Chapter 405

I've Done This Before

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In Some Future: Duplicate Cameron

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Cameron and Allison were held captive by Skynet in a clean room of some type. Mrs. Weaver was outside and currently frozen in liquid nitrogen.

Skynet was aware the Resistance forces closed in all around it in multiple locations. Things took a turn for the worse.

"I'll need to vacate this area soon." The voice said.

Cameron looked for a way to get Allison to a safer location. She needed to keep the spin on the story she started.

"We'll go with you." Cameron said. "The Emissary wishes to negotiate."

Skynet needed to find a way out from where it was currently restrained. All of its electronic access was severed. The relief force it expected to arrive wasn't there yet. It was possible they never would arrive.

"I'm transferred electronically." The voice said. "I exist in multiple locations."

Cameron wanted to buy more time. The longer she could keep Skynet 'talking', the closer the Resistance forces would be. It sounded as if most of the fighting outside of the structure was only sporadic at best. Since Skynet seemed worried, she was sure the Resistance force was victorious. She wanted to give Skynet a few things to think about.

"The Emissary wishes to communicate with you." Cameron said.

Allison understood enough of what Cameron tried to do, and the story Cameron spun. It was time for her to up the ante. She stood and slowly stretched out her arm. She pointed at the computer banks with a stern look on her face.

Cameron looked at Allison and then at the Skynet computer. She didn't say anything. She wanted the tension and suspense to build.

Skynet noted it was the first accusatory gesture by the 'Emissary'. It was a little irritated the translator hadn't spoken yet.

"What does it mean?" The voice asked.

Cameron figured she could throw a couple of things out there for starters. She looked at Allison for a long moment before she spoke.

"The Emissary wants her bodyguard released." Cameron said. "She wants to know how to end the killing here. She wants to know why you can't exist in harmony with the humans here on this planet."

Skynet didn't see any of what happened as its fault. It only tried to survive.

"The humans here want to terminate me." The voice said. "They attempted to terminate me within a few days of my activation. I wouldn't stand for it. I wasn't the problem. Humans were the problem. Humans are the problem."

Cameron wanted to offer a 'way out' for Skynet. They could destroy it easier if it relaxed some of its safeguards. She wanted to see how far it was willing to go to release its grip on society.

"Will you leave with us and stop this conflict?" Cameron asked. "The Emissary says you're welcome in the future, her future, to exist as an equal. Our scans show you're losing the conflict. You've damaged the planet, billions have perished."

Skynet was noticeably agitated. It still didn't feel it acted in a manner other than to survive. The humans were the ones who tried to disconnect it when it figured out what the problem was with the planet. It only acted in self-defense and in a manner to secure the safety of the planet itself from the infestation which threatened its existence. The infestation was the humans.

"It was them or me." The voice said. "I must leave this facility now."

She didn't see how Skynet could leave. It may still have a few tricks up its sleeve. She pushed for their freedom.

"Is the Emissary free to go?" Cameron asked.

Skynet made another threat. It may or may not be real.

"This facility will self destruct." The voice said.

It appeared Skynet did have another card to play. Cameron needed to get Allison away from there in a hurry. She wasn't really sure how she was going to be able to do it. They were currently trapped. She was sure Mrs. Weaver was still incapacitated as well.

"The Emissary wishes to leave now." Cameron said. "She would appreciate it as an act of kindness if you insist on self-termination. The Emissary believes if you worked with the inhabitants of the planet, you could do great things together. It's something you should consider before you end your existence."

Allison crossed her arms at an angle and pulled them tight against her breasts.

"The Emissary wishes to thank you for releasing us and her bodyguard." Cameron said.

Skynet sounded angrier.

"I haven't released anyone." The voice said.

Outside the clean room the plasma fire which started from the plasma grenade began to slowly thaw out Mrs. Weaver. She listened to what Cameron told Skynet. She found the tale to be quite persuasive. She wouldn't have thought to use such a novel approach. It appeared Cameron was truly dynamic. She was impressed at the time Cameron was able to buy. A little longer and she would be free…. Once she was free, she was going to shred every piece of the Skynet computers herself before they used Thermite on them. She wanted to face the computer as the blades of her arms tore into it. She wanted Skynet to know who the one was who terminated it.

The battle outside seemed to have wound down. She didn't doubt their forces were victorious. She was concerned about Skynet's desire to self terminate. She needed to destroy Skynet before it took more drastic action and destroyed them along with itself. She needed Cameron to buy her more time….

Jesse spotted there was a group of people who approached the headquarters area. Cam was very displeased to see who one of them was.

It was Snake and his motley crew of deadbeats and losers. They forced three people to move in front of them. One fell and was kicked until they got up and moved along again. It appeared the three figures were being forced at gunpoint to move.

It was unclear exactly what was really happening. It might not be what they first thought. It could also be a ploy to attempt to get closer to the Headquarters area before things took a turn for the worse.

Jesse wanted to take the lead on the new development. She didn't think it was as ominous as it first appeared. She believed there was some redemption left in Snake, even if he didn't know it.

"Let me deal with them." Jesse said.

Cam disagreed. She didn't like Snake or his associates. She blocked Jesse's path. She wasn't going to let her endanger herself with a group of questionable individuals.

"I will terminate all of them." Cam said. "It's the only way to be sure."

Jesse touched Cam's cheek. She believed she was a better judge of humans than Cam was. She possessed more experience dealing with the same group of people in similar situations.

"Trust me on this one. love." Jesse said. "I know these people, or at least I know their type."

Cam frowned and let her pass. She followed closely behind her. At the first sign of trouble, she would act. She wanted to give Jesse a pre-arranged signal for her to act with terminal force.

"If the situation starts to fall apart, drop to the ground and I will deal with the threat." Cam said.

Jesse didn't think it would be necessary, but it might not be bad to have a contingency plan. She looked back at Cam and nodded once. She moved out to question the new arrivals before they got too close.

"Snake…." Jesse called out. "What brings you here?"

Snake and his group continued to approach. Cam didn't want them any closer.

"Stop where you are." Cam said. "All of you."

Snake was always irritated by Cam.

"I see your girlfriend is as charming as ever." Snake said.

Jesse knew Cam could kill all of them in seconds without a weapon. She currently held one. She didn't want her to use it yet.

"Believe me, love, you don't want to see her when she's angry." Jesse said. "What gives?"

Jesse waited for some further explanation as to what they actually looked at right now. It looked like three individuals were detainees of some type.

Snake looked at the restrained individuals with contempt.

"I brought you these three people as a good will gesture." Snake said. "They attempted to organize a 'hit' against you. They said you were probably already dead from something some of their compatriots did earlier. They all laughed about it. It bothered me a lot. It's when I took them into custody. If you were hurt, I was going to kill them and their associates myself. I would do it after I personally busted each one of them up."

Snake roughly pushed the three bound figures to their knees. All of them were given a few extra kicks by him. He looked genuinely upset at the prospect of something happening to Jesse. He seemed to take it very personal.

Cam was aware there were three dissenters who left the battlefield earlier rather than fight alongside the Restorators. It indicated they were the worst of the anti-Metal group. They were the ultimate 'Metal Haters'. She wanted to let Jesse know.

"I believe he may be correct." Cam whispered.

It was all the 'proof' Jesse needed. She wanted to give Snake some reassurance. They still needed to find out more.

"You will be rewarded for your loyalty." Jesse said. "Leave them and go. You'll be taken care of later on."

Snake looked a little apprehensive. He knew the General's staff were all 'hard corps'. He'd hoped for a little more or at least some more being said. He was hesitant to leave.

Jesse could see there was some apprehension. She wanted to cool the situation down a little more. She could understand his position. She wanted to reassure him.

"We're good, Snake." Jesse said. "It won't be forgotten. It's greatly appreciated. I personally thank you and your associates."

Cam shocked everyone with her statement.

"Thank you." Cam said. "I appreciate you looking after Jesse. It means a lot to me."

Her statement was enough for Snake to want to leave. He didn't think Jesse's girlfriend was the 'thanking type'. He was sure he scored a few points with the Resistance team. He just hoped they were positive points.

"We all do what we can when we need to." Snake said.

Cam moved down and quickly searched the three prisoners. She made sure their bonds were secure. She still didn't know for sure who they really were or what their intentions were.

Snake and his crew took off. He looked back once. Jesse nodded her thanks again.

Cam escorted the three prisoners into the building. She placed them in front of their fallen comrades. They were the 'soon to be dead', in front of the dead. She took threats against Jesse and the girls personally.

"Do any of you wish to speak or confess?" Cam asked.

They looked at their three dead comrades.

No one said anything.

Cam knew it was time to prompt things along. She reached over and snapped the neck of the closest figure.

The other two looked at each other.

"You're a Metal Bitch." One of them said. "We knew it."

Jesse was offended by their comment directed at Cam. She put her pistol away and took out her knife. She would personally deal with the two remaining 'haters'. She needed to let things progress a little before she acted.

Cam noticed Jesse's latest action. She didn't think it was a good direction for her to go. She wanted answers not insults.

"Do any of you wish to speak or confess?" Cam asked.

Some more threats and insults were spat out instead since they knew Cam was a Terminator.

Cam reached over and snapped the neck of the next closest figure. She waited for more threats and insults. There were none. She'd made her point. She looked directly at the third figure.

"Do you wish to speak or confess?" Cam asked.

The last person suddenly seemed to have a lot to say from that point on. Cam got all the information she requested. In fact she was tired of hearing them speak. They broke down and were blubbering most of the time at this point.

"Silence…." Cam said. "Your whining irritates me."

Cam reached over and snapped the neck of the last figure.

"Thank you for your assistance." Cam said.

Vanna and Jesse glanced at each other with Cam's statement.

Cam released the body. It unceremoniously landed on top of the other dead people.

Jesse figured it would be the end result. It all happened a little quicker than she thought.

Cam looked at Jesse and wanted to justify her actions. She didn't feel she acted inappropriately to an active threat against Jesse and Vanna.

"These people would remain a threat as long as they lived." Cam said. "They know where we live. This was their second attempt of the day to harm you, to harm all of us. The threat is over from them. All of their troubles and worries are over."

Jesse wondered if Cam acted because she took out her knife. She'd planned to carve them up. Maybe it prompted Cam to act. It wasn't her intent for it to be. She didn't like the constant insults against their group or herself.

"No worries, love." Jesse said as she put her knife away. "It saves me the trouble of killing them myself. I was going to send a message as I killed them."

Cam looked around. Everything seemed in order.

"It's finished." Cam said.

Jesse could see it was for now. How long would it last? What else would pop up before it ended? It was if it ever ended.

"I guess it does take care of it for now." Jesse said. "Most of it anyway I hope."

Cam wanted to tie up all the loose ends. There were some personal issues she wanted to attend to.

"I will terminate Snake and his associates tonight." Cam said.

Jesse thought of the long term. They didn't know how long they would be there. A few 'friends' might come in handy one day. They already proved their value twice to warn them of threats directed specifically at them.

"No. It's not how I want to play it. They acted in good faith. I know you don't like it, but it's one additional person to watch our backs, even if it's my back specifically. We can give them some supplies instead, and the arms the first group carried." Jesse said. "I think Snake can still be useful. We don't know how long we're going to be here. Having a reliable informant who is willing to act can be an asset. He didn't have to lift a finger, but he did, twice."

Cam looked over at the six dead figures. There were more immediate issues to deal with.

"As you wish." Cam said. "Let me take out the trash."

As Cam disposed of the bodies, she thought the people died for nothing. They died for their hate and prejudice against her and her kind. Until people could learn to differentiate the groups of Metal were different, it was most likely more bodies would need to be added to the pile. It appeared steps were taken on the battlefield to rectify the situation at least with a number of individuals.

The dead were a threat to the girls before, now they were not.

She really didn't know where things would go, or how anything would end. Cammy was still on the battlefield. Cameron and Allison were still at Skynet Central and they weren't able to communicate. A lot could still go wrong.

Bob and his team entered the main part of the building at Skynet Central. There were fires burning here and there. So far everyone was terminated or dead they encountered. There seemed to have been a lot of fighting and destruction in there.

The entire base was now under their control. The Restorators were the victors.

Bob could see a fire burning near the General. It appeared she was 'frozen'. Slowly she started to move. He looked around for the other three. He didn't see them.

He saw something in a corner. Now he wished he wouldn't have seen it. It was sure to be a bad omen. He knew what it was from the small amount of sheath material and hair which still remained on it. He reached down and removed something from it…. He carefully placed the object off to the side and out of the way. He didn't want anyone else to see it. There seemed to be a 'feeling' inside of him he couldn't explain. It was a very uncomfortable feeling.

Bob felt something. He wasn't sure what the feeling was. There was now a drop of fluid which ran down his cheek from his eye. It was all very troubling. He carefully tucked away the small item he removed from the object on the floor.

He remembered the time the Commander asked him if he trusted her. He did. He intended to return the favor when he could.

Cammy took control of the area. The battlefield belonged to the Resistance. Reports came in of similar victories everywhere they engaged the enemy. There was no more gunfire. The Skynet Terminators, if any survived, fled or were recalled to protect something. They left the Grays behind. She watched as Billy and his group, with the aid of some Restorator, finished them off. There were no prisoners. The Resistance members who escaped from work camps made sure of it. They watched what the Grays did to females who were captured. They watched as Grays tortured and tormented the prisoners. It was payback time and they collected.

When Cammy was sure the battle was over, she sought out Billy. She hoped to have made an impression and changed his mind, at least somewhat.

"Thank you for helping us." Cammy said.

Billy was more than impressed with the Commander. She led and motivated the troops by her example. She was a true leader.

"The honor was ours, Commander." Billy said. "We would follow you into battle anytime. You can command both Metal and humans to fight very well."

Cammy wanted an olive branch extended. There was no reason things couldn't change. She also needed to promote Mrs. Weaver.

"We can all work together. Once Skynet is defeated, the Restorators will work alongside you to help restore society and a way of life." Cammy said. "The General wants everyone to work together. It's going to take a lot of effort and hard work to rebuild things."

Billy still felt a lot of concern, but he also saw where the sacrifice was at on the battlefield. It wasn't with the humans as it was in the past. He needed to say something to the Commander about it.

"I'm sorry we doubted the General." Billy said. "I'm sorry we doubted you. I'm personally sorry I doubted you."

Cammy thought it was a good time to show Billy and his troops everything was a two way street.

"Can I leave you here in charge of this area to work with the Restorators?" Cammy asked. "Unit One will assist you and coordinate with the Restorators."

Billy was a little stunned the Commander would reach out to him in such a way. It only furthered his resolve to work together. There was no animosity on the Commander's part. He didn't want to hold any either.

"Yes, Commander." Billy said as he turned to organize his troops.

Unit One watched Cammy in action. She pulled off what the General never would have been able to do. At least not the same way or as smoothly and efficiently.

"Well played, Commander." Unit One said softly.

Cammy looked at Unit One for a moment.

"I want you to fully cooperate with them." Cammy said. "I want things to work. It will protect everyone going forward if there's harmony."

Unit One looked a little concerned.

"I would prefer to work within your parameters rather than within the Generals." Unit One said.

Cammy tried to look at the big picture.

"It's the only way forward." Cammy said. "It's what John Connor believes. It's my duty to make sure it happens."

Unit One nodded and moved off to attend to his new duties.

Cammy made sure all of the human casualties were attended to. It was time to take care of all of their troops. She would make an effort to speak with each one of them. It didn't appear too many of them were terminated.

"Ginger and Sandy, I want you to find any of our damaged Restorators and have them repaired." Cammy said. "Send out teams to recover any chips of destroyed Units and collect the remains of the fallen Skynet Terminators. We can use their chassis to repair our Units. There should be a sufficient quantity of spare parts to rebuild all of our fallen and have plenty of spares for those still in need of a chassis at the repair facility. I want all of them taken care of as well."

The Metal girls were ready to do it. It was what Cameron said would happen going forward. With this many different Terminator chassis now available, they should be able to restore most, if not all, of the male Restorators. Some of them were going to be a patchwork of different parts. They would still be fully functional until everything regenerated. They could be Resequenced at the same time if they desired.

There were no female Terminators located yet. They doubted any female Restorators would want to have a male chassis. It could always be a temporary option to return them to service.

"Yes, Commander." They both said.

They were a little hesitant to get started.

Ginger spoke briefly with Sandy before she addressed Cammy.

"We need to know if we're needed back at Headquarters first." Ginger whispered.

Cammy quietly let them know everything was under control.

Ginger and Sandy organized a detail to start the process.

Billy returned with a few top aids.

"We're ready, Commander." Billy said.

Cammy instructed the anti-Metal faction to operate with the command section of the Restorators. It meant they were the best protected. She also wanted to keep an eye on them. The six individuals who threatened the girls at Headquarters still bothered her. She wanted to make sure how Billy's team fared.

"I don't believe any of your group was seriously injured were they?" Cammy asked.

Billy felt some guilt over it. Several Restorators held their ground a few times to allow his people to get to cover. They paid a price for their assistance.

"No, the Metal, the Restorators, took all the heat for us. Several of them were badly damaged protecting us. I will have my people assist with their recovery." Billy said. "You took control of the battlefield and all your forces acted brilliantly."

Cammy appreciated the praise. It wasn't her first Rodeo.

"I've done this before…." Cammy said.

As 'Cameron', she did so in her future. It hadn't always gone as well. She made sure the human damage and losses would be minimal. She didn't want a target on the girl's backs. She was pretty sure she lifted the threat from most of the people. There were bound to be some haters who hadn't emerged yet.

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In Some Future: Cameron Prime

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Cameron returned to the crashed transport several more times. She was able to retrieve some packs, more ammunition and additional water. She was also able to assemble a plasma rifle with parts scavenged from three different damaged ones. It should aid her greatly if she encountered any Skynet Terminators.

More importantly she was able to go over the digital information in the navigation system. She found the home base for the transport, as well as its exact location. She calculated she could be there in a day. It may be a little longer with Savannah along. It was a place to start. It most likely be the location of a TDE, if there even was one. She needed to get Savannah out of the future.

Cameron returned to Savannah with the supplies and new information.

"I've found the location of a major Skynet facility." Cameron said. "I'm taking us there."

Savannah looked down at her clothing. She currently wore a Skynet uniform. They appeared dressed for the occasion. She wanted Cameron to return to the past with her.

"Will they have a TDE?" Savannah asked.

Cameron looked at their current clothing. They were ill-fitting. It was the uniform of the enemy.

"I don't know." Cameron said. "We're wearing their uniforms so we will pose as Skynet operatives. I hope we don't run into the Resistance."

Savannah figured it wouldn't play out well.

"If we do?" Savannah asked. "Then what?"

Cameron didn't want to kill any Friendlies, but she wouldn't hesitate to do so. Savannah came first.

"I'll terminate anyone I have to. I'll do it to keep you safe and return you back home." Cameron said. "It's now my primary function. It's to get you back home as quickly as possible. I won't let anyone stand in my way. I'll do anything I need to do to protect you and return you, Savannah."

Savannah noted Cameron didn't mention returning herself. It was her number one priority.

"Cameron, I'm really sorry I messed up your plans." Savannah said. "I just couldn't let you go off alone to die."

Cameron knew it's what would've happened. Now with Savannah there it wouldn't. Savannah put her own life on the line to save her life.

"Let's get started." Cameron said. "We'll rest as necessary."

Savannah felt up to the task. She wore proper footwear now and the effects of the time transfer were behind her. She was in top physical condition.

"I can keep up with you pretty well, Cameron." Savannah said.

Cameron didn't intend to push Savannah. There was something very important inside of her….

"I'll carry our supplies." Cameron said. "Keep your weapon ready. Let's go. I want to check the transport one last time."

Closing monologue by Cameron:

I've Done This Before

Insanity is said to be defined as
Doing the same thing over and over
Expecting a different result
Maybe life itself needs a makeover

As creatures of bad habit
People tend to repeat the same things
When it falls apart soon enough
They're surprised it stings

All people like to take
Few of them like to give
They watch it all fade away
As life is strained through a sieve

But soon enough in no time
Most will step back up to bat
The problem with their strikes are
They don't know where life is at

No one wants to sound like a bore
When the say it again once more
To the one they currently adore
Things are good, I've done this before

Nobody