Chapter 1286
That Caused A Problem
Cammy and Savannah found what looked to be a kidnapping and carjacking where the blood trail they followed led them.
John Henry checked to see who lived in apartment 204 and what vehicles were registered to the address.
Cammy knew they would need to track down a vehicle soon. They needed to get back out on the road. They were currently on foot after having been let off earlier.
"We'll need some transportation." Cammy said.
Savannah thought it would be safer for them to team back up how they were earlier.
"We can ride with Tom and Steve again, unless you want more flexibility." Savannah said.
John Henry made Cammy aware of a new turn of events. She could see they were definitely going to need a few more options.
"I think we're going to need a different vehicle." Cammy said. "There's a new development."
John Henry filled them in on the developing situation with Cam and the girls.
Savannah saw it for the threat it was. She didn't like the recent turn in events.
"I want Al and Ed to go there immediately." Savannah said.
John Henry redirected them.
"They're on the way." John Henry said.
Savannah was worried about Allison, Vanna, and Cam. She wanted them protected. With more Terminators at the location, Vanna and Allison could withdraw. Right now they didn't have anything solid. The car for apartment 204 was gone and they needed to find out more before they could act. There was no need to tie up other Terminators needlessly.
"Send Steve and Tom too." Savannah said.
John Henry noted it left them without transportation and any assistance. They were all alone now.
"It's all of your backup." John Henry said.
It seemed to Savannah their target was gone for right now.
"We're still waiting to see what we need to look for." Savannah said. "Cam, Allison, and Vanna have a hard target right now. Allison and Vanna shouldn't be in the middle of it."
John Henry sent the two teams of Terminators away from Savannah and Cammy. He wondered if Savannah knew this was the same thing Cameron did when John was in the field. She sent away all her help. He watched Cameron do it every time. He did take one precaution anyway. He asked Al and Ed to make a quick stop.
"Both teams are on the way." John Henry said.
Savannah wondered if she could talk the girls down. She didn't want to get into an argument with them. She could always 'order' Cam to drive them away. If Vanna tried to stop Cam, she would have to 'obey' her, not Vanna. It was bound to cause some hard feelings from Vanna and would stress Cam out because she needed to follow the 'order'. Vanna and Allison could both bail out of the vehicle as well before it drove away. It would put them in even greater peril. Something needed to be done at any rate. Maybe the best bet would be to try a softer approach.
"I need to call Vanna and Allison." Savannah said.
John Henry came up with the information on the vehicles registered to the address. There were two of them and neither was in the back. It was a married couple who lived there.
"We need to see if anyone is at home." Savannah said.
Savannah went to reach for the necklace.
"Let me get it." Cammy said.
Cammy picked up the broken necklace. It looked like it belonged to a female.
Savannah felt some empathy for the female who must have been wearing it only a short time ago. It may have possessed some sentimental value. It could have been from a lover or a relative.
"It belonged to someone…." Savannah said.
John Henry said what they all thought.
"They're most likely terminated." John Henry said.
Savannah didn't want to give up so easily. She wanted to know more going in.
"See if you can find out where these people work." Savannah said.
John Henry started a search for both of the vehicles and the employment data of the two individuals who lived there.
Cammy wanted to move things along until they received some more information.
"Let's go see if anyone is home." Cammy said.
Savannah still wanted to speak with Allison and Vanna.
"I need to call the girls." Savannah said.
Cammy thought it would go smoother if John Henry made the call. She worried Allison and Vanna would see it as a 'challenge' by Savannah. She worried about all the same things Savannah did. They hadn't discussed it. It just seemed like the way things would go.
"John Henry can do it." Cammy said. "Let's check the apartment. This is where we're at right now."
Savannah knew John Henry and CamNet were on top of all of the operations. She was sure Young Allison and Anna were deeply involved as well. She didn't want to add another 'cook' to the recipe. The way things looked right now, something was bound to 'boil over'. The heat wasn't even turned up yet either.
Cam held her M4 and waited in the SUV with Vanna and Allison.
Allison kept track of everything. She wanted to act.
"I'm ready to move as soon as they get close in the back." Allison said.
They received updated information from John Henry.
"There are two teams of Terminators on the way to take over." Cam said. "We will be able to return to the Resistance base once they arrive."
Allison wasn't about to run out on the team. She wanted everyone to know where she stood. She felt it was on firm ground.
"They can back us up." Allison said. "We're not leaving."
Vanna wanted to remain there no matter what. They were already there. They could lend additional fire support if necessary.
"We'll stay, even if we become the back up." Vanna said. "What's the ETA on the assistance?"
Cam didn't like the delay. If any elements of the team were 'made', they could all be in greater danger.
"It's about ten minutes." Cam said. "Cameron's Terminators, Richard and Michael, are holding for now."
Vanna handed Allison one bag of food.
"Finish your breakfast sandwich." Vanna said. "We have some time to kill."
Cam came up with a better idea.
"Hopefully we will have some of the anti-Metal faction to kill too." Cam said.
Allison looked at a half eaten breakfast sandwich she took out of the bag.
"I think this one is yours." Allison said.
Vanna looked at the one she was holding. There was only one bite out of it. She was going to tell Allison she ate most of the hash brown sticks. Instead she looked at the other vest draped over her abdomen and handed Allison the mostly intact breakfast burger.
"I'm sorry." Vanna said. "I didn't pay attention. I guess I'm a little keyed up right now. This is a little bit more action at breakfast time than I'm used to. I mean besides in the bedroom."
Allison couldn't help but smile and giggle. She traded with Vanna. She really didn't think a few bites one way or the other would really make a difference. She did appreciate the gesture by her longtime lover.
"Thanks." Allison said. "I feel hungry."
Vanna didn't want to think about some of the things she needed to do to make sure Allison was provided with enough to eat when there wasn't anything. She always looked after Allison. She always did and always would. She looked at her half eaten sandwich.
"You can have some of mine if you want more." Vanna said.
Cam listened to the conversation. She wondered if maybe they would need to stop by another fast food restaurant on the way home. They could even go to the restaurant they originally intended to. She would like to get them out of the danger zone as quickly as possible.
Allison smiled at Vanna. She knew it was a very gracious offer on her part
"You always take care of me." Allison said. "It's only one of the many reasons why I love you."
Vanna felt her heart flutter a little bit with Allison's statement. She remembered their playfulness earlier when Allison fed her a few bites. She knew the love was there and it was strong. It was always there, even when there was a 'problem'. Sometimes when they were upset with each other, it wasn't actually the other person they were upset with, but usually something they did which was upsetting.
She needed to think about where they were. There was real danger where they were at. They faced the unknown as far as what the enemy would do. More than likely shooting would break out at some point. There would be bullets flying. Some of the Terminators may be damaged. There was a chance one of them could catch a stray round. There was really no way to know what would happen at any given point in time.
Vanna thought about taking off her vest and draping it over Allison so she would be protected by three of them. Allison was her life. Allison was the only reason why she was still alive on multiple levels. It was more than just being rescued from the 'burn pile'. There were times when she was ready to 'give up'. Her love for Allison gave her the strength to endure whatever it was. Allison's love always touched her in her darkest moments. Allison's love kept her alive.
"I love you too, Allison." Vanna said.
Cam felt a little uneasy hearing the girls express their love for each other right in front of her. It was nothing new to her. It still left her with a slight feeling of emptiness. She knew at the end of the day, she was still only a placeholder. Vanna and Allison clearly belonged together. You would do nothing to stand in their way. She knew the true test of love was sacrifice. She was willing to sacrifice so Vanna could have the best experience and the love she deserved from a real person, not a cyborg masquerading as a human female. She decided to express her earlier thought when it came to some more food.
"When we're done here, if anyone is still hungry, we can go to the pancake place." Cam said. "We're already out so we might as well make the most of it. I think things here will wrap up pretty soon without the need for our direct involvement."
Vanna and Allison looked at each other. They were both very surprised by Cam's statement.
Young Allison and Anna worked with CamNet to back up John Henry in his search.
Anna was worried more drastic measures may be needed to keep things from escalating too quickly.
"Do you want to order Cam to hold?" Anna asked.
Young Allison didn't want to rush things needlessly.
"Richard and Michael are holding." Young Allison said. "Cam's team should sit tight."
Anna was aware all the drones except the two with Cam's team were searching for the two vehicles from the apartment. One of the two people should be at work. The other one may be AWOL. It was most likely going to end with a very negative scenario.
"CamNet is also searching for the two vehicles from the apartment." Anna said.
Young Allison thought about the time of day.
"Check where they work." Young Allison said. "One of them is probably at their job. It should narrow the search."
They both figured the other one never made it. Neither one of them voiced the thought. They were well aware how most individuals from the future would respond when they were in a tight situation. The fact they believed a female may have been carjacked and kidnapped only made it worse. Females didn't do very well with most groups from the future. The fact the individual they sought was injured would probably only exacerbate the problems.
Anna saw Al and Ed, and now Steve and Tom, were on the way to assist Cam's team. She understood the implications.
"Savannah sent all her help away." Anna said.
Young Allison actually understood why.
"Does it remind you of anyone?" Young Allison asked.
Anna understood the reference. She watched the same scenario play out multiple times.
"It's what Cameron does, especially when John is in the field." Anna said. "Savannah did indicate the threat wasn't at their current location. It was where Cam's team was at and wherever the unknown vehicle was at."
Young Allison couldn't disagree with Savannah's assessment. She was sure there was no immediate threat to Savannah and Cammy. It appeared if the person they were after, along with the person who was missing, were long gone. They still didn't know what was what.
"I'm not as worried as I would be because it looks like the Fanatic is gone for now." Young Allison said. "They need to find out more."
Anna thought they needed to verify it first. They didn't know what they would find in the room. She didn't want Young Allison to make a presumption without more information.
"We still don't know what is what." Anna said. "Not until Cammy and Savannah check the apartment."
Young Allison remembered a saying she heard before.
"You're right." Young Allison said. "It's never over until it's over."
Young Allison would have a drone over Savannah soon. It would be 'ordered' to stay with Savannah until she was back at the base. She knew sometimes she might have to play hardball. It's what she was willing to do to make sure Savannah was protected. She didn't want to pull any assistance away for more Vanna and Allison were at either. She did understand Savannah's reasoning earlier, even if she didn't like it.
Cammy led the way towards the apartment.
Savannah wondered about the apartment number.
"Is it on the second level?" Savannah asked.
Cammy was aware of how things generally worked. There were always exceptions.
"It would normally be the case with the 'two hundred' number series." Cammy said. "You never know. I've encountered anomalies before."
Cammy thought of the time she tracked down a future Gray. The apartment building they resided in was some type of split level arrangement where it was like there were three floors, but it was actually only two the way things were arranged. It didn't matter. As soon as she found the apartment she went in the front door, Terminator Style. The future Gray was no longer a problem when she left.
Savannah thought Cammy referred to some of Cameron's 'off the books' operations. She knew a lot of things happened at night when she was asleep. Cammy liked to keep busy. She would accompany Cameron, along with Sheila and Ally, to 'clean up' various illicit activities. She was sure there were other activities as well. They were probably related to Skynet or other future matters. If they were things which needed to be dealt with, then they needed to be dealt with. What was the point in waiting? It would still need to be done.
They entered the courtyard. There was a pool, two stairways and an elevator.
Savannah thought about their options.
"You go up the stairs and I'll go up the elevator." Savannah said. "It will put us on both sides of the front door. Look for any blood."
Cammy nodded and took off for the stairway.
Savannah headed for the elevator. She pushed the button and the elevator door opened. She took one look inside. She couldn't help but swallow hard.
"Cammy!" Savannah called.
Cammy waited to go up the stairs until Savannah went in the elevator.
She heard the elevator door open and Savannah call her name.
Cammy quickly hurried back towards the elevator. She knew there was probably going to be bad news.
Savannah waited outside the elevator and held the 'trip bar' in so the door wouldn't close. She saw Cammy rush towards her.
When Cammy arrived she saw why Savannah called her.
There were drops of blood inside the elevator, and a purse.
Cammy picked up the purse. She opened it up and looked inside.
"There are no keys." Cammy said.
Savannah wondered if it was a robbery.
"Is there a wallet inside?" Savannah asked.
Cammy reached inside and pulled it out.
"Yes." Cammy said.
Cammy looked further. There was money inside the wallet.
Savannah could see the cash. It was several hundred dollars.
"We know this wasn't a robbery." Savannah said.
The missing keys said it all.
"It's something worse." Cammy said.
Cammy held up an ID badge.
John Henry called them.
"I found out where the female works." John Henry said.
Savannah already knew the answer.
"She works at a local hospital." Savannah said. "We just found her purse and ID."
John Henry found out she worked the midnight shift.
"Correct." John Henry said. "Her shift ended one hour ago."
Cammy looked at Savannah. It was clear why the Fanatic put the grab on her.
"The Fanatic has her." Cammy said. "He must have seen her work outfit and wanted aid. He probably figured she would be able to help him. It would be to stabilize the wound if nothing else."
John Henry verified eyes on the other car. They knew which car they would need to search for. It narrowed the search.
"The husband is at work. The other car is in the lot where he works." John Henry said. "We at least know the car we're looking for."
John Henry gave them the description.
Savannah figured one of the drones would find it, or John Henry would through one of the traffic cams.
"I hope you spot it soon." Savannah said.
Cammy found a spare door key to the apartment in the wallet. She held it up for Savannah to see.
"We're going to check inside the apartment real quick." Cammy said.
Cammy and Savannah entered the elevator.
There was a small bottle of water in the purse. Cammy dumped it on the blood drops and dispersed them so it would be harder to identify the original source of the stain was blood. It was deluded enough so it seemed to have a yellowish brown tint to it. It didn't look like blood.
The girls were a little surprised once the elevator stopped.
The door opened on the second floor. There was an older man waiting to get in. His legs were very bowed. He used a cane to help with his mobility.
Savannah didn't want any problems or unnecessary injuries.
"Be careful." Savannah said. "There's some liquid on the floor. I don't know what it is."
The older man looked at the fluid. He shook his head with disgust.
"It is probably the nag in 208 and her little dog." The old man said. "The little sissy mutt is a menace. It acts like it wants to kill everyone. All I have to do is punt it if it comes close to me. Well, if I was a little younger I would be able to do it. I'm a little worse for the wear nowadays. Maybe I'll give it a rap alongside the head with my cane the next time it tries to bite me. What kind of an imbecile keeps a dog in an apartment building? They should be charged with animal cruelty."
Savannah knew exactly what the man referred to with little dogs. Somehow it seemed the smaller they were, the more they tried to act like they were bigger.
"I think you're right." Savannah said. "Please be careful when you get out and watch your step. Have a good day."
He entered the elevator and they heard the doors close as they moved up to room 204.
Cammy wasn't sure the dog was to blame for its problems. It sounded more like the owner was at fault for not properly training the animal. If the animal wasn't directed on how to act, it would simply be like a spoiled child. It would act out on its own without fear of repercussions.
They quickly reached the front door of apartment 204.
Cammy moved forward with the key.
Savannah reached out and gently touched her. She didn't want to walk in on somebody.
"See if you can hear anything." Savannah said.
Cammy listened for a short time. She couldn't detect anything.
"I think it's empty." Cammy said. "I don't hear a shower or any water running. I don't hear any snoring, or kitchen sounds, or a TV, or radio."
Cammy handed Savannah the necklace. She then opened the door and went in.
She set the purse on a chair by the door and looked around.
Savannah set the necklace down in front of the purse.
"I don't think the nurse made it this far." Cammy said. "The Fanatic was probably hiding in the parking lot and saw her arrive in her uniform. He most likely moved to intercept her for assistance."
Savannah was sure the nurse would be terminated once she finished rendering aid.
"He took her away." Savannah said. "It doesn't look good for her. We need to try to find them. We need to find where she was taken."
Cammy didn't think it would end well for the nurse either. She looked at her picture on her driver's license. She was a nice looking female. Once the man was patched up, she would most likely be abused and then terminated to tie up any loose ends. She knew it could be worse for the female. Wherever she was taken, there could be others associated with the injured individual. They would probably all abuse the female before she was terminated.
She decided not to mention it to Savannah. There was nothing they could do about it. Well, at least until they were given a location. She planned to do something about it in a very aggressive fashion once she arrived. She decided not to mention it to Savannah either.
Young Allison went over the new information on the female and her vehicle. It appeared as if they knew what all the pieces of the puzzle looked like. Now they needed to put it together. They would still need to get a few more pieces of the puzzle to do it
"We have a name, a face, and a car." Young Allison said. "I want a location now."
Anna was aware they were searching everywhere the vehicle could have gone during the time frame they were dealing with.
"John Henry and CamNet are both working on it." Anna said.
The help Savannah sent for Cam's team was almost to the location.
Young Allison checked her monitors.
"I see the two teams of Terminators have arrived to assist Cameron's Terminators." Young Allison said.
Anna heard John Henry reassign Cam's team to backup duties.
"Things should happen there soon." Anna said. "Cam's team is now the back up team."
Young Allison felt it made them a little safer, but not by much. They were still in a potential combat zone. There could always be a breakaway, or even new arrivals. They didn't know what the situation was other than the vehicle was spotted at the old gas station.
"It's good to hear." Young Allison said. "Things can still escalate."
Young Allison felt there were a couple of issues at play.
Anna could see Cammy and Savannah would need to acquire some transportation. They were all alone and on foot right now.
"They'll need wheels." Anna said. "There's a chance the Fanatic may take the nurse back to their hideout."
Young Allison hoped to target the location. She didn't want any survivors. She was still upset about the threat they posed to Savannah and the rest of the team earlier.
"We'll hit it once it is identified." Young Allison said.
Anna thought about some of the locations they'd taken down in the earlier part of the week.
"We've destroyed several of their places in the last few days." Anna said.
It seemed like a lot more happened to Young Allison.
"We've done a lot in the last week." Young Allison said.
They both knew Savannah was in most of those encounters.
"It's true." Anna said.
Young Allison was glad Savannah and Cammy weren't in an immediate fight. It was still Allison and Vanna with Cam she worried about.
She knew both Allison and Vanna saw action in their future. Allison's involvement was actually quite extensive. She understood why the girls weren't afraid to mix it up. Maybe it wasn't the fact they weren't afraid, they probably were to a certain extent. It would be a natural human reaction. Maybe it was more the fact they were willing to do what needed to be done, when it needed to be done. They were ready to do their 'job' and help defeat Skynet, or whatever illegitimate offshoots it spawned.
She hoped one day she would be able to do the same things Allison was able to do in her future. She hoped she would be able to measure up when the going got rough. She hoped the fact Allison was able to do it meant she would be able to do it as well.
Cammy and Savannah left the apartment. They decided not to use the elevator. They went down the stairs. They needed to get a new set of wheels and get out on the road. At some point, there was going to be a positive hit on the nurse's vehicle.
"I'll obtain transportation." Cammy said.
Savannah looked around. She wanted to put a little distance between where they were and where they 'borrowed' the vehicle from. She didn't want someone to call the police about a missing vehicle.
"We're going to do it elsewhere." Savannah said. "Enough has happened here at this location. We don't need more people snooping around here."
They were both aware the female could turn up dead.
"I think you're correct." Cammy said.
Savannah looked at the lot with the trees across the street when they left. It didn't appear to be anything related to the event. What they were after now seemed to have its own life.
Al and Ed already selected a vehicle for Cammy and Savannah. It was their own.
"I have some better news." John Henry said. "Al and Ed left their vehicle for you. You have vests and weapons now. They took another vehicle. The previous driver of their current vehicle parked it and got on a commuter bus. It doesn't sound like they'll miss it for a while."
John Henry directed them to a strip mall. It was around the corner.
Cammy and Savannah checked their phones.
"It looks like things are about to go critical where the rest of the teams are at." Cammy said.
Savannah saw there was still a drone over them from some of the footage. She previously instructed it should carry out reconnaissance duties with the rest of them. She wanted to find the female's car.
"I'm watching it." Savannah said. "Send the drone over us to search for the nurse's vehicle. I wanted it to leave earlier."
Savannah hoped to find the nurse before her value reached an end with the Fanatic.
Cammy communicated with John Henry and CamNet.
"The attempt to send the current drone away almost turned into something that caused a problem. It wasn't done as you requested this time." Cammy said. "The previous one was sent away as you requested earlier. It's an additional drone. It was 'ordered' by Young Allison to stay with our team. The original one is conducting reconnaissance. This one is going to stay with us."
Savannah understood Young Allison's action. She would keep sending their help away otherwise. She also felt they were a little out of a job right now so it seemed she was justified to do so. She decided they should relieve Cam's team.
"We can head over to where Cam, Allison, and Vanna are." Savannah said. "It's unless we get a hit on the nurse's car."
Savannah was worried about the safety of Allison and Vanna. She was also worried about the safety of the nurse. She really hoped she hadn't been killed yet. Maybe this would turn into a case where if someone was abused before they were killed, it might buy them some time and they may be able to reach them and rescue them. She didn't really like to think about it either way. She wouldn't want either scenario to happen to her or anyone else.
She wondered what she would do if she found out the nurse was abused before she was killed. She knew she would want vengeance. She wouldn't want anyone to know what she did to the perpetrators. She would need Cammy to assist her and then she would need to ask Cammy to delete and erase what she witnessed. She couldn't help but think about 'The Evil One' and 'The Redheaded Witch'. Maybe it was true. It didn't matter. She wanted justice to be served.
Allison was still behind the wheel of the SUV. She knew there were more of their Terminators on the way. One group just arrived.
"Steve and Tom are here." Allison said.
Cam was relieved to have some additional support.
"We have back up." Cam said.
Vanna wanted them to go back up the other teams. They weren't in danger.
"We don't need back up." Vanna said. "We are the backup now."
Allison wanted the other teams backed up. They were the ones who faced the threat.
"Have John Henry send them to assist the other two teams." Allison said.
Cam contacted John Henry. Her request was denied.
"CamNet wants us protected." Cam said.
Allison felt otherwise. She knew there was more than one way to make a point.
"I'm making a tactical call." Allison said. "I want them to assist the other two teams. If they don't, I'm going to assist them. It's just that simple."
Allison looked back at Vanna.
"I'm going with her." Vanna said. "It is just that simple."
Allison started the SUV.
Cam contacted CamNet and soon Steve and Tom drove away to join Al and Ed.
Allison turned the SUV off. She moved her body cam and looked into it. She wanted to send a clear message to everyone.
"I would have done it too." Allison said. "I just wanted you to know that. It's how I am. Remember it about Allison - Young Allison, too. She will act. We're 'doers' not 'observers'. No one will mistake us as JAFO."
No one doubted her, about either one of them.
Young Allison didn't like the latest development.
Anna heard Allison's proclamation and watched what she did next.
"Allison's started the SUV." Anna said.
Young Allison knew where it was headed. Allison wouldn't back down from a challenge, even if it was self issued.
"Allison will do it too." Young Allison said.
Anna wasn't so sure about it.
"I don't think she'll go." Anna said.
Young Allison knew 'herself'.
"If I was there, what would I do?" Young Allison asked.
Anna tilted her head slightly.
"If you were with Savannah, you would go in yourself." Anna said.
Young Allison saw 'herself' and 'Savannah' there.
"Allison is 'me' and Vanna is 'Savannah'." Young Allison said. "They're going to go. It's what I would do too. Savannah would back me up the same way I would back her up."
Anna contacted CamNet. She informed her Allison and Vanna wouldn't back down in this situation. The issue was resolved.
"CamNet has redirected Steve and Tom." Anna said.
An image appeared on one of their screens. It was Allison's body cam. There was a message sent. They weren't sure who the intended recipient was. Maybe it was all of them.
"I would have done it too." Allison said. "I just wanted you to know that. It's how I am. Remember it about Allison - Young Allison, too. She will act. We're 'doers' not 'observers'. No one will mistake us as JAFO."
No one doubted her.
Young Allison could see things were about to come to a head.
"Things are about to play out." Young Allison said.
Anna could see it was time for action.
"Apparently…." Anna said.
The Terminators all understood they needed to act. Any further delay was only going to prompt Allison and Vanna to want to do more. It was clear additional inaction would endanger the girls even more.
Cammy and Savannah located the SUV left for them by Al and Ed. It was in back of a strip mall. They were pleased they had vests and other weapons now. They headed to back up Cam's team. They were without a lead on the Fanatic or the nurse at this time.
Savannah needed to think about Allison's last statement to everyone. She didn't want there to be any further delay. She thought there were additional factors to consider as well.
"If they're ready to move in, I don't want them to wait." Savannah said. "The more they delay, the greater the chances are of a fight or hostile reinforcements arriving."
Cammy wanted to find the Fanatic. She also wanted the anti-Metal faction wiped out.
"All they have so far is the vehicle." Cammy said. "They don't know where anyone is actually at."
It meant the two men could be gone. They might have dumped the vehicle and fled.
Savannah wanted some additional information. She thought something would have turned up by now.
"What about backtracking on the traffic cams for where any of the original two vehicles came from?" Savannah asked.
None of them knew about CamNet's earlier involvement. There were going to need to be a few blank spots to keep her earlier activities in the dark.
"John Henry is looking into it." Cammy said.
Savannah thought it was where the Fanatic would try to return to. It was wherever he came from. If he was hurt he would try to seek aid wherever he could get it without going to a hospital. Going to the hospital with a gunshot wound always involved the police a short time later.
"Maybe it's the direction we should head and several of the drones should search." Savannah said.
Cammy could see Savannah was concerned with the nurse. There was a time sensitive issue on her 'usefulness'.
"John Henry is on it." Cammy said. "I know you are worried about the nurse."
Savannah thought about what was in the purse they found. She hoped there was some way they could track the individual if they couldn't find the vehicle. It might already be stashed at this point in time.
"Was her cell phone in her purse?" Savannah asked.
Cammy was aware of all of the contents of the purse.
"Yes." Cammy said.
Savannah tried to think of some of the medical TV shows she watched. She wondered what it would be like to play a part on one of them. Somehow she imagined both Cameron and her being on the same TV show. It would be like the real thing, but it would all be 'make believe'. A thought popped into her head from a scene she recently viewed.
"Don't some doctors and nurses have some kind of pager or device to alert them if they are needed for an emergency?" Savannah asked. "It's something other than their phone."
Cammy looked over at Savannah. She didn't see anything like one in the nurse's purse. It didn't necessarily mean she actually carried one on her. She may rely solely on her phone. It was worth a try. She contacted John Henry. It might be something to assist them.
Maybe this was the break they needed. He would need to see what the protocol was at the hospital she worked at. Once he was in their computer system he would be able to find out what the number was or how to activate the device. He hoped to be able to track the device.
"John Henry is checking." Cammy said.
Summer and Jan loved all the 'behind the scenes' perks they were able to see at the various zoo exhibits.
Sometimes they were allowed some 'hands on' interaction. They were even able to feed some of the animals.
Summer asked Holly to help her a few times so she could interact closer with the animals. She even got Bob involved once.
Holly and Bob were still a little apprehensive. They only felt comfortable doing it with Summer there. They didn't have any programming for dealing with animals other than to terminate them if necessary to complete the mission.
Lilly asked Summer when they were alone once about her 'parents'.
"Your parents seem very nervous around animals, especially when we're up close." Lilly said.
Summer wasn't sure where to go with the conversation.
"It's one reason why they brought us here. It was so we wouldn't have the same reservations they do." Summer said. "I think they would actually prefer to see all the animals in their own environment. I know a place like where we're at helps people appreciate animals more than if they didn't interact with them at all."
Lilly noted the animals seemed to like both of the adults the best. Most of the animals were a little reserved themselves when they were around people, especially if they were strangers. She noted the animals didn't seem to have those same inhibitions when the parents were around them.
"The animals they've interacted with really seem to like them." Lilly said. "I hope it will change their apprehension some. Most people don't get the same pleasant reception as they do with all of the animals."
Summer wanted to give them some cover. She knew it was all because of the new pheromones Cameron and Vanna developed.
"I think it will." Summer said. "I've seen some real happiness on their faces. They're both normally rather 'reserved'. It pleases me greatly to see them pleased."
Summer was aware a Terminator could develop a very blank look on their face at times. It was a little unnerving to view a face without any expression for an extended period of time. Right now she needed to deal with just the opposite. She needed to quietly tell Holly to put down the animal she held so they could move on to the next exhibit.
Holly thought she needed to try to explain herself.
"It wanted me to hold it." Holly said. "I could tell. I'll use better judgment next time. It was very exciting for me. I understand better what Cammy and Cam experienced."
Holly asked Cammy about the puppy she held before. She was able to do the same thing with a different animal. The new pheromones made the animals 'like' them and feel safe around them.
Bob was finally able to find pleasure in the experience. Summer brought one animal near him to see how it would react. She was able to hand it to Bob. He gave it a few pats on the head.
It was a very soothing experience for Bob. It was just like Cammy described.
He didn't know it, but Summer gave him a few pats on the head as well to help relieve his anxieties.
Cameron kept an eye on Riley. So did everyone else. She seemed fine and they finished the tour.
Dan and Frank were able to confirm no one took any special interest in their group. They coordinated with Ken and Lou to pick the girls up with the van and take them to the maritime museum. It was a short drive down the waterfront. They simply could have walked there easily. Cameron didn't want to take any chances with Riley. She knew if they all didn't go together, Riley wouldn't go on her own in the van.
No one even asked Cameron or Jesse if Ally or Sheila were their sisters, let alone their twins. Their disguises seemed to work very well. It was very hard to make out their facial features.
Cameron would walk with John, Derek, and Kyle to the maritime museum. It was only a ten minute walk. Ally went with the girls. Sheila stayed with Cameron and the boys.
Cameron moved ahead at a brisk pace. Derek and Kyle hurried to match her speed. John stopped for a few seconds to tie his shoe. He saw the rest of the group was a little ahead of him now.
He was really surprised when he felt a hand take his as he walked. He looked over and Sheila was next to him. She smiled at him but didn't say anything. They could feel a special bond between them now. It was very difficult to describe.
John previously made love to Cameron in Sheila's chassis, more than one time. Cameron shared the file with Sheila. To Sheila, it was as if John made love to her 'almost'. Even though Sheila shared the experience, the actual experience still belonged to Cameron.
Sheila hurried him along to catch the others. They shared a quick parting look as Sheila released his hand when he was back up with the group.
John thought how beautiful Sheila really was, even if Cameron wasn't in control of her chassis.
He was sure Sheila wanted more. He believed she indicated it without a word being spoken.
John felt a little bit of guilt about what Cameron did and 'took' from Sheila. He also felt a lot of desire to try it again. By what Sheila just did, it seemed to confirm she was alright with it and wanted to let him know. It was clear they both wanted more. He knew she wanted her 'one time' with him like Cameron promised her. He wanted it too.
He couldn't help but moisten his lips lightly as he stole another glance at Sheila. He really wondered how she would respond to his touch. He wondered how he would respond to her touch. He knew whatever it was; it was going to be a different experience than when Cameron was in control. It would actually be a different individual when it occurred, not the same individual in a different chassis like it was with Cameron.
Jim followed all the events from the Control Center. He hadn't been contacted by Cameron for an update. He thought it was a good thing. There was a lot of information he would need to sit on or suppress. It seemed a lot could go wrong before any of it was over.
The Gray decided he was going to stop by and get some 'trim' at the first homeless encampment he came to. He felt he owed it to himself for surviving the night and the morning so far. He was concerned about how much time he might actually have left. Many of those he worked with were killed in the last few days.
If he remembered correctly, there was a homeless encampment right around the corner from the park. He figured the encampment was located there so the homeless people could use the park facilities from time to time. If they actually tried to live in the park, which some of them tried before, they would be run out by angry parents who didn't want a bad influence on their children. It was always a much worse encounter for the homeless with angry parents than it was with the authorities. Angry parents didn't have any limits on what they would do if they were agitated or provoked.
The authorities didn't do anything to stop homelessness. They actually seemed to encourage it by giving them tents to live in and food from time to time. He really wondered how the city was ever going to cure the homeless problem, if the city was part of the problem.
He turned at the park and drove along one side of it. He made a left turn to where there was a small field. He could see the tents and crudely constructed shanties from cardboard and old tires ahead of him.
There wasn't much movement around it at this hour. He was pretty sure one of the females would hear the truck when he stopped in front. The arrival of a truck should indicate why it was there. The females knew where they could earn a few bucks. It wasn't really like prostitution or anything. It was just about getting some money to eat.
He really didn't want to wake the entire camp. He put the flatbed into 'neutral' and coasted to the far side of the encampment. He waited a few moments with the truck idling. He didn't see anyone. He reached over and opened the passenger side door. It was a clear invitation for someone to get in.
About a minute passed. Normally someone would show up by now. He knew it was still early. He knew most of the homeless claimed they didn't have money for anything to live on. Somehow they always had money for alcohol and drugs. Many of them were strung out on some version of either substance a lot of the time. For some it was both of the substances.
There was some movement off to the side. He saw two females look out of a small tent. It looked like they talked something over among themselves. He wondered if he could get both of them. He was usually good for two finishes in about a ten or fifteen minute time span. If there were two girls, he was pretty sure he could knock off two finishes in five minutes. He wasn't really sure why it worked like that, it just did.
One of the females left the tent while the other one watched her. She approached the flatbed truck.
The Gray pushed the thoughts of what occurred recently from his mind as the female approached. He didn't want to think about the dead and the explosions. He just wanted a few minutes of release to free his mind.
"Would you like a ride?" The Gray asked.
The female looked back at the tent and gave her friend a thumbs up.
"I'm just looking to get something to eat." The female said.
The Gray looked her over. She looked like she was about thirty years old. Past experience taught him she was probably ten years or more, less than thirty. Life on the street was hard. It was the same way in the future. It seemed those who survived, ended up looking a lot older than they actually were.
"I'll give you five bucks to buy some food." The Gray said.
The female looked back at the tent.
"My friend is hungry too." The female said. "We need twenty bucks for both of us to get a good meal."
The Gray liked where things were headed.
"Would you both eat at the same time?" The Gray asked.
The female looked back at the tent.
"We can do that too." The female said. "Desert is going to cost a little more. It is always extra, anywhere."
The Gray looked around the interior of the truck. It would be a little crowded for more than two people at one time on the bench seat.
"I think twenty five bucks is a fair price for both of you to eat and share dessert." The Gray said.
A big smile blossomed on the homeless female's face.
"Why don't you park this rig and we can talk about it in my tent." The female said. "I'm sure it won't take long to discuss everything. When there are two of us, the discussion will go very quickly."
The Gray didn't see the need to drive around and look for some place where he could be with both of the homeless females. The homeless camp would have probably been a shock to most of the people in the present. It was like a luxury apartment to some of the places where he needed to live in the past, the future. It was one of the reasons why he signed on with Skynet. Life was much easier. There was food to eat and the perks were the best part. There was no shortage of captured female prisoners. It didn't really matter about their appearance. It only mattered what they could provide.
"It sounds like a plan." The Gray said.
He didn't really like all the rigmarole and convoluted talk. He knew most of the homeless females didn't want to be associated with prostitution. It was something which only seemed to further degrade them in their own eyes. The females weren't whores, they were just down on their luck. He didn't think helping someone eat was too big of a deal for any of them.
The Gray pulled the flatbed over to the side of the road down a hundred feet from the homeless encampment. The homeless female waited for him to walk back. She led him back to her tent.
The female Fanatic was a little disgusted to watch a female approach the stopped flatbed truck. It was clear to her what was about to happen. She watched the two of them talk for a very short time. The flatbed truck pulled off to the side of the road and parked. The female waited by the side of the road until the Gray returned to where she was at. It gave her a really good look at what he looked like.
She really wondered why he didn't go to wherever he was going. She briefly considered he may not have another place to go to. She thought about it a little more. No. There was always some other place a Gray would know about. She also needed to consider the possibility he might not be a Gray, but just a truck driver. No. She was sure he was a Gray.
She watched another female at the front of the tent as the Gray and the female approached. She reached down and touched her pistol. This would be her opportunity to kill him. She didn't think he would abuse the females in the homeless camp with others around. It would quickly draw a crowd. Even if he was armed, gunfire would only bring more trouble.
There were a few other things to think about. He could kill both of the females with a knife. She took a silenced pistol from what she believed was one of the same group earlier. He may have one of those as well. He might use the females and shoot both of them. No one would hear a thing.
The female Fanatic watched them go into the tent. If she didn't see at least one of the females when he left, she was going to kill him as he got back in the flatbed truck. It didn't matter if he was a Gray or not. She would then move on to her next target location.
Hank and Larry both wondered at what point CamNet would ask them to intervene or if she would do nothing. They watched the Gray park near the homeless encampment and a female eventually approached the flatbed truck.
"It appears someone may be interested." Hank said.
Larry really didn't understand the whole issue. He knew people didn't need to live the way the homeless people did. There were plenty of groups out there available to assist them.
"I believe some type of barter is about to occur." Larry said.
They watched the Gray carry on a short conversation with the female and park the truck. He got out and joined the female. She led him back to the tent she came out of. There was another female at the opening as they entered.
Hank felt they should make their move before anyone was injured.
"Now is our time to act." Hank said.
Larry reminded Hank about their other obligations.
"If we do, the female Fanatic will spot us." Larry said. "It will blow our cover."
Hank and Larry could do little more than wait for the transaction to be completed. They both wondered if the female Fanatic would take any action on her own. They wouldn't stop her if she did.
Closing monologue by Cameron:
That Caused A Problem
Everyone wants things in life
To be smooth and easy
When they start to go wrong
It can leave one feeling queasy
There are already enough issues
No one needs to have more
They never seem to go away
No matter how long one will ignore
Sooner or later with everyone
There will be some kind of trouble
When it isn't taken care of
It usually expands into double
When a conundrum develops
It can become quite problematic
To resolve the situation so it's satisfactory
Nothing will be automatic
Some want to have more
There isn't going to be a harem
When one thought there was
That caused a problem
Nobody