Chapter 351

Underestimated

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In Some Future:

Events Pick up From Chapter 336

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

The encounter was a close one for Mrs. Weaver and Cameron. Things could have ended quite differently for either one of them without the other one there.

Cameron was troubled by the trap they walked into, and who it was set for. It was for Mrs. Weaver. It meant the Resistance was infiltrated. The last thing they needed were spies among them who notified Skynet of their activities and plans. It could set all of them up for termination or assassination. She viewed the biggest threat would be to the girls. Mrs. Weaver, her clones, and her could withstand some punishment. The girls couldn't.

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

Mrs. Weaver thought it too. She wanted to know why Cameron thought the same thing as well.

"Why do you think so?" Mrs. Weaver asked.

It seemed pretty straight forward to Cameron. It clearly wasn't a random encounter. Everything was orchestrated to get them to walk into the trap, basically unopposed.

"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. Skynet planned to capture you."

Mrs. Weaver didn't share the fact she used Allison's appearance. Skynet said it thought she looked 'different'. It would be the work of a spy. She always used the appearance of Catherine Weaver, as General Weaver. Her red hair would be distinctly different from Allison's hair. It would call for further investigation and retribution. She could take some satisfaction because she beat Skynet's attempt to capture and terminate her.

She also needed to remember it was Cameron's quick thinking and action which got her out of the trap very quickly. She was sure she would have found a way out soon enough. The longer she was in there and tried to escape, the more Skynet would be able to evaluate her. The more Skynet it was able to study her, would make her attempt to escape a similar trap even more difficult. She didn't doubt for a second Skynet would try to get its hands on her again.

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

Cameron was worried Mrs. Weaver was a little too smug. She was there to 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. It will try again."

Mrs. Weaver knew she was trapped but she felt she could have gotten out in time. Cameron just expedited the procedure. She already thanked Cameron once. She felt the need to do so again. She preferred Cameron as an ally rather than an enemy.

"Yes. I was going to have a hard time getting out of the 'cage'." Mrs. Weaver said. "Your quick thinking and choice of weapons helped me get out quicker. I appreciate your assistance immensely. Thank you, Commander."

Cameron was surprised by Mrs. Weaver's praise again. Mrs. Weaver wasn't her enemy. Not yet anyway. As long as Mrs. Weaver didn't try to prevent her from leaving to get back to John and stop Riley from claiming him, she would continue to work with her in total harmony with her full cooperation. There was something else she wanted more. She wanted the parent computer which 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 John made love to Riley half a dozen times a day. He would probably knock one off in the morning as soon as they woke up together, before and after lunch, one in the late afternoon, one after dinner. When they went to bed it would probably be at least one more.

Once they returned, she didn't know if she was going to snap Riley's neck outright, or slowly beat her to death. No, she would slowly beat her to death. She would break every bone in her body, one by one. Many bones could be broken multiple times. It was what she should have done to Future Riley instead of allowing her to corrupt and defile John, as she stole his innocence from him. It should have belonged to her.

"…together." Mrs. Weaver said.

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

"WE will destroy Skynet together." Cameron added. "I have personally terminated versions of Skynet and its illegitimate offshoots in the past. Vanna has some disturbing news as well."

Cameron looked at Vanna as she gave her assessment.

"There's an anti-Metal faction in the Resistance. They think you're a Terminator. As long as they think it, you're in danger, we all are." Vanna said. "We've encountered groups like this in the past. They are blinded by hate. They are unable to see the help the Resistance machines are able to give them. They despise everything machine related, especially if it evolved from Skynet."

Mrs. Weaver was very concerned. The anti-Metal group must have thought the girls were Terminators too. She was worried about their safety. She would need to go on a purge and terminate all of the threats herself. It wouldn't take her long to do once they were identified.

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

Vanna felt it was degrading, but she did what was necessary. She felt she needed to do plenty of it over the years on several fronts.

"Jesse and I showed them our scars." Vanna said. "You know we both have large and distinct ones. They took it at face value. They said they knew Terminators didn't scar. I told them WE weren't Terminators and you're my 'mother'."

Mrs. Weaver smiled to herself. She liked Vanna to think of her as her 'mother'. It was because Savannah did. They 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 became fond of and attached to Savannah. She liked the special attention Savannah paid to her. She understood it was love. It was a very pleasant feeling to receive. She attempted to reciprocate as best as she could. She needed to do a lot of acting. After a while, it seemed as if it wasn't acting. 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.

Mrs. Weaver thought about Vanna and Jesse. If she was ever in a situation where she needed to expose any additional parts of her body, she would make sure there was a large scar visible to anyone who viewed her.

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 which highlighted the issue. She needed to tread lightly here and remain diplomatic. She wasn't looking for a fight. She was there to help. Help came in various ways. Sometimes it was nice to have help.

"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'. I will assist you. Vanna and the girls can give you advice as well on personal interactions. It's only a suggestion to help improve your vast skills and abilities."

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 Restorators. It came to me when I was able to re-chassis three of our Restorators with Terminator chassis. I know your design is superior. They can always be upgraded at a later date. I was able to return three of our valuable fighters back to service almost immediately. There are other Units I can assemble as well from parts."

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 in regards to the Restorators didn't seem like an issue. Some damaged units were returned to service.

"If my Restorators are repairable, they are repaired." Mrs. Weaver said.

Cameron knew Mrs. Weaver meant only minor repairs. She thought on a much deeper level. She already explained it once. Maybe she needed to make it clear how valuable each Unit actually was. She was aware the Resistance Terminators in the past were all very unique individuals after a short period of time. She didn't believe it was any different for the Restorators Mrs. Weaver created.

"I removed the chips from the Restorators who 'perished' freeing you." Cameron said. "At the Skynet facility, I placed their chips in captured Skynet Terminator chassis. I know you were aware of it. 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 it 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 the 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.

"It isn't something I've done before." Mrs. Weaver said. "It's a good idea. They wouldn't need additional programming or training. They're good to go again instantly. They would already know all the ins and outs and what to expect."

Mrs. Weaver was aware they also would know who was in charge, and who not to cross.

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 who were returned to service were very pleased to fight for you again. I was able to use their assistance to get out with the captured Skynet equipment."

Mrs. Weaver eyed Cameron. She could see how the human girls there would follow Cameron anywhere, and apparently did. It was why they were there 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 which allowed her to operate so freely and with good results. It was clear to her Cameron exhibited a 'personality' which was very 'human like' while she retained her Terminator qualities and abilities. She watched Cameron in action. She was very efficient and deadly.

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

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

Mrs. Weaver thought of the human girls and their 'bodyguards'. The Terminators 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 things.

Cameron could tell Mrs. Weaver thought she could be trouble. She 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 the girls home with me." Cameron said. "It's my only desire. I won't be a problem for you, General. I'll 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. Since she thought about Savannah earlier, she planned to take her with her wherever she went. Savannah was important to her. She craved the love Savannah gave her. The more she interacted with Savannah, the more love she felt. She realized it was the same feeling Cameron received in her interactions with the girls, and everyone else too. It was a powerful feeling for something which 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. The 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 the three girls not only loved each other, they ALL loved Cameron. She was aware other humans could love Metal. The girls really loved her. John Connor wasn't the only one. She needed to study the latest development a little more…. She wanted someone to worry about her like they did for Cameron and genuinely 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. She used her personality and charm, as well as her ability.

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. It was more than an act. She worked with Cameron in the alternate future and knew she was as good as her word. She didn't know how many others would be the same way. She believed Vanna and Allison would. She wasn't so sure about the third one. She could tell she was different. Jesse reminded her of someone. She thought about it for a few moments and realized who it was. It was her. It actually made her quite 'interesting'. It was clear Jesse played by her own set of rules, or used to anyway. She also appeared to be the most sexual of the three girls. She checked out every female as well as many males.

Cameron was very pleased Mrs. Weaver assisted her when she was damaged.

"Thank you for allowing me to mask my true nature as a Terminator." 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 damaged 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 which 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.

It seemed like a 'game changer' to Vanna. She only wished there could have been something like this before for Cameron. She suffered 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. She thought about Cameron's clones. She looked at Mrs. Weaver.

"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. The substance shimmered. It covered her face in an instant. Suddenly she looked different. She looked like Vanna.

Allison, Vanna, and Jesse let out a collective gasp.

Vanna looked at 'herself' with brown hair. It was a little disturbing. It reminded her of when she needed to dye her hair black. She was very pleased Allison told her to change it back when she arrived. 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. It was actually a valid concern. She wanted to use all the influence she could.

"Mother, I need more of this material for our three 'bodyguards'." Vanna said. "It will allow them to better protect us when you're away. I'm worried about any Grays who 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. It 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 the 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 it. She was pleasantly surprised to see four of 'Cameron', and Allison as well. Allison piqued her interest. She planned to be with her 'daughter's lover' sooner rather than later. She would do it as 'Vanna' or 'Jesse' too. It was her easiest way to be with 'Cameron'. She also planned 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 because she was slightly bothered by the deceptive method. It was very unlike her to be bothered by anything. Just being around Cameron and the girls clearly had an effect on her.

Vanna knew it 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. They finished Resequencing, they could continue to look like their former appearance when necessary, or assume the identity of others.

She briefly wondered if it could hide her damage. No, it was part of who she was now. She made a choice when she received the red hot brand on her smooth milky flesh. It saved her when she was left for dead in the burn pile.

Cameron was pleased Vanna acted on her behalf and her clones could be masked as well. It was going to solve a lot of problems. It will also allow them to become better infiltrators since they could change their appearance at will.

"General, this will greatly help us and our cause." Cameron said. "Thank You. I really appreciate what you've done for us. It will help protect the girls even better now when we're not around."

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 who could pull it off. She faced Vanna, Jesse, and Allison.

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

Cameron was worried about them. She needed to stress the girl's safety was paramount.

"General, I must again implore 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're here because of me. I'm personally responsible for each of them."

They finished up the meeting. Cameron stayed after the girls left. There was a serious issue to bring up. It was something Vanna and Cameron II observed first hand.

"General, I was also made aware when it was determined we needed help, there was a purposeful delay or hesitation. When you're alone with the Colonel, she can fill you in." Cameron said. She paused for a few seconds to make her point. "I don't wish to cause trouble in your organization. You can hear the report first hand from someone you trust."

Mrs. Weaver wondered where the 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's different from your style. I won't cause you any trouble. I've worked with our Terminators in the past, my past, and we've developed good working techniques. I would like to use them here to make your operation even more efficient."

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. It's very important I get back to him as quickly as possible."

Mrs. Weaver wanted to soften the tone. She appreciated 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. Since they were alone, she decided to continue with the first name basis.

"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.

Mrs. Weaver watched Cameron go. She was sure Cameron was one of a kind, even if there were four of her. She assumed the appearance of Cameron. She changed it to Allison and immediately back to Cameron. She detected someone was nearby. She assumed her appearance as General Weaver along with some minor battle damage.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

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