Chapter 762

Contentment

Ally, Sheila, and Gail all wanted to give Savannah a hug and tell her how much they cared for her. They waited until John was done, and Cameron and Cammy got to go another round. They knew their place. It wasn't first place.

Gail took a moment to look at Savannah. She was able to view the drone footage of what Savannah needed to go through. It upset her greatly to know how many times Savannah could have been injured or terminated during the process.

Sheila and Ally expressed much of the same things. They both whispered in her ear they wanted to be with her as soon as the opportunity presented itself. They would like to do it individually or both of them together.

Cameron wanted to get down to business. She was aware the only active targets were the two vehicles which passed by earlier. They might be able to track where they came from, or where they ended up at. Right now the Grays were in pursuit of a nonexistent big rig as they followed the false trail set down by one of their drones. She wanted John to make the call since he was there.

She didn't want to be rude about it either. Sometimes she was. She was very grateful she wasn't terminated earlier. She knew it was because of Savannah. As much as she didn't like it, there was value to having one human with a group of Terminators in some instances. The trouble was, there was no way to know which instance it was going to prove valuable in. Savannah was able to assist her on more than one occasion when she was incapacitated for various reasons. She didn't doubt John would do the same thing for her. She knew Savannah would do it for all of the Terminators.

Maybe it was like Savannah said. She said she only did what anyone else would have done under the same circumstances. She thought maybe it was true in most instances. When she thought back to the nuclear warhead when she was stuck and couldn't leave, she didn't want anyone to stay behind like Savannah did. It upset her greatly when Savannah didn't take her way out when she could have. She turned her attention back to John.

"We're all here now." Cameron said. "What do you want to do, John? You've done excellent on your operation so far."

John really wanted the other two big trucks which slipped away from them. He wouldn't feel vindicated until he found them. Right now their loss was on him since he didn't want the two boxcars touched at the start of the operation from the old newspaper plant. Cameron wanted to take the HK equipment back then. In hindsight he wished it's what they would have done. There was still a chance they would be led to a 'bigger fish'. It didn't happen. He wasn't going to hold his breath.

"I want to find two more trucks. I want to find out where any other boxcars are, or where the Skynet equipment is being stored. I want to find Skynet and terminate it." John said. "How's that for starters?"

Cameron thought it was pretty good. She was for all of them. They were the very things she wanted to do. She knew the time was ticking by. She also wanted to find out where the Coltan came from. It was another issue, but it was what all of the HK equipment was constructed of. Skynet obtained a source from somewhere, it wasn't from anything CamNet controlled either.

Cammy was worried about Savannah, even if nobody else seemed to be. She felt Savannah experienced enough for one day. She was exposed to multiple energy pulses as well. No one knew what those were. There was no way to know what they did to her. John was there too with them now. She was surprised Cameron didn't pressure him to leave. She decided to assume the role instead.

"John, you and Savannah need to rest also." Cammy said. "It's already the next day. Everything's pretty much wrapped up for now."

John looked at Savannah and nodded. He was still very disturbed about when he thought she was killed earlier. He knew she could have left any of the cyborgs behind and taken her way out. She didn't. He knew the thought didn't even cross her mind. It seemed doubtful she would agree to stop pushing herself.

Gail wanted Savannah to rest. Her vehicle was the perfect choice. It was one of the reasons she picked it earlier. There was a lot of space in the cargo section of it.

"They can sleep in the van." Gail said. "There's room to lie down."

There was a loud 'clap' sound, followed by a second one as Ally and Sheila high fived each other up high and then down low.

Cameron wondered what it was all about. She would have CamNet show her the files of the girls in the van later on. She was unaware of the body cam Sheila used to 'show off'. Once she viewed the footage, there was going to be a problem. She would also find out about John Henry's voyeurism. He would always maintain it was for 'research' purposes. It was something she really couldn't disagree with. She liked to do 'research' as well. It was always interesting to see exactly what other people did, how they did it, and how much they seemed to enjoy it.

She was ready to act now and finish up with what was there. She really wanted John back at the base. Cammy was correct. Savannah could use some rest too. She went through a lot in the electric charged atmosphere of the bunker, as well as the smoke and heat.

"Let's take down the Grays and call it a day." Cameron said. "We already know they're targets and where they are. John and Savannah can go back to the base. Two carloads of a few Grays is no big deal. There are multiple ways we can take them down."

Cameron was worried about Savannah and John. She wanted John out of harm's way as well as Savannah. They both faced way more danger than necessary. Savannah was almost killed again. It could have happened several times over. There was the possibility she could have been shot. There was the heat, the smoke, the electrical discharges, and the explosion of the presumed power cell, somewhere inside the bunker.

She knew Savannah made commitments to Young Allison, and CamNet, as well as Allison. Savannah needed to be her 'Ambassador' for a few things. There was a lot which needed to be 'fixed' and Savannah was always able to work things out so everyone seemed happy in the end. Savannah's very presence seemed to diffuse any situation. No one wanted to act mean or upset in front of her since she was never that way.

She started to feel a glitch impulse build at the times when she pushed Savannah to the limit. The worst one was where Cammy and her physically fought in the hallway at the base. She remembered how upset Savannah looked and sounded. She regretted the incident every time she thought of it. Savannah sounded so heartbroken and hurt when she asked her what it was exactly she expected of her. It was a very bad situation. She still believed it was Cammy's fault for trying to seduce John, while she impersonated Savannah, in the darkness of her room, in her bed. She needed to push those thoughts from her mind. The ones she thought of weren't much better.

Cameron was aware of the sacrifices Savannah was willing to make for her earlier. She used herself as bait to draw the Grays away from Cammy and her. Savannah followed her to what could have been certain doom to make sure she withdrew before it was too late. Savannah being inside the bunker for her is what made her leave and get out before the explosion. If she hadn't left when she did, she would be inside the rubble which remained of the bunker now, terminated. Then Savannah gave up her place on a drone so she could get away. Savannah was like no other.

She knew she was responsible for Savannah's near termination by delaying so long inside the bunker.

Cameron tried to hide her hand. She was unable to suppress the glitch. She knew she was responsible for all of it.

John felt his troops accomplished more than a few things. He did realize his personal contribution was limited, unlike Savannah's contributions.

"We accomplished a lot today, the last two days now." John said. "Everyone has done an excellent and outstanding job. You are all to be commended."

Bob knew Cameron wanted John back at the base. He decided to run with the ball. He wanted to downplay everything.

"We can handle it from here, John." Bob said. "This is all 'mop up'. There are no more leads to follow up once we take out the Grays."

John didn't want to make a big deal about any of it. He knew Savannah was in a few very tight, near death, places in the last two days. He wanted her in a safer environment.

"I'll think about it." John said.

Cammy could see they were near a point of contention. She wanted to change the subject.

"We're short on vehicles." Cammy said. "Let's go get some wheels."

Savannah was a little worried about the other Terminators who were at the bunker. She wondered how they fared with everything which happened. Their exposure was limited to the energy pulses.

"Where are the other Terminators who were at the bunker with us?" Savannah asked. "Does everyone check out OK?"

John Henry monitored the various groups.

"They check out as OK." John Henry said. "Once they were away, after they returned the bulldozer, which wasn't damaged by the way, they weren't affected anymore by the energy pulses."

Savannah was pleased the fire department equipment wasn't damaged by their usage.

John sent them to find the 'White Whale'. He wanted them to find the other two trucks if they could. They were only giving some general areas to look.

"They've gone to join the teams looking for the other trucks." John said. "I worked everything out with John Henry earlier. Other than the Grays who are chasing the decoy drone, everything is covered."

Tom wanted to get things moving.

"I can ride with Steve and Al." Tom said. "The truck will take three."

Sheila wanted to allow John and Savannah some privacy.

"I can ride with Bob." Sheila said. "Ally and Gail can too."

Cammy hoped to keep an eye on things.

"I can drive the van." Cammy said. "John and Savannah can rest in the back."

Cameron thought about riding with John and Savannah. She decided she could take operational control if it was necessary later on if she flew the manned drone.

"I'll take the manned drone." Cameron said.

Gail thought Cameron might like to ride in the van.

"I'll do it, Cameron." Gail said. "You can ride with John and Savannah."

Gail wanted to watch over Savannah and make sure she arrived back at the base safely. She thought she could give Savannah the best protection in the manned drone. It was fully armed and ready for combat.

Ally wanted to give Cammy and Sheila some time together. It didn't bother her Sheila and Cammy were now 'lovers'. She was in love with Sheila and knew she would be the one with Sheila at the end of the day. It may take quite a few days actually. She wasn't too worried. Her power cell would last a long time.

"Cammy can ride with Sheila." Ally said. "I'll drive the van."

Sheila thought Ally wanted to pull a fast one.

"You just want to see what will 'happen'." Sheila said.

Ally did want to see. She didn't think it would be a big deal, especially if she wasn't a participant. She knew she wouldn't be. She was still under the assumption John and Savannah already mated.

"So…." Ally said. "You and Cammy can 'catch up'. Bob won't mind. Savannah needs to rest. Cammy can use a little comfort. We can trade places if you want. I'll provide Cammy with all the comfort she wants. You can drive."

Bob hoped it would happen. He found it fascinating to watch the girls together. Most of the time he was able to observe anything, it was on the periphery. He wouldn't mind watching a little close up action. He could keep one eye on the road and the other eye glued to the rear view mirror.

John was a little self conscious. He didn't want to make a production out of it.

"Let's just do it." John said. "There's a drone for each of the vehicles too, plus the manned drone for backup support if anyone needs it, which seems unlikely."

Gail wanted to assure Savannah she would look out for her safety.

"I'll watch over the van as well." Gail said.

Savannah went over to Sheila and quickly spoke with her.

Sheila took the opportunity to slip Savannah's hand inside her vest for a few seconds. It's what she should have done with John earlier.

There was a big smile on Sheila's face as Savannah walked to the van.

Ally would drive Cameron, John, and Savannah back. Gail would cover them in the manned drone.

The two teams of Terminators headed out after the Grays.

Ally drove the van. She looked in the rear view mirror at John and Savannah.

John and Savannah were in the back alone.

Cameron sat next to Ally. She could see John and Savannah felt a little uncomfortable. She wasn't sure if it was the idea of them resting together, side by side, or doing it in front of her. She knew they didn't want to 'hurt' her. She was as pleased as she was displeased by their failed 'coupling' earlier. It would happen soon enough. It's something which needed to occur. It was the 'Natural Order'.

She thought of a solution she hoped everyone would like. She moved into the back and lay in the middle with John on her right side and Savannah on her left side. They both curled up against her.

Cameron felt an intense feeling of pleasure. No, it was different from pleasure. It was contentment. It was a feeling she didn't often experience. She was usually alone with Savannah when she did. It was when they just hung out. It was never anything sexual. Savannah always made her feel very comfortable. She always wanted Savannah to do more, but Savannah never did. Something always got in the way.

The feeling of having both John and Savannah hold her at the same time gave her a feeling like no other. They were just resting and holding each other, nothing more. It was the two people she loved the most. It was so very beautiful. She wished Young Allison could have been there with them. She would have liked her to rest on top of her. She was fairly certain Young Allison would be more than happy to do so. She would be able to touch all three of them at the same time if she did. Maybe they would actually take turns in the different positions. She wouldn't have a problem with it at all. She doubted there would be a problem if any of them were to 'cop a feel'. It wouldn't bother her the slightest if they did it to her. She would really prefer if they did it to each other. It didn't hurt anything. It was just touching.

Cameron could feel both of their hearts beating. She experienced a feeling of absolute peace and contentment. It was her future, and it was here now. She wanted to be with them and they wanted to be with her. It was the part she appreciated the most. They both wanted her because she was who she was. She was a scary robot from the future.

John and Savannah were both asleep in no time. It was a four and a half hour drive to get back. Cameron wished the moment could last forever….

Cameron documented every millisecond of the time. It would be a file she would play over and over. It was such a peaceful, easy feeling.

It made her think of all of the 'hard' times in her existence. Why couldn't it have been this instead? She thought about how she could take the four of them back in time and leave all this mess behind. She was sure she did it in one of her 'lives'.

She really would like to know if it was true about living her life over. Was it just a fantasy in her mind? Was it like some kind of a daydream? She wanted those thoughts to be real. She wanted them to represent real events. She would take what she could get for right now. It was a very beautiful experience for her.

Cameron pulled them a little closer.

The two teams of Terminators closed in on the Grays. There was unfinished business to deal with. The two cars of Gray's chased a phantom big rig. It was just the tracker and GPS device sitting on top of a drone emulating the truck's movements.

John Henry informed them of an old granite quarry which wasn't far from them. It was in the foothills of the Sierras. It looked like the perfect secluded place to spring an ambush. It's where he directed the decoy drone to go. The Grays dutiful followed it. He blocked all their communications once they started down the gravel road to the quarry. The gravel road ended in the quarry. It was a 'dead end'. It was about to have a double meaning.

There were four drones at his disposal. In the secluded canyon, he could bring the drones in down low. No one would see them but the enemy. The enemy would know what they were too.

"I can take them with the minigun." John Henry said. "I don't need to waste a missile."

Sheila still hoped to get her hands on a live one. She wanted some 'blood' from earlier.

"We can take them Terminator style." Sheila said. "There's no need to waste any ammunition."

Cammy knew right away what Sheila was after. She watched and assisted her on more than a few occasions. She always liked to see the 'thrill' Sheila got out of it. She even tethered with her one time so she could experience the same feeling. She felt right away it was as intense as a 'finish', but it didn't stop. It kept going and building. Sheila told her it was even more intense when she 'worked' on a female.

She was sure whatever Sheila experienced would be considered some form of a 'mental illness'. Since it was something she inherited from the 'Neural Interface' with Jesse, she wasn't sure if 'mental illness' was the right word. It was more of an intense feeling of retribution for past events. She needed to clear her mind.

"You just want to collect a few 'pairs'." Cammy said.

Sheila thought about the earlier incident when Ally and Gail were with her at the property manager's house.

"Damn straight." Sheila said. "I'm still upset about a Terminator getting the jump on me. Someone is going to have to 'pay' for it. I intend to 'collect'."

Cammy was at the Skynet bunker so she didn't know what almost occurred.

"Tell me about it." Cammy said. "I don't know any of the details."

Sheila gave Cammy a brief rundown, and about her inattentiveness and why. She glanced at Bob before she confessed to Cammy what she almost did to the property manager's wife. It was just to do it, because she could. She said she couldn't control herself.

Bob listened to Sheila's 'confession'. He almost let her do it, just so he could see what it was like. His dealings with Savannah made him remember it was 'wrong'. It was one reason why he rapped on the glass. He could understand it was one thing when it was a future Scavenger or an enabler in the sex trade. It was another thing when it was a collaborator's wife, who didn't know anything about what her husband was up to. She didn't do anything wrong, other than being a drunk.

Cammy touched Sheila's cheek. She was proud of her for telling her what happened.

Sheila knew it would have happened if Bob wasn't there.

"Thank you, Bob, for reminding me to not be so cruel." Sheila said. "You did the right thing. Never be afraid to do what you know is right."

Bob knew it should differ between the guilty and the innocent.

"You would do something similar to the Grays." Bob said.

Sheila thought they could always use information. In the case of sex traffickers, it was 'just punishment' for what they did to females.

"I would." Sheila said. "The difference is, the Grays are at war with us, the property manager's wife was guilty of nothing except maybe poor judgment. It seems to be something we all suffer from at times."

John Henry listened to the conversation. He wanted everyone to refocus on the impending situation.

"The target vehicles have entered the quarry." John Henry said.

Steve drove hard to catch up the distance.

"We're almost there." Steve reported.

Bob was in back of Steve's truck.

"We're right behind them." Bob said.

The six Terminators were ready to finish the fight. They were all itching for some payback because of what almost happened to Savannah.

Cammy told Bob and Sheila everything she experienced. Tom told Steve and Al. They were all convinced even more, Savannah was the 'Chosen One'. It brought a tear to all of their eyes as they thought about it. It was too much to ask from one teenage female to fight Skynet on her own, so many different times.

Young Allison stayed with the operation until Ally drove the van away with Cameron, Savannah, and John in it. Once she knew Gail was riding shotgun over them, she was ready to wrap it up.

Anna could see Young Allison was tired.

"Are you going to sleep down here again?" Anna asked.

Young Allison knew what always went with it.

"So you can remind me to clean up and brush my teeth?" Young Allison asked. "Then you will tell me my bed is more comfortable than what's available down here."

Anna wanted Young Allison to take care of herself.

"I don't need to." Anna said. "You know what needs to be done."

Young Allison needed to remember her other obligations too.

"I do." Young Allison said. "I need to study as well."

Anna didn't want Young Allison to push too hard. She wanted to remind her there were shortcuts.

"You can take a break." Anna said.

Young Allison frowned. She knew everything was about being prepared to survive in a future dominated by Skynet.

"Will I have breaks in a 'Skynet future'?" Young Allison asked.

Anna knew it was true but they weren't there today.

"No." Anna said. "But you can have one now."

Young Allison wondered what part of Anna's programming influenced her now.

"Is it the 'Savannah' in you talking?" Young Allison asked.

Anna liked how much of 'Savannah' influenced her.

"It is." Anna said. "You know she cares about you deeply."

Young Allison knew Savannah loved her as much as she loved Savannah.

"It's the 'Natural Order'." Young Allison said.

Anna could tell Young Allison was 'uneasy'.

"You seem troubled." Anna said.

Young Allison hoped she could be half the person Savannah was. It seemed like a tall order. She didn't think she would be able to measure up. Savannah took the fight to the enemy when she needed to. She didn't know if she would be able to.

"I almost saw Savannah killed several times tonight." Young Allison said. "It was in real time with my own eyes. I saw her fight for her life and fight for Cameron and Cammy. I saw her sacrifice her ride to safety and send three Terminators in her place instead. All of their programs are copied and any of them could be rebodied. She saved them first anyway. She put everyone else before herself. She always does."

Anna was very worried herself. The 'Cameron' in her was as worried as the 'Savannah' was. It showed Cameron's true concern for Savannah.

"I understand how Savannah's fate could be troubling." Anna said.

Young Allison felt a lot more things as well. The most troubling was being a failure.

"It's more than troubling. I don't know if I'm going to be able to do what Savannah has done and can do." Young Allison said. "I'm afraid I won't be 'good enough'."

Anna suppressed a glitch impulse to think of Young Allison in a situation like Savannah faced.

"It shouldn't be the worry of a young teenager." Anna said.

Young Allison believed her physical age was irrelevant. It was a meaningless number.

"It is. We both know I'm only a young teenager in age but not practice and ability." Young Allison said.

Anna thought it was more than just the training. It was Savannah herself.

"You saw Savannah." Anna said. "She did what she NEEDED to do, when it needed to be done."

Young Allison did see it. There was no hesitation or deciding, there was only action. Savannah placed the others in front of her.

"Will I be able to do it?" Young Allison asked. "I don't know if I can."

Anna didn't want Young Allison to worry about it or dwell on it. She wasn't at those crossroads yet. She did know Young Allison 'zapped' the Terminator who made a lunge for Savannah before. She thought it was decisive. She didn't cower or hesitate. She acted. She thought it was best not to bring it up before bedtime.

"Don't worry about this. You need to clean up and sleep." Anna said. "Your mother is going to be angry at me as it is. I'll go with you."

Young Allison didn't need to hear any of it tonight.

"Thanks." Young Allison said.

Young Allison checked one last time to make sure the van was on its way back. She saw the footage from the manned drone over it.

There was still something which troubled her. She knew if she was in a serious situation with Savannah, Savannah would risk herself so she could escape or survive. It was a thought which troubled her deeply. She didn't want to be responsible for Savannah's death, or any injuries to her. Maybe it wasn't something to think about, but it was in her mind. It was not a good thought.

Hanna and Holly watched from the bunker doorway. Claire and Allison were both asleep. They pleasured both of them earlier to insure they would have a peaceful rest. They seemed very content afterwards. They decided they would switch partners before they woke up in the morning. Everyone could have a little extra pleasure if they did.

They both departed as Young Allison and Anna came up out of the bunker. After they passed, Hanna and Holly headed down into the bunker and into one of the back rooms. It would give them some additional privacy.

"Anna is pushing her too hard." Holly said. "She's 'an Allison'. I feel the need to protect her."

Hanna shared the 'Neural Interface' with Vanna. There was plenty of love and concern for any 'Allison' in her.

"She's not 'an Allison', she IS Allison." Hanna said.

Holly was still just as concerned.

"I need to talk to Savannah about it." Holly said. "Anna is allowing Young Allison to work herself too hard."

Hanna believed Young Allison was in for a lot more training.

"Once Cameron has her alone and in the past, her real training will begin." Hanna said.

Holly felt a glitch impulse. The need to 'protect' any 'Allison' was strong.

"What will Cameron do to her?" Holly asked.

Hanna was sure she knew.

"Cameron will make her the human version of herself." Hanna said.

They weren't sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing. Maybe it was both.

"Young Allison isn't a Terminator." Holly said.

Hanna understood how it worked.

"I bet Cameron will be a lot more 'human' when she returns." Hanna said.

They both wondered who would actually train who.

The Resistance Terminators approached the two vehicles. There were four drones at the location as well now. Two drones went on patrol and two moved in on the Gray's vehicles.

There were four Grays, two in each vehicle. One Gray vehicle tried to make a run for it when a drone appeared off its left front fender. The drone opened fire on it. It shredded the front tires and engine compartment with its minigun. The Grays tried to bring their weapons up. The minigun fired again. It shredded the passenger compartment along with both Grays. They were instantly terminated.

The Grays in the second vehicle saw they were cornered and tried to surrender. The Terminators moved in on foot and drug them out of their vehicle.

The questioning began. Once it was obvious it was going nowhere, Sheila came over. She watched as the Grays were beaten with minimal effect.

Sheila reflected on an earlier conversation with Savannah before she left.

"Do whatever you have to do, to get answers." Savannah told her. "I was almost killed several times tonight. We need to stop them. I needed to fight for my life as well as Cameron's and Cammy's life. I was sure I wasn't going to make it."

Sheila was a little concerned with Savannah's emotional state after the earlier incidents she faced. Normally Savannah would try to put the brakes on.

"Can I do anything?" Sheila asked. "You're not just angry now are you?"

Savannah knew her judgment might be a little off. Based upon the circumstances, she felt it was justified.

"You can do anything which produces answers." Savannah told her. "I'm angry too. I thought I was going to die earlier. I didn't think I was going to see anyone else ever again. It was a terrible feeling. I still feel it. Do what's necessary."

Sheila grabbed Savannah's hand and slipped it inside of her vest so she could 'cop a feel' and touch her jewelry.

"Here's something else you can think about instead." Sheila said.

Sheila was sure it changed Savannah's mood some. Savannah did 'cop a feel' and touch everything.

Now it was time to get some answers.

Sheila looked at the two Grays before she started.

"This is for what almost happened to someone I love and care about." Sheila said.

Before the Grays died, Sheila obtained the answers.

Cammy was the one who beat the Grays earlier. She saw Sheila got answers right away. She looked at her bloody fists. It was all blood from the Grays she beat. She broke seventeen bones between the two of them. Some of them happened during the beating process, other ones were calculated blows to cause pain to get them to talk.

She was worried about Sheila. She didn't seem reformed at all. The 'darkness' Jesse warned them about was strong in Sheila. She didn't know how much Jesse wanted to make sure Young Jesse was never 'her'.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

My Love

For many years
You've been in my life
For many years
We've avoided strife

You're the beauty in my existence
I treasure everything about you
I know how hard you work and try
I appreciated everything you do

I saddens me deeply
It makes me weep
I'm forever yours
You, I'll always keep

The road ahead looks bumpy
Together we will forge ahead
Each new day going forward
We'll weave with life's thread

Side by side together
Like a hand in a glove
I'm always here for you
You're the one I love

Nobody