Chapter 351

Underestimated

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

In Some Future:

Events Pick up From Chapter 336

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Cameron and the girls held a meeting with Mrs. Weaver after everything settled down from their recent Skynet encounter. They made sure they were not tracked and set outposts to watch for any follow-up Skynet retaliation.

Cameron was troubled by the trap they'd walked into and who it was set for, Mrs. Weaver. That meant the Resistance was infiltrated. The last thing they needed were spies among them that notified Skynet of their activities and plans. That could set all of them up for termination or assassination.

"I think there are people who are Grays mixed in with the Resistance." Cameron said.

Mrs. Weaver thought that too but wanted to know why Cameron thought that as well.

"Why is that?" Mrs. Weaver asked.

It seemed pretty straight forward to Cameron.

"Based on the information you relayed to me of your personal encounter in the Skynet 'trap', there's no other explanation." Cameron said. "You were specifically targeted."

Mrs. Weaver didn't share the fact she'd used Allison's appearance and Skynet said it thought she looked 'different'. That would be the work of a spy. This would call for further investigation and retribution. She could take some satisfaction that she'd beat Skynet's attempt to capture and terminate her.

"Skynet thought I was Metal." Mrs. Weaver said. "It just didn't know what kind of Metal. It underestimated me."

Cameron was worried that Mrs. Weaver was a little too smug. She was there the lend assistance. What if she hadn't been there?

"This time you were lucky." Cameron said. "What about the next time? It was able to trap you. We both know Skynet learns very fast."

Mrs. Weaver knew she was trapped but she felt she could have gotten out in time. Cameron just expedited the procedure.

"Yes. I was going to have a hard time getting out of that 'cage'." Mrs. Weaver said. "Your quick thinking and choice of weapons helped me get out quicker."

Cameron wanted more. She wanted the parent computer that was Skynet. She planned to personally terminate it.

"We need to hunt down the Skynet mainframe." Cameron said. "I want the core computer. I'm going to destroy it."

Mrs. Weaver looked at her for a few moments. She knew Mrs. Weaver wanted to be included. She didn't want a rift between them on anything. The more assistance she received from Mrs. Weaver, the quicker they could get back. She still needed to stop Riley. She imagined that John made love to Riley half a dozen times a day. She didn't know if she was going to snap Riley's neck outright or slowly beat her to death.

"…together." Mrs. Weaver said.

Cameron was aware her mind drifted when she thought of John and Riley. That was going to get her in trouble in the future if she allowed that to happen more. She replayed her files quickly and answered the question.

"WE will destroy Skynet together." Cameron added. "Vanna has some disturbing news as well."

Cameron looked at Vanna and she gave her assessment.

"There's an anti-Metal faction in the Resistance. They think you are Metal. As long as they think that, you are in danger, we all are." Vanna said. "We've encountered groups like this in the past."

Mrs. Weaver was very concerned. The anti-Metal group must have thought the girls were Metal too. She was worried about their safety.

"How did you respond?" Mrs. Weaver asked. "What changed their mind?"

Vanna felt it was degrading but she'd done what was necessary. She felt she'd needed to do plenty of that over the years on several fronts.

"Jesse and I showed them our scars." Vanna said. "They took that at face value. They said they knew Metal didn't scar. I told them WE were not Metal and that you are my 'mother'."

Mrs. Weaver smiled to herself. She liked Vanna to think of her as her 'mother'. That was because Savannah did. They'd established a good relationship before she left for the future. She missed Savannah. She didn't think it was possible for her to 'feel' anything for a human but she'd become fond and attached to Savannah. She needed to focus. She did show some battle damage after the raid but it was all 'gone' now. She made a few small flaws appear on her hands.

"I will make sure I have scars in the future." Mrs. Weaver said.

Cameron knew it was more than just appearance. It was Mrs. Weaver's attitude and the way she presented herself. It was her smugness and disdain for others that highlighted the issue. She needed to tread lightly here and remain diplomatic.

"General, it's more than just scars. It's also the way you present yourself at times." Cameron said. "You may need some 'infiltration updates'."

Mrs. Weaver didn't say anything at first. She tried to size up Cameron's intent.

Cameron wasn't looking to cause a problem but actually trying to help Mrs. Weaver.

"Go on." Mrs. Weaver said.

Cameron really didn't know how close they would need to be to make things happen. She was worried her action to return damaged Restorators to service could create an issue. She didn't want it to seem as if she went behind her back.

"I'll work closely with you if you seek my advice." Cameron said. "I have also initiated a program to repair your damaged Metal."

Mrs. Weaver wanted to learn many things from Cameron even if she didn't want to say so. She found Cameron as appealing as she did worrisome. The issue of Metal didn't seem like an issue. Some damaged units were returned to service.

"If my Metal is reparable, it's repaired." Mrs. Weaver said.

Cameron knew Mrs. Weaver meant only minor repairs. She thought on a much deeper level.

"I removed the chips from the Restorators that 'perished' freeing you." Cameron said. "At the Skynet facility, I placed their chips in captured Skynet Terminator chassis. I know you were aware of that. Their own chassis were totally destroyed. Those units still exist to serve our cause now. They were very 'pleased'. I plan to do more of that in the future here with you."

Mrs. Weaver didn't feel guilty about it but heavily damaged units were left terminated. It wasn't 'punishment'. It was just the way it was. She could see the merit in this endeavor by Cameron. She saw how quickly the Restorators rallied around her and seemed eager to assist her. They often appeared unmotivated and very mechanical to her. This program could have merit.

"That isn't something I'd done before." Mrs. Weaver said. "It's a good idea. That way they would not need additional programming or training. They are good to go again instantly."

Cameron didn't want to cause hard feelings or have Mrs. Weaver think she was trying to undermine her 'power'.

"I don't want to have the appearance of doing something behind your back or trying to circumvent your authority, General." Cameron said. "The Restorators that were returned to service were very pleased to fight again for you."

Mrs. Weaver eyed Cameron. She could see how the human girls here would follow Cameron anywhere and apparently did. That was why they were here now. She could see how easily Cameron handled the members of the Resistance too. Her Restorators acted the same way when Cameron interacted with them. She wondered if it was Cameron's long exposure and interaction with humans that allowed her to operate so freely and with good results. It was clear to her that Cameron exhibited a 'personality' that was very human like while she retained her Metal qualities. She'd watched Cameron in action and she was very deadly.

"You can spark loyalty among humans and Metal." Mrs. Weaver said. "You are very gifted and unique among all Metal of any type."

Cameron thought that was a complement as much as it was fact.

Mrs. Weaver thought of the human girls and their 'bodyguards'. The Metal that Cameron brought with her would be fiercely loyal to Cameron before they would ever be loyal to her. She didn't want any problems or issues. She needed to think about this.

Cameron could tell Mrs. Weaver thought she could be trouble. Cameron really only wanted to get back to John as soon as possible. She wanted to reiterate what her main goals were. She needed to stop Riley and get the girls to where it was safer.

"I NEED to get back to John and return these girls home with me." Cameron said. "That is my only desire. I won't be a problem for you, General. I will help you in every way I can. I ask for your assistance to help all of us get back."

Mrs. Weaver wanted to get back too. Now that she'd thought of Savannah earlier, she planed to take her with her wherever she went. Savannah was important to her. She craved the love that Savannah gave her. The more she'd interacted with Savannah, the more love she felt. She realized that was the same feeling Cameron received in her interactions with the girls and everyone else too. It was a powerful feeling for something that was not physically there.

Cameron wanted Mrs. Weaver to know she didn't want to 'use' her. She touched her face and the Liquid Metal formed into a ball in her hand. It exposed her damage. She was going to return it back to Mrs. Weaver.

The girls remained mostly silent through the meeting. This new development changed things. They let out a collective gasp. They were unaware Cameron was damaged.

Vanna was appalled. She rushed to Cameron.

"Cameron, you're hurt." Vanna said as she moved forward to inspect her.

Allison and Jesse were also visibly worried for Cameron's safety. They went to her as well.

Mrs. Weaver noted the genuine concern Vanna showed for Cameron. It was more than 'concern'. It was apparent that these three girls not only loved each other, they ALL loved Cameron. She was aware that other humans could love Metal. They really loved her. John Connor wasn't the only one. She needed to study this more…. She wanted someone to worry about her like that and care for her. She wanted more than for them to bow to her power. Cameron didn't need to use power or unspoken threats to make people obey her and care for her.

Cameron smiled at Mrs. Weaver as she faced her.

It was very moving to Mrs. Weaver. Even with the tension between them, Cameron tried to remain cordial and friendly. This was more than an act.

"Thank you for allowing me to mask my true nature and being as Metal." Cameron said. "It allowed me to better serve you and our cause."

Mrs. Weaver started to reach for it. She was a little hesitant as she looked at Cameron's face. She didn't need to look like that for a few days. She didn't like to see Cameron's beauty marred.

Vanna looked at Cameron's damage. She wasn't about to let Cameron feel bad about her appearance if there was something that could be done about it. There was something that could be done about it. She looked at Mrs. Weaver and stepped forward. She took the Liquid Metal ball from Cameron's hand and placed it back on Cameron's face. It instantly covered her wounds and restored her beautiful appearance.

This seemed like a 'game changer' to Vanna. She only wished there could have been something like this before for Cameron. She'd been through so much grief over her appearance and how it would affect John. Maybe this could be used in more strategic or even tactical ways.

"Can this material change her facial characteristics?" Vanna asked. "Can it make her look different?"

Mrs. Weaver didn't see why not, it did for her.

"It will respond to her processor in many ways." Mrs. Weaver said. "Think about it, Commander. The Colonel just touched the material."

Cameron did think about it and the substance shimmered and suddenly she looked different. She looked like Vanna.

Vanna looked at 'herself' with brown hair. It was a little disturbing. She wanted to see more.

"Give yourself a scar." Vanna said.

A scar appeared on Cameron's cheek.

Vanna knew this was the solution to their current dilemma about Cameron and her clones. They would all look like Cameron very soon. She decided to 'play' off of the safety issue.

"Mother, I need more of this material for our three 'bodyguards'." Vanna said. "It will allow them to better protect us when you are away. I'm worried about any Grays that have infiltrated or any of the anti-Metal faction. I'm worried about our safety, ALL our safety, yours too. We aren't as indestructible as you are."

Mrs. Weaver wanted the girls protected. She wanted them to love her the way they did each other and Cameron. She wanted to interact with them in every way. She wanted what Cameron possessed. This would give her a 'way' to interact with all of them, even if it was indirectly for now.

"I need you protected and to help me keep the peace here." Mrs. Weaver said. "I need to stop Skynet here and return to MY future, as the Commander needs to return to the past and her husband."

She almost said 'husband in the past' but restrained herself. She saw the earlier confusion Cameron experienced over that issue of being married to Future John in her future.

Mrs. Weaver stepped forward to each of the clones and deposited a ball sized amount of Liquid Metal. In seconds all three of them looked like Cameron. She hadn't expected that and was pleasantry surprised the see four of 'Cameron' and Allison as well. Allison peeked her interest and she planned to be with her 'daughter's lover' sooner rather than later. She would do it as 'Vanna' or 'Jesse' too. That was her easiest way to be with 'Cameron'. She also planed to be with Vanna and Jesse too under the same clandestine circumstances. She was going to experience human love one way or another. It didn't bother her too much how she planned to do it. It did bother her some that she was slightly bothered by that deceptive method. It was very unlike her to be bothered by anything

Vanna knew this was good news. The clones could continue Resequencing and still have the ability to mask their true appearance and any damage or even create damage. She briefly wondered if it could hide her damage. No, that's part of who she was now.

Cameron was pleased that Vanna acted on her behalf and that her clones could be masked as well.

"General, this will greatly help us and our cause." Cameron said. "Thank You."

Mrs. Weaver could see everyone was pleased. Now it was time to further her agenda and move her cause forward. She wanted the troublemakers and traitors identified. The girls were the ones that could pull that off. She faced Vanna, Jesse and Allison.

"Colonel, I want your two Captains to infiltrate any Gray or anti-Metal group along with the bodyguards." Mrs. Weaver said. "That's if I have the Commander's support."

Cameron was worried about them. She needed to stress the girls safety was paramount.

"General, I must again stress that their bodyguards are to be with them at all times. I must protect them." Cameron said. "I must return them home, to OUR home."

They finished up the meeting and Cameron stayed after the girls left. There was a serious issue to bring up.

"General, I was also made aware that when it was determined we needed help, there was a purposeful delay or hesitation. When you are alone with the Colonel, she can fill you in." Cameron said and paused for a few seconds to make her point. "I don't wish to cause trouble in your organization."

Mrs. Weaver wondered where this new revelation was headed.

"Go on." Mrs. Weaver said.

Cameron didn't want to be abrasive but she did want to make her point.

"I'll help you with your troops in any manner I can to assist you and our mission." Cameron said. "Please allow me the leeway to 'communicate' with them in my own fashion. It is different than your style. I won't cause you any trouble. I've worked with our Metal in the past, my past, and we've developed good working techniques."

Mrs. Weaver knew Cameron to be true to her word even if they disagreed on how some things should be done. Cameron always got the job done her way. It was clear the girls were her main concern at this point.

"You need only answer to me on anything you do." Mrs. Weaver said. "I'm going to trust you because I believe you have the best interests of the girls as your top priority. I want Savannah - Vanna, out of this mess and back safe in the past. Since there are 'four' of you, I take it each of the girls loves you?"

Cameron cared for all of the girls as much as she could.

"Yes. I love them too. This is the only way I can share myself and our love for each other. It is through my clones." Cameron said. "I'm devoted to John. I MUST return to him."

Mrs. Weaver wanted to soften the tone. She appreciated that Cameron respected her position and title. She didn't have to but she did.

"Cameron, work with me." Mrs. Weaver said.

Cameron noted the change in tone and reciprocated. She didn't want any conflict or hard feelings.

"Catherine, it's my honor to do so." Cameron said. "After defeating Skynet, my only desire is to return the girls home and be with John."

Mrs. Weaver again thanked Cameron for helping her get out of the trap….

"Sometimes it's nice to have help." Cameron said as she was about to depart.

Cameron left to seek out the girls.

Underestimated

Everyone wants to be loved
Instead some are hated
Is that just plain bad luck
Or how one's destiny was fated

The various joys of love
Are vastly inflated and overrated
Everything once inside of one
Is soon dried out and evaporated

Two that once seemed close
Are soon enough alienated
Things may linger and drag along
As to the past one may feel obligated

They both grow tired and weary
It is easy become frustrated
Leaving them angry and upset
They often become aggravated

Where two were once captivated
Everything was soon complicated
What should have been cultivated
Left both extremely devastated

It can be accepted or debated
If it is better to remain isolated
As the myth of love is propagated
The agony of life is underestimated

Nobody