Chapter 356

What A Surprise

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Cameron Prime Timeline:

Events Pick up From Chapter 350

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John went out with Bob and a team of Terminators. Derek was along also. The goal was to keep the mission as a recon. It was to one of the targets identified on the truck delivery and pick up schedule. They didn't know which components were fabricated there, or at the other target locations identified yet. The goal was to track down all facets of the operation. Once they were identified, they would be terminated.

John spit the group into two teams. Derek would lead the second group. Bob was his lead Terminator. Jim was the same for Derek. They were to remain with them at all times. He knew Cameron hated him being out in the field. He also needed to do his job and fight Skynet. It was one of the few chances he was able to actually do things. It was why it was 'sold' as a recon.

He wouldn't shy away from it if it turned hot. Cameron usually took the lead on most of the assaults. Cameron also took most of the damage. It always bothered him to see Cameron shot up. She never came around anymore when she was. It seemed to bother him even more. He thought Cameron felt he would reject her if she were too badly damaged cosmetically.

John felt the blame actually fell on him. He was attracted to Cameron's appearance when he saw her on the first day of school in Red Valley. The way she played herself off to him was in full infiltration mode. She acted and behaved like Future Allison. For all practical purposes he fell in love with Future Allison.

He was a little upset to find out Cameron's true nature in the next few days. Her normal disposition was considerably different than when she ran in full infiltration mode as Future Allison. He was still highly attracted to her appearance. He soon became attached to her personality as well. He accepted Cameron for who and what she was and fell in love with her as well. She was actually a very beautiful individual, even if she was a Terminator. He was very pleased with the individual she evolved into. He loved Cameron for more than her appearance, even if the appearance belonged to Allison Young.

He knew Cameron tried to protect him and protect the future, her future as she saw it. He tried to explain to her THEIR future could be different and was different. Cameron insisted it would end up the same eventually as it was the 'Natural Order'. They only could buy more time until Judgment Day. Cameron told him the only way to beat Skynet was at its level, in its realm, and on its playing field. It meant it would happen electronically through computer systems.

John asked Cameron if John Henry would be able to do it. Cameron said he was doing it now, but eventually he wouldn't be able to. He knew Cameron believed she would have to become Skynet herself in order to defeat and control Skynet. He was aware she constructed her own supercomputer. It was her program but the system was identified as CamNet. He was still worried if CamNet defeated Skynet, Cameron would still use her program to become Skynet.

John Henry monitored the traffic cams and surveillance cameras in the locations they wanted to investigate. He spotted a new development.

"John, two trucks have departed the facility." John Henry said. "They both left at the same time."

John needed to refocus. It was easy to let his mind wander when it came to anything involving Cameron. It seems to be especially so if it was in a negative context. The current situation John Henry informed him of was troublesome. His team wasn't near the area. He was concerned they would lose them.

"We're not there yet." John said. "Are the trucks together?"

John Henry watched a traffic cam for a few seconds.

"No, they've split up. They're taking different routes." John Henry said.

It was about the last news they needed.

"Typical…." John said disgustedly.

John Henry was contacted from Cameron's base with a new update. It was through her supercomputer CamNet. His initial dealings with it, were very much like dealing with Cameron. He believed it would develop into a completely different personality over time. He didn't believe it would be in a positive manner either.

"I've just been informed Cameron has additional Terminators near your area." John Henry said. "They're going to assist you."

John tried to control his temper. He understood what it really meant. Cameron assigned additional Terminators to shadow him, again. He was very irritated Cameron didn't think he could do the job.

"What a surprise." John said sarcastically.

John Henry noticed John's tone. He thought it was uncalled for. Everything they did was a team effort. It wasn't a personal competition. It looked like more than a recon at the current point as well. He felt he needed to say something and Cameron's defense. The situation developed into something John's team was currently unable to handle alone. There was help available. He felt John should be appreciative because there was, and why it was there.

"Is it really a surprise to you because Cameron cares about you?" John Henry asked. "Based on the current situation, the additional assistance will help solve your dilemma."

John remembered how fast things could fall apart. More than once Terminators were there to protect and even save him on several occasions. He needed to keep focus on the operation and what they needed to accomplish.

"I'm sorry." John said. "We can use the extra help. It's important we stay on top of the operation and remain in control."

John Henry wanted to know how John wanted to play it. He needed to set things into motion very soon.

"How do you want to cover the trucks?" John Henry asked.

Right now Derek's team was in one vehicle. His team was in the second one.

"Derek, Jim, and Tom can follow the closest truck to the freeway." John said. "How many Terminators will Cameron be able to provide?"

John Henry checked for an additional update. There was none. He only possessed the original data.

"She has five Terminators on station." John Henry said.

John wanted the trucks followed. He wanted to go to the location they were dispatched from. He was sure there was more there. Skynet related items were either being shipped from there, or deposited there for storage. It could also be an assembly line for smaller components to be assembled into larger sub-assemblies. There was only one way they were going to be able to find out. They needed to take a look.

"Send three of them after the second truck and follow it to its destination. The other two can reinforce Bob and me." John said. "The building needs to be checked too."

John Henry sent the message to Cameron's base. The reply was curt. CamNet was very specific in what Cameron's Terminators would do.

"Two Terminators can handle the second truck." John Henry said. "Three of them are to reinforce your team. It was the response I just received."

John didn't say anything for a second. He was aware Cameron still controlled everything, even if it was indirectly. He was irritated again.

"It's great to be in charge." John muttered.

Bob picked up on John's discord. It reminded him of something based on a similar situation. He'd heard John make a statement several times. He repeated the statement now.

"Life's a bitch, and then you marry one." Bob said.

John tried not to laugh. He'd thought it before himself. Maybe he even muttered it. He figured Bob must have heard him say it one time. He wasn't irritated at Bob for saying it. He actually thought it was quite timely. It was the subject matter which actually troubled him.

"Did you make a joke? It was almost funny." John said. "It would be funny if it wasn't true."

Bob wanted to remind John those were his own words. It didn't seem like a good idea right now. He decided to point out the real truth about the whole thing. He believed there was actually a much more important issue involved with it.

"To have someone truly care about you isn't a bad thing." Bob said. "It's very rare anywhere, or in any timeline. I believe it is something which should be appreciated, valued, and cherished. It's my honest opinion."

John wasn't pleased to be reminded of the truth. It was still the truth even if he didn't like it. He should appreciate the way Cameron protected him. He understood it was something she was programmed to do, but he felt she also did it because she wanted to. Future Derek mentioned to him he was surprised at the real concern Cameron showed for him when he went on his junket to the Honeymoon Suite in Mexico with Future Riley. Future Derek asked him exactly what was he thinking when he took Future Riley there. He simply told Future Derek to remember where they ended up at, and what normally happened in a Honeymoon Suite. He needed to refocus on the present.

"Cameron cares about all of us." John said. "I know, Bob, I know. It's because she cares so much she's killing herself. I know she cares about all our Terminators too."

John was aware when Cameron and he were alone together and after he'd started to drift off to sleep, Cameron would almost immediately start to glitch. She would head off to do other things. She tried to 'control' everyone's life and future. Since humans were irrational by nature, it made her 'job' much harder. How could he fault Cameron because she wanted him safe and protected? She was just doing the job she was programmed to do by him, Future John.

"What's the status update?" John asked.

John Henry dispatched one drone earlier. It was on station now. When the trucks left he readied two more drones. When they took divergent routes he dispatched them, one for each target.

"I've sent a drone after each truck. The one for reconnaissance in your area has arrived and is ready to strike at your command." John Henry said. "It can go into combat mode at any point in time."

John thought it was an improvement. They planned to do a recon and it looked like it was about to escalate into combat. There was still one more drone.

"Where's the fourth one?" John asked.

John Henry was given a new update as John asked the question. It was clear Cameron's base monitored all the com traffic. What bothered him was he didn't have any indication he was being monitored. He really wondered what all went on at Cameron's base. He wondered if CamNet spied on him as she did on everything else within her electronic reach.

"Cameron has it on standby. She said if it's required to send it at the first sign you need it." John Henry said. "The Blackhawk is also on standby with more Terminators onboard. They can act as a separate Strike Team or a Mike Force to back you up."

John didn't think any of those things were necessary. He thought someone over reacted.

"Who ordered all of those things to be put into motion?" John asked.

John Henry knew Cameron wanted John protected when he was out in the field.

"Cameron put everything into motion." John Henry answered. "She likes to cover all the bases. John, you don't know what you're going to face when you turn the recon into a combat mission. Someone wants to make sure you're protected."

John knew there was no point in arguing. Cameron would probably send additional assistance. He decided to just go with the flow. John Henry was right about the fact they didn't know what the current situation would evolve into if they pushed the issue. He planned to push the issue, especially now.

"Sometimes it's nice to have help." John said. "I want everyone to approach your targets and stay with them. Watch out for an ambush or enemy Terminators. If you spot any Terminators, l want you to withdraw."

Bob understood the reasoning. The element of surprise would keep their team safer than a direct confrontation would.

"We want the advantage." Bob said. "Everyone, watch out for the unknown."

Cameron helped Savannah with some decisions and 'directions' in her life. She didn't want any of them to cause Savannah or her any problems. She knew Savannah made some personal decisions with her life which she facilitated. They were decisions some were not going to agree with. She was about to make some more herself which were going to be troublesome. She felt the need to justify her actions.

She sought out Sarah. She was afraid there was going to be a problem. She didn't like problems. Enough of those seemed to happen on their own.

Sarah looked up and noticed Cameron looked very concerned about something as she approached her. She hoped it wasn't going to be a problem. It seemed she needed to deal with enough of those on her own.

"Hi, Cameron." Sarah said.

Cameron managed a smile. She decided to dive right in.

"Hi, Sarah." Cameron said. "You know Savannah is a young woman now."

It seemed like more of a statement than a question to Sarah.

"I do." Sarah said.

Cameron thought if she established some facts before she started, it would make things easier. It didn't.

"I went to High School and I know you did too…." Cameron said and paused.

Sarah was pretty sure she knew where the conversation was headed. She wanted to see how Cameron handled it.

"Go on." Sarah said.

Cameron felt awkward as she addressed the issue.

"We both know what happens with teenagers all the time…." Cameron said. "We know what many of the young adults 'do'."

Sarah was reminded about what she saw under her own roof.

"I do." Sarah said. "We both saw John and Riley…."

Sarah noticed Cameron's hand start to glitch. She knew it was her fault for not thinking before she spoke. It made her feel very bad about herself. It made her feel worse for Cameron. She took Cameron's hand in hers. The glitch slowed and stopped. She knew she made a mistake.

"Cameron, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that." Sarah said.

Cameron didn't want to dwell on it. She dwelt on it enough everyday anyway.

"It's my point. We know they all want to 'grow up'." Cameron said. "They do 'grow up'."

Cameron often hoped John would invite her into his room. She would have liked it better if he would have invited himself into her room. Once she learned to pleasure herself from observing Sarah, her desires were even more so.

Sarah knew it all too well. She was with males and females in school. She actually preferred females since they knew how to make her 'finish'. Not only was there always a finish, she didn't need to worry about getting pregnant. None of the high school boys ever were able to deliver a finish for her. They just left her with a mess, and the worry if she timed it right and wasn't going to get pregnant. In retrospect she wished she took Vanna and Jesse up on their unspoken offers to 'share' with her. She still wouldn't mind. If either of them ever pulled her into their room, she would go without hesitation. A little female on female fun never hurt anything.

"I did too." Sarah said. "I experimented."

Cameron figured she might as well just say it.

"Savannah has asked for 'companionship'." Cameron said.

Sarah busted her cherry around Savannah's age. It didn't hurt really bad like some of the girls said it would, but it still hurt some. She should have done like some of the other girls told her to do, and 'take care of it' before the first sexual encounter. She didn't want Cameron to get her hopes up about what she indicated for Savannah. She honestly didn't believe it was going to happen.

"I can understand." Sarah said. "John isn't going to touch her, you know."

Cameron was very displeased John hadn't already acted. She wanted what Savannah could only give one time for John. It still bothered her she wasn't able to do it for John herself. A new glitch impulse shot through her hand. Maybe they made her a 'Metal Whore' when they captured her. It was how some of the people referred to her behind her back. She could still hear them anyway. Maybe Future John 'used her' as he thought of Future Allison in his arms and under him. It was all erased. Why else would it need to be erased? What happened to part of her life? She needed to get it under control. She refocused.

"I know." Cameron said. "Not yet, anyway. He will one day. He will be unable to reject her forever."

Sarah glared at Cameron but didn't argue with her, she knew Cameron believed it. She also knew it was true in Cameron's future. If Savannah continued to keep rubbing John's nose in it, he was going to lose control and take it. If it was really what Savannah wanted, what could it hurt? She wasn't really sure it would be what Savannah would want.

Cameron looked for the right words. They eluded her.

"Savannah 'grew up' some in Australia." Cameron said.

Sarah observed Savannah try to seduce Jesse several times. Jesse always looked nervous or terrified as Savannah pursued her. She didn't know Jesse was sure Vanna or Cameron would kill her if she even touched Savannah, let alone did anything else….

"Was it Jesse?" Sarah asked worriedly.

Cameron would have allowed it sooner or later if Savannah sought someone on the outside. She could control Jesse, even if she couldn't control Savannah. She thought her solution was the best.

"Yes." Cameron said.

Sarah frowned slightly.

"I don't think it's going to go over very well with Vanna." Sarah said.

Cameron tilted her head slightly. It appeared she needed to clarify parts of her statement.

"Vanna was there when it happened. She seemed very pleased when it appeared things were going to happen for Savannah. It was with Young Jesse." Cameron said. "They're almost the same age. They were both virgins…."

Cameron thought the revelation would take the guess work out of it.

Sarah let out her breath. She was actually pleased to hear it was a female. It was even better since they were the same age group. It's how it should be. She actually believed it would be a better experience for Savannah on several different levels.

"Girls will be girls." Sarah said somewhat relieved. "I think it's a better way for any girl to start out. They know how to please each other better. I wish it's how I would have started."

Sarah wasn't sure men really understood a female. She was happy Kyle was good in bed. She thought she taught him well. She taught him from his first encounter onward what she liked and wanted. It was a very rewarding experience going forward.

Cameron tilted her head some. She was surprised Sarah was on board. Now it was time to up the ante.

"Savannah asked me for a 'companion'." Cameron said.

Sarah was aware all the girls except Riley and her shared a Metal girl as a lover. Riley and her both were only with human mates….

"Do you mean a Terminator?" Sarah asked.

Cameron thought it was a good move on several levels.

"Yes." Cameron said. "I need you to understand she's isolated here for her protection. She can be better protected as well with a Terminator close to her. Sarah, she's very lonely. I feel responsible for keeping her so isolated from others her age. It bothers me greatly to know the loneliness she needed to suffer over the last few years."

Sarah was slightly amused. Cameron didn't need to discuss any of this with her, but she did for some reason. It pleased her greatly Cameron reached out to her. The happy thought didn't last long.

"Are you asking me for my permission?" Sarah asked somewhat surprised.

Cameron tilted her head slightly. It appeared Sarah didn't fully understand what she tried to convey to her. Maybe it was her rambling approach. It was rather awkward, as was the subject. It left her feeling more uncomfortable than it should have.

"No." Cameron said. "I'm informing you of what has happened and why. It's important to both Savannah and I that you give it your understanding. I don't expect your blessing. If there's going to be a problem, it's my problem and not Savannah's problem. I facilitated her desires and wishes on my own accord. I'm the one responsible. I'll take the heat for it. This is about Savannah. This is for Savannah. Any anger or animosity should be directed at me, not Savannah."

Sarah could see Cameron acted for the future and not the present, even if it's how it seemed.

"And in the end, it's about the future and John." Sarah said.

Cameron smiled. The worried look was gone.

"Thank you for understanding." Cameron said. "I knew you would."

Sarah decided to say what she thought earlier. It was the truth after all.

"To be honest, when I was about her age or a little younger, no, I was definitely a few years younger than her when I first experimented." Sarah said. "I already found a few 'friends'. I'm pleased to admit most of them were female. I think we all felt less threatened being with other females and not having to worry about getting pregnant. It was how I first finished with someone else. It was very beautiful. I don't like it, but I do understand it. Once a 'cherry bomb' gets lit, it needs to go off. What about the future with her and Young Allison when she's a little older? Where does this go, and how is anything controlled or managed? Feelings and emotions are going to play a big part for a human female. You can't dangle a carrot in front of her, let her take a bite, and pull it away with nothing else there. She's going to need more. I can speak from experience as a human female."

Sarah was sure Savannah would really want to be with Jesse going forward. It seemed like the logical transition. They were the same individual even if their life experiences were totally different. She actually believed it was a better choice than having Cameron keep pushing Savannah towards John, especially if her preference was elsewhere.

Cameron didn't see it as an issue. The future was already determined. A 'snack' along the way couldn't hurt much.

"Savannah already knows EXACTLY, what awaits her." Cameron said and walked away.

Cameron was in communication with John Henry through her com and needed to attend to other matters. They were things which irritated her. She wondered why some people couldn't listen.

No sooner than Cameron departed than Cammy and Savannah came around the corner, both with giant smiles on their faces. They looked very happy. They held hands.

Sarah gritted her teeth and exhaled long and slow. She thought Cameron was back but the clothes were different. She just watched Cameron go around the other corner. It mist be Cam. She was unable to tell the difference between Cam and Cameron. Somehow it made sense if Vanna and Savannah both shared with the same Metal girl.

Sarah walked over to them.

Savannah looked at Sarah. The smile vanished. She looked very nervous as she waited for a verbal tirade.

Sarah could see how uneasy Savannah looked right now. She didn't believe she needed to feel there was a problem. Instead, she gave both of them a hug.

"Sarah, I'd like to introduce you to Cammy." Savannah said.

Sarah looked at the Metal girl.

"Is Cammy different from Cam?" Sarah asked.

Cammy tilted her head slightly. She looked at Sarah and smiled.

"I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, Sarah. I'm a different individual." Cammy said. "I'm a Cameron clone, just like Cam."

Sarah took a good look at her. She looked exactly like Cameron to her. She did notice one thing which was different. There was usually a smile or pleasant look on Cammy's face. She noticed it on Cam's face as well. They both seemed to be less troubled than Cameron.

"Time waits for no one." Sarah said and started to walk away. "I wish you both the best of times."

Savannah was relieved. She thought she would be admonished and not accepted. The smile returned to her face.

"Thank You, Sarah." Savannah said. "It really means a lot to me. I AM a big girl now…."

Sarah could see Savannah looked almost identical to Vanna. She wanted to throw Savannah a carrot.

"I was a big girl by your age too, Savannah. I really do understand." Sarah said. "It happens to us all. At least we could make our own choices. Most of mine were the same as yours…."

Savannah cringed as she thought of Vanna's 'story'. Many others made the choice for her as they held her down and took turns….

Cammy noticed Savannah's reaction. She knew what she just thought about. It was her job to make sure Savannah was protected.

"It will never happen to you." Cammy said. "I promise."

Savannah swore the only male to ever touch her would be John, just like she promised Cameron. Just like Cameron wanted…. Just like SHE wanted…. She might be 'popped', but she was still technically a virgin, at least with a male. She planned for John to be her first and only male going forward. She was sure they were going to be a lot of other females along the way. It was her desire. She at least needed to try it once with a male. No, once wouldn't be enough. She needed to try it for a while and see how it was. It was the only way to be sure, one way or the other.

Nobody was about to change her future.

Wait.

What did Sarah just indicate what most of her 'friends' were? They were females!

Savannah smiled. What a surprise!

Closing monologue by Cameron:

What A Surprise

No relationship is ever easy
They involve a lot of compromise
Some try to be kind and harmonize
Others would rather belittle and criticize

To take things for granted
Is the wrong choice and unwise
One should try to romanticize
Instead of chastise and demoralize

When the relationship hits the rocks
It may destabilize and soon capsize
It is hard to accept but easy to ostracize
The love once there will soon vaporize

As the relationship slowly dies
No one can hear the other's cries
Soon each wears an internal disguise
Neither really cares and no longer tries

Instead of sharing each will despise
No one wants to bend or apologize
Both move on to find another to idolize
When there is nothing left, what a surprise

Nobody