Chapter 208

Skyshield

John ordered Isabel's chassis to be thoroughly disassembled and inspected to make sure there was nothing hidden by Skynet, which could lead them to their location. They wanted to make sure Isabel wasn't a Trojan Horse.

Gail stood next to Jesse and Vanna.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Gail asked.

Vanna didn't look very enthused. The thought of damaging such a perfect body almost made her physically ill. She was afraid she might vomit once she started.

"I'm not." Vanna said.

Jesse seemed a little reserved.

"It's been awhile since I needed to 'work' on someone." Jesse said. "This is different. This is everything."

Vanna cringed a little at what Jesse said. Things like it almost happened to her a few times. It was at the hands of Scavengers. She worked real hard to please them. When she witnessed the girl before her end up on the ground screaming and crying, she learned to listen real quick.

Gail laid out some surgical instruments.

Jesse looked at the implements. She took a moment to touch a few of them. She made sure she didn't touch the blade on any of them. She could tell they were sharp.

"Where do we start?" Jesse asked.

Vanna slowly let out her breath.

"Everything comes off." Vanna said.

Jesse looked at the naked form of Isabel. She concentrated on two areas.

"Even her jut and norks too?" Jesse asked.

Gail thought everything was rather clear.

"Yes." Gail said.

The thought of it excited Jesse. She only removed small sections of either area before from live human females. The results were rather significant for the person they were removed from, in a very negative manner.

"Can I do those?" Jesse asked.

Vanna could do without those images in her mind. She thought about how Jesse would become aggressive with her when they were alone together. Sometimes she could tell Jesse was at the edge. She didn't think it would take very much to push her over it and have her do something which would be catastrophic. She could see it was very sexual to Jesse to want to do those things. She hoped when Jesse worked on Isabel, it wouldn't rekindle those ideas in her head. She didn't want to face the same treatment at the end of Jesse's knife.

"They're all yours." Vanna said. "Try to leave everything intact when you do."

Jesse looked at Vanna for a long moment. She considered a few extra cuts to keep a few souvenirs for herself. She wasn't sure if they would regenerate or not. She thought they would. Maybe it was better not to find out. If Cameron was going to have her program in Isabel again, she didn't want to answer for anything which ended up 'missing', especially if it wouldn't regenerate. She looked over at Gail. She already had the left arm stripped down to the metal.

"That was fast." Jesse said. "It's really hard to think it's how you look inside."

Gail was aware of the schematics of what a Terminator, or Restorator, looked like under their organic sheath. She moved over and started on the torso. She wanted to give Jesse part of what she wanted.

"Follow my lead. You can lift the chest section off." Gail said.

Vanna worked on the right leg. There wasn't too much 'blood' as in a wound on a human. On a human, there was blood being pumped through arteries and being returned through veins. It was different how it worked on a Terminator.

"It's not as messy as I thought it would be." Vanna said. "I don't think I'm going to be sick after all."

Gail and Jesse worked on the torso.

"You can lift it up now." Gail said.

Jesse lifted the front section off of Isabel. She believed it looked better than the similar area on her.

"Look at that!" Jesse said. "I wish I could put this section on myself. I really like the shape, size and proportion of these."

Gail liked Jesse how she was. She wasn't sure if Jesse indicated she might be too big in the same area. She didn't think it would be too hard to do a swap off the parts from Isabel's sheath to her sheath. She also wanted to please Jesse. She would give her the option to decide if Jesse wanted her appearance to change in either of the private areas.

"You can graft the section onto my sheath if you want." Gail said. "We can do an exchange when we reassemble Isabel."

Jesse needed to think about what Gail said. When she made the comment about herself, it was a joke. She realized what Gail indicated wasn't. She didn't want to make Gail 'feel bad' about herself. She wanted to make sure exactly what she meant.

"Do you mean you can switch 'components'?" Jesse asked.

Gail knew it wouldn't be hard to switch the components. The components themselves would heal rapidly within a few days. What would take longer, would be for new components to switch to her normal sheath pigmentation. Isabel's sheath was a darker pigmentation than hers was. She wanted to make sure Jesse understood it was an option.

"Yes." Gail said. "I want to make you happy."

Jesse didn't want Gail to think there was anything wrong with her the way she was. She was very pleased with Gail's current appearance. She wanted to show Gail she loved her.

"Then you won't change a thing." Jesse said. "I love you just the way you are. Your female attributes are unlike any other. They belong to you and no one else."

Gail smiled.

Vanna and Jesse both thought Gail looked beautiful when she smiled. She seldom did.

"They belong to you." Gail said. "You've told me so, many times."

Vanna needed to stifle a giggle. It was the same thing Jesse often told her when they were together alone. She always agreed with Jesse when she said it. Somehow it fit right into the moment.

Gail took a moment to look down at the front of her sheath. She knew she was the largest up top of any of the females in the Resistance. She planned to keep it the same way.

"Thank you." Gail said. "I'm accustomed to this sheath."

Vanna looked over and saw Jesse fondled the removed section when she set it down. She didn't know if she should say anything or not. She didn't want to cause a problem for anyone. She returned her attention back to the section she worked on.

Gail removed the Coltan breast plate.

Jesse returned and looked inside of Isabel. She was surprised at everything she viewed.

"There sure are a lot of parts inside." Jesse said.

Vanna decided not to look when the lower section was removed. She already knew what Jesse was going to do with it…. She really hoped Jesse didn't get carried away and damage anything.

The girls continued to work and look for any irregularities. They wanted to make sure Isabel wasn't a 'Trojan Horse' of some type.

They found nothing out of order or hidden.

Vanna took a moment to look at all the pieces of Isabel. It was really something to see them laid out in order. It was another thing to view the Coltan endoskeleton. Many of the parts were removed from it to make sure nothing was concealed.

Cameron stopped by to take a look and make an inspection herself. She watched the video feed earlier as Gail, Jesse, and Vanna worked on Isabel. She noted the two sections Jesse was infatuated with. She was infatuated with them herself. She wondered if John would like them better on her current sheath than what she already possessed.

Vanna could see Cameron think as she looked at some of the sheath components. She didn't want Cameron to do anything foolish.

"You're fine the way you are." Vanna whispered to Cameron.

Gail looked over when Vanna whispered.

Jesse didn't seem to notice.

Cameron believed what Vanna said more than she would have if John said it. She figured Vanna possessed plenty of experience with someone who looked just like her. She also had plenty of experience with dozens and dozens of other females. Maybe the way she looked wasn't so bad after all. John did seem to like it. Most of the time, she was sure it was the only thing he liked about her. She was sure it was her appearance. She almost changed it once. She didn't want to make the same mistake again.

"I don't find any irregularities with her chassis or sheath either." Cameron said. "You may reassemble her."

Cameron took a moment to look at everything laid out in order. She wondered if she would ever end up on someone's workbench in the same condition. It wasn't something she wanted to think about.

Cameron brought John into the lab once Isabel was 'reassembled'.

Isabel looked like a quilt. They'd sectioned her off to remove her sheath and check her out internally. They found nothing out of the ordinary. She would be healed in less than three days and back to normal. The cuts were all precise and clean.

John stood and looked over the patchwork with Cameron. It made him a little queasy. He was glad he wasn't a part of the process. He didn't think he could have done it. He hoped he didn't traumatize Vanna and Jesse with their involvement. He remembered Isabel looked much better than she did now.

Cameron wanted to have a little fun with John. She could see how uneasy he looked.

"I need to copy my program into Isabel. She'll be in to see you in a couple of hours as 'Cameron', your wife." Cameron said. "I may choose her form anyway. I'm still intrigued by it. I wish to 'test' it. No one buys a car without test driving it FIRST."

John didn't like the idea. He could only imagine what it would be like to touch the multitude of sutures. It left him with a very uncomfortable feeling on several levels.

"I think I'll pass on the offer." John said. "There sure are a lot of stitches…."

Cameron covered Isabel with a blanket except her face. It was also stitched together. She wanted to remind John how he made her feel at times when they were alone together.

"The 'part' you desire is fully functional." Cameron said. "I'll turn off the lights. You can let your mind do the rest. I'm sure it won't be the first time."

John didn't like the insult. Maybe it was because she was correct. He may have imagined she was 'someone else' a few times in the dark. It really wasn't too hard to do. Now he wondered if he ever said any names out loud by mistake. He hoped he never said Riley's name. It was one of the 'people' he thought of in the dark before. He actually thought about all of them. He didn't think it was anything unusual. He was pretty sure everyone fantasized at times about different things, or different people. He still didn't like Cameron's insinuation.

He thought it was best to 'strike' back. He didn't like his personal actions questioned.

"And when the lights come back on, who will actually be there? Will it be you, or one of the others?" John asked.

Cameron smiled. It gave her a new idea. She didn't like the challenge from John. She was willing to accept it as a challenge.

"You will always have to wonder about the same question for the rest of your life." Cameron said. "You've been given notice and warned. You've challenged me and my resolve. I will win."

John pointed out the obvious.

"In order to 'win', you actually 'lose'." John said.

Cameron looked indifferent.

"Not all victories are sweet." Cameron said. "Either way, someone will always 'win'."

John swallowed hard.

Cameron looked intently at John. She wanted him to understand.

"The future must be protected." Cameron said. "It's my function."

Holly entered the lab. She exchanged pleasantries with Cameron and John.

"John, leave us while we attend to Isabel." Cameron said. "When she comes to visit you, I'll have her turn off the lights as she enters. Remember, it will be my program. It will be me for all practical purposes. There will soon be two of me. This time we will know about each other. We will also know who Cameron Prime is."

John was glad to get away. If Cameron came with Isabel, and it was both of them together, he would think about it….

What could it hurt? Technically they would both be his 'wife' since it was Cameron's program. Everything would be out in the open. Nothing would be done behind anyone's back. There wouldn't be any secrets to keep.

John thought about how he would position them on top of him. A giant smile blossomed on his face. He liked what he'd planned. They could face each other the way he envisioned it. He'd like to see them kiss while he pleased both of them. He quickly realized he wouldn't be able to see too much.

John left the lab.

Bob and Dan approached him.

"If you want to leave, come with me." Bob said.

John knew Cameron was going to be tied up for a few hours. It looked like a good opportunity for him to 'get out' for a while.

He went with Bob and Dan. They were going to follow up some leads. Even a simple recon allowed him to get out some. Cameron didn't like him out in the field. He didn't like her to tell him what he could and couldn't do. He was the General after all.

John really wanted to find the drone they damaged. Where was it? Where did it come from? Was it one from the same factory as the four they already recovered? It was important they found it to make sure there wasn't another facility some place else. Where did the larger drone come from which attacked Cameron? It was crudely made. It wasn't Skynet quality. Was there some other group out there? Was there another version of 'Skynet'?

John Henry came across 'Skyshield' references as it tried for government contracts. They used a different name since Skynet always seemed to be a failure.

John smiled knowing it was their doing in combating Skynet.

Bob really wanted to find the people behind the attack as it almost terminated him too. It was personal at this point. If the recon panned out, Holly, Cameron and him would deal with the threat personally. First they needed to check out the leads.

Dan was happy to be off the protection Detail. It was a pleasure to be out in the field and do things. Cameron often took each of them out for a 'good time' and to have 'fun' on their rotations. Cameron was the greatest. She always knew what to do and would inevitably get into a scrape with someone. Her rule was no terminations, unless they were out after drug dealers, or future Scavengers.

Sometimes it came up on a fun night out, as opportunity presented itself. Opportunity always presented itself when Cameron wanted to check Terminator 'proficiency'. In reality, every fun night out was really infiltration training, practice, and to further Cameron's goals. Everything was really a test. Cameron was a great instructor and teacher. Cameron was the best. Cameron was perfect.

Cameron now existed as two Terminators, Cameron and Isabel. Once Isabel was healed, the long term infiltration mission was set in motion.

There were a multitude of things to consider. Numerous possibilities could arise and present themselves. She needed to make sure things didn't get carried away.

Cameron let Isabel drive them to the Young residence. They didn't share much small talk along the way. It was more like talking to herself. Cameron seemed to do plenty of it on her own anymore.

Isabel did comment John didn't submit to her advances and left her naked and alone in their quarters. She was very upset about it. She didn't want to be left 'hanging'. Like most females, her 'first experience' was with herself. It didn't take her long to achieve her goal. She possessed plenty of experience as 'Cameron'. The only thing different was the sheath. Even though everything was the same, it was all extremely different in detail. It didn't matter what it was. Every part was just like a face, no two of them were the same.

Cameron didn't like hearing John disrespected her program again. Isabel was her. She was an extension of her. There would have to be some 'punishment' for John because of his current infraction. When she put Isabel in John's bed, it was because Isabel was her. There was no difference between them, other than their appearance.

When Isabel got off the freeway, she took a different route towards the Young residence. Cameron found it strange as she always took the same route. She didn't mention it. Since Isabel was 'her', she should have taken the regular route. Perhaps there were going to be some differences between them after all.

They soon arrived at the Young residence.

Because of the different route taken to arrive at the Young residence, Cameron thought she needed to go over what her intent was and how it was to be done.

"I want the same goals for both of us." Cameron said.

Isabel tilted her head slightly. Since she was 'Cameron' as well, how could they be different? She listened to Cameron. She didn't notice anything different in what was already planned.

Cameron and Isabel exited the SUV and started up the walkway to the Young residence.

Mrs. Young opened the front door as they approached.

Cameron was pleased to see her.

"Hello, Claire." Cameron said.

There was a giant smile on Mrs. Young's face.

"Hello, Cameron." Mrs. Young said.

Cameron thought she should try to make the introduction somewhat formal, as opposed to casual.

"Mrs. Young, this is Isabel – Cambel. Isabel, this is Mrs. Young." Cameron said.

Isabel played along with Cameron's introduction. For her, it was already old news.

"I'm pleased to meet you, Mrs. Young." Isabel said.

Mrs. Young's eyes looked at Isabel from her head down to her toes and back again.

"You can call me, Claire…." Mrs. Young said. "You're very pretty."

Mrs. Young thought Isabel was almost as beautiful as Cameron, almost…. She could see her physical attributes were different. They were still just as appealing.

Cameron worked out a deal with the Young family for Isabel to help out around the house for a room to stay. Isabel would also pay them a little extra to make up for Mrs. Young's lost wages.

She assured Mrs. Young having Isabel around, was just like her being around. Isabel could do everything she could, exactly the same. She assured Mrs. Young there would be no boys coming around. Isabel only kept female 'friends'. With her latest declaration, Cameron noticed Mrs. Young checked Isabel out again, in detail. Her statement seemed to spark some sexual arousal. She noticed it too in her interactions with Mrs. Young. There'd been nothing said, or any type of action taken. It could be curiosity. She read in Cosmo it wasn't uncommon for females to think about 'different things' with other females.

Cameron or Allison would be there whenever Isabel needed to be away. Isabel could accompany her and Young Allison anywhere they needed to go. It was what she recommended. She wanted to make sure Young Allison was better protected in case there was a problem. The Detail would also be close by as they always were.

Mrs. Young and Young Allison got to meet all the 'girls' over time. It included bringing Savannah as often as possible. Savannah and Young Allison would play sometimes. They did educational things, as well as practice some of the arts together. The bond between Savannah and Young Allison grew strong. They were already the best of friends. The age difference didn't matter.

Cameron knew Savannah would rapidly mature and would grow beyond Young Allison as her hormones took control. She was unsure what to do about it. It was imperative the girls develop an unbreakable bond. It would be nature at play, as part of normal human development.

Both Allison and Savannah spoke with Cameron about Young Allison and her home. She decided because Isabel would live at the Young residence, it was a better option at this time rather than to bring Young Allison into 'protective custody'. She herself as Isabel, would watch over and protect John's destiny. She would interface with Isabel once a week, maybe two times a week. It would be to keep their chips identical and in sync. It would keep both of them identical and as only one 'Cameron', even if there were two separate chassis. Cameron would share her alone time with John for Isabel to 'review' as she chose. Isabel would choose to review it often.

Allison felt so alone and empty.

Cameron suggested she talk to Holly as she did herself many times. She told Allison that Holly was a good listener.

Allison wasn't sure what Cameron really tried to tell her.

There was a soft knock at the door.

"Come in." Allison whimpered.

The door opened and Holly came in.

Allison cried on her bed.

"Thank you for coming." Allison sniffled.

Holly sat next to her and gently dried her tears.

It bothered Holly much more than she thought it would to be this close to Allison in tears. It caused her internal discomfort.

"I'm here to listen to you." Holly said. "It's what I do. You know it."

Allison told her everything, all her problems, her hopes, her dreams, and even her secrets.

Holly comforted and soothed her.

Vanna sought comfort with Jesse most of the time and all but abandoned Allison. It seemed to be the issue because Allison chose to be with her family in Palmdale often.

Allison loved Cameron and John. She told Holly of being with 'a Cameron' in Isabel-Cameron once. It was her most special time. She didn't mention the 'Holly' on the chip. Now she was all alone. She felt all alone anyway.

She could see the beauty both inside and outside of Holly.

Allison wanted 'more'.

She looked up and pulled Holly towards her. Holly went. She kissed Holly. Holly didn't respond.

Allison looked worried. She heard the stories about when Riley tried to 'hit on' Holly before. It was the same response. She felt she overstepped.

"I'm sorry." Allison said.

Holly still held Allison close. She wanted what Allison offered, but was 'afraid'. She wanted to explain herself.

"I've never done 'this' before, Allison." Holly said. "I feel uncertain and 'scared'. I'm not running any infiltration programming."

Allison still felt she overstepped.

"I shouldn't have…." Allison said.

Holly selected a song and it started to play. She gently shoved the dresser against the door to make sure no one would come in.

Allison could see the act for what it meant. It meant to continue.

Holly lay on the bed and pulled Allison towards her.

''Kiss me." Holly said. "I want it to be ME - Holly."

Allison was over Holly.

They shared a long look, slowly Allison moved forward. She gently kissed Holly as the music played.

Holly responded. There were some things she felt she needed to say. They were important to her. She hoped they would be important to Allison as well.

"It's always been you, Allison. It's always been you who I've wanted." Holly said. "I want you, Allison, teach me, show me, and love me. I want you…."

Allison did in the most tender and loving manner. She didn't think she'd ever been so excited, except on her first time with Vanna, and with Isabel-Cameron-Holly.

'Love The One You're With' by 'Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young', was the song that played.

It was what each of them did.

They both 'saw' the other as 'Cameron' in their minds…. It actually didn't last long. They quickly came to realize they saw each other for who they were. It was actually very beautiful. It made both of them wonder, what were they thinking earlier.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Aspire

We know what's wrong
We know what doesn't work
We ignore reality and fact
At insanity's edge we lurk
How do we stop the anguish
To see through the dark murk

There's no escape with substitutes
They make every problem worse
To surrender our very selves
Ends with a ride in a hearse
We hurt everyone around us
When we name call and curse

Selfishness, greed, ego, desire
Each mistake makes things dire
The more we try to escape
The further we sink and mire
Few help, few heed, few care
Nobody tries to help guide and aspire

Nobody cares and lends a hand
Blinded by life's daily mundane rage
Trapped in a undeserved existence
No walls or bars, yet stuck in a cage
Nobody will stand beside us
As the curtain closes on our stage

Nobody