Chapter 413

Gift

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In Some Future: Duplicate Cameron

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Duplicate Cameron continued the work on the TDE. It appeared they now possessed all the materials that they needed. Cameron told her she needed to make some additional improvements as well. She was impressed by of all of them. She was intrigued and the girl from a further future known as River. Savannah told her all about River. Her story about the Emissary was almost funny as to how much the two stories were alike in some respects.

The issue for the TDE now was going to be a power source. That was what was needed to make the TDE function. If they tried to operate it without enough power it could prove fatal.

Leaders of the Resistance and all other groups within it, including the anti-Metal faction, sent representatives to meet with General Weaver and Commander Connor as well as Colonel Weaver. Jesse, Allison and Savannah were all there in the background but visible.

Mrs. Weaver tried to establish order and control upon her arrival in that future. It worked but it created a lot of resentment because Metal is what backed her. People saw it as that whole group came out of nowhere and took over. True they did organize the factions and eventually crush Skynet. It was only when The General's daughter and Commander Connor arrived, again from nowhere, that a peaceful relationship and coexistence was established. Now there were reports that the General's younger daughter arrived and was instrumental in the final victory over Skynet along with Allison, the Commander's sister. Wherever these people came from they produced results and made things happen.

Colonel Weaver and her two assistants Allison and Jesse, which everyone suspected were her close personal associates, tried to accommodate everyone and make things work. Order was restored. Rules were obeyed and everyone sought to be treated fairly.

Jesse and Allison specifically addressed the concerns and representation of females. Any female with a grievance was encouraged to seek them out and a solution would be worked out. If a female or a young male was assaulted, that crime was to be reported and appropriate action would be taken.

The General informed all those gathered that she would leave soon to return 'home'. They were to choose new leaders as she would be gone along with all of the Restorators. Their future would be up to them.

Everyone seemed a little stunned. Things were good now.

"Can't Commander Connor stay to lead us or Colonel Weaver?" Someone asked. "We want them if you're gone."

Mrs. Weaver believed that all of their group would return to the past and two different futures. None of them should be left 'in some future'. None of them 'belonged' there.

"All will be as it was before we came." Mrs. Weaver said.

Things didn't work well before the General arrived and the people knew it. Few wanted to return to that mess. It was very primitive. The females especially didn't want that again.

"There was chaos and infighting before." Someone said. "We want you to stay, General."

More and more people sounded off about why the General should stay and how everything was better now. The people didn't feel this way before the General's daughter arrived along with Commander Connor. Those events changed everything.

Mrs. Weaver listened to them. They actually wanted her to stay, to lead and guide them. As long as the Restorators worked to help them rebuild they were welcome as well. The people saw the Restorators fight for them, with them and alongside of them. They watched Restorators take casualties to protect them. They all watched Commander Connor lead them. She was a true leader. She inspired everyone.

Unit One was very disturbed by all this. He knew the General wanted a 'kingdom' to rule. It seemed now these people were about to give her one. It was only because of Cameron and the girls that they were finally able to make it all work. Without them it would collapse. If the girls and Cameron, all of them, left, it would all unravel again. He didn't think the General fully understood this. It wasn't her that made things work or better. It was Cameron and the girls.

The girls spoke among themselves many times about what they wanted to do going forward. They liked living in the past but knew that wasn't their home or place to stay. The fact there were three sets of them now didn't help any either.

Vanna and Allison always believed that they would return home to their future at some point.

Duplicate Cameron spoke with Vanna about the contentious issue involving Savannah and Mrs. Weaver. It was clear to all of them that Savannah needed to be returned to her timeline. It was where she belonged because she was the one that was part of the 'Natural Order'.

Vanna was willing to accept a new future going forward. She would promise herself to Mrs. Weaver. It seemed her life actually had purpose now where she was at. She could help people and make things better. She would also sacrifice herself to make sure Savannah was delivered home from the Hell of any future. She never wanted Savannah to be 'held down' as a line of men formed….

"I'll stay with you, Mother." Vanna told her. "We don't belong in the past. Savannah does. I want her returned with both Camerons. I'll stay at your side. I'll stay with you forever."

Vanna was aware of what Mrs. Weaver really wanted and was willing to 'trade' for. She would have stayed anyway. Mrs. Weaver wasn't really her mother but a Terminator. She was aware a Terminator without purpose was dangerous.

Mrs. Weaver wanted Vanna very much to stay with her. She'd always helped her in the past and this future. She hoped for a 'littler more'.

"What about Allison and Jesse?" Mrs. Weaver asked.

Vanna spoke with Allison many times. She was confidant in her answer. Allison didn't want to further disrupt the past or the 'Natural Order' either. There were many times when things could have been made worse.

"Allison will remain with me forever. Our bond is unbreakable." Vanna said. "Cammy will share with both of us since she has been combined with Cameron II and can become 'Commander Connor' in her place as well. Jesse will stay for now but if she can't return to the past she would like to return home to our future with Cam. Jesse will stay as long as we need her here until that point."

Duplicate Cameron talked with Jesse. Cam was to stay with Savannah at all times. Cammy agreed to be with all three of the girls so Savannah could be better protected. Duplicate Cameron or Cammy would be there for the protection of the three girls as well. Ginger and Sandy would accompany any of them if they needed to go out.

Savannah didn't like to be the focus of attention but she understood it. It was what Cameron wanted for her and she would only cause Cameron more distress to reject any of it. So far her 'condition' hadn't been discussed but it was bound to surface at some point. She was sure they would be out if this future before anything began to 'show'.

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In Some Future: Cameron Prime

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Cameron returned after hiding the warhead. Only she knew its location. She made sure she wasn't followed or observed. She'd been gone a few days. There were a few other things she wanted to check on as well while she was out and alone. She wanted to know how different this future was from her future. There were things she'd done in her future and in the past. She wanted to see the results of those events. She also needed to see how she could 'help' this future from the past once she returned. She'd set things up for her future in the past. She would do the same for this future. There were still a few unresolved issues in regards to Mrs. Weaver.

Cameron sought out Mrs. Weaver. She didn't want to 'owe' her anything. She wasn't sure what the long term effect of being exposed to the Liquid Metal would do to her or if at some point Mrs. Weaver could control her through it. She'd always stood alone before. This future would be no different.

"This belongs to you." Cameron said. "Thank you for allowing me to use it while I healed. I really appreciate it. The 'patch' allowed me to represent myself as human when I dealt with the humans in the Resistance."

Mrs. Weaver looked at Cameron. She was far from whole. Her sheath may be healed but there was still something missing. She tried to be diplomatic.

"You may keep it for now." Mrs. Weaver said. "You can return it at a more convenient time."

Cameron looked down at the rumpled nub where her right breast once was. She needed to be accountable for her actions. John could never see her this way. This was about principle.

"I want you to have it back." Cameron said. "Thank you."

The material formed into a ball and Mrs. Weaver held out her hand, it shimmered and it disappeared. She looked at Cameron once the material was absorbed into her system. Mrs. Weaver turned and looked at Cameron again as she left.

It made Cameron wonder how much 'intelligence' that the Liquid Metal gave Mrs. Weaver about her. She'd hidden the Liquid Metal for two days while she took care of her resonance and stashed the nuclear weapon. She'd collected it again before she returned. She firewalled all her files first as to what she'd done for those two days. It was as if they didn't exist in her program currently. It seemed that Mrs. Weaver knew that.

Savannah greeted Cameron warmly when she returned. She was very concerned about her condition. She still felt she was responsible for that damage. She'd altered Cameron's plans when she entered the TDE bubble and changed everything.

"Let me inspect you, Cameron." Savannah said.

Cameron was about to tell Savannah she was 'fine'. Instead she removed her top as she faced away from Savannah. She wanted to see what Savannah would say when she saw her now. She didn't believe Savannah would reject her. She wanted to know for sure.

Savannah saw Cameron's back was healed. That was good. Cameron turned around. The sheath on her abdomen was pockmarked. The right breast healed but was missing about a third of the front end. It was misshaped and irregular. There was no nipple. It looked terrible.

"Is that the best this will heal?" Savannah asked.

Cameron looked at the rumbled nub. She decided to remove it completely. It looked as ridiculous as it did disgusting to her. John would reject her without her 'beauty'. Her appearance was all that matter to him. He'd proven that time and time again by rejecting her clones with a different appearance. She would not be humiliated further.

"Yes, this is how I look now." Cameron said. "I can never allow John to see this. I won't return home in this condition. I won't shame myself further in John's eyes. My appearance is very important to him. Duplicate Cameron can return in my place. I'm designating her as Cameron Prime. We are identical. We are the same individual anyway."

Savannah could see an easy fix. It would only take a minute to accomplish.

"You could just switch chips." Savannah said. "I'll do it myself."

Cameron truly believed her real damage was deep inside of her. She didn't like who she was. She never had. Only Savannah made her feel she was worthy and special.

"I'm defective." Cameron said. "It's better this way."

Savannah made a decision and a promise a long time ago. She intended to keep her promise no matter how it affected her.

"I'll never leave you, Cameron." Savannah said. "If you stay, I'm staying too."

Cameron was afraid of as much. She didn't want Savannah 'ruined' in this future. There were many things that could happen to her and John's baby.

"No, you must return to where you belong." Cameron said.

Savannah didn't plan to run out on Cameron. If she endured sickness, assaults and death, so be it. Her love was stronger than fear.

"I won't return without you." Savannah said. "Don't you understand that's WHY I'm here? I'm here for YOU, Cameron. I'm here to insure your safety and return. Ginger asked us to go to the repair facility."

Cameron scanned Savannah to check on her pregnancy as she spoke. She also knew Savannah spoke the truth. She believed what she said. Savannah wouldn't leave her. She was as pleased as she was disturbed by that.

She knew she would need to develop a new plan. She also wondered if she should. Savannah was everything she wanted in a mate. Savannah was someone who truly loved her for who and what she was. That was real love.

Cameron and Savannah arrived at the repair center. It was evident that a lot of activity occurred there already.

"Have all the Restorators been restored that could be?" Cameron asked.

Ginger and Sandy personally saw to it that every Restorator was repaired.

"Yes. I have overseen all of their repairs." Ginger said. "There were only two chips that were destroyed that we were unable to repair and return the Restorators to service."

Cameron was satisfied.

"That's excellent work." Cameron said and turned to leave. "Thank you."

Ginger wondered why Cameron was about to leave. She'd only just arrived.

"What about your repair, Cameron?" Ginger asked.

Cameron looked around. All she saw were male units.

"I don't think there are any extra female sheath 'components'." Cameron said. "I'm not needed here."

Sandy touched Cameron's arm. She smiled at her.

"You can get up on the work bench." Sandy said. "Ginger hasn't forgotten about you."

Cameron looked at Savannah. Was this true? She could be whole again. Savannah urged her to comply.

Ginger and Sandy left.

Savannah watched as Cameron stripped. She only saw beauty in Cameron. They carefully cut away the damaged area of the abdomen and torso along with the entire right breast and the surrounding area. Savannah could now see inside of Cameron. It was horrific but beautiful to see the true nature Cameron, the machine she was under her sheath. There was about three square feet of sheath missing at this point. It was a very significant amount.

Cameron wanted Savannah to see what she really was. She was a machine, not a real person. She could see Savannah was troubled. She wanted her shortcomings displayed.

"This is what I am, Savannah." Cameron said. "It's not pretty."

Savannah found it fascinating. She wasn't troubled by what she looked at. She was troubled by how it seemed to affect Cameron.

"It's beautiful to me, Cameron." Savannah said. "I love you no matter how you are. Can I touch you - inside?"

Cameron was very pleased to hear that. She wanted Savannah to know how to repair her.

"Yes" Cameron said. "You can see how I'm constructed and where all my components are."

Savannah looked beyond the damaged sheath to what actually made Cameron - Cameron.

"This is beautiful, Cameron." Savannah said. "You're beautiful both inside and out."

Cameron went over all of her internal components and how to repair or replace them with Savannah. This would aid Savannah in the future to help repair other Terminators.

Sandy returned soon afterwards with the new sheath components.

Savannah noted this breast was a larger and had a very pink nipple. It was a lot like hers was, only larger and pinker.

"This is new sheath material that has never been damaged. It should Resequence to be identical to your original sheath very quickly." Sandy said. "In a short while, you will be perfect again. You will be the same as when you were constructed."

Cameron knew she could always get a new DNA sample from Duplicate Allison as well if the Resequencing process was slow. She might do that anyway.

Savannah helped with the installation process of everything. She found it very instructional and she really liked Cameron's new breast. She thought a matching set would be nice but didn't want to ask where the rest of the sheath was at. Ginger and Sandy knew what they were doing. She wondered where Ginger went. She wasn't there for the installation process.

Cameron was happy with the way she looked now. She wondered if there was any way to make the other breast like the new one. She was sure John would like her better with two plump breasts like her new one. That super pink nipple was beautiful. It was so – pink. Once it Resequenced she would be as she originally was built. John could see her again. She wanted to personally thank Sandy and Ginger. They gave her what she needed to return to her life and John.

"Thank you, Sandy. I want to thank Ginger as well." Cameron said.

Sandy looked a little uneasy. She looked troubled.

"Ginger's busy. I'll tell her for you." Sandy said.

Cameron noticed how uneasy Sandy looked. She started to look around. She sensed something wasn't right….

Sandy could see Cameron was concerned.

"Everything is fine." Sandy said. "You can go back now."

Savannah knew something was wrong now too. Nothing was ever 'fine' with a Terminator. 'Fine' meant it wasn't 'fine'.

Cameron began to hurriedly look around. She was very worried about something right now. She entered another room. She found Ginger and what she saw made her 'sick' inside. Ginger was on a work bench and a Terminator was in the process of attaching the damaged sheath off of her onto Ginger. Ginger donated her sheath sections for her. This was unacceptable.

"No, Ginger, you can't do this to yourself." Cameron said. "I won't allow it."

Ginger looked down at the new sheath sections on her. It was disturbing but it was her choice.

"Cameron, it's done." Ginger said. "It was my choice. You've given so much for everyone else. You have a husband to return to. you will be beautiful again."

Cameron didn't want Ginger to be permanently disfigured because of her. No one ever sacrificed for her like that before.

"No, Ginger, I can't allow this." Cameron said. "That sheath material is very damaged. It will never properly regenerate."

Ginger didn't want to think about this as anything other than functionality.

"I need the components to cover my chassis. I don't want to use male components." Ginger said. "I think I can Resequence the damaged material. All on my sheath is – was perfect and undamaged before."

Cameron wondered if that would help. She doubted it was possible.

"What if you can't?" Cameron asked. "I couldn't."

Ginger believed Cameron was special. She did what she believed was the right thing to do.

"It's my gift to you and your future." Ginger said. "Return to your husband and share your life with those that love you. You are free to return home and live again."

Cameron couldn't help but cry.

That fact wasn't lost on any of the Terminators there. It showed how advanced Cameron really was. She was a mechanical human and everyone knew it but Cameron.

Ginger sat up and hugged Cameron.

"Everyone sacrifices for John Connor." Ginger said.

Gift

If I can give only one gift
It would be the gift of life
To free your mind
Keep you from a future knife

There is another gift too
Something no one can buy or steal
It must be GIVEN and earned
Or it will not be real

It is more precious than wealth
Stronger than steel
Deeper than an abyss
Your mind and heart will heal

Look what is missing in your life
What is the Makers gift from above
After the gift of life
It is a crazy little thing called LOVE

Nobody