Chapter 217

True Colors

John decided to seek Bob out and 'escape' for awhile. He wanted out on an operation or mission of some kind - ASAP. The trouble with Isabel was too much. He wanted to be with Cameron but not as Isabel. It just didn't seem right to him. He was upset that she thought he disrespected 'her program' but she did not respect his feelings either. His feelings mattered as much as hers did and she could not see that.

Isabel could not understand it. She told him that she WAS Cameron, they were the SAME and identical.

"There is no difference between us." Isabel said. "We are the same program…."

John thought maybe to Cameron it was the same. It was her same program. It was just in two different places at the same time. He knew it would be a problem for Cameron later on. He did not know how to make her understand.

"I understand how you feel and Cameron feels since you are both her." John said. "What about me? I matter too. It can't always be about you. That is not how a relationship works. It is how it fails."

John left Isabel with her mouth open searching for some words.

He spotted Bob and made a quick exit.

"Bob, get me out of here, pronto." John said.

"Affirmative." Bob replied. "Come with me, if you want to live."

John smiled.

"Funny. Let's blow this dump." John said and they were off.

John would rather be out in the field instead of arguing why he shouldn't be making love to 'Cameron' in Isabel's sheath. That was ''a dream come' true for him but a nightmare in reality. Maybe he should just do it and get it over with. It would give him something to think about on the mission with Bob. He hoped it did not distract him.

Isabel was upset John went off with Bob. Here she went to the trouble to come to the base to be with John as his 'wife'. Which is what she was, she was 'Cameron'. She was very upset at the disrespect John showed to her. It was like her program did not matter to him. She did not like how he tried to turn it around on her. Who did he think he was? She was ready to have Holly physically switch their chips and come back with Cameron's chassis to complete their love. Cameron said she wanted to try out this chassis anyway. For that matter, she did too. She was sure her current chassis would please John more.

She decided to review the past security footage. Something must have happened here that set Cameron off and why she would not update with her this time. Maybe something happened to embolden John. he was usually not that disrespectful or combative to her face.

She looked through the files and found Cameron talking to Jesse about John. Two hours later she spotted Jesse pull John into her room. They were in there for awhile and then John exited a short time later as he refastened his pants. Jesse's nude form was still prone on the bed. It was in a very 'receptive position' for a female. It looked like John only dismounted a few seconds ago. Maybe it was just enough to pull his pants back up and walk out. It looked like he dropped his duds and knocked off a quickie. She did not think that would have done much for Jesse.

'What the Hell?' Isabel thought. 'They actually 'did it'.'

Isabel figured that must be what set Cameron off. That's why John did not want or need her. Jesse must be 'better'. She did have to admit Jesse was HOT. It was what she wanted. It was what Cameron wanted and now it was done. She hoped it would have been Allison but apparently not. Now protecting Young Allison just took on greater importance for the future. She would have to invite Jesse to move in now with John as his mate…. No wonder Cameron left.

Isabel needed to update with Cameron. These developments were life altering. It looked like Cameron sent her here to do the 'dirty work'. Why would Cameron think this would be any easier for her than it was for Cameron?

Isabel knew what needed to be done. Since Cameron did not have the nerve to do it, she would need to. Maybe this was her opening to 'trade' with Cameron. She would take Cameron's place here. She sought out Jesse. It was time to act.

"Hey, Jesse." Isabel said. "Let me give you a hug."

Jesse was surprised to see Isabel here again. She knew this was now the third version of 'Isabel' and this one was supposed to be identical to Cameron as far as the program went.

Jesse could not help but 'eyeball' Isabel. She was Hot. The fact that she'd been with the 'first Isabel', only made her more enticing.

"Hello, love." Jesse said. "Long time no see."

Isabel noticed Jesse mentally undress her. She scanned Jesse. She saw Jesse was in the 'window' but hadn't conceived. She would need to attempt it at least one more time. Multiple times would be better.

"You must do it again." Isabel whispered.

Jesse was caught off guard. It caused her some confusion.

"Do what, love?" Jesse asked as she stiffened.

This was hard for Isabel to say but not as hard as she thought it would be. The best thing to do was just to 'say' it.

"Mate with John again and spend more time with him. You don't need to rush like the last time." Isabel said. "You can do it multiple times next time. The more of his genetic material you receive, the better are your chances for conception."

Jesse looked at Isabel. She tried to figure out what she was talking about. It seemed as if Isabel thought John and her made love with each other. She wanted to set the record straight.

"We didn't do anything, Isabel." Jesse said. "He never touched me in any way."

Isabel's hand was still on Jesse's neck. She knew what she saw on the security logs. Why would Jesse lie? She scanned Jesse as they talked. The scan showed she wasn't lying.

"I can tell that." Isabel said. "Something is off here."

Jesse was very frustrated. No one ever turned her down before except John. He turned her down again now and in the past too.

"He would not touch me even when I was naked in bed and 'ready' for him." Jesse said. "My body was ready to go."

Isabel saw this as both good and bad news. What needed to happen still needed to happen.

"Cameron thought you did. So did I." Isabel said. "I'm sorry. You must keep trying."

It caused Jesse a lot of grief. She knew she was not the only one. Her frustration boiled out.

"He loves Cameron too much. He loves Cameron so much I bet he won't even touch you." Jesse said. "Will he?"

Isabel was very upset that John refused her. She felt the anger in her grow. She knew the sting and shame of rejection. It was the 'not good enough' factor.

"No, he won't and I AM Cameron." Isabel said. "It angers me as much as it upsets me.."

Jesse could see that Isabel was steamed. She wanted to change the subject and get her mind on other things. The last thing they needed was for her to have a 'problem'. Those problems always led to bigger problems.

"Gail and Holly are away. Do you want to find Vanna and Allison and go out?" Jesse asked. "We can do like we did before."

Isabel visibly perked up. Jesse and the girls wanted her. As Cameron she knew what a good time they always had.

"I would love to." Isabel said. "John is out with Bob. Do you want to invite Sarah and Riley?"

Jesse wanted to make something happen. It was time to get the ball rolling.

"Sure we can ask but they are usually busy with Kyle and Derek." Jesse said. "You find Vanna and Allison and I will ask Riley and Sarah."

Each went in search of two of the women. They were both excited as they always had a good time together. That was especially true if they went out.

Isabel found Allison. She ran everything by her.

Allison wanted to make it clear as to who all would go.

"Do you mean with you and Jesse?" Allison asked.

Isabel was afraid she knew where this was headed.

"I mean with Vanna and Jesse." Isabel said. "Maybe Sarah and Riley will go too."

Allison didn't want any problems. She wanted Vanna to have a good time with them and without her there.

"If Vanna is going, maybe I better not go." Allison said.

Isabel did not like to see any tension between the girls.

"I think that is why you should go." Isabel said. "Let's find her."

Allison took it more as an 'order' than a statement. She figured maybe she should retreat.

"I will catch up to you later." Allison said.

Isabel was a little miffed that she left. That was not right at all. It was time to put an end to this nonsense.

Isabel went in search of Vanna.

Isabel went to the lab. She found Vanna there. There was a sad look on her face and her demeanor was very negative. She ran everything by her.

Vanna seemed to perk up for a second before the solemness set back in.

"I don't know." Vanna said. "Maybe it would be better if I gave Allison some 'room'."

Vanna did not want to create any issues or make things worse.

Isabel did not like her answer.

"Maybe it would be better if you did not." Isabel said.

Vanna took it more as an 'order' than a statement.

"If you think it is best." Vanna said.

Isabel smiled.

"I do." Isabel said.

Isabel was 'Cameron' and Cameron knew what was best for everyone. She only needed to make them see the light.

Jesse tracked down Sarah and Riley. They were going out to the park with Jan. Jim was going to go with them.

She could tell Riley really wanted to go with their group. If she hadn't already committed to Sarah she would have.

Jesse was aware that Riley really wanted to be with Holly before. She wanted to know what a Metal girl was like. Riley told her that she'd even asked Derek about it if she ever got the chance to be with one.

She knew Derek always allowed a little slack in the leash. It meant he might 'get lucky' too and it wouldn't be a problem. To share freely was a win-win for everyone.

Isabel and the three girls went out. Isabel did everything she'd done before to bring the girls closer together again. As 'Cameron', Isabel knew all too well the struggles people went through, mostly for nothing. There was always a lot of hurt and grief when there didn't need to be.

Isabel asked Jesse to dance and left Vanna and Allison alone. It was a good environment to let the girls 'feel' each other in. Their love was still there. Everyone could see it. It was the other factors that were the wild card.

Vanna and Allison both eyed each other and did some small talk. They soon started to giggle and laugh a little. The smiles were back on their faces. Soon they were dancing as well.

Isabel and Jesse watched everything develop and the 'fire' reignite. They smiled at each other as the two girls bonded again. They may have been too premature in their assessment.

Allison and Vanna went outside for a walk.

Allison wanted to come clean. She didn't want any secrets.

"Vanna, I've been with Holly." Allison said. "I love her."

Vanna wanted the truth known too.

"You know. I've been with Jesse and Gail." Vanna said.

Allison was surprised to hear that.

"You were with Gail too? I didn't know that." Allison said.

Vanna went in search of Jesse one day and found Gail using the shower. She was going to leave when Jesse arrived. Jesse asked her to stay and everyone agreed they wanted to try some new things. Jesse was with her once but slipped away to leave Gail and her together. She felt Gail was very infatuated with her. She was not sure why. It was beautiful to share with her. She looked really pretty when she smiled.

"It just happened." Vanna said. "It seems a lot just happens anymore."

Allison wanted to try and put it all together.

"Since we were with Isabel, the first version that was 'erased', I think we both learned Metal has something to offer that we could not provide to each other." Allison said. "Vanna, I still love you. You know I love Cameron dearly. I am sorry if I put her between us. Holly was there for me when I needed a 'friend'. I love her, Vanna."

Vanna knew how that worked. She'd found more than one 'friend' over the years when things got tough. She'd done the same thing.

"I understand." Vanna said. "I ran to Jesse when I was hurt. Gail just happened as she was with Jesse once when I sought Jesse out. We both love Jesse. If you wish to spend time alone with Jesse I would like that. I won't deny you that pleasure. I love you Allison. I miss you. We can share our love. We can still love each other and share with the others. Our love is strong and there is always room to share with our friends."

The two girls faced each other and slowly moved to kiss. Right before their lips touched Allison spoke. She needed to make her position clear. She was not about to 'use' anyone, especially Vanna.

"I love you, Vanna, but I love Holly too." Allison said. "I want to be honest with you about this so there's no confusion. I want you to know I am still going to be with Holly."

Vanna expected as much but this was her chance to be with Allison, maybe for the last time, at least the 'last time' for now.

"I understand that. I accept that." Vanna said. "I should not have abandoned you in your time of 'need'."

The two kissed and then they kissed again, longer and deeper. The fire reignited and the passion grew, the long term love exploding back to life….

'True Colors' by 'Cyndi Lauper', played in the background.

True Colors

When we look at someone
What do we truly see
Is it who they really are
Or who we want them to be

When a heart grows lonely
It can also go deaf and blind
We can make a big mistake
If we ignore warnings from our mind

Often what we are shown
Is not who they really are
When the truth is found out
It can leave a mental scar

We reach back again
Playing a game of fish
All the while we hunt
For what we can only wish

In the end it comes out
The truth is always sharp and cold
We can see their true colors
When we remove life's blindfold

Nobody