Chapter 964

You Can Match It

John Henry was aware of all the things happening inside the base. He didn't understand them all, but he knew it was just how things were. He tended to find things amusing and entertaining at times as opposed to anything detrimental. There were things which occurred he didn't fully see the point of them. He was sure it was a good thing for some of them.

It was clear who their enemy was, even if it was unclear where they were at, or what they were up to. Their enemy was no longer a singular entity. It was a multi-headed Hydra which continued to grow and expand despite their best efforts. For every head they cut off, there was the least another one to grow back in its place. Usually it was more.

He continued his never ending search for all things Skynet related. It was apparent John wouldn't be in for a while. He was pretty sure someone else would be in later on to seek potential targets.

He would see what he could have ready.

Derek was really worried about Riley, and by extension Precious.

Riley seemed to be on a steady downward spiral about two-thirds of the way through her pregnancy. In retrospect it probably started from the beginning when she knew she was pregnant. A lot of it was apprehension held over from her experience in the past, the future. With her inability to properly nurse Precious and feeling more than a little overwhelmed, she took a very dramatic trajectory with no bottom in sight.

Derek felt he did what he could to assist. It wasn't just dealing with Precious. It actually seemed to be the easy part. It was dealing with Riley. Her failure to acknowledge she experienced some type of a problem didn't help things any. In the future, he saw people deal with stress in different ways. When an individual became overwhelmed with their situation, the easy way out was often the path they chose after a struggle. He saw people needlessly die in combat situations when they didn't need to. He was fairly certain it was 'suicide by Skynet' on their part. The biggest waste of all was when they ended their own life.

He wasn't a trained psychologist or any type of medical professional. He knew a problem when he saw one. He saw one in Riley. It continually got worse. Now there was a way to take all the pressure off. He didn't know if it would help, but he was sure it would. If nothing else, it should prevent things from getting worse. He would really need to see how things played out going forward.

Sarah and the girls, Vanna and Jesse, were able to assist her with many of the things which needed to be done. It caused a lot of concern because of the disruption it seemed to create in everyone else's life. Cameron and Savannah were often busy dealing with Resistance matters. Neither one of them were aware of Riley's impending breakdown.

Once Cameron became aware of the gravity of the situation surrounding Precious, she took immediate action to help alleviate any further deterioration of events and hopefully normalize everyone's life a little bit more than it was.

Derek and Riley wanted to go in and get a full 'run down' on Samantha. They were both on board right now to give it a shot. The idea to have a Terminator help take care of an infant wasn't something they ever really thought about. They knew all the Metal girls were very careful and gentle around Precious from past experience. Samantha was the new Terminator. She possessed programming from four of their Terminators.

Vanna held Precious. She was in the room with Derek and Riley. She didn't think Allison was done yet with her talk with Samantha. She could see Derek and Riley were anxious to speak with Samantha but she wanted Allison to finish up first because the topic was of a personal nature they currently discussed. She could tell Derek and Riley were a little anxious to move things along. She wanted to put the brakes on and use a little discretion.

"Maybe you should wait a few minutes before you go in there to speak with her." Vanna said. "Allison needed to talk with Samantha for a little bit."

Derek looked at the door Allison and Samantha were behind. He wondered what the topic was, but he knew not to get involved in the girl's personal business. It never ended well. He was still curious why it needed to be dealt with where it was happening.

"Sure." Derek said. "It can't hurt to wait a little bit. It's not like we're going anywhere nor doing anything anyway."

Riley saw Vanna held Precious. She didn't go to Vanna to take her.

Vanna noticed and it worried her some. Riley should have wanted to take Precious. She didn't know if she should say anything or not. She was sure some type of verbal response wouldn't go over very well. She came up with another solution. She walked up to Riley and handed Precious to her.

"I'm sorry." Vanna said. "I'm hogging all your time with Precious."

Riley looked more than a little nervous and attempted a faint smile.

"Thanks." Riley said.

Derek and Vanna looked at each other. Riley should have taken Precious on her own. They could see Riley cared deeply about Precious, but as time passed, it seemed the more reluctant she became to deal with Precious. It seemed her state of depression expanded quite a bit since Precious was born.

They could hear crying from the other room.

Vanna looked at the door to the room Allison and Samantha were in. She instantly recognized the sorrow of her long term lover. Her instinct was to go in there to be with Allison, but she knew she needed to wait a little bit. Allison is the one who needed to make her own decision in regards to Samantha's request for Resequencing. If she would have heard her name, she would have responded.

Derek looked a little uneasy as he looked towards the door. He looked at Vanna, but saw she wasn't going to enter. He felt like they should do something but he didn't know what.

"Is Allison crying?" Derek asked.

Vanna looked uneasily at the door, but maintained her position. She knew she needed to wait a little longer. She could see Derek and Riley were both a little nervous about the crying. She wanted to offer them a brief explanation without any details.

"Yes. It is something very personal to Allison." Vanna said. "I didn't want to be in there to influence the decision."

Derek and Riley both felt bad for Allison. They couldn't even imagine what the personal conversation could involve. They could see Vanna wanted to go to her, but restrained herself. Her decision seemed to cause Vanna a lot of pain.

Riley already felt nervous enough because she needed to deal with Precious. She wanted to know what they could do to help her. To hear someone in emotional distress was never a good thing. It didn't matter what the time period was

"Can we ask or even do anything?" Riley asked. "I feel bad for Allison."

There was a soft knock on the door and it opened.

Allison led Samantha into the room.

Vanna went over and took Allison's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. She wanted to give Allison a show of support. She didn't know exactly what happened between the two of them, but whatever it was, it touched Allison deeply. She knew Allison well enough to know when something was able to touch her deep inside.

Allison was clearly better now. There was no sign of any tears. Sometimes when something was very dramatic the physical effects could linger on for an extended time period. It didn't seem to be the current situation.

It was a good sign and it made everyone feel better.

Allison flashed her beautiful smile. It was a smile which could touch anyone. She knew Riley and Derek both observed Samantha in action earlier, but Samantha hadn't interacted with them because she wasn't instructed to do so. She just did her function to take care of Precious and go back into standby without any communication with them. She wanted there to be more personal interaction between them going forward.

"I would like to make an official introduction." Allison said. "This is Samantha."

Samantha already knew who everyone was from her programming. She greeted them with a smile.

"Hello, Riley, Derek, and Precious…." Samantha said.

Derek and Riley looked at each other. They both nodded at Samantha.

They shared some small talk for a while and finally got down to business. Samantha went over everything she could do and couldn't do. It was mainly to help Riley with Precious, and assist where needed. It was understood the more comfortable Derek and Riley became with Samantha, the longer her periods of activation would be.

They all understood there needed to be a balance between privacy and assistance. Everyone would need to be on the same page, or quickly get on it, to make everything function and flow. They were bound to be a few rough patches and awkwardness associated with everything.

Vanna decided to take Allison away for now and go back to their room. She thought she could use a little personal comfort. She wanted to make it clear she was available to come back for Precious or Riley at any time.

"I want to be called or notified at the first sign there's a problem, or I may be needed." Vanna told Derek, Riley and Samantha. "I don't want to wait for anything to get worse if it's the case. I would rather be on top of everything from the get go. It will also allow me more time to prepare and get ready without being in too big of a rush."

Everyone couldn't help but notice Vanna and Allison only wore underwear and a top. It was because they hurried over to see Precious earlier.

Riley knew the other girls picked up her slack. It made her feel bad inside. She wanted to apologize to Vanna. It only further reinforced her belief she was a terrible mother. She felt everything was her responsibility and fault. She was aware Vanna and Allison were with Precious while she slept earlier. They needed to stay up while she was asleep. It seemed very unfair to her.

"You look tired." Riley said. "I'm really sorry. If I was a little more confident and competent, none of this would need to happen."

Vanna didn't want Riley to feel bad about herself. She enjoyed helping Precious. She felt it was the best thing which occurred to her in a long time. It gave her a new outlook on life and a real sense of purpose. It ignited her motherly instincts in a way she never thought possible. Helping Riley and Precious was nothing detrimental, it was a blessing.

"I want to do this." Vanna said. "I want to help. It's not a problem. I will come anytime I'm needed."

'I NEED to help.' Vanna thought, but she didn't say it out loud.

Right now Vanna could see there was another priority she needed to deal with. It was her true love, Allison.

Allison and Vanna left the room. They still held hands in a show of comfort and support for each other.

Events did get a little emotional for Allison earlier. She was very glad Vanna showed such discretion in front of Derek and Riley. Her situation was of a personal nature and she understood why Vanna left.

Everyone thanked both of them again and wished them well.

Vanna and Allison walked away from Riley's room.

Allison looked back at the room and then looked at Vanna. She felt she needed to say something. The words slipped out of her mouth without really thinking about them.

"I'm fine." Allison said.

Vanna cringed a little at Allison's statement. She knew how things normally played out for Cameron when she used the identical words. She didn't want it to turn into a big deal. She heard Allison crying in the room with Samantha. She knew Allison didn't cry easily. She knew it was an emotional reaction to things deep inside of her. Her interpretation of 'fine', was it wasn't fine.

"It didn't sound like it." Vanna said. "I was very worried."

Allison thought Vanna would come to check on her when she started to cry. It didn't happen. It actually upset her a little more.

"You didn't come for me." Allison said.

Vanna felt more than a little guilty. She wanted to go to her longtime lover and comfort her. The circumstances dictated otherwise.

"I needed to let you make your own decision on this one without my influence." Vanna said. "I believe it is a very personal choice on your part. I'm here now and I would have come if you would have said my name. I was right on the other side of the door."

It was clear Allison wasn't ready to talk about it yet. It was fine.

Allison wanted to deflect the subject for now. There were other things they could do that would take her mind off of the events.

"Should we go by and check on Jesse?" Allison asked.

Vanna was tired herself right now. She was worried Jesse may be exhausted from her sexual activity.

"She may be sleeping." Vanna said. "I think I need to lie down for a while. I'm a little beat right now."

Allison could see that Vanna looked very tired. Vanna didn't wake her up earlier and took her shift herself. It was Vanna always looking out for her. Now she felt a little guilty about when she said Vanna didn't come to her when she cried.

"You were supposed to wake me up." Allison said. "I would have done my shift."

Vanna didn't want to make a big deal about it.

"I wanted to make sure you got a little rest before your talk to Samantha." Vanna said. "I wanted to make sure your mind was clear."

They stopped at Jesse's door and listened. The door wasn't shut tight. It was quiet.

Vanna opened the door and peeked inside.

Jesse was lying naked on her bed. She was alone.

Vanna went inside. She looked at Jesse and saw she was sleeping. She was glad to see she was still breathing too. She didn't think she would be able to do anything else for a while. Everything looked extremely depleted. She covered her up to her neck with a sheet. She gave Jesse a soft kiss on her cheek and left.

Allison watched the tender and kind gesture. Vanna took care of Precious and Riley. She took care of Jesse and her. Vanna was a good person. She felt lucky they were with each other. It made her feel even worse when she said Vanna didn't come for her. She knew Vanna would have come for her if the circumstances were different. She knew Vanna wouldn't have left her in the first place if it wasn't for the personal nature of what was discussed.

Vanna quietly closed the door when she exited. She took Allison's arm and headed for their room.

"What are we going to find in our room?" Allison asked.

Vanna wasn't sure what awaited them.

"I can check first." Vanna said.

Vanna was aware Allison didn't really want to see her mother 'sharing'.

They stood outside and listened. It was quiet inside.

Vanna opened the door and the room was empty, the bed was made and everything was put away and straightened up.

"The room hasn't looked this good for a long time." Vanna said.

Allison recognized the handiwork.

"I think it was my mom." Allison said. "She always likes to make sure everything's straightened up and put away."

Allison knew her mother always looked after her still. She didn't treat her like a girl, but she was always there to help. She felt lucky to have Vanna and her mother. She was sure she would need to depend on both of them heavily going forward, especially if a baby was involved, her baby.

There were times growing up when she was all alone. Sometimes bad things happen to her. Sometimes there was nothing to eat. She didn't want to dwell on any of it right now. She thought about her earlier discussion with Samantha. It was her mother still trying to look after her daughters.

Allison wondered where her mother was at. She wanted to speak with her.

Vanna and Allison sat on the bed.

They sat in silence for a long time. They held each other's hand.

Vanna wanted to reach out and help Allison open up.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Vanna finally asked.

Allison didn't know what she wanted in regards to what Vanna really asked her.

"I don't know." Allison said.

The two girls moved over to lie down.

The long time lovers lay on the bed. They both stared at the ceiling. They still held hands.

Vanna wanted Allison to know she was there for her always and for anything. It was what she wanted to do.

She kissed Allison on the cheek and held her hand a little tighter.

"I'm here when you do want to talk." Vanna said. "I have always been and always will be, no matter what."

Allison turned her head and looked at Vanna.

Vanna looked back at her.

The longtime lovers were with who they wanted to be with. They wanted it to be forever.

Words were unnecessary now.

Anna returned to the bunker after Cammy went to go make the girls breakfast. She would need to conduct Young Allison's physical training after breakfast and follow up on her lessons and study material. She still needed to do all the things they normally did. There was no set schedule, but there was a routine. She tried to make sure nothing was overlooked and everything was adequately covered.

She still felt jealous and she felt very guilty because she felt jealous. She needed to remind herself the future was at play, not her feelings. The future wasn't about her.

Young Allison popped her head inside the bunker door.

"Hi, Anna." Young Allison said. "I'll be down in a few minutes."

Anna was lost in her thoughts. She was surprised by Young Allison's sudden appearance. She was also very pleased she stopped by to greet her. She knew it was something Young Allison didn't need to do but she did it anyway. It definitely showed Young Allison cared about her. The simple gesture made her feel better.

"Hi, Allison." Anna said. "Did you have a good night's sleep?"

Young Allison was aware of the way things worked around the Young residence. She was sure Anna would actually know better than she did.

"You tell me." Young Allison said.

Anna didn't say anything.

Young Allison smiled at Anna and disappeared.

Cammy served a small breakfast to both of the girls. It was a balanced meal. She knew not to make anything too elaborate or the girls would complain to her about it. They didn't want anybody to fuss over them.

The girls shared some small talk while they ate. Cammy was there but tried to remain out of the way so they could talk amongst themselves.

"Are you going to do PT with me this morning?" Young Allison asked.

Savannah looked at Young Allison for a moment. She was lax on her PT lately. She wondered if Young Allison was aware of it or not. It made her think about when she asked Young Allison if she brushed her teeth. Maybe it was a similar type of question about something a little different, but still along the same lines in reality.

"I didn't plan on it, but I can." Savannah said.

Young Allison wanted to keep it simple. She would take any time she could get with Savannah. It didn't matter what they did.

"It can be just for a half hour." Young Allison said. "I know you need to go."

Cammy spoke for the first time since she gave the girls their breakfast.

"I can take care of the dishes and catch up with you later on." Cammy said.

Savannah didn't think there were many dishes to clean up. Cammy already cleaned up everything other than the plates they just used. It seemed Cammy wanted them to have some 'alone time' when they were out. She didn't want to question Cammy's motives, but she wanted Young Allison to be protected when they were out.

"You and Anna can follow us." Savannah said. "Both of you will follow us."

Young Allison and Savannah thanked Cammy for the breakfast. They headed down to get Anna.

Anna thought about what Young Allison indicated. She wondered how much Young Allison really knew about all the things which happened in the background or when she was asleep or supposed to be asleep. Sometimes she wondered if the girls didn't know they were being 'conditioned'. There were times when she was sure Summer did. She believed Summer saw it more as a learning experience than as 'conditioning'.

She was aware there were often times when the original subject matter they were going to condition Summer on was changed at the last minute. Nobody seemed to know why the change was made. It really made her wonder how much influence Summer might actually have over everything.

She was a little surprised to look up and see Savannah standing there. She wondered how long she was there. It seemed she was distracted and hadn't paid good enough attention to everything.

"Hi, Anna." Savannah said as she gave Anna a hug.

Savannah looked at Anna and smiled.

Anna looked at Savannah's torso and then looked down at her torso.

Savannah could see Anna was a little uneasy and uncomfortable. She wanted to make an observation about how things used to be.

"Life was a lot simpler when I looked like you do." Savannah said.

Anna looked at Savannah's torso again.

"I'll trade you." Anna said.

Savannah thought about everything which occurred in her life since she used to look like Anna. It was a 'no brainer' for her if it was a possibility.

"I would if I could." Savannah said. "I would do it in a second. I'd be happy if things were the same way forever."

Anna could see Savannah wasn't joking.

"You really mean it, don't you?" Anna asked.

Savannah couldn't help but think about some of the events which transpired.

"I do." Savannah said. "I wish I was the same person again."

Young Allison listened and watched. She too could see Savannah was being serious. Maybe it was because her life wasn't so complicated and involved then. Maybe what Savannah said about being a girl was more than to try and slow her down. It looked like what she really believed. It made her rethink some of the things she was pushing on.

Savannah checked in for any updates and to see what Cameron was up to. It was her main concern.

Anna made sure Savannah and Young Allison both knew where Cameron was and what she was doing. She was surprised it didn't seem to bother either of them the slightest. It was clear they both understood and accepted the 'Natural Order'. She did need to remember Savannah told Cameron to go back to the Resistance base and be with her husband. It was exactly what happened.

She wondered if they both wished it was them in John's room with either John or Cameron. Maybe they wished it was them with each other…. She decided not to ask. It was time to move forward. Not deal in 'what ifs'. The girls just spent the night together and all they did was sleep.

"It's time for training." Young Allison said.

They headed up and out of the bunker. Cammy was waiting for them.

They decided where they would go.

Savannah could see a competition developing.

Young Allison laid down the rules to Cammy and Anna.

"Remember neither of you can go faster than my normal running speed." Young Allison said.

Anna was used to the restrictions.

Cammy thought it was unfair. Savannah taught her to speak up when something was unfair. She was aware how Young Allison operated.

"You can always run faster for a short time." Cammy said. "It's an unfair advantage. I won't be able to use my 'natural ability'."

Young Allison wanted to be fair and for everyone to be satisfied. She personally didn't think it was an unfair advantage for her. She would get tired the longer she ran or was out. The Metal girls never got tired. They could do the same task for years and never slow down or get tired.

"You can match it for the same duration I do it." Young Allison said. "I like everyone to be happy."

Cammy smiled. She was pleased with the equal treatment.

The four girls headed out.

Earlier:

Once everything was squared away with Samantha and she departed to go to Riley's quarters, the girls looked around the room they were in.

Claire was a little self-conscious because it was Vanna and Allison's room. She thought they should probably clear out to allow them to have some privacy when they left Riley's room. She didn't care for the condition of the room. She thought it could use a little straightening up. She spent a few minutes to do it. Cam, Gail and Holly assisted her. Everything was straightened up and neat in just a few minutes' time.

Holly took Claire to her old room. Cam followed along. Gail excused herself and said she needed to check on a few things. Everyone figured she probably went to check on Jesse. It was understandable.

Claire looked around the room.

"I guess this room will start to see some more usage." Claire said.

Holly was sure if Allison moved back to the base, she would have a lot more free time. She also knew Cam didn't have her own room. She always stayed with Vanna since her creation.

"Cam and I will probably have more 'free time' when Allison moves back in with Vanna." Holly said.

Cam believed it was more than likely what was going to happen.

Claire looked anxious. She saw an opportunity for some additional variety if she moved to the base.

"Maybe I can visit both or either of you more often." Claire said. "Hanna asked to spend more time with Sheila and Ally."

Cam was aware of how the three of them always hung around together. They were collectively known as 'The Three Musketeers'. It all changed when Cameron wanted to have better control of Claire. Cameron gave Claire her choice of one of the three Metal girls as her own 'personal protector'. Everyone was aware the 'duties' involved were going to be a lot more substantial than just for protection.

"They all love each other." Cam said. "Especially Ally and Sheila."

Holly wanted to remind Claire of the other opportunities which would be available to her.

"You'll want to spend more time with Jesse and Samantha as well." Holly said.

Claire saw the opportunity to be with a couple of different girls every day of the week without having to repeat any of them. It was a very enticing and exciting prospect.

"I like to spend time with ALL of you." Claire said. "Why did Gail leave?"

Cam didn't know for sure but it was easy to speculate.

"I'm sure she wanted to check up on her lover." Cam said.

Claire thought they already checked on it themselves.

"Jesse is in her room." Claire said. "We checked on her when Ally, Sheila, and Hanna left."

Cam was pretty sure Claire had a specific goal when they stopped by Jesse's room.

"You wanted to make sure Jesse wasn't terminated." Cam said.

Claire was more than a little worried about how hard Jesse would push it at times. It seemed she did some pretty extreme things. She didn't think it was really something she should become involved with since it was Jesse's personal choice to do those things.

"I was a little worried about it." Claire said. "She was pretty well run down when I needed to leave earlier. I don't think she stopped either, even after I left. Gail checked her but left he be."

Holly was aware of what Gail's real goal was when she left.

"Gail went to check on Savannah." Holly said. "Gail is infatuated and deeply in love with Savannah."

Cam thought about Savannah's perfect body and her beautiful red hair. She also treated everyone the nicest.

"Everyone is." Cam said. "Savannah is special to all of us. She's desired by all of us as well. I can honestly tell you Cameron doesn't know what she's missing."

"I guess I'm guilty of it as well." Claire said. "Being with Vanna and Hanna sort of adds to it."

Holly figured since they were in her room, things might as well get started. They didn't have anything else to do or anywhere else to go.

"As long as we're here and alone…." Holly said.

Claire was ready to share with both of them again. There was a higher calling she needed to respond to. It emanated from deep inside of her. It was about her children.

"I need to check on Summer and call My Allison." Claire said.

Claire headed for the door. She stopped and turned.

"I'll be back." Claire said and left.

Cam looked at the back of the closed door.

"We know where our lovers are at." Cam said.

Holly was ready for a little additional action.

"We can always go see Jesse." Holly said. "I don't see much of her."

When Jesse visited the Young residence, most of her time was spent with Allison and Claire.

Cam saw how tired out Jesse was when they stopped by earlier. She didn't think it was a good idea currently.

"She needs to rest." Cam said.

Holly faced Cam with the look of lust in her eyes.

"We don't." Holly said.

Cam smiled and moved closer to Holly.

"No, we don't." Cam said.

Cam briefly wondered if Holly only saw her as Allison. She didn't want to ask. It was OK though because she enjoyed being with Holly. She really wanted to get her hands on Holly's chassis as her own. She was aware how much superior the neural network was on Holly's chassis. Holly was created as a Restorator by Mrs. Weaver. She incorporated many improvements over a standard Terminator. She would make sure she kept the idea fresh in Holly's mind as they shared alone. It would never hurt to remind Holly she could look just like her human lover.

Earlier:

Gail checked on Jesse and headed for the Command Center. She wanted to see what was upcoming so she could help look after Savannah. She knew Savannah would follow Cameron into danger. She wanted to eliminate the danger first.

"Hello." Gail said to John Henry.

John Henry knew why Gail was there. He decided to assist her with her requests. More help for Savannah was a good thing.

"Hello. I've been waiting for you." John Henry said. "I have what you're looking for."

Gail was pleased to hear it. She looked around the Command Center but didn't spot John anywhere.

"Where's John?" Gail asked.

John Henry didn't want to get too specific. He thought the answer was self evident.

"He's busy." John Henry said.

Gail heard the 'sounds' as she passed John's room but she wanted to ask anyway. She wanted to make sure. This way she didn't make waves.

John Henry gave Gail a run down on some possible targets.

"I'll take care of these." Gail said. "There's no need to disturb John."

John Henry could read between the lines. He understood what it meant and why.

Gail really said, 'Keep Cameron away from these so she won't endanger Savannah'.

John Henry wasn't sure he liked the idea of Gail going out on her own. It seemed like a bad idea to him.

"Will you require assistance?" John Henry asked.

Gail didn't see the need to bother anyone else.

"I think everyone is busy." Gail said as she left.

Claire was by the Control Center. She just finished up her check on Summer and made sure she ate her breakfast. Sarah still watched Summer and Jan from their 'sleepover'.

She listened to the conversation which occurred in the Command Center. Now she was worried about Gail.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

You Can Match It

Does one try to give
Or do they try to take
If it's the latter
They're most likely a fake

Is it about greed
Or is it about lust
Neither one of those
Will ever build trust

What one actually does
Matters more than what they say
They will spout anything
To get their way

Past practice sets the pace
Of what tomorrow will bring
When they revert back
Don't be surprised by the sting

It's easier to say
Than it is to get
Whatever they do
You can match it

Nobody