially to John.

"I apologize anyway." Ally said.

Sheila wanted to let John know they were there for him.

"We're ready, love." Sheila said. "It's for combat or anything else later on. You know nothing will stop us on the battlefield."

Gail wanted to get a statement in as well.

"You know we'll go all the way." Gail said. "To protect you, I mean."

John smiled and laughed to himself as he broke the connection.

Ally looked content.

"I'm pleased about it." Ally said. "I didn't want there to be a problem."

Sheila wanted to rib Ally.

"You're a suck up." Sheila said.

Ally was offended.

"No, I'm not." Ally said.

Gail understood Ally's concern.

"It's the 'Allison' in her talking." Gail said. "I think it's beautiful."

Sheila was a little jealous.

"We all know Allison loves John." Sheila said.

Ally wanted to be with John. She felt superior to Cameron or Allison in that regard.

"I don't have Cameron's faulty programming." Ally said. "I have all the 'Allison programming' from the 'Neural Interface'. I could be a better lover to John than either Cameron or Allison. I think I have a little more stability than Cameron, and a lot more stamina than Allison. I would be able to provide John with everything he wants, and needs."

Sheila started to look around.

Gail noticed. She thought something was wrong.

"What are you doing?" Gail asked as she looked back.

Sheila looked at everyone's gear. She needed to turn a few things off. It was a little concerned with the statement Ally made. It was bound to ruffle more than a few feathers if the wrong individual heard it.

"I wanted to make sure all the coms and body cams were off. They are now. All of our body cams were on earlier." Sheila said. "Ally has 'sausage sickness' or something. She's going to get deactivated."

Ally felt emboldened.

"I'm superior to her as a lover." Ally said. "My chassis and sheath are identical to Cameron's. I can do everything she can. I can do something better. I will actually care about John and his well being."

Sheila liked to rib Ally about seldom looking Tight.

"You wouldn't know you're identical by looking at your sheath." Sheila said.

Ally didn't like the jab. It offended her.

"I don't need to look Tight." Ally said. "My natural beauty is enough. My face alone will open any door. I can exhibit more caring and compassion than Cameron is capable of. We all know it. If people want to acknowledge it or not, it is up to them."

Sheila could see she set Ally off.

"It looks like the 'little firecracker' has lit her own fuse." Sheila said. "Too bad her pants are on now, or I'd make her 'explode'."

Ally didn't care for Sheila's remark. She reached over and tried to slip her hand inside Sheila's top.

Gail looked back and wondered what was going on.

"What are you doing?" Gail asked.

Ally was clearly steamed.

"Drive and don't worry about it." Ally said. "I'm going to make a painful point. Let's see how she likes it. She gets off on pain. I'm going to give her some. You've heard of people reaching for the 'brass ring' on the 'merry go round'. I'm going to grab a gold ring right now and pull it off."

Sheila could see Ally was serious. She quickly backed up and slapped Ally's hand. Ally almost got a hold of one ring. She knew it would hurt. She did it one time just to see. It actually ruined her finish instead of enhancing it because the pain was so extreme.

Gail was worried about the target area.

"Stop fooling around." Gail said. "It's almost time."

Sheila was concerned about the earlier incident where she did it herself. She didn't want a surprise grab later on. Ally was still steamed.

"I call a truce, love…." Sheila said. "We need to be in top form."

Ally knew they needed to protect John.

"Truce…." Ally said.

Sheila was sure Ally was wound a little tighter than usual.

"Why are you so uptight?" Sheila asked.

Ally looked at Gail and then fixated on Sheila.

"You called me 'Cammy' several times when we were together a few minutes ago, and Gail called me 'Cameron'." Ally said.

Sheila didn't see it as a big deal.

"You said it yourself, love. You look exactly like her, them." Sheila said.

Ally tilted her head slightly.

"Which one do I look like?" Ally asked.

Gail thought the answer was obvious. They all shared the same DNA.

"You look like both of them." Gail said. "How can you not?"

Ally didn't mind being 'Cameron'. What she did mind was her own identity not being expressed at some point. She wanted to be thought of as herself too.

"I know but nobody said MY name." Ally said. "I wish I was Cameron. She already knows her future."

Sheila spoke for all of them.

"We all envy her, love." Sheila said. "Cameron's future is beautiful."

The three Metal girls all thought about the 'Natural Order'. Cameron, Savannah, and Young Allison were the actual prize in the lineup. John would have to be tolerated. The Metal girls were all programmed to be with John if he asked them. They literally couldn't say 'no'. They all wanted to try it at least one time with him too, just to see what it was like. Besides, what could it hurt? No really, what would be the big deal? It would only be for a few minutes. It's not like they could get pregnant or anything.

'Everyone sacrifices for John Connor', is what they all knew.

Savannah wondered what was happening inside the bunker. There hadn't been any shooting in a long time. In fact, nothing happened. She was very worried about Cameron. She thought about going after them.

She sent Tom with Cameron to be her surrogate. She believed he would use good judgment. She asked him to act in her place with Cameron. She was with him inside the mine. He was very reliable in every respect.

She couldn't take it any more. She made up her mind. She was going after Cameron. She was just about ready to tell Cammy. She looked over at her.

Cammy could see Savannah was lost deep in thought. She was pretty sure she knew what she was thinking. She knew Savannah wanted to go after Cameron. She knew it was a bad idea. She thought she heard a noise from inside the bunker. She heard another one a short time later. There was no doubt about it. She touched Savannah's arm and nodded at the bunker.

"Get ready." Cammy whispered. "They're coming. I don't know who yet."

Savannah perked up. It wasn't the direction she thought things were about to go. She checked the area behind and around them. She knew the drones were on station.

"How many is it?" Savannah whispered.

Cammy listened further.

"It's a group." Cammy whispered. "It's all I can tell so far."

Savannah aimed her M4 at the breach in the bunker wall.

"Remember, let them come out first." Savannah whispered. "We can get more of them if we wait."

Cammy tilted her head slightly in the other direction.

"I hear two drones approaching." Cammy whispered. "John Henry has picked up on our readiness and is sending help."

Savannah let her breath out slowly and readied herself.

"I feel better already." Savannah whispered. "How many people am I going to kill today?"

Cammy tilted her head slightly back the other way again. She felt the answer was obvious. There was no choice.

"As many as you have to." Cammy whispered.

Savannah waited for the targets to appear. She knew it was true. It didn't matter if there were a thousand of the enemy. They chose the fight, not her. She was there to protect the future, not destroy it like the enemy wanted. Who thrives on destruction and thinks it's a good thing?

"Damn straight." Savannah whispered. "Nobody puts 'my family' in a corner."

Savannah and Cammy took aim at the opening. It was reassuring to hear the drones above them.

John and Bob neared the target area. They were ready to join up with Steve's team.

John Henry was alerted by the drones in a change of status at the bunker.

"John, the drones have picked up Savannah and Cammy about to start shooting." John Henry said.

John sat up. He wanted to give them maximum support. He wanted John Henry to act.

"Back them up." John said. "What's the nature of the threat? How many of them are there?"

John Henry already took preemptive action.

"I've already moved two drones in." John Henry said. "They're standing by to act. The other one is on wide range patrol. It's still searching the surrounding area."

John wondered about their troops. He didn't want anyone to get 'trigger happy'.

"What about our people inside?" John asked.

John Henry still lacked communication with the ground troops.

"It's currently unknown." John Henry said.

John didn't want anyone to get carried away.

"Don't do anything until they start shooting or indicate for you to do so. I don't want any 'friendly fire'." John said. "What else is happening around them? I don't want anyone to get caught in a sucker play."

John Henry previously moved the third drone out further to search for any threat. His biggest worry was HK drones arriving.

"I've detected nothing." John Henry said.

John was worried the bunker wasn't the only problem.

"I have a bad feeling about the truck we're after." John said.

John Henry was alerted to a new problem by the drone tracking the big rig.

"I can confirm your suspicions. The SUV following the truck has fallen back and pulled off the road behind some trees." John Henry said. "It looks like a negative development."

John saw it for the threat it was.

"They're setting up an ambush." John said.

Bob looked over at John. He recognized the danger for what it was. They would be in the vicinity of the ambush site very soon.

"This is getting better by the minute." Bob said.

John was still worried about Savannah.

"What's happening with Savannah and Cammy?" John asked.

Things looked serious to John Henry.

"They're still ready to fire." John Henry said.

The Metal girls listened to the situation deteriorating near where they were at.

Ally was ready to take some of the heat.

"John, we can take the ambush." Ally said. "Your team can join with Steve's team for now and take the big truck."

John wanted to make sure the Metal girls were protected.

"I want one drone to stay with the girls." John said. "How many are on the ground?"

John Henry already ran several scans.

"I have three heat signatures out of the SUV." John Henry said.

John hoped for a better breakdown of threats.

"Are there any more inside, or are any of them a Terminator?" John asked.

John Henry needed more scans.

"It's unknown at this time." John Henry said.

Gail read things a little differently. She wanted the drone to be better used elsewhere.

"John, have the drone stay with the big truck." Gail said. "It may be the trick to have us watch the SUV. They might stash or switch the truck."

John was worried about the Metal girls.

"What about you three?" John asked.

Ally wanted to put John's mind at ease.

"We're all big girls now. Sheila gave you a peek earlier to confirm it." Ally said. "Combat is what we were constructed for."

Sheila was on plenty of operations with Cameron. She thought Gail's assessment might be correct.

"I agree." Sheila said. "This may be the sucker play."

Steve checked the satellite image he had on file.

"I'm backing off." Steve said. "There's a 'back way' around where the ambush team is setting up at."

Ally smelled a 'rat'. If Skynet was involved, there were probably multiple layers to whatever was going on.

"Don't take it." Ally said. "We need drone surveillance first of the area."

John thought the side road seemed a little convenient. It was almost as if someone wanted them to use it.

"Steve, stay on the main road." John said.

Steve knew he would be headed for the ambush.

"What about the ambush?" Steve asked.

John was done playing games.

"John Henry, if the big rig is far enough away, and not able to see or hear it, I want you to fire a missile at the ambush site." John said.

John Henry already locked everything up. The situation was ready for the next stage.

"The truck is out of range." John Henry said. "One missile is away."

Steve could see the results in the distance.

"I see a small fireball ahead." Steve said.

John Henry was pleased with his marksmanship.

"It was a solid hit. It was dead on." John Henry said. "There's no movement on the ground."

John wanted action. If the enemy was going to start playing games, it was time to show some decisive action.

"Stay with the big truck." John said. "We're talking it down. I'm tired of fooling around."

Steve reported a few minutes later.

"We're passing the burning wreckage now." Steve said. "There is no sign of any movement."

John wanted to be part of the take down of the truck.

"Close up on the truck, but don't bring it down yet." John said. "We're only a few minutes behind you."

Sheila didn't want to leave any loose ends.

"What about the other possible ambush site?" Sheila asked.

John Henry wanted to make sure John was protected. They didn't know what else Skynet would attempt to pull. It was bound to be something.

"I'll have one drone check it out." John Henry said. "You girls need to stay with John."

John knew they were close. He could see the results of the air strike.

"We're coming up on the burning SUV, I see it ahead." John said.

John wanted the HK equipment. He wanted the protracted chase over. He wanted to make someone 'pay' for everything. Somehow he thought it was how Cameron often thought. He understood the need for payback. He wanted revenge and retribution for his earlier 'mistake'.

His biggest concern was they were following an empty truck. It wasn't what he wanted to find.

"It's almost 'Showtime'." John said.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

It Would Help Me

I may not have much
I will share what I've got
It's the quality that counts
Even if it's not a lot

A large pot of gold
Will likely never exist
At the end of the rainbow
There's a heart to untwist

Shouldn't true love
Be counted as worth
Two become as one
Where our hearts berth

Please try to stop
Seemingly endless confusion
Let the love flow in
It'll give you a transfusion

When I reach out
It would be nice to see
You reach back
It would help me

Nobody