Chapter 534

New Assignment

Savannah went over all her plans with Cameron. She wanted to double check to make sure Cameron agreed. It was a big step up for her. She didn't want to overreach. She didn't want to screw up. She didn't want anyone terminated. She understood the possibility there would be damage to some of the Terminators. During an assault on an enemy fortification it was a likely possibility. There was also the possibility she could be wounded or killed. It didn't change the mission. It didn't change the planning for the mission. Skynet needed to be stopped in every endeavor it was involved in.

Cameron ran a few things by her. She wanted to check to see how Savannah would handle each threat. It was something she needed to be ready to deal with in a moment's notice.

"What if we run into hostile Terminators?" Cameron asked.

Savannah didn't want any loose ends. Terminators would be much more difficult to deal with than Grays would.

"Everyone will concentrate on the Terminators and resume the battle as scheduled once the threat is neutralized." Savannah said. "We don't want one or two things to sidetrack the entire operation."

Not all threats were on the ground.

"What if HK drones appear?" Cameron asked.

Savannah specifically addressed this issue when she asked for additional personnel. She was aware of the threat against them at the last battle. Their drones were to provide close air support to the troops on the ground. The mission was flexible. Their drones, unlike Skynet HK drones, were also equipped for air to air combat.

They held a distinct advantage for aerial engagements with HK drones. She wanted the troops on the ground protected. Their drones would be able to do it and keep the enemy HK drones away from the battlefield.

"I have a Stinger team with each group." Savannah said. "If our drones can detect them, they are to disengage and go after the HK drones first and then return."

Cameron knew they could face something worse than Terminators on the ground.

"What if HK Tracks, or manned HK Treads, roll out of the buildings?" Cameron asked.

Savannah prepared for it too. She liked to know what weapons were available. There were a few new systems. One of them was the wire guided missile.

"I have a TOW missile system with each group in as well as several M72 LAW rockets." Savannah said. "They should be able to engage all types of armor."

Cameron could see the plan was one of the most extensive they launched yet. It was at two locations as well. She was very pleased with Savannah's preparation going into the battle.

"You did a lot of planning." Cameron said.

Savannah didn't think so. The basic plan was the same for her. The size or scope of it could be changed. Few of their operations were actually planned in advance. Most of them happened in the moment, which put everyone at greater risk.

There were times when things were uncovered on a recon or surveillance which needed to be acted on at the time. The bigger threat was to allow the enemy time to prepare for an attack. It was the problem Cameron faced recently. The Grays she attacked were dealing in drugs to finance their operation. They expected to face a street gang and were ready for them. They weren't ready to face a Terminator. Cameron took a lot of damage because her initial attack was delayed by several days.

"Not really. It's always the same plan." Savannah said. "It can be tailored or adjusted for a specific mission. This is one of the few we've been able to plan for ahead of time, rather than be forced to react to."

Savannah knew Cameron usually turned a recon into an assault to deal with the immediate threat. The real battles of the future would involve Grays, Terminators, HK Tracks, HK Treads, and HK drones. Both conventional and unconventional weapons would be used. What she planned for now was like battling an ant. They would need to face a giant in the future against Skynet once it took control. It was their job to prevent it from happening in the first place going forward.

If she couldn't pull a two pronged attack off. She wouldn't do well on a future battlefield. They were headed into this operation with every advantage. The battlefield was fluid and things could change fast. They would need to roll with the punches and fall back on contingency plans if it started to fall apart.

Cameron thought they were ready. She could see Savannah was apprehensive. This was a big step up for her.

"Do you wish for me to lead the assault or stay with you?" Cameron asked.

Savannah wanted to try first. If Cameron was with her she could call on her for advice or let her take over if she failed. She didn't want anyone to be terminated. She wanted to keep damage at a minimum. If she lost control of it, she wasn't fit to lead. There was a lot which could go wrong. Cameron possessed a lot more experience than her. She would be the first to admit there was no substitute for experience. Somehow, it seemed especially more so for the battlefield. Maybe it was because the stakes were life or death. She wanted to have Cameron's close support.

"I'd prefer if you stayed with me." Savannah said.

Cameron wanted to see what Savannah was really after. She was sure her past actions on the battlefield influenced Savannah's decision. More than likely it was in a negative context. She wanted to point out she was no different from any other individual in the Resistance.

"Is it so I'm not damaged or destroyed?" Cameron asked. "I'm a team member just like any other individual. I deserve no special consideration."

Savannah didn't answer at first. She knew Cameron was aware of her personal feelings.

"We both know it's not true." Savannah said. "And why."

Cameron looked at Savannah and continued. She wasn't the only one Savannah needed to worry about. Things happened fast on the battlefield. They could change in an instant.

"What about the rest of your troops?" Cameron asked.

Savannah knew anyone could get in a jam. A proper response would take time. She planned to act first with Cameron if the situation arose.

"You and I will act as our own 'MIKE Force' if needed." Savannah said. "We will engage the threat."

Cameron wanted to push Savannah a little and make her think.

"Is it the best use of your personnel?" Cameron asked.

Savannah didn't want to argue with Cameron about it. It was time to be like Cameron. The time for second guessing was over. It was time to act.

"I'll lead the assault myself." Savannah said. "You'll accompany me."

Cameron saw Savannah wasn't bluffing. She didn't want to push her too far. She was aware some of her actions became quite rash when she dealt with others who attempted to influence her battlefield decisions.

Savannah really hoped Cameron would use more caution if she was with her. It was the main reason why she was there. She also believed she would get the best experience being with Cameron because of her abilities.

John heard the entire discussion and how Cameron tried to bully Savannah. He wasn't on board with the changes. He didn't understand Cameron's line of questioning. It made him think of some of his interaction with Cameron. With Terminators present at the location, Savannah didn't need to endanger herself needlessly.

"It's a negative on Savannah leading the assault. I want a different solution." John said over the com.

Savannah didn't need to argue the new development either. It was time to set everyone straight. It was her plan now and she was going to implement it. She didn't need an 'armchair quarterback' to get involved at the last minute.

"It's a tactical decision, General." Savannah said. "The decision has already been made and put into action. I'll keep you advised…."

Cameron smiled to herself. She looked at Savannah and nodded. She wanted Savannah to be decisive and forceful. She needed to stand up to John and her. Savannah just did both of those things. It was what she wanted the most from the battle out of Savannah. She wanted Savannah to fight for what she believed in, and to do the right things. Those were the qualities which made Savannah, Savannah.

John didn't like it. Savannah just blew him off. He knew Cameron was a bad influence on her. They should all listen to him. Maybe the events on the ground would change it, but the battle hadn't even started yet.

John Henry was pleased with the changes Savannah made. All of them were sound and better protected the troops. There was no flaw in her planning. Once the battle started things could change. Right now Savannah's plan was good in his opinion. Things were much better laid out now than they normally were.

"Savannah is very capable." John Henry said. "Her plan is workable."

It wasn't the plan which bothered John. It was the reason behind it. Savannah was human. The rest of her troops weren't. She would try to fight like them.

"She's also easier to be hurt or killed." John said. "She's placing herself in harm's way to make Cameron use more caution."

John Henry tilted his head slightly. It was the same thing he heard John complain about on multiple occasions in regards to Cameron.

"Isn't it what you want?" John Henry asked.

It was what John wanted, but not at the expense of Savannah. The risk fell squarely on Savannah's shoulders at this point. Maybe Cameron was better protected. Savannah wasn't. It was his opinion it was Cameron's fault.

"Cameron is going to get Savannah injured or killed." John said.

John Henry knew the situation was dangerous for Savannah. He felt there were a number of factors which were in play. Some of them were bigger issues than others. He cut his com link and looked at John.

John saw John Henry cut all the com links. He wondered what was up.

John Henry thought the current situation was a training lesson for both Savannah and John, about different things. He didn't know if John understood. If he did, he didn't seem to grasp the magnitude of it. He didn't agree with the method with which some things were being done.

"John, there's only one way to keep Savannah out of harm's way and from doing this." John Henry said. "Cameron's SHOWING you what you WANT and what you FEEL."

John knew what he felt. It was very overpowering right now on several levels. He didn't need to be reminded about what he already knew. The forum in which it was being played out was very high stakes for everyone involved.

"Cameron's risking Savannah's well being to prove her point I need to take Savannah by my side, and allow her to be the mother of our children…." John said. "This isn't the way to make that point. It shouldn't be done on the battlefield."

John Henry saw it for what it was.

"Cameron knows it's the ONLY way to make Savannah safer for BOTH of you." John Henry said.

John knew it was too late to change things unless the whole plan was called off. He needed to make the best of the situation. He was sure Cameron manipulated everything so he would come to this conclusion at this point. She was good, real good. There was one more point he wanted to get across.

"Use your secure link to Cameron and tell her it's her function to protect Savannah AND herself." John said.

John Henry was way ahead of John on this one.

"I already have." John Henry said.

He didn't know CamNet already did the same thing but with much greater force behind it.

CamNet's program was based on Cameron's program. She took a very special interest in what occurred with all of the Resistance members, especially the human females. The current operation was no different. She took a very specific interest in what happened with Savannah and Young Allison at all times.

What was different about the current operation was the amount of danger Savannah was about to face. Going up against the enemy, with the possibility of HK equipment involved, was a serious threat in any timeline, or on any battlefield.

Holly was in the manned drone. It wasn't part of the original plan. It was held in reserve along with the Blackhawk. She changed the plan by including herself in the operation on her own. She checked all the controls and weapons systems again. She was unsure what happened between her and Allison. She 'ran away'. She felt inadequate for Allison. She knew Allison needed Vanna at her side, not her. It was much the same way Cameron also felt about her interaction with John. As long as the humans possessed a Metal girl to lean on for all of their needs, they would choose it over interaction with other humans. It wasn't the healthy choice for them. It was the easy choice for them.

When Holly learned of the upcoming assault, she left and asked John Henry to assign her to combat and bypass Cameron. She didn't want to have to deal with her, or be ordered around for Cameron's desires. What she wanted and felt mattered too. She felt she needed to step up and do more. Even if she was created as a Restorator, her goal and purpose was to serve the Resistance. The enemy was still out there and it was her duty to confront and combat them.

John Henry knew it was a 'personal issue' and quietly assigned Holly to what he thought would be the safest task. The manned drone was to be held in reserve. He knew once Cameron found out she was going to be angry. It was what it was for now.

Anna was tasked to watch over both Allisons since Holly was 'away'. It was a specific request from Savannah. She needed to check on Young Allison and Summer and was distracted. She didn't know it was a purposeful diversion. Her phone rang.

It was an 'immediate alert' from the Young Detail. There was a problem.

"Allison has slipped out." The report came. "There are two Terminators following her."

Anna was instantly angry. She was duped. Allison pulled a fast one on her. The 'Cameron' in her was very angry right now. There were more complications at a time when there shouldn't be. Whenever there was any Skynet activity, there was always the potential for some type of counter attack. Where the counter attack would be delivered, if it actually was, was unknown. Since Allison decided to push the issue, it was time to push back with a little more force.

"She's running." Anna said. "There are some personal issues which have developed. Intercept and stop her. Use all the Terminators. Hanna and I will hold here. Return Allison back here immediately. Physically carry her back if necessary."

Anna cut the connection. She searched out Hanna. The current situation shouldn't have happened. She expected results soon. If she didn't get them, she would need to get directly involved. Cameron and Cammy were both currently occupied. She ran Cameron's program as well. She would handle it herself. She really wondered what everyone was running away from. They were only going to be able to run so far and realize there was nothing else. Even if they felt they had nothing before they left, they would realize they have less than nothing once they were away from it. It was something Cameron found out on multiple occasions.

Hanna and her were to watch over Young Allison and Summer. Anna listened and heard. It was clear Claire and Hanna were sharing. There was no immediate threat so she bypassed them. It was clear why Hanna was no help in detecting Allison ran away. She understood it was Hanna's function to help direct and control Claire on a daily basis. She also needed to maintain focus on what else occurred around them.

Anna found Young Allison. She would turn this into a learning opportunity for everyone. She didn't want to put anymore stress or tension on the Command Center or CamNet with the upcoming battle.

"We're about to conduct a drill." Anna said. "Pretend I'm not here and you're on your own. You will do everything as you've been trained. Remember you currently face the unknown and it's most likely the enemy. You'll need to make some hard choices. You will need to follow your training rather than your emotions. The drill starts now."

Young Allison immediately went to the alarm to activate it. Anna prevented her from actually pushing it and said consider it activated. She knew if she sounded the alarm for real, it would alert everyone in the house, and the protection Detail next door. She needed to keep in mind the current situation was only a drill. There was always the possibility the alarm would fail too.

She knew her two primary functions were to make sure Summer and her were safe. It was her function to protect both of them. As time or conditions allowed, she was to seek out Allison and then her mother in that order. It was the way Cameron and the Metal girls trained her. Her survival was paramount and then people mattered in place of importance to the future, not the present.

Young Allison found Summer and led her away. If no one was guiding her, she was to retreat into the bunker. She didn't see Allison. Anna waved her off from her mother. She understood why. She knew what was going on in there. She peeked in an open door more than a few times. She quickly led Summer to the bunker. She looked around and then sealed the bunker door. She entered a second compartment and sealed the door as well. Anna was already inside, out of the way. She headed to the arms locker. A note was inside of it when she opened it, it said, 'consider yourself armed'. She closed the locker.

Summer was upset about what they were doing. She told Summer they needed to be quiet. They were 'training' for a 'secret mission'. She to think of it as a game. Summer liked to play games because she almost always won. She was never sure how Summer could always do so well in any game. She almost seemed to know what the other players were doing or thinking, before they actually did it.

"Let's play." Summer said.

Young Allison wanted to give Summer some incentive.

"If you want to win, come with me." Young Allison said.

Young Allison and Summer both learned from Cameron that winning was the most important thing. Winning meant surviving. It meant living. To lose in a combat situation would most likely mean death.

The philosophy was the result was more important than the method to achieve a victory. The enemy didn't play fair, and neither would they.

Young Allison told Summer she needed to follow her instructions if she wanted to win.

Summer knew winning was important. She was taught if she didn't win, she lost. There was no second place winner.

Anna sent Young Allison a text. It said to pretend there was an explosion in the house and another one at the Detail house next door. The assumption was they were under a direct and targeted attack. They could expect the attackers to come after them now. They were now being hunted.

Young Allison saw Anna in the shadows and nodded to her.

"Come on, Summer, we're going on a 'secret trip'." Young Allison said.

Young Allison led Summer away to the escape tunnel.

Summer looked around and didn't see anyone else with them.

"Where are Mom and Allison?" Summer asked.

Young Allison swallowed hard. Presumption created by the scenario was they didn't make it. Since it was a drill, she didn't want to burden Summer with any additional emotional baggage.

"They won't be coming with us this time." Young Allison said. "We're on our own."

Anna was happy with Young Allison's actions. The training mission continued….

Moments ago:

Hanna was in Claire's bedroom. She heard the first bunker door close, and then the second one.

'What the Hell?' Hanna thought.

She just 'finished' up with Claire for now.

Hanna looked for her phone. It was dropped in the other room along with her pants. Claire's phone was there as well with her clothes.

Claire was still sprawled naked on the bed. She struggled for breath. She was taken to the edge almost, but hadn't crossed it.

Hanna grabbed her Glock and quickly searched the house as she called Anna.

"What the Hell is happening?" Hanna asked. "Where is everyone?"

Anna wanted to mess with Hanna since she was so involved earlier with Claire. She felt Hanna neglected her duties overall, even if she focused on some of them specifically.

"Have you gone outside to look?" Anna asked. "There could be trouble."

Hanna still carried her Glock as she searched for a threat.

"I'm going around the outside now. I see nothing." Hanna said. "There is no threat."

Anna suppressed a laugh as she pictured Hanna outside right now.

"Did you forget anything?" Anna asked.

Hanna checked around her again.

"No. I'm assessing threats, I still haven't found any." Hanna said.

Anna didn't want Hanna to create too big of an uproar in the neighborhood.

"You probably look stunning to the neighbors." Anna said.

Hanna looked down at herself and quickly returned inside. She was still naked. It didn't bother her, but she didn't understand the neighbors might become concerned. She didn't think it would be a problem.

"It's not funny." Hanna said. "It's a good thing it's dark now. Just remember, when they see me, they see you as well."

Anna was pleased she pulled one off on Hanna. Now it was time to get to the details of what all was occurring.

"Relax." Anna said. "Go back to Claire and be alert anyway. Here's what is happening…."

Anna clued Hanna in on everything which was going down, besides Claire and her ….

Holly received the alert Allison slipped out. She noted the alert came from the Detail, rather than from those inside of the Young residence. It indicated Allison wanted to 'run'. Now she was worried. It was HER fault. If anything happened to Allison, Cameron would deactivate her. She wanted to go find Allison. Now she was committed to a mission instead.

"Holly, get ready." John Henry said. "It's 'Showtime'."

John Henry received the alert Allison 'slipped out'. He knew it meant Cameron would get it also. He didn't think it would go to John. Since it didn't pertain to the current operation, he decided to sit on the information for now.

Savannah still held Cameron's phone. She was a little surprised when the message popped up on it.

"Damn." Savannah said as she saw the alert.

She knew she needed to get the new problem taken care of. There was actually a way for her to do it without disrupting the current operation.

"Holly, you have a new assignment. I want you to scramble now and start your 'special recon'." Savannah said. "You know what to do, for both of us."

Savannah released Holly from the current operation to go help locate and protect Allison. The manned drone would be a good addition for doing it.

Holly was pleased Savannah allowed her to deviate from the mission. She was extra for the mission anyway since the manned drone was originally to be held in reserve along with the Blackhawk. It wasn't part of the original plan. She also liked the fact Savannah didn't elude our elaborate on what the current situation actually was for her 'special recon'.

"Thank You, Savannah." Holly said.

Cameron looked over at Savannah.

"What's happening?" Cameron asked.

Savannah wasn't sure this was the time to get specific with Cameron. She knew the stress of Holly being away from Allison caused her. Now with Allison out on her own accord, it was sure to set Cameron off. She felt the situation was under control for now. She hoped so anyway. She believed her initial response was appropriate and sound.

"There's another issue which needed to be addressed as well." Savannah said. "I've assigned Holly to the task."

Cameron wanted to know more.

"Will it compromise our mission?" Cameron asked.

Savannah knew the battlefield was fluid.

"No. We will adapt, improvise, and overcome if we need to." Savannah said.

Savannah didn't think the situation with Allison would prove too serious. There was no way to know. She could run into future Scavengers at any point.

Cameron received the alert from CamNet as well. She wanted to see what Savannah would do. So far it was everything she would have done. Allison needed to be protected.

It was 'Showtime'.

"All units move out." Savannah ordered.

John felt the tension level went up in the Command Center.

"What's happening?" John asked.

John Henry blocked all 'unnecessary' information to John at CamNet urging. He wasn't going to counter the directive.

"There was an additional element for Savannah to deal with." John Henry said. "She has it under control."

John figured it was a minor issue.

"Let's focus on the assault…." John said. "It's 'Showtime'."

Closing monologue by Cameron:

New Assignment

There always seems to be
Some new or different task
They just need to be done
There's no point to ask

Things never get done
By only thinking about them
Hesitation to respond quickly
Is from where most problems stem

To avoid the current dilemma
Only seems to make it worse
To allow the problem to build
Is a sure ride in a hearse

Each new challenge
Is best met head on
To sidestep the issues
Will new difficulties spawn

It doesn't take refinement
With a heart on consignment
Is to realize it's really confinement
Unless love seeks a new assignment

Nobody