Chapter 217

True Colors

John decided to seek Bob out and 'escape' for a while. 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 because she thought he disrespected 'her program'. He felt she didn't respect his feelings either. His feelings mattered as much as hers did. He didn't think she could see it.

Isabel couldn't understand it. She told John she WAS Cameron, they were the SAME and identical. It was a very simple principle. There was no need to dispute it or run from it. It was a fact.

"There's no difference between us." Isabel said. "We're 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 didn't know how to make her understand.

"I understand how you feel, and Cameron feels, since you're both her." John said. "What about me? I matter too. It can't always be about you. It isn't how a relationship works. It's 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.

Bob could see John wanted to get away from the area.

"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. It 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 didn't distract him.

There were already enough distractions as it was. Distractions led to mistakes. Mistakes led to people being hurt or worse. One always needed to keep their head in the game and pay attention. It didn't take much for something to slip by someone and create a problem or cause a catastrophe.

Isabel was upset John went off with Bob. She went to the trouble to come to the base to be with John as his 'wife'. It's what she was. She was 'Cameron'. She was very upset at the disrespect John showed to her. It was like her program didn't matter to him. She didn't 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 her chassis anyway. As far as it went, she did too. She was sure her current chassis would please John more. She was sure it would initially anyway.

She was aware Isabel's sheath and chassis would be like someone 'new' to John. She would be able to tell by how long he lasted as to the level of his excitement and desire. She was willing to bet when the union occurred, it would last less than a minute. Even though it wouldn't do much for her, it would satisfy her to know how excited John was to share with her with Isabel's appearance.

Everything on Isabel's sheath was different in detail. Even though the parts were the same as Cameron, or any female, the detail of them was completely different in every way possible. The most notable differences were the size and shape as well as the pigmentation.

She was very dissatisfied with the current circumstances. She decided to review the past security footage. Something must have happened there to set Cameron off, and why she wouldn't update with her this time. Maybe something happened to embolden John. He was usually not so 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 together and alone, before John exited a short time later. The most notable thing about the entire event was what John needed to do as he came out of the room. He needed to refasten 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 didn't think it would have done much for Jesse. She could understand. She figured she would experience the same thing when she finally got John to be with her. Maybe thinking he would last a minute was far too long. Based upon what the surveillance images showed of Jesse's room, it would probably be much less. It might only be thirty seconds.

She needed to focus on what the actual issue appeared to be. It appeared someone finally listened to her for once. Based upon the 'examination' Jesse was given, it was probably the deciding factor. It clearly was a motivating factor.

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

Isabel figured it must be what set Cameron off. It's why John didn't want or need her. Jesse must be 'better'. She did have to admit Jesse was HOT. It was what she wanted to happen. It was what Cameron wanted. 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. The latest developments were life altering. It looked like Cameron sent her there to do the 'dirty work'. Why would Cameron think this would be any easier for her than it was for Cameron? They were the same program. If anything, the issue was further complicated by John not wanting to be with her. She actually wondered if he would be with Jesse again instead. If it was the case, it would prove Jesse was better than any version of Cameron. It might also indicate a real human female was superior to a cyborg masquerading as one.

Isabel knew what needed to be done. Since Cameron didn't 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 there. She sought out Jesse. It was time to act. She would need to be amicable and magnanimous.

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

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

Cameron mentioned to her earlier the only difference between Isabel and her was the chassis and sheath. Those were items which could easily be switched with a simple chip swap.

Jesse couldn't help but 'eyeball' Isabel. She was Hot. The fact she was with the 'first Isabel', only made her more enticing. The best part of it all was Cameron's program was on the chip at the time, along with Holly's program. It was a shame everything was erased. None of the information was transferred back to Cameron.

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

Isabel noticed Jesse mentally undress her. She somehow liked the feeling. It made her feel good about herself to have someone desire her. She scanned Jesse. She detected 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. She really didn't know what to say. It was time to act. John needed to be protected.

"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.

It 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.

"You must mate with John again. You must 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. John may have been in her room, with her naked, but nothing happened. She wanted to set the record straight.

"We didn't do anything, Isabel." Jesse said. "He never touched me in any way. There was no union. He didn't 'cop a feel'. He didn't even kiss me. He wanted to do all of those things, but he didn't do any of them. I was ready for any or all of them. I still am. I know it's what you want me to do. I did try."

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. How could the facts be so different from the physical record?

"I can tell you're being truthful." 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. Nobody ever rejected her before, especially multiple times.

"He wouldn't touch me, even when I was naked in bed and 'ready' for him." Jesse said. "My body was ready to go. I made it clear everything was available."

Isabel saw this as both good and bad news. What needed to happen still needed to happen. John needed to be protected. The future still needed to be protected.

"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 wasn't the only one. Her frustration boiled out. There was an underlying issue she couldn't control. Nobody could.

"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 because 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 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. She wouldn't mind sharing some alone time with Isabel, especially since she was Cameron. She knew it wouldn't happen. There were other things they could do.

"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. She liked all the attention they paid to her. The sexual tension just below the surface was more than somewhat exciting as well. She wanted to be a little more inclusive. She wanted everyone to remain close.

"I'd 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're usually busy with Kyle and Derek." Jesse said. "You find Vanna and Allison and I will ask Riley and Sarah. I'd like to keep it an all girls thing. You know we all understand each other better than males ever will."

Isabel took a moment to reflect on Jesse's last statement. It made her wonder if John ever understood her at all. Somehow it didn't seem like it. She knew from the first moment she acquired him in Red Valley what John saw in her. It was her appearance. It was something she thought shouldn't matter in a real relationship. It should be the person inside who mattered. She may look like Isabel outside, but she was Cameron inside.

Each of them went in search of two of the other women. They were both excited as they always had a good time together. It was especially true if they went out. If John wasn't going to touch her, maybe one of the girls would. She wouldn't mind if it was Sarah either. She thought about Riley as well. She wouldn't turn down any advances from Riley either. If Future Riley was John's first female, Riley could be her first female as well. Somehow she liked the thought of the idea. She didn't know if she would rub it in John's face the same way he rubbed it in her face.

Isabel found Allison. She ran everything by her.

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

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

Isabel was afraid she knew where things were headed. She wanted to make it clear exactly what she wanted.

"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. She was worried it might turn into a source of contention.

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

Isabel didn't like to see any tension between the girls. It was time to be a little more forceful with Allison. She would do the same for Vanna.

"I think it's 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'll catch up to you later." Allison said. "There are a few things I need to wrap up."

Isabel was a little miffed because Allison left. It wasn't the correct move. It was time to put an end to the nonsense. She knew what was best for both of them.

Isabel went in search of Vanna.

Isabel went to the lab. She found Vanna there. There was a sad look on Vanna's 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'. I don't want to be a problem for anyone."

Vanna didn't want to create any issues or make things worse.

Isabel didn't like Vanna's answer. She wanted to try to 'fix' things if possible.

"Maybe it would be better if you didn't allow more space to grow." Isabel said. "Both of you should go out with Jesse and me. We will all have a good time."

Vanna took it more as an 'order' than a statement. Maybe she should try to hang on a little harder. She actually thought things would have been resolved by now.

"If you think it's best." Vanna said.

Isabel smiled. She could see she made some progress.

"I do." Isabel said.

Isabel was 'Cameron'. Cameron knew what was best for everyone. She only needed to make them see the light. Sometimes it took a little longer to help people make the proper decision.

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 Riley wanted to be with Holly before. She wanted to know what a Metal girl was like. Riley told her she 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.

As long as everyone involved was on the same page, she didn't think it should be a problem for anyone. Why would it be? What could be more beautiful than everyone getting what they wanted, with who they wanted?

Isabel and the three girls went out. She did everything she did before to bring the girls closer together again. As 'Cameron', she 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.

Unnecessary drama was nothing more than unnecessary drama. All it did was anger everyone involved and make the issues even harder to resolve later on. There was no reason for it to occur in the first place. She was involved in more than her share as Cameron.

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 which were the wild card. Time didn't stand still. The evolution in every relationship was constant. The problem was neither of the two individuals were usually on the same page at the same time as the evolution occurred.

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. She watched as they touched each other. It was clear what the two girls wanted.

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.

Vanna and Allison went outside for a walk.

Allison wanted to come clean. She didn't want any secrets. She didn't want to try to hide anything. The attempt to hide anything would only make it worse when it came out.

"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 about Gail. She wanted to confirm it. It was very special to be with a Metal girl.

"You were with Gail too? I didn't know." 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 wasn't 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-Cameron, the first version which was 'erased', I think we both learned Metal girls have something to offer we can't match and provide to each other." Allison said. "Vanna, I still love you. You know I love Cameron dearly. I'm sorry if I put her between us. Holly was there for me when I needed a 'friend'. I love her, Vanna."

Vanna knew how it worked. She found more than one 'friend' over the years when things got tough. What she did now was 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'd like for you to do so. I won't deny you the 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's always room to share with our friends. Just because we add to our lives, doesn't mean we need to subtract anything either."

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 wasn't 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 it so there's no confusion. I want you to know I'm 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. She knew they would always be together in some way forever. Forever was a long time.

"I understand. I accept it." Vanna said. "I shouldn't 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 exploded back to life…. The two girls knew they needed each other more than they wanted each other.

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

Closing monologue by Cameron:

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're shown
Isn't 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