Chapter 787

High Orbit

The Command Center wanted to get things wrapped up where the teams were currently at. It didn't seem like a good idea to stay in the area any longer than absolutely necessary. There was no way to know what was going to happen next. They still needed to worry about a Skynet response to the earlier activities.

There was already a substantial response to what was done so far. The next escalation was going to be much bigger. The goal was to be away from the area before anything could happen. If Skynet did launch a bigger force, they might be able to track it back to where it originated from. The best thing was to get their people out ASAP.

The different teams were all in communication with each other.

Ally was directed to head to the second location the two hostile HK drones were launched from. It was already hit with missiles from two of their drones previously.

She could clearly see as she approached the location the building was destroyed. It didn't look like there would be anything salvageable out of the location. She didn't think things fared well for any of those inside.

"I'm over the second structure." Ally said. "It's a total write off. There's no sign of any survivors."

John already knew as much from the drone footage. Since nothing Skynet related was spotted yet, he needed to know more. They needed a more detailed look at the rubble.

"We need to make sure there were no Terminators inside, or any HK drones, or HK Tracks." John said. "We will need to recover them if any are there. Make a detailed scan of the area to look for any anomalies before the troops on the ground arrive. I don't want them to find a leaking power cell."

Ally looked at the burning and smoldering remains of the building.

"Maybe someone should have thought of it before they flattened the place." Ally said. "It doesn't look like any power cells have exploded. I think it's a good sign."

Ally wanted to ask how they even knew for sure the building they took down was the right one. From what she gathered, their drone strike was based on speculation rather than hard fact. Because John didn't want to risk any of their troops or equipment, the drone strike was launched from the maximum distance to protect everything. Maybe someone should have verified something first before they took the building down. What if there was nothing there but homeless people? What if the drones came from somewhere else but only first appeared near the building? She actually hoped she could spot something Skynet related.

John just wanted the job completed. The sooner they were done there, the sooner everyone could leave the area. He was pleased they already destroyed the structure. Anyone inside of it should have been killed. The only thing which might have survived would be a Terminator. It would be heavily damaged at this point.

"Cammy's team should almost be there." John said. "I don't want them to bump into any live ones."

Ally wondered exactly what John meant. Was she supposed to terminate anyone she saw moving if there was a survivor? So far she hadn't spotted anyone. She looked to see where Cammy's team was at. She could see them coming. She needed to tell them about what she found for them as far as a new set of wheels went.

"They're coming now." Ally said. "I found a new ride for them as well. I picked out a nice van for them."

Sheila was glad to hear it. They would be able to have another van. She hoped it was a little nicer than the other one. It didn't really matter if it was or not. There would be plenty of room in the back. It looked like she would be able to spend some quality time with Cammy in the back of the new one. Things were a little crowded in the back seat of the SUV when Bob drove them previously. They still were able to get the job done, along with a multitude of positions. She was pretty sure it was an eye opening experience for Bob. Normally no male Terminator was so close to the 'action' when any of the females were together. When she went around a turn, she was reminded of the cargo in the back of the SUV. Maybe there wouldn't be a lot of room for 'other things'.

"It looks like we will have plenty of room for the deactivated Terminators." Sheila said. "This SUV is packed."

John Henry wanted them to know what else was happening. They would be relieved of the deactivated Skynet Terminators.

"Cameron is coming." John Henry said.

Sheila wanted to joke around. There were a lot of antics which happened in the back of the other van Gail procured. They needed to cover a lot of distance and spent hours on the road. They would spend hours on the road leaving the location they were in as well. She wanted to extrapolate on Ally's statement about Cameron.

"It looks like we will be too then…." Sheila said. "Especially with the van, there will be a lot more room for some of the different positions. Thanks, Ally."

Ally specifically looked for a van for Sheila when she couldn't locate another Escalade. She wanted her to have a good time in the back when someone else was driving. It sort of made her wish she was on the ground with them and would have the opportunity to ride back to the Resistance base. She wanted Sheila to know she was thinking about her.

"I picked it out just for you." Ally said. "I know it's a long drive back. There's no reason not to make productive use of the time."

John Henry quickly picked up on their play of words. He actually found it somewhat irritating. He needed to remember Sheila and Ally were notorious for their antics. The more extreme one of them was, the more extreme the other one tried to be. He wanted to clarify exactly what Cameron would be doing without the innuendos.

"I meant Cameron is bringing the Iroquois. She wants to relieve you of the Terminators." John Henry said. "Everything should be ready to go when she arrives. John doesn't want the chopper on the ground any longer than it needs to be. They will collect the cargo and return to the granite quarry to lift out the other HK drone which was shot down."

Cammy didn't like Savannah having to take the extra load with the UH-1. She thought Savannah would be safer by not having to approach the vicinity where there was combat earlier. They didn't know what other Skynet forces were in the area. There could be more HK drones on the way as far as they knew.

"Savannah and Allison are with Cameron. It's a heavy lift for Cameron with a drone as well." Cammy said. "We'll hang onto the deactivated Terminators. They only need to take the drone. They can go straight to the granite quarry and avoid coming here."

John Henry knew Cameron already made her decision. He wasn't about to tell her otherwise. It didn't appear John wanted to either. It seemed John already experienced a contentious conversation with Cameron earlier. He wanted those on the ground to stick with the plan which was already laid out. There wouldn't be any deviation.

"Cameron will be arriving in a few minutes." John Henry said. "Make sure everything is ready as you were previously instructed. The quicker you get things taken care of, the quicker they'll be able to leave."

Cammy was worried about Savannah and Allison's safety. It seemed to her Cameron was needlessly pushing things which didn't need to be pushed. She could understand Savannah being with Cameron in the helicopter. She couldn't understand why Allison was there. She would like to know the reasoning behind it, and what exactly Cameron was thinking by dragging her along. She would like to know how it went over at the Young residence. She doubted it would be very well received. There were still things they needed to do to make sure the area was secure.

"We haven't even checked out the building yet." Cammy said. "Maybe there is something else in there as well. We won't know until we take a look. They don't need to come here yet. HK equipment was designed to survive under harsh battle conditions. We need to find out what's in the building first before the helicopter approaches. There's no need to make it a target. It should return to the granite quarry."

Cameron evidently monitored the conversation. She was about as impressed with Cammy as she was with John earlier. They both seemed to have a negative attitude. She was sure glad she wasn't a Bitch like Cammy was. She thought the same applied to John as well, especially after his remarks to her about Allison. She wanted to get her hands on the Skynet equipment which was currently available to them.

"It's even the more reason for me to relieve you of the Terminators." Cameron said. "We'll be there soon. Have everything ready."

To hear Cameron's voice surprised everyone. Now they all needed to wonder if they said any other things which would offend her. They were all pretty sure they did.

Bob was glad he hadn't participated in most of the conversations when he heard Cameron's voice. He hoped it kept him off of her 'list'. He was fairly certain everyone else was on it now, even if they weren't before.

CamNet kept Cameron posted on all the conversations. She determined what would be heard and what wouldn't be heard. It included anything regarding the Young bunker as well. She didn't want any problems for Young Allison.

Cammy didn't like the fact Savannah and Allison were being drug around by Cameron. There was no reason to bring either one of them along. Once again it was proof Cameron showed flagrant disregard for those who cared about her.

"Maybe we should relieve you of Savannah and Allison." Cammy said. "It will lighten your load."

Cammy knew it actually wouldn't lighten the load by much. Savannah and Allison were both relatively thin.

Sheila liked the prospect of Savannah and Allison riding with them. It certainly opened up the idea a little more could go on during the down time on the way back. She couldn't help but snicker at her own words. She hoped there would be a lot of 'down time'. She wanted to offer the prospect of an even more comfortable ride for Savannah and Allison.

"If she does let them off, Ally can find us a motor-home to drive then. We could use the extra room. They usually have a couple of beds and a restroom in case the girls would need it. There's always a kitchen area too. Of course it would be for when they wanted to eat something which was a little more substantial." Sheila said. "We know what to do with Savannah and Allison, even if Cameron doesn't."

Ally really liked the idea, especially after the way Sheila spelled it out with all the perks and amenities available. The best part seemed to be Savannah and Allison. She knew what she planned to do.

"If I do find a motor-home, I'm landing this thing and I'll let it be a true drone. I'll ride with you four." Ally said. "CamNet can fly it back, or it can go on its own. It will help provide better protection for the girls with an extra Terminator there with them."

Savannah didn't want the conversation to get too carried away. She knew Ally and Sheila were having a good time joking around. She could see Cameron wasn't as she listened to it. Cameron often let things rub her the wrong way when they didn't need to. There were certain things which would set her off in a negative way. She hoped to introduce a little tact into the conversation before things went too far.

"We're hearing everything too." Savannah said.

Allison liked what she heard as well. She wondered if they could find a motor-home.

"Both of us can hear it all." Allison added.

Sheila wanted them to hear it. It meant if they decided to come along, they were in for the long haul and everything which would happen in between. She planned to get a lot of 'in between' action. It was always a thrill to be with the human females. They were so much more responsive to everything, even if they seemed to tire out after a few hours. It was still a lot longer than the two or three minutes a human male would be able to provide.

"I hoped both of you could hear everything…." Sheila said. "I wanted to make sure everyone was on board, especially those who know where it's at."

John Henry wanted to re-establish some order. He believed things were way out of line.

"What happened to radio discipline?" John Henry asked.

Sheila knew the answer to his question.

"It's called 'female programming'." Sheila said quickly. "You should try it sometime. If you experience it, rather than spy on it, you won't be such a - stiff."

Everyone could hear both Ally and Sheila laugh.

John wanted to add a little moderation to the conversation. He was relatively quiet so far. He was sure his involvement would only spark more rude and lewd comments.

"I started to wonder about the same thing." John said. "I think everyone needs to clean things up a little bit. I would like a little respect shown for each other."

Cameron was more than a little upset. She knew what the solution was. She didn't mind letting it be known.

"Wonder no more." Cameron said. "A mass reprogramming is needed."

Ally spotted the UH-1 in the distance.

"I see Cameron coming now." Ally said.

Sheila wasn't done mouthing off yet.

"Who's flying the helicopter then?" Sheila asked. "Is it Savannah? What about her?"

Savannah thought she could have a little fun too.

"I already finished." Savannah said.

Ally picked up on the double meaning.

"That was fast." Ally said. "I'd need to replay my files to 'finish' as fast."

Sheila liked to do things her own way.

"I prefer to make new ones." Sheila said. "They don't take long to make either."

Cameron heard more than she wanted to already. She wanted it to stop. She didn't want them to keep badgering Savannah and Allison. It didn't matter if they weren't bothered by it or not, she was.

"Enough…." Cameron said sharply.

The silence was deafening.

Savannah saw Cameron was highly agitated. It often seemed to be the case when the Metal girls bantered back and forth about sexual things. She was also worried there was some other problem Cameron might be experiencing. She wanted to give Cameron a few options to think about.

"Cameron, maybe someone else can fly the helicopter back and pick up the HK drone from the quarry." Savannah said. "Allison and I can go with you on the ground. We could always use a backup vehicle."

One of the new problems was CamNet informed Cameron about how Holly and Claire were both very worried and upset about Allison being away on a mission. She figured they were going to 'blame' her for it. It was actually Allison's decision. She asked repeatedly if she could go. The mission seemed relatively low risk at the time. She wasn't so sure anymore.

"I need to get Allison back." Cameron said. "They miss her back at home."

Allison believed it should be her choice. Not the choice of someone else. There may be certain things she did need to answer for, there were a lot more she didn't.

"I'm a big girl now. I asked to come here on my own." Allison said. "I want to go where you and Savannah go. I like to get out every now and then too."

Allison knew Holly would be upset and worried. She just didn't think it would be as much. She was with Cameron and Savannah, not out on her own or something. It shouldn't be a big deal.

Cameron believed the issue was more of a personal nature. She wanted to give them the privacy to handle it as such.

"Allison, I want you to speak with Holly first." Cameron said. "CamNet will provide you with a secure channel, only you two will hear your own conversation. Savannah and I won't hear anything."

Cameron wondered why she let Allison go along in the first place. She knew it would cause a problem with Holly and Claire. No, She knew why she did. It was to 'push' Young Allison even more. It in itself was just as 'wrong'. No. It was worse than wrong. It was an indirect form of manipulation. Even when she didn't try to manipulate, she did.

Savannah felt the helicopter starting to lean to one side. The instruments showed it was happening as well. Savannah wanted to make sure Cameron hadn't developed 'spatial disorientation'. It was a condition which took down more than a few good pilots.

"…Cameron…?" Savannah asked. "Are you getting spatial disorientation?"

Everything seemed fine to Cameron.

"I'm fine." Cameron said

Savannah didn't think so.

"No. You're not." Savannah said. "Look at the instruments. Look at the artificial horizon."

Cameron could see Savannah was clearly worried. Things were a little bit off.

"Maybe you better take it." Cameron said. "You got it?"

Savannah quickly took the controls. She wanted to get the helicopter back to level flight.

"I got it." Savannah said. "I can't see much. I don't have my night vision on."

Savannah needed to make use of all the instruments. There were enough lit buildings around to do visual flight as long as she kept some altitude.

Allison sensed something went wrong. She wasn't sure what. There was an atmosphere of danger now.

"Cameron, what's happening?" Ally asked.

There was a blank look on Cameron's face. She glanced at Allison.

"I'm fine." Cameron said.

Savannah didn't want Allison to worry.

"I've taken the controls from Cameron." Savannah said. "I can't see well enough yet."

Ally noticed the unusual tilt of the helicopter and the conversation which went on in the cockpit.

"You're doing fine, Savannah." Ally said. "Can you get your night vision on?"

Savannah felt confident in her ability. She was just glad there was a copilot on this occasion. It was also a reminder to her she slacked off on her copilot duties once she turned control back over to Cameron earlier.

"Everything is fine." Savannah said. "I have everything under control."

Ally thought she could help Savannah out with the landing zone.

"I can illuminate the area where you'll land with some flares." Ally said.

Savannah was ready for the night landing.

"Do it. Make me a circle." Savannah said. "I can see headlights as well. I have good depth perception now."

Ally was worried about the girls and Cameron. She wanted to let her know there was some privacy between them.

"It's Sheila down there." Ally said. "CamNet is keeping this call between us. Are you good?"

Savannah understood the need to remain vigilant at all times. The current situation was a case in point.

"I have control. There's no problem now." Savannah said. "It was just kind of a sudden change. I thought Cameron was going to land us. Now I am."

Ally was confident in Savannah's ability.

"You'll do fine." Ally said. "It's just like in the daytime, but it's dark."

Savannah thought Ally's answer was a little absurd. She did understand what she meant. She didn't have a lot of experience in night landings. There was more than one way to learn.

"I hope so." Savannah said.

Savannah watched Ally drop six flares in a crude circle as they landed on the ground. Sheila stopped outside of the circle, with her headlights shining into it.

She could see well enough now without the night vision, which always messed with her perspective a little.

Savannah slowed and made a careful approach. With everything marked and illuminated. It wasn't a problem. If the LZ would be completely dark, and needed to stay dark, she would have a problem then.

She set the bird down in the center of the flares with only a slight bump. She shut the turbine down. The rotor slowly spun to a stop.

Allison was now aware something was wrong with Cameron.

"What happened?" Allison asked.

Savannah didn't want to make a big deal about it. She tried to cover for Cameron whenever she could.

"Cameron wanted me to take over." Savannah said. "It was like a test."

Everything seemed like it was a little off to Allison.

"Have you done it before?" Allison asked.

Savannah wanted to be honest, but keep it simple.

"Yes." Savannah said. "It was a little different this time. I needed to do a little more thinking."

Allison felt they were safely on the ground now. She remembered she heard one time, 'any landing someone could walk away from, was a good one.' She thought maybe the saying was a little too close to home this time. Then again, she could walk away, so it was a good landing.

Savannah realized it really was a test. It was a test of her ability to spring into action and take control of the helicopter under less than favorable conditions. It showed her she could overcome her fears and worries in an instant if she needed to. It reminded her she didn't stay as alert of a copilot as she should have been. She assumed Cameron would set them down without incident. She was pleased she noticed the change as soon as it started and was able to take control and correct it. They were on the ground now and in one piece. It was a good thing. Now she needed to find out what was wrong with Cameron.

Savannah and Allison tried to talk with Cameron.

Once the rotor stopped, Sheila drove up alongside the Iroquois with the SUV.

Within a very short time Bob, Sheila, and Cammy all arrived at the side door. They each carried a Terminator. They were deposited inside the doorway of the helicopter.

Savannah looked at the trio. She needed their assistance. She didn't want to make a big deal about things, but she didn't think being in the helicopter is where Cameron needed to be right now.

"I need one of you to take over here." Savannah said.

Cammy immediately sensed there was a problem. She looked over at Cameron.

"What's wrong with Cameron?" Cammy asked. "I mean this time."

Savannah frowned at Cammy, but didn't say anything.

Cameron looked at Cammy with some irritation.

"Nothing…." Cameron said. "I'm fine."

Cameron climbed out.

Savannah followed her.

Allison was in the back. She looked at the deactivated Terminators. They didn't look like any of their Terminators. She then followed Cameron and Savannah out.

Cammy looked at Savannah and Allison, then at Cameron. She turned her attention to Bob and Sheila.

"I'm staying with the girls." Cammy said. "One of you will need to fly it."

Bob and Sheila could read the situation.

"I'll take it." Bob and Sheila both said at the same time.

Savannah wanted to leave it up to them to decide.

"One or both of you can go." Savannah said.

Cammy looked at Allison. She felt Allison should be in the danger zone, even less than Savannah should be.

"What about her?" Cammy asked.

Savannah felt Allison's safety was on her for the rest of the night.

"Allison is with me." Savannah said. "I'm responsible for her, for tonight. Cammy, I'll need your help. I don't want any problems."

Bob figured the girls would all like to remain together. He'd be able to take the helicopter by himself to retrieve the drone from the granite quarry.

"I can take the chopper." Bob said. "Sheila should stay with your group."

Sheila could see it was always good to have a copilot.

"I can go with you, Bob." Sheila said.

Bob made up a plausible excuse so the girls could remain together.

"It's going to be a heavy lift." Bob said.

Savannah wanted Bob to know the helicopter was slightly modified.

"This bird has fifteen percent more power available." Savannah said.

She quickly explained the modifications Cameron performed.

"I'm fine." Cameron said.

Sheila looked Cameron over in better detail. She thought it would be more important for her to remain with the girls. It was clear Cameron was a little bit off.

"You don't look it. You don't look so hot." Sheila said. "I'll stay with the girls. Bob can take the UH-1 alone."

Ally planned to keep a careful watch over the van.

"I'll be in a high orbit over you at all times." Ally said. "I'll watch over you."

Bob did a 'once around' the UH-1. Savannah accompanied him.

"Let me get to the chopper." Bob said. "I'm good to go."

He climbed in and fired the turbine up. He took off a short time later.

With all the activity, and the fact there were HK drones involved, Savannah didn't want to take any chances. She wanted to make sure everyone was protected. She didn't want to tie up any other resources. She knew some of the drones came from a few of the other teams who were looking for the boxcars. She wanted them to be protected as well.

"I want a drone to accompany Bob." Savannah said. "The other drones here can all be returned to other duties as well. Ally is all we'll need. She has a full arms compliment, minus a few minigun rounds."

There was still something important which needed to be done. They needed to look for any HK equipment in the remains of the destroyed building. So far they didn't know for sure it was actually Skynet related.

"I need to check the remains of the last building real quick before we go." Cammy said. "It won't take long."

Savannah didn't want Cammy to go on her own.

"I'll go with you." Savannah said. "Sheila can stay with Cameron and Allison."

Cameron looked a little uneasy.

"I'm fine." Cameron said.

Allison thought she could offer a better solution.

"Maybe I can go with Cammy and Sheila. You can stay with Cameron, Savannah." Allison said. "I can help too. I want to help."

Savannah felt very protective of Allison. She was worried about any unseen danger in the building they needed to check. She wasn't about to endanger Allison.

"No." Savannah said. "It will be as I've said. Everyone will follow the plan. The decision has been made. It's final."

Allison didn't want to argue with Savannah over it. She especially didn't want to argue with Savannah in front of the others. She understood Savannah entrusted her with something very important to all of them. It was Cameron.

Cammy and Sheila knew any directive from Savannah, was the same as if it came from Cameron herself. Savannah just took command.

"Let's get moving." Savannah said. "Sheila will drive and Cammy will ride up in front with her. Allison and I are going to ride in the back with Cameron."

Ally kept watch around the surrounding area.

"Everything looks good from up here." Ally said. "I don't see any threats around you."

Savannah was aware there could still be a Skynet response to the earlier activity.

"Maybe not yet, it can change." Savannah said. "Things can change fast, make sure you stay vigilant."

Savannah didn't know how much of the conversation was blocked from John about Cameron. She wanted to get him up to speed.

"John, there's been a change of plans. Cameron, Allison, and I will now ride with Cammy's team." Savannah said. "Bob has taken the deactivated Terminators and left with the Huey to retrieve the last HK drone."

John looked over at John Henry in the Command Center.

"O - K…." John said as he slowly drew it out.

It was clear he was asking a question, without asking one. He wanted to know what happened.

Savannah didn't want to get into any details right now. John knew all he needed to know for now about the change in the teams.

"Leave it alone for now, please." Savannah said. "We have a job to finish. Cammy will take over."

John trusted Savannah's instincts. He decided to go along with the program.

"Alright, Savannah, you're the one on the ground." John said. "Cammy is the team leader. You keep Allison and Cameron safe."

Savannah was grateful nothing became an issue with anyone.

"Thank you, John." Savannah said.

Savannah looked at Allison and Cameron. She planned to do whatever was necessary to make sure it happened.

It was clear to John what must have occurred. It seemed as if Cameron experienced some kind of 'problem'. She didn't seem to have a shortage of them. There was no indication in the Command Center there was one. He didn't pick anything up from the conversations either which indicated something specific.

"What happened there?" John asked. "I think Cameron started to have a problem."

John Henry really didn't know any more than John did. It was clear something must have happened.

"I don't know." John Henry said. "It would appear Cameron experienced some kind of unknown problem. Savannah thinks it's best if Cameron and her remain on the ground along with Allison. She must have a reason."

John was a little worried because everyone seemed 'tight lipped'.

"Nobody has said much." John said.

John Henry knew Savannah was very protective of Cameron.

"It seems Savannah and Cammy have everything under control." John Henry said. "Savannah asked you to leave it alone. I think we should trust and follow her advice."

John still wanted to know a little more.

"For now…." John said.

John Henry didn't really care for John's response. He believed John should take Savannah's advice.

"Would you trust anybody more, including yourself, to be the one with Cameron now, other than Cammy, Allison, and Savannah?"

John noticed he didn't mention Sheila as part of the line up. He was sure both Savannah and Allison could reach Cameron on a deeper level than he could, especially when there was a problem. He knew he only seemed to make problems worse.

"No, I wouldn't." John said. "The people she needs right now are with her."

They were both a little surprised in the Command Center by the next transmission.

"I'm fine." Cameron said.

John figured he better drop everything for now about Cameron and concentrate on the operation.

"It appears CamNet is looking out for her as well." John said.

John Henry figured it was more than just Cameron who CamNet currently looked out for.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

That's What I Did

I said what I meant
You had a choice
It seems that you chose
To ignore my voice

When there was an error
It wasn't my fault
Did not my actions
End further assault

I was still there
Ashamed of my error
Into the arms of another
You instead wanted to share

Stab my mind
Cut deeply into my heart
Did you even care
What you tore apart

It was you who turned to another
Away from my damaged self you hid
I reached out to you multiple times
That's what I did

Nobody