Chapter 789

Nice Ride

Cammy and Savannah expected to be picked up by Sheila, Cameron, and Allison. They just finished the inspection of the building which was destroyed by a drone missile attack. They were surprised the girls arrived so early. The only problem was, it wasn't them. The girls just boosted a van. It was a 4x4 pickup which just showed up. They didn't think it was a group of lookiloos.

The vehicle was unknown to them when it arrived at the location of the destroyed building. It was more than likely Grays, or possibly a Terminator. It was a threat to Cammy and Savannah. They were still in the remains of the building they just finished checking out. There weren't a whole lot of options open to them as to where they could go to avoid the newcomers. They didn't want to give away their position, or engage the newcomers in a firefight until they knew a little bit more about them.

Cameron experienced some issues earlier about some of the things she did to people in the past. How she altered people's lives sometimes weighed on her. Since there was a combat situation about to develop, she was back to one hundred percent. She would say 'normal', but she didn't know what 'normal' was. She didn't know if there was a 'normal'. It didn't seem like it. She was combat ready. It was the only thing which mattered in the end.

Combat always allowed her to be what she truly was, a Terminator. It allowed her 'real self' to be front and center, as well as dominant. It was the environment she was most comfortable in. She was a 'death merchant'. She was ready to apply her 'trade'. There was never a shortage of 'customers'.

She quickly surveyed the area where she would need to go to assist Cammy and Savannah. She wanted to remain unobserved and make a clandestine approach.

"Drive behind those buildings over there and let me out." Cameron said.

Cameron quickly checked her weapons.

Allison was still worried about Cameron. Just a few minutes ago she seemed anything but 'fine', even though she kept saying she was fine. She knew life was about choices. It was time to make one of those choices.

"I'm going with you." Allison said.

Cameron felt a slight glitch impulse. She was responsible for Allison's safety. She didn't want Allison needlessly endangered. She would prefer for Allison to stay in the van where she should be a little better protected.

"I want you to stay with Sheila." Cameron said.

Cameron was as worried about Allison, as much as Allison was worried about her.

Allison was still concerned about Cameron's earlier condition. She didn't know if she would revert back to the same state in thirty seconds, or remain an efficient killing machine as the Terminator she was.

She was also worried about Savannah and Cammy. They needed to be safely extricated from the area. She knew she would probably actually slow Cameron down if she went with her. It was OK. There was someone better qualified to go in her place with Cameron. She wanted to make her position and reasoning clear.

"If I don't go, I want Sheila to go with you." Allison said. "I'll be fine here. Ally is watching over us. I can drive away from here at any time. Savannah and Cammy may need both of your help. I want you to both go now. Don't waste any more time."

She was involved in plenty of combat operations. She knew 'time was of the essence'. She didn't think the current situation was any different.

Sheila was worried about Cammy and Savannah as well. She needed to agree with Allison's logic about the situation. She wanted to get moving as well. She stopped the van and hopped out.

"Come on, Cameron, let's go." Sheila said. "It looks like there's a few blokes we need to introduce ourselves to."

Allison climbed into the driver's seat.

"I've got this." Allison said.

Cameron was clearly worried about leaving Allison alone.

"I don't know about this." Cameron said.

Ally could hear them making plans. She believed Allison's plan was a good one based upon the current situation. She wanted to lend her support and remind Cameron what was available to back Allison up.

"Cameron, I'm in 'Death From Above'." Ally said. "I'm her early warning system and guardian."

Now it was Allison's turn to say she was going to be 'fine'. With Ally overhead in the manned drone, she believed she would be. She would have some early warning about anything approaching her position. She would also have the support of 'Death From Above'.

"Both of you go. Go help Savannah and Cammy." Allison said. "I'll be fine."

Cameron was still very concerned about Allison.

"Drive away at the first sign of trouble." Cameron said. "I'll be back."

Cameron and Sheila both moved away from the van and headed out to help Savannah and Cammy. They needed to be on the lookout for any more vehicles arriving, or anyone moving around on the ground already there which they may have missed earlier.

Allison left the van running in case she needed to bolt. She watched all of her mirrors and continuously checked around her. She idled in 'neutral'. She was ready to move the shift selector into 'Drive' or 'Reverse' in an instant. She would use the van as a weapon if necessary. Because the van was currently on flatland, she could leave it in 'Neutral' and not need to step on the brake to prevent the van from rolling. She also wouldn't need to step on the brake to put the van into gear from 'Park'. It would attract less visual attention when she needed to move. At slow speeds she could see well enough without the headlights. If the speed picked up, she would need to turn her lights on. She needed to be able to see where she was going.

She was very worried about all of them out there, especially Savannah. She knew there was a copy of all of the Terminators' programs. They might be a few days, or even weeks out of date. They could be re-bodied if necessary. Savannah didn't have the same luxury. There was no copy of her 'program' because she was human. She didn't need to be reminded she was human as well. If anything happened to Savannah or her, they were 'done'.

In the Command Center, John and John Henry were very worried about the new turn of events. It looked like the need for stealth was no longer necessary when it came to drones.

John was aware of Savannah's earlier order to keep all of their drones out of the immediate area. It appeared the time passed. With the arrival of the new Skynet forces, he wanted some additional firepower available.

"I want more drones sent to the immediate area now." John said.

John Henry agreed under the current circumstances with the arrival of the unknown vehicle. It surely represented the enemy in some form. It was either the group of Grays they just battled or another group of Grays who was watching the first group of Grays. There was always the threat it could be someone from the anti-Metal group as well. He decided to act.

"Savannah, I'm sending two drones back to assist." John Henry said. "Your team may need them. The conditions on the ground are clearly different now."

Savannah was worried about more hostile HK drones showing up. The Skynet group already used two of them earlier. She felt they would be the biggest threat to Cammy and her. They were currently concealed from the occupants of the 4x4.

"Have the drones do recon and search for any more incoming HK drones. I know you can watch the sky, so have them check for anything moving on the deck." Savannah said. "We only have one truck here now. Cammy and I can take it. So far it doesn't look like a problem for us."

Cammy wanted the Command Center to know she agreed with Savannah. There were several factors in their favor as far as position went.

"The fire started by the Thermite grenade is between us and them." Cammy said. "They may not know we're here yet. It currently doesn't appear they do. Savannah has a good plan. Our biggest threat will be HK drones, or more vehicles arriving. Things just might start to be picking up. There's been enough time for Skynet forces to be sent from other areas to back up the operation which took place here. Since there's a communication blackout, they don't know what happened yet. They will probably go to all of their known locations. We should pick up more targets if nothing else."

John Henry was notified of Cameron's and Sheila's current position. They were clandestinely making their way towards the 4x4 vehicle. They thought the intention of the occupants would be directed to what was in front of them, rather than what was behind them, and the route they arrived from. It was a common error on the part of the enemy. Usually any area they just traversed through was given less scrutiny since it was clear when they passed.

"Cameron and Sheila are moving up behind them right now." John Henry said. "Cameron reported she's operating at one hundred percent."

It wasn't information Savannah wanted to hear right now. There were two major problems with it. The first one was, it meant Allison was alone. The second one was, just because Cameron said she was operating at one hundred percent didn't mean it was correct. She felt confident Cameron could take care of herself if a threat arose regardless of her condition. Allison was her main worry. She knew Allison wouldn't sit around and watch if she saw she could prevent something from happening or render aid to others.

"What about Allison?" Savannah asked. "I don't like her alone."

John Henry knew the deal for both Sheila and Cameron to go entailed Ally remained as Allison's security. He also linked up everyone's communications.

"Ally has her for now." John Henry said. "You're in direct contact with Cameron and Sheila now."

Sheila and Cameron advanced towards the pickup truck.

"Let's take these Whackers down." Sheila said. "The only good Gray is a terminated Gray."

It wasn't what she actually believed, other than the end result. To her, a 'good Gray' was one she could spend a little time with and give them her 'personal touch'. It wasn't going to happen with everyone else around. She would need to skip any enhanced interrogations for now.

Cameron felt they needed to use a little bit more caution. They didn't know who or what they faced.

"We don't know if any of them are Terminators." Cammy said. "If one of them is, we will need a different type of response."

Savannah thought about what happened at the earlier locations before she arrived. It sounded as if someone targeted everyone before the Grays made their move.

"If they have any Terminators, they're probably out right now like Sheila and Cameron are. It was the technique they just employed earlier." Savannah said. "Ally, what's happening around Allison?"

Ally watched the sky and the ground around Allison. She was also ready to reinforce any of the troops in the target area if it became necessary. All of her weapons were hot and ready to fire.

"Allison is clean." Ally said. "Nothing is moving around her. I'm ready to go where I'm needed and still keep an eye on her as well. I'm good to go with everything. I'm only down about a thousand rounds on the minigun. I've got plenty more to distribute. I'm itching for a little more trigger time."

Cameron felt Sheila and her made good clandestine progress. They were in a good position to make their move. So far there was no indication they were detected.

"We have the truck flanked." Cameron said. "Sheila is moving in behind it. I'm alongside it. We're a ways out still. I have a clean shot if I need to take it. I don't see any other movement. I don't think there are any Terminators here. I haven't been able to detect any other movement around the area."

Savannah was worried about more than just the Grays. She didn't want any first responders needlessly put into danger. She wanted to wait a minute and see how things played out.

"Hold for now. What about any emergency response teams?" Savannah asked. "We've been here too long already."

John Henry already addressed the issue of the first responders. He borrowed a page from Cameron's playbook when it came to persistent individuals.

"I've redirected them twice." John Henry said. "I've changed your location status to a 'false report'. They shouldn't head your way unless someone else makes another report in person. I've already sent word out of a mentally disturbed person making false reports about incidents in the area."

Savannah wondered if someone would end up in a mental institution. No. The First responders would eventually come across the location where they were at.

Cammy held her suppressed M4 up ready to fire as she watched the vehicle. There were some flames and a lot of smoke between Savannah and her and the Grays. You can see there was some movement. It didn't look like a good thing for them.

"The Grays are getting out of the truck now." Cammy said. "I have two on the ground. Only the driver is still in the truck. I'm going to 'pop' them."

Savannah didn't know if the driver of the vehicle would try to help his comrades when he saw them fall or simply floor it and drive away and leave them to their fate. She thought maybe they could use a ruse to lure the Grays closer.

"Wait. Cammy, I want you to call for 'help' faintly in a male voice." Savannah said. "Lure them over. It should keep the attention of the driver focused on our location as he watches his associates. Cameron and Sheila should be able to move up right on top of him. Ally, keep an eye on Allison and around her. If anyone on foot approaches her position, you are cleared to engage."

Savannah was aware it could be a homeless person. It didn't matter. She wanted Allison protected.

Ally kept track of everything both in the sky and on the ground.

"She's good for now." Ally said. "I'm all around her. I'm ready to rain down some 'Death From Above' if it becomes necessary."

Allison listened to all the fuss about her. It actually irritated her some. She felt she was secure and protected there. She knew if she said anything, she would be sure to upset somebody. It would most likely be Cameron or Savannah. She didn't want to cause any unnecessary grief or drama at this critical time.

She remained vigilant with her weapons close by. She was ready for whatever the enemy wanted to throw it at her if they chose to engage her. She was ready to show them how she did things in the future. She was concerned, but she wasn't afraid. She reached up and touched the cold stainless steel of her Model 66. It would be her last resort if things moved in close. She knew the only one who could get up after a couple of rounds from it would be a Terminator. Then again, with the Coltan projectiles, maybe a Terminator wouldn't get back up either.

Allison could feel she was pumped full of adrenaline. Her heart rate was accelerated. She felt something she hadn't felt in a long time. She felt alive. Here she was ready to take lives, and she felt alive. She was sure it was a trait in every Allison Young. She could see it in Young Allison as well. She was sure Young Allison would be the most fierce version of any Allison Young. It was more than just her 'Terminator upbringing'. It was part of who she was. Her inner self was allowed and encouraged to emerge and show itself. It was the 'real person' which existed inside of everyone. There were always moral and social restraints which prevented it from becoming dominant.

The tension in the Young bunker seemed to be growing. They followed the entire operation from those on the ground, in the air, and in the Command Center. No one there liked Allison's decision to remain alone so both Sheila and Cameron could go down to assist Cammy and Savannah. They all knew it was the logical choice, even if no one agreed with it.

Holly was the one who was most disturbed by the decision. It was understandable since Allison was her lover. She really wished she could have been there with Allison.

"They're leaving Allison exposed." Holly said. "She's all alone and there are hostiles in the area."

Holly clearly became more and more distressed.

Young Allison was worried too, but she saw things a little differently. She could see the bigger picture.

"Savannah has Ally covering her with the manned drone." Young Allison said. "It's a tactical move to get Cameron and Sheila closer. Savannah doesn't want Cameron alone. They will all forgo Ally's assistance to keep Allison covered. We also need to remember Allison is the one who made the call for both Sheila and Cameron to go down. She's on the ground. She's able to determine what her situation is better than anyone else. She's an experienced Resistance fighter from the future. She knows how to take care of herself as well as read the situation. If I was there, I would have done exactly the same thing."

The last part of Young Allison's statement caused a lot of concern to everyone who heard it. They all knew it was only a matter of time until it was fact. It most likely would be sooner, rather than later.

Holly was still very worried about Allison.

"It's risky for Allison." Holly said. "It also puts all of them at risk."

Young Allison thought it was a sound decision on Allison's part. She saw it as the most logical choice based on the current information. She repeated her earlier assessment of the situation.

"I would make the same call. It's the right call based upon the circumstances." Young Allison said. "They need to finish everything and get out."

Anna knew it was tough on Holly because Allison hadn't been in a combat situation for quite some time. She wanted to give her some reassurance.

"Cameron and Savannah are there." Anna said. "Holly, they won't allow anything to happen to Allison."

Hanna came down into the bunker. She monitored the situation through her com. She wanted to get some visual input from the monitors inside the bunker.

"Claire and Summer are asleep." Hanna said.

Anna got Hanna up to speed on the operation. She also wanted to see Young Allison get cleaned up and go to bed. She doubted it was going to happen. She still needed to try anyway. It was her job and responsibility to look after Young Allison after all.

"You should be in bed as well, Allison." Anna said.

Young Allison knew it was very late. Until the current operation was concluded she didn't plan on going anywhere.

"As soon as they're clear, I will." Young Allison said. "You know I can 'push it' and function at one hundred percent the next day."

Young Allison saw the deep worry in Holly. It was when Holly put her hand in back of herself, she knew it was time for her to act.

Young Allison went to Holly and took her glitching hand, it stopped instantly. She knew there was something else which could help soothe Holly.

"I'll wait here with you until the danger is over." Young Allison said. "You can scan me if you want. I have confidence in what they're doing. I know you do too. Everyone there is a trained professional. Ally will prevent any threat from approaching her. Look at the big picture. I know it's easy to get tunnel vision at times."

Holly started to scan Young Allison. She was a little surprised at the results of her scan.

"You believe everything you said. You believe in them." Holly said. "You're not afraid."

Young Allison was worried, but she wasn't afraid. She was confident in everyone's ability currently in the target area. It included Allison as well.

"I do believe in Cameron and Savannah. I'm not afraid." Young Allison said. "We need to face down Skynet to protect John and the future. It's what they're doing. It's what I'll be doing. Most of all don't forget, this is something Allison has already done. She was good at it too."

Young Allison squeezed Holly's hand. It seemed to reassure Holly even more.

"Come over and sit next to me." Young Allison said. "We can watch everything together."

Holly was a little worried she may have disrupted operations a little more than she intended.

"I don't want to be a problem." Holly said.

Young Allison smiled at Holly.

"It's what I want." Young Allison said. "You'll never be a problem to me."

She led Holly over to her work station.

Anna was about to give up her seat so Holly could sit next to Young Allison.

Young Allison wanted to give Holly another morale boost.

"You don't need to get up, Anna." Young Allison said. "Holly can sit in my seat. I can sit on Holly's lap. It will be easier for her to scan me as much as she wants."

Holly's face instantly lit up. She thought it sounded like a good idea. It would greatly distract her to touch Young Allison in any way she could. Young Allison sitting on her lap seemed like it would be quite a distraction.

Anna instantly saw it for the manipulation it was. Young Alison was about to use her sexuality to influence Holly. She didn't want it to happen. She knew Holly was already infatuated enough with Young Allison since she was the SAME person as her lover Allison was. She was sure Young Allison would offer to allow Holly to 'cop a feel'. She wasn't sure which one of them would be more excited by the simple act. She needed to put the brakes on things.

"Maybe it can happen some other time." Anna said. "Things are good the way they are right now. Let's keep it the same way."

Anna wanted to make sure it didn't happen. She glanced up at the security monitor.

Young Allison continued to hold Holly's hand to keep her relaxed and from glitching. Savannah told her how to help their Terminators when they were in distress for different reasons, and how to help each one. In fact, Savannah told her a lot of things to do, and not to do. Savannah always watched over her and watched out for her too. She always did it for as long as she could remember. Whenever there was a problem, or even an issue, Savannah was there to help her with it. She saw the same thing with Vanna and Allison as well. Her mother told her Future Savannah did the same for Future Allison.

It was very clear to Young Allison that Savannah always loved her. Maybe when she was younger she didn't understand the depth of her love. As she grew older she knew the nature of her love for Savannah grew and developed into what Savannah always felt for her. Savannah never took advantage of her and made sure no one else did either. Just to think of it all made her love Savannah even more. She couldn't wait for the day when Savannah would 'take' her. It was something she wanted more than anything. She knew it was what happened with every version of 'Allison Young' as well. It was always a version of 'Savannah Weaver' which was their first encounter with true love.

Cammy knew it was a good idea Savannah suggested about calling for 'help'. The Grays would be thrown off from whatever they were thinking before. They would either think they were about to help one of their associates, or come across an enemy prisoner who was hurt badly.

It was time to cast the line and see what the bait brought in.

"Help me…." Cammy said in a faltering male voice.

The two men on the ground instantly looked over where they thought the voice came from.

"I hear someone." One of the men said. "They sound hurt."

It appeared to Cammy the ruse was going to work.

"Over here…." Cammy said in a faltering male voice. "Help me…."

Cammy could see the other man look around at all the devastation.

"How is anyone still alive after this?" The other man asked.

Cammy made a coughing, gasping for air and wheezing sound.

"Help me…." Cammy said in a fading male voice. "Help…."

Savannah pulled her Taser.

"Use this if you can." Savannah whispered.

Cammy nodded and took the Taser from Savannah. She returned the suppressed M4 back to Savannah.

The two men approached through the shattered wreckage. They didn't appear to be on the lookout for outside danger. They thought they were about to help one of their associates, or capture someone. They hoped they could get some answers about what happened there.

One of the men quickly looked at his phone.

"My phone is still out." One man said.

The other man briefly looked at his phone.

"Mine is too." The other man said. "I wonder what happened."

The two men continued their approach. They didn't perceive the current situation as a threat.

It's what Savannah hoped for.

The man in the truck concentrated on his two associates. Sheila was directly behind the truck now and Cameron was alongside of it.

The man watched his two associates try to aid one of their comrades who sounded injured.

Cameron was able to walk right up next to him. He started to turn in her direction. She punched the man in the side of the head through the open window. He slumped over.

Sheila was next to Cameron now.

"Nice ride." Sheila said as she looked at the truck.

Cameron felt a slight glitch impulse at Sheila's comment about the truck.

"It reminds me of one we used to have…." Cameron said. "It all seems so long ago, and like yesterday, all at the same time."

Cameron thought of Future Derek and the places they went in the truck. Not all of the memories were fond memories. It made her think of John being out with Riley in it and what they 'did'.

Cameron knew if she dwelt on it, she would glitch out.

She did NOT need to go there now. Savannah and Cammy were still in danger. She needed to worry about Allison as well. Maybe she should send Sheila back.

Savannah waited until the men were in Taser range. She tossed a small piece of metal above the men so it would land in back of them. They both turned and looked at the 'clanging' metal sound behind them. Cammy fired her Taser twice and both men went down. It was two clean shots. They never saw it coming.

Sheila watched it all go down and then she ran to where Cammy and Savannah were. Cammy and Sheila both picked up a fallen man and carried them back to the truck.

Savannah wanted to get Allison closer to where they were at.

"Allison, bring the van up." Savannah said. "Ally, make sure she's clear."

Ally verified everything was covered.

"Allison is clear." Ally said. "I'm on her six and high."

Sheila couldn't resist the opportunity to get a sexual innuendo in about Ally's comment.

"I wish I was." Sheila said.

Ally thought about asking Sheila 'which one', but decided Sheila would say 'both'. She didn't want to upset Cameron any more right now. Currently it appeared she made a full recovery from her earlier confused condition.

Cameron shot Sheila a dirty look and then she checked the man in the truck.

"He's dead." Cameron said. "I must have hit him too hard, my bad."

She hadn't intended to kill him yet. She hoped to get some answers. She wanted to know more about the operation and how they were able to communicate. She wanted to know which group they represented. There were quite a few questions she needed to know.

Cameron pulled him out of the truck and carried him to where the fire was burning in the lower level of the remains of the structure. She tossed him down into the inferno after emptying his pockets. She tossed the other two dead men still in the rubble down there as well. They might as well get rid of the evidence now. Someone was eventually going to show up to look things over.

Allison arrived with the van. Cammy and Sheila placed their freshly bound and gagged prisoners inside the back of it.

"This isn't what I thought would happen in the back of the van." Sheila said as she pulled her knife out. "It's almost as exciting."

Allison heard what she said, but was unsure what she was talking about. Most of Sheila's antics were kept from the others. Savannah and Cameron tried to keep the extent of Sheila's enhanced interrogations covered up as well. John was the only other human who knew about her personal endeavors. He actually didn't know much.

"Let's move the truck out of here too." Cameron said.

Savannah didn't want to leave Cameron alone.

"I'll go with you until we can get in the van." Savannah said.

Cameron drove the truck to where the van was at.

Savannah got out. She stopped by Sheila. She wanted to correct her previous decision to allow Sheila to do 'whatever' she wanted to the prisoners. She knew she was wrong at the time to encourage it. It was time to rectify her mistake.

"Don't do any more than you have to." Savannah whispered. "Please, for me. You should terminate them swiftly."

Sheila nodded. She could see Savannah wasn't thrilled at the prospect of what she would do.

Savannah looked at Cammy and Allison.

"Cammy can drive the van." Savannah said. "Allison can ride with us for a bit."

Sheila, Cammy, and Cameron all looked at each other. They knew what Savannah was doing. She was trying to shield Allison from the brutality.

Savannah didn't want Allison to hear or watch the interrogation. She witnessed them before and she didn't want those images and screams in Allison's mind. They were still in her mind…. Then there was 'those eyes' which looked at her - AT HER….

Now she thought about the female Gray she needed to strangle. It would be an image which would bother her for a long time. She could have shot the woman, or even used the knife on her. Cameron or Sheila could have snapped her neck. Instead when the female Gray tried to choke her, she chose to do the same thing back. She watched the life fade from her eyes as she did it. She didn't want Allison to have any images like it. She believed the girls from the future all had enough images to deal with. She knew there were all things none of them wanted to discuss. It was something she could understand. She actually wondered how horrific they must actually be.

Savannah shook her head to clear her mind. Maybe it was better not to know.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

I'm Sorry For What I Did

Life has many corners
Which may force a turn
Do we forget what we know
Or do we expand and learn

There are many things we do
That some may never understand
Few things seem to work out
As we once thought or planned

There are goals we set
Trying to reach out
They seem harder and harder to obtain
Leaving one full of doubt

For what one sees as right
Another can see as wrong
We know where we are
Wondering if we'll ever belong

I regret many past actions
Some things I may have hid
For those I have inadvertently hurt
I'm sorry for what I did

Nobody