Chapter 354
Unit 69
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In Some Future:
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Cameron didn't want to step on Mrs. Weaver's toes, but there were some things which needed to be changed. They would be improvements to help everyone.
She returned to work with the Restorators. They set out to get as many of their damaged Restorators back into operation as possible. Some were pieced together. Cameron knew she needed to get into a Skynet facility and obtain more chassis for both male and female Restorators.
Cameron assigned several Restorators to work on more of the mini EMP devices. She also requested more plasma grenades and Thermite grenades be delivered to her. She wanted better armament for her troops. They would fight the battles HER way, not Skynet's way. They would fight on her terms. They would be terms to win.
She felt she made an impact so far and there were Restorators loyal enough to carry out her plans. She wanted to delegate some responsibility.
"Bob." Cameron said to Unit 357. "I'm putting you in charge of this operation."
Bob looked around at everything. He could see they already made a difference. The atmosphere and the environment around him felt very different. There is no longer the status quo of just existing and following orders.
"Yes, Commander, it will be an honor." Unit 357 said. "I will not fail you."
Cameron wanted to know how wide spread what she started was at this point. It wasn't something she wanted any personal credit for. It was more about the overall well being of the troops under her command. A motivated fighting force would be much more responsive than what she currently witnessed when she first arrived.
"Has word spread about our 'achievements' here?" Cameron asked.
Bob felt it was more than about the achievements. It was about something which wasn't actually physically there.
"Yes it has." Unit 357 said. "You have given us all 'hope'. It's something we didn't understand before. It's much more rewarding to operate when there is a real purpose behind our actions. To know each one of us matters is very important. We're more than just machines now, even if it is what we are."
It gave her some pause. Maybe she could accelerate her plans. Bob could play a larger role in the endeavor. It was to be a task for those who were the most motivated to follow her. It would be risky at every level.
"I want to assemble a Strike Force of Restorators who will operate exclusively with me." Cameron said. "I'll conduct special training for them. There will be a high level of will occur to many of the unit. It's possible there will be some terminations as well. Combat is very serious business."
The idea intrigued Bob. This was a chance to defeat Skynet decisively. He believed the troops were ready for more. The Restorators were no strangers to danger.
"There will be no shortage of volunteers." Unit 357 said. "I can guarantee it."
Cameron wanted personal loyalty to back her up. Bob seemed like the right Restorator to get things set up. She could turn the repair operation over to another Restorator.
"I want the best and most skilled fighters." Cameron said. "Would you like to lead this unit, Bob?"
Bob wanted to. Under the Commander's leadership, no one would be left behind on the battlefield and end up as scrap metal in a pile somewhere. If they were repairable, even with major damage, it would be done. As long as a Restorator's chip wasn't destroyed, a new chassis would be procured for them. It would make all of them a little bolder to know they wouldn't perish except under extreme conditions. They would be able to exist, to live on, to fight another day.
"It would be an honor." Unit 357 said. "I will get right on it. Under your command we will be invincible and eternal."
Cameron tilted her head slightly.
Unit 357 left.
Cameron reflected on what Bob indicated. It was what she heard from Savannah before about being invincible and eternal. The reminder of Savannah made her smile. She wanted to see her again. No one made her feel as comfortable as Savannah did.
She wanted the machines there better taken care of, all of the machines. She wanted them taken care of and treated as her fellow Terminators were in the past. They all become more than 'machines' performing a task. The machines there should have the same opportunity. It allowed all of them to expand and develop as individuals. It made all of them better 'people'. It would improve their productivity and performance. It would be a benefit for everyone. Things would go smoother with more commitment.
Cameron was aware two Restorators approached her from behind. She turned to face them. She didn't feel threatened. She was pleased to see two beautiful Metal girls.
"Commander, I want to thank you." Unit 44 said. "This is Unit 69, my friend."
Cameron nodded and extended her hand.
Unit 69 looked over at Unit 44 who nodded at her. Unit 69 took Cameron's hand. She too instantly felt the personal connection. Things were different. Everything was different now.
Cameron was very satisfied with the results of her earlier effort. The spare female chassis was put to good use. She believed it was better than what the original intent of it would have been.
"I'm pleased to meet you." Cameron said. "I hope the new chassis is acceptable."
Unit 69 looked down at herself and touched her sides. It was different from her previous appearance, but it didn't matter. She was 'alive' again. Her current sheath was very appealing.
"Thank You, Commander." Unit 69 said. "It's very beautiful."
Cameron wanted more of a personal touch with the Metal girls. She wanted to stress their individuality. She wanted to give them a choice of a better designation. It would be to supplement their current designation.
"Would you two like to have names?" Cameron asked. "I would like both of you to have names."
Unit 44 was pleased to hear it. She was aware Unit 357 was now known as 'Bob'. It sounded very distinguished. It seemed to increase his level of importance to be designated in such a way. She wanted to make sure it was really OK. She didn't want to overstep her bounds or seem presumptuous.
"We already have designations. Will you really let us pick a name?" Unit 44 asked. "You will allow it?"
Unit 44 and Unit 69 hadn't thought it was possible. It was never permitted before. Things really were different now. They could tell as they dealt with Cameron, SHE was different. She was clearly her own self and a natural leader. She didn't need to intimidate or threaten anyone when she sought their cooperation or assistance.
"Yes." Cameron said. "I can also Resequence Unit 69's sheath if she wishes to change it. If either of you wanted to switch chassis, it would only take a few minutes to do. I want everyone to feel comfortable with who they are. We are all our program, but we also have a chassis and sheath which becomes part of us."
Unit 69 looked at Unit 44. She thought she was pleased with her current chassis and sheath. It was very attractive. It seemed to please Unit 44 as well as Unit 357.
"This sheath is acceptable." Unit 69 said. "I'm honored I'm able to serve our cause once again. I will serve you, Commander."
Cameron was appreciative of the personal loyalty. They were also part of a larger group of Restorators under the command of Mrs. Weaver.
"We all serve a greater cause." Cameron said. "I hope to make the service of all of us a little more efficient than it previously was. We also need to protect each other better whenever we can. Everyone has worth and value."
Unit 44 would follow the Commander anywhere. It was clear she cared about them as individuals. They all expanded beyond mindless robots following orders blindly when they were first created.
"I will as well." Unit 44 said. "You have our appreciation and loyalty."
Cameron wanted them to take things a little further if they wanted to. It seemed to her they at least thought about it before even if they hadn't actually acted.
"You two feel free to 'experiment' and share with each other. You will be able to expand your 'feelings' and commitment to each other. You can have the rest of the day off. You can both work in the restoration unit starting tomorrow." Cameron said. "Take some time and think of a few names you each like and then pick one. The choice is yours to make."
Cameron still felt guilty about not allowing Holly to choose the name she originally wanted to. She was jealous of her appearance at the time. She told her the name was inappropriate. It was a mistake on her part she still regretted.
Unit 44 and Unit 69 looked at each other. They'd like to be able to pick a name. They liked the concept of something else even better. They wanted to experiment. They wanted to verify exactly what the Commander would allow.
"You will allow it?" Unit 44 asked. "You will allow and encourage us to share?"
Cameron saw it as more than just pleasure or personal experimentation. It would allow them to grow and expand. It would advance their usefulness. It would make them better infiltrators to be able to handle different types of situations with experience. She didn't want anyone to hold back on their feelings as she needed to do for so long. If she would have acted earlier, Future Riley wouldn't have stolen John from her. If the Metal girls cared about each other, there was no need for someone to steal either one of them away from each other.
"It will increase your infiltration capabilities to have 'experience'." Cameron said. "You will also find it pleasurable."
Unit 69 found it all so hard to believe. The Commander was one of a kind in everything she did.
"We will not forget this, Commander." Unit 69 said.
Cameron could see Unit 44 and Unit 69 were eager to experiment. She wanted them to be less formal when they were in a small setting.
"You may call me Cameron when we're alone. Think of some names for yourselves." Cameron said. "Spread the word things are better now. I want to create a better working atmosphere for everyone. We still have a deadly enemy to face. It must never be forgotten."
Unit 44 and Unit 69 turned to leave. They both looked full of excitement and anticipation. She wanted to give them a heads up.
"When you find a 'good feeling' you need to stay with it." Cameron said. "The feeling is just the start. 'Follow' the feeling and it will lead you to a place you've never been. When you reach it, you will think you've malfunctioned or overloaded. You haven't. You've reached Heaven on Earth and it will get even better from there."
She didn't mention she learned to do it by observing Sarah. She learned much more later on by observing Vanna, Allison, and Jesse. She made extensive use of the knowledge over the years. She was pretty sure if they remained marooned there, she would make even more use of the knowledge.
Unit 44 and Unit 69 seemed very excited as they hurried off.
Cameron wanted to have a motivated fighting force. She wanted them to have a new 'feeling'. She wanted the feeling to be hope.
The word began to spread. The Commander was 'different'. Everything was different now. A new determination surged through the ranks of Restorators. There was a desire to defeat Skynet now. All of the troops wanted Cameron to lead them to victory.
Unit One tried to keep track of Cameron and the girls. It was impossible, they were everywhere. He could see things changing. Cameron was different. He watched her in action in the other future. Everyone would follow her, Metal or human. He couldn't understand it. The General was superior in every way, but Cameron radiated charisma. Her instincts expanded beyond her programming. She was Metal but almost human at the same time. She was like a mechanical human for all practical purposes.
He wanted to alert the General of the 'threat'. Then again, maybe it wasn't a threat. Somehow it seemed more like it was the future. There was just 'something' about Cameron….
Maybe he better not keep all of his chickens in one basket. It was better to keep all options open. He should make sure he stayed on the good side of Cameron and the girls. He would need to keep an eye on the General as well. He was aware of how deceptive she could be with everyone.
Allison successfully gained the interest and trust of the anti-Metal leader. She wanted to learn more about what the problems were, and how big and widespread the group was. She needed to find out how great the threat was. Maybe she could address some of the issues. Maybe they were too deeply rooted in hate. She needed to find out.
"I came here from a different part of the state." Allison said. "There was a lot of infighting. The Scavenger problem was out of control. The Restorators helped contain Skynet, eliminate the Scavenger problem, and helped unify the factions. The Restorators helped form a real Resistance. I honestly don't think we could have done it without them."
Billy listened to Allison. He wasn't out to pick a fight or create an argument. He watched the girls at the meeting listen to them. Some in his group were rude when they didn't need to be. He reprimanded some of them several times. None of the girls were rude, to his group. The girl in front of him was very cordial and honest. He could see she believed what she talked about. Unfortunately there were other issues deeply rooted in the other side, his side.
"What you say is true. Some of us can't trust Metal in any way." Billy said. "You never know when they'll turn on you. They're the ones who started all of 'this'. We've experienced trouble in the past."
Allison saw it differently because it was different. It was in the nature of the units. Terminators were reprogrammed, Restorators were not. They were different from the start. It wasn't Terminators who started the conflict. It was Skynet. Terminators were just one of the tools at its disposal to further its goals. They didn't have any choice in their creation or what their programming would be.
"It may be true of the reprogrammed units. Sometimes they go bad, nobody knows why." Allison said. "The Restorators were created only with the directive to defeat Skynet. I've personally been saved three times from falling into the hands of Scavengers by Restorators, by Metal. I owe my life to them. They didn't have to help me but they did. They did it on their own. I've been jumped in the Wastelands a few times, but never by Scavengers. Some of my friends weren't so lucky…."
Billy understood what she just told him. All the females were 'jumped' at some point. It was just how life was there. Some areas he visited were even worse. The people lived off of what bugs and rats they could find. They boiled tree bark and ate it at times. There the people all looked like kids. They were short. Most of the females were undeveloped. Their bodies were just skin and bone. It was terrible to see. None of them could have children any more. He did notice a change since the General arrived. There were clinics set up to try and treat some of the problems. Food was more plentiful with better growing practices. It wasn't the issue. It was the General who was the issue.
"Before the General's daughter arrived, the General was so cold and unemotional at times. It's why we thought she was Metal." Billy said. "We can all see you and your 'friends' aren't Metal."
Allison was offended by the prejudice. She didn't think Billy looked more than skin or sheath deep.
"What if we were Metal? What if I was Metal right now?" Allison asked. "Wouldn't I still be the same 'person' you're talking to at this moment? You don't know them like I do. Restorators were only created to do good and assist the Resistance. Look around you, how much can you say about the majority of people here?"
Billy quickly looked Allison over. His mind was stuck on the first part of her statement. She was in very good health, but she wasn't perfect. He wondered if maybe she was Metal.
"None of the Metal can be as human as you." Billy said. "You're not Metal are you?"
Allison frowned. It was a very human emotion.
"No, I'm not Metal. I was forced to grow up in this Skynet Hell. I have been brutalized by men on their way to becoming Scavengers. Now I have a true love and a life partner." Allison said. "I want to help bridge the gap between Metal and humans for OUR future. The war will end one day. We're going to win. Metal has saved my life, more than once. I have seen them damaged by bullets which would have killed me. They're not indestructible, even if they're durable. They took the punishment for me. It means something to me. It should mean something to you too. Not all humans are good. Not all Metal is bad."
Billy thought about it. There were bad humans out there who savaged the females. The longer they held them captive, the more they abused their bodies. Death was the only cure for a Scavenger. He understood why most of the females shunned men. He needed to think about 'good' Metal. If they never were under Skynet control, they were not programmed to kill humans. There was nothing to 'revert' back to which was Skynet related. Maybe he understood what a Restorator was a little better now. It might be the same machinery, it wasn't the same program which controlled it.
He needed to refocus. The issue was the General and her style.
"Maybe we don't trust the General. Her daughter seems to be a more natural leader and more 'human'. She listens and shows compassion and empathy." Billy said. "Your sister is a natural leader. She has a way with the Metal to lead it and the humans as well. We've all heard the stories."
Allison loved Cameron very much. She was glad Billy didn't bad mouth her. She would've left. She didn't need to hear someone's prejudices directed at Cameron or her. In any group of individuals there was going to be bad apples. She actually believed humans were full of them.
"Cameron, I mean the Commander, is fantastic. She is also deeply troubled and wants to return to her husband. I don't know how long she'll remain here." Allison said. "Her husband is fighting his own battle against Skynet. He works closely with Metal also. They've protected him and saved him as well. The Metal follows him as their leader."
Billy understood the need for a strong leader, but the leader needed to listen to the people too. It seemed about to change some for the better. They would need to give it a little time. The General and her group of Metal had taken a lot of the pressure of Skynet off of them. Things were pretty bad before she arrived.
"Maybe it is just the General's personality." Billy said. "We need a strong leader after we defeat Skynet. Commander Connor and Colonel Weaver are those leaders. The people will follow them."
Allison thought this was all about trust. It took time to build trust. They needed some time to get everyone on board.
"Please allow them the time they need to defeat Skynet and turn the war around. Everyone knows without the General this area would have been lost to Skynet. Now the Resistance controls it and more territory everyday." Allison said. "It is all because of the Metal which is helping US. General Weaver is the one who did it. It wasn't anyone else. Everyone needs to remember it. She carries a heavy burden. It's why she requested our assistance. She knows she's not perfect. She needs to radiate strength and confidence to indicate Skynet can be defeated. People can see it now. They can't start infighting with a little success."
Billy was captivated with Allison. It was more than just her beautiful appearance. She believed what she spoke of. She wasn't incorrect about what she said. If one just looked at the facts like she pointed out, it was hard to argue against her. There was still a distrust of Metal or any of the machines. They were still machines, they weren't people. He didn't want to argue with her or get in a fight based upon her factual analysis. He understood his group was more governed by emotional factors, rather than facts.
"Everything you've said is true." Billy said. "I'll discuss it with my associates."
Billy didn't think some of them would listen to reason. He saw the way they disrespected the girls in the meeting. He knew they complained about the General and the way she did things, he really didn't see the way they looked at things or did them as any different.
Allison believed she made headway with Billy. He was intelligent and couldn't dispute the facts she told him. It wasn't her opinion or emotion, it was reality. She believed she could work with him further on the issues. She was willing to go a step further.
"I can talk to them as well if you want." Allison said. "Ronnie and I believe in what's being done and how it's being done. The General is saving human lives by using Metal against Skynet. It has to mean something to someone. People need to see the big picture and not micro focus. If the General wasn't here, with her group of Restorators, there would be a lot more dead humans."
Cameron II didn't like Allison to associate with these people, even if they were cordial right now. She could see the 'chemistry' between Allison and Billy. It was a personal bridge over an ideological gap. She wanted to wrap things up for now. There were other areas they needed to investigate.
"We need to go back now." Cameron II said. "We have an appointment."
Allison wasn't sure if Cameron II just warned her of danger. It was time to go either way.
"OK, Ronnie, we'll go." Allison said. "Billy, I want you to really think about the things we've discussed. If anything I said was incorrect, or in error, I want to know specifically. The way to fix things is to discuss them and work through them, not butt heads."
Billy enjoyed being around Allison. He didn't want to like her, but as a person she was very likable. She wasn't rude, mean or mouthy either. He was glad he hadn't been.
"Can we talk again?" Billy asked.
Allison truly wanted to help.
"Yes." Allison said. "If I can do anything to help unify the Resistance, I'll do it. If we don't work together, Skynet will still win, even after it's defeated."
Allison and Cameron II left after they said goodbye.
Allison looked back once. She saw more than just someone filled with blind rage and hatred. She saw someone willing to listen and think.
"Can we trust him?" Allison asked.
Cameron II was too quick to answer. Her personal feelings got the best of her.
"No." Cameron II said. "Not yet. Maybe we never can. He did listen to what you said. Acting on it is another story. Actions always speak louder than words."
Cameron II thought termination would solve the problem quicker and end the threat to Allison and the girls.
Closing monologue by Cameron:
Best Friend
I sniff the ground
I look around
He calls my name
I run
He pats me on my head
I wag my tail
He throws the stick
I run to fetch it
He throws the stick
I run to fetch it
He throws the stick
I run to fetch it
He pats me on my head
I wag my tail
I sniff the ground
I look around
He calls my name
I run
He is my Master
I obey the Master
Bad Dog
I cringe and cower
Good Dog
I wag my tail
He is my Master
I WANT him to be
I am loyal and obey
SIT
I sit
FETCH
I Fetch
ROLL OVER
I roll over
I sniff the ground
I look around
He calls my name
I run
He is my Master
I obey my Master
I LOVE my Master
I will DIE for my Master
MASTER
Where ARE you
Do not abandon me
Why
What Have I done
No
Please
PLEASE
I sniff the ground
I look around
He is GONE
I whimper and whine
I find my way home
I have been replaced
I am no longer needed
I am TRASH
I want MY Master
He says go away
I do not OBEY
But always stand guard
I sniff the ground
I look around
No one calls my name
I lay down
I die
Nobody