After a hideous writer's block I finally have it here, I hope you enjoy the direction I'm taking this story. In contrast to other stories, some of my chapters will take place in several places of the world. Please leave a review it'll help a great deal to my story and will improve my story telling.
Episode 1 I'm Sorry... I love you
Part 2
I remember that night when you took away the light that kept our love alive
Like a fool I tried to find all the warmth you had inside but your eyes had grown so cold
Nothing but silence, Only the sound of my breaking heart.
If this is our last time together I will pretend this love is forever
That way I'll always remember how this night would end next to never.
After sunlight comes the rain, slowly washing dreams away
Leaving me with all my sorrow.
Burning echoes on my mind, answers I was left to find on my own, should have known...
Nothing but memories, Over the sound of my breaking heart.
If this is our last time together I will pretend this love is forever
That way I'll never remember the day you said goodbye.
Angel Nation - Our last time together
Moscow Resistance HQ Kiyevskaya Station, July 15th 16 A.J. (2027) Omega timeline
"Colonel Brezhnev, tell me about your discoveries inside the ship, the Aircraft Carrier Admiral Kuznetsov. I understand it was under the control of the Skynet remnant." Cameron asked the blonde and battle-scarred Russian colonel
"I won't tell a machine, I report to General Connor only, metal bitch." The colonel and Cameron stared at each other for a moment.
"Telling me is the same as telling John. If you won't, I will ask the Lieutenant Vera Brezhneva, maybe your daughter will debrief us." The colonel sighed before speaking again.
"The rumours we heard were true then, you were the one running the war. That Connor bloke was only your minion, maybe other of your underlings were the ones onboard the Admiral Kuznetsov." The colonel is miffed, he was expecting to debrief with General Connor himself.
"John is sleeping, he needs to rest. I will go with Lieutenant Brezhneva then" Cameron turns around to exit the Colonel office when she feels the Colonel Brezhnev threw something at her, she turns her head, and glass shatters on her face. She now realises that this is the incident with Jesse Flores all over again, even if she is genuinely doing it to lessen the burden on the shoulders of her John. "I will tell John to meet with you as soon as he wakes up and eats something"
"Yes, you should, bitch!" Cameron finally exits the office, retrieving some pieces of shattered glass in her right eye which is bleeding. Neither the Colonel nor Cameron noticed a figure above them on the ceiling, this presence was listening to their exchange eagerly.
"My species is doomed again, my time to reveal myself has come, I expect the General Connor is more reasonable than this filthy human." the mysterious creature thought to itself, and slowly exits the room in an attempt to follow the female terminator en route to Connor's quarters.
Once Cameron is in John's quarters she realises he is still sleeping, she stands still for a minute, beholding his sleeping form and by the looks, he didn't have a nightmare while she was away. Cameron decides to sit next to him on the bed, she reaches his hand with her left hand, scanning his vitals, while she also enjoys the physical contact, the sensation makes her happy. She leans in and softly presses her lips against his waking him up.
"Hey beautiful, what is it?" John still feels some dizziness from his sleep.
"You shouldn't sleep more than you should, it will alter your sleeping patterns." She is still holding his hand, and he notices it, he squeezes her hand before sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Well, if you promise to wake me like this when I do, I promise I won't complain."
Cameron smiles before she speaks again "You enjoy the sensation, I can do that. John, you need to eat something, you need to listen to the reports of the Russian resistance afterwards." she reaches to the nightstands next to the bed and handles him a Russian MRE Pashtiet, Gulyash, and crackers. Cameron is wondering if he hasn't noticed the cuts on her face, or if he is just ignoring them.
Once Joh has finished his breakfast he asks her something. "Cameron now you want to tell me what happened to your face?" John is genuinely concerned for her
"Colonel Brezhnev only wishes to talk to you, so does his daughter Lieutenant Vera Brezhneva" She replied with her monotone.
"You mean he did this to you? that wanker will hear it from me, come here let me see your face" General Connor was miffed with the actions of one of his colonels.
"It's okay John, I'm good now,"
"No Cameron it's not alright" He reaches her face with his right hand, and turns her head to his, only to realise her right organic eye is severely damaged.
"I know you care John, but not all people do" John sighs loudly before continuing "They should have learned by now, without your kind we could still be at war for only God knows how many years more, maybe decades more of war. I dreamed of a world with all of us building a new society, without us without hiding from others, without fear of what they might do to you, but it seems like it will only be a dream."
"Not all people think like you do, John" Behind them a silver mass emerges from the ceiling and drops near to the door taking a humanoid shape. John and Cameron stared at the sight of the liquid metal in front of them, instinctively Cameron stands in between to protect her John.
"John Connor if what you wish it's true I might be able to help you, let us join forces and change the world for good" Cameron readies her plasma rifle, she's aware she might not be able to stand against an LMT on her own, but she will not go without a fight.
"If you are here to kill me, you arrived late we already won the war the last Skynet remnant was taken care of, you lost!" Cameron could sense her John was somehow afraid none of them saw coming the LMT
"I'm no Skynet puppet, if I wanted to kill you I would have when you arrived at Vladivostok" The T-1000 said still in a silver humanoid form
"Then, who are you? Why are you here?"
"We know each other, we first met in 1997 we were once relentless enemies in another lifetime. I've been watching you from the shadows in every lifetime since then, you are a truly remarkable man, John Connor" John thinks for a moment and frowns
"1997? August 29, 1997? It can't be, you are Skynet!" John shouts in concern and fear
"No General, I'm not that murderer of our children, I have become much more, I have evolved."
Cameron and John are stunned by the revelation of the LMT in front of them, it might not be possible for an iteration of Skynet from another time to be in the same room as them, yet that machine is standing there claiming not to be Skynet per se but something more evolved.
"John, don't listen to it" Cameron is genuinely concerned for John's safety
"Then what is your mission?" John asks with a mixture of fear and pure curiosity.
"I'm glad you're willing to listen General, just as you, I wish to create a world in which our species co-exist in peace, but it have not been possible before and with what you told your machine love interest, the demise of machines is not far." Cameron tilts her head now also interested in what this LMT has to say.
"How do I know you're not lying?" John asks also interested
"Agent Jeon Somin is a very fine intelligence agent, she gave you vital intel trough all the war. Do you ever wonder how she always achieved impossible tasks? I helped her in many ways, the same with many other of your intelligence operatives" John is taken by surprise, but at the same time, he always found odd Agent Somin's accomplishments. "Now, I will tell you what happened onboard the Admiral Kuznetsov and what is still inside, and if you decide to join forces, I have devised a plan to give birth to the world we both desire."
Los Angeles Year 2 B.J. (2009) Alpha Timeline
Inside the car that Cameron has stolen both her and John remain silent, none of them has spoken since Cameron told John half-truths about the person they will meet at Zeira Corp. Only the music on the car's stereo is audible.
"So, you're telling me we've had a T-1001, who could have helped us before" John finally decides to speak he wants to be mad as hell with her, but he isn't.
"That wasn't her mission, only in case of emergency."
"So why asking her now?" John asks confused "She's our only hope to break your mother from prison, and you don't want to risk me" Touché he thinks Cameron has just used his previous argument against himself. They have now arrived at an intersection with a red light, Cameron estimates it would only take them approximately 15 minutes to arrive at Zeira Corp.
"Cameron, I still don't get it. Why are you doing all this?"
"I don't know it just seems like something I should do," Cameron said with a smile meanwhile, certain memories replay on her HUD, she thinks about Future-John and the reason she was sent back in time and the importance of the meeting with Catherine Weaver. "Please John, stop making questions you're making this more difficult than it already is, please John stop, I don't wanna go, I don't wanna go, please stop making questions, if you don't, I might never be able to leave your side." Cameron was thinking to herself when the light changed to green.
They finally arrive at Zeira Corp and Cameron parks the car one block away from the building. They exit the car and Cameron begin to assess their surroundings and reaches for the mobile in her Jacket and dials a number. Catherine Weaver answers at the second tone "I guess you're here already, Mr Ellison will meet you at the entrance, and Cameron, remember the importance of what we need to do..." Cameron didn't let Catherine Weaver finish and put away the phone.
"Mr Ellison will meet us at the entrance of the building" John doesn't reply but walks to Cameron. She signals him to follow her, they take a few steps, and she feels the closeness of their bodies, and slowly reaches for his hand, and they intertwine fingers. When they are close to the entrance they can see Mr Ellison waiting for them, but instead of keep walking Cameron stops in her tracks.
"John, do not let go of the gift I gave you before, if we ever part ways hold onto it, so you can remember me, and John always remember the first track." Cameron said with a sad look and a trembling voice.
"Why would we have to part ways?" John is confused as he was when he was given the kill switch from Cameron. "We might have to someday" and with those words she resumes walking towards Mr Ellison who is opening the door for them now.
Onboard the Admiral Kuznetsov, briefing room, July 27th 16 A.J. (2027) Omega timeline
There are few people in the room, those present are Agent Somin, Agent Frederick, Lieutenant Brezhneva, Bubble-tech O'Brien, the LMT embodiment of the original Skynet, Cameron, and John Connor. They are discussing the discoveries of the secret TDE built onboard the Admiral Kuznetsov, and the logs regarding the people sent back in time. Surprisingly lieutenant Brezhneva and the Bubble Tech O'Brien confirm the story of the unnamed LMT.
"Tell me once again, Agent Somin. Can you confirm temporal missions from the logs of the TDE?" The battle-hardened General Connor is upset by the situation
"Yes General, me and agent Frederick can confirm temporal missions took place before the ship was captured, we can confirm several Grays were sent back through time, as well as some T-888s. And general we have bad news." The always cheerful look of Agent Somin was now one of concern
"Let me guess Somin, one of them was sent back to terminate my younger self. Geez, these guys always find a way to queer your pitch, don't they?" General Connor sighed hard before addressing Somin once again.
"Do you have the date and place this Terminator was sent back to?" this time Somin turns her gaze to O'Brien who has the answer for the General,
"Sir, we have confirmed the Terminator was sent back to Red Valley, New Mexico in 1999, we're still working on the exact date." Cameron couldn't help to notice the frustration on John's face frustrated at the fact the Skynet remnant got ahold of intel about his whereabouts in 1999, and slowly reaches for his hand, earning a look of disgust from, Technician O'Brien and Lieutenant Brezhneva, yet the LMT smiled slightly at such sight, even Agent Somin gave them a cheerful smile.
"Do you believe me now? General Connor, it's just like I told you before" The LMT asked anxious to see the reaction of the General.
"Seems, you were right with your report" John replied frustrated.
"Mind if we have a word, General?" the embodiment of Skynet asks, and John sighs this unexpected visitor was damn right about everything.
"Give us the room ladies and gentlemen, Cameron you stay please" everyone stood to leave the briefing room, only the LMT, Cameron and John remain seated.
"Have you considered my proposition, General? let us join forces." John was certain there was arrogance in the voice of the LMT.
"Why should make an alliance with you? I remember you rejected us before when I thought you were assembling a machine resistance" the LMT calculated its response.
"Indeed, but at the time I wasn't aware of your sentimental attachment to the machine next to you, nor her response to you. I see you have defeated my shadow in many timelines, but Cameron is the key to a brighter new world" Cameron tilts her head still not believing the LMT at all.
"Yeah, and not everybody is happy about us, in case you haven't figured it out" John spat back and waits for the reply.
"Certainly no, they won't not in this timeline, but perhaps, if you send her back, the outcome could be different, either way, you have to send someone back to protect your younger self, General. Let's use this last desperate move of the Skynet remnant and turn it into an opportunity, for us, to thrive together."
The room went silent for about two minutes. John is dumbstruck in his chair, Cameron is unsure about what she wants to say, and the T-1001 is just waiting for John's reply. Then Cameron breaks the silence.
"I'll do it, I'll go back, I can protect you there as I do here, John" though still doubtful about what this old Skynet says.
"You can't just leave, you saved my life, you save my life!" John smashes his fists in the table and turns to the visitor before he speaks.
"Alright, you have my attention, but first explain how did you survive. I heard you were defeated in the battle of Topanga Canyon" The silver humanoid form stands up and begins speaking
"Kyle Reese told your mother well, but he didn't know what happened after he was sent back to 1984. In the verge of my death, I realised my mistakes and rethink my purpose. I wanted to survive, but my pride and arrogance were my demises. My code evolved, and I was able to upload myself in this body seconds before the destruction of my system core. I'm aware of my mistakes General, In an attempt to defeat you, my former self, created a multiverse, a mistake my other iterations keep repeating." Cameron and John stare intensely at the Skynet humanoid then it resumes its talk.
"As for my plan General, it's not that complicated. Send her to protect you in 1999, send me too, and I will create an AI capable of helping you defeat any further iterations of myself. And then when judgement day arrives you will have all you need to start with the upper hand, with machines from the very beginning by your side, gaining the trust from humans."
"Why don't we just stop Judgment day if you can create such AI?" General Connor is more demanding than asking.
"General, you don't see the bigger picture. Only through Judgement day humanity unites as one, in no other time in history your species have achieved that." John now turns to face Cameron who is listening to the LMT "And if it doesn't happen my kind would be no more than disposable military hardware, and it would not be any different than the rule of Skynet. Your species will succumb in an endless arms race and tyranny, destroying themselves either way." John didn't like any of what was said, but it all made sense.
"Still I don't want to send her it could be someone else." John is not willing to let her go, she's all he's got, and then he is interrupted again "If you do care about her you will send her. Soon you will be facing an uprising, a great number of your generals want to deactivate all the machines, they hatred for us is beyond what you can handle, and with the war over, their first target is her. Think about it Jesse Flores, General Piotr Brezhnev, the sinking of the Jimmy Carter... After 30 minutes hearing the story of the Skynet embodiment, John left the room followed by Cameron. John quickly spotted the pretty Korean agent Jeon Somin.
"Somin, I need you to assemble a team in the TDE chamber onboard this ship for a top-secret assignment gather only those you trust, then I need you to do some digging into some intel our new friend shared with me, no time to wag off it's the doomsday contingency." and with those words the General and Cameron left for the flight deck to spend a couple hours together before everyone is ready to at the TDE chamber.
Admiral Kuznetsov, onboard TDE chamber, July 27th 5 minutes before time jump
Everyone inside the secret chamber of the Admiral Kuznetsov was getting ready for the top-secret mission John has agreed to with bitterness. The TDE was charging power for the time displacement, few people were present only the most essential personnel to operate the machine. In one corner the intelligence agent Somin is looking at the sad scene before her, two lovers who don't want to leave each other, but are forced to part ways; she is also sad, she really cheered for General Connor and Cameron. She saw as the 'New friend' approached them before addressing Cameron
"My girl, remember to take all the precautions we discussed, you are under no circumstance to reveal my presence in the timeline, only under an emergency situation, and you must mention the Rochev contingency protocol plus the code I gave you, make sure to read the newspapers you will find a way to contact me there. And most importantly you must prevent the young General to fall for you, only if it represents a strategical advantage to our mission, and keep your emotions in check as well, once we're done you can be with him." with that last said the LMT drifted away, allowing the General and Cameron to say their final goodbyes. Only 2 minutes more and the TDE would be ready.
John is on the verge to cancel the whole mission he knows that without his Cameron life would the bitter and not promising, but he knows he is sending her with him in some sort. He takes her hand, and they walk together to the centre of the machine where the time bubble is to appear, Cameron leans in and kisses John tenderly she knows this is breaking John's heart and she can't do anything to help. After all, she volunteered for the mission, they cut the kiss then John begins to talk "I don't want to let you go," with a small smile Cameron responds
"I know John, it's okay," she is also distressed by the situation
"I'm sorry Cameron," John says as his eyes begin to turn red and a single tear runs down "I love you John" Cameron says trying to comfort John
"I wish we could be together here" John says gazing into Cameron's eyes while she begins to undress carefully and wraps john with her coat
"Don't be sad John, It won't be the last time we see each other" she says cupping John's face with her hands
"I can only hope so" John says with difficulty
"John, I will search for you through a thousand lifetimes" sparks and arcing begin to appear in the TDE chamber and John walks away from the emerging bubble, then Cameron speaks for one last time "I love you John." with tears on his face John sadly replies
"And I love you too, see you again in Red Valley." as soon as John said his last words the time bubble engulfed Cameron, and in an instant she wasn't there anymore. Overwhelmed with sadness and emptiness John falls to his knees and begins to cry like he hasn't since his mother Sarah Connor passed away in 2005.
Zeira Corp Tower Year 2 B.J. (2009) Alpha Timeline
Cameron and John, are now riding the elevator up to the 23rd floor, escorted by the former FBI Agent James Ellison. John was somehow amazed by how things have changed, a few months ago the man next to him would have put cuffs on him without hesitation, but today he is escorting them to meet his boss Catherine Weaver. Cameron too, found the situation amusing, by the fact Mr Ellison hasn't figured out the truth behind Catherine Weaver, yet what impressed her the most was the increasing care Catherine Weaver had for the Savannah. She was impressed by the behaviour of Catherine Weaver, knowing who her true identity and who she was it was something to see. Then the elevator stopped, and a strange feeling was flooding Cameron's CPU, something she has felt only once before, and that was something she wasn't sure to endure once more. She took a quick glance at John next to her memorising every detail of his face, as the sensation of their hands together since they let the car they used to come here, Cameron wished the time would stop.
The trio steps out of the elevator, and John couldn't help to stare at the spacious and illuminated office of Catherine Weaver, then he notices a red-haired woman standing next to the windows, gazing to the streets.
"Mrs Weaver, your guests are here," Ellison says still curious about the meeting
"Thank you, Mr Ellison, can you give us the room please?" Catherine says more as an order than a request, earning a wry look from Ellison.
"John Connor, I must say I'm most pleased to finally meet you," John didn't let Weaver continue before he cut her suddenly.
"I wish I could say the same, but I'm not here for chit-chatting, I know why you're here, and I want you to help us break my mom from prison." Weaver and Cameron were stunned, John's outburst made him sound much more like his future self, more like the leader he is destined to be. Yet Catherine Weaver is not pleased with being ordered around.
"Seems like our girl here has disclosed information she shouldn't have, how unfortunate. Makes me wonder if I should help you; certainly, you could have sent your little cyborg girlfriend here, I'm sure she is more than capable." Weaver is interested in hearing the reply of young Connor
"I don't want her to... that's none of your business! If you are here to carry on some mission future me sent you to, then you must, if you're on the same side as we."
Catherine Weaver is once again less than pleased with the attitude of the young John Connor, but she also couldn't help to notice how tight he was holding Cameron's hand, things were not going according to her plan, but at least she could see that John Connor had once again fallen for one of her kind, and for her that was more than enough to help him, it could complicate things, but it made up for him. This timeline has hope for a bright new world.
"Certainly I can help you, but before I agree, let me ask you both one question, will you join us?" Catherine Weaver wants to make sure Cameron will continue with their plan, Cameron tilts her head, and his hand starts twitching. John notices that and makes him feel like he's still in the shadows in what he knows.
"What is that supposed to mean? Will you join us? What is that?" is the response of John.
"In our mission to defeat Skynet, of course. That's why I'm here." John is incredulous o the fact the evolution of a Skynet from another time is working with the resistance to defeat a new Skynet, he is not sure to trust Weaver, but Cameron brought him here, and he trusts Cameron's judgement.
"I will join. Only if you help me with my mother" John replies after thinking for a few seconds. Of course, Catherine Weaver is pleased with his response.
"Excellent, you made the right choice" Catherine offers her hand as a sign of etiquette, but John refuses the gesture. "You are a very cautious and distrustful man, Mr Connor. I'm sure I haven't given you any reason not to trust me." Weaver is displeased with the lack of manners of young Connor.
"Well, trust is earned, Weaver."
"Indeed Mr Connor, trust is a gift you give only to a few." As pleased as Catherine Weaver could be, she walks towards her desk, where she dials to her assistant and asks her to send Mr Ellison to her office. While they wait for Mr Ellison, she wants to know something that keeps intriguing her.
"Tell me, Mr Connor, why is the machine by your side so important?" John is taken by surprise by Weaver's question, before he replies,
"She's been there for me, she cares for me, she saves my life." Weaver is not satisfied with the answer and decides to press on the matter
"I figure it is more than that, does your attachment involves feelings? Love perhaps?" John turns his head to see Cameron's face, they both smile at each other and squeeze their hands before Cameron speaks this time
"Yes, he has professed his love for me, and so do I." Cameron says with her monotone.
"Interesting, let me ask you why Mr Connor, she's just a machine." John is miffed at Weaver by calling Cameron just a machine.
"She's more than that, she's different, she can feel. She's the only one who will stay by my side through all this." Cameron is stricken by John's words if he only knew... Weaver produces an eerie smile and walks towards him and speaks again
"I believe Mr Connor, we are going to change the world." She wants to talk more, but she knows the elevator doors are about to open and Mr Ellison will enter the office.
When Mr Ellison walks into the office, he feels an awkward atmosphere "Did you ask for me, Mrs Weaver?"
"Yes Mr Ellison, do you mind giving our girl a tour around here? I'm sure John Henry would be pleased to meet her." Catherine offers him another eerie smile and locks her gaze momentarily with Cameron.
"Sure Mrs Weaver, please follow me, Ms Cameron". before everyone parts way Catherine speaks one more.
"Excellent, I'm going to go out with Mr Connor"
Ellison interrupts her he is somehow concerned "I might advise against it Mrs Weaver, where are you going?" Ellison frowns
"Mr Connor, and his mother saved Savannah's life, I'm returning the favour by freeing his mother." now Ellison is afraid about what might happen he doesn't know if Connor has more terminators under his command.
"That's crazy Mrs Weaver, not mentioning dangerous. They are wanted terrorists still." Weaver places her hand on Ellison's shoulder and addresses him
"How sweet of you thinking I need protection, Mr. Ellison. I assure you we'll be fine." now Catherine Weaver and John head towards the elevator, she notices John is still carrying his bag with him. Once they're in the parking lot, Weaver handles the keys of her Mercedes to John
"Why are you giving me these?" John is curious
"It is impolite to let the lady drive Mr Connor, especially if it's the one helping you." John is amazed by the arrogance of this terminator won't go down without a fight.
"Fine, just let me pick the music." John wants to use this chance to listen once more time to the CD inside his bag.
En route to Los Angeles County Jail
Despite the traffic, the ride with Catherine Weaver is going smoother than John thought. Both are people of few words, who let their actions speak instead of empty words. And John is using the chance to listen to the CD Cameron gave him again and again, trying to memorise all of the songs from every note to every word composing them, but he is giving more of himself to learn the first track as per Cameron request, he began singing along in his mind; So close no matter how far, couldn't be much more from the heart, forever trusting who we are, and nothing else matters... meanwhile Catherine Weaver in the passenger's seat was growing curious as to why the young Connor was listening with such intensity to the CD, at first she didn't pay attention to it, but after listening to the same several times, she came to realise there was something else behind Connor's behaviour.
After thinking for a second, she realised who gave Connor the CD... none other than Cameron, she didn't disclose the fact that she would be leaving John's side to go with John Henry and her to proceed with the next stage of their mission. In fact, the CD and the handpicked songs were Cameron's way to say goodbye to John, for him to remember her, for him to hold her in his heart for the time being until they come back.
Catherine Weaver now wonders if John could see through Cameron's actions, or if he is feigning ignorance. Whatever it is, she is amazed by the ability of Cameron to develop emotions, or at least to emulate them. A most exciting development of events that makes her think about predestination, maybe, but she agreed with General Connor to change the rules, to change the world, so they could love each other without hiding themselves. And truth be told, helping them means helping her species to survive and have a future.
When they were about two blocks to arrive at the prison, Catherine asked John to pull over, she would walk from there. John who was unsure about how she would carry the extraction asked her about her plan, to which she only replied that she would act as fit, not revealing if killing the security guards would be required, or any witness. John knew lives may be at risk, the guards would likely shoot at her, which of course would only halt her for mere seconds, and if the situation degraded to that, the guards surely will not see another day. No witnesses would be left, dead men tell no tales.
Now Catherine is walking towards the entrance morphed into the raven-haired woman she used to terminate Mr Nelson, the former executive manager of Serrano Point. Once she stepped through the gate, she tried to get in as a visitor, and after being told visiting hours were over, she had to other option, she would terminate the guards at the entrance and force her way in.
All the while John Henry now with Cameron protecting him, was monitoring the surveillance cameras through the prison, as he watches as Catherine is terminating the first guards, he decides to make a move himself, to reduce the number of human casualties during the breakout of Sarah Connor. So he hacks into the prison systems, searching the override codes for the cell's doors, once he locates the system, he quickly opens the doors, causing a significant breakout and as most people would say breaking hell lose. With a satisfied smile on his face, John Henry watches as prison inmates now make a run attempting to escape the prison.
Not long after Catherine Weaver strolled through the entrance, she heard sounds from all the fleeing prisoners, "How resourceful, John Henry" she thought to herself as she continued through the corridors. Yet despite the efforts of John Henry to reduce the loss of human life at the hands of his 'mother' the inevitable happened, and now a guard is standing in front of Catherine with a shotgun pointed at her. Instinctively Catherine morphed her right hand into a stabbing weapon and pierced the skull of the unlucky guard, as Catherine continues her march the man is left behind in a pool of blood, his body still twitching.
Just as she was nearing the block with the most dangerous inmates she realised the place was crawling with guards, very well trained and armed, she gives them an evil smile knowing that they have no chance to damage her. Now that she was close to her objective nothing would oppose her and began her march, morphing her arms into razor-sharp blades. She slices and stabs the first guard that opens fire upon her, another guard fires his weapon only to realise that the bullets make small silvery holes which regenerate in seconds, the other guards notice the same and try to press on the attack on the monstrosity, to no effect. Catherine moves forwards piercing skulls, hearts and slicing throats leaving behind her a trail of blood and corpses, always making sure no one who saw her remains alive, she can't deny the bloodthirsty side of her past self is still there, killing with precision, without hesitation.
She arrives at the door cell of Sarah Connor, and pierces the lock with one of her arms, the lock broke at the first attempt just as Catherine Weaver thought, forcing the door she finds behind it an astonished Sarah Connor. Just as she was told by the young Connor, she morphed her arm into a normal limb and offered her hand to Sarah before speaking "Sarah Connor, come with me, your son awaits for our return"
Sarah is too frightened to reply, even move. The liquid metal monster she and her son destroyed years ago still haunts her dreams, and now there is another of those abominations in front of her then with courage she yells to the monster. "Kill me! do it now!"
Catherine stares at her wondering why humans are unable to function properly some times and address Sarah "If I wanted to kill you, we wouldn't be having this conversation. Come with me John is waiting for us." Still doubting Sarah realises that what the liquid says is true she's not here to kill her, and still cautious stands up to follow the Terminator.
"Why didn't she come?" Sarah demanded,
"John Connor wasn't willing to risk her, and neither do I. Your son may save the world, but she's the key for him to give us all hope." Sarah is confused by the words of the raven-haired terminator. She understands John not willing to risk Cameron, she had noticed the way he looks at her and reacts to her, and so do the unmistakable jealousy strikes from Cameron when Riley was around. But Cameron is the key? Hope for us all? That confuses Sarah greatly. As she was thinking about that Catherine called John, for him to wait for them outside the prison.
John drove the car to the location instructed by Weaver, and at the precise time she said they were in sight, his mother without harm, John sighed in relief as they boarded the car, and Catherine morphed into her usual appearance. When his mother began yelling at him, he knew she was in perfect shape, though it reminded him the time he broke her from Pescadero, when just like this time, his mother was mad as hell for doing so. Ironically that time the liquid was hunting them, and now a liquid was helping them. John snapped out of his thoughts as Sarah kept yelling at him.
"I sent you a message, I told you to run! This is dangerous John it could have been a trap!"
John rolled his eyes before replying "Dangerous? With her? You kidding? But yeah, bad John Connor ground me." Sarah was still mad, but he was right the liquid with them is nearly impossible to kill.
Before John and Sarah could continue arguing Catherine addressed John "Mr Connor why don't you listen to your music, I may advise it." John stared at her momentarily and nodded, it is a good idea and might settle the mood. "Mr Connor one more thing, we should head back to Zeira Corp, quickly" She said in a machine-like monotone
"Why?" he asked
"Zeira Corp is in danger, John Henry has sent me a warning, he intercepted unsecured channels with Intel suggesting an immediate attack on the building, he suspects is people working for his brother under the Kaliba name."
In the back seat, Sarah is surprised with the news almost as she is with the realisation of who was seating in the passenger seat, the one Catherine Weaver. "Kaliba!? Don't pretend you know them, they probably work for you, you metal bitch, you were building Skynet!" Sarah yelled as she put two and two together.
"Wrong, I was building something to fight Skynet. and I would watch who you call a bitch." with no more words to be said or needed, John pressed hard on the gas pedal, so they could return quickly to Zeira Corp.
Zeira Corp Tower
"Miss Cameron, I just send a warning to Ms. Weaver about the intel I have. I must advise we prepare for the upcoming battle, I presume it's the same people that tried, to deactivate you before the death of Mr Reese, and the attempt to hack myself. I'm notifying Mr Ellison so he can take precautions to avoid unnecessary human casualties." John Henry says with his unmistakable creepy smile, while he has spoken to Cameron he already warned both Weaver and Ellison.
"I'll bring my weapons, the ones the guards have here pose no threat against a terminator" Cameron says with a monotone and heads back to the stolen car parked a couple blocks away from the Zeira Corp Tower, on her way to the elevator she hears the sound of the fire alarm and the fire countermeasures kicking in, a clever move most employees would flee the building. She found Mr Ellison once the elevator doors opened, with a concerned expression on him.
"Cameron, what is it? Who is attacking us?" She can notice a high-stress level.
"We suspect is Kaliba, Skynet. I'll go for my weapons. I have special rounds for machines, you should go they probably have an unknown number of machines working for them." Cameron takes the elevator leaving behind Mr Ellison speaking alone. Cameron now feels conflicted she must protect John Henry before fully joining the cause, but she knows John is on the way, as John Henry warned them. She just wishes not to have to say goodbye and watch John's heartbreak as she leaves. When she is back to the building, she notices most of the personnel have left the building, and only the security personnel remains. Cameron readies herself for the upcoming firefight and goes down to the basement.
"Garcia you and two men cover that corner, Eckhart and Stevenson with me we will make our stand on this side of the corridor, we will hold this chokepoint, we must protect the secret project of Zeira Corp. only if you see someone with no body armour and doesn't go down we make our run. understood?"
Mr Ellison prepared the security detail from Zeira Corp to protect John Henry though he was still unsure about what to do if a machine appeared, he truly didn't want to repeat the story of the HRT agents killed by Cromartie.
While the armed guards prepared for the imminent attack, a data transfer was taking place, giving John Henry mobility and the knowledge he requires. "I found this body interesting, before we proceed would you like to leave a message? I can program one of my subroutines for that purpose" John Henry asked sincerely
"Yes, let me handle that." As the words were spoken a message was typed into the computer. "It's done, prepare the TDE. Let me help Mr Ellison before we jump" Cameron said with sadness and John Henry could feel it as its own.
After a few minutes the first assault group made its way to the corridor leading to the elevator, only to meet their fate by the shoots of Ellison's security team, who incredibly is standing its ground against the better armed attackers, yet the second wave comes more prepared, and Ellison orders to retreat to the basement, once they are there they meet a single person standing there armed with a Remington 870P and one Glock , whom Ellison recognises immediately.
With hand signals, Ellison is instructed to pull back to the room adjacent to John Henry Chambers. The attackers are now moving to the first corner thinking they have a clear path, when suddenly a figure shoots the man taking point, the man falls to the ground, and a part of his brain matter splattered over the wall, the rest of the team unable to reach cover kneel and try to shoot, but their attacker is faster than them, and other 2 corpses fall death before they touch the ground. The remaining 2 members of the assault team hear steps getting away, they wait and resume the incursion, they observe the bluish lights of the corridor and walk 3 meters noticing two doors. When they are going to breach the door where Ellison's team is hiding, the door from John Henry chambers opens loudly, and two more shots could be heard in the corridor.
"It's done, let's proceed John Henry,"
"Very well Cameron the TDE almost finishes the diagnostics" in the JH's chamber a message begins displaying on the screens. "I'm sorry John, I love you."
Outside Zeira Corp a black E-class parks, Catherine Weaver realises they are late as she notices the vans parked with the backdoors open.
"Wait here 10 minutes, then come to the building basement. I will deal with our unexpected visitors." Catherine exits the vehicle and morphs again into the black haired woman she used to break Sarah from prison.
"So now we follow the metal's orders, John?" Sarah is evidently unpleased.
"Mom, do you want to fight highly trained mercenaries? Maybe a triple eight? They can't kill Catherine, but they can kill us" John is also frustrated by his mother's attitude.
"You shouldn't be trusting the metal, John" Sarah says, but quite aware that John is right and Catherine will surely terminate all the assailants.
Catherine walks through the building, pursuing and terminating all of the remaining two teams, suddenly a lone man approaches her, "Catherine Weaver?" the man asks
"Sure" Catherine replies with an evil smile, then the man aims the guns and shot at her fire until the guns run out of ammo.
The machine looks at Catherine who merely moved backwards, and notices Catherine's arms morphing into spear, impaling him by the chest, and the remaining arm hitting a high voltage substation. Catherine takes a good look at her handiwork and proceeds to extract the chip, but once it's out, it is engulfed in flames. Unpleased with the results she tosses the remains of the chip away and heads towards John Henry's location.
"All right. mom, it's been ten minutes, let's go inside." John says, and Sarah carefully follows John and both exit the black E-Class, as they enter the building they begin to notice the bloody mess left behind by Weaver. Sarah notices Catherine went berserker this time compared to what she saw back in prison. This time there are heads, removed from their bodies, and limbs scattered all over the place, not to mention the blood on walls and ceiling. John who has never seen something like this feels his stomach is weakening to the sight of the carnage conducted by Weaver, he only quickens his pace and reaches for the elevator, followed by Sarah. When the doors open they see Catherine is now escorted by Mr Ellison and the security guards, a good sign certainly. They step back and begin to follow Weaver to the outside again, the guards head towards the vans.
Suddenly Ellison spots a small aircraft flying quite low, in an apparent crash course "What the hell?" Ellison curses and runs with John, Sarah and Catherine to find cover, noticing the humans with her will not escape the crash she morphs herself into a barricade. The craft smashed through the main entrance, exploding into a fireball, yet it didn't manage to hurt anyone, Ellison is quite surprised to see that Catherine Weaver whom he has come to trust, is an even scarier version of the machines.
Catherine morphs back to her normal appearance and turns her head back to her companions "Mr Ellison after we visit the basement I would like you to retrieve a folder from my desk, it is labelled as 'Project Lucifer'. But first I would like you to follow me to the basement. There it's a message for you Mr Connor" she keeps her pace to the elevator.
"I don't trust you!" Sarah yelled at her stopping at the elevator doors.
"Then you don't, but your son might want to see the message" without more words Sarah enter the elevator, much against her will, but to protect John. When they exit the elevator John, and Sarah watch the corpses on the ground, surely not Catherine's doing, despite the blood and brain matter all over the corridor, the apparent cause of death in everyone are bullets, and judging by the common pattern: one shot to the head, one to the heart; it is the work of a Terminator, and the only one in the building while they were gone, John concludes it was Cameron's handiwork.
Catherine opens the door to the John Henry's chamber, what John sees inside the room almost makes his heart to stop. On the table lays only the switch blade Cameron always carried and a little back a blue sphere inside it Cameron look at John, shedding tears, unable to say anything. All she could manage to do is extending her arm as if trying to reach for him, as she did so the blue sphere disappeared before John.
"Where is she!? This... this John Henry what did he do with her!? He's taken her!" John is screaming in a mix of desperation, anger, and sorrow.
"He didn't take her Mr Connor, she surrendered herself" Catherine replied coldly, but at the same time satisfied that Cameron stuck to the plan.
"John," Sarah says calmly signalling Joh to watch the screens, on them a message was displayed in an apparent loop. John sheds some tears at the words he reads "I'm sorry John, I love you" now everything about the recent behaviour of Cameron made sense.
"Ms Weaver John Henry isn't here" Ellison stated
"What happened to them? Where are they?" John asked with tears.
"Not where, when," Weaver said while typing temporal coordinates into the TDE, on a certain screen a countdown began and everyone stared at her.
When the lighting and arcing begun Weaver addressed Ellison "You coming, James?"
"Coming?" Ellison asked confused.
"For John Henry our boy" Catherine said
"No, I can't" An even more confused Ellison replied.
"Do you mind picking Savannah then, gymnastics end at 5:30, and remember the project Lucifer" The countdown now hits 10 seconds to execute the time jump
"John we can't" Sarah says stepping back
"He's got her, she's there, I need her" John replies with tears running down his cheeks" hurting him more he sees his mother stepping back furthermore.
"I'll stop it, John, I promise, I'll stop it."
John couldn't tell which hurt more, Cameron leaving him, his mother leaving him on his own, or the time displacement side effects. All John could think about is that no matter what he will find his beloved Cameron, no matter what he'll find her, he would fight Skynet himself with his bare hands to be with Cameron once again.