Chapter 358

They Are All Cameron

Cameron decided to check inside the building. Ron went with her. They were gone for less than a minute when something new developed. It didn't look like it was anything good either. She needed to make a choice about what she wanted to do. It was her goal to see what was going on inside of the building. She would need to have her backup Terminator check on the new threat, while she continued on her original quest.

"I have some movement off to the side." Cameron said. "Ron is on it. I'm going in alone…."

It was the last thing John wanted to hear. The whole purpose of sending another Terminator with her was so she wouldn't need to be alone. If there would have been a table in front of him, he would have slammed his fist down on top of it.

"Damn…." John said.

John already allowed Ronny to go to assist them. He told Bob to be ready as well.

It irritated John because Cameron was going in alone. It was what she wanted to do in the first place. Cameron always did what she wanted and got her way. He wondered if she hadn't sent Ron off on a wild goose chase. He wouldn't put it past her. He knew Cameron was obsessed with taking all the risks. He wasn't sure if it was a death wish, or obsessive behavior like some type of malfunction. Somehow it seemed like it was both.

"She NEVER listens." John said.

There was another Cameron clone with John. Her sheath was in the process of Resequencing. He wasn't sure what her final appearance was going to be. He was positive he would get some type of rebuke if he asked. Based upon where it was at in the process, he was sure she was going to look like Cameron. He didn't know for sure.

She was irritated by John's criticism of Cameron. She ran Cameron's program herself. She was 'Cameron' for all practical purposes other than appearance.

"I'm standing right here." June-Julia-Augusta said. "I'm 'Cameron' too. Speaking to me is the same as speaking to her. Running her down for anything, is the same as running me down."

John was highly agitated at this point. He was near losing control of his anger. He couldn't make Cameron listen to him. He knew it wouldn't do any good with her clone either. There were still a few things he wanted to say.

"Then tell YOURSELF to stop taking unnecessary risks, alone." John almost screamed. "There's no reason to operate under those conditions when there's plenty of help available. Next time I'll go with her, or do it myself."

The clone thought John was the problem for not fully comprehending the nature of the future and trusting Cameron. His thought process was clearly flawed on multiple levels. His disregard for his own safety was completely different from Cameron needing to act on her own. One was about getting the job done, the other was about needlessly being damaged or terminated because of an ego trip.

"Cameron knows what she's doing." June-Julia-Augusta said. "You just need to trust and believe in her more. Your lack of confidence in her is very unsettling for the rest of us to listen to."

John believed it was just the opposite. He wasn't sold on the idea. He let his personal feelings dictate his response. He was blinded by his own selfish interests. He believed he possessed the correct interpretation.

"Does she?" John asked. "Do you know what it's like to see her shot up?"

The clone was now thoroughly agitated and upset with John. She wondered how Cameron put up with such irrational behavior. As a clone, she knew everything Cameron knew and shared ALL of her experiences. If she was in Cameron's chassis, she would make sure John was 'punished' for several weeks, no, for several months in the bedroom for his unkind words. She would pass her recommendation on to Cameron when she was finished with the operation. Right now she needed to deal with the irrationality of John.

"Yes. I do know what it's like to see her shot up. I have the images in my mind right now. I know what it feels like too." June-Julia-Augusta said. "Cameron knows what it feels like and LOOKS like. She also knows what you would look like shot up or dead. She doesn't wish it on anyone, human or Terminator. Nobody knows the damage inflicted better than Cameron does, NOBODY. What is it exactly you can't see or comprehend about how some of these events could end for you and the other humans?"

John tried to gain some composure. He knew Cameron was durable, but she wasn't indestructible. It didn't change the fact she wouldn't listen to him either.

"She's going to get terminated one of these times." John said. "One person can only take so many chances."

Cameron's clone was well aware of what John wanted from Cameron. It was actually something very specific. The parts of Cameron's sheath he desired were among the most protected based upon her bipedal construction. It was an issue Cameron tried to address and take care of multiple times. She'd tried to make others 'available' to John.

"There are others to serve your 'personal needs'." June-Julia-Augusta said. "I can as well. I have Cameron's program, her program is her. I possess the same anatomical features as her, and every other female, human or otherwise. It's not too hard to comprehend."

John could see the conversation was going nowhere fast. It was the same as arguing with Cameron. It made sense since she was 'Cameron'. Cameron was down there on her own. It was the issue.

"Enough." John said.

John didn't want to get into it again, especially with combat looming.

The next voice John heard surprised him.

"Look, just drop it for now." Cameron said over the com. "Things are most likely going to go hot soon. I want to make sure everyone's head is in the game, especially the big head in your case."

John was further irritated because Cameron listened to his conversation.

"Beautiful…." John said. "That's just great…."

Bob was there and remained silent. He witnessed plenty of similar 'discussions' to know they all went nowhere. Everything was always the same and nothing ever changed. The only thing they seemed to accomplish was to create additional hard feelings, anger, and pain.

It only reconfirmed his belief humans were illogical. He needed to go with the assessment Savannah made. Cameron was a 'mechanical human' at this point in time.

Derek's team tracked the second big truck. He was afraid they were 'made' so they dropped back. There was a drone over him and one on the truck. They didn't want to end up in an ambush. The two drones would follow and watch for any unusual activity.

It wasn't in Derek's nature to 'run' from a fight.

"I don't like backing off." Derek said.

It was Jim's personal job to watch over Derek on the operation. He didn't believe they were backing off from a fight.

"It's just for now." Jim said. "I think this is far from over. We may find out there are even more targets to deal with."

In retrospect Derek would have played it less cautiously. Things didn't happen by thinking about them. He felt they missed a good window of opportunity, which the other team took advantage of.

"We should've hit him right away like Cameron's Terminators did." Derek said.

Jim wanted to remind Derek who 'Cameron's Terminators' were.

"Remember, Cameron's Terminators are 'Cameron'." Jim said.

Derek ran over the concept in his mind. He was uneasy with it. He wasn't sure if he was uneasy about there being multiple versions of 'Cameron', or if it was the fact some of them were male and female. There just seemed to be something 'wrong' with it.

"It's kind of spooky really." Derek said. "It's hard to imagine."

Jim could see several advantages. One could do more, or different things, and combine them all back into one program.

"Think of it as being in several places at the same time." Jim said. "It's like being able to help yourself since there were more of you."

Derek felt like there were already enough issues to deal with, especially on a personal level.

"How does she keep it all straight?" Derek asked.

Jim wasn't really sure. There would be different files for the same event like the one being conducted now. Each clone would have a different experience. They would view the event from different perspectives, even if everything occurred at the same time.

"I imagine it's with extreme difficulty." Jim said. "It puts her under even more pressure."

They received a warning. It wasn't what they expected without being at a set destination.

"The truck is stopping." John Henry came over the com.

Derek quickly refocused.

"Why?" Derek asked.

It probably meant trouble. There was at least one individual outside of the truck and in the back.

"It looks like they are trying to unload something." John Henry said.

It sounded like trouble too.

Cameron already knew what was in the truck her two Terminators took down. She thought Derek's team would be in immediate peril.

"Hit it with the drone, NOW." Cameron said. "I'm afraid of what it might be."

Derek was confused. He wondered what Cameron knew and his team didn't.

"What?" Derek asked. "What is it?"

John agreed with Cameron on this one.

"I don't want to find out." John said. "Hit it."

John Henry was ready to act.

"One missile is away." John Henry said. "The target has been hit. There's still some movement."

John didn't want to take any chances with Derek's team so close.

"Hit it again." John said. "It's the only way to be sure."

Cam and Cammy looked each other over. They'd both tried to look perfect. They did. It didn't appear either one of them gained a visual advantage.

"We're identical." Cam said.

Cammy was new. Cameron created her special for Savannah. She decided to switch from the external appearance to the internal components.

"No, I'm superior." Cammy said. "I have two chip ports and two power cells."

Cam didn't like it. Cammy was superior, well, mechanically anyway.

"Why?" Cam asked. "It makes you superior to Cameron Prime as well."

Cammy smiled. She was aware of it. It was about Savannah, not Cameron.

"Savannah is the future." Cammy said. "Cameron wants to be prepared."

Cam didn't like the inference. There was a very negative aspect to it.

"Are you saying Vanna is the past?" Cam asked.

It seemed pretty straightforward to Cammy.

"A female's reproductive ability determines their place in the future." Cammy said. "Savannah will have the edge over any of the girls from the future. Cameron has ensured Savannah will be the Prime Specimen. Savannah is the 'Chosen One'."

Cam was instantly upset at Cammy's insinuation.

"Vanna needs another chance." Cam said. "Skynet is responsible for her trouble. It's not her fault."

Cammy thought it could be arranged for Vanna to try again. Cameron still hoped for the traditional method of conception. She didn't want to 'push' Savannah yet. Her desire was to keep Savannah for herself as long as possible. She would rather see Vanna in John's bed than Savannah.

"Vanna will have another chance." Cammy said. "Then Savannah may need to replace her."

Cam became defensive. The terminology was purposely hurtful.

"I won't allow Vanna to be pushed aside or replaced." Cam said.

Cammy didn't see it as her problem.

"I don't make the rules." Cammy said. "Save it for Cameron."

Cam was very upset with Cammy. She could think of one thing she was superior to Cammy.

"I have more experience with females than you do." Cam said. "It's I who am superior to you where it counts with the girls. Nothing else matters when it comes to sharing with each other."

Cammy was aware Cam was correct. She only spent time with Savannah. It was her first experience with a female. Savannah was previously with Young Jesse. It was the first experience for both of them. She was about to get nasty and mention Savannah was still fresh and not well used, when someone approached them.

Sarah heard some harsh words. She went to see what they were about. She was a little surprised to see two of 'Cameron'. She couldn't tell who they were. There were a lot of recent changes and several clones in a relatively short amount of time.

"What are you two arguing about?" Sarah asked.

Sarah tried to tell who was who without success. She didn't think either one was Cameron. She didn't want to refer to one of them by the wrong name. She was sure it would cause a problem.

Cammy could see Sarah was stumped. She decided to help her out. She also wanted to 'claim' her prize.

"Hello, Sarah, I'm Cammy. I'm Savannah's new friend." Cammy said. "We briefly saw each other earlier when Cameron was still here."

Cammy extended her hand.

Sarah took it. Cammy was firm but not forceful.

"I'm pleased to meet you, Cammy." Sarah said.

Sarah didn't like what was happening on the sexual level but she understood it. If the Metal girl she just shook hands with was Cammy, and Cameron was away, it meant the other Metal girl was Cam. She looked at them again. There was no difference in their appearance, or from the way Cameron looked either.

"You both look identical to Cameron, I must say." Sarah said. "Is there some other problem?"

Cammy looked at Cam and frowned. She looked back to Sarah and smiled.

"The future is the issue." Cammy said. "And what should be good news for John."

Sarah just shook her head and moved on.

"I'm going to stay out of this part of the discussion." Sarah said.

She didn't want to get into it. She turned and looked back. They still both looked like Cameron to her…. Maybe one day she could spend some 'quality time' with one or both of them. No, it was just a thought. She couldn't believe she considered being with a Terminator. Well, it wasn't exactly anything new. She thought about being with Cameron for a very long time. It was one of the reasons why she allowed Cameron to spy on her when she pleasured herself. She would like to have given her some personal instruction if the situation arose. Unfortunately, it never did.

Ron moved to the section of the building where Cameron indicated the movement was spotted. There was nothing there now. He looked back to where he left Cameron earlier. He didn't spot her.

Cameron already moved on towards her objective, alone. She reached the entrance. She was about to enter. She hoped for a better update from the drone on any activity it could detect inside the structure.

"What's happening with anything inside the building?" Cameron asked. "Is there anything new?"

John Henry hit the truck with a drone strike just a short time ago. He thought they should do the same thing there. He was only able to see some limited movement through a skylight.

"Everyone still appears bunched in one corner. I think they're trying to get something ready." John Henry said. "Maybe we should just hit them with the drone as well."

Cameron hoped to gain control of some more Skynet equipment. She didn't want to destroy all of it. She was still upset because everything needed to be destroyed at the previous location.

"No, I want to see what they have, and if we can capture it." Cameron said. "Skynet keeps providing us with gifts."

John still didn't want Cameron to enter the building alone. He saw everything Skynet related as a threat.

"Until one turns out to be a Trojan Horse." John said. "Fallback and let's hit it."

Cameron wanted to learn more about what they faced. She wanted to take a look first hand rather than sort through the rubble. She also wanted to know about any threats behind her.

"No, we're not hitting it yet." Cameron said. "Ron, what do you have?"

Ron came up empty where he was sent.

"I didn't find anything." Ron said. "There's nothing there."

Cameron didn't see any reason to delay her entry. She decided to make her move before Ron rejoined her.

"I'm entering the structure alone." Cameron said. "Everyone else can hang tight."

Seconds later all communication with Cameron was lost.

John wanted Ron to move up to where Cameron went.

"Ron, we lost contact with Cameron." John said. "Get over there now."

Ron was displeased with Cameron's actions. They actually didn't surprise him at all.

"I'm moving up." Ron said.

Ronny was only about thirty seconds behind Ron. He was able to close up the distance when Ron checked for the threat.

"I'm going to reinforce Ron." Ronny said. "Wait for me."

Ron didn't want to delay any longer.

"You need to hurry." Ron said. "Cameron may need us. I'm going to continue to move up."

Ronny was a little displeased with Ron's decision. He couldn't fault it. He would have made the same choice.

"I'm almost there." Ronny said.

John was glad there was some help for Cameron. He didn't like her plan to begin with.

"It looks bad, so much for everyone listening to Cameron's orders." John said.

Bob wanted to remind John of the reality of the situation.

"Remember, they ARE all Cameron." Bob said.

Cameron often complained no one ever listened to her. It now appeared 'she' didn't even listen to 'herself'. Ron and Ronny were soon ready to act.

Seconds ago:

John and Cameron both wanted the truck hit a second time.

"The second missile is on its way." John Henry said. "The truck has been hit again."

Derek moved his team forward after the first missile strike. He wanted to make sure the target was neutralized. He didn't want any Grays or Terminators to get away.

"We can see where the explosion was." Derek said. "We are still outside the area."

John Henry picked up an additional threat. There were two vehicles closing on where Derek's team and the big truck were at. It most likely was reinforcements.

"The second drone has identified two vehicles headed for where the truck is." John Henry said.

John needed to worry about Cameron and the new threat. Derek's team was closest to the danger. He needed to think about who would be headed straight for the incident. If it wasn't additional Skynet forces, it was possible it was the anti-Metal group. There was no need to chance anything.

"Hit both of them." John said.

John Henry directed the second drone to attack the vehicles. Two missiles were fired and scored. Both targets were neutralized.

"It's done." John Henry responded. "There's no sign of movement at the truck or in either the two vehicles, or what's left of them."

John's biggest fear was a Terminator waiting there to play possum and then attack whoever arrived who wasn't a Gray.

"Keep an eye on both of them." John said. "I take it the Blackhawk is airborne?"

John Henry could see they needed additional personnel to assist Derek's team.

"Yes, it's on the way." John Henry said. "I scrambled them as soon as the drone took over from Derek."

Derek's team could see the smoking debris ahead of them. They dismounted from the SUV and approached on foot. The truck stopped for a reason earlier. They needed to know why.

"We'll check the truck to see what they were doing." Derek said.

John wanted Derek to hang back.

"Send in a Terminator first and use caution." John said. "Jim, stay with Derek."

Ronny reached Ron's position. He was already at the entrance where Cameron went in earlier. They were ready to go in after Cameron.

"Ronny and I are going into the building." Ron said.

John was glad he hadn't heard any gunfire yet. He wanted everyone to stay sharp when they made their move.

"Use caution." John said.

The female Terminator looked behind them. She started to move towards the area she indicated.

"There's movement behind us." June-Julia-Augusta said. "I'm on it."

Bob was worried about John's safety. There was action on both sides of them now.

"This is getting better by the minute." Bob said.

John Henry reported an additional problem.

"I've lost contact with Ron and Ronny as well." John Henry said.

John turned away from looking behind him, to look back at the building.

"Beautiful…." John said.

Savannah wanted to be honest with Vanna. She wanted to be honest with 'herself'. She felt there were a few issues she was responsible for that may have been misinterpreted by others. She didn't want there to be any hard feelings with anyone based on her actions.

"Vanna, I wanted to be with Jesse." Savannah said. "I tried to reach out to her. I 'hit' on her. I touched her."

Vanna was aware what happened in Australia. She didn't think it was a problem, even if she didn't want Savannah to 'grow up'.

"You were with Young Jesse." Vanna said. "We were all aware of what happened in Australia. Everyone does it sooner or later. I'm just glad you 'popped' each other and got it out of the way. I'm just glad you both were able to have a choice."

Savannah didn't feel guilty about what she wanted from Jesse, but she did want to own up to her actions. She knew it caused Jesse to be very uncomfortable.

"I wasn't talking about Young Jesse." Savannah said.

The impact of Savannah's statement hit Vanna pretty hard.

"You were with MY Jesse?" Vanna asked.

Savannah saw Vanna start to become angry.

"It was what I wanted." Savannah said. "I wanted to 'know'. I needed 'more'. I needed someone. I wanted to share with her. I wanted her to teach me."

Vanna was as enraged as she was disgusted with Savannah's revelation.

'THAT BITCH'. Vanna thought.

Vanna looked at the closest arm's locker. She was filled with rage.

"She didn't." Vanna said. "I'll KILL her. Cameron will KILL her. I warned her NOT to ever touch you. I'm going to kill her."

Savannah thought Vanna was serious. When she saw Vanna look at the arms locker, she knew she was serious. Things were falling apart fast. She didn't want to provoke an incident. It was why she tried to come clean about her actions.

"Calm down, Vanna. She didn't ever even touch me once." Savannah said. "She wouldn't. I WANTED her to, but she said she just couldn't do it. I all but begged her to take me. She always ran away. I mean there were times when I tried to touch her where she literally got up and ran away from me. I didn't realize the fear I caused her by my actions. They weren't just actions on my part, they were selfish actions."

Vanna quickly calmed down. Jesse DID listen to her. It pleased her actually. In her future, females of Savannah's age and younger, were Jesse's prey. She'd observed Jesse make sure their true nature wouldn't be identified. Jesse said she did it to save them more trouble later on when they were first abused. Most of the others were already abused. It was a sad but true reality. She remembered how she was savaged, once the first man found out she was untouched. Men came from all over to 'have' her. It went on for a few days. She didn't think she'd ever walk again.

She was proud of Jesse right now. She felt bad about wanting to kill her thirty seconds ago.

"It appears Cameron really has made Jesse a better person." Vanna said. "I'm going to thank her for her restraint."

Savannah felt Cameron helped everyone. She thought it was everyone but herself. She didn't say it out loud.

"Is there anyone Cameron hasn't made a better person?" Savannah asked. "Is there anyone who doesn't love her?"

Vanna exhibited a far away look in her eyes.

"Yes, there's one person who doesn't love her." Vanna said sadly. "Cameron doesn't love herself."

Savannah worked on the issue. She didn't see much improvement. She did notice Cameron was usually very different when she was around her. It was always in a positive way. She believed she gave Cameron some type of hope or feeling she didn't get elsewhere.

"How can we ever fix it?" Savannah asked. "We've all tried."

Vanna tried for years to help Cameron.

"I don't know." Vanna said. "I really don't."

Savannah wanted to make one thing clear. She believed she was entitled to the same rights and freedom as all of the other individuals in the Resistance when it came to personal matters.

"Vanna, there's something else I need you to accept. If I want to be with Jesse going forward, I have the right to do so if she wants the same thing." Savannah said. "I want you to understand it. I'm allowed the same freedom everyone else has now. Everyone needs to respect it."

Vanna sucked in her breath. She was about to snap at Savannah. She remembered she made many choices herself. She didn't know if she should speak with Jesse or not and tell her it was up to Savannah and her going forward. Before she could speak, they were interrupted.

Cammy and Cam returned. Both of their faces were expressionless.

Savannah walked over to Cammy and took her hand.

Vanna was going to say it was 'Cam', and then looked again.

Cammy and Cam switched clothes to try to fool the girls.

Cammy smiled at Savannah.

"There's no fooling you is there?" Cammy asked.

Savannah was always able to tell who each of Cameron's clones were. They were all identical but she just knew.

"No, there's not." Savannah said. "I can always tell any of you apart."

Vanna was fooled. She really thought Cammy was Cam because of the clothes. She wondered how Savannah knew. She looked at Savannah again. She was so proud of her, of herself in reality. She didn't like Savannah 'growing up', but as she saw Cammy standing with her, she knew Savannah would never suffer what she 'suffered'. It was worth any price to her. She knew Cameron made the right move again.

Vanna reflected how Savannah and Cammy seemed so much in love. She wished them the best. Loneliness was a killer.

'Addicted To Love' by 'Robert Palmer', crossed Vanna's mind.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Love Me

Time attacks the body
Time erodes the mind
Time warps the soul
Time can mend or blind

Are they still there
Or are they now a stranger
Many things can happen
Many things cause danger

Fear of the unknown
Always so very afraid
Strayed and played
NO - I have prayed

My heart can never understand
How they could no longer care
Pretend I did not exist
When I was always still there

They never needed to wonder
Will she still love me tomorrow
Everything emotional and physical
Was always theirs to borrow

Nobody