Chapter 413

Gift

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In Some Future: Duplicate Cameron

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Duplicate Cameron continued the work on the TDE. It appeared they now possessed all the materials they required to finish construction. Cameron told her she needed to make some additional improvements as well. She was impressed by of all of them. She was intrigued by the girl from a further future known as 'River'. Savannah told her all about River. Her story about the Emissary was somewhat amusing as to how much the two stories were alike in some respects.

Cameron told her how she went half of Millennium into the future and used the improved TDE River constructed to rescue the other Duplicate set of girls, as well as the other Duplicate Cameron. Cameron couldn't tell her much about River's future since she didn't explore it on her own. It was a location she would like to visit someday. She also would like to meet the other set of Duplicates, including the other Duplicate Cameron. She didn't doubt Cameron's story or anything she told her about it.

The issue for the TDE now was going to be a power source. It was what was needed to make the TDE function. If they tried to operate it without enough power, it could prove fatal. When the energy bubble started to form, it might just electrocute any humans on the pad, and destroy the electrical system of a cyborg. It would most likely terminate them. If the energy bubble actually worked and left with those inside of it, it still might not reach its intended destination or time period. Anyone inside could end up any where, or any when. It would be too big of a risk to try until there was a sufficient source of power.

With the recent victory, and the peace which followed. The desires and discontent of the various groups begin to form. Most of the issues stemmed from previous events before the arrival of the General and the Restorators.

The leaders of the Resistance and all other groups within it, including the anti-Metal faction, sent representatives to meet with General Weaver and Commander Connor, as well as Colonel Weaver. Jesse, Allison, and Savannah were all there in the background but visible. They wanted to make the obvious human presence known. The only human at the table on the Resistance side was Vanna.

Mrs. Weaver tried to establish order and control upon her arrival 'in some future'. It worked, but it created a lot of resentment because Metal is what backed her. People saw it as the whole group came out of nowhere and took over. It was true they did organize the factions and eventually crush Skynet. The important thing was immediately upon the General's arrival with her force of Restorators, they stopped the advance of Skynet. It was only when the General's daughter and Commander Connor arrived, again from nowhere, where a peaceful relationship and coexistence was established. It was also the point where the Resistance went on the offensive and crushed all known pockets of Skynet. Now there were reports the General's younger daughter arrived and was instrumental in the final victory over Skynet along with Allison, the Commander's sister. Wherever these people came from, they produced results and made things happen.

It was clear to everyone they weren't shy about engaging the enemy, even at their own facilities. The fact they were all females wasn't lost on anyone either. It clearly showed females were just as capable, if not more so by the evidence, of dealing with the enemy.

Colonel Weaver and her two assistants, Allison and Jesse, which everyone suspected were her close personal associates, tried to accommodate everyone and make things work. Order was restored. Rules were obeyed and everyone sought to be treated fairly.

Jesse and Allison specifically addressed the concerns and representation of females. Any female with a grievance was encouraged to seek them out and a solution would be worked out. If a female or a young male was abused, the crime was to be reported and appropriate action would be taken.

There was general approval to the elimination of Scavengers. They were the scourge of everyone. The elimination of those who didn't want to join the Resistance was another story. The story spread was they were only one step away from becoming Scavengers themselves. Even if they didn't adopt the Scavenger lifestyle, dissidents would be a thorn in the side of the Resistance going forward. Those who didn't want to be a part of society would still need to use resources. They would need to obtain them from somewhere. Past evidence showed they usually took them from the Resistance, sometimes it was from Skynet. There needed to be order for things to work going forward along with fair distribution of the available resources.

The General informed all those gathered she would leave soon to return 'home'. They were to choose new leaders as she would be gone along with all of the Restorators. Their future would be up to them.

Everyone seemed a little stunned. Things were good now. They didn't want everyone to leave. They wanted to keep those who seemed to make things happen in charge.

"Can't Commander Connor stay to lead us, or Colonel Weaver?" Someone asked. "We want them if you're gone."

Mrs. Weaver believed all of their group would return to the past, and two different futures. None of them should be left 'in some future'. None of them 'belonged' there.

"All will be as it was before we arrived." Mrs. Weaver said.

Those seated at the table all glanced at each other. Even with their current petty differences and grievances, everything was workable now. If things returned to the way they were before the General's arrival, chaos would take back over. Almost every group there would end up with less than they currently shared. It was viewed as a major step backward in the wrong direction.

Things didn't work well before the General arrived and the people knew it. Few wanted to return to the same mess. It was very primitive. The females especially didn't want to go through it again. It was a very unpleasant time for them. Things were much better when the General arrived.

"There was chaos and infighting before." Someone said. "We want you to stay, General."

More and more people sounded off about why the General should stay and how everything was better now. The people didn't feel the same way before the General's daughter arrived along with Commander Connor. Those events changed everything. Many of the problems and grievances were addressed and dealt with. Many of them were things no one cared about before. Many of them improved the life of females.

Mrs. Weaver listened to them. She was more than surprised at the reaction of those gathered. It wasn't what she expected to hear. They actually wanted her to stay, to lead, and guide them. As long as the Restorators worked to help them rebuild, they were welcome as well. The people saw the Restorators fight for them, with them, and alongside of them. They watched Restorators take casualties to protect them. They all watched Commander Connor lead them. Both humans and machines would follow her anywhere. She was a true leader. She inspired everyone.

Unit One was very disturbed by everything. He knew the General wanted a 'kingdom' to rule. It seemed now the people here were about to give her one. It was only because of Cameron and the girls they were finally able to make it all work. Without them, it would collapse. If the girls and Cameron left, it would all unravel again. He didn't think the General fully understood it. It wasn't her who made things work or better. It was Cameron and the girls.

The girls spoke among themselves many times about what they wanted to do going forward. They liked living in the past, but knew it wasn't their home or place to stay. The fact there were three sets of them now didn't help any either. If they returned to the past, they would encounter another set of themselves. They would be younger than the ones who were still there. They were sure they would disrupt the 'Natural Order' even further upon their return to the past.

Vanna and Allison always believed they would return home to their future at some point.

Duplicate Cameron spoke with Vanna about the contentious issue involving Savannah and Mrs. Weaver. It was clear to all of them Savannah needed to be returned to her timeline. It was where she belonged because she was the one who was part of the 'Natural Order'.

Vanna was willing to accept a new future going forward. She would promise herself to Mrs. Weaver. It seemed her life actually showed purpose now where she was at. She could help people and make things better. She would also sacrifice herself to make sure Savannah was delivered home from the Hell of any future. She never wanted Savannah to be 'held down' as a line of men formed….

"I'll stay with you, Mother." Vanna told her. "We don't belong in the past. Savannah does. I want her returned with both Camerons. I'll stay at your side. I'll stay with you forever. You just need to do what you know is the right thing, and is best for Savannah."

Vanna was aware of what Mrs. Weaver really wanted and was willing to 'trade' for. She would have stayed anyway. She already told Mrs. Weaver she would. Mrs. Weaver wasn't really her mother but a Terminator. She was aware a Terminator without purpose was dangerous. She believed they were even more dangerous than a Terminator with a mission. The fact she was a Liquid Metal Terminator, only made her more dangerous in every regard.

Mrs. Weaver wanted Vanna very much to stay with her. Vanna always helped her in the past and this future. She hoped for a 'little more'.

"What about Allison and Jesse?" Mrs. Weaver asked.

Vanna spoke with Allison many times. She was confident in her answer. Allison didn't want to further disrupt the past or the 'Natural Order' either. There were many times when things could have been made worse. Their year of separation nearly killed both of them. They would rather die than be separated again.

"Allison will remain with me forever. Our bond is unbreakable." Vanna said. "Cammy will share with both of us since she's been combined with Cameron II and can become 'Commander Connor' in her place as well. Jesse will stay for now. If she can't return to the past, she would like to return home to our future with Cam. Jesse will stay as long as we need her here until then. She knows we've made a difference here and helped a lot of people, especially females."

Duplicate Cameron talked with Jesse. She told her she needed her assistance in a very personal and private manner. Cam was to stay with Savannah at all times. Cammy agreed to be with all three of the girls so Savannah could be better protected.

The idea originated from Cameron. She wanted Savannah to share what she shared in the past. Her original suggestion was for Cammy to become Savannah's 'personal bodyguard'. The indication was she would become much more than just Savannah's bodyguard. Duplicate Cameron thought Cammy should remain with Vanna and Allison because of the loss of Cameron II.

Duplicate Cameron or Cammy would usually be there for the protection of the three girls as well. Ginger and Sandy would accompany any of them if they needed to go out.

Savannah didn't like to be the focus of attention, but she understood it. It was what Cameron wanted for her and she would only cause Cameron more distress to reject any of it. So far her 'condition' hadn't been discussed, but it was bound to surface at some point. She was sure they would be out of the future before anything began to 'show'. She hadn't told Vanna, Allison, or Jesse what she did with Young Jesse. It was much more than just their personal sharing with each other.

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In Some Future: Cameron Prime

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Cameron returned after hiding the Nike warhead. Only she knew its location. She made sure she wasn't followed or observed. She was gone for some time. There were a few other things she wanted to check on as well while she was out and alone. She wanted to know how different the current future was from her future. There were things she did in her future, and in the past. She wanted to see the results of those events. She also needed to see how she could 'help' this future from the past once she returned. She set things up for her future in the past. She would do the same for this future. There were still a few unresolved issues in regards to Mrs. Weaver.

Cameron sought out Mrs. Weaver. She didn't want to 'owe' her anything. She wasn't sure what the long term effect of being exposed to the Liquid Metal would do to her, or if at some point Mrs. Weaver could control her through it. She could only imagine it entering her neck port and connecting directly with her chip. She always stood alone before. This future would be no different.

"This belongs to you." Cameron said. "Thank you for allowing me to use it while I healed. I really appreciate it. The 'patch' allowed me to represent myself as human when I dealt with the humans in the Resistance."

Mrs. Weaver looked at Cameron. She could see she was far from whole. Her sheath may be healed, but there was still something missing. She tried to be diplomatic.

"You may keep it for now." Mrs. Weaver said. "You can return it at a more convenient time."

Cameron looked down at the rumpled nub where her right breast once was. She needed to be accountable for her actions. John could never see her this way. It was about principle.

"I want you to have it back." Cameron said. "Thank you."

The material formed into a ball. Cameron stepped forward with it.

Mrs. Weaver held out her hand and took it. The ball shimmered and disappeared as it was absorbed. She looked at Cameron once the material was absorbed into her system. She turned and looked at Cameron again as she left.

It made Cameron wonder how much 'intelligence' the Liquid Metal gave Mrs. Weaver about her. She hid the Liquid Metal while she took care of her personal reconnaissance after she stashed the nuclear weapon. She collected it again before she returned. She firewalled all her files first as to what she did during the time period. It was as if they didn't exist in her program currently. It seemed Mrs. Weaver knew it. She didn't know for sure, but it was what she speculated.

Savannah greeted Cameron warmly when she returned. She was very concerned about her condition. She still felt she was responsible for the damage inflicted on Cameron when they first arrived. She altered Cameron's plans when she entered the energy bubble and changed everything.

"Let me inspect you, Cameron." Savannah said.

Cameron was about to tell Savannah she was 'fine'. Instead she removed her top as she faced away from Savannah. She wanted to see what Savannah would say when she saw her now. She didn't believe Savannah would reject her. She wanted to know for sure.

Savannah saw Cameron's back was healed. It was good. Cameron turned around. The sheath on her abdomen was pockmarked. The right breast healed, but was missing about a third of the front end. It was misshaped and irregular. There was no nipple. It looked terrible. She clenched her jaw slightly as she looked at everything. She already knew the answer to the question, but she needed to ask it anyway.

"Is it the best things will heal?" Savannah asked.

Cameron looked at the rumbled nub. She decided to remove it completely. It looked as ridiculous as it did disgusting to her. John would reject her without her 'beauty'. Her appearance seemed to be the only thing which mattered to him. He proved it time and time again by rejecting her clones with a different appearance. She would not be humiliated further. There were others he could choose from. It was the whole point of everything she put into play before she went on her one way journey.

"Yes, this is how I look now." Cameron said. "I can never allow John to see this. I won't return home in this condition. I won't shame myself further in John's eyes. My appearance is very important to him. Duplicate Cameron can return in my place. I'm designating her as Cameron Prime. We are identical. We are the same individual anyway."

Savannah could see an easy fix. It would only take a minute to accomplish. She wasn't about to give up on Cameron now.

"You could just switch chips." Savannah said. "I'll do it myself."

Cameron didn't want Duplicate Cameron to have a defective sheath either. She didn't feel it was fair to her, or any female Terminator, to appear the way she currently did. She truly believed her real damage was deep inside of her. She didn't like who she was. She never did. Only Savannah made her feel she was worthy and special.

"I'm defective." Cameron said. "It's better this way."

Savannah made a decision and a promise a long time ago. She intended to keep her promise no matter how it affected her.

"I'll never leave you, Cameron." Savannah said. "If you stay, I'm staying too."

Cameron was afraid of as much. She didn't want Savannah 'ruined' in this future, or any future. There were many things which could happen to her and John's baby.

"No, you must return to where you belong." Cameron said.

Savannah didn't plan to run out on Cameron. If she endured sickness, abuse, and death, so be it. Her love was stronger than fear. It was also something which needed to be followed up on.

"I won't return without you." Savannah said. "Don't you understand it's WHY I'm here? I'm here for YOU, Cameron. I'm here to insure your safety and return. Ginger asked us to go to the repair facility."

Cameron scanned Savannah to check on her pregnancy as she spoke. She also knew Savannah spoke the truth. She believed what she said. Savannah wouldn't leave her. She was as pleased as she was disturbed by it.

She knew she would need to develop a new plan. She also wondered if she should. Savannah was everything she wanted in a mate. Savannah was someone who truly loved her for who and what she was. It was real love. She wasn't so sure she wanted Cam to act as her proxy where they were now, the same way Cammy did in the past.

Cameron and Savannah arrived at the repair center. It was evident a lot of activity occurred there already.

"Have all the Restorators been restored who could be?" Cameron asked.

Ginger and Sandy personally saw to it every Restorator was repaired.

"Yes. I have overseen all of their repairs." Ginger said. "There were only two chips which were destroyed. We were unable to repair and return the Restorators to service. We were also able to return all of the Restorators who hadn't received a chassis yet back to service. All of them are all indebted to you, both Duplicate Cameron and you."

Cameron was satisfied. She wondered if she should try to give Mrs Weaver credit for everything. She knew all the restored Restorators knew the truth. They knew their reactivation was because of 'Commander Connor'.

"It's excellent work." Cameron said and turned to go. "Thank you."

Ginger wondered why Cameron was about to leave. She only just arrived. They sent for her for a specific reason.

"What about your repair, Cameron?" Ginger asked.

Cameron looked around. All she saw were male units.

"I don't think there are any extra female sheath 'components'." Cameron said. "I'm not needed here."

Sandy touched Cameron's arm. She smiled at her.

"You can get up on the work bench." Sandy said. "Ginger hasn't forgotten about you. You said you wanted to wait until everyone else was done. Everyone else is done."

Cameron looked at Savannah. Was this true? She could be whole again. Savannah urged her to comply.

Ginger and Sandy left.

Savannah watched as Cameron stripped. She only saw beauty in Cameron. They carefully cut away the damaged area of the abdomen and torso along with the entire right breast and the surrounding area. Savannah could now see inside of Cameron. It was horrific, but beautiful, to see the true nature of Cameron, the machine she was under her sheath. There was about three square feet of sheath missing at this point. It was a very significant amount.

Cameron wanted Savannah to see what she really was. She was a machine, not a real person. She could see Savannah was troubled. She wanted her shortcomings displayed.

"This is what I am, Savannah." Cameron said. "It's not pretty."

Savannah found it fascinating. She wasn't troubled by what she looked at. She was troubled by how it seemed to affect Cameron.

"It's beautiful to me, Cameron." Savannah said. "I love you no matter how you are. Can I touch you - inside?"

Cameron was very pleased to hear it. She wanted Savannah to know how to repair her. She also felt Savannah touched her 'inside' in other ways already.

"Yes." Cameron said. "You can see how I'm constructed and where all my components are."

Savannah looked beyond the damaged sheath to what actually made Cameron - Cameron.

"It's all so beautiful, Cameron." Savannah said. "You're beautiful both inside and out."

Cameron went over all of her internal components and how to repair or replace them with Savannah. It would aid Savannah in the future to help repair other Terminators.

Sandy returned soon afterwards with the new sheath components.

Savannah noted the breast was larger with a very pink nipple. It was a lot like hers was, only larger and pinker.

"This is new sheath material. It has never been damaged. It should Resequence to be identical to your original sheath very quickly." Sandy said. "In a short while, you will be perfect again. You will be the same as when you were constructed."

Cameron knew she could always get a new DNA sample from Duplicate Allison as well if the Resequencing process was slow. She might do it anyway. It would give her DNA from Allison, Duplicate Allison, and Future Allison if she did. It was all the same DNA, but it seemed very symbolic if nothing else. She would use Young Allison's DNA at some point in the future as well. It made every Allison a part of her if she did.

Savannah helped with the installation process of everything. She found it very instructional and she really liked Cameron's new breast. She thought a matching set would be nice but didn't want to ask where the rest of the sheath was at. Ginger and Sandy knew what they were doing. She wondered where Ginger went. She wasn't there for the installation process.

Cameron was happy with the way she looked now. She wondered if there was any way to make the other breast like the new one. She was sure John would like her better with two plump breasts like her new one. The super pink nipple was beautiful. It was very pink. Once it Resequenced, she would be as she originally was built. Her replacement breast definitely wouldn't be smaller any longer. There should be additional sheath material held in reserve to further any other regeneration she would need going forward. John could see her again. She wanted to personally thank Sandy and Ginger. They gave her what she needed to return to her life and John.

"Thank you, Sandy. I want to thank Ginger as well." Cameron said. "Where is she?"

Sandy looked a little uneasy. She looked troubled.

"Ginger's busy. I'll tell her for you." Sandy said. "She was very pleased she could assist you earlier."

Cameron noticed how uneasy Sandy looked. She started to look around. She sensed something wasn't right….

Sandy could see Cameron was concerned.

"Everything is fine." Sandy said. "You can go back now."

Savannah knew something was wrong now too. Nothing was ever 'fine' with a Terminator. 'Fine' meant it wasn't 'fine'.

Cameron began to hurriedly look around. She was very worried about something right now. She entered another room. She found Ginger. What she saw made her 'sick' inside. Ginger was on a work bench. A Terminator was in the process of attaching the damaged sheath off of her onto Ginger. Ginger donated her sheath sections for her. It was unacceptable.

"No, Ginger, you can't do this to yourself." Cameron said. "I won't allow it."

Ginger looked down at the new sheath sections on her. It was disturbing but it was her choice. Her sheath was previously undamaged. She believed it would be able to regenerate everything properly to the way it was before. It would just take some time.

"Cameron, it's done." Ginger said. "It was my choice. You've given so much for everyone else. You have a husband to return to. You will be beautiful again."

Cameron didn't want Ginger to be permanently disfigured because of her. No one ever sacrificed for her in such a personal way before.

"No, Ginger, I can't allow this." Cameron said. "My original sheath material is very damaged. It will never properly regenerate."

Ginger didn't want to think about it as anything other than functionality.

"I need the components to cover my chassis. I don't want to use male components." Ginger said. "I think I can Resequence the damaged material. All of my sheath is, was, perfect and undamaged before."

Cameron wondered if it would help. She doubted it was possible.

"What if you can't?" Cameron asked. "I couldn't."

Ginger believed Cameron was special. She did what she believed was the right thing to do.

"It's my gift to you and your future." Ginger said. "Return to your husband and share your life with those who love you. You are free to return home and live again."

Cameron couldn't help but cry.

The fact wasn't lost on any of the Terminators there. It showed how advanced Cameron really was. She was a mechanical human. Everyone knew it but Cameron.

Ginger sat up and hugged Cameron.

"Everyone sacrifices for John Connor." Ginger said.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

Gift

If I can give only one gift
It would be the gift of life
To free your mind
Keep you from a future knife

There is another gift too
Something no one can buy or steal
It must be GIVEN and earned
Or it will not be real

It is more precious than wealth
Stronger than steel
Deeper than an abyss
Your mind and heart will heal

Look what is missing in your life
What is the Makers gift from above
After the gift of life
It is a crazy little thing called LOVE

Nobody