Chapter 1154
Plenty Of Time
Cameron was able to get John started up. In fact, she already took him most of the way there. She tried to decide whether to face forward or face backward if she climbed on top of him. She could tell John was close. She decided to finish him off with what she was doing. There was no way he was going to last long enough to give her what she wanted if she switched to a different procedure.
She wanted John to have a good time and she provided it to him. To please John, pleased her. She kept going for a few seconds longer with her current endeavor as John made it. She learned by not stopping when he wanted her to, it always increased his pleasure at least double if not more. She would need to take her satisfaction from the act since she derived none on her own from him.
Cameron looked up at John and smiled. She then crawled up and lay next to him. She knew not to give him a deep kiss for a little while. It always seemed to make him nervous. She didn't see why. She was the one who actually took care of business.
John needed a moment to catch his breath before he could speak.
"It was fantastic, Cameron." John gasped out.
Cameron wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. She looked at her hand and was pleased to see there was nothing on it. It appeared to have been another completely successful procedure. It wasn't necessarily always the case depending upon what all was occurring at the time. She wanted John to know he was in her thoughts.
"A happy customer is a repeat customer." Cameron said with a smile.
John was elated and felt very satisfied. Every time he shared with Cameron was special. The last week she did almost everything exclusively for him. He knew she was getting short changed. It did bother him somewhat. There were a few times when he was able to get the mission accomplished. When it came to her performance with him, there was nothing he could complain about. He certainly planned to be a repeat customer.
"I'm a happy customer." John said. "I'm a very happy man."
Cameron was aware John was 'done' for now. Maybe they could take a stroll around the ship for a while. There were a lot of things to see. She knew where everything was at, and how to get there. She also knew every escape route and defensive position. She didn't think any of those would be necessary under the current conditions. She still thought it was helpful to know. She would actually like to view all of them first hand so she could verify the various firing angles available to her if it became necessary. She wanted to know if John would rather rest or head out.
"Do you want to look around the ship before the others get here?" Cameron asked. "We can take it easy in here too. There's room service as well in case you want anything else if we stay here. It's all up to you."
John was fairly certain he just experienced 'room service'. He thought about making a remark but decided against it. Cameron, like all Terminators, didn't always see the humor in a joke. Often they were interpreted as some type of a personal insult instead of being humorous.
He checked the time. He knew there were some other things they needed to do too. He didn't want to get into a bind over time. He was unsure how long some things actually took to occur.
"Do we have time?" John asked. "We need to do the lifeboat drill and then watch the sail away activities."
There were other options available to them. Cameron offered John one with a reward. She would let him decide.
"We can do the sail away from our balcony if you don't want to be with a lot of people, or if you don't want to wear much clothing…." Cameron said. "If we stay in our suite, you only be able to see the activities on the one side of the ship as we head out through the channel towards the breakwater and the open ocean."
John didn't want the 'people thing' to be a problem. It's what the disguise was for. It seemed pretty good to him so far. Under normal circumstances he was aware the more people they were around, the more people there were to cause a problem of some type. He wasn't really worried about being identified by anyone specifically. It was still something which needed to be considered. He certainly didn't expect to get clocked when he went to Mexico with Future Riley. He didn't want to think about the seven policemen who died when Cromartie came to get him.
He wanted to keep his attention directed on the current situation and where they were at. There were a lot of things he wanted to see on the ship. He knew boarding must be well underway by now. They were already on the ship for a few hours. He read about some of the online accounts how various venues on the ship seemed overcrowded at times.
"I think we're going to be with a lot of people wherever we go on the ship." John said. "There are a lot of passengers."
Cameron tilted her head slightly. There were going to be a lot of passengers for the entire time they were on the ship. The number of them wouldn't change much for the duration of the cruise. There was always the possibility one of the passengers could become ill or get injured. She hoped no terminations would be necessary.
To be part of the crowd could help make them invisible. She didn't necessarily think it was a bad thing under the current conditions. There would be a lot of people, but they were all on vacation. Their minds would be focused on other things. There would be a multitude of events occurring at the same time. With a large group of people milling about, they simply became part of the crowd, not the target of anyone's attention. There were other options available as well. She could think of a few places where there were no crowds.
"We're all alone here." Cameron said as she looked around.
John was nowhere near ready to 'go again'. He was pretty much expended for a little while longer. It was probably more than a little while. He wondered what would happen if someone 'new' were to show up and climb into the bed. Would he suddenly be rejuvenated and ready to go again? It seemed to be what he read multiple times would happen. He wasn't there to cause problems
"I guess we are." John said. "How much time between the sail away party and dinner will we have?"
Cameron was aware of the times the events were scheduled to occur. She didn't want John to stress out over something which didn't really matter. There were alternatives to everything.
"There's plenty of time." Cameron said.
John wondered about their dinner arrangements with the last minute additions. He was aware there were several different types of seating available. There was fixed seating available in the main dining room. Each table was specifically for a group of passengers. They would have the same waiter and assistant waiter each night of the cruise. There was also 'anytime dining' available in some of the other smaller dining rooms. Guests could arrive within a three hour time span to receive service and would be seated, usually at a different location each night. The dining room staff would be assigned to a specific area, but not to a specific group of people. Based upon availability, they might also be seated with other guests from other staterooms. There were also several specialty restaurants located on the ship as well. They usually served a specific type of food. Some of it was ethnically based.
"Will we eat dinner alone or with my family?" John asked.
Cameron offered John several options. She didn't want John to feel restricted or obligated. They were on vacation after all. It wasn't a duty assignment. They didn't need to seek out the others, or avoid them either. She was sure there would be a very friendly rapport between all of them as there always was.
"We can do both on different nights, or share dinner with them and do the rest of the meals on our own." Cameron said. "There are a lot of options. There's quite a bit of flexibility as far as the different dining venues go. We could literally eat in a different dining room for every night of the cruise."
John thought about it for a moment. He wanted to share one meal a day. Other than one gathering, everyone could do what they wanted to do. He figured dinner was probably the meal to share with the others. Everyone didn't get up at the same time, or they may be involved in other 'activities' and might not want to stop. Sometimes some of them might be in a bigger hurry than others to attend an activity aboard the ship or if they were going to get off the ship in a port. He didn't want there to be a rigid structure, even if there was an informal one.
"I think only one meal a day is better." John said. "Then everyone can do their own thing the rest of the time. I don't want anything to be set in stone in case others find something to do at any point in time which might create a conflict. The goal is for everyone to have a good time and do the things they want to do. I don't want anyone to feel obligated to do what they think I want, or what we want. The main goal was to get them on the ship so they could pursue the things they desire. The ship is what presents the opportunity. Anything related to us shouldn't be an obligation."
Cameron wanted to remind John of another important feature available.
"Don't forget there's room service as well." Cameron said. "It's quite extensive for the luxury suites as to what's available. If some people aren't fully dressed, or only want to wear a bathrobe, it's a viable option to use. The normal staff is used to dealing with just about anything. With our special staff, it won't be a problem for anything."
John wasn't really sure how the room service would work. He remembered when they were in Las Vegas there were several food carts. They were pushed into the rooms. They were loaded with a multitude of items. There weren't any attendants with them. He thought it was by design to keep others out of their suites. They seem to have a lot more control on the ship as to who would be in the rooms.
Cameron looked at their naked bodies. It was clear John was done for now.
"We can get dressed and head out." Cameron said.
John felt a little guilty Cameron 'serviced' him the last few times and he didn't do much for her. It actually seemed to be the case more often than not. Anytime he was with Cameron he was guaranteed at least one finish. He couldn't say the same thing happened for her even half of the time.
"I don't even need to take a shower after your last performance." John said. "I like to say it was quite exhilarating. I'll make sure you're taken care of the next time."
Cameron knew it was something John said often. There was usually never any makeup in kind at all. It didn't really matter. She was pleased John was satisfied. She wanted nothing but the best for him. Her needs were secondary compared to his.
"It's fine." Cameron said. "You still owe me two more times today and tonight. I want you to make sure you deliver."
John didn't like to leave Cameron 'hanging'.
"I plan to deliver." John said.
Cameron wanted to head out. There already was enough 'head in'. It was time to get ready.
"What are you going to wear?" Cameron asked.
John wasn't sure how to dress for now. The other people they encountered on the pool deck and in the various dining venues didn't seem to wear anything overly fancy.
"I don't know." John said. "I didn't see anybody dressed up so far. What are you going to wear?"
Cameron knew there wouldn't be strict enforcement of dress codes the first night of the cruise. They knew everyone needed to get situated in their cabins. She wanted the eyes of others off of John. She decided to make them look at her instead. The more they looked at her, the less they would look at him.
"I can wear my tight shorts now. I won't need my underwear either." Cameron said. "I didn't think I was going to be able to wear them before, but everything worked out fine now."
Cameron absentmindedly wiped the back of her hand across her mouth, again. She didn't look at it this time like she did the last time. It was doubtful she knew she even did it.
John noticed but didn't say anything. He didn't really want to think about it. It was always Cameron who needed to deal with the aftermath of their couplings. The only time he needed to worry about it was when he dealt with 'Rosie Palm'. He really hoped it was something he could retire. He decided to keep his attire simple and carefree.
"Shorts and tennis shoes it is." John said.
Cameron wanted John to wear his disguise.
"Don't forget your hat and sunglasses either." Cameron said. "I'm wearing mine."
They both quickly got dressed.
"It's time to head out." John said.
Cameron glanced down at John's shorts.
"You're good, nothing is showing." Cameron said.
John wasn't sure if she was joking. With the tight shorts Cameron wore and the form fitting tight tee shirt, everything showed on Cameron. He was glad her clothes weren't 'flesh colored' or Cameron would look naked. He was about to make a joke regarding it. He realized it's probably exactly what she would do once she heard the idea.
Cameron noticed John look at her outfit. She really didn't think it was a big deal. It wasn't anything different from normal anyway. Maybe things were a little more prominent now than they would be on the street. They were on vacation and so was everyone else. A lot of the females would want to show off the 'goods'. She was aware Sheila said, 'if you got it, flaunt it.' She was sure she would see a lot of it. There were bound to be a few females who would want to challenge her. She was ready for the challenge. She also would have her entourage of females with her which would put any group to shame.
"It seems like everyone already looks at me two or three times anyway." Cameron said. "Now they have a real excuse. You need to remember nudity doesn't bother me at all. Everyone has a body, and everyone has the same parts, even if they're different in detail. People who are unable to deal with the reality have a personal problem. It's their hang up, not mine."
John looked at Cameron for the third time. It was impossible not to.
"I guess they all do." John said.
Cameron arched her back slightly. The move made her breasts prominent with a set of mild pokies.
"This way they won't remember my face since they'll be looking elsewhere." Cameron said. "It's what always happens anyway."
John needed to agree with it.
"You can say that again." John said.
Cameron looked at John.
"This way they won't remember my face since they'll be looking elsewhere." Cameron said with a straight face. "It's what always happens anyway."
John smiled but said nothing. He was never sure when Cameron was joking or being literal. If he said the wrong thing, it would upset her.
He figured with her oversized sunglasses and large sun hat, people wouldn't be able to get a good look at her face anyway. He was aware of what was important to Cameron.
"Do you want to check operations before we go out?" John asked. "I know you like to keep up to speed on everything."
Cameron did want to do it, but was afraid she would get caught up in events. She wanted to spend time with John. She made an earlier promise to him about when operations would be checked and followed.
"I only want to do it when you're sleeping." Cameron said. "I don't want to detract from any of your awake time. I want to be available for all of your needs and desires."
John knew it was important to Cameron. He wanted to give her the option.
"You never know when something will turn up." John said.
Cameron knew it was true. There were others who should be able to step up and assist. Cammy and Cam should be able to deal with anything the same as she could.
"I'll let some of the others deal with it." Cameron said. "We're on vacation."
John wished she would do it more often. He was just glad she hadn't been shot up for the last few weeks. He didn't know Savannah ran a temporal mission to 'fix' irreparable damage to Cameron previously. She fixed it by preventing it from happening to Cameron in the first place. She created a temporal loop and pulled Cameron out of it before anything actually happened to her.
Cameron took John by the hand and led him from the suite into the private hallway area connecting the three suites.
Jim and Sheila waited there. They seemed almost at attention.
John didn't want them to have to do it.
Jim nodded at them as they approached.
"We'll get your room in order." Jim said.
John felt bad about others 'waiting' on them. He understood it was their assignment to watch over him. He didn't feel they should have to wait on them as well. Technically they replaced two crew members who would normally be assigned to the area. They took their job very seriously as far as being on the ship.
"You don't need to." John said. "Our room is fine."
He thought Sheila looked beautiful in her maid's outfit.
"It is part of our duty assignment." Sheila said. "We'll do the best job possible. Our guests come first with CamNet Cruise Lines."
John quickly glanced over at Cameron with Sheila's comment. He wasn't sure if Cameron knew Sheila was joking. Wait. What if she wasn't joking? It didn't appear as if Cameron was going to berate her. He didn't want any needless tension between their Terminators.
Cameron looked at Sheila and saw she was still dressed in the regulation outfit. She could tell it didn't excite John as much as the one she last wore seemed to. With all of its modifications, everyone could see everything. She decided to wear the modified maid's outfit when she was in Sheila's chassis for John. It was the outfit which originally caught his fancy when they first boarded the ship. There was no reason whatever thoughts were on his mind then couldn't be played out with her in control of Sheila's chassis. It would literally be the same thing, except she would be the one who was in control.
Jim moved forward and opened the door into the hallway corridor.
John felt it was totally unnecessary, but he didn't want to seem rude. He could see they took their current assignments very seriously.
"Thank You." John said.
Cameron and Sheila shared a long glance. It excited Cameron to know she was going to give John, Sheila's virginity as herself.
John and Cameron moved out toward the stairway. There was luggage in front of some of the other cabins now. More people were moving around.
No one seemed to pay them much attention right now. They all wanted to get to their rooms and get situated.
Cameron was satisfied they seemed fairly invisible right now.
"What do you want to see first?" Cameron asked.
John knew the nude sunbathing area wasn't open until tomorrow when they were at sea so he didn't mention it. It was where he wanted to go and check things out. He didn't think it could hurt to look. He knew it was a lot different to see topless, or even bottomless females in person, than it was to view images on his computer monitor or phone. Right now Cameron should decide where they go. She was the one who knew specifically where everything was at, and how to get there.
"You pick it." John said. "You already know the layout and arrangement of everything. You'll be able to come up with the best routing which will include the most features along the way without too much backtracking. Right now I would probably be lost in the first five minutes."
Cameron was sure it would take John ten minutes before he became lost. She did know where everything was at. She decided to start with the biggest thing.
"Let's go check out the main theater." Cameron said. "It's in the forward part of the ship."
John knew all the good seats went to the 'early birds'. He knew some of the shows were quite popular.
"I read it fills up fast." John said.
Being in the Owner's Suite did have some perks.
"We have a private viewing box." Cameron said.
It was news to John, good news. He was completely unaware of it.
"Really?" John asked.
John thought he already possessed a 'private viewing box' with Cameron. He knew for some reason it always made her feel a little uneasy when he conducted a private viewing session. Maybe if there weren't others around he would play around with the wording. Right now it just seemed like the best thing to do would be to go with the flow.
Cameron needed to thank CamNet for this one.
"Really." Cameron said. "Remember, we're 'guests of the owners'."
The spin Cameron would put on it was she was the owner's daughter if the situation arose. She didn't think there would be anyone who would want to disagree or argue with her about anything. She was aware Bob would arrive in very short order if there was any kind of a problem. The other Terminators would step forward as well if it became necessary.
John wanted to thank CamNet himself.
"Should I thank CamNet, or the Syndicate and the Cartel?" John asked. "I believe she invested her newly acquired money wisely."
Cameron wanted to put the real credit where it was due.
"You should thank Young Allison." Cameron said. "Taking down and cleaning out the Syndicate and the Cartel was her idea."
John thought about it. Young Allison always hit hard, low, and repeatedly. He didn't want to anger her inadvertently. He always observed Allison was quick to bite. She was quick to forgive too. He was sure Young Allison would be even quicker to bite, but he didn't know how quick she would be to forgive. It seemed like something best to avoid.
"I better not get on her 'wrong side'." John said.
Cameron knew the scorn of a female. Duplicate Cameron, Future Allison, and Future Savannah clued her in. They also gave her advice and instructions on how to deal with John - Future John. The end result of them working in concert would be the same for her John.
"It wouldn't be advisable." Cameron said. "If one of the three of us develops an issue which needs some type of remediation, we will all adhere to each other's desires. I can guarantee the term 'high and dry' will not be singular. It will be three times over."
John mulled over her statement for a bit. It was clearly a warning not to upset one of them once the 'Natural Order' was in effect. It seemed like a subject he should steer away from for now.
"Do we need to take the elevator or should we use the stairs?" John asked.
Cameron didn't think the stairs would be a problem in their casual attire. She did need to worry about some of the females who weren't accustomed to fancy clothes. It would be a little harder for them to move around. She didn't want them injured or the clothes damage unnecessarily.
"We can use the stairs." Cameron said. "When we have our evening dresses on, I think Sarah and Riley should use the elevators. It will be later on."
Cameron led the way. They were in the stairwell now.
"Which floor is it?" John asked.
Cameron thought the main entrance would be most impressive for his first look.
"We can try the main entrance." Cameron said. "It's on deck seven. There shouldn't be a lot of people right will be some."
John decided to make a quick joke.
"It's my lucky number." John said.
Cameron tilted her head slightly. John previously informed her another number was his lucky number. She decided to ask him about it.
"I thought 'sixty-nine' was your lucky number." Cameron said.
John remembered he did tell Cameron it before.
"It is when I'm alone with you." John said.
Cameron smiled at John. She always thought a little mutual satisfaction was the way to share. As long as there was a little something for everyone, there wouldn't be anything to complain about.
Savannah and Dan approached the giant freezer. It was quiet. Cammy was no longer in sight.
Dan carefully looked over the outside of the freezer unit.
"It's not operating." Dan said.
Savannah didn't want to run into any surprises, especially of the Liquid Metal type.
"I think it's a good thing." Savannah said.
Dan went to reach for the handle to open the door.
Savannah checked around them. She moved off to his side as she held her silenced M9 and Taser. She was ready to fire either one of them. The unknown always presented a high risk factor.
Dan looked at her and nodded. He opened the door. The room was lit, but it was empty.
Savannah wasn't willing to risk it about anything. She knew the cleanup team went through the building after the initial assault. She didn't think an additional inspection would hurt anything. In fact, it might benefit them.
"Double check for anything we missed before." Savannah said. "Be careful too."
Dan took a quick look around them before he faced the freezer door again.
"Affirmative…." Dan said as he entered.
Savannah moved up to the door to cover him. If they missed any Liquid Metal before, they didn't have the weapons to fight it with them. Their best course of action would be to retreat.
"If there's any unexpected danger, we will immediately fall back." Savannah said. "We will warn Cammy to evacuate as well."
Cammy finished her inspection of the upper floor and sleeping quarter's area. She saw Savannah and Dan headed her way as she came down the stairs. They could check the freezer. She would check out the office area. She headed directly for the front of the building. She needed to make sure there was no one else there. The surveillance equipment should have picked anyone else up outside of the area she just visited. It would have included if anyone visited the refrigeration unit.
The office area was in shambles. There was dried blood on the floor and some scattered papers. The computers were all gone. They took them all a week ago. They wanted to glean whatever information was available on them. So far it wasn't much.
Cammy moved along the wall to look out the window and across the way. She could see the burnt building where the sniper fired on Cameron's team. She was aware how close it was for Savannah. It didn't sit well with her. She looked carefully in each window of the building across the way for another sniper, but didn't spot any. The doors and windows were still secure in the office area. No one breached the office area from the outside. She headed back toward the walk in freezer.
When she came around the corner, Savannah's Taser and silenced M9 were pointed at her.
Savannah quickly lowered them when she saw it was Cammy. She hadn't expected Cammy to appear so suddenly. She heard a slight scraping noise and didn't know exactly what it was until Cammy came around the corner.
"I'm sorry. You never know." Savannah said. "There have been a few irregularities in regards to this building."
Cammy didn't like being a target, but was glad Savannah was aware of the danger of the unknown. She liked the fact Savannah would have been protected if she was an intruder.
"We don't always know until we know." Cammy said. "Always keep your guard up. I would rather take a bullet from you, than have you take one from the enemy."
Savannah hoped it never came to it. She wanted Cammy to assist Dan.
"I'll wait here." Savannah said. "Help Dan check for anything we missed before. Check for the smallest thing. There are a lot of unknowns associated with this operation."
Cammy went by Savannah and entered the freezer.
"You never know." Cammy said as they passed. "We still don't know for sure who all the players were on the field."
Savannah kept watch inside the freezer and outside as well. Her silenced M9 and Taser both remained at the ready. There was one in each hand. She hoped she wouldn't have to 'Wild West' it in a shootout with a Terminator. She was ready for anyone.
Vanna gave Allison a kiss and headed for Riley's room. She looked forward to the opportunity. It would be a test of her abilities.
Samantha opened the door for her as she neared.
"Hello, Samantha." Vanna said.
Samantha hoped Vanna was up to the challenge.
"Hello." Samantha said. "Derek and Riley just left a few moments ago. Kyle and Sarah were with them. Are you ready to be a full time mom for a few days?"
Vanna looked around. Everything looked the same as it always did. She didn't think it was going to be a problem.
"I am." Vanna said. "I want to do everything by myself."
Samantha wanted to assist. She wanted to at least help with a few things.
"What about when you're asleep?" Samantha asked.
Vanna wanted to try to do it all. She wanted to be as responsible as possible. She wanted to know what it was like. If she couldn't handle it for a few days, she wasn't going to make a very good mother of her own.
"I want to do everything." Vanna said. "I'll get up. I'm going to try anyway."
Samantha wanted to be there for Precious. It was her 'job'.
"What do you want me to do?" Samantha asked.
Vanna didn't want it to become an issue. She was aware how Terminators could get fixated on something and it would usually cause some kind of a problem. It seemed like they were headed for one right now.
"You can take it easy for a few days." Vanna said.
Samantha wanted to stay close to Precious. She didn't want to create any problems either. There was one solution which seemed like it might work and benefit everyone.
"I can go into standby." Samantha said. "I'll be here, but out of the way. I can always be reactivated if you need anything."
Vanna didn't think it was necessary.
"You don't need to. It is up to you." Vanna said. "Allison, Claire, and Jesse will all stop by at different times."
Samantha pointed out Vanna worked in other areas.
"You're very busy in the lab." Samantha said.
Vanna could see it was going to be an issue no matter what happened. She planned ahead. She took some time off.
"I won't be doing my work in the lab for a few days." Vanna said. "I'm on vacation from my normal duty assignment. I have a special assignment for a couple of days."
Samantha didn't give up easily. There seemed to be another avenue she might be able to pursue.
"I can help when you have guests." Samantha said. "There's no need for unnecessary disruptions or spoiled finishes."
Vanna waited for Samantha to hand Precious over to her. Samantha still held her. It was evident Samantha wanted to do what she felt was her job. She didn't want to make things worse, but she needed to do something to move things along.
"May I take the little princess now?" Vanna asked.
Samantha slowly handed Precious over to Vanna.
Vanna wanted to reassure Samantha. She really didn't know what else to tell her other than what she already said.
"I'm going to try my best to do a good job." Vanna said. "This is a little more responsibility for me. In fact, it's a lot of responsibility for me. Derek and Riley are trusting me with the thing most precious to them, Precious.
Samantha knew Vanna would do a good job. She observed Vanna always did. She could see from the beginning Vanna was much more competent than Riley was in dealing with an infant. As far as it went, Jesse was as well. It always bothered her a little because Riley always seemed somewhat lacking. She knew some of it wasn't her fault.
"You always do a good job." Samantha said.
Vanna looked a little uncomfortable.
"I hope she needs to nurse soon." Vanna said. "I'm full up."
Samantha tilted her head slightly.
"It should be about three quarters of an hour before she'll let you know she's hungry." Samantha said. "She's very regular about most things, even if they aren't precise."
Vanna looked at Precious and smiled. She glanced up at Samantha.
"I'll be ready." Vanna said.
Earlier:
The team got into an SUV and left the Resistance base. They headed for the port. The drive there was mostly uneventful. The traffic level was moderate. The climb over the hill through Sepulveda Pass on the 405 freeway was a little slow. Then again, it always was. Once they were past the Westside, and then LAX, traffic thinned out considerably. It wasn't too long until they made the transition off the 405 freeway onto the 110 freeway.
There was a lot of anticipation and excitement in the SUV as it neared the port.
Riley hadn't been down to the port area much since she returned from the future.
"I think we're getting close." Riley said.
Sarah looked off to the southeast. She spotted a familiar landmark. It was hard to miss.
"I can see the big green suspension bridge." Sarah said. "It's the Vincent Thomas Bridge."
Everyone took in the different sites on both sides of the Harbor Freeway as they neared their destination. They passed a sign which indicated the Cruise Terminal turn off would be up ahead in a short distance.
"We'll be there in four minutes at our current rate of speed." Cam said. "I don't know how crowded things will be as we near our specific destination. I don't anticipate a problem."
Riley could see they were headed to what appeared to be the big green suspension bridge. She wondered if they were going to traverse it.
"Will we get to drive over the big bridge?" Riley asked. "It looks really cool. It reminds me of the Golden Gate Bridge, but it's painted green instead of red."
Cam was aware the Vincent Thomas Bridge was considerably smaller than the Golden Gate Bridge. She was going to correct Riley on the color of the Golden Gate Bridge. It may appear red in some of the photos, but it was actually International Orange. She didn't want to dampen the mood in the SUV when they were so close to their destination. Vanna taught her it was best to not say some things when they weren't necessary, or didn't really matter. She knew it was still several hours before the ship would actually depart. She wanted to give Riley a little treat.
"We can do it if everyone wants to." Cam said. "It shouldn't take very long."
Sarah didn't want to put them in a bind for time.
"Do we have time?" Sarah asked. "I don't want to cut things too close."
Cam knew the ship wouldn't leave without them, even if it was the scheduled departure time. CamNet would create something to make sure the ship stayed docked until all of their team was on board if it became necessary. It wouldn't be necessary in this instance.
"Yes." Cam said. "There's plenty of time. It will give everyone a chance to look around and see what else is happening in the vicinity of the port."
Derek glanced over at Riley. He went over the bridge before. He really wanted to get on the ship.
"I don't want us to be in a jam for time." Derek said.
Cam tilted her head slightly. She didn't think they understood how simple it would be.
"It will only take an additional five minutes." Cam said. "We'll just cross over and come back. It's no big deal. It's what the other group did as well before they boarded. It didn't delay them at all. It won't delay us either. I think Riley will enjoy it very much."
Kyle was a little anxious as well. He really didn't know what to expect as far as the boarding procedure for the ship. He knew the ship could carry several thousand passengers, but he was unsure as to how everything would happen.
"Will there be a lot of people at the Cruise Terminal now?" Kyle asked.
None of the others watched the YouTube videos, or read any of the blogs or reviews about the cruise ship like John, Young Allison, and Savannah did. None of the others thought they were going until just over a couple of hours ago.
Hanna was aware of the boarding procedure.
"It will be packed with new arrivals." Hanna said.
Riley didn't want to delay the group. It didn't seem like anyone other than her wanted to go over the big green suspension bridge. No one actually said it, but they all seemed to indicate it.
"Maybe we better not go on the bridge then." Riley said. "It was just a thought. I don't want to create a problem for anyone."
Cam didn't think the additional passengers boarding the ship would be a problem. They were going to avoid all of them. They would use the same method of entry John and Cameron used.
"You'll bypass the normal entrance and enter through the special entrance for crew members and VIP guests." Cam said.
Sarah believed the method of entry could be both good and bad. She was aware VIPs drew the attention of lookiloos and other types of individuals. She didn't want to get clocked as a 'mark'.
"Will it raise any eyebrows?" Sarah asked. "I want to stay off everyone's radar."
Hanna didn't believe it was going to be a problem. She was in direct communication with Bob about the boarding procedure for John and Cameron. Everything should be smooth sailing.
"It won't be as long as you have your hat and sunglasses on." Hanna said. "It will conceal your true identity very well. It's possible anyone who spots us may think were crew members."
Derek looked at some of the things they carried with them.
"We all have our disguises." Derek said as he looked at Hanna. "Are you coming with us?"
Hanna was actually a little disappointed. She believed she was going to be able to go with the team originally. Cameron indicated there were already a sufficient number of Terminators aboard the ship for the assignment.
"It should be low risk for everyone." Hanna said. "I was originally going to accompany you. It was determined Gail and Holly would be sufficient to go with both of your families."
Riley wondered how the Terminators would be dispersed. She wondered if they would get their own Terminator to watch over them.
"Who will go with each family?" Riley asked.
Cam thought the duty assignments would play out for each individual scenario or situation.
"It can be either one or both." Cam said. "They can switch out for whatever the occasion is. They can act as part of your group or remain in a trailing mode."
Sarah worried about John's safety. She would like for him to have plenty of Terminator support.
"Does it leave John protected well enough?" Sarah asked.
Hanna thought Sarah wanted there to be additional Terminators on board. She saw it as an opportunity to still be able to go on the cruise.
"I can contact Cameron and ask if she wants me to go with you." Hanna said.
Sarah didn't want to make a big deal about it. She needed to trust Cameron's judgment.
"No, there is no need to bother her." Sarah said. "Everyone knows what they're doing."
Derek saw the turn off for the Cruise Terminal come and go.
"Hey, there was the exit for the Cruise Terminal." Derek said.
Cam wanted to follow Riley's original request. She didn't see any reason not to. They would be able to drive right up to the VIP gate at any time. The team should be able to board uneventfully. She thought Riley only would have mentioned it if it was something she really wanted to do. Riley never asked for many things, so she wanted to try to give her something she actually wanted.
"We'll get off at the one on the other side of the bridge when we come back. There will actually be less traffic." Cam said. "We have plenty of time."
The SUV headed up the sharp incline of the Vincent Thomas Bridge.
Sarah looked down to her right side as they went up the bridge. She spotted something unmistakable.
"I see the ship." Sarah said. "It's right here next to us. It looks like it's backed into its own berth. It's impressive."
Kyle leaned over and moved his head next to Sarah's head. He was very impressed with what he saw. He knew a cruise ship was big, but he didn't know it was quite so big.
"That thing is huge." Kyle said.
Derek spotted the USS Iowa just past the Cruise Terminal.
"Look, there's a battleship." Derek said.
Riley saw some big cargo ships on the other side of the channel.
"Those other ships are gigantic too." Riley said. "Look at all those big crates on them."
Ally remained quiet for most of the journey. She watched all the others as they reacted to everything on the journey there.
"Those are container ships." Ally said. "They're bringing goods in from other countries and taking goods away from here for overseas distribution. There are multiple terminals and a few ships in port at any time of the day or night."
Cam crossed the bridge, made the turnaround and headed back.
They were all given a nice overview of all the activity which occurred around the port area. There were numerous ships being unloaded in different locations as well as several petroleum refineries and storage facilities.
Riley was very pleased she was able to see everything, even if it was briefly. They were just a lot of things she didn't normally see. She didn't get out much.
"This view is awesome." Riley said. "I seldom get to see anything as spectacular. Thank you for taking the detour."
Cam was very pleased Riley enjoyed the brief tour.
"You're welcome." Cam said.
Derek looked at Riley with her last statement. He couldn't help but feel a little guilty for Riley not being able to do more things or see more things. Now with Precious, it was going to be hard to do more.
Cam was aware Cameron always wanted Riley to feel welcome and important, as well as part of the team. It was normally Cameron who carried the torch. Cameron wasn't there right now, she was. She glanced over at Riley and smiled. She was able to deliver as well.
Anna followed the tracking of the SUV.
"The second group should be arriving soon." Anna said.
Young Allison was able to view the SUV through several different means.
"I can see the SUV on the bridge cam now." Young Allison said.
Anna could see Young Allison watched several different things.
"You can also see John and Cameron." Anna said.
There were screens of various locations on the ship.
"CamNet is showing us where they are on the ship at any given point." Young Allison said.
Anna thought Young Allison should use some restraint in her observations.
"There should be a privacy factor to their movements and interactions." Anna said. "You need to remember they're on vacation, not an operation. There's a big difference. John doesn't have any idea you're watching everything he does. We both know it's not the right thing to do."
Young Allison felt a twinge of guilt. It was very slight. It wasn't like there was a camera in the room over the bed or something.
"You're right." Young Allison said.
Anna wanted to put things into perspective for Young Allison.
"What would you want if it was you?" Anna asked. "What if you were alone with someone you cared about?"
Young Allison swallowed hard. It wasn't her, but she hoped one day it would be. She wouldn't want to advertise whatever she did when she was alone with someone.
"CamNet can show us what's relevant if necessary." Young Allison said. "What happens on the ship, stays on the ship."
Anna was aware Cameron made the very saying clear several times.
"I think it's the best motto." Anna said. "There are times when we all may have our private moments. Besides, all girls need a few secrets."
Young Allison was a little concerned about the number of Terminators onboard the ship. Currently there was one Terminator for each human who would be aboard the ship. Some of the Terminators on the ship were assigned specific duties related to the ship. It most likely meant they wouldn't be available at all times to watch over the humans who were about to board. She didn't want any problems. She wanted everyone protected.
"We can watch the new group board and then play it cool." Young Allison said. "Do you think Hanna and Ally should back them up?"
Anna tilted her head slightly. She knew it was the original plan. The plan changed. Maybe it needed to change again.
"I don't know." Anna said. "Do you anticipate a problem?"
Young Allison didn't want there to be any problems. She thought preemptive action was in order.
"I want to play it safe." Young Allison said. "I would rather avoid a problem than anticipate it."
Anna wanted to act on Young Allison's concern.
"I'll send a message to Cameron." Anna said. "Do you want to ask her?"
Young Allison didn't want to second guess Cameron's decisions.
"No. She thought Gail and Holly would be sufficient." Young Allison said.
Anna knew they could have more Terminators.
"There are other options." Anna said.
Anna silently relayed Young Allison's concern anyway.
Closing monologue by Cameron:
Plenty Of Time
Time waits for nobody
It keeps on ticking
Will things work out
Will time deliver a licking
Of those questions
Is there a definitive answer
Will things blossom and bloom
Or wilt and fester like a cancer
Everything is always put off
It can be done tomorrow
Tomorrow never comes
Maybe that's life's deathblow
Are things just a hassle
Or are they the wrong things
Nothings is ever free
Watch for the attached strings
Are things fine and dandy
Or covered with slime and grime
Don't get caught in the trap
And think there's plenty of time
Nobody