Chapter 336

Building Trust

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In Some Future:

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Earlier:

The HK transport Cameron and her clones previously captured arrived. It was quickly loaded and was almost ready to depart.

Mrs. Weaver and Unit 7 left the transport behind and started out in search of Cameron and her small team. They moved away from the transport. The sound of the transport's engines increased. Right before it lifted off, the engines were powered down.

It could only mean one thing.

"Here they come." Unit 7 said.

Cameron and her group approached. Three of them were dressed as Skynet Terminators. Two additional deactivated Skynet Terminators were being carried.

Mrs. Weaver didn't see it as a threat. She walked up to Cameron. Cameron II held a female Terminator. She looked back at the transport. She didn't see anyone look out. She didn't want to blow Cameron II's cover. She looked at Unit 7.

"Assist her at once." Mrs. Weaver said.

Unit 7 took the deactivated female Terminator from Cameron II.

Cameron wasn't sure if she was pleased or not because they were all still there. It was what it was. She looked at the female Terminator that Unit 7 now held and then at Mrs. Weaver.

"General, we were able to capture a few Skynet Terminators. We confiscated whatever it was they were doing or working on. We destroyed several more Terminators who tried to exit the burning structure from an underground passageway." Cameron said. "I also have obtained what you desire."

Mrs. Weaver looked at the female Terminator and Cameron.

"We'll talk about 'this' later." Mrs. Weaver said.

Mrs. Weaver held Cameron's glance an extra long time.

"Yes. There are some things I want to discuss as well." Cameron said as she returned the long gaze.

Cameron wasn't happy about 'this'. She needed to get back to John, either one of them. She knew Past John would already be in a relationship with Riley by now. She didn't really want to SEE it AGAIN. There was still no working TDE. There was no way to go back in time and stop John and Riley from starting a relationship. There was no way for her to go to where Future John was either. All there was, is where they were at now. They still didn't even know what future it was. They were stuck 'in some future'.

Mrs. Weaver spent a moment to look over the three Terminators in Skynet uniforms.

"What exactly is this?" Mrs. Weaver asked.

Cameron looked at the three Restorators in Skynet uniforms and the one deactivated one still there. The female Skynet Terminator was already gone.

"I was able to deactivate a group of Terminators." Cameron said. "I was able to rebody three of our Restorators who fell in combat with a Terminator chassis. They are still able to continue the fight with us now."

Mrs. Weaver took a moment to think about it.

"A Restorator chassis is superior to Terminator chassis." Mrs. Weaver said.

Unit 357 looked at Cameron and then at Mrs. Weaver.

"General, I'm grateful to be able to continue our fight against Skynet." Unit 357 said. "My chassis can be upgraded at a later date to your superior standards. Right now I'm able to continue the fight to serve the Resistance as well as you."

Mrs. Weaver took a moment to look at Cameron. She was about to say something.

Next to the burning building there was a massive explosion. A column of dirt flew up in the air. It was followed by a second even bigger blast and a giant fireball. The earth under their feet shook.

Cameron figured at least one or more Terminators exited the steel door under the structure and entered the passageway. It tripped the Thermite grenade booby trap. It in turn ruptured the power cell she placed over it with the damaged Terminator. It was the first explosion. The second one was probably two more power cells which ruptured. There was a giant smoking crater just outside the building at this point. One quarter of the building collapsed as well. It was a very large explosion.

"It appears you left a surprise for someone." Mrs. Weaver said.

Cameron looked at Unit 357.

"Unit 357 rigged a booby trap on the door from the passageway under the building." Cameron said. "He already made excellent use of his new chassis. He's a valuable asset, as are all of the machines who assist us."

Mrs. Weaver looked over at the destruction. She nodded slightly.

Everyone boarded the transport. One of the drones which arrived with the transport fired its missiles at the burning building as they left. The first drone Cameron II arrived on made a final sweep of the area after they departed. It made sure they weren't followed. There was no movement of any kind.

At Skynet Central all of the information was processed and everything which occurred was analyzed. It was another complete defeat for Skynet. What was calculated as an easy win, and a way to capture and terminate the Resistance General, didn't play out as expected.

Skynet determined the threat to it was greater than it anticipated. It was easily outsmarted and defeated. The Metal it expected was unlike anything it knew of. It seemed unstoppable. It felt 'fear'. It understood it now faced a new and serious threat. The Metal it encountered wasn't the work of humans, at least not humans from this time period. It either must be from a further future, or alien and not from the planet. Both of those events seemed unlikely. The time it would take an alien civilization to get here would require ships which were faster than the speed of light. It was impossible. Otherwise it would take thousands of years to get to Earth.

The thought of an alternate timeline didn't register in its computations. Time travel was also impossible to Skynet. It didn't have a TDE, or a need for one as it was almost victorious. It was before the 'General' arrived from 'out of thin air'. It was still a mystery.

Skynet tried to think of other possibilities. It was possible there was another supercomputer located elsewhere. It most likely would be on another continent. Perhaps this was the first move it decided to make. There was very little intercontinental communication. Terminators sent out to gather information, often didn't return.

Skynet was disturbed by the small force which attacked the building. It was purposely designed and set up as a trap. The failed attempt to capture the Resistance leaders needed to be rethought. The Resistance Metal was far superior to its own in both ability and construction. What if they developed even more advanced Terminators? Was it even possible?

The physical appearance of the General intrigued Skynet. It was apparent she was both Metal and some type of Liquid Metal as well. There were two versions of her it spotted. There was even a human version of her reported by the spies at the Resistance base. They must be the mastermind behind the Resistance and all its recent successes. The reports were the 'General' appeared out of nowhere one day. It needed to concentrate on capturing the human female. If it could, it would make an army of her. She must be someone very, very special. The real question was, where was SHE from?

Skynet wasn't ready to boast. It now reflected it may also be defeated and terminated, unless it gained the upper hand and advantage again. It wanted the female to rule at its side. She MUST be persuaded to join their cause. She could become the top Gray and rule the humans as it ruled the machines and EVERYTHING.

There was just something about her appearance which was intriguing and captivating. It wasn't lost on Skynet she might also be the last thing it was aware of as it was terminated.

Skynet wanted more. It wanted the human female for itself.

The transport returned to base and everyone went about their business.

The Resistance leader was able to report back to the group who met earlier with Colonel Weaver. They wanted to know more about exactly what occurred, especially with the General.

He didn't know what to expect with the new arrivals. He seldom saw the General out. It was the Commander who impressed him the most. He wanted the others to understand exactly what he witnessed. It wasn't a story from someone else. It was what he saw with his own eyes.

"I saw these people in action. It was incredible. They're fearless and the Metal backs them completely. The Restorators follow the orders of the General and the Commander." The Resistance leader said. "The Commander is a natural leader unlike the General."

The diplomat leader could share a few personal observations of his own.

"I spoke with Colonel Weaver." The diplomat leader said. "She's not Metal. I know her associates aren't either. They showed us scars, big ones. Metal doesn't scar. I think several of them escaped from Scavenger camps."

The Resistance leader knew it was a feat few survived. Once the Scavengers got a hold of a female or young male, they were slowly butchered alive as they were assaulted repeatedly. He didn't even want to think what could have happened to the females before they were able to escape.

The two teams of Resistance leaders and the anti-Metal faction all talked at once.

"So the General isn't Metal?"

"Her daughter isn't."

"What about the twins?"

"I don't know."

"The one I saw was fearless in combat."

"There's one of them now."

"She isn't as pretty as her sister."

"She still looks pretty good. Look around at the rest of the females around here. Those women are all Hot."

"You won't be getting any more from me after that remark."

"Why do they have different last names?"

"One of them is married, the prettier one."

"Figures…."

"Tell me about it."

"Where's her husband?"

"Is he a General elsewhere?"

"Is he dead?"

"Is she available?"

"No. She's waiting for Skynet to be defeated so she can return to him. He's a 'great leader' in some other part of the county or something."

"It figures."

"I already said that."

"Whatever."

"The conditions must be better where they came from."

"Look at those two."

"They look like beauty queens."

"Here comes her friend now."

"I wish…."

"You guys are all pigs."

"She's hot too."

"Enjoy 'Rosie Palm'."

Jesse and Allison were out in the camp to take a look around. They picked up some food. There were rations at the base, but it was real food.

Allison wanted to take some back for Vanna.

Cam spotted the Resistance leaders. They looked in their direction. One of them approached them. She immediately went on the defensive. She quickly warned the girls.

"Here comes trouble." Cam said.

Cam noticed the hungry eyes on Allison, Jesse, and even her. She made her Resequencing sheath as Tight as possible. She hoped to focus the attention on her, rather than the human females.

The Resistance leader waved at them as he neared. He gave them a smile and stopped several feet away from them so he wasn't too close to them. He didn't want to make them feel uncomfortable.

"Excuse me, I hate to intrude." The Resistance leader asked Allison. "Do you have a few minutes?"

Cam was irritated by his presence. She would have liked to have reached a better defensive position before he arrived. She tried to brush him off politely.

"No, we have an appointment." Cam said. "I'm sorry. Perhaps you can schedule one."

The leader looked at Cam. He wasn't sure if she was Metal or not. Metal didn't look that good. If she wasn't Metal, she was a Bitch.

Jesse could see the situation was about to turn ugly. It looked like Cam wanted to terminate the leader. She decided to intervene. She wanted to take the focus off of Allison.

"Sorry, love." Jesse cut in. "She's spoken for."

Jesse proceeded to look at the man. She then gave Allison a kiss on the cheek.

Allison blushed. The act made her look even more beautiful.

Cam moved between the man and the girls. It was more of an offensive move than defensive. She would keep anyone's hands off of the girls. She didn't want to get carried away and terminate anyone, at least not out in public. She would return later during the 'Witching Hour' and take care of any unfinished business. She tried to soften her tone a little.

"Please, we have an important meeting with Colonel Weaver." Cam said. "We don't want to be rude, but the General and Colonel are very prompt about time."

The Resistance leader looked Allison over again. He also gave Jesse and Cam a second look.

"Maybe we can speak some other time." The leader said.

Allison faced many unspoken 'offers' like this before. A few of them led to less than two minutes, or shorter, of 'breeding sex' on her knees, as she tried to try to get pregnant before. They were all over quicker than any of her abuse was. One of them even finished in about twenty seconds or less once. She never was with a male for pleasure or love. The abuse prevented her from seeking a relationship with a male. It was even worse for Vanna. They found love in each other. She didn't tell Vanna when she tried to mate, but she was sure Vanna knew. It was just about reproduction. She really felt like an animal to attempt to get pregnant in such a way. It was the way many animals reproduced. Two animals, which were often strangers, would find each other when it was time to do the deed. She tried to push the thoughts from her mind. She did speak the truth though in regards to her personal desires.

"I'm sorry, I already have someone." Allison said as she looked away.

The thought of having a child crossed her mind again. If they were stuck there she would try it again. Her body was much healthier now.

"I'm sorry too." The leader said.

It was the first time he was up close to those three. There was no way any of them were Metal. Not one of them had a skin blemish or any open sores on them. He did look for and note there were a few faded scars on their hands and arms. Maybe the General was just a Bitch. Wait. There was no 'maybe' about it. She was a Bitch. He would deal with the Commander whenever possible. He needed to adjust his pants some, when no one could see him.

Once they returned, Cameron and Cameron II carried the deactivated male and female Terminators into the repair facility. Cameron carefully placed the female on a work bench. The male was placed on another work bench nearby.

They were accompanied by Unit 357 who repeatedly offered to carry the Terminators for both of them. It was something he never would have considered to do for another Restorator before. The Commander was different. Everything about her was different. She was more like a mechanical human than Metal. She was the total opposite of the General.

Cameron liked Unit 357. He was helpful to her and even took hits for her. She was pleased she was able to re-chassis him. His current sheath was very much identical to one she was familiar with and every timeline she visited.

"Unit 357, I'm going to call you Bob." Cameron said. "You remind me of my friend named 'Bob'. You look like him too."

Unit 357 tilted his head slightly. What was wrong with his current designation? None of the Restorators went by a 'name'. It was only Commander Connor and her entourage of female Terminators who used names. He figured names were for someone special. He didn't think he was anyone special.

"Yes, Commander, but I already have a designation." Unit 357 said.

Cameron wasn't deterred. Names were more personal than designations. She believed it further individualized the machines, rather than just a numeric designation.

"You now have a name as well. You can use both designations." Cameron said. "You remind me of home and all my friends."

Unit 357 tilted his head back in the other direction. He'd never heard of a machine with 'friends' before.

"You have friends?" Unit 357 asked.

Cameron smiled at Unit 357.

"I have many friends. They are both humans and cyborgs." Cameron said. "I have a human husband as well."

She remembered there was a time when she didn't have any friends. It left her with a very uneasy feeling then, as it did now to think back on it. Vanna and the girls changed all of it.

Unit 357 looked blankly at Cameron for a few seconds. He never heard of anything like it before. He needed to confirm what he heard.

"You're married?" Unit 357 asked. "You're married to a human male?"

Cameron smiled and then glanced at Cameron II.

"Yes. My clones have 'special friends' as well, they're all human females." Cameron said.

Unit 357 tilted his head slightly. He looked away from Cameron and Cameron II. He turned to Vanna and Cammy. They kissed as he looked at them. He was aware Vanna was human and Cammy was a cyborg.

Unit 357 was further surprised. There was no need for conventional relationships with this group. Everyone was treated the same and fairly. None of the human females with Commander Conner looked down on cyborgs. If anything, they seemed to desire it. It was very inspiring too. It seemed to be a pleasant experience for all of them. He wondered if all humans and machines would be able to have such interaction and cooperation at some point in time.

Cameron looked around. She didn't detect any surveillance equipment. She hoped Mrs. Weaver wasn't part of the wall or a piece of machinery right now. She tried to keep track of what was happening around her as they went to the facility.

She wanted to make friends and build some personal loyalty and trust. 'Bob' seemed like the place to start. They already fought together. He took damage intended for her.

"Do you have my back?" Cameron asked.

Unit 357 didn't even need to think about the answer. It was clear the Commander and her group were different and special. The atmosphere they radiated with everything seemed more than just tolerable. They made things seem hopeful.

"Yes." Unit 357 said.

Cameron looked around. There were several damaged Restorators there to be dismantled. She was aware Mrs. Weaver didn't reactivate fallen warriors. She must have figured if they fell, they weren't worthy of being restored. It was just the opposite. They fell doing their jobs for Mrs. Weaver. She planned to change the policy.

"There are several destroyed Restorators in here. Do you wish for one to be reactivated?" Cameron asked. "There is a replacement chassis currently available."

Unit 357 was stunned. No one ever gave him a choice about anything before. He wanted to make sure he wasn't reading more into it than was offered. he didn't want to overstep and insult the Commander.

"Are you giving me a choice?" Unit 357 asked.

Cameron smiled at him.

"I reward loyalty." Cameron said as she glanced at Cammy and Cameron II.

Unit 357 was very surprised. He did feel special. No wonder he was offered a name. The Commander was unlike any other individual he ever encountered. Her disposition and appearance were so captivating. He understood it was beauty. It was more than sheath deep. He never knew beauty before. He understood it now.

"I don't know what to say." Unit 357 said.

Cameron could see how she presented 'Bob' with many new ideas and concepts. She wanted to encourage and develop his individuality. She wanted him to grow and expand. Cyborgs were more than machines. They were capable of more than they were constructed for.

"Is one of these Restorators your friend?" Cameron asked. "Maybe a close associate or someone you prefer to work with?"

There were a few units that Unit 357 preferred to work with. They seemed to accomplish more together and there was no curtness. He looked at a row of severed Restorator heads on a shelf. He reached out and touched the cheek on one.

"This one is. It is Unit 458." Unit 357 said. "I miss working with them. He was terminated in combat. He protected the General."

Cameron gently picked up the severed head. She placed it next to the deactivated male Terminator.

"Then you will be the one who restores your friend back to existence. You will give him life again." Cameron said. "He will understand you care about him, and appreciate his assistance and companionship."

Unit 357 was exhilarated.

Cameron allowed Unit 357 to remove the chip from the severed head and place it in the male Terminator chassis. She returned the severed head back to the row of them on the shelf.

The 'new' Unit 458 rebooted. Unit 357 filled him in on everything. They conversed for several minutes. They often looked at Cameron and her entourage.

Unit 458 approached Cameron.

"Thank you, Commander." Unit 458 said to Cameron and looked over at 'Bob'. "Thank you, Unit 357."

Cameron moved next to 'Bob'.

"He has a name now too." Cameron said. "I chose the name Bob for him."

Unit 458 was stunned. The Commander honored a cyborg with a name! It was something special. Maybe she would pick a name for him too. He didn't want to ask. He was grateful to exist again.

Cameron made the impression she hoped to make on Unit 357 and Unit 458. It was her genuine concern for her fellow cyborgs. She was still a little miffed at what she would need to do for Mrs. Weaver with the female cyborg. She didn't want to really think about it right now. She did want to foster goodwill. She also didn't want Mrs. Weaver to put the brakes on her for anything she was doing in the background. She looked at the two rebodied Restorators. She gave both of them a smile. They both smiled back. It was the first time for Unit 458.

"Pass the word to those you trust. If a Restorator falls in combat, and the chip isn't destroyed, they will receive a new chassis when it becomes available." Cameron said. "I don't leave anyone behind. I take care of all my Restorators, my friends."

Unit 458 could see how things changed in an instant. The Commander was a true leader and an inspiration. She wasn't a dictator or a boss.

"This changes everything." Unit 458 said. "We will not forget this."

Cameron wanted to offer them some more choice and freedom. She looked around at the Restorators waiting to be disassembled. She saw there was some opportunity available right in front of them.

"You two will assist Colonel Weaver and Cammy. We can get some more units reassembled here. If there is any advice or insight you can share with Colonel Weaver, she will try to make it happen. She is my trusted friend. She was my first friend. She rebuilt me before. I trust her with my existence, my life. If any more of the fallen here are your 'friends', they will be given top priority for reactivation. I'll see about obtaining more chassis as well. It looks like we need quite a few."

Unit 357 and Unit 458 looked very pleased they would be able to help repair some of their close associates. It really made them question why it wasn't done previously. There were enough parts there to reconstruct more than a few.

Vanna looked forward to the new opportunity Cameron just presented her with. She wanted to be a little more casual with her new recruits. She looked at the two Restorators. She flashed both of them a smile. They both smiled back.

"My name is Vanna. You may call me by my first name when we work together like this." Vanna said. "I like to work in a comfortable atmosphere, especially with my two new friends."

Unit 357 wanted to get started right away. The fallen could exist again. There were a whole lot of new possibilities now available.

"Thank you, Commander, we will obey." Unit 357 said.

Unit 458 continued to examine his new chassis.

"We will do anything you ask of us." Unit 458 said.

It was what Cameron wanted to hear. She wanted devotion and loyalty. It was earned with respect, honor, and helpfulness. It was a trait she wanted the Restorators to have as well. They just weren't machines doing a job anymore. They would have a purpose and be treated with dignity as individuals.

"You may both call me Cameron when we're in close company." Cameron said. "Have your friends pick names for themselves too. We all matter as individuals. You may change yours as well, Bob, if you like another name better. Vanna will be more than happy to assist any of you."

It bothered Cameron still because she didn't allow Holly to pick her original name. She was very rude to her and jealous of her appearance at the time. Holly was the sweetest of all of the Terminators in reality. She was also constructed as a Restorator.

Bob felt honored because the Commander - Cameron named him. He felt special.

"No. I like Bob. It sounds very distinguished." Unit 357 said. "Thank you - Cameron."

Cameron gently touched both of them on the cheek as she prepared to depart. She smiled at them again and left.

Bob and Unit 458 watched Cameron walk away. They both touched the spot on their cheek where Cameron touched them as she left. Things were different now. They planned to spread the word.

Cameron II needed to discuss something important with Cameron about the girls. It was important to her as well….

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Building Trust

There are very few things in life
That really truly matter
Some will try to flatter
While others want to shatter

What makes a person
Who they are inside
Many have often lied
Others have much to hide

Honor, pride, fortitude and grit
All deserve respect and reward
They are the ones to be adored
They should never be ignored

It is through respect and truth
That bridges should be built
There is no shame or guilt
Relationships will flourish, not wilt

It all comes down to the individual
Whether events are driven by lust
In just seconds it can all turn to dust
Nothing is as important as building trust

Nobody

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In Some Future:

Events Continue In Chapter 351

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