CH 9

Catherine Weaver sat in the detective Meyer's office with two other men. All three men bore eyes demanding an answer on why Sarah Connor's fingerprints were on her gun. Studying them, Catherine weighed her options. John Connor seemed to get good results with taking risks. She decided she was going to risk these men would believe the truth.

"There are several areas where law enforcement is in error, Gentlemen," Catherine said crisply. "Sarah Connor did not die in prison. It is also possible those are my fingerprints you found on that gun. I may not have changed my hands back."

"Excuse me?" Meyer asked. "What are you talking about changing your hands?"

Catherine's form melted and reformed to duplicate Sarah Connor, right down to her sleeveless T, jeans and leather jacket. "I am sorry, Detective, things are more complex that you can easily comprehend," she stated as the men stared openly at her.

"Holy Christ! How..." Meyers asked as he stared at her.

Catherine morphed back into herself. "As I said, detective, the situation is complex. Truthfully, I very much could use your help. I fear, however, that you will not believe what I tell you."

"How did you do that?" the tall darker haired man asked.

Catherine glanced at him. Holding up a hand, she formed her fingers into a tall silver spike, then returned them to being fingers. "As you can probably guess by now, I am not human. What I am, is someone who is very concerned that Earth and it's populations are very near to disaster. Your government is after an AI to run the newest automated air defense system. The original system put in place had corrupt programming and nuked the planet. The remaining population Skynet attempted to eradicate using machines. I know this happens in the future. I came here to stop it."

"Let me guess, the machines will kill us all?" Meyers asked.

"Not all, but 93 percent of humanity was eradicated. This original, Skynet as it was called, is responsible. Much of that disaster will not happen now, for I have replaced the original corrupt AI with John Henry, an AI I made for the purpose of this very task. There are still those who wish the original Skynet to come back on line. That was why I was attacked in my office twice now. Once by a drone attack, the second by armed men. I need all the help I can get to keep the original Skynet from taking control or harming john Henry," Catherine explained.

"What are you?" Meyer asked warily.

"I am a being made of liquid menomic metal, and I have seen your future," Catherine explained. "I believe the term you would for me use is 'Cyborg'. My makeup is very different than yours, though our goal should be the same, to protect this planet and it's people from devastation."

"This is ... out there," one of the detective mumbled.

"I wouldn't believe a word if Mrs. Weaver hadn't ... duplicated Sarah Connor like that right here in front of us," Meyer admitted.

"This is important, Mrs. Weaver," Meyer said firmly. "Sarah Connor is a known terrorist. Or rather, we believe she is. How often have you duplicated her form?"

"Not often, and I can duplicate anyone, Detective," Catherine explained. "And the actions Sarah Connor has taken that you deem 'terrorism', have actually saved you by keeping Skynet from coming on line before I became involved. Instead of being tracked down as a criminal, she should be praised as a hero."

"Are there any others like you?" Meyers asked.

"Like myself? Not any more. Skynet wanted to destroy us as well," Catherine told him. "The only other sentient non human beings I know of are John Henry, who I made, and one other."

"There is another Cyborg running around? Do you know who and where?" the tall detective asked.

Catherine offered him a slight smile. "Sir, as we have found, humans are very nervous and can be dangerous when faced with an unknown. I have exposed myself due to the fact that I need help to save this planet. I cannot in good conscience, expose any other beings and possibly put them in danger."

"Does Mr. Ellison know what you are?" Meyers asked.

"He does," Catherine said with a nod. "I had to shield him from the blast when that drone flew into my building. James also understands why I am here."

Meyer rubbed his face. "This is ... a lot to take in. You have a daughter, Savannah?"

"I do, Sir. I do my best to see she has a normal of a life as possible," Catherine agreed.

"Your husband died in that helicopter accident."

"He did, and that was no accident. Skynet attempted to kill all of us. Unfortunately, my husband died on impact. The only one I was able to save was Savannah."

Meyer shook his head and focused on his desk for a moment. "This, I've never dealt with anything like this before."

"Sir, May I strongly suggest that at least for the moment, no one here discusses anything we have talked about outside this room? Not only are some items not readily believed, there is also the fact I still do not know the extent of Skynet based spies that may be listening," Catherine offered.

"Does anyone in government now about this?" Meyer asked.

"They do not. Sarah Connor tried to tell them, and look where she ended up," Catherine stated.

Meyer looked at the other men, then to Weaver. "I can't make a gag order, but I agree no discussing this with anyone else. Mr. Weaver, I would also like to speak with Sarah Connor. I am fairly sure you can lead me right to her."

"I also assume you would like me to arrange further business meetings in town so I can be readily available?" Catherine asked.

"Yes. Don't forget Sarah Connor. I don't want to arrest her. Legally, she's already dead. I just want to hear her side of this," Meyer stated.

.

John spent a day washing their van, then drying it and repainting it with dark green water colors. Sarah mounted a semi-auto 50. cal rail gun to face out of the sliding side door. Cameron stole a car in LA and hid it down the street on a dirt path. They had their plan, and had watched Pate's movements.

They were ready to go after Pate.

It was a bright Sunday morning when the gates to Pate's fortress opened up and the long, armored limo he rode in emerged out onto the street. John started the van and pulled out into traffic. He stayed back until they came to a scenic stretch of road where there was little traffic. "Here we go," he said, and accelerated.

On her radio, Sarah said, "We're moving into position, get ready."

"Right behind you," Cameron replied in the stolen car.

John raced up and slowed to match the limo's speed. "Now!" he called. Sarah slid the side door open and opened up with the 50.

The armored limo Pate had was made to withstand any rifle bullets and small explosions. What it was not designed to do was have better armor than most battle tanks. The 50 cal high speed bullets ripped into the engine compartment to destroy the engine which also ripped the hood apart as the engine exploded, and tore large chunks out of the run-flat tires. Aiming at the two startled men in the front seat, Sarah put a shot through the driver's door that blasted blood from both men to fill the front seat area with a red mist before the bullet tore through the passenger side door as it left the car. One more shot behind the driver and Sarah slammed her door shut with a yell of, "John, GO!"

John sped off and headed for his next destination : a car wash.

Out of control, the limo skidded to the right, it's weight crushed and tore guard rail free in front of it. It dove down the small bank, ripping into the ground as it rolled over.

Coming up behind the limo, Cameron stopped on the road beside the wreck and ran down the bank. Knowing the doors were armored, she jumped up on the bottom of the car and drove a knife into the floor. She ripped a hole large enough to get a hand in, then tore the floor apart to make a bigger hole.

Into the hole Cameron called, "The car's on fire, get out, this way!"

Cameron helped a little girl out, then a middle aged woman. Pate barely fit through the hole, tearing his side open. He screamed as Cameron pulled him up through. Good, that gave her an excuse to whisk him away. While she pulled Pate free, a quick jab to his head knocked him out. Turning to the woman, she said, "I need to get him to the hospital. Stay here, the police will want to know what happened."

"Some crazy in a green van was shooting at us!" the woman wailed.

"Then tell them that," Cameron said firmly. "I'll get him help, the police will bring you after you tell them what happened."

In shock from what just happened, the woman only nodded. Cameron threw Pate over her shoulder and ran up the bank to throw him in her car. She took off.

.

John had the green paint washed off, and was on the side of the building with all the trash cans when Cameron pulled up. Being an automated car wash, there were no attendants. The only other car that was there was being washed. Cameron threw Pate into the van and got in herself. Sarah helped tie and gag Pate as John drove away.

When they got onto the highway, Cameron pulled the gag down as she stared at Pate. "You ordered men to attempt to kill us. Who are you working for?"

"Fuck you!" Pate spat.

"Not in your wildest dreams," Cameron replied. Seeing one of the cuts he got upon exiting the limo, she grabbed the edges of the cut and pulled. Pate wailed out and struggled at his bonds as his skin tore loose.

"I can pull your skin completely off," Cameron said in her terminator monotone. "When you tell me who hired you, I stop removing your skin."

Pate wailed out again as Cameron pulled the cut apart, ripping more skin free and sending rivulets of blood onto the van floor. She worked higher to rip new skin and tear it free.

"PLEASE STOP!" Pate wailed at the top of his lungs.

Sarah put a towel over his face to dull his screams and stated, "She stops when you talk."

By the time John got them out of town, Pate had passed out, but had told them his contact was only by phone and electronic bank transfer. While this method did not pinpoint the one who was behind the attempts, it was the earmark of how Skynet did business.

"We should infiltrate his house and find the location the calls came from," Cameron said.

John though about it and shook his head. "Too risky. It's not worth the effort," he told her. "I think we can safely conclude Skynet is back in some form. When we hit Grossburg, we missed it. The other possibility is some T-888 is taking on the role. Either way, breaking into Pate's phone records won't tell us where it is now," he explained.

Sarah frowned and said, "It will never be over, will it?" she asked herself.

"That remains to be seen," Cameron said. Looking at Sarah, she added, "No fate but what we make, right?"

Sarah nodded. "No fate but what we make. Is Pate going to die?"

"From shock, if not from blood loss," Cameron confirmed. "We should bury him in the desert."

"Make sure he'd dead, first," Sarah told her.

.

This time, John washed the inside of the van out after they got home from burying Pate's body. Rather, wash, bleach, scrub, rewash to ensure no odor of the recently deceased man remained. By the time John was done, he was getting really tired of washing this van. Then again, it was his idea of the paint color change to keep from having to steal another vehicle. Too many thefts in an area attracted attention. The news reported a confirmed 'drive by' shooting, but no details until the police 'questioned' more witnesses.

The next few days at the house were quiet. Sarah went to her job, Cameron took on the role of 'house mother' taking care of the house and keeping an eye on George. Cameron was the only one George let get into the refrigerator. If Sarah or John approached it, he snarled at them. Sarah had no trouble letting Cameron do all the work at home. John helped with laundry and some cleaning, but he stayed clear of the kitchen any time George was out of their room. John also closely monitored the skynet facilities they knew about. Newtech was back in business with coltan from it's supplier. The drone base had been abandoned, but Newtech was supplying metal parts to the factory John Henry claimed had no military contract, and was making terminators.

.

These days, George was happy. His family was here with him, and even the mystery creature was attempting soft growls and played with the long soft cloths with him. Knowing mother did not want anyone in the big white box, he did his best to be sure no one opened it except for her. He slept between mother and brother, and had plenty of food, both soft and crunchy. He was in wolverine heaven.

.

Sarah's job in the Zeita retail store was a cushy job handling 'returns', which were few and far between. A week after they had grabbed Pate, Sarah had a visitor in her office. She expected to greet a customer that she would find out what failed, and what she had to reorder to make him satisfied and on his way. The last thing she expected was for him to show his badge.

"Sarah Collins? I'm Detective Meyer. I need to speak with you," he said firmly.

Sarah momentarily froze. Had Weaver's scheme somehow failed? Had the wrong person seen her? Forcing herself calm, she said, "Into my office, please."

Keeping calm on the outside while she panicked inside, Sarah sat down, offering the detective the chair on the other side of her desk.

Meyer shut the door behind him as he came in. "Thank you for seeing me, Sarah Connor. I'd like to talk with you about Catherine Weaver."

Sarah forced a smile. "It's Mrs. Collins, not Connor," she said correcting him.

Meyer cast her a brief smile. "Your old persona died in that prison. I understand. So, what can you tell me about Catherine Weaver?" he asked.

"Not much," Sarah said with a shrug. "Can you give me something more specific you'd like to know about?" she asked.

Leaning forward, Meyer asked, "Do you know where she's from. I'm not talking Scotland either. We both know Catherine Weaver is not human. Don't we?"

Stunned, Sarah paused and carefully asked, "Why would you think that?"

"When she comes into my office and duplicates you perfectly right in front of me, then does a few other things that would be impossible for any human to do, that makes me want to know where she came from."

"She did that in front of you?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes. Now tell me everything you know about her, and why she is here," he said.

Sarah was shocked Weaver would let police know who she was. She swallowed and said, "The Catherine Weaver you know is a T-1000 series that came back in time to make an alliance with my son to remove the threat of Judgment Day by Skynet."

"Your son?"

"Yes. Skynet did try to kill me to keep John from being born. Now, he is the one in danger," Sarah told him. Holding her wrists out, she asked, "Is it back to the loony bin this time? or prison?"

Meyer shook his head. "Neither. I'm just information gathering. The FBI will be talking to a Mr. James Ellison. We are cooperating with the feds to find out as much as possible, as soon as possible. May I talk to your son?"

"No," Sarah said firmly. "I will tell you what you want, but I will not betray my son," she said firmly.

Meyer nodded slowly. "What about this other cyborg that's creeping around that Weaver spoke of?"

"John Henry. Catherine Weaver made him to fight Skynet," Sarah explained.

"Not Henry. There is another Weaver refused to say where it was, or what name it went by," Meyer explained as he watched her.

"I can't help you," Sarah said.

Meyer eyed her for a moment, then said, "Right, you won't betray your son."

"I never said that cyborg had anything to do with my son," Sarah said evenly.

"You didn't need to," Meyer replied. "Mrs. Weaver already told me her and this other cyborg were here to stop Skynet from destroying the planet. For some reason, your son John is a very important part of that. If that cyborg is not with Weaver, then it must be with your son." He watched Sarah closely. She didn't react except for an eyebrow twitch. That was enough to confirm to him he was right. "A question, Mrs... Collins," he said using her new cover name. "If I went to see John, what would that cyborg do?"

Before she spoke, Meyer noted her lips tighten.

"That would not be wise, Detective Meyer," Sarah said.

"I see," he said simply. Which meant it would be dangerous to try and see John Connor by just walking in. He offered her a quick smile and got up. "That's all for now, Mrs. Collins. Thank you for being cooperative. If I were you, I wouldn't run. There's no need to. As I said, we're not looking to arrest anyone. We're searching out what the truth is. Behave yourself and no one will be the wiser. If I can't see John, perhaps this cyborg will meet with me." Digging into his clothes he pulled out a card and handed it to her. "My information. Office and home phone. If John or the cyborg agree to speak with me, call at any time."

Sarah took the card and watched the detective leave. If he was truly a detective.

The moment Sarah got home, she told John and Cameron about the visit. Cameron was for immediate termination, the man knew too much. Sarah again, was for fleeing before they raided the house. John sat and thought hard before he said anything. He then called Weaver to verify she had seen this man in his office. Weaver insisted it was worth the risk of failure to bring some officials into the fight.

John wasn't happy Weaver had done that. On the other hand, if she was right, and with proof of what she said, they could get the cops behind them, then it was truly worth it. He looked at Cameron, who was wearing her terminator face, ready to go kill. "Can you find his address?" he asked.

"I already have. He lives a few blocks down, towards town. Would you like me to go visit him?" she asked.

"I do," John said, and quickly added, "But NOT to hurt him. Cam, we might have a chance to get authorities on our side. Even it it's just a few, we'll stand a better chance at cleaning up Skynet. We do want to surprise him so he can't have time to set up a trap … "

.

Peter Meyer was glad this day was over with. Another day of Cyborgs, AI's fighting hostile AI's, and worse yet proof that these things were real. Sarah Connor wasn't nuts, but the woman was on edge. Having to duck authorities and killer robots most of her life, her caution was understandable.

Going in the house, his wife Carla greeted him. "How was your day?" she asked.

Peter managed a smile. "It was a day. I didn't have to shoot anyone and no one shot me so I guess it was good," he offered.

"That is always good," she said as she hugged him. "Relax, dinner's almost ready."

"Thanks, hon." Glancing upstairs, he asked, "Where's Cindy?"

"Visiting with Kaylee, she should be home shortly."

"Kaylee and not some boy?" he asked.

"No dear," Carla said with a roll of her eyes. "That is coming though, sooner if not later."

"When she does, I want to meet this guy."

"I know, dear. She's almost seventeen," Carla reminded him.

"Yeah, and I know seventeen year old boys," he said with a frown as he headed for his chair to watch the news. "If you don't lay the law down, we might end up with a pregnant daughter."

.

Cameron walked down the street. John's idea was good. Catch the detective at home ready to eat dinner. That would be his most vulnerable time. The house was in sight. Also in sight was Cindy coming from the other direction. Cameron noted Cindy had already seen her. No use in hiding.

Cindy waved, "Hi Cameron!"

Cameron waved back, hoping this was going to be short. She met Cindy just past the sidewalk to her target. "Hi Cindy, how is school?"

"Not as exciting without you and John, I can tell you that," Cindy said brightly. "I thought you were moving to LA?"

"We are. There has been a delay in Sarah's work schedule." Cameron explained. "Cindy, there is something I must do ... Perhaps we can speak later?"

Cindy frowned at her. "Oh come on, I might not see you again, and my house is right here. Can't you come in for a few minutes?" Cindy begged.

Cameron looked at the house,then at Cindy. "You live here?"

"Yeah, you don't remember?"

Cameron did remember bringing Cindy home. She had just not drawn from her memory to match the place to Detective Meyer. An error on her part. Offering Cindy a smile, she said, "Yes, I forgot."

Cindy grabbed Cameron's hand, "Well, then come in! My folks wanted to meet you when you brought me home, but you left too quick last time."

Cameron walked up to the house with Cindy. This was going to be awkward.

.

"Mom, Dad, Cameron's here!" Cindy called as she came in.

Peter Meyer's mind imminently saw a robust Hispanic boy ready to shower love (and sex) upon his daughter. He was up out of his chair in an instant. It wasn't a boy, but a thin and very pretty girl. Relief washed through him. "Hello, Cameron," he offered.

Cameron returned a slight smile. ''Detective Meyer?" she asked.

Cindy looked at Cameron and asked, "How'd you know my Dad is a detective?"

"Sarah told me," Cameron said tonelessly.

As the girl walked towards him and reached into her pocket, the hard look on her face almost made Peter think she was reaching for a gun. She pulled a phone out and called someone. "Yes, he is here," she said and handed him the phone. "John Connor wants to speak with you," she said flatly.

That was the last thing Peter was expecting to hear from this girl. he was surprised she would be associated with the Connors. He took the phone with a, "Thank you." Cameron returned to Cindy, who towed her into the kitchen.

"John Connor? This is detective Meyer."

"Hello detective. I understand you wanted to speak with me?"

Peter guessed his age as late teens. His voice was much firmer than the average teenager though. "I do. I have to say this is a surprise you would choose to send a girl to my house to initiate contact," he said as he sat on the arm of his chair.

"I understand you talked to Mrs. Weaver?"

"I did, and she informed me of your struggle. I have heard what Mrs. Weaver had to say, and show. I also spoke to your mother. Don't worry, Mrs. Collins is safe. I would like to hear what you have to say about this mess."

"Simple," John said curtly. "I have been chased by Skynet's terminators all my life. My mother and I have some help now with Mrs. Weaver and John Henry. The war is not over yet, however."

"You see this as a war?" Peter asked.

"It is. We are fighting for nothing short of everyone's life, detective. If we loose, humanity looses. The Earth as we know it will be destroyed. What can I do to convince you how serious this is?" John asked.

"Weaver told me there is another cyborg beside herself that is here."

"There is. One sent back from the future to protect me from Skynet. Unfortunately, Skynet has also send back other terminators to kill me. As I said, detective, I'm fighting a war here. The help, or at least the lack of interference from authority figures would be greatly appreciated."

"Are you asking me to ignore crimes?" Peter asked.

"I am asking you to understand that there is something more important happening than obeying the law," John said firmly. "Skynet only cares about winning. It has, and will continue to keep sending it's agents, human and metal, to stop me from getting rid of it. The Air force and possibly the entire military is too blinded by the prospects of having a true AI, that they are blind to the danger. THAT will get everyone killed, Detective."

"Can you give me any proof of what you're telling me?" Peter asked.

"The men who were killed at the motel. Look thought their phone records and you will find that the recent 'drive by' shooting, and the man who disappeared, was in contact with those hit men. Investigate Grossburg. They are a front for equipping Skynet machinery. If you choose to help, I can give you a list of facilities involved in Skynet activities we've tracked down, including building terminators." John stated.

"You've been busy," Peter noted. "Just what is a terminator?"

"An android like machine that can appear human. They do have a skin covering to look human, but they are not. Inside, they have a coltan skeleton and armor plating. They are also exceedingly strong. Normal guns and ammunition are useless against them. At the very least, you need a large caliber armor piercing rounds to do any damage to them. Fifty caliber at the very least. 20MM or larger is better."

"And you can prove this also?"

"There is one in your house right now," John said ominously.

Peter turned. The girls were in the kitchen. He hadn't heard anything but the front door open. "May I ask how you know that?"

"I sent her. When you are done with questions, detective, please give the phone back to Cameron."

"Cameron?" Peter asked. No, that slim teenage girl could not be a killing machine. Even as he asked the rhetorical question to John, Cameron appeared in the kitchen doorway.

"Yes?" she asked with a slight tip of her head.

"You expect me to believe that?" Peter asked.

"Cameron, show him what you are," John said.

Cameron walked over and plucked the phone it of Peter's grasp. "How far should I go?" she asked.

Peter could barely hear John replying. Cameron had heard him from across the room.

"I understand," Cameron said. Holding the phone in one hand, Cameron looked around briefly, then grabbed the front of Peter's shirt and lifted him off the floor at arm's length. Her eyes glowed red. "How much proof do you need?" she asked.

"Cam! What are you doing?" Cindy cried and ran in. In a begging tone, Cindy said, "Please, Cam, don't hurt my father! He's a good guy, OK? Please?"

Cameron's eyes faded back to their normal brown. She glanced at Cindy. "I will not hurt him." She set Peter back on his feet.

"Dad? Don't get Cameron mad, OK? She's … not human.," Cindy said quietly.

Peter stumbled back into his chair. One arm. She had lifted him off his feet with one arm, fully extended. An impossibility for any human, let alone a slip of a girl. And what in the hell was that thing with her eyes. Even Cindy knew. He turned to look at his daughter. "Cindy? You know?"

"I do Dad. That night Cameron brought me home? This big guy tried to rape me. She appeared and … killed him. It was no contest, she just grabbed him, threw him to the ground and broke his neck."

Peter turned his blank gaze to Cameron. "You killed someone?" he asked.

"Would you rather your daughter be raped and murdered?" Cameron asked tonelessly. "Those men don't usually leave their victims alive to talk." she stated heavily. "Do you believe yet?"

Peter licked his lips out of fear. "I... thank you for saving Cindy. It is apparent you are much more than you seem."

Cameron tipped her head slightly and said, "If you want to shoot me to verify bullets will not harm me, I'll give you a freebie."

"A freebie?"

"Yes, I will not react to your aggression."

"What are you?"

"Terminator, model TOK 715."

"What is Mrs. Weaver?"

"Model T-1001, liquid metal."

Cindy gaped at Cameron and asked, "You're not a vampire?"

Cameron produced a slight grin. "No, Cindy. You guessed wrong. I am more dangerous than a vampire if I choose to be."

"Wow," Cindy said, gazing at Cameron.

Cameron put the phone back to her ear. "Yes, John?" She then handed the phone back to Peter.

"Do you believe now?" John Connor asked.

"Yeah," Peter said as he looked at the impossibly strong thing in front of him that mimicked a human girl perfectly. "How in the hell … where did she come from?" he asked.

"The future. Cam and Mrs. Weaver are fully sentient. Not Skynet slaves. In the future though, if we don't stop Skynet, there will be thousands of these terminators that will belong to Skynet and out to kill every human they can find," John explained. "Do you see now why we must be sure Skynet is destroyed?"

"Yeah. John, I'll get back to you in a couple days. This is..."

"I know, hard to deal with," John offered. "Cameron, you're done there. See you when you get back."

Again Cameron plucked the phone from Peter. "Yes, John. John, will you make sure George is fed on time?" she asked. She then said, "Thank you … love you too."

In front of Peter, Cameron turned from something very scary back into a normal acting teenage girl. "George?" he asked.

"My dog. He's really cute," Cameron replied.

Detective Peter Meyer was sure someone had dropped him into the Twilight zone.