Cybernetic Dreams by LongRider

Disclaimer: No insult or copyright infringement is intended. All I own is a laptop and a motorbike. I really, really don't want to be sued. Reviews are always welcome.

Chapter 1

Cameron didn't know how she came to be in this place. For some unknown factor she could not access her memory files.

It was possible she was malfunctioning again. Ever since the incident with the car bombing Cameron had been all too aware of instances where her operational performance was different to what it should be.

Files would replay unbidden. New data took longer to process, the missions took too long because of distractions. She hesitated when it came to the correct course of action.

Errors were being made.

If she were still in 2027 she would have been shut down. Cameron wouldn't have a choice, either submit to having her CPU removed or be shut down permanently via a plasma rifle.

Whenever John mentioned "fixing" her, something akin to countermeasures would override her functions.

Cameron started exploring her surroundings. On cursory inspection it appeared to be the school she and John attended. If her mission clock were working she would know the likelihood of John being here.

The sound of laughter drew Cameron outside to the lunch area.

There was John. Sat with a girl whose identity she could not determine.

"John?" She inquired.

"Cameron, what are you doing here?" The question must have been rhetorical. John knew she had to stay close, to protect him.

"We should go home John." She tried.

"He's not going anywhere with you." the girl spoke. Before Cameron could form a reply, she continued.

"He's coming with me."

"Why?" Seemed to be the only word available to her.

"Because I have a soul, because I have a heartbeat, because I have a birthday."

"I. . . " Cameron tried, but her power-cell seemed to be drained down to minimum.

"You? . . What? Have a birthday? You can't. You weren't born, you were built, you're a thing, programmed and designed to pretend, to lie. You're fake, not real." The girl reached for her hair and pulled.

"Take that off, it isn't yours." Cameron turned to see her reflection in the glass. Her clothes were gone, her skin was gone, everything was gone, a pair of glowing eyes and a hyperalloy combat chassis remained. She turned to the couple in front of her.

"John." She asked, but he did not respond. Did not even acknowledge she was there.

"Look at yourself." The girl continued.

"Look, and then ask yourself, how could John care about that." Cameron tried to get Johns attention again.

"John, please." It worked, his green eyes turned on her and for one brief moment she felt a surge of power.

"What? Cameron, what do you want?"

"I. . . " She tried and failed yet again.

"Can you want Cameron? Can you choose? Or are you just following orders? Just here because you were programmed to be? Just a tool, a weapon that can be used against it's creator. Only useful for as long as it works."

She paused at Johns words. He had always asked unique questions. She still didn't have enough information to indicate if he was testing her or if he was gathering data. But this time he was not patient. He did not give her time to formulate answers. He just became increasingly angry with her until his attention was drawn away by the unidentified girl.

"He's with me now." Finally she turned to face Cameron. Same eyes, Same features. This intruder had her face. Before she could act something immobilised her.

"TOK715. You have countermanded your core programming, you have assisted the enemy. You have been designated for re-call and will be shutdown." Cameron tried to scream, tried to fight, but she was completely immobile, not even able to turn away from sight of the girl with her face.

"Don't worry about John, I'll take good care of him" If she could have, Cameron would have screamed as the girls eyes flashed red.

"And when he tells me he loves me I will Terminate him."

Cameron woke up.