Chapter 546

I Don't Care

John Henry received some intel from one of the teams which examined the HK drones they shot down. It was the same information Cameron concluded. There were very few differences between what they came across before.

"John, the HK drones we encountered were almost identical to the ones we have." John Henry said. "They originated from the same plans."

John thought back on when they acquired their HK drones. They were lucky to find them being assembled instead of needing to face them in combat. He wondered if the crew going over the wreckage downed HK drones could assemble another working drone. Maybe all they could salvage would be some parts they could use for spares. They needed those too since one of their drones was damaged yesterday. It was clear there was more to the operation they took down last night.

"It was only an assembly line where we appropriated ours from." John said. "We just smashed a foundry and machine shop. We have yet to find another assembly line or storage facility for more. Cameron needs to find the base they came from."

John Henry figured they were going to need to find a few assembly areas. There was other HK equipment they came across.

"We also have encountered the tracked HK types, both the standard size HK Track and the HK Tread, the larger manned ones." John Henry said. "Those were being hand assembled. There may be an assembly line for them as well by now."

John could have done without the reminder. There was an even worse thing to think about.

"What about Terminators?" John asked. "They will be our biggest threat. They will be able to operate and infiltrate out in the open."

John Henry could picture governmental and industrial leaders being replaced by Terminators. They would be able to give Skynet a hold they might not be able to break. When they took down those Terminators in political positions it would look like an attack on the government. It could get messy.

"I don't believe any of the Terminators we've captured or fought has been a product of this time period, now." John Henry said. "If they're able to get an assembly line of Terminators running, we're going to be at a disadvantage, a major one."

John pictured the same things John Henry did, but Terminators in the military as well. With 'hands on' nuclear weapons, it would be impossible for CamNet and John Henry to control all of them. With control of even a single submarine they could inflict major damage. There were multiple missiles. Each missile contained multiple warheads. A large number of targets could be engaged simultaneously.

When he thought of a nuclear submarine, and its ability to launch nuclear missiles at multiple targets, it made him think of a former US President with a failed one term administration. Later on in life after his service in the Navy the former President bragged about how he would have refused his orders to launch the nuclear weapons on his submarine. As to why people would vote for someone who bragged about refusing to defend the nation, it made no sense to him. It was also some of the worst inflation in US history under his failed administration. Foreign governments around the world took advantage of his boasting to refuse to defend the nation, to attack US interests around the world. One nation even took a number of hostages from an embassy. All the failed President did was click his heels three times and wish real hard they would be let go. It didn't happen.

Unfortunately John understood Skynet wouldn't have any qualms about launching nuclear missiles. it was probably one of the reasons why those in charge during the initial Skynet time period, where future John was from, decided it was better to have an automated system which would obey orders and launch the nuclear missiles when directed, unlike the incompetent submarine commander with one of the most disastrous presidencies in US history.

"I think we're going to be screwed." John said.

John Henry knew they always had an 'Ace' to play with Cameron and CamNet. Both of them could act on their own accord at any time to thwart Skynet and its 'lap dog' flunkies, the Grays. He wasn't so sure most of the Grays weren't little more than Scavengers. From some of the stories he heard about how they treated prisoners, especially female ones. Few of them were actual 'experts' Skynet 'needed'. Majority of the non-technical Grays were the ones responsible for mundane tasks as well as control and incarceration of other humans in Skynet work camps.

"I believe it's only because Cameron has seized all the Coltan we know about, and controls its mining, is why Skynet hasn't been able to mass produce any of the HK equipment yet." John Henry said. "She has been very efficient."

John Henry was aware of some of the crude attempts by a few of the Skynet offshoots to use other materials in the construction of HK drones. They did manage to get a few of them in the air, but they weren't up to Skynet quality in any way. They literally were like something someone built in their own garage. The manned drone they were able to capture was an exception to the rule. They modified it heavily to their standards and to use their weapons. It was now a valuable asset.

John saw the real issues as the Skynet computer itself. Maybe it was just the Skynet 'program' in reality. It was elusive and resourceful. It managed to survive no matter how many times Cameron terminated it. Like some creepy 'Jack In The Box', it always popped back up again.

"The real question is, where is the next Skynet itself lurking?" John asked. "Or any of its illegitimate offshoots which seem to spring up one after another."

John Henry didn't really see it as a problem since Cameron was on top of them once they were detected. He also knew she would go to any length to destroy them. It was already known she would go as far as to use a nuclear weapon against a Skynet mainframe. Duplicate Cameron proved it when she used a backpack nuke against one. It was only through temporal management how Cameron managed to save her later on. She would have terminated otherwise. He knew it was a point of contention with John. He decided not to mention it.

"Cameron will deal with them herself when we uncover them." John Henry said. "We already know it."

John knew it all too well. He knew Cameron and her Duplicate both used nuclear weapons to bring Skynet down in her future and the past. He knew Cameron controlled four nuclear warheads and probably 'borrowed' more from the military by now.

"I'm afraid we do." John said. "We know she still has four nukes, at least."

John Henry didn't need to be reminded. He kept constant watch to see if any were used. He checked out every 'earthquake' to make sure it was what it really was.

Cameron went over the satellite photos in her files. She looked at the latest ones before she left. She could get better detail than just having them sent to her phone. The location didn't seem like it was capable of what would be needed for any large scale production of HK equipment. It didn't mean there wasn't something else going on in there. It could be a location where sub-assemblies were put together.

The intel gathered showed it was one of the locations where things seemed to happen. There was a large increase in power usage and water as well.

Cameron needed to know more. She needed to find out exactly what they were currently up to as well as what their capability potential was. She was sure it was going to cause a problem.

"Things don't add up here based on the intel." Cameron said. "I'm going to need to enter the facility and look around."

A red flag went off for Savannah immediately. She knew how Cameron operated. Nothing stayed a recon for very long when she spotted a target. There were only three of them there right now.

"No. If you go inside it will go hot." Savannah said. "Cameron, we're not set up for an assault."

Cameron didn't want to endanger Savannah. She just wanted to get a look around. She would try to take it easy. She would attempt to avoid a fight. It would depend upon the enemy and what they were willing to do. She needed to let things play out some so she could find the bigger fish. The small fish didn't do much, if the big fish got away.

"I'll just look around and plant some of the surveillance devices." Cameron said. "I won't escalate. I don't believe this is the storage facility for the finished products. I want to find the base or location the HK drones came from."

Savannah didn't want to argue about it. She understood things needed to be done. Some of them needed to be done on the ground. She started to armor up.

"I'll go with you." Savannah said.

It was a struggle for Savannah to get her equipment on.

Cameron quickly moved over to assist Savannah.

"Let me help you." Cameron said.

Savannah was upset about the nature of the operation Cameron planned to carry out. She let her feelings get the best of her and was somewhat indignant.

"I've got it." Savannah said.

It was clear it was still a struggle for Savannah.

Bob started to assist Savannah because she already waved Cameron off.

Savannah allowed Bob to assist her. No words were spoken between them.

Cameron frowned. She could see Savannah was adamant about going. It seemed like a bad idea to her, a real bad idea. She never knew what would happen on a recon once she got her foot in the door. She would try to play it as easy as possible, but there were no guarantees.

"I need to go alone, Savannah." Cameron said. "I need to find out what is there first before you go. I'll keep it simple."

Savannah looked at Cameron. She could see how worried Cameron was now about her getting ready. She knew it was going to cause Cameron a problem. She felt she made her point. It was time to take a step back herself. There were other surveillance activities they needed to attend to. She wanted to establish some hard rules, as well as a specific time frame.

"Bob and I will get some surveillance equipment placed on our own." Savannah said. "We ALL need to be back here in one hour."

Cameron looked relieved. She didn't want Savannah to worry about her. She would be worried enough about Savannah when she was away from her.

"I'm going to try to keep it a recon, Savannah." Cameron said.

Bob wanted to interject some of his influence, if he even actually possessed any with Cameron.

"Let's get started." Bob said. "Cameron will be cautious. She knows you're worried about her. She knows I'm worried about her as well."

Savannah wasn't so sure about it. Cameron didn't always stick to the plan. She wanted Cameron to know what Bob and her would do if things started to fall apart.

"We'll come for you if there's a problem." Savannah said.

Cameron knew they would. She knew Savannah would come for her, even if it meant her termination. She would try to take it easy, but she couldn't always guarantee it. There were too many variables when she faced the unknown.

"I promise to be as careful as possible." Cameron said. "Sometimes things just happen. I'm not going in looking for a fight. I'm going in looking for answers and their capability."

They needed more information. Cameron was the one best suited to get it. If the place erupted into an attack on Cameron, they wouldn't be able to offer much assistance and would most likely be terminated themselves.

Gail, Jesse and Cammy arrive at their assigned location. It was hard to say what was actually going on.

Cammy knew right away a closer inspection was necessary to know more.

"I'm going inside to take a look." Cammy said. "I need to find out what's going on inside of the building. I'm going to go by myself."

Jesse was warned about what might happen by Savannah. She wanted to play it cool and not make it a challenge or seem like one. She did know she needed to put the brakes on before things went too far.

"Is it a good idea, love?" Jesse asked.

Jesse was sure it wasn't. Things could go wrong fast.

Cammy didn't see it as a big deal. Cameron and her made plans before they left the Resistance base. They refined them as they started out and the other locations didn't pan out. Gail and Jesse could assist her with some of the footwork.

"It's what Cameron and I were going to do anyway." Cammy said. "Gail and you can place some of the surveillance devices around the parameter."

Gail knew they weren't set up for an assault.

"Cammy, you need to be careful." Gail said. "It can't go hot unless it has to, or because of an emergency. We won't be able to put up an effective response to come in and pull you out."

Cammy was still upset because Savannah 'sent her away' earlier. It was Cameron's fault too.

"My fate doesn't matter." Cammy said. "I'm expendable."

Jesse didn't care for Cammy's attitude. She wanted to set her straight. She moved up to Cammy and looked her straight in the face.

"It matters to me." Jesse said. "You know it matters to Savannah as well. It matters to all of us."

Gail expressed a stern look on her face. She didn't want Cammy to put Jesse in danger needlessly. She also noticed Jesse used her sexuality to 'influence' Cammy. It might be a good thing in this case. Things based on sex usually proved to be an effective strategy.

Cammy could feel the heat from Jesse's body since she was so close. It reminded her there were 'others'.

Jesse reached out and touched Cammy's cheek. Her left breast popped out of her top as she did. It wasn't an accident. She practiced those moves many times. They were the ultimate diversion. She was pleased to see Cammy look at it and her nipple ring. Bingo, point scored.

"Can you catch it for me, love?" Jesse asked. "My hands are full right now."

Cammy liked what she saw. She reached out and tucked it back in for Jesse and smiled. There was a little extra squeeze to go along with it.

"I'll use caution." Cammy said

Cammy turned to go.

Jesse reached out and took her hand to stop her. She wanted to make another point.

"Please, Cameron…." Jesse said and paused before she continued. "…Cammy…."

Jesse was worried about Cammy's frame of mind with the recent altercation with Cameron and because Savannah sent her away. She felt she scored two major points with Cammy.

Gail didn't like the interaction between Cammy and Jesse, but she knew how Jesse felt about 'Cameron'. She wanted to make sure Cammy understood exactly what the rules were going to be.

"We'll meet back here in one hour, Cammy." Gail said.

Cammy nodded at both of them and headed down.

"I'll come for you." Jesse called after her.

Cammy knew Jesse risked her life to drag Cameron out of a burning building before. Jesse stayed to the point of almost terminating herself. Jesse did it because she loved Cameron. She knew Jesse must love her too…. It was something to think about. She realized Jesse would risk her life just as much as Savannah would to help Cameron or her. The girls were all very determined individuals.

She decided to use more caution. She was aware Cameron 'leaned on' Jesse to get closer to Savannah. Maybe she would be able to be in on it as well. There was plenty to share. She didn't need to sleep either.

Cammy noted Gail glared at her. She figured Gail must have come to the same conclusion. She would need to use caution. There was plenty 'more' to share at the Resistance base. She shared plenty in Cameron's future. It was all in Ginger's chassis though.

Her hand moved up and touched her right breast. There were times when she really missed the plump breasts on Ginger's chassis. They were considerably larger than hers were. It seemed to make her quite popular in Cameron's future when she was in Ginger's chassis. She knew looks, or size, weren't supposed to matter. She also knew they did matter.

People often said one thing, when they really thought about something different. It was a reminder talk was cheap. The actions of an individual were actually what mattered.

John and John Henry listened to the various conversations which took place as well as monitored the situation.

John was displeased with what he heard so far from Cameron and Cammy.

"This is going to be more than a recon." John said. "Cameron's going to make a 'point'."

John Henry came to the same conclusion and what was sure to follow.

"Cammy is going to match it, and then up it." John Henry said.

John shook his head.

"I don't know what's wrong with her sometimes." John said.

John Henry believed he knew what it was for both Cameron and Cammy which drove them.

"Cameron is going to try to take the risk herself so no one else is endangered. She's become obsessed with it." John Henry said. "Cammy is going to do the same. She's also still upset about Savannah sending her to the other SUV. Whatever Cameron does, she will match it."

John thought Savannah did it to make the teams better balanced.

"It was the right tactical choice." John said. "Savannah made a good call. I know it's not what we want to admit, but it does put 'Cameron' on both teams, more or less."

They still didn't know about the 'disturbance' between Cameron and Cammy. CamNet made sure it was blocked. It would have definitely raised the tension level in the Command Center if they knew the full extent of what occurred.

John Henry was worried about the extra 'players' on the field.

"Jesse and Savannah are out there. We have to think of them." John Henry said. "Cameron and Cammy need to think of them."

John felt Savannah and Jesse were there to make Cameron and Cammy think twice. He still didn't know why Jesse was actually there. It was unusual for her to be out in the field.

"Don't you think THAT is why they're there?" John said. "This should be a recon only."

There was some arguing in the corridor outside the Command Center. It was clear before they saw anyone there was going to be a problem.

"I want a full report - NOW." Cam said as she entered the Command Center.

Vanna was with Cam. She looked like she was crying.

"Cam…." Vanna started but a glare from Cam shut her up.

John and John Henry filled them both in. They didn't know what this was about yet.

Cam was clearly upset. She looked very much like Cameron right now. It was who she was in reality. She was another Cameron clone, with an outdated program, and the protocols switched from John to Vanna for her responsibilities and duties, all of them.

"I want a 'MIKE Force' ready to go." Cam said. "I'm leading it myself. We all know how these things turn out. Cameron won't let it go if she sees an opportunity, I KNOW."

Once Vanna found out Savannah was out again she became very upset. She knew how much pain Savannah must be in. She was beaten too for not 'responding' fast enough before, in the past, the future. She never ended up with purple welts the size of Savannah's. The current situation troubled her greatly. She wanted Cam to 'fix' it. Cam told her there was no 'fixing' any of it.

Cam decided to go assist them herself. When she said it, Vanna became upset at her.

"Everything has risks." Cam told her. "I'm expendable. My program is copied. I can be rebodied or a copy of my chip can be placed in Cammy's second port. We can take turns being in control of her chassis for Savannah and you."

Cam was aware it was what occurred 'in Some Future' when one of the Cameron clones was destroyed. Her program was copied onto the program of another Cameron clone. technically it was Duplicate Cameron and Duplicate Cameron's clones. She knew they were the same, even if they weren't.

Vanna didn't like the idea either. She did know cyborgs didn't sleep. It actually would make more efficient use of a single chassis. No. She wanted Cam all to herself. Cam was - her 'Cameron'. She didn't want her to share anyone else's chassis. If Cam wanted to borrow a chassis, she was open to the idea. She would like for Cam to borrow all of them.

Allison thought all night about the things which were discussed with Anna, Holly, and her mother. She now sought out her mother. She wanted to speak with her alone.

She found Holly first.

"Holly, I want you and Hanna to take Summer out." Allison said.

Holly was a little confused.

"Why?" Holly asked. "Where are we supposed to go?"

Allison was already agitated. The questions irritated her more.

"I don't care…." Allison said.

Anna appeared.

"Is there some problem?" Anna asked.

Allison looked at Anna.

"Not yet." Allison said. "It looks like there may be one."

Allison looked at Holly.

Holly looked away. She didn't want to displease Allison again.

"I'll find Hanna." Holly said and left.

Anna and Young Allison were set to go out. Now there was some kind of a problem. She would have thought Allison would be a little more mellow today. She didn't appear to be so. More than likely some issue troubled her all night and she wanted to address it now.

"I was about to take Young Allison out for a run." Anna said.

Anna moved forward to scan Allison.

Allison blocked her hand.

"Whatever happens - happens." Allison said.

Anna tilted her head slightly. She then turned and left without saying anything. It wasn't the time to push anything.

Soon they were all out but Claire.

Claire was a little confused about what all seemed to happen.

"What is it, honey?" Claire asked. "Is there a - problem?"

Allison was upset enough about her father being 'kicked out'. Her mother's plans further irritated her. Someone needed to draw a line in the sand. She felt it was her.

"Mom, I don't want you to have a baby and give it to Cameron." Allison said. "It would be my brother or sister. I won't allow it."

Claire touched her abdomen without thinking. Her body belonged to her.

"Allison, it's not your CHOICE to make." Claire said. "It is my body and my choice. I'm ready to do it now for John and Cameron."

Allison gritted her teeth some.

"Why?" Allison asked.

Claire knew her body could do something Cameron's body, and apparently Allison's body, couldn't do. She loved both of them.

"I love Cameron." Claire said. "I can help her. I will help her. I'm going to help her."

Allison looked even more unhappy. She knew what was really wanted.

"It's my baby she wants." Allison said. "We both know it."

Claire felt she understood Cameron much better since she was close to her for nine months in her future.

"She won't take your baby from you." Claire said. "In her future she didn't do it."

Allison wondered how far her mother would 'go' to be with Cameron.

"It was Duplicate Cameron." Allison said. "Are you doing this just 'to be' with Cameron?"

Claire wanted it very much. She wanted to 'help' more to show her love. She knew how important it was to Cameron for John to be protected. She heard the grumblings of the 'Metal Haters' in the future. It was a real threat.

"I will take it if it happens, but I won't have any conditions." Claire said. "I'll do it anyway. Allison, it's going to happen. I've promised Cameron the use of my body for reproduction with John. I AM going to do it."

Allison sized her mother up. She KNEW her mother was going to do what she said she would.

"I want you to have my baby again. If you do, Cameron can have my baby." Allison said. "It's the baby she really wants."

Claire figured her body was going to be busy nourishing babies. Maybe none of them would actually be hers for a while. She still planned to have another one for herself once everyone else was taken care of.

"I may have to do it for you anyway, Allison." Claire said. "Don't you think I worry about it day and night? Ask Hanna about it, she knows. I'm very concerned about all of it, and all of the implications. I don't take any of this lightly."

Allison was further irritated by that reminder her body would probably come up short, again. She didn't like that her baby was given away. Her baby should be in her arms right now.

"It was MY baby you gave away…." Allison said. "I still find it hard to swallow."

Claire felt a lot of disappointment. Future Allison was as much her daughter as Allison was. They were both 'her Allison' from two different futures.

"I gave it to you - Future Allison. She's MY daughter as well." Claire said. "She's sterile. She is MY Allison, just as you are. You're both the same person. I'd do anything for my daughters."

Allison did know it. She was still worried about all her failures.

"It was still MY baby." Allison said. "What happens if I lose this one too?"

Allison and Claire shared a long talk and what they both wanted and didn't want in their futures.

Allison wanted to lay down some new rules.

Everyone was going to listen to her.

Allison was tired of being - Nobody.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

I Don't Care

What does one really feel
Is it only sexual lust
Or is it something real
Is there any trust

Maybe for a short while
There are some kinds of feelings
They fade rather quickly
With each day's dealings

It's that initial spark
That burns brightly at first
It doesn't take very long
To fade to its worst

Why can't it last
Where does it go
This is how it always is
Who don't think so

There always comes the day
When one doesn't want to share
It's really not a big deal because
I don't care

Nobody