Chapter 917

Ahead Of Schedule

Cameron's team spotted Gail's team on the escalator after they exited from the tram. They headed for the parking lot once Gail's team spotted them. They moved to follow them.

Cameron, Cammy, and Savannah entered the parking area. They looked around for any obvious threats. None were spotted.

Cammy looked back and saw Gail's team was thirty seconds behind them.

"Gail, Ally, and Sheila are on their way." Cammy said. "I see them exiting from the casino now."

Savannah was worried they were under gunned if they encountered a Liquid Metal Terminator.

"Cameron, we're going to need better weapons." Savannah said.

Cameron felt they could do some damage.

"We have them." Cameron said.

Cameron opened the SUV and took two Thermite grenades out.

Savannah could see it wasn't going to cut it.

"Is there anything else?" Savannah asked.

CamNet informed Cameron what items Bob sent along with the newest team of Metal girls.

"This is all I have here, right now." Cameron said. "Cam's team is bringing more. They also have acid rounds for the grenade launchers they brought."

Savannah was a little surprised to hear it. It was only a short time ago they came to the conclusion 'The Enforcer' might be a Liquid Metal Terminator. Cam's team was already on the ground in Las Vegas when they made the determination.

"It was good foresight." Savannah said. "Did you ask for them to bring them?"

Cameron didn't want to get into the details.

"No." Cameron said. "CamNet requested the items for us. She told Bob to have them ready when the other Metal girls left the Resistance base."

Savannah nodded her head in agreement.

"Someone is on the ball." Savannah said.

It made Savannah wonder if it was really Young Allison again who helped them out. Young Allison seemed to be one step ahead of them on everything. It went back to her knowing what Cameron was going to do to get on the moving train. It was from the very start of the operation. It continued to expand and grow since then. It was clear how serious Young Allison took everything and was concerned about everyone's well being.

Cameron was sure as well Young Allison was probably behind it. It was a good thing. It showed she was 'on the ball'.

"I guess they are." Cameron said.

Cameron and the Metal girls all worked at training Young Allison to study past battles, both from the Resistance, and from Cameron's future. There were other historical battles fought in the past which merited study. There were many times when a smaller force was able to overcome a larger and better equipped adversary. It usually relied on some imaginative thinking. It was about thinking outside the box.

Gail's team approached Cameron's team.

"Here they come." Savannah said.

Sheila flashed Savannah a big smile.

"I wish." Sheila said.

Ally understood Sheila's meaning and agreed with it completely.

"Damn straight." Ally said.

Ally and Sheila high fived each other up high, and then down low.

Gail was more reserved when she greeted Savannah.

"Hi, Savannah." Gail said.

Savannah flashed Gail a smile.

"Hi, Gail." Savannah said.

Gail and Savannah both thought about their sexual encounter in the early hours of the morning. It was something a long time in the making. It was very beautiful for both of them.

Savannah hoped Gail didn't want more from her than she could give. She tried to make it clear to Gail what her future obligations were. If they could only share very infrequently, it would make each encounter much more special. There would be no routine to it with everyone along for the ride. She found out with Cammy how things could turn very routine. They often did the exact same things, the same way, at the same time, in either the morning or the night when she was in bed. She never said anything to Cammy about it, but Cammy always did everything exactly the same for the same amount of time, every time. It was like a clock. She didn't experience it with the other Metal girls, only the ones based off of Cameron's program.

It made her wonder how Cameron 'interacted' with John. No wonder he was 'hungry' for some variety. She could understand it completely. She was able to experience plenty of variety with both human females and cyborgs. Everyone was different the way they did things. They were different in the way they responded. The shared feelings between the human females were much greater than they could be with any of the cyborgs. She knew the cyborgs were still developing and expanding. She didn't doubt at some point they would be the same. Now wasn't a good time for her mind to wander. She needed to refocus.

Cameron wanted to get the team moving. The goal was to get away from the Syndicate casino without having to deal with the Liquid Metal Terminator. Every second they delayed increased the chances of it.

"Everyone, pile in." Cameron said. "Let's Go."

Cammy wondered what the next destination was going to be. She didn't like to 'run' from a fight. She thought at least one of them should remain there to see if they could spot 'The Enforcer'. She saw some wigs in one of the shops located off the lobby. She could purchase a blonde one and put it on. It would dramatically change her appearance. She could put another top over the one she currently wore. She could ditch the outer top and the wig, and look like someone totally different in a matter of seconds. It wouldn't be too much different than what a Liquid Metal Terminator would be able to do as far as the concept went. There was no need to rock the boat.

"Where are we going?" Cammy asked.

Savannah looked back towards the entrance into the casino from the parking lot.

"The main goal is to move away from here." Savannah said. "For now anyway."

Savannah understood none of the Metal girls wanted to withdraw. If there was a threat, they wanted to engage it. The main problem was they didn't have proper weapons with them to take on a Liquid Metal Terminator. Cam's team brought better weapons to Las Vegas. They were going to meet up at the airport and distribute those weapons among the different groups. They would be ready for an encounter with the Liquid Metal Terminator once they did.

Gail wondered if Cameron wanted them to have the extra flexibility of another vehicle.

"Do you want us to retrieve our SUV?" Gail asked.

Cameron thought back to when Gail's team transferred their long guns and vests into her SUV. There wasn't anything left in the other SUV of consequence. It didn't matter if it was abandoned or not.

"Later…." Cameron said. "There are more vehicles at the airport."

Gail wondered if it was their destination, or a secondary destination.

"Is it where we're going now?" Gail asked.

Sheila perked up at the thought of returning to the airport where they left the minivan. She felt there was some unfinished business associated with it. She really looked forward to being involved in sex acts with Ally in the back of it on the seats which folded down into a bed. They would clearly be visible to anyone who happened to look in the windows of the minivan.

"I hope so. We can take the minivan again." Sheila said. "I wasn't done 'using' it."

Savannah wondered what Sheila was talking about. A minivan was different from a cargo van. It was open and exposed with a lot of glass around it. A cargo van would be a better choice for their operations. It would better conceal their weapons and any of the girls who wore body armor. She wondered if she must have missed something.

"What were you using it for other than to get around?" Savannah asked. "It would be very exposed."

Savannah quickly wondered if she shouldn't have asked the question she just did. she wondered if Sheila was trying to show off. She didn't think Cameron was going to be in the mood to hear any of it.

Gail didn't want Savannah to get caught up in Sheila's folly. She remembered what Ally said on multiple occasions about Sheila and her sexual actions.

"Sheila's trying to be funny." Gail said. "Never mind her, she's an exhibitionist."

Sheila looked at Savannah and smiled as she shrugged her shoulders. She really didn't think any of the things she did were a big deal. Why would they be? They were the same things everyone else did, just not as extreme. Maybe she was an extremist more than she was an exhibitionist.

"If you've got it, flaunt it." Sheila said.

Ally didn't like being outdone by Sheila.

"I think it's all a matter of perspective as well as common sense." Ally said.

Gail didn't think it was a subject they should get into.

"I think the key word to her statement is common sense." Gail said.

Savannah didn't like the direction of the conversation. She wanted everyone on their toes and ready for action. She didn't want to say anything to them personally about it. She understood where they were all coming from. It was just their style.

"I want everyone to look around and pay attention." Savannah said. "We're on real shaky ground now until we find out more. I don't want to find out the hard way either."

Cameron liked the way Savannah was able to get all the Metal girls under control as she drove the SUV out of the parking structure. She checked her rear view mirror as she entered the main street. There was no indication anyone was about to follow them out. She would need to keep an eye out to make sure no one did.

Gail looked forward to them having a few rooms at the casino hotel they just left. Now the option looked like it was gone. Maybe they could set up a base at another hotel. They didn't know what would be involved with anything going forward. She didn't know how long they would be in the Las Vegas area. She didn't think it would hurt to plan ahead.

"Are we going to rent rooms at another hotel?" Gail asked. "It would give us the opportunity to see what's going on at a different establishment."

Cammy turned around and gave Gail a dirty look. She knew Gail wanted to be with Savannah again. She was already worried she was going to need to share Savannah with Cameron. She was pretty sure once Cameron got her hands on Savannah, she wasn't going to get her back.

Sheila instantly picked up on Gail's reference. She was on board.

"We're still in Vegas…." Sheila said.

Ally and Sheila giggled.

"What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." Ally and Sheila said together.

Cammy thought about her close sexual encounter with John. She really thought she was going to get 'popped'. It didn't matter if there was nothing to 'pop' or not. It would have been her 'first time' with a male. She at least would have liked to see what it was like. She figured she would have been on top after the first time if they would have been able to share longer. Once John was ready again, she didn't intend to stop until she got there. She hoped he would be able to measure up.

"I'm not sure everyone is onboard with the statement, even if they claimed they were." Cammy said.

Cammy expected Cameron to turn around and look at her, but she didn't. Her statement was clearly directed at her.

Sheila picked up on what Cammy meant.

"I think John went home too early." Sheila said. "Since what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, I could have got 'busted'. I don't think it would have hurt to try it one time just to see what it was like."

Ally liked the idea as well.

"I'm in." Ally said. "Well, John would be. You know what I meant. It could have been some good clean simple fun. I sure don't want to terminate as an Old Maid."

Sheila couldn't resist but to razz Ally some.

"You're too late, love." Sheila said. "You're past your prime."

Ally was instantly offended.

"You better check the mirror, Old Timer." Ally said. "Jesse is older than Allison is. It means you're older than I am. I guess it would be better to be an Old Maid than an Old Hag like you."

Savannah didn't want the tone to turn contentious. She also didn't want the conversation directed in her direction. It might end up there soon enough.

"Everyone needs to mellow out. You're all very beautiful. Let's just worry about females for now." Savannah said. "We all know it's where the action is anyway."

Savannah's statement brought a round of giggles.

Cameron looked over at Savannah. She wanted to make herself clear without being too explicit. She believed there were many options available.

"Not always." Cameron said. "They can happen elsewhere too, and it doesn't need to stay there…."

Cammy gave Cameron a dirty look.

"Right back at you, Cammy." Cameron said without looking at Cammy.

Cameron didn't need to look back because she knew how Cammy thought. Cammy ran her program after all.

Ally could clearly see the direction things were headed.

"I guess we are really one big happy family. At least for right now." Ally said.

Cameron looked over at Savannah again.

"Not all of us." Cameron said. "Not yet anyway."

Savannah smiled at her and winked.

She was very aware how close Cameron and her were to consummating their love yesterday. It was really only a matter of time. Cameron needed the right place, setting, and moment to get past her programming conflicts to be who she truly was inside.

Savannah planned to make sure everything happened to facilitate it. She didn't want to initiate or push anything on her own. She wanted Cameron to take what belonged to her. It was her. If she allowed Cameron to do it, it would make everything much sweeter for both of them. It would prove Cameron possessed free choice of will and was able to exert herself and take what she wanted. It would also allow Cameron to expand and grow. She was currently trapped in a small box and it was causing her a lot of needless frustration and grief.

She didn't know when the day would be. It could be two hours from now, or two years from now. Only time would tell. She thought it would be nice if it was only two minutes from now. She looked at Cameron and lightly moistened her lips. Two seconds from now would be even better.

The tension was high in the Command Center. They wanted the girls out of the Syndicate casino until they could identify where 'The Enforcer' was at. they didn't know how, but they hoped to verify he wasn't Liquid Metal.

John checked his monitors. He didn't notice any irregularities. He didn't spot any tails.

"I'm glad they're out of there." John said. "Do you detect anyone following them?"

John Henry's server monitored every security camera in the Syndicate casino as well as the surrounding areas outside of the casino and in the direction the girls were headed on the street.

"No." John Henry said. "At least no one followed them from the casino."

John wondered if there was some other threat. They were dealing with Grays and the Syndicate from the casino. There was the faction of Fanatics out there too. There was more than one group they needed to worry about.

"Is there anyone else?" John asked.

John Henry searched for any possible threat.

"We still don't know where 'The Enforcer' is at." John Henry said. "I'm checking for any other suspicious vehicles. So far nothing else has set off any flags."

John was very worried about everything right now. With the possibility of a Liquid Metal Terminator in the area, it didn't seem there could be too much caution.

"I better make sure they take a divergent route to get to the airport." John said.

John Henry could see they already took such a precaution. He thought it was good thinking on their part to not drive directly to the airport. He didn't know exactly what the route would be. He might have been a little more concerned if he did.

"I'm tracking them." John Henry said. "They're taking a 'roundabout' route."

John didn't want to tell them to do what they were already doing. He was aware Cameron didn't like him to look over her shoulder, even if he only wanted to help. He wasn't quite sure why she felt like he was all the time. He didn't think there was anything wrong with looking out for someone, especially if they cared about them.

"Maybe I better not say anything." John said. "What's happening at the casino they just left?"

John Henry hadn't noted any changes on the casino floor or around the hotel. The only changes were where the robbery was at in the early hours of the morning.

"There's nothing out of the ordinary." John Henry said. "They've beefed up security around the vault as you might expect."

John really wasn't sure why they would do it right now, but he could understand the reason behind it. He doubted there was much money in the vault at this point. His understanding was the Metal girls took all of the paper money. They only left the coins. He also wondered if maybe more 'collection' funds may have arrived from some of their other illegal endeavors. With Skynet and the Syndicate working in cahoots, anything was possible at this point. It made him wonder about the entire floor Cameron rented at the Syndicate run casino. He didn't think she would walk away from her goal so easily.

"It's understandable under the circumstances." John said. "Has Cameron rented any more rooms at any other casino hotel?"

John Henry hadn't detected anything. Since everything else was done through CamNet previously he doubted he would be a part of it at this point.

"It's unknown." John Henry said. "CamNet hasn't shared the information with me if they have."

John hoped for a little better answer than he received. He was sure John Henry could look into it a little further on his own.

"Can't you check yourself?" John asked.

John Henry was sure if he began to 'check', it would produce a negative reaction directed at him. There were things he was warned about before by CamNet.

"I don't want CamNet to lock me out of their systems or my system." John Henry said. "Ask Cameron if you want to know. It seems like it would be the best thing to do anyway."

John wasn't about to call Cameron and ask her. He figured there would be an easier way to see where they ended up at.

"WE can track them to see where they go." John said.

As soon as John said it, all the tracking information vanished.

"What happened?" John asked.

John Henry knew right away what it was. It was a warning from CamNet.

"I don't think CamNet likes your questions." John Henry said. "Perhaps it's best not to dwell on it."

John didn't want to seem too nosy even if it's what he was. He wasn't really sure he liked CamNet looking over his shoulder either.

"Maybe you're right." John said. "Whatever happens - happens."

In an instant, all the data returned.

It was clear CamNet was looking out for Cameron and Savannah.

The screens are blinked once and flashed out a single sentence. It was on every monitor for ten seconds before it disappeared.

'What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.' Was the message.

All the monitors returned their previous tasks.

John Henry and John looked at each other, but neither one of them commented. They resumed their duties as if nothing happened.

John really wished he would have been able to be with both Cammy and Savannah since the theme seemed to be the same, and was often repeated. He probably would have been a little more excited to hear what both Sheila and Ally indicated they wanted to happen while they were in Vegas.

Maybe there would be some development and he would need to return to Sin City. He adjusted his pants slightly as he watched the monitors.

Cam and Vegas were at the airport. They sat in the 4X4 pick up truck. They were ready to roll if necessary to evade any threat. Vegas was very bored with having to wait. She wanted some action.

Hanna and Holly pulled up next to them. They were most of the way to the Syndicate casino before they were given the order to turn around. It put them several minutes ahead of the other teams. They were all in Cameron's SUV now and still enroute.

"It's about time." Vegas said.

Holly wasn't even sure what her statement meant. They hadn't delayed or gone anywhere else other than where they were directed to go.

"Time for what?" Holly asked. "WE still need to wait for Cameron and her group."

Cam wanted to take some action now to have everything ready to go when Cameron's team arrived.

"Let's get the rest of the M203 grenade launchers mounted to the weapons you have so we can disperse them." Cam said. "Cameron's team will be here soon."

Hanna wanted to know how things were going to unfold vehicle wise.

"Are we going to have three or four vehicles?" Hanna asked.

Cam already knew what Cameron's thought process would be. She also believed what Savannah's response to it would be.

"Cameron will want four of them." Cam said. "Savannah will tell her three is better."

Hanna was aware Savannah watched over the Terminators much better than Cameron did.

"It's because Savannah cares about US." Hanna said. "She doesn't want us damaged or terminated."

Vegas quickly calculated the number of personnel. She saw an opportunity to operate on her own.

"It leaves us with one too many Terminators." Vegas said. "I'll take the minivan then."

Cam wasn't surprised to hear Vegas spout off like she did.

"It's the 'Cameron' in you talking." Cam said. "If anyone is a 'team of one', it will be Cameron herself."

Vegas found the inactivity to be more irritating than it was boring. She wanted to make things happen and get the ball rolling.

"So now it's 'hurry up and wait'." Vegas said.

Cam noted several 'appropriate responses' pop up on her HUD. She chose what she believed would be the least offensive one of the group. She actually would have rather chosen the most offensive one to show her displeasure with Vegas.

"You can always go into standby." Cam said. "I'll touch your arm and you'll be reactivated within fifteen seconds. You won't need to worry about a thing, from right now."

Vegas looked very irritated at Cam, but didn't respond to her statement.

Cam thought Vegas was a little high strung. She was also worried she was going to become a problem. For some reason, the thoughts of Isabel, the last one, came to her mind.

Vanna and Allison went to check on Precious.

They met Claire along the way.

"Hi, Mom." Allison said.

Claire and Vanna looked at each other with her statement. It just sounded 'wrong' for everything going on.

"Hi, Allison." Claire said. "Hi, Vanna."

Vanna knew Claire went to check on Summer and Jan earlier.

"How are the girls?" Vanna asked.

Claire was pleased they were able to study on their own.

"They're fine." Claire said. "Sarah is with them now."

Allison knew her mother wanted to call Young Allison earlier, but she told her to cut her some slack. She wondered if she called her anyway.

"How about Allison?" Allison asked.

Claire needed to think about what Allison told her. She didn't want Young Allison to become upset with her by checking on her all the time. She hoped Allison would help her out with the matter. She didn't really want to ask, but she felt she needed to.

"Can you give her and Anna a call?" Claire asked. "I don't want to seem overbearing. I've already called several times."

Allison was curious to see how they were doing on their own as well.

"Sure." Allison said. "We're going to check on Riley and Precious. You can come along. If Vanna is 'needed', I can make the call with you. Allison would probably like to speak to you as well if I talk to her first."

Allison, Claire, and Vanna arrived at Derek and Riley's room, they knocked.

Derek opened the door.

"Hey." Derek said.

He stepped aside so they could come in.

The three girls entered.

Pleasantries were exchanged.

"Hey." Vanna said. "How are Riley and Precious?"

They both seemed fine to Derek. It was definitely a big improvement for Riley. She was a nervous wreck the last few weeks by this time of the morning. It happened everyday. It wasn't the case yesterday or today. There was a notable difference. He knew what the difference was.

"Riley's a lot better than she has been." Derek said. "I really want to thank you for what you're doing."

Vanna found the last few days of her life to be very rewarding. They were rewarding to her as a person, and they were rewarding to her as a female.

"I wouldn't trade this for anything." Vanna said as she touched Allison's lower abdomen. "Well, almost anything."

Allison smiled and took Vanna's hand.

Riley came out. She carried Precious.

"Hello." Riley said.

Further pleasantries were exchanged.

"May I?" Vanna asked as she reached for Precious.

Riley was more than willing to hand off Precious whatever she could. She felt very overwhelmed when she needed to deal with Precious by herself. She was very appreciative for the help the girls provided her. With the additional assistance she didn't need to depend on Sarah as much. It was something which really bothered her to need to do. Sarah already told her several times, based on her past experience, she was never going to win the Mother Of The Year award, but she would help her as best as she could. She thought Sarah was amazing. She would give her the award herself if she could for everything she did already for Precious and her. She looked forward to Vanna's assistance.

"Of course." Riley said.

Allison and Claire looked at each other. They both knew Vanna was infatuated with Precious.

"Excuse us." Allison said. "I need to call Allison for my mom."

Riley could see Claire enlisted Allison to help her out to check on her daughter.

"Mom's are supposed to be worried." Riley said. "It's a good thing."

Riley knew she was worried all of the time and Precious was right with her all of the time.

Allison understood her mother's concern and apprehension. She didn't mind helping her out. She wanted to talk to her younger self and Anna anyway.

"Someone has to do the 'dirty work'." Allison said. "Come on, Mom."

Allison and Claire left.

They entered the 'new' room adjoining Derek and Riley's room.

Allison closed the door and looked at Claire. She then looked back at the door.

She wanted to say something about Vanna. She didn't like saying it behind her back. She thought her mother was the one to speak to about it. Her mother shared with Vanna sometimes. It wasn't a problem for her. It used to be, but it wasn't anymore. Once she came to the conclusion everyone preferred to be with her mother over her, she figured she couldn't complain. Why would anyone want 'second place' when they could have 'first place'?

"Mom, I'm starting to get worried about her." Allison said.

Claire looked back at the door they just came through when they left Riley's quarters.

"Riley looks fine." Claire said.

Allison frowned. She wondered if she read more into it than there was. Her mother didn't seem to have a clue she meant Vanna, not Riley .

"I mean Vanna." Allison said. "She really wants to be a mother."

Claire didn't see anything wrong with Vanna's actions.

"I can see it too." Claire said. "She's doing 'mother' things right now. Her Natural Instincts are becoming dominant."

Claire wanted to say they were the same instincts which drove all creatures on the planet. Somehow it didn't seem like the right time to say it.

Allison was worried how Vanna would feel the more she thought about it. She didn't think it would be anything good.

"You know she's sterile." Allison said.

Claire knew it was a touchy subject. It was a rocky road she would prefer not to go down.

"It seems like it." Claire said. "Allison, don't worry about this."

Allison faced her mother with a very concerned look on her face. It was clear it was rooted in her deep love for Vanna.

"I am worried." Allison said. "I'm very worried, Mom."

Claire didn't think it was anything Allison or Vanna needed to worry about. There were things in the works behind the scenes.

"I know everything will work out in the end." Claire said.

Allison was worried as much about Savannah as she was about Vanna when it came to children.

"We can't keep expecting Savannah to have children and give them up." Allison said. "I couldn't do it. It's not fair to her. You know it has to hurt her."

Claire did know it. She knew Cameron made plans to work with everybody and around any of the personal issues which might arise.

"Please, don't worry about this." Claire said. "Cameron will help everyone who needs to be helped."

Allison moved close to her mother and looked directly into her eyes. There was something which bothered her greatly. It was always in the back of her mind. Everyday Young Allison and Summer got older, it worried her more and more.

"I don't want Allison bred." Allison said. "Or Summer either."

Claire didn't want it either. It was why she was more than willing to stand up and take the place of all 'three' of her daughters with what needed to be done. She would do whatever was necessary and whatever Cameron wanted done. She knew she could only protect Young Allison for so long, but she was adamant she was going to protect Summer forever. She wasn't really sure she would be able to. Forever, was a long time.

"I don't think it will happen." Claire said.

Allison was aware the impossible seemed to happen a lot around the Resistance base.

"Anything is possible around here." Allison said. "I've seen it, so have you."

Claire reached up and touched Allison's cheek.

"I have." Claire said. "I promise to 'take care' of you."

Allison felt reassured by her mother's touch. Sometimes it was easy to forget her mother was her mother. Since they were nearly the same age, her mother seemed more like a best friend. She paused for a moment, and then swallowed hard before she spoke.

"I'm not the only one." Allison said.

Claire continued to touch Allison's cheek. She smiled and looked directly in her eyes. She spoke with all honesty and sincerity.

"I promise to 'take care' of you AND Vanna." Claire said. "I swear it."

Allison felt even more reassured by her mother's touch and words.

"Thanks, Mom." Allison said as she took out her phone. "It's time to play 'Big Sister' to myself."

Anna looked at Young Allison as her phone rang, again.

"It will be your mother again." Anna said.

Young Allison looked at her phone.

"No. It's Allison." Young Allison said. "At least it's her phone anyway."

Anna didn't want Young Allison to be rude. She knew why everyone checked on Young Allison. It was because they all cared about her and loved her. She could understand it. She wasn't sure Young Allison always saw it the same way. She knew sometimes Savannah needed to remind her she would give anything to have her mother check on her. It always seemed to drive the point home for Young Allison about the importance of family, and how fleeting it could be. Sometimes Allison reminded Young Allison she didn't have a mother growing up either. There was no one to look out for her. A lot of bad things happened to her because there wasn't.

"Answer it." Anna said.

Young Allison took the call. She wanted to mess with Allison a little bit

"You must be bored if you need to talk to YOURSELF." Young Allison said.

It briefly crossed Allison's mind she heard only crazy people 'talk to themselves'. She wondered if it was some veiled message directed at her from Young Allison.

"Hello, to you too." Allison said.

Young Allison could see she hit a nerve. It wasn't her intent.

"I was just kidding. It's good to hear from you. Everything's fine. Nothing is different." Young Allison said as she glanced at Anna. "My 'other mother' makes sure I eat balanced meals, brush my teeth, and wash."

Allison remembered there were a lot of times when she couldn't do any of those things.

"Those things were a luxury in the future." Allison said. "You'll miss all of them when they're gone. There are a lot of things to miss."

Young Allison felt more than a little guilty right now.

"I'm sorry." Young Allison said. "I know you're right. It's nice to have a mother and be able to do the other things. I'm sure we'll be the same way once we're mothers."

Allison wanted to mention a few things more but decided to keep it simple. There was no need to remind Young Allison what it was like to have a knife held to her throat, or a gun to the side of her head during extreme abuse. Why did it always hurt so much? The future was an ugly place.

"We're all trying to make sure YOU and Summer have ALL of them." Allison said.

Young Allison could see she reminded Allison of the past - the future. She knew where her mind wandered when she returned there. It was never anything good. She wanted to refocus the conversation quickly.

"I know." Young Allison said. "We're monitoring the operation in Las Vegas. Things were pretty wild there early this morning."

Allison bid the Metal girls farewell when they were in the lab. So far she hadn't heard anything.

"Did anything exciting happen yet?" Allison asked.

Young Allison didn't think it was wise to bring up the speculation about the possibility of a Liquid Metal Terminator being there. Until there was something more concrete, there was no need to discuss it. She knew it would make Allison worry even more about Holly and the other girls. She was worried about them enough herself.

"It's in a lull right now." Young Allison said. "Tell mom everything is good."

Allison was relieved there was no bad news.

"I will, Allison." Allison said.

There was some more small talk and they hung up.

"It was a 'good call' you made earlier." Anna said.

Young Allison could only think back to how everything started yesterday. Everything should have been so simple with a pleasant day of flying where she could spend time together with Savannah and Cameron.

"Remember, this operation started out when we went out to practice flying." Young Allison said. "Nothing was planned for this operation. It just seemed to develop and grow on its own. We've all been along for the ride since it started."

Anna knew Young Allison was very active.

"You've done some planning." Anna said.

Young Alison honestly felt it was no big deal. Everything she did just seemed to come natural to her.

"I'm doing what I've been trained to do." Young Allison said.

Anna was aware her statement was only true so far.

"You've exceeded your training." Anna said. "You're ahead of schedule."

Young Allison wasn't sure what the 'schedule' was. It seemed to her there were several different schedules she was subject to. One of them focused on her mental ability, while another one seemed to focus on her physical ability. It was her physical ability not in strength or endurance but the ability to produce offspring for Cameron.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Where Are We Going

I'm filled with remorse
Aren't you plagued with guilt
As around us burns
The love we've built

For things we haven't done
I'm filled with regret
Before we've learned
We already must forget

I'm flooded with sorrow
As love's ship slowly sinks
The person you have become
Really sucks and stinks

It's more than a tragedy
Causing me great anguish
How with love in our grasp
They willingly let it languish

As I step on the gas
You're the one slowing
Do you even care anymore
Where are we going

Nobody