Chapter 942

What You Want Most

Cameron rebooted. All of her systems started to come back online. She scanned for radiation. She felt the Metal girls below her start to move as well. Cameron jumped off and soon all the other Metal girls did too.

Gail was the last one. When Gail opened her eyes, Savannah looked at her and smiled. She smiled back as the pile of bodies on her hopped off, one by one.

Cameron indicated Savannah and Young Allison should wait where they were inside the protection of the manned drone. Cam ran to the top of the ridge for a visual look and radiation reading. The levels were 'normal'. She signaled it was all clear.

The canopy opened. Young Allison and Savannah climbed out. Young Allison reached back to help Savannah out. Savannah jumped off of the manned drone and then reached up to help Young Allison down.

Cameron watched everything with satisfaction. It's what she wanted to see. It was real and organic. It was love. It was pure sweet love unadulterated by any physical aspect. She figured it would happen soon enough. She would prefer it happened sooner rather than later. The more the girls interacted, the closer they would become to each other. The emotional love could be expressed through physical love to strengthen the bond.

The Metal girls checked all the drones for damage. They were all in good order.

Gail inspected the three nuclear weapons strapped to the two drones. Everything appeared undamaged.

Cameron walked over to Savannah and Young Allison.

"Are you both OK?" Cameron asked. "I think you blacked out for a short time. If not, you were close to it. I was a little worried, but everything seems OK."

Savannah moved her arms back and forth and turned her head from side to side. She didn't detect any soreness or other problems.

"I feel fine." Savannah said.

Young Allison did the same thing. Nothing seemed different to her.

"I do too." Young Allison said. "I'm fine."

Cameron was a little worried with the end of Young Allison's statement. Usually when she said she was 'fine', it usually wasn't the case. She believed Young Allison's answer was correct. She didn't want to read her own shortcomings into it.

Savannah knew their speed was pretty intense. As long as they traveled in a straight line it wasn't too big of a problem. It was only when the manned drone needed to change directions where the G-force seemed to multiply. It was a little different than she expected it to be. Previously when she experienced the heavy G-force, the manned drone was climbing straight up at an incredible speed.

"I think it was the last sharp turn which did it." Savannah said. "My vision narrowed substantially before the turn."

Cameron went over the events which occurred and showed them the results on her phone. They were able to view everything the drones took in before and after the underground explosion.

Young Allison was a little concerned at what she viewed.

"Am I responsible for the change in the landscape?" Young Allison asked.

Cameron tilted her head slightly.

"Apparently…." Cameron said.

Savannah knew it did no good to dwell on it. The deed was done. The immediate action was over.

"I don't think there's much we can do now." Savannah said.

Young Allison took a moment to look at Savannah and then at Cameron.

"We won and they lost." Young Allison said. "What else is there to know?"

Cameron was very pleased with Young Allison's analysis.

"If we don't win, we lose." Cameron said. "It's never over until we win."

Savannah was fairly certain it was over, at least for now.

"I would like to check in with each of the girls." Savannah said.

Young Allison was pleased with what all of the Metal girls did to protect them. She would have preferred a different choice of action.

"Next time, if there is a next time, I would like everyone to seek cover for themselves." Young Allison said. "Everyone is important. Everyone matters to me. They matter to Savannah as well. I want to speak to all of them with Savannah."

Savannah and Young Allison checked with each of the Metal girls to make sure they were undamaged, they started with Cameron.

Cameron was actually surprised when they physically checked her. It pleased her immensely to see how much they cared about her.

Savannah or Young Allison touched the cheek of each one, while the other held a hand as they talked to them. It gave them both physical contact as well as emotional contact with each of the Metal girls. It was a connection everyone was pleased to make.

Cameron watched as Savannah and Young Allison further strengthened their bond with each other and all the Metal girls. It was everything she wanted for them. To watch all the Metal girls shield Savannah and Young Allison on their own accord, showed how much they all cared. They would all care even more now. It would ensure the girl's protection even more so for the future. Savannah showed her before how love was a stronger motivation than duty alone.

Both Savannah and Young Allison earned the love from everyone by their actions.

Savannah told Young Allison to go and be with Cameron and see what things looked like from the top of the ridge.

Young Allison was a little puzzled Savannah wouldn't go with them.

"What's up?" Young Allison asked.

Savannah wanted to be truthful with Young Allison.

"I need to check on something important." Savannah said as she glanced over at Gail. "I need you to run some interference for me, if you don't mind."

Young Allison understood exactly what Savannah wanted to check on. What she didn't know was the extent of what Savannah wanted to know. She would have remained with her if she did.

"I'll take care of it." Young Allison said.

She ran over and took Cameron's hand as they started up the side of the ridge. It wasn't an easy climb.

Savannah wanted to speak with Gail away from Cameron. It was clear Gail was in charge of the nuclear weapons. She hoped to gain a little more information.

"Hi, Gail." Savannah said. "I appreciate what you did."

Gail smiled at Savannah. She was pleased she came back to talk with her.

"I wanted to make sure you were as safe as could be." Gail said. "I didn't know if there would be any debris, a shock wave, or a heat wave. I wanted to give you some extra protection in case there was."

Savannah wanted to pass along what Young Allison indicated.

"You're very important to both of us." Savannah said. "I need you to think about yourself as well. You're important to a lot of people, especially those who love you."

Gail was very pleased with what Savannah said.

Savannah looked at the three nukes. She was aware they posed a great threat to everyone. They posed the biggest threat to Cameron. She would be the one most likely to use them. She wanted to know where the weapons were headed. She wanted to know their specific destination and where they would be stored. She wanted to know how to get to them. She wanted to be able to keep track of them.

"Where are these weapons going?" Savannah asked.

Gail finished her inspection of the nuclear weapons. She didn't think she could give Savannah much information yet.

"Cameron hasn't given me a location to take them to yet." Gail said. "I know nothing more than where they are now here with us. I was instructed I was in charge of them for now."

Savannah looked at how the nuclear weapons were secured to the two drones. She was worried about the weight on the drones. She wanted a better arrangement. She wanted things to be a little safer for Gail as well.

"I want the second bomb off the one drone with two, and another drone used for it. You'll take the manned drone when you accompany them." Savannah said. "I don't want you riding on top of a drone, especially one with a nuclear weapon on it."

Gail was very pleased with Savannah's redistribution of the weapons and her ability to ride in the manned drone. She knew it would make the trip much safer for her.

"I'll take care of everything at once." Gail said.

Savannah's first thought was much the same as John's first thought when Cameron discovered the Nike warheads. She wanted to return them back to the military. She needed to rethink it some. She just witnessed one used to stop Skynet a few minutes ago. She watched Cameron use another one before to destroy Skynet in her future. Duplicate Cameron used one too. It was clear they were dangerous, but they also could eradicate any version of Skynet they encountered. There was no chance the Skynet computer could be rebuilt. It seemed to be something the Fanatics did in a further future. They seemed oblivious to what they actually found. It was probably because of the chaos the group which found it lived in. They worshiped their 'new god' which they referred to as Sky Master.

When it came time to use one of the nuclear weapons, it was the method of detonation which mattered. She was aware Young Allison used adequate precautions to make sure the H-bomb which just exploded was set up to do it automatically with a timer. She thought it was very innovative how she used a Terminator power cell for the timer's power source. Nothing else would have lasted more than half of a century so it was a good choice.

Savannah decided to make a hard choice. It may be needed to protect the future and the others. The prospect of having to do it manually didn't excite her. She stood face to face with Cameron as they waited for the Nike warhead to explode in Cameron's future. She figured if she did it once, she could do it again if she needed to.

"I wish to know where these go, how to access them, and how to detonate one." Savannah said. "It would be with the use of a timer, as well as a manual detonation."

Gail thought about what Savannah just said. It was very terminal for Savannah if she needed to use one with a manual detonation. She didn't think it was a wise idea. It wasn't her place to question the 'Chosen One'. She needed to find out more about what Savannah planned. She could do it in her place. She wondered if Savannah already selected a specific target.

"Do you wish to use one?" Gail asked.

Gail was more than a little worried.

Savannah looked at the three nuclear weapons. It wouldn't be her first choice to use one.

"I hope I never have to." Savannah said. "I just want to know where they end up at, and what to do myself. I need to know how to detonate one. It's important I know how everything works, and what is necessary to stop Skynet if there's no other choice available."

Gail looked up at Young Allison with Cameron behind her as they went up to the top of the ridge. It was clear Savannah asked her to do it so Cameron and Young Allison didn't know what she planned to do. She could understand why.

"You don't want Young Allison to know." Gail said.

Savannah looked up at the ridge where Young Allison and Cameron were at.

"No." Savannah said. "I don't want Cameron to know either. I don't want them to worry about it. I don't want either of them to stop me if I need to act. I understand how sometimes a hard choice needs to be made. It would be difficult enough to do on its own, without needing to deal with others. I think you understand what I mean."

Savannah was certain if they knew, they would try to stop her, as she would them. It would be the natural reaction for anyone who loved the others.

Gail wanted to try to make herself a part of Savannah's plans. If Savannah wanted to deploy and use one of the weapons she would try to be by her side.

"I'll let you know the location and operational procedures." Gail said. "I'll show you how to build a timer. It is something I would prefer you use first."

Savannah didn't want anyone else to know. She knew if anybody knew, they would try to stop her. She felt she used her 'personal closeness' with Gail to do what she requested confidentially. She didn't want Gail to feel like she was being used.

"I really appreciate this." Savannah said. "It'll be our secret."

Savannah winked at Gail and gently touched her cheek.

Gail was extremely concerned for Savannah's well being and future.

"If you wish to deploy one or more to an alternate location, I'll transport it for you. They are very heavy." Gail said. "You won't be able to move one on your own. They're much smaller than the weapon which was just used in the bottom of the mine."

Savannah knew she would need help from a Terminator. She thought there may be a way around it if the weapons were left on the drones where they were stored. She would look into it when Gail showed her how to manually detonate one at the location where they were stored.

"I also want to know the manual detonation procedure in case the timer we fabricate doesn't work." Savannah said. "I need to make sure if the weapon is to be used, it explodes as intended. I wouldn't want the enemy to get their hands on it."

Gail's earlier suspicions were confirmed.

"It would mean…." Gail started.

Savannah looked up to the ridge line where Cameron and Young Allison were.

Gail followed her gaze.

"I'll do anything to protect them." Savannah said. "I want to make it clear - anything."

Gail suppressed a glitch impulse.

"I understand…." Gail said. "You truly are the 'Chosen One'. I will also make sure it can be manually detonated as you requested."

Gail would detonate one of the bombs herself in Savannah's place if she could. She didn't plan to allow Savannah to do it if she could prevent it. She decided once she knew what the target destination was for the weapon, she would take care of it herself. There is no need for Savannah to terminate needlessly. She would make sure her program was copied before she did the task. She would allow Savannah to choose a new chassis for her. It would please her greatly to have the 'Chosen One' choose her new appearance.

She didn't know if Savannah was given the choice to select her new appearance, Savannah would select the same one she previously used. Savannah wouldn't want anything changed on her.

The climb was steep for Young Allison. She forged ahead on her own until she reached the top of the ridge. Cameron followed behind her in case she slipped, which she didn't. Cameron saw Young Allison was very sure footed with extreme agility. It appeared all of her training paid off.

Cameron glanced back and saw Savannah talking to Gail. She smiled to herself. She knew Savannah was covering all the bases. It was clear to her now, Savannah would use a nuclear weapon as well, especially since Young Allison already did. It may be necessary in the future to protect John or destroy Skynet, and maybe use one or more. She would make sure Savannah and Young Allison both knew where the nuclear weapons she controlled were located and how to operate them with a timer. It would be done much in the same way as Young Allison asked Cammy and Sheila to do with the H-bomb. She didn't know Savannah wanted to learn how to detonate one manually.

Young Allison reached the ridge top. She already looked at the drone footage. A first hand view was different. To see it, was to believe it. She could see the H-bomb really did a number on the mountain. She understood the effect was magnified by the giant power cell which most likely exploded at the same time.

"Wow!" Young Allison said. "I did that?"

Cameron joined her at her side. The landscape was noticeably altered. There was still a lot of dust in the air.

"Yes." Cameron said. "It was either the largest H-bomb, or several other nuclear weapons, or a giant power cell as well. Maybe it was all of them combined. Whatever it was, it was big."

Young Allison could see the effect. She was worried about what she couldn't see.

"Is there any increase in any radiation?" Young Allison asked. "Is there any trace of Cobalt radiation? I believe the whole purpose of this endeavor was to prevent it from happening. What actually happened to the mine?"

Cameron was aware how an underground nuclear explosion worked. Not many miles from where they stood, there were many circular depressions in the landscape where nuclear weapons were previously tested below ground. The bomb they used reacted in much of the same way as the underground tests were conducted.

"When the H-bomb exploded, a gigantic cavern was created below the surface when the blast occurred." Cameron said. "It vaporized everything around the bomb. It wouldn't matter if it was rock or earth. With nothing to support the weight above it, the mountain collapsed in on itself. This in turn destroyed everything between the underground cavern and the surface. The rest of the mountain collapsed on top of everything. Anything inside of the mine would be crushed flat. I don't believe the Terminator who was in there would have been able to survive. It would be my only worry about the mine. If there were any other weapons or Cobalt in the mine, it's buried forever now. If there was a version of Skynet inside, it was terminated."

Young Allison knew her actions at the mine killed people. It wasn't the first time her actions killed people. She was responsible for the termination of Grays previously, as well as the biker gang who accosted Ally. She didn't feel any remorse or regret with the termination of those individuals. It was their own actions which resulted in their terminations. She did need to acknowledge the consequences of her actions though.

"I killed people today." Young Allison said.

Cameron knew it wasn't the first time.

"It's very likely." Cameron said. "Does it bother you?"

Young Allison's biggest worry was if any innocent people were terminated by her actions. She knew it was a strong possibility. So far she hadn't heard what the collateral damage was for any other location yet. It was the most likely scenario where there would be unintended death.

"If they were Skynet related - no." Young Allison said. "If they were innocent - yes."

Cameron personally didn't think it was a big deal. If Skynet needed to be terminated, it needed to be terminated. They would try to avoid any innocents from being killed, but it wasn't always possible. She knew in the future there was a point where Future John became somewhat reckless with his actions. It was one of the things which turned the anti-Metal group against him. They felt he got 'good people' killed who didn't need to die. Many of them blamed her. She believed it was all a matter of perspective and whatever the situation was at the time. It wasn't some conscious decision by John, or her, to sacrifice human troops.

"Sometimes innocent people will need to be sacrificed for the greater good so more may live." Cameron said. "It is called 'collateral damage'. It's an occurrence of modern warfare and can happen on a large battlefield. I know you've seen on the news, it happens. Terrorist groups who always talk boldly, usually are the biggest cowards of all. They tend to hide in hospitals and schools. They use innocent people as human shields. It actually shows what their true nature really is."

Young Allison didn't care for cowards when it came to warfare. She was a little more concerned about the area where they were currently. She looked at the dust in the air where the mountain previously was. She was trained to hit hard if she was going to hit. It was exactly what she did at their current location. She knew everything in life was about choices. Some of them were easy, others were hard. To protect the ones she loved and cared about she would do whatever she had to do to protect them. She believed what she did was an example of it.

"I've been taught how to act." Young Allison said. "It's called 'making the hard choice'. It's something you've been forced to do numerous times. I know there are those who don't always agree with the choices you needed to make. You were the one there, they weren't."

Cameron was sure Young Allison referred to John. She knew there was a big difference between using a weapon like Young Allison used in the desert, as opposed to using one in an urban area. There was the potential for a lot of casualties in an urban setting.

"Do you believe it?" Cameron asked. "You know thousands of people could be terminated in some situations. The effects of radiation would probably kill thousands more."

Young Allison looked at the remains of the mountain. She could only imagine what would happen in the city if it were to occur. She did understand all her actions had the potential to kill a lot of people.

"Yes." Young Allison said. "I may not like it, but I do understand it. When action is necessary, it's necessary."

Cameron didn't think Young Allison was affected in a negative manner about what she did there. She did want to make sure what would happen the next time if it were necessary.

"Would you do it again?" Cameron asked.

Young Allison didn't even need to think about it any further. She already did it. What happened where they were at was proof she was willing to do it.

"Yes. I'll protect John, Savannah, and you however I need to." Young Allison said. "I'll protect the future. As far as I know I may have already done it again and set events like this onto motion."

Cameron tilted her head slightly. It was an interesting thought. She didn't think Young Allison would hesitate to do it again, or do what was necessary, even if there was going to be collateral damage. She wanted to remind her of her future responsibilities.

"John will have to make those choices in the future." Cameron said. "He must not falter."

Young Allison was aware of what her various functions would be in the future. She would ensure the future was protected.

"I'm aware of it." Young Allison said. "I know and understand what my duties are."

Cameron wanted to make sure John wouldn't falter.

"You and Savannah MUST provide John with the strength and guidance he will need when hard choices need to be made." Cameron said. "He is hesitant to act sometimes, even when he knows he needs to."

Young Allison wondered if Savannah and her were supposed to act on their own when John was sluggish to respond properly to a situation. She knew very well what her duties and responsibilities were. Every morning when she woke up they were fresh in her mind. Everything she needed to do was fresh in her mind. She was more than ready to start on all of them. She glanced back down where Savannah was at. She was ready for everything.

"I know this, Cameron." Young Allison said. "I know everything I'm supposed to do. Everything…."

Cameron reached down and hugged Young Allison.

"Thank you." Cameron said.

Young Allison looked into Cameron's eyes.

"I promise to do everything you want." Young Allison said. "I promise you what you want most."

Young Allison could see the tears form in Cameron's eyes and run down her cheeks. She wiped them away for Cameron.

"Thank you." Cameron whispered in her ear.

Young Allison knew she was hopelessly in love with Cameron and Savannah. She really wondered what was going to happen when her hormones really started to kick in. She was pretty sure they were surging through her veins right now.

"I want to start now. Please don't make me wait." Young Allison said. "I'm ready for more."

There was some noise below them.

Savannah, Cammy, and Anna were on their way up to join them.

As she neared the top, Savannah could see Cameron looked upset. She wondered what she was going to see when she reached the top of the ridge.

"Is it that bad?" Savannah asked.

Savannah was unsure what she was about to see.

Young Allison looked to where the mountain was before, and the dust cloud which still hung in the air. She was aware she literally wiped the enemy off the face of the map and as far as it went, it was off the face of the Earth too.

"Nope." Young Allison said. "We won and they lost."

Savannah thought the Grays picked the wrong day to be a Gray.

"All's well when it ends well for us." Savannah said.

Anna went and stood next to Young Allison.

Cammy stood next to Savannah.

Cameron looked over at the collapsed mountain. She knew their work wasn't done yet.

"We'll need to inspect the mountain debris for any Skynet related 'products'." Cameron said.

Savannah wanted to set a few parameters. She knew they were Terminators away from their 'normal assignments'. She wanted everyone back where they belonged. She also wanted to get them out of the danger zone. She figured they already endured a little more than was anticipated when they flew to Las Vegas originally.

"The Metal girls need to return to their previous assignments. Allison needs to get home." Savannah said. "Where she should be."

Young Allison frowned at Savannah.

Cameron didn't need all the Metal girls for the job. She could do everything with a small group. She usually operated alone so it was actually a bonus to have a few other Terminators with her.

"I'll have Sheila and Ally accompany me." Cameron said. "Samantha will come as well."

Young Allison was dissatisfied with Cameron's plan. She wanted to clarify what Savannah meant.

"Savannah meant ALL the Metal girls who have a prior obligation." Young Allison said as she looked at Cameron.

Savannah was very pleased with Young Allison's intervention. It was what she meant earlier. It was clear Cameron needed a little more prompting. She just received it.

"Yes I did." Savannah said. "Thank you, Allison."

Cameron now understood. Savannah included her with her statement. Savannah wanted to look out for her. Cameron wondered what Savannah and Young Allison would do in the future with her.

"Is this what I can expect in the future?" Cameron asked.

Young Allison shrugged her shoulders slightly.

"Someone has to make the hard choices." Young Allison said. "All we need to do is look over where the mountain was at to know I will. Even though I haven't actually made the choice yet, it appears I already have. Even if I hadn't, I still would."

Savannah looked at Young Allison with a slight frown. She thought there needed to be order and control.

"Sometimes there needs to be an adult in the room." Savannah said. "It's easy for some people to get lost without proper guidance. A vehicle is very unsafe to operate without brakes."

Cameron looked at the two girls and tried not to smile when she spoke.

"Everyone knows there's only chaos when - Nobody is in charge." Cameron said.

Savannah and Young Allison both giggled.

"Yup." Savannah and Young Allison said at the same time.

They were pleased they would all protect each other. They all looked over where the mountain used to be and knew they would all do the same thing without hesitation to protect the others.

John looked at the image from a drone on the big screen.

It was focused on Cameron and then widened to show Savannah standing on her right side and Young Allison on her left. It then widened a little further to show Cammy on Savannah's right side and Anna on Young Allison's left.

He wondered if someone was being a little over dramatic with the images.

"Look at that…." John said.

John thought he would really like to have the same 'line up' of females in his bedroom. If things played out the way Cameron indicated, it was clear Young Allison and Savannah each had a friend.

There was some movement behind John.

"Oh, there's Allison." Claire said.

John's head snapped around. He saw Claire, Jesse, and Summer standing there. He watched as Summer's eyes went from screen to screen. He watched her look at every monitor in the Command Center in a second.

Claire looked at the three Metal girls with Savannah and Young Allison as they stood on the ridge top.

"I thought Cameron was on a mission." Claire said.

John Henry quickly changed all the other screens in a flash. He also noted Summer looked at everything in just under a second's time. Since the mine was destroyed, he felt the current operation was over.

"It concluded." John Henry quickly said. "Cameron has some free time."

John wanted to come up with a plausible explanation. He watch the drone footage of the girls as they climbed up to the ridge top. It took some effort on each of their parts.

"Yeah…. Hi, Claire, Summer, Jesse." John said. "They're hiking…."

John Henry really hoped Claire wouldn't ask how they were able to view the image. He figured he would tell her it was a 'nature camera' along the trail. He knew there were some in place to observe wildlife in various locations. So far the question hadn't been asked. He hoped it would remain the same.

Jesse saw enough of the screens to know Claire probably shouldn't be in there and ask too many more questions. She didn't think she should see any more either. She could see there was a lot more going on than they wanted to talk about. It looked like there were drones and other female Terminators in the near vicinity on some of the other screens. There seemed to be quite a few drones on the ground as well. She was sure there was a much bigger story going on. She knew it wasn't hiking either, even if it appeared as if some hiking was actually involved. There was no view which connected everyone at the same time.

"Hi, John." Jesse said as she winked at John before she turned to Claire. "Come on, love, we'll be late."

John understood Jesse wanted to help prevent a problem for him. Even though he didn't have anything to do with Young Allison being where she was at, it would still come back on him. He was the one in charge. All of the responsibilities seemed to fall on his back. Cameron was the one responsible for most of it.

"Bye, everyone." John said.

Jesse smiled at him.

Claire nodded and headed for the door.

"Gotta go." Claire said.

John looked at Jesse and winked.

Jesse smiled and moved in front of Claire as they exited.

Claire walked out after Jesse. Summer started after her mother and then stopped. She turned her body halfway back with her head at a slight downward angle and looked at John. She raised her right index finger in front of her face and moved it back and forth three times. She smiled and hurried after Claire and Jesse.

John realized not only did Jesse know there was more going on, it appeared Summer did as well. He was left with the feeling Summer knew exactly what was going on. He wondered if she would say anything. She didn't at the time, but she might later on. For some reason he didn't think so when he thought about it.

"Did you see that?" John asked. "Summer knows the truth. She saw it all in a second. I saw her."

John Henry believed Summer was the most dynamic individual in the Resistance.

"Perhaps you have just experienced your worst nightmare." John Henry said. "In the future…."

John Henry was certain not only would Summer know what was happening, she most likely would know what people were thinking. He actually wondered if she would be able to 'influence' people the same way she could tell what they were thinking. Maybe he was getting ahead of himself. Maybe he wasn't.

John didn't know what the future held.

He couldn't help but think of the way Summer looked. He was sure he needed to watch his favorite movie again. It didn't take him long to remember what a total knockout Metal Summer was. He wondered if she would ever return from River's future. He made sure John Henry wasn't looking as he quickly adjusted his pants.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

What You Want Most

Many seem to never
Give up the hunt
Do they really know
What it is they want

It seems to be the root
Of much of the trouble
It appears to compound
It soon becomes double

Maybe it's by nature
Why people are greedy
There always seems to be those
Who are more than needy

Every person is different
They all have their own way
One needs to take the time
To listen to what they say

There are those
Who like to boast
Everyone knows
What you want most

Nobody